So I'm thinking on getting my first stick for the house. What should I go for, amazon stick or google TV.
So main use will be watching shows amazon,netflix and Movistar+. Cast some youtbe videos mostly that. I have also a vpn subscription, two of the users are not into technology so if any of these is easier I would like to know.
Thank you in advance.
I just switched from Fire Sticks to Chromecasts with Google TV. Here's been my experience. Google TV interface is soooooo much cleaner. Simple. Integrates other apps into it really well. The device itself is much more snappy than the Fire Sticks. Doesn't get bogged down and occasionally run slow like my 4k Firesticks did. Plus, you've got a built in Chromecast. Which for people who stream sports like I do, is amazing.
Now my biggest gripe with Google TV may seem very small but it's so stupid and easy for them to fix that it really pisses me off. When you search for a movie, it doesn't give an option to watch a trailer. It shows you the movie, gives you all the info, but somehow doesn't offer an option to open a trailer. Instead I have to go open YouTube, and search for it myself.
Problems with Amazon FireTV Sticks:
1)) Cluttered User Interface with unwanted advertising
Not quite as powerful and a little bit slower vs the CCGTV dongle
Chromecasting not as good vs Android TV devices. YouTube casting DOES work.
Problems with CCGTV dongle:
1)) Too expensive when bought outside of USA
https://support.google.com/chromecast/thread/82463526?hl=en
Really stupidly placed volume control buttons on the remote.
Apps availability, not as good vs FireTV OS, eg Apple TV App
No auto Frame Rate Matching at all, so expect problems with 25/50fps video content playback especially for those that live in UK, Europe and Australasia.
So pick your device carefully.
I'm using chrome cast w goog tv. Downloaded VLC and using it to watch anime and shows off my PC over SMB. Works like a charm. Play store access is a game changer.
If you don't need 4k the cheap Fire Stick seems fine. If money is an issue.
I used to use the Fire TV Stick 4K but replaced it with a Chromecast with Google TV as soon as it became available.
With the Chromecast you get the Play Store, meaning a much better app selection, the Google Assistant and fewer ads and a less intrusive user interface. With the Fire TV, you’ll mainly find Prime Video recommendations with Netflix ones right at the bottom, making them utterly useless since opening the Netflix app is quicker than scrolling down and looking for the Netflix suggestion row. The Fire TV, like almost all Amazon devices is, well, a bit too Amazon-centric in my opinion. Too many ads and useless recommendations and ads urging you to subscribe to new services. Users have even spotted car ads in the past!
While the Google TV also has ads they’re not as annoying and have a stronger focus on what you’ve already subscribed to. Recommendations on stuff you can actually watch are placed front and center compared to the Fire TV.
The Chromecast also has a UI which is much cleaner overall, is faster and has a better remote.
If I were you I’d get the Chromecast.
I just got the dynalink from Walmart. $29 and it's 4k. Has true android tv with play store support and chromecast built in. Display looks just like my shield. I am impressed for the price point.
If you pay for Netflix anyway, the Netflix / Chromecast with Google TV bundle is a no brainier.