Google Chromecast vs. Roku 3500R Streaming Stick

The Google Chromecast and the Roku Streaming Stick (3500R) are two products whose many similarities will force people to decide between them. Both are very good products, yet ultimately produce different results that will be appealing to different types of audiences.

Having used both of these products, I can say that they both perform well, but it is important to know the individual capabilities of each device before deciding which one is right for you. Our comparison of the Google Chromecast vs. the Roku Streaming Stick below will point out the strengths and weaknesses of each device to help you choose the correct product.

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	Chromecast	Roku (3500R) Streaming Stick
iOS/Android compatibility	Yes	Yes
Remote control	No	Yes
Dual-band Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Wired connection	No	No
Netflix	Yes	Yes
Hulu Plus	Yes	Yes
Web browser compatibility	Yes (Chrome)	No
HBO Go	Yes	Yes
Pandora	Yes	Yes
Spotify	No	Yes
Vudu	Yes	Yes
YouTube	Yes	Yes
Amazon Prime	No	Yes
Google Play Store	Yes	No
Plex	Yes	Yes
Crackle	Yes	Yes

Reasons to Pick the Chromecast Over the Roku Streaming Stick

The Chromecast has done a good job of building up its’ library of compatible applications since its’ release in November 2013, but it still lacks the volume of options available on the Roku.

But if you have purchased a lot of movies, TV shows and music from the Google Play Store, or if you think that you will be using the Chrome browser mirroring from your computer a lot, then these are features that are only found on the Chromecast.

The Chromecast is also the less expensive of the two devices, and when you are dealing with products in this price range, that $15 difference is a considerable percentage of the total purchase price.

One important thing to note is that the Chromecast will continue to build up its’ library of compatible applications, meaning that many of the popular apps that are currently only on the Roku will likely be found on the Chromecast at some point.

Read reviews from Chromecast owners on Best Buy for additional information.

Reasons to Pick the Roku Streaming Stick Over the Chromecast

The Roku channel library is arguably the biggest advantage that the Roku devices have over other products in this marketplace. There are over 1000 different channels available, including almost every major source of streaming video content that you might want to watch.

The Roku also has a dedicated, full-size remote control, whereas the Chromecast will require you to use a smartphone, tablet or computer to control the content that you view on your screen. While this may not be a problem for individuals that are constantly within arm’s reach of these devices, children or less technologically-inclined people may have trouble using the device.

Read reviews from Roku Streaming Stick owners on Amazon here.

Conclusion

The larger content library on the Roku, combined with the dedicated remote control, certainly help to make up the price gap between these two products.

But if you are simply looking for a device that will allow you to watch Netflix and YouTube, and you do not mind using a phone or table to control your device, then the lower price of the Chromecast will be hard to pass up.

If you would like to learn more about either product, you can read our full Chromecast review here, or you can read our Roku Streaming Stick (3500R) review here.

Click here to purchase the Chromecast from Best Buy

Click here to purchase the Roku Streaming Stick 3500R on Amazon.