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Add to SafariWhen comparing Roku Streaming Stick vs Wintel CX-W8, the Slant community recommends Roku Streaming Stick for most people. In the question“What are the best HTPCs under $100?” Roku Streaming Stick is ranked 3rd while Wintel CX-W8 is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Roku Streaming Stick is:
This device has the best search engine amongst its competitors. It shows you the largest number of apps and displays what content is available on those apps, how much your desired content costs, or if it’s free of charge.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Great search engine
This device has the best search engine amongst its competitors. It shows you the largest number of apps and displays what content is available on those apps, how much your desired content costs, or if it’s free of charge.
Pro Has a convenient companion app
You can install the Roku app on your smartphone for easy access to convenient features. For example, you can turn your smartphone into a remote control for the Roku Stick.
Pro Seamless performance
The Roku Streaming Stick needs only 27 seconds to boot up. There are no glitches or slowdowns while navigating through the user interface and using apps.
Pro You can search for content using voice commands
With the Roku app, you can search for content using only voice commands.
Pro Can be remotely controlled
There’s no need for a mouse or keyboard to manage this device as it includes a remote control.
Pro Compact design
The Roku Streaming stick is just 3.3 inches long and plugs directly into the HDMI port at the back of your TV.
Pro The pre-installed Roku OS offers a variety of media streaming features
The Roku Streaming Stick is pre-installed with Roku OS, which is a Linux based OS. The Roku OS is built for media streaming and offers a high variety of apps and streaming channels that are updated every week.
Pro Pre-installed with two operating systems
Wintel W8 gives you the ability to have Android and Windows operating systems at the same time. You can play games on the Windows OS or switch to the Android to run Android apps.
Pro Storage can be expanded
This unit comes with a 32 GB internal storage which can be extended using a microSD card.
Pro You can play games on it
While you won’t be able to run newer, more demanding games, this machine is powerful enough to run less resource-challenging games like Team Fortress 2, Minecraft, League of Legends, etc.
Pro Good performance
This unit has no problems with playing HD videos, whether it’s on YouTube, Netflix, VLC, or Windows Media Player.
Cons
Con There's no web browsing
There's no web browser on the Roku OS.
Con You can't play games on it
There are no games on the Roku OS.
Con Lacks an Ethernet port
The only way to connect this device to the internet is through WiFi.
Con Doesn't include an HDMI extension cable
While the device is only 5.5" in size, it still might be too big for some TVs. You may need an HDMI extension cable to be able to use this device.
Con Poor Wi-Fi connectivity
You may lose the Wi-Fi connection if the box is about 30 feet away from your router.
Con Windows OS isn’t activated
You must purchase a license in order to activate the Windows OS. It costs $119.99 at the Windows store.
