2023: Best: Roku Sticks/Boxes or Firestick?

[minnin90]

Out of the most expensive versions of each. Which seems best for quality of streaming and also important to me speed of the device?

I'm a bit "tired" of roku as I have used 2 4k roku tv's for 3-4 years now. But still don't mind it. But since I'm more than likely not going for a TV with either -- which stick should I get if I am wanting good quality and fast menu speed,etc.

I remember the firestick seemed slow to me, when I tried the lite out back in 2021. But thats I believe their lowest end device. So maybe the MAX is better?

Thanks for any input! =)

 

[digitalgriffin]

Why do you think they are slow? My 4 year old TCL 6 series loads Netflix within 10 seconds. Switching between movies is about 1/2 second. TV turns on from standby with working menu in 4 seconds. If I use hot standby, it's less than a second.

So here's the deal: updates to Roku are to add support for new features mostly like new Dolby and audio standards. But to benefit you need a TV with the appropriate HDMI port and video/audio processor.

I just got the latest model 4 series TCL tv with Roku for my mother as well as a streaming stick+ for my office. Sorry to report neither was faster. Plus there are boot times when you turn the TV on.

 

[USAFRet]

I just got a Firestick 4k Max ast week. Connected to a 7 year old 60" Sony.
There doesn't appear to be any "slowness".

My first one, so I don't have anything to compare to, except navigating via the Logitech Harmony Hub.

 

[digitalgriffin]

I just got a Firestick 4k Max ast week. Connected to a 7 year old 60" Sony.
There doesn't appear to be any "slowness".

My first one, so I don't have anything to compare to, except navigating via the Logitech Harmony Hub.

The Irony is they are all based around similar ARM chips and all are based on Android, even Google TV.

I'm really confused as to why TCL has over half their lineup on Google TV as it a direct competitor to their echo system. (TCL owns Roku)

 

[USAFRet]

The Irony is they are all based around similar ARM chips and all are based on Android, even Google TV.

I'm really confused as to why TCL has over half their lineup on Google TV as it a direct competitor to their echo system. (TCL owns Roku)

Exactly.

 

[minnin90]

Also its odd how ONN (walmart brand) is all Roku that I've found -- and they say they aren't good TV's. I wouldn't dare try one unless it was free. Let me know if I'm wrong tho....I'm not anti ....ONN just the TV price to review ratio doesn't look good. My TCL's are nice but my 65in doesn't have dolby vision which sucks for a person who liked it on the Hisense Roku TV.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

The fix for getting the ONN brand TV is to get their 3 year warranty so you get your money back if anything happens. I know last year at Black Friday Walmart had 65 inch ONN TVs for 228. I didn’t need one but tempting if you did. Those TVs are probably made by element or tcl or some other company anyway.

 

[logainofhades]

Wife uses a 4k max, on our 65" Phillips 4k. She hasn't complained of any slowness.

 

[minnin90]

The fix for getting the ONN brand TV is to get their 3 year warranty so you get your money back if anything happens. I know last year at Black Friday Walmart had 65 inch ONN TVs for 228. I didn’t need one but tempting if you did. Those TVs are probably made by element or tcl or some other company anyway.

If you're like me tho, you never trust warranty's from wal-mart or any company for that matter. But I can see why some do. =)

 

[ohio_buckeye]

I will say I trust microcenter typically. I’ve rebuilt almost whole systems using the warranty.

 

[minnin90]

Why do you think they are slow? My 4 year old TCL 6 series loads Netflix within 10 seconds. Switching between movies is about 1/2 second. TV turns on from standby with working menu in 4 seconds. If I use hot standby, it's less than a second.

So here's the deal: updates to Roku are to add support for new features mostly like new Dolby and audio standards. But to benefit you need a TV with the appropriate HDMI port and video/audio processor.

I just got the latest model 4 series TCL tv with Roku for my mother as well as a streaming stick+ for my office. Sorry to report neither was faster. Plus there are boot times when you turn the TV on.

Not sure what you mean, as I didn't say were slow, just which is faster - in comparison. Roku or Fire stick at the best-quality price. That's all.

 

[minnin90]

I will say I trust microcenter typically. I’ve rebuilt almost whole systems using the warranty.

Oh I see. I just have had a bad taste for warranty stuff in general, vehicles of all things made me that way...LOL.

 

[digitalgriffin]

Also its odd how ONN (walmart brand) is all Roku that I've found -- and they say they aren't good TV's. I wouldn't dare try one unless it was free. Let me know if I'm wrong tho....I'm not anti ....ONN just the TV price to review ratio doesn't look good. My TCL's are nice but my 65in doesn't have dolby vision which sucks for a person who liked it on the Hisense Roku TV.

Upgrading to the top model won't help with the lack of Dolby Vision sadly. The processor onboard the TV has to be internally calibrated for it.

 

[logainofhades]

I will say I trust microcenter typically. I’ve rebuilt almost whole systems using the warranty.

Microcenter has been good for me, as well. Their 2yr extra warranty, no questions asked, is nice to have.

 

[minnin90]

Upgrading to the top model won't help with the lack of Dolby Vision sadly. The processor onboard the TV has to be internally calibrated for it.

Definitely, true. I am getting an LG for example for my 75in set up, no Dolby VIsion but hey the reviews sold me! =)