Chromecasts are perennially popular, but they face stiff competition from some of Roku's products. Which product is right for you depends on which features are most important to you. If you're debating between Roku and Chromecast, this article is for you.

Which Roku Device Should You Use?

Roku devices lineup
Photo by Roku Newsroom

Roku is forever tweaking its product line. In 2017, Roku launched new hardware, which was done with the goal of simplifying its lineup. However, the company's list of gadgets has ballooned again with the reintroduction and subsequent re-cancellation of the Roku Premiere.

Today, there are four devices that you could reasonably consider to be a direct competitor to the Chromecast. They are the Roku Express, Roku Express 4K +, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+.

The only Roku product that isn't a Chromecast competitor is the Roku Ultra. This is a set-top box rather than a dongle. As such, it will not form part of this article.

So, let's talk about the four Roku products and contrast them with the Chromecast over a few key areas. In case you're not familiar yet, check out our Chromecast introduction and the basics of Roku TV to start.

Chromecast vs. Roku: Cost

chromecast device

The cheapest of the four Roku products is the Roku Express; it costs $29.99. The most expensive device is the Streaming Stick 4K+, which will set you back $69. That means there's only a $40 difference covering all four Roku dongle devices.

The standard Chromecast HD costs $30, the same price as a Roku Express. A Chromecast 4K costs $49.

If you want to buy a Chromecast or a Roku so you can cut the cord, the narrow spread of prices means costs shouldn't be a significant consideration. After all, the average cable bill in the US is more than $100/month; you could buy any of the models and still save money.

Chromecast vs. Roku: User Interface

roku tv display

The biggest difference between the Chromecasts and the various Roku products is the user interface.

Roku devices run Roku OS. There's an on-screen interface with channels, a store, a settings menu, and search functionality.

Chromecasts use Google TV as an interface. Google TV is essentially a way to have all of your streaming accounts and other apps like YouTube all in one place. Chromecasts are also used to cast the screen from your mobile phone, which is why you can use Chromecast as a second computer monitor.)

You set up and manage your Chromecast via the Google Home app. Which is available on Android and iOS.

Chromecast vs. Roku: Connections

chromecast htmi port

All the devices connect to your television via an HDMI port.

The only exception is the pre-2018 Roku Express+. In addition to HDMI connectivity, it also offers composite A/V ports. If you have an older TV that doesn't have HDMI ports, the older version of the Express+ is the only device that will work for you. Note that the newer version of the Roku Express does not have A/V connections, meaning you will have to shop for the older version on sites like eBay.

Chromecast vs. Roku: Picture Quality

roku tv quality

One of the four Roku devices no longer offers 4K—the basic Roku Express. However, it offers HD streaming. Of the two Chromecast products, only the more expensive Chromecast supports 4K.

Before you run off and buy a 4K model, stop and think. First, does your TV even support 4K? It's not yet commonplace across mid- and low-end products. Secondly, do you actually watch 4K content? Remember, many popular streaming services will charge you more if you want to stream in 4K.

For example, the cheapest Netflix plan is $6.99/month with ads, whereas the 4K plan (Ultra HD) is $20/month. And, even if you pay for 4K access, not all the shows and movies are available in 4K. With updates to Netflix pricing, you'll also have to pay more for each user not in your home.

It's also worth mentioning that Roku makes a 4K TV, with a built-in Roku interface.

Chromecast vs. Roku: Controls

chromecast remote

All Roku devices come with their own remote control.

As you'd expect, the voice remote lets you search for content verbally. However, it also includes a TV power button and volume controls, meaning you can dump your TV remote and have fewer gadgets lying around. The Express model doesn't include these buttons, however.

Roku also sells more powerful remotes individually. For example, the Enhanced Voice Remote has voice controls and a headphone jack for private listening.

Lastly, you can download a Roku app on both Android and iOS. It lets you control your device and switch between the various Roku devices in your home easily. You can also turn on your headphones though your phone and listen to your TV.

Chromecast devices run off a single remote and a single interface, Google TV. Unless you're casting your phone or computer screen to your Chromecast, the controls are similar. The only difference is that a Chromecast remote can't control your physical TV.

Chromecast vs. Roku: Content

roku streaming channels

According to Roku, there are thousands of channels you can install on your device. Roku also boasts 350+ live TV channels.

Of course, a large percentage of these aren't worth the time of day, but you'll be able to find all big hitters like Spotify, Hulu, Sling, Netflix, Amazon Video, Paramount+, Disney+, and so on.

Roku also has a near-endless collection of private channels. We've covered some of the best new channels to watch on Roku, as well as how to watch Live TV on your Roku device.

Chromecast devices use Google TV. While it is just one app, you can stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and thousands more in just one place. They also have live TV apps as well as fitness and music apps. Almost every app available on Roku is available on Google TV.

The only difference is that Chromecasts are also made for casting your phone or computer to the TV. So if there's something you want to watch that isn't available on Google TV, you can cast it.

Chromecast vs. Roku: Additional Features

Roku devices and Chromecasts both have some extra features that might help to tip the scales, depending on what's important to you.

The Chromecast 4K used to have an Ethernet port, but the newest model doesn't. If you're looking for an Ethernet port, consider an older model. The only Roku device with an Ethernet port is the Ultra, but as explained previously, we haven't included the Ultra in this showdown.

If you're wanting to cast something from your computer or phone to your TV, you might be leaning more toward the Chromecast. However, you can set up screen mirroring on Roku devices, which would make Roku an option for you as well.

Roku devices also support Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can use voice commands and even connect your Roku to Google Home. With this feature, Roku devices do almost everything a Chromecast does.

The main difference is that Google TV prevents the need from bouncing around to different apps, as everything is in one place.

Chromecast vs. Roku: And the Winner Is...

A lot of your decision will depend on which products you already have in your home, which ecosystems you are tied into, and how you plan to use your device.

Broadly speaking, if you're looking for a platform-agnostic way to cut the cord, you should buy a Roku as the company is more established and the devices have lots of apps. If you're a casual TV watcher that enjoys simplicity, consider a Chromecast.