But sometimes the built-in operating system of these TVs isn’t perfect, and running too many apps on it might slow it down. At the very least, it’s a money-saving measure, and you’re not willing to pay for the next hardware upgrade. This is where buying a streaming stick becomes a little more cost-effective, so you don’t need to write off your Smart TV as obsolete, even if the built-in software seems too slow.
Amazon and Roku have some really good options, and if you’re a Prime Day shopper, you can often find great deals on Amazon Fire Sticks that do a good job of staying under $50, which is the equivalent of a night out at a restaurant. Unfortunately, streaming sticks, while often much cheaper, come with a few caveats and aren’t always the ideal replacement for your TV’s built-in software. Additionally, some streaming devices are ranked lower than others based on their specifications, accessory support, and general app compatibility.
Streaming sticks have little storage and RAM
In comparison, you could look at high-end models, and you’d only get double the RAM and storage, which isn’t surprising. But these sticks do what they’re designed to do: streaming, so all you need is working software that can handle app downloads and support 1080p and 4K resolutions. So don’t expect this to be comparable to larger streaming devices, like dedicated boxes or your TV’s software. Unless they are high-end, these sticks will perform much more slowly.
Streaming sticks are highly dependent on your Wi-Fi
So your entire experience depends on your connection, but only for Wi-Fi. The streaming sticks don’t have an Ethernet port, so you can’t connect them if your router’s location provides a spotty, inconsistent connection. There are some local options you can use to stream your saved media (depending on the stick, whether it supports Plex or Kodi), and you can configure certain devices to mirror your phone’s screen – just be aware of the limitations and reduced functionality when doing so.
Streaming sticks have limited accessories
Notably, a nice feature of Amazon and Roku Sticks is that both companies offer an app that turns your phone into a controller, if necessary. Depending on the streaming stick you buy, the company usually includes the accessories needed to get it working. For example, Amazon includes an optional HDMI extension cable, power adapter, and USB cable to make your purchased Fire TV Stick work with your TV. Roku, depending on the model, can receive one for free if you fill out the online form.
Streaming keys have imposed restrictions on the ecosystem
Roku and Google Chromecast don’t face the same restrictions because they’re both based on Android. This mainly comes down to enabling developer options to get it working so you can install APKs. Remember that the streaming stick runs proprietary software, similar to a Smart TV, so you can’t make major changes like rearrange the home screen or change the operating system – you’re essentially stuck with the supplied UI – unless you try to jailbreak it to add a custom launcher. The problem is that some updates can break the launcher and cause crashes.
