Amazon Fire TV vs. Chromecast vs. Roku vs. Apple TV
Today Amazon launched theFire TV streaming media box.Its standout features include an extensive library of games, an optional game controller ($40), voice search via a mic on the remote, an "ASAP" function that's said to launch certain videos immediately, and a "Free Time" function that allows parents to limit their kids' media consumption, much like on Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets.It also offers a lot of content options.So without further ado, here's a comparison of the four major streaming devices as they stand today. Amazon Fire TVChromecastRokuApple TVPrice$99 $35 $49 - $99$93 Form factorBoxStickStick or boxBoxVideo appsNetflix, YouTube, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Crackle, Vimeo, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Crackle, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Vudu, Crackle, M-Go, Vimeo, PBS, PBS Kids, Disney Channel, Redbox Instant, Time Warner Cable, Slingplayer, moreNetflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vimeo, PBS, Disney Channel, more via AirPlayAudio appsPandora, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, morePandora, Rdio, Vevo, Songza, moreSpotify, Pandora, Rdio, Mog, Amazon CloudPlayer, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Slacker, moreVevo, Qello, "radio"Major proprietary appsNoneGoogle Play Movies & TV, Google Play MusicNoneiTunes Movies and TV shows, iTunes Music, iTunes RadioSports appsWatch ESPN, NBA League Pass, "many more"NoneWatch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, moreWatch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, moreGamesYes, playable via remote, tablet/phone, or optional controller ($40)Yes, playable via tablet/phoneYes, playable via remoteNoControlVoice search, physical remote, appApp only (no physical remote)Physical remote, appPhysical remote, appScreen mirroringvia Kindle Fire HDX onlyvia Chrome browserNovia AirPlayPhoto, video and music filesvia Plex, Amazon Cloudvia Plex, other appsvia Plex, other appsvia AirPlay, native Mac and iOS support, iCloudCross-platform searchNoNoYesNoParental ControlsFree Time (app- and time-based restrictions + walled garden)NoNoBasic per-app passcode restrictionsNote that the apps for Amazon's Fire TV come via theofficial product page, which says "many more" are coming. Major missing services at launch include HBO Go, Vudu, and most subscription music services like Spotify.Update April 03: Updated Chromecast section to include additional apps. Sarah Tew/CNET
