Roku Express vs Fire TV vs Chromecast vs Apple TV vs Mi Box S: What Streaming Device Is Right for You?

Streaming devices have become essential components of modern home entertainment setups. Even if you already own a Smart TV, you might find yourself needing additional streaming hardware to access services not natively supported by your television’s operating system. With numerous options on the market, choosing the right streaming device can be overwhelming.

This comprehensive comparison examines five popular streaming platforms: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and Xiaomi’s Mi Box/Google TV devices. We’ll break down their features, content libraries, user experiences, and price points to help you determine which streaming device best fits your needs.

Device	Starting Price	Max Resolution	Voice Control	Notable Features	Best For
Roku Express 4K+	$39.99	4K HDR	Roku Voice Remote	Platform-neutral, simple interface	Budget-conscious users wanting simplicity
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max	$59.99	4K HDR, Dolby Vision	Alexa Voice Remote	Deep Amazon integration, Wi-Fi 6	Amazon Prime members
Chromecast with Google TV	$49.99	4K HDR, Dolby Vision	Google Assistant	Content recommendations, casting from devices	Android users, Google ecosystem
Apple TV 4K (2023)	$129	4K HDR, Dolby Vision	Siri Remote	Apple ecosystem integration, gaming	Apple ecosystem users, premium experience seekers
Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen)	$69.99	4K HDR, Dolby Vision	Google Assistant	Android TV, AV1 codec support	Android users, tech enthusiasts

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Roku Streaming Devices

Roku offers perhaps the most diverse lineup of streaming devices on the market, ranging from the budget-friendly Roku Express to the premium Roku Ultra. What makes Roku stand out is its platform-neutral approach – it doesn’t prioritize any particular streaming service over others.

Current Roku Models (2025)

Roku Express ($29.99): The entry-level 1080p HD streaming device. Perfect for first-time streamers or secondary TVs.
• Roku Express 4K+ ($39.99): Offers 4K HDR streaming with a voice remote. Great value for 4K TV owners.
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99): Portable stick design with enhanced Wi-Fi, 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, and voice remote.
• Roku Ultra ($99.99): Premium model with the fastest processor, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Ethernet port, and enhanced voice remote with headphone jack for private listening.

Roku’s interface is straightforward and user-friendly, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users. The home screen presents a grid of app tiles, allowing quick access to your streaming services. The platform supports virtually all major streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and thousands of free and niche channels.

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The Roku Channel deserves special mention as it offers a growing library of free, ad-supported content and has expanded to include some original programming. Roku’s search function works across platforms, showing you where content is available and at what price.

Amazon Fire TV Devices

Amazon’s Fire TV devices are tightly integrated with the Amazon ecosystem, particularly Prime Video. While they support most major streaming services, the interface prominently features Amazon content.

Current Fire TV Models (2025)

Fire TV Stick Lite ($29.99): Entry-level 1080p streaming with basic Alexa Voice Remote.
• Fire TV Stick ($39.99): 1080p streaming with enhanced remote that includes TV controls.
• Fire TV Stick 4K ($49.99): 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos support.
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($59.99): The most powerful stick with Wi-Fi 6 support, faster processor, and more RAM.
• Fire TV Cube ($139.99): Premium box combining Fire TV, Echo speaker, and universal remote capabilities with hands-free Alexa.

Fire TV’s interface has evolved significantly, now featuring content-forward recommendations across your subscribed services. The platform excels with its Alexa integration, allowing you to control your streaming experience, smart home devices, and access information using voice commands.

Amazon’s devices work best for Prime subscribers, as they highlight Amazon’s content libraries, including Prime Video, Freevee (formerly IMDb TV), and Amazon Music. The platform also supports major third-party services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, though they don’t receive the same prominence as Amazon’s offerings.

Fire TV Stick is priced at $34.99, Fire TV Stick 4K at $49.99 and the Fire TV Cube at $119.99.

Google Chromecast with Google TV

Google’s Chromecast has evolved from a simple casting device to a full-fledged streaming platform with the introduction of Google TV. The latest models combine the traditional casting functionality with a proper interface and remote control. The Google TV streamer 4K is the latest model from Google and replaces the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and now the defunct CHromecast.

Current Chromecast Models (2025)

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) ($29.99): 1080p streaming with Google TV interface and voice remote.
• Chromecast with Google TV (4K) ($49.99): 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision/Atmos and more powerful hardware.

The Google TV interface represents a significant upgrade from the original Chromecast experience. Instead of requiring a phone or tablet to control everything, the new Chromecast models include a physical remote with Google Assistant voice control. The interface aggregates content from your subscribed services, offering personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits.

One of Chromecast’s standout features remains its casting ability – you can easily send content from thousands of Cast-enabled apps on your mobile device or Chrome browser to your TV. This makes it particularly versatile for displaying photos, presentations, or web content on the big screen.

Google TV supports virtually all major streaming services, with particularly tight integration for YouTube and YouTube TV subscribers. The Google Assistant functionality extends beyond content search to controlling smart home devices and answering questions.

Apple TV

Apple TV represents the premium end of the streaming device market, with higher price points but exceptional performance, integration with the Apple ecosystem, and a focus on privacy.

Current Apple TV Models (2025)

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi) ($129): 4K HDR with Dolby Vision/Atmos, A15 Bionic chip, and redesigned Siri Remote.
• Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) ($149): Adds Ethernet connectivity, thread networking, and double the storage (128GB).

Apple TV runs tvOS, offering a clean, ad-free interface with large, easy-to-navigate app icons. The platform supports all major streaming services and integrates deeply with Apple’s services like Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+.

The Siri Remote provides voice control through Apple’s assistant, allowing you to search for content, control playback, and access information. Apple TV also serves as a smart home hub for HomeKit devices.

Apple TV distinguishes itself with its powerful hardware, enabling smooth performance and gaming capabilities through Apple Arcade. The platform also emphasizes privacy, with features like private listening through AirPods and limiting data collection.

While Apple TV works with any television, it provides the most value for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Features like AirPlay for casting from Apple devices, iCloud Photos integration, and the ability to use an iPhone as a remote enhance the experience for Apple users.

Xiaomi TV Box S / Android TV Devices

here are plenty of Android TV streaming devices, but the Mi Box S 4K stands out of the crowd for a number of reasons; its slick user interface, impressive specs sheet, performance, and sweet price point. The Mi Box S is a streaming device launched in 2018 by Xiaomi, the Chinese company well known for producing premium products at affordable prices.

Current Xiaomi Models (2025)

The Xiaomi TV Box S runs Google TV (the evolution of Android TV), providing access to thousands of apps through the Google Play Store. The interface aggregates content from your subscribed services, similar to the Chromecast with Google TV.

One advantage of Android TV-based devices is their flexibility. They support sideloading apps not available in the official store, making them popular among users who want access to a wider range of applications. The USB port on the Xiaomi TV Box S also allows for connecting external storage or peripherals.

Related post: Xiaomi Mi Box S Review: Android TV on any TV for a decent price

Read more: Chromecast Review: Is it Still Worth It Android TV: Chromecast with Google TV vs Fire TV Stick Lite (3rd Gen)

Related post: Android TV: Chromecast with Google TV vs Fire TV Stick Lite (3rd Gen)

The Google Assistant integration provides voice control capabilities, while built-in Chromecast functionality allows for casting from compatible devices. For users already in the Android ecosystem, the Xiaomi TV Box S offers familiar functionality with the added benefit of 4K HDR streaming.

Walmarts Onn Android TV streaming device

In 2020, retail giant Walmart launched its own Android TV-based streaming device called “Onn” as if to rival Amazon’s Fire TV stick devices. The Onn streaming player supports 4K Ultra High-Definition resolution and Dolby Audio Support.

For just $30 on walmart, you get all the Android TV goodies including several hundreds of streaming channels or apps such as Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, Disney+, HBO, Sling, Spotify, Pluto, Tubi etc. You get to control your TV with your voice through the Google Smart assistant. You get the built-in Chromecast so you cast videos and music from supported services.

The Walmart Onn is certainly the cheapest 4K android-TV capable streaming device you can buy now. We haven’t tried it yet, but I hope it has global support like its counterparts like the Chromecast Ultra.

Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro

The Nvidia Shield is arguably the best Android TV box interms of performance. It delivers amazing gaming and streaming experience thanks to new Nvidia Tegra X1+ chip, 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. It has two USB 3.0 ports, and supports Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC WiFi and the latest Bluetooth 5.0 standard. If you are looking for serious gaming from and Android TV box, then we highly recommend the Nvidia Shield Pro. For this, you’ll have to pay $199 on Amazon.

Comparison Factors to Consider

Content and App Availability

All five platforms support major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube. However, there are some differences:

Roku offers the most platform-neutral experience with the widest app selection.
• Fire TV heavily promotes Amazon content but supports most major apps.
• Google TV integrates well with YouTube and other Google services.
• Apple TV seamlessly incorporates Apple’s services like Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.
• Xiaomi/Android TV offers extensive app support through the Google Play Store plus sideloading capabilities.

User Interface and Experience

Roku: Simple, straightforward grid of apps. Less visually exciting but extremely easy to navigate.
• Fire TV: Content-forward interface with prominent Amazon recommendations. Can feel cluttered with promotions.
• Google TV: Modern, content-aggregating interface with personalized recommendations across services.
• Apple TV: Clean, minimalist interface with large app icons and no ads. Emphasizes visual quality.
• Xiaomi/Android TV: Similar to Google TV with content recommendations and app rows.

Performance and Specifications

Performance varies across price points within each platform’s lineup, but generally:

Apple TV offers the most powerful hardware with its A15 Bionic chip, making it the smoothest performer with gaming capabilities.
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Roku Ultra provide excellent performance for their price points.
• Chromecast with Google TV and Xiaomi TV Box S offer good performance but can occasionally show some lag with demanding apps.
• Entry-level devices like the Roku Express and Fire TV Stick Lite are adequate for basic streaming but may feel sluggish navigating complex apps.

Ecosystem Integration

Your existing technology ecosystem should influence your choice:

Apple users will benefit most from Apple TV’s integration with iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and other Apple services.
• Amazon Prime subscribers will find Fire TV devices highlight the content they already have access to.
• Android/Google users will appreciate the integration between Chromecast/Google TV or Xiaomi devices with their phones and Google services.
• Platform-agnostic users might prefer Roku’s neutral approach that doesn’t favor any particular ecosystem.

Price and Value

Streaming devices span a wide price range:

Budget options ($25-40): Roku Express, Fire TV Stick Lite, Chromecast with Google TV HD
• Mid-range options ($40-70): Roku Express 4K+, Fire TV Stick 4K, Chromecast with Google TV 4K, Xiaomi TV Box S
• Premium options ($70-150): Roku Ultra, Fire TV Cube, Apple TV 4K

Consider not just the upfront cost but the value based on the features you’ll actually use. A more expensive device might be worth it if you’ll take advantage of its advanced capabilities.

Which Streaming Device Should You Choose?

Based on the comprehensive comparison above, here are our recommendations for different types of users:

Best for most people: Roku Express 4K+ or Streaming Stick 4K offer excellent value, platform neutrality, and ease of use.
• Best for Amazon Prime members: Fire TV Stick 4K Max provides the best experience for accessing Amazon’s content library.
• Best for Android/Google users: Chromecast with Google TV 4K integrates seamlessly with Google services and offers excellent content recommendations.
• Best premium experience: Apple TV 4K delivers unmatched performance, a clean interface, and excellent privacy features, especially valuable for those in the Apple ecosystem.
• Best for tech enthusiasts: Xiaomi TV Box S offers Android flexibility with sideloading capabilities and good hardware at a competitive price.

Remember that the “best” streaming device ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and existing technology ecosystem. Consider which streaming services you use most frequently, what other devices you own, and your budget when making your decision.

With any of these devices, you’ll be able to transform your viewing experience, accessing a world of content beyond what traditional cable or satellite services offer.