Roku
Earlier this year I wrote about the wonderful features of Chromecast, Google's new streaming HDMI stick. I like Chromecast for its simplicity and price point and still think it is a great addition to any entertainment portfolio. I have, however, recently purchased a Roku Streaming Stick and I must admit it is far and away better than Chromecast.
While I like the way that Chromecast allows you to cast from any compatible website or app, I have really enjoyed the interface that Roku provides. It basically makes your non-Smart TV a Smart TV. Maybe if I had a Smart TV this would be unnecessary and the simplicity of Chromecast would be more appealing but I like seeing the menu of options that Roku provides. There are four levels of Roku devices. The Roku 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Streaming Stick. I got the Streaming Stick since it is the cheapest at just under $50 (there was a sale). As far as I can tell the stick offers the same services as the Roku 1 while the Roku 2 and 3 have heightened services. The regular Roku devices and the space they take up are the main reason I didn't get one, now that there is a streaming stick with hardly any hardware it was a an easy decision to try it out.
There are two ways I can clearly identify where the Roku is superior to Chromecast. The easiest way to see it is the remote control and ease of viewing that this allows. While it does add a remote to your collection, it allows you to go back and forth between options. You can also pause what you are watching much more easily since you aren't using your phone as the remote. My phone would often go into sleep mode while using it for Chromecast and I would have to re-enter the app to stop or start my viewing. Or, my phone would ring while watching something and my playback would just continue (I would mute the TV) because I couldn't pause it while on my phone. Roku, as a separate entity right on your screen via the Streaming Stick, does not have these problems.
The second way Roku is superior is the choice of channels. It has everything that Chromecast offers plus others like Showtime and Amazon Prime video. There is a wealth of viewing available on those sites that I could only view through my computer before, now it streams right to my TV. Perhaps Chromecast will catch up with Roku, but right now there is a clear advantage for content.
I still like Chromecast. It does allow for streaming of a browser tab which Roku can't offer. Great for when you're watching bootleg versions of things - streaming of course. It also allows for quick viewing when you're looking at something on the web or on your phone and you want to shoot it over to the TV. This is especially handy with YouTube. It is also $15 less than Roku, which comes into play for some people.
Right now we have both streaming devices attached to our TV and use them both for different purposes. I can't actually think of anything that we can't watch on our TV in some way or another. It's pretty great.