Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast: Streaming stick comparison
Amazon's Fire TV Stick looks very similar to the Google Chromecast stick, but differs in a few points. We help you with the purchase decision.
Amazon Fire TV Stick in comparison: more performance than Google's Chromecast
The Fire TV Stick is connected to the TV via HDMI connection and offers significantly more performance than Google's Chromecast:
- The Fire TV Stick has a dual-core processor instead of a single core, as in the Chromecast.
- Amazon's stick has 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of flash memory on board. This contrasts with 512 MB and 2 GB on the Chromecast.
- Unlike the Chromecast, the Fire TV Stick supports dual-band WiFi and movies in 1, 080p.
Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast: the operation
The Fire TV Stick can also score in terms of operation:
- A remote control is included with the Amazon TV Stick. In contrast to the Chromecast, the device can be operated without a smartphone or tablet. This variant is also possible with the Fire TV Stick with the Fire TV Remote App (Android).
- The Fire TV Stick has its own user interface that can be used to install apps and games directly on the stick. It’s not easy to do with the Chromecast.
- With an additional, free app for the smartphone or tablet, the Fire TV Stick can also be operated by voice input.
Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast: Streaming offer
The available streaming offer of the two sticks is almost identical (Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, YouTube ...). However, Amazon Instant Video also comes with the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Therefore, the Fire TV Stick also scores here.
Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast: Price comparison
The Fire TV Stick is not yet available in Germany, the start of sales is not known. We keep you up to date in the CHIP news area. In the United States, sales begin on November 19, 2014. The two TV sticks are close in price.
- Google's Chromecast is available for around 35 euros.
- The Amazon Fire TV Stick costs $ 39 in the United States. In the first two days of sale, it only costs $ 19 for Amazon Prime members. In Germany it is expected to be 39 euros, in the campaign the stick will probably be available for 19 euros.
Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast: conclusion
The Fire TV Stick offers significantly more at a similar price: more power, a remote control and its own user interface, Amazon Instant Video and voice control. In our test, we give you a first impression of Fire TV
In our next articles, we'll show you how to use Spotify, Zattoo, and Maxdome with the Chromecast.