Rival to Amazon Fire Stick lets households stream 100s of TV shows and films in high quality
For those who can't afford to update their TV to a shiny new smart edition, which comes with all your must-have streaming and catch-up apps, streaming sticks have become a popular alternative. By simply sticking the device into your TV, users can watch all their favourite films, TV shows and live content at a fraction of the cost.
At the moment, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is arguably the most popular option on the market. However, for those who are wanting to invest in a streaming stick, there is an alternative that shoppers may want to consider.
Roku is currently one of Amazon 's top rivals for streaming devices as it offers many of your catch-up and streaming services, as well as Live TV. With a few variations of the Roku Streaming Stick on the market, shoppers should have a browse of each device to make sure they get one that best fits their needs.
For those wanting to easily upgrade their TV into HD 4K streaming, then shoppers may be enticed by the Roku Streaming Stick Plus which is selling on the Roku website. Priced at £39.99, this stick is currently Roku's ultimate device, reports the Mirror.
With access to over 200 TV channels which will all be delivered in 4K quality, shoppers will be able to enjoy live news, music, sports and more in vivid HDR colour. Priced the same as Amazon's latest basic device - Fire Stick HD - all shoppers need to do is plug the streaming stick into their TV and their viewing experience will be elevated.
Shoppers also won't need to spend ages trying to find something new to watch as the Roku Streaming Stick Plus comes with a simple home screen that features a handy 'what to watch' section that recommends new shows and films.
On top of this, shoppers can use the voice control remote to quickly find their latest binge watch or the selected film for the evening. However, it should be noted that this remote doesn't come with volume control buttons, so users will need to use their regular TV remote to adjust the audio.
For those looking for something slightly cheaper, Amazon is currently selling the Roku Streaming Stick for £29.99. While still equipped with all of the same apps and channels as the ultimate device, shoppers need to be aware that they will not get 4K quality if they purchase this lower level device.
Alternatively, shoppers can head to Argos and buy the Roku Express HD Streaming Device for £24.99. As the most basic device in the Roku range, this streaming gadget doesn't have access to as many channels as the sticks do. However, shoppers will still be able to access over 100 free, live and premium TV options in sharp HD quality.
In comparison to the streaming sticks, this device comes with a standard remote control and a HDMI cable to plug the gadget into the TV. However, the set up is as quick and easy as the sticks
For those who are more content buying Amazon's streaming stick, there are three notable versions on the market. The most basic stick is the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD which is priced at £39.99. This is followed by the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (RRP £59.99) and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max priced at £69.99.
The most popular Amazon streaming stick is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which currently has over 19,200 ratings. With access to all your streaming services, live TV and catch-up channels, shoppers can watch all their content in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
Additionally, this is the only streaming media player that has access to the Xbox app.
Out of the Roku devices, the Express HD Streaming Device currently seems to be the most popular, with an overall 4.7 star rating from Argos shoppers.
One happy shopper said: "Really impressed with this purchase which has converted an old Sony Bravia TV into a full blown smart TV. Thoroughly enjoying watching Netflix and Prime on it, great product, thank you Roku."
Another customer added: "This is a fantastic piece of equipment. Works on an old HD TV and saves money considering the costs of Sky or Virgin TV packages which are not great. You can download the main channel apps and can watch live TV via your internet, as well as the Netflix app and Sky news etc."
However, one reviewer wasn't as impressed, as they wrote: "It's ok for a bedroom TV, but there are no volume control buttons and no power button on the remote. I probably would not have bought it if I knew."
Despite this, another five-star reviewer commented: "Why didn't I buy one before? Absolute game-changer. I had a TV I didn't want to part with because it had a built-in DVD player. This little thing turned it into a smart TV."
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