How To Create An Account On Amazon Fire Stick

Amazon Fire Stick vs. Roku Stick vs. Chromecast: Face-Off!

It's just about time to stop saying, "set top box." The devices never did fit on top of a flatscreen TV, and now the hottest devices aren't even boxes, but HDMI sticks that plug in the back of the TV (or receiver). Amazon joined the game today (Oct. 27) with its Fire TV Stick, a $39 alternative to its $99 Fire TV box. As with other sticks, the new Fire TV gives up some features to squeeze into a smaller size and price, namely processing power and the Fire TV's signature remote with voice search capability. (It includes a basic remote instead, the Voice Search-enabled remote is a $30 add-on.)

The Fire TV Stick faces some competition against the $35 Google Chromecast (a new, slightly updated version is expected soon) and the $50 Roku Streaming Stick. Depending on the features you want, any one of these could be a good deal. The Roku Stick is the most expensive, but it includes the company's intuitive remote control and offers the most channels — nearly 2,000 (though most are rather niche). Chromecast is the best deal (albeit by a mere $4) if you are happy to use your smartphone, tablet or computer at the remote.

MORE: Best Streaming Players: Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV & More

If you want to play games in addition to video and music, the Fire TV Stick is your best bet, as it supports about 200 titles, controlled either by a remote or the optional $40 game controller.

If you're in the market for one of these devices, check the comparison below to help with your choice.

Expand your viewing with the best Fire Stick VPN

	Amazon Fire TV Stick	Google Chromecast	Roku Streaming Stick
Price	$39	$35	$50
Size	3.3 x 1.0 x 0.5 inches	2.8 x 1.4 x 0.5 inches	3.1 x 1.1 x 0.5 inches
Remote control	Included	None	Included
Voice control	Yes, with $30 Voice Remote	None	None
Syncs media streams from mobiles/ computers	Netflix and YouTube only	Yes	Netflix and YouTube only
Screen mirroring	Miracast and Wi-Di: Newer Android and Windows Phone devices; Windows 8.1 PCs	Newer Android devices, PCs via tabcasting only	Miracast and Wi-Di: Newer Android and Windows Phone devices; Windows 8.1 PCs
Number of channels/apps	600+	600+	2000+
Games	200+	Very limited	80+
Headline apps (sampling)	Amazon Instant Video Crackle Hulu Plus Netflix Pandora PBS Kids Twitch WatchESPN YouTube	Crackle Google Play TV, Movies, & Music HBO GO Hulu Plus MLB.TV Netflix Pandora PlayOn Rdio VUDU YouTube WatchESPN Watch ABC Twitch Watch Disney PBS Kids Vevo	Amazon Instant Video Disney Disney Junior HBO GO Hulu Plus MLB.TV Netflix Pandora PBS Plex rdio Showtime Slacker Spotify Vudu Yahoo Screen YouTube Crackle M-Go WatchESPN Vevo
Video output	720p and 1080p up to 60fps	720p and 1080p up to 60fps	720p and 1080p up to 60fps

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Senior editor Sean has run out of HDMI ports on his TV. Follow him @seancaptain. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.

Sean Captain is a freelance technology and science writer, editor and photographer. At Tom's Guide, he has reviewed cameras, including most of Sony's Alpha A6000-series mirrorless cameras, as well as other photography-related content. He has also written for Fast Company, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.