The landscape of media streaming has changed dramatically in recent years (Roku Alternatives 2021). Companies have developed the greatest media streaming gadgets as a result of technological breakthroughs.

Each gadget is designed to allow your smart TV to carry out various tasks. For example, you may connect to the internet and use the hardware to access different streaming applications like YouTube, Apple TV, and Netflix.

Roku, a fantastic media streaming device, is now at the top, with millions of users all over the world. The gadget is intended to deliver high-quality video and audio at a low cost.

Furthermore, Roku’s easy setup and intuitive interface have helped the hardware to outperform its market competitors. The vast collection of movies and series, as well as the constant updating of material and applications, will excite you the most.

Roku, on the other hand, has its own set of flaws. The primary restriction is that Roku is not compatible with all televisions, so you may need to upgrade your TV screen to utilize it.

Another feature that you can find irritating is the hardware’s excessive amount of material and applications. It’s difficult to keep up with the vast collection of TV episodes, movies, blockbusters, and other media stuff.

As a result of these flaws, many are looking for Roku alternatives that would let them watch high-quality media. Here is a comprehensive list of the best Roku alternatives to consider.

Best Roku Substitutes

1. Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV is a well-known streaming stick that lets you watch some of the finest movies and TV shows available. The media streaming device provides a variety of services, including Dolby Vision.

Dolby Vision offers enhanced image quality and vivid colours that revolutionize your viewing experience. Because of the new Dolby Atmos functionality, Chromecast with Google TV is a terrific Roku option.

Chromecast with Google TV not only delivers the highest visual quality but also gives you access to a variety of material through a clutter-free interface. Unlike Roku, the hardware lets you access a larger number of apps without any issues.

Although the Roku assistant is fantastic, it falls short of Google Assistant, which is more responsive to requests. That means Google Assistant is simple to use and makes using voice commands to control the UI a breeze.

Chromecast with Google TV has debuted an excellent remote that is a little shorter than Roku’s and quite intuitive. The remote has a dedicated Google Assistant button, which makes transitioning from manual to voice command a breeze.

With over 6500 streaming applications and a superb YouTube app integration, Chromecast with Google TV should be a good fit. Furthermore, the current modifications to the media streaming device have aided in its displacement of the majority of media streaming gadgets.

Chromecast effortlessly connects with Google Photos to significantly enhance the user experience. It also makes use of Chromecast to project photos, movies, and apps from their phones to the screen, particularly those that aren’t supported by the device.

Chromecast with Google TV is the finest final alternative for Roku TV, featuring 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos audio, HDR10, and HDR10+ capabilities. Furthermore, the prices of Roku and Chromecast with Google are nearly identical.

2. Fire TV by Amazon

Amazon Fire TV is one of the most popular firesticks on the market today. Despite its size and awkwardness, it is affordable and comes with a variety of media streaming apps.

The gadget is positioned as the ultimate one-stop-shop for all forms of entertainment, ranging from blockbuster films to a large number of apps. To make the media device even more helpful, it is outfitted with Alexa skills, a function that permits voice commands.

Every feature on the Amazon Fire TV works wonderfully. You may watch local news and sports in 4K quality, for example. You have the choice of picking the TV options on the home screen or browsing the channel guide to get the stations you desire.

Similarly, Amazon Fire TV provides tailored movie suggestions based on your preferences. This makes finding appropriate information from your favourite applications and subscriptions a breeze.

When it comes to providing customers more economical choices like the Fire TV Stick Lite, the media streaming gadget currently outperforms Roku. The hardware is less expensive, but it has tremendous capabilities and a large library of information.

As previously announced, Fire TV has Alexa abilities that will transform how you search for movies and TV shows. You may use voice commands to launch your favourite entertainment with the functionality.

If you’re a Prime member, Fire TV is a far superior option over Roku. After all, you get unfettered access to Prime content with the device. However, if you upgrade to a premium membership, the list improves significantly.

Although both devices provide excellent content, Amazon’s Fire TV is more accommodating because of its 4K capability. It’s one of the few media streaming devices that guarantees a reasonable level of customer happiness.

3.Apple Television

If you want multi-user functionality and high frame rates when streaming HDR, Apple TV is a good Roku option. Despite its high price, the media streaming gadget gives a dreamy experience.

The premium edition of Apple TV comes with a sleek controller that makes navigating the menus a breeze. It also has Siri voice control, so you can use it to operate your device with your voice.

Apple TV, like Roku, has a wonderful interface and structure that makes content discovery and placement a breeze. Apple TV even includes an app store where you can download all of your favourite media streaming apps.

When it comes to top features, Apple TV outperforms Roku by a wide margin. First and foremost, the premium edition allows you to broadcast stunning 4K HDR images.

You can also experience Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision while streaming compatible apps. Those who wish to access material through their Apple devices, such as a MacBook, iPad, or iPhone, may use the AirPlay 2 capability, which allows them to cast non-fictional shows and family-friendly movies.

Despite having the greatest overall remote, Apple TV offers a bespoke remote control with excellent toggles. It has directional buttons that may be used with gestures.

Apple TV now has distinct mute and power buttons, among other things. Furthermore, you may use your phone to operate the media streaming device.

In conclusion, the Apple TV premium edition has everything you’ll need to enjoy viewing your favourite TV series and movies. You also have access to Apple Music, Fitness Plus, and Arcade, which are not available on Roku.

4. SHIELD TV by NVIDIA

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV is a pricey but capable video streaming gadget that you can rely on when you need high-quality streaming services. NVIDIA SHIELD, on the other hand, has become more popular among gamers than among non-gamers.

The media streaming device supports 4K HDR video streaming with Dolby Vision. That means you’ll get better image quality, allowing you to enjoy videos more than Roku premium media streaming devices.

Apart from having one of the greatest remote controllers with amazing buttons and a nice grip, the hardware also supports voice commands. Because the NVIDIA SHIELD TV comes with an Android assistant, device administration is a breeze.

Because the media streaming gadget was designed with gamers in mind, you can expect it to put a lot of effort into its gaming features. One of the few areas where NVIDIA SHIELD TV outperforms Roku is in gaming.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW, a specialized game streaming service, as well as NVIDIA GameStream, are available to gamers. The media streaming gadget includes Netflix, YouTube, Vudu, and Google Play Movies & TV, among other apps.

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV also has four ports: an ethernet port, a power port, a MicroSD slot, and an HDMI port. Its distinct appearance sets it apart from Roku, making NVIDIA SHIELD TV one of the top Roku alternatives.

Although the media streaming hardware is created to satisfy the needs of gamers, it includes many features that make it an excellent streaming device. It even lets you view material from your phone and other devices, owing to the built-in Chromecast 4K capability.

When all of these factors are combined, media streaming becomes wonderful and enhances your gaming experience. However, when compared to other options, the price is exorbitant.

5. onn Television

If you want the most affordable Media Streaming device that is also simple to use and set up, onn TV should be your first pick. The media streaming gadget is fantastic, with a large number of streaming apps to choose from.

Because it is powered by Android TV, you may make use of notable features such as Google Play and Google. Despite its compact size, the media streaming gadget comes with various connectors.

Onn TV, unlike Roku, is simple to set up because all you have to do is connect it in. It also features a terrific layout of TV series and movies, making it simple to access all types of entertainment.

What will most excite you is that onn TV includes an inbuilt Chromecast, a technology that allows you to project material from your phone to the screen. As a result, you don’t have to rely solely on the media player to watch movies, take photographs, or listen to music.

You are provided with a remote control that is smaller and more comfortable to grip and operate, similar to Roku. Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube buttons are included on the remote.

It is important to remember, however, that you do not rely on the remote control to run the media player. That’s because it has Google Assistant, which you can activate with a single button push.

On the downside, because onn TVs can only handle Full HD resolution, you won’t be able to watch 4K content. Thankfully, Dolby Audio is available, which significantly improves your streaming experience.

Nonetheless, you can rest assured that, like Roku, you will have access to over 700,000 movies and TV series. As a result, when considering the most cost-effective regular media streaming gear, onn TV should be the top option.

6. Streaming TiVo

TiVo is currently gaining popularity among millions of movie and television show fans because of its exceptional services. TiVo, like Roku, lets you watch movies and TV shows from thousands of apps.

The device is advertised as the ideal media streamer for TV fans because it gathers material from apps like Netflix, Showtime, Starz, and CBS All Access and puts it in one convenient location.

Furthermore, you may stream a variety of applications for free utilizing TiVo premium devices, including Newsy, Tubi, and Wired. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring that users have enough material even without paying for it.

Premium TiVo media players contain remarkable features like 4K, HDR, and HDR10, as well as Dolby Vision for crisp, clear videos. For high-quality video audio, they also use Dolby Atmos.

TiVo’s premium devices are quite inexpensive when compared to Roku. Despite having good capability comparable to streaming devices such as the Roku Ultra, this is the situation.

TiVo also exceeds numerous other media streamers in terms of features. It has a built-in Chromecast, for example, so you can project your videos, music, and photos from your small screen to your big screen easily.

If you don’t want to use the remote, you can effortlessly control the media player using your voice. Google Assistant, which is accessible on premium TiVo media streaming devices, is responding.

You won’t have to be concerned about hidden expenses if you use Roku. One of the most significant benefits of using the smartphone is that you only have to worry about app subscriptions.

7. Xfinity Flex

If you already have Xfinity internet, you should choose Xfinity over Roku because the media streaming hardware offers greater benefits. Xfinity provides a fantastic streaming experience by giving you access to a variety of apps.

You can watch material from top-rated websites like HBO Max, which has been known to have issues with Roku. Netflix, Disney+, Prime Videos, and YouTube, among other apps, are among the movies and TV series available on the media streamer.

The material is presented in a simple and appealing interface, and the layout facilitates media search. A triangular-shaped remote control is included with the hardware, making operation simple.

Xfinity also comes with Google Assistant, which allows you to control the device with your voice. That means you don’t have to rely on the remote control, whose buttons can be a bit stiff at times.

When you compare Roku and Xfinity visual quality, you will be astounded. Despite being a relatively new media streaming service, Xfinity competes with most Roku devices due to its capacity to broadcast 4K content. As a result, you should expect a fantastic viewing experience.

Xfinity, unlike Roku, offers a broad variety of free streaming options, particularly if you have Xfinity internet. As a result, you won’t have to worry about paying for different services in order to get the most out of your experience.

Finally, you only need to follow a few simple steps to set up the gadget. As a result, think about Xfinity for the best entertainment.

8. NOW TV Smart Stick 

There is no better way to keep yourself entertained at home than with the cheapest Now TV Smart Stick. The media streaming device is the best Roku substitute because it is less priced and has more functions.

With the Now TV Smart Stick, you can watch over 1000 award-winning movies and TV programs. You may also watch children’s programming and live sports using the best sports streaming apps, such as Sky.

Furthermore, the user-friendly interface allows you to select from a selection of apps such as Disney+, HBO, and Sky Atlantic. Even though the Now TV Smart Stick lacks Roku’s video collection, it is an amazing value for money.

The media streaming stick supports voice search, allowing you to access relevant information without using your hands. This reduces the amount of time you’ll spend searching for quality content on other websites.

Furthermore, the Now TV Smart Stick features a one-of-a-kind USB design that is smaller than many Roku devices. It’s an excellent fit if you don’t require box-shaped streaming gear.

With the Now TV Smart Stick, you can watch over 1000 award-winning movies and TV programs.

Currently, the Now TV Smart Stick can only broadcast video in 1080p, with certain apps only supporting 720p. That means your streaming experience will be good, but not as satisfying as it is on most Roku devices.

Nonetheless, the Now TV Smart Stick is one of the best Roku alternatives for people searching for a low-cost streaming service. The streaming hardware is designed to work with the vast majority of televisions.

9. The Xbox Series X

Despite being designed for gamers, the Xbox Series X is one of the greatest streaming devices available today. Despite its much greater size, the device performs admirably.

It’s one of the few streaming devices that surpasses Roku players by a large margin, thanks to the high-tech features included. For gamers, the device, for example, provides an 8K picture quality.

Furthermore, because streaming apps may provide up to 4K visual quality, you can watch crisp, clear videos.

The number of streaming apps given by the Xbox Series X is extremely large, yet it cannot compete with Roku’s. Nonetheless, Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, and HBO Max will all have apps.

Gamers, on the other hand, can use specific gaming apps like Ubisoft Connect, Rooster Teeth, and Twitch. Those who prefer Nitrado and Dolby Access will be pleased with how effectively the streaming device performs.

The device lacks a lot of features, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy streaming. It, for example, lacks a remote control for navigating the UI.

Additionally, the voice command can only be used to turn on or off the broadcasting hardware. As a result, you’ll have to rely on the access controller for the rest of the task.

The Xbox Series X lacks Roku’s fancy specialized streaming capabilities, but it is the best alternative if you are a devoted game and movie fanatic.

10. WeChip TV

If you’re looking for a high-quality streaming device, WeChip is yet another Roku competitor to consider. It comes in a one-of-a-kind and attractive package with a number of functionalities.

WeChip premium devices, such as Roku, offer 4K HDR pictures. As a result, you can expect high-quality films that you can binge-watch.

WeChip, a considerably smaller brand than Roku, is experimenting with a variety of streaming apps that may be accessed at any time. That means you’ll have access to thousands of TV shows and movies.

The UI, on either hand, is user-friendly and offers a variety of language options. Chinese, English, and perhaps Japanese are among the languages available.

If you’re concerned about gadget functioning, you’ll be pleased to learn that WeChip comes with remote control and buttons in the premium models.

The streaming gadget also has a fantastic interface that makes it simple to access games. As a result, it’s a fantastic solution to consider if you wish to play games without interruption.

With the media streaming device, you may watch video content as well as some of the best audio stuff. All you have to do now is choose which products to broadcast.

The UI, on either hand, is user-friendly and offers a variety of language options. Chinese, English, and perhaps Japanese are among the languages available.

If you’re concerned about gadget functioning, you’ll be pleased to learn that WeChip comes with remote control and buttons in the premium models. It also has the ability to use voice commands.

The streaming gadget also has a fantastic interface that makes it simple to access games. As a result, it’s a fantastic solution to consider if you wish to play games without interruption.

With the media streaming device, you may watch video content as well as some of the best audio stuff. All you have to do now is choose which products to broadcast.

Last Thoughts

Roku isn’t the only streaming device with a great UI and dozens of applications.

According to the data shown above, devices such as Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV stand out as the best solutions with distinct characteristics.

They also share Roku’s feature of allowing users to utilize voice control when streaming 4K video. As a consequence, if you want a superb media player, you can choose any of the alternatives listed above.