Overall Findings
Roku and Chromecast are similar devices with strong media-streaming capabilities. Both deliver HD video streaming through an available HDMI port in a TV, then connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, providing a crisp, clean digital picture and sound. Both Roku and Chromecast have basic models that support standard HD streaming and more advanced models. Both are easy to set up and have intuitive iOS and Android mobile apps. Content options for Roku and Chromecast are plentiful. The devices do have some significant differences, however. Roku delivers content through channels and apps, while Chromecast has a less centralized approach, where you cast from individual apps on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Chromecast offers more voice functionality, as well.
Content Delivery: Roku Edges Out Chromecast
It’s easy to navigate through Roku’s stacked screen of channels and apps to deliver streaming content. The Roku remote and the official app (downloadable from the iTunes App Store or Google Play) are intuitive, using a familiar D-pad and OK button. Chromecast doesn’t have a remote. Instead of one space where you choose what to watch, you cast from apps on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It’s a less centralized approach, but one that may feel more familiar to those who watch lots of video on a phone or tablet. The Google Home app offers basic controls for apps that are casting, but on the whole, control happens within the app that’s currently streaming. As a result, if you have six sources for streaming video, you’ll hop back and forth between six apps.
Voice Control Capabilities: Chromecast Wins
Using either Google Assistant or a correctly set up Google Home unit, say, for example, “Hey Google, play Ballad of Buster Scruggs on the living room TV,” and like magic, the Coen brothers’ revisionist love letter to Westerns plays on your TV. While Google Home connects only with a few content providers, Chromecast’s excellent connection capabilities may outshine its limited channels. Roku does have some voice-control abilities. The Roku mobile app for iOS and Android, enhanced voice remote, Roku TV Voice Remote, and Roku Touch tabletop remote can all search for content and handle the playback commands you need for complete control.
Channels and Apps: Roku Has More Choices
Cordcutting.com lists more than 8,000 channels and apps that are available on Roku. There’s a lot to see on Roku, from popular free TV channels such as ABC, CBS, and NBC, to premium cable streamers like HBO and everything in between.
Setup and Ease of Use: Both Are Intuitive and Easy
Chromecast’s video-capable product lineup is straightforward and aggressively priced. Google offers streaming video in two flavors. The Chromecast costs $35 and supports 1080p HD video and audio through HDMI and Wi-Fi networking. The Chromecast Ultra is $69 and supports 4K HD video and audio through HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet networking. Chromecast setup is simple. Plug the device into an available HDMI port, log in to your Google account through the Google Home app, and connect your Chromecast to your home’s Wi-Fi network. You’ll need to log in to your TV or cable provider’s account to access premium and streaming TV channels. You purchase subscriptions or rent content through Google Play. There are seven Roku options available, and all stream 1080p HD video at a minimum, connect to a home Wi-Fi network and are controlled by compact and easy-to-use remotes. Prices start at $29.99 on the Roku site. Mid-price models add a voice-controlled remote, while the top-of-the-line Roku Ultra adds 802.11ac dual-band MIMO and Ethernet networking, memory expansion using USB or microSD, and a pair of JBL headphones. It’ll set you back $99.99. Roku’s setup is slightly more involved. You’ll need to open an account with Roku, provide a credit card number, and log in to your TV or cable provider’s account on your Roku to access premium and streaming TV channels. Providing a payment source allows you to purchase premium channel subscriptions, buy or rent movies and TV shows, or make other Roku Channel Store purchases. Roku walks you through every step of the setup, and within about 15 minutes, you can watch a movie. While the setup is easy, entering passwords for Wi-Fi networks and subscriptions can be a bit of a bother.
Final Verdict: Both Are Strong Options
Both Roku and Chromecast are excellent choices for streaming entertainment. Chromecast offers a simple product lineup at reasonable prices and is an easy out-of-the-box experience. It integrates well with a connected home.
