What Internet TV device do you like (or not like) - Roku, Chromecast, Firestick, etc.)

I love the Roku and swear by it.

I have a ROKU unit. Never heard of it before a guy offered it to me cheap. I like it, but I have nothing to compare it to. Never heard of Chromecast or Firestick.

We have roku set top boxes, best available.

Roku. We also use the Amazon Firestick to use with our Amazon Prime membership. The Roku seems to me to be a better choice for a box-plus-antenna setup. There are many more apps available fot Roku, including Pandora and Spotify for music, Hulu and Netflix. There’s even a Amazon app if she (or someone else) is an Amazon Prime member.

^^PS…I don’t have any experience with Chromecast, but from what I’ve read, it seems to be the way to go for someone who uses other Google services, such as YouTube, Gmail, etc.

We use Apple TV. It’s more expensive than Netflix or something but it’s reliable and up to date.

I use my PC. Mainly illegal internet streams, Netflix via VPN, and Crunchyroll.

I have seen a Firestick, and I was not impressed.

I have Amazon Prime (expiring this week), so I tried Firestick, but couldn’t get it to work on my TV. I mostly just stream stuff for free on my computer, use an HD antenna for my TV to get a few broadcast channels, or check out DVDs for free from the library. I’m letting my Amazon Prime expire because I support my local PBS stations, and my PBS membership gives me access to free PBS programs online. PBS online by itself offers more decent programs than I can possibly watch, not to mention all the other free content that is available, so I don’t need the content that other services offer. I know I’m missing some great shows, but I already spend too much time in front of a screen.

I have a Roku streaming stick, which I use with Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Plex, and a whole bunch of cable/satellite “bonus” apps that we sign into with a friend’s password. I can easily stream 1080p content from my home computer to the Roku through Plex with no problems.

I fucking hate the Chromecast since it is worthless without a external device like a phone or computer to control it. I want a real remote so I can work it from my bed without looking at it.

I’m a big Plex user and I would say the Apple TV is the best plex experience. But if you don’t use plex I would go with the Roku. And don’t go cheap on the stick. The actual box is significantly better.

And I like the Roku since if you get the right one you have a headphone jack on the remote. Which is fucking awesome. ATV and Fire TV do have Bluetooth for headphones. But fuck that.

It really boils down to the content, and that’s not officially confirmed for Fire Stick in the UK, assuming it is released here. It’s fair to assume that Amazon Video will be there.

Of course, since they finally rolled their streaming service out to android phones, it can be mirrored to chromecast anyway, along with ITV Player, 4OD, and Demand 5, via a phone supporting android mirroring.

Worth bearing in mind too that whilst the Roku/Amazon dongles come with a remote, neither has a volume control. So keep the TV remote handy, or your phone. Personally, I hate it if I have to register/login/search etc via an old school remote.

I love my Roku. I gave out a couple as Christmas gifts. They were about $30 at Sam’s Club.
I have an antenna and do not have cable I do pay for Netflix ($9 per month). That is the only service I pay for. I just checked and I have 122 free channels on my Roku. If any channel requests money i delete it.

Warning: The new Rokus came pre-loaded with ~100 channels. Many of them were free trial offers, like 2 weeks, one month, etc. I just deleted them without activation.

Funny you mention volume control. That is actually why I got a Apple TV for my sister to replace the Fire TV I got her the year before. The Apple TV has some of the best CEC support. On her TV you can turn on the TV and change the volume from the Apple TV remote. She had lost her remote so this was a big plus when I got it for her. Before they were constantly jumping up and down to adjust the volume.

@johnpowell Roku…headphone jack in the remote…

There’s also a feature in the Roku remote Android app that will let you listen through your device, with or without a headset.

I used the Roku box for years and then I bought the Roku stick. I really like the stick because I can easily take it with me. I babysit for one family that has WiFi and I can take my stick with me and watch whatever I want while the kids are sleeping. Their dad is cheap and their TV sucks.The firestick is Amazon’s version of the Roku stick. I’ve never tried it but my sister loves hers. For any of the streaming, you’ll need a Wifi connection of some sorts. You might be able to work out a deal where it’s not working until guests are coming and then activate it until they leave.