For years, Roku has been the go-to streaming platform thanks to its simple interface, affordable hardware, and neutral approach to streaming. But with one of the country’s largest media companies preparing to take control of the platform, some users are starting to look elsewhere.
Earlier this week, Fox announced a $22 billion cash-and-stock acquisition of Roku, and that has many users concerned and looking for a backup plan. Whether you’re questioning how Fox’s acquisition could impact the Roku experience or you’re just ready to level up your setup, there are plenty of streaming devices that offer faster hardware, more storage, smarter features, and deeper smart home integration.
Here are the three best alternatives to Roku if you’re thinking about making the switch.
Google TV Streamer 4K: The Best All-Around Upgrade
If you’re looking for a device that feels like the natural next step after Roku, the Google TV Streamer 4K is hard to beat.
Watch our full Google TV Streamer 4K review HERE.
Now is a good time to make the switch as the Google TV Streamer 4K is currently 20% off. Unlike Roku, which focuses on keeping things simple, Google has turned its newest streaming player into an entertainment and smart home hub. It comes with a processor that’s 22% faster than Chromecast with Google TV, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Matter support, and Thread Border Router functionality.
Performance is immediately noticeable. Apps launch faster, multitasking feels smoother, and there’s enough storage that you won’t constantly worry about uninstalling apps to make room for new ones.
Google TV also does a better job of helping you discover content. Instead of bouncing between Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Peacock, and dozens of other apps, the interface pulls recommendations together in one place.
One of its biggest advantages is Gemini AI integration. The built-in assistant can answer questions, recommend movies based on what you’re in the mood for, summarize shows, and even control compatible smart home devices from your television.
If you’ve already invested in Android phones, Nest speakers, or Google Home devices, the Google TV Streamer 4K fits naturally into that ecosystem.
Amazon Fire TV: Built for Alexa Households
Amazon has steadily turned Fire TV into much more than a streaming stick.
Watch our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review HERE.
Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon has slashed 42% off the price of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for Prime Members. It features Wi-Fi 6E, faster processing, expanded storage, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Amazon’s AI-powered Alexa search that makes finding movies and shows much more conversational than traditional voice search.
Where Fire TV really separates itself from Roku is Alexa.
Instead of simply launching apps, you can ask Alexa to dim compatible lights, view Ring camera feeds, control smart home devices, check the weather, or manage routines without leaving the couch.
Amazon has also introduced Ambient Experience, allowing your TV to become a digital picture frame, calendar, weather display, or smart home dashboard when you’re not actively streaming.
If your home already revolves around Alexa, Echo speakers, or Ring cameras, Fire TV creates an experience Roku simply can’t match.
Plus, you can choose from a wide selection of Amazon Fire TV Sticks that are currently on sale:
And with an eligible trade-in, you can take an additional 20% off select devices.
Apple TV 4K: The Premium Experience
If price isn’t your biggest concern, you can get the Apple TV 4K for $129 at Walmart and lock in up to three months of Apple TV for free.
The Apple TV 4K remains one of the best streaming players you can buy. Powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, it delivers lightning-fast navigation, nearly instant app launches, and one of the smoothest interfaces available on any streaming platform. Current models include up to 128GB of storage, Gigabit Ethernet on higher-end models, Thread networking, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and long-term software support.
Apple’s biggest strength is how seamlessly everything works together.
If you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or HomePods, Apple TV becomes an extension of that ecosystem. AirPlay works effortlessly, FaceTime now comes to the living room, Apple Fitness+ feels right at home on the big screen, and HomeKit devices can all be managed from the television.
Perhaps the biggest difference from Roku is polish. The interface feels premium, animations are fluid, advertisements are minimal, and the hardware is powerful enough that it should remain fast for years.
Smart TVs And Other Streaming Devices
If none of the big three sound like the right fit, you still have plenty of other options.
One of the best budget alternatives is Walmart’s onn Google TV lineup. These budget-friendly streaming devices have earned a loyal following among cord cutters by offering many of the same Google TV features found on higher-end streamers at a much lower price. You’ll still get access to thousands of streaming apps, built-in Google Cast, Google Assistant voice controls, personalized recommendations, and support for popular formats like 4K HDR on select models.
Right now, Walmart is offering up to three months of Apple TV for free with the purchase of select onn streaming devices. The onn lineup includes:
For shoppers who simply want an affordable replacement for Roku, Walmart’s onn devices deliver excellent value without sacrificing the Google TV experience.
Save and Simplify With a Smart TV
Another option is to skip the streaming device altogether and buy a smart TV with your preferred platform built in.
Today’s televisions from brands like Sony, Hisense, TCL, Samsung, LG, and Amazon include smart TV operating systems that are significantly more capable than they were just a few years ago. Depending on the manufacturer, you can choose between Google TV, Fire TV, webOS, Tizen, or other platforms without needing an external streaming player connected to an HDMI port.
A smart TV also helps simplify your setup. You’ll have one less device to power, one less remote to keep track of, and fewer cables behind your entertainment center. Modern smart TVs also support features like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, gaming modes with HDMI 2.1, voice assistants, and smart home controls that weren’t common when many older Roku TVs first hit the market.
If your current television is already several years old, upgrading to a new smart TV may make more sense than replacing your Roku. Not only will you get a faster streaming experience, but you’ll also benefit from a brighter display, improved picture processing, newer HDR technologies, better sound support, and gaming features that can dramatically improve your overall entertainment experience.
With summer just days away, you can find massive savings on smart TVs, including:
Is It Time to Leave Roku?
For now, Roku continues to operate as it always has, and the FOX acquisition still has regulatory hurdles ahead before it’s finalized. That said, if you’ve already been thinking about upgrading your streaming device, this may be the perfect opportunity.
The Google TV Streamer 4K offers the best overall balance of performance, AI features, and smart home integration. Fire TV is the clear choice for Amazon households that rely on Alexa every day. And Apple TV 4K remains the premium option for anyone invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
No matter which brand you choose, you’ll have the option of faster hardware, more capable software, and features that are on par with or go well beyond what today’s Roku players offer.
