Fire TV Stick Vs Google Chromecast: we explain which one to choose

Virtually all televisions today are smart and are compatible with most streaming platforms, be it Netflix, Disney+ or Prime Video. But the dongle, devices that connect to others to offer additional featuresthey can be really useful.

Today we are going to talk and compare two models from two of the best-known brands in this field: the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Google Chromecast. In general terms, both allow the playback of multimedia content, whether streaming or not, but what else can they offer, what are their specifications and how do they differ? Let’s resolve these doubts.

Comparison of the Fire TV Stick and the Chromecast, by sections

Differences in design

While both devices have a small and compact format to connect them to the HDMI ports without taking up too much space on the back or side of the TV, they differ greatly in their respective designs: the Fire TV Stick has a more rectangular and less rounded design than the Chromecast.

We also found differences in colors. Meanwhile he dongle Amazon has a black finish, Google’s is available in snow white and sky blue. Both devices can be connected directly to the television or through an extension cable (included), so if we choose this second connection option and the device protrudes slightly from one side of the television, the Chromecast can be seen and noticed more than the Fire TV Stick.

The remote controls for both devices

Both the Fire TV Stick and the Chromecast include remote controls that differ mainly in their buttons. They both have different shortcuts to some of the main streaming platforms: while the dongle Chromecast has shortcuts to YouTube and Netflix, the Fire TV Stick remote is more complete and has buttons to access Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and Amazon Music.

The design of both controls also has their respective differences. In this case, Amazon has opted for a format similar to its device with a rectangular design with rounded edges and a black finish. On the other hand, the Chromecast remote has an elongated design with a greater curvature at its ends and a finish in the color we choose, whether snow white or sky blue.

Differences in specifications

Although the Fire TV Stick and Chromecast share some specifications, they differ in others; We are not talking about two identical devices. Among their similarities, we find a resolution 1,080p in both cases and the ability to support HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG image formats.

Both have the same storage capacity (8 GB) to install applications from their respective stores, but not the same RAM memory, since While the Chromecast has 1.5 GB, the Fire TV Stick has 1 GB of RAM.

Android-based operating systems

Although the operating system of the Fire TV Stick (Fire Os) and Chromecast (Google TV) are based on Android, they are very different. While Google TV has a greater number of compatible applications that can be downloaded from the Play Store, Fire Os downloads them from the Amazon store, and the number of available applications is more limited.

Until recently, this limitation was a direct blow to some of the main streaming platforms, such as HBO Max. But with the change from HBO Max to Max things have changed and its application has reached all Fire TV Stick models.

There are also quite a few differences in interface. The Chromecast opts for a neater and cleaner interface, something that is appreciated if we are not well versed in this type of device. On the other hand, the Fire TV Stick interface is full of recommendations, applications and advertising, which makes it difficult to find the content we want and are looking for.

Different operating systems, different voice assistants

As they are different operating systems, each of them has its own voice assistant. The Chromecast has the Google Assistant, which has a long history in different devices, and the Fire TV Stick has Amazon Alexa, considered one of the best voice assistants on the market.

Here the decision is personal. Both offer similar features, but Depending on how we build the home network, it is advisable that we choose between one device or another. That is, if we have different devices compatible with Alexa and we want to use them with this voice assistant, the most recommended option is the Fire TV Stick and not the Chromecast.

Differences in performance and connections

If what we are looking for is to prioritize performance above all else, the truth is that both devices behave in a similar way. Both the Chromecast and the Fire TV Stick have excellent performanceeven better than that of many smart televisions (one of the reasons why we may be interested in having a dongleeven if we have a smart TV).

Where we do find differences is in the connections. Both devices connect to the TV via an HDMI portbut while the Fire TV Stick has a microUSB port, the Chromecast integrates a USB-C port, which makes it possible to connect other additional devices such as an external memory to play multimedia content.

On the other hand, The Chromecast can receive streaming content from another device (The Fire TV Stick can only do this with mirror mode; this is a mode that allows you to replicate the screen of a phone or tablet).

Fire TV Stick and Chromecast, which one to buy?

Why choose the Fire TV Stick

There are many reasons why Fire TV Sticks have gained popularity in recent years. Its usual price is 44.99 euros and where it stands out the most is in:

• Alexa. The voice assistant offers many features and good support from Amazon. In addition, it is compatible with a good variety and number of devices, allowing you to create a very complete home and smart network.
• Remote control. The fact that the remote has more buttons with direct access to streaming platforms is an extra point for the comfort offered by its button panel.
• Amazon Services. If we do not want to leave Amazon services behind, the choice is clear, the Fire TV Stick integrates them in the best way.

Why choose the Chromecast

Although the Fire TV Sticks are very popular, the Chromecasts offer enough features to be a more than competent rival. Its price is 39.99 euros and where it stands out the most is in:

• OS. Google TV has a much clearer and cleaner interface than Fire OS, and it is something that is appreciated if we want to have just the right thing on the device.
• Ability to receive content. If sending content from a phone or tablet is something that we do not want to leave behind or that can simply be useful to us, the Chromecast is the most recommended option.
• Applications. The fact that the Chromecast has access to the Android Play Store allows you to download and install a greater number of applications.

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Image | Freepik (header), Amazon, Google

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