Apple TV vs Nvidia Shield vs Fire TV vs Roku – Which one is Right for you?

When deciding which streaming device is the right choice for you, the best methodology involves thorough research. I am happy to tell you that I have already done the research on Apple TV vs Nvidia Shield vs Fire TV vs Roku here. Now all that is needed is for you to review that information with the end goal of being an educated consumer. The information here will you need to help you make the right choice.

Apple TV vs Nvidia Shield vs Fire TV vs Roku

In the preceding sections, we shall be analysing the popular stream devices out with the aim of helping you to choose the most suitable one for your need.

The Ecosystem/Operating System Factor When Choosing  IPTV Boxes

The features are all similar on these streaming devices. So much so, that your major consideration of these streaming devices would be with the ecosystems that each of these devices brings with them.

The ecosystem is simply goes alongside with the concept of apps and smart devices. Apple, for instance, has the tightest ecosystem. Do you have an iPhone or an iPad? Well if you do, it gives you more usefulness and compatibility between devices. Your iPad can easily stream photos and videos to your Apple TV device to the situation. If you don’t have any Apple devices in your house then Apple TV will not be the best choice for you. You would find that other streaming devices listed below would be more useful to you.

Which of these ecosystems can integrate with your phone, PC, or other smart devices? How that question is answered becomes the leading decision-maker when considering which streaming device is right for you.

If you’re not particular on an ecosystem, then it becomes an open playing field of choice. The best part is that it doesn’t involve a huge investment. If you don’t like one ecosystem, you can always switch to another. If you are already established with an ecosystem, then for compatibility purposes stick with what you know. Compatibility with your other devices allows you, the end-user, to gain the most functionality out of these devices.

STREAMING SERVICE COMPATIBILITY

You will find that these streaming devices will work with any of the streaming services you use, especially now that Amazon has recently allowed other services into its ecosystem. Paid subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple Tv, Disney+. Rental services like Google Movies, Vudu, work as well.

Even the free services (commercials included) like Tubi, and IMDB, work on these streaming devices. What about IPTV services? Yes, even they work too. The best parts about these streaming devices are in their versatility.

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APPLE TV

Apple TV line of streaming devices, much like the others, comes in standard HD and 4K versions, with variations on the amount of flash memory. The Apple TV is integrated with Siri through the remote. The prices for the Apple TV start from $149 and top out on the high end at $200. All streaming services work with Apple TV. Apart from this, the apple ecosystem allows you to connect to your iPhone or iPad to view photos or stream videos via AirPlay.

NVIDIA SHIELD

The Nvidia shield, for the most part, works within the established ecosystems. It is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa. It also has a built-in Google Assistant and 4K Chromecast. Moreover, it is a worthwhile attempt on Nvidia’s part to be as close to neutral as possible in the war between ecosystems. The Nvidia Shield is available at a price of $150-$200. The Shield can stream in 4K resolution.

 

What the Nvidia shield has to offer that the other devices do not is the ability to stream video games from your PC to your TV. This is made possible with an optional Nvidia controller. You can play your PC games on your TV and sit on the couch while you do it. You can also connect your headphones and other devices through the built-in Bluetooth 5.0

ROKU TV

Roku is another streaming device that does have its own ecosystem established. It seems to have taken the route of Nvidia to remain as neutral as possible. In doing so it is one of the victor’s incompatibility issues. The Roku does come with an ecosystem independent voice control remote. The voice control can handle basic input instructions, just don’t expect it to talk back to you. The Roku streaming devices come in several models than will stream from standard HD to 4K. The prices for the Roku range from $35 to $80.

 

Roku is a major player in these devices to stream various channels to you. The Roku does offer ample opportunity for versatility through a series of downloadable apps from various content providers. You will find that there is not much that this device can’t do.

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AMAZON FIRE TV

The choices that are offered from Amazon as the “Fire” branded streaming devices are quite like the ones already reviewed. The price range runs from $25 to $90. The remote controls for the Amazon fire sticks are Alexa enabled, allowing you to give voice commands to your TV. If you want an audible response you should already have an Echo speaker, otherwise, there is the Fire TV Cube. The cube is a streaming device and an Amazon Alexa speaker built into the same unit. The Cube can act as a smart hub to help control all your other integrated smart devices. The Fire streaming stick comes in both standard HD, and 4K resolutions. They also both include the Alexa remote. The Cube is the other option offered by Amazon.

 

(All prices stated are for comparison purposes only and are quite general in nature. You may find a different range of prices from various vendors.)

CONCLUSION

As you see the major factor in deciding which device is right for you depends on what ecosystem you are already acquainted with. The only other factor will be price. How much do you want to spend will help you decide, along with the facts of the features that have already been presented here for you. I hope your choices are now a little more obvious to you. Just don’t delay, make your choice so that your movie streaming nights and binge-watching can begin.