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What is the best alternative to Apple TV?
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Roku 4
All
10
Experiences
Pros
8
Cons
2
Top
Con
If you don't want 4K content, Roku 3 might get you more bang for the buck
Since 4K content is still scarce it might be better to get Roku 3 instead. It's practically identical to Roku 4 except for voice search and 4K support that Roku 3 lacks.
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Top
Pro
Built-in voice search
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Top
Con
Voice search is somewhat basic
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Top
Pro
Good 4K support
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Top
Pro
Universal search
Roku's search will look through all available services and offer results in one place. You don't have to search through each app individually to find what you're looking for. It also remembers your previous searches.
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Top
Pro
Offers the best selection of content
Roku offers more than 1800 entertainment channels.
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Top
Pro
Simple, intuitive interface
Roku's interface is fairly straightforward.
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Top
Pro
Headphone jack in the remote
You can plug in any set of headphones in the Roku's remote at which point Roku will mute the TV and allow you to listen to your content without disturbing anyone around you.
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Top
Pro
Motion control capable remote
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Top
Pro
Companion mobile app
Roku comes with a companion iOS and Android apps.
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Experiences
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8
0
Chromecast (2015)
All
9
Experiences
Pros
7
Cons
2
Top
Pro
Pretty cheap for what is on offer
Chromecast costs only $35 which makes the overhead to jump into the ecosystem pretty minimal on the consumer's part.
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Top
Con
Limited OS support
The device is designed for Windows, OSX, Android and iOS. Linux support is limited and Windows Phone support is nonexistant.
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Top
Pro
Can be powered using TVs USB port
If you have a USB port on your TV, you can use that to power the Chromecast. The Chromecast is powered through a standard micro USB port.
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Top
Con
Somewhat lengthy setup process
To set up Chromecast, attach it to your TV, download the Chromecast app on your host device, pair it, connect the Chromecast to your Wi-Fi, wait for the updates to download and from there you are ready to cast.
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Top
Pro
Does the processing on a different device
Unlike other set top boxes, the Chromecast just takes in a video stream in VP8 or H.264 format, and can stream that content either directly from the provider, or through a device that processes video to those formats. Because everything is done on a different device, you wont need to upgrade the Chromecast as often as other set top boxes, and anyone can play content from their phones, tablets, or computers.
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Pro
Available SDK means any app can utilize chromecast
With the amount of apps available on the Play Store, seeing that an SDK is available for any of them to use means that a large swath of apps can and do use Chromecast making for a very large ecosystem for what is a pretty cheap streaming device.
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Top
Pro
Easily support multiple bands of Wi-Fi
Dual-band Wi-Fi support with 2.4GHz and 5GHz allows for easy connection to multiple different routers, this way no one is left out with a non compatible device as well as support for faster speeds which is helpful with HD content.
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Top
Pro
Color choices available for easy matching or preferences
The device has red, yellow and black options which allows for one to match some of their other devices in their living room as well as offers a choice to be more of an individual through a color option.
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Pro
Simple to use once setup
Once the device is set up, using Chromecast is straightforward. Just click the the cast icon from within apps or programs to stream it to your TV.
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Experiences
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10
3
Amazon Fire TV
All
7
Experiences
Pros
5
Cons
2
Top
Pro
Voice search
There is a dedicated voice search button on the remote so you can quickly bring up the voice search prompt from any app that works fast and accurately.
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Top
Con
Lots of Amazon advertisement
The Fire TV prefers Amazon services, and is tailored to purchasing shows and movies through Amazon. The voice search does not clearly expose if it's already available on a non amazon service.
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Top
Pro
Has support for tons of media service integrations
The Fire TV has support of the following of services: Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, ESPN, Pandora, Showtime, MLB, iHeart Radio, Vevo, Vimeo, Crackle, Bloomberg, Twitch, NBA, Amazon Music, Plex, YouTube, Tune In, Flixster, Quello, AOL on, WWE, HuffPost Live, Frequency, Red Bull TV, and Smithsonian Channel.
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Top
Con
Inconsistent UI between apps
Each app has a unique UI making it harder to jump between each app, and requires you to learn a slightly different UI for every app.
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Top
Pro
Has a simplified kids mode
There is a mode called "freetime" that lets you whitelist specific apps and set watch time limits for kids, or for a simplified interface with only certain apps.
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Top
Pro
Most powerful set top box
Even though it's only $99, it's far more powerful than its competitors, with a quad core processor and 2GB of ram, and that power really shows in the fluidity of the UI.
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Top
Pro
Bluetooth Remote
The Fire TV remote doesn't require line of sight, and has a microphone for voice search, thanks to bluetooth support.
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Experiences
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3
2
Synology Diskstation
All
4
Experiences
Pros
4
Top
Pro
Complete multimedia platform
The DSM includes packages for audio, video and picture services. You can organize all you media within the Diskstation and access it with your browser, the network, FTP, WEBdav and much more. You can even stream your media via the Internet.
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Top
Pro
Easy-to-use interface
Every Synology Diskstation is shipped with the DSM, the Linux based interface. You can access it via your browser and configure and administer the Diskstation. There are a lot of different features for a lot of problems who want to be solved.
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Top
Pro
Enterprise features like LDAP and Active Directory support
There are a lot of features that helps you to implement the Diskstation into your IT infrastructure. The Diskstations support LDAP and Active Directory to connect to existing servers or host a new one.
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Top
Pro
Access your data everywhere
It doesn't matter where you are: you can access ll your data via the internet using the Synology Cloud Services. Another feature is the Dropbox-like client-based sync between your Diskstation and various devices like your Mac, Windows PC or even your smartphone.
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7
0
Android TV
All
6
Experiences
Pros
4
Cons
1
Specs
Top
Con
Your privacy is for sale with this solution
A lot of data is collected about what you are watching - depending on your TV - your voice is recorded (if it has a microphone) or you are observed watching TV (if it has a camera). That data is sent to the manufacturer, Google and 3rd party companies that you never even heard of. This is all done by presenting you a wall of lawyer-gibberish that no one reads and everyone just agrees to because all they wanna do is watch TV.
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Top
Pro
Easy to use
It is bare and easy to use.
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Top
Pro
Sideloading of apps
You can sideload apps.
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Top
Pro
Can run Android apps
It can run all Android apps, however, you might need a mouse.
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Top
Pro
Built-in Chromecast
Android TV has Chromecast built-in.
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Specs
License:
Apache 2.0, GPL 2.0(Linux Kernel)
Based On:
Android Open Source Project (AOSP)
Default Desktop Environment:
Leanback Launcher
Init-System:
Android init
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51
2
JustStream
All
8
Experiences
Pros
8
Top
Pro
Mirror MacBook on Apple TV
Many people prefer to use Apple hardware with the company’s own software. This is also the case when they mirror MacBook on Apple TV.
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Top
Pro
Supports Screen mirroring Mac to Sony TV
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Top
Pro
Chromecast Mac Streaming and Mirroring
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Top
Pro
Supports Mirror Mac to Roku Smart TV
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Top
Pro
Supports Mirror for Samsung TV
Cables are a thing of the past. Thanks to JustStream, you can mirror Mac to Samsung Smart TV wirelessly and easily.
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Top
Pro
Additional External Audio
If a video file has its audio stored in a separate file, don’t fret. JustStream can open them both, and you can even adjust the audio delay.
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Top
Pro
Complete Subtitle Support
You can expect JustStream to run any common subtitle file. Better yet, you can add external subtitles to your videos and stream like that.
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Top
Pro
Create Streaming Playlists
Collect multiple files into a playlist and keep them running back-to-back without having to switch them manually. Forego all interruptions!
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Experiences
12.99$
4
0
Raspberry Pi
All
3
Experiences
Pros
2
Cons
1
Top
Pro
Not just a Media Center
You can use it for surfing the web, play retro games, and host your own.
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Top
Con
Lack of 4K support
The max video output is 1080p. Edit: Raspberry Pi 4 now supports dual 4K displays. More at : https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/
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Top
Pro
Customizable
A lot of Media Center OS to choose.
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15
1
Roku
All
3
Experiences
Cons
3
Top
Con
Easy to accidentally change channel
It's very easy to accidentally sit on the remote, and stop your video, or exit the channel. Apple Remote does not have this problem.
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Top
Con
Frustrating & complex remote design
For some apps like YouTube, left and right switches videos. While left and right on Netflix will fastforward/rewind. Apple Remote is a better & simpler design, a direction pad & select button is all you need.
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Top
Con
Not a hobbyist platform
It's next to impossible to alter the core of the Roku, like create custom notifications. While new channels can be made, existing ones can't be modified.
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13
1
Nvidia Shield TV PRO
All
5
Experiences
Pros
5
Top
Pro
Option to play a "silent" sound
It has a setting to keep emitting a "silence" sound, just to keep the soundbar (or audio system) awake.
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Top
Pro
Powerful hardware
Better hardware than most other products running Android TV.
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Top
Pro
Mount network storage
It can access remote storage (e.g. from NAS) using either SMB or NFS protocols.
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Top
Pro
Optional Android app for a virtual remote control
There is an Android app that works as a remote control. In fact, the app can simulate either directional keys, or a virtual mouse using an on-screen touchpad.
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Top
Pro
Remote can light itself up when picked up
You can configure the brightness of the backlight of the buttons of the remote. And such backlight will automatically turn on when it detects movement, and turn off seconds later.
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$199
3
0
Google TV
All
4
Experiences
Pros
3
Specs
Top
Pro
Flexible Media Storage
You media can be stored on a variety of devices. The Google TV supports DLNA which allows for streaming from mobile devices, network attached storage (NAS), PCs, and more. Google TV can also access media from a simple USB storage device as well.
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Top
Pro
Cross Platform Mobile App
The Google TV remote app is available on for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy to control your TV with whatever phone, or tablet you have.
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Top
Pro
Extensible With Apps
Being build on the android operating system, the Google TV also has access to the Google Play app store eco system, meaning that any android app can be easily adapted for the Google TV, including direct apps from media providers and games.
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Specs
License:
Proprietary on top of Android TV
Based On:
Android Open Source Project (AOSP)
Default Desktop Environment:
GoogleTV Launcher
Init-System:
Android init
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12
2
Kodi
All
12
Experiences
Pros
6
Cons
5
Specs
Top
Pro
Can install on several devices
Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Xbox, Apple TV (jailbroken), and more.
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Top
Con
You may have to jailbreak some devices
This is only for things like a Fire stick, but Android TV boxes etc. should be fine.
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Top
Pro
Lots of plugins available
Like PlutoTV, Curiosity Stream, and YouTube. 3rd party repositories, such as the SlyGuy Repository, contain more plugins like Disney+, Paramount+, Hulu, and Netflix.
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Top
Con
Terrible navigation
Menus over menus with dozens of submenus.
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Top
Pro
Free
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Top
Con
Not Client/Server Capable
While most solutions provide a client/server setup the KODI developers REFUSE to adopt this approach forcing individual setups for every device.
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Top
Pro
Open source
Completely FOSS, licensed under GPL 2.0
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Top
Con
Poorly optimized
Often not a fluid experience on low-end devices.
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Top
Pro
Great customization/multiple skins
You can change navigation flow and other aspects of Kodi with the plethora of customization options and skins.
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Top
Con
No official AAA addons for streaming services
It does not have any official AAA addons and fully relies on the community which result in often broken packages/addons.
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Top
Pro
Can play many different file formats
It supports Blu-ray Discs, CDs, DVDs, USB Flash Drives, local Hard Disk Drives, AirPlay, network file shares, basically every video, audio, and image format available, subtitle files, and even retro game console ROMs.
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Specs
Platforms:
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, AndroidTV, iOS, tvOS
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Experiences
Free
76
14
Nexus Player
All
4
Experiences
Pros
2
Cons
2
Top
Pro
Straightforward UI
The UI is similar to the of XBox and Fire TV. The homescreen consists of four rows - things you've watched, apps you've installed, games you've installed and settings.
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Top
Con
No ethernet port
The Nexus player is WiFi only, making for an odd choice for a streaming box as much content could use the extra bandwidth an Ethernet port would offer in order to buffer faster when playing videos..
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Top
Pro
Built-in voice search
You can use the remote to search for movies based on a range of criteria such as release date, actors, genre, etc.
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Top
Con
Voice search looks only through google's services
Voice search won't look through, for example, Hulu or Netflix.
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1
0
Built By the Slant team
Find the best product instantly.
4.7 star rating
Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
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