Roku is also great, just like Fire TV. Both devices can do a lot, but you might want both. Can that even happen? Can Roku and Firestick both be used on the same TV?
Yes, you can use both Roku and Firestick on the same TV. You just need two open HDMI slots or a TV with either Roku or Fire TV already installed in one HDMI slot. Most people only need one streaming device, but if you have both, you can use more apps and connect them to your smart home in more ways.
Let’s look at all the reasons why you might want both Roku and Firestick, which devices you should pair together, and how to set up both streaming devices.
What Is The Difference Between Amazon Firestick And Roku Streaming Stick?
Fire TV and Roku both let you get to your favorite streaming services. They have apps for Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV Plus, YouTube, and a lot of other services. Both also make it easy to control your TV with your voice.
There aren’t as many big differences between the two platforms. Both apps have all of the major streaming services, but some lesser-known apps may only be on one app and not the other. Fire TV uses the Android TV operating system, so in theory you could install any Android app on your Firestick as long as you know how to sideload apps using the developer tools.
The menu systems and remote controls are also different. Most important for smart home geeks, though, is that Roku and Fire TV have very different smart hub integrations.
Which Is Better: Roku Or Fire TV Stick?
Roku is the better choice if all you want is a simple streaming device. Its menus are easier to use, and its search is better than Fire TV’s. Roku also treats all of your streaming apps the same, while Firestick gives Amazon Prime Video a clear advantage.
For anyone in the Amazon Alexa smart home ecosystem, Firestick is a huge plus. Alexa’s voice commands for Fire TV can be used to control your Firestick through an Echo speaker. You can also watch your Blink cameras on Firestick and talk to your other smart home devices using the Firestick remote or the microphone built into the Fire TV Cube.
Roku and Fire TV both have a number of devices you can use. For Roku, I’d recommend the Roku Ultra for power users and the Roku Stick 4K for most people. The Fire TV Stick 4K is a good all-around choice, and the Fire TV Cube has the most features and ways to control your smart home.
Can You Have A Roku Stick And A Firestick On The Same TV?
Both the Roku Stick and the Firestick can be used on the same TV, as long as there are two open HDMI slots. Since these two devices don’t talk to each other, they won’t even know that the other one is there. When you want to switch between the two streaming sticks, you’ll just need to switch the inputs.
Most people would probably be better off with only one streaming device. Having both doesn’t give you much more use, but there are always exceptions. I’d compare this to the world of video games, where most people choose either Playstation or Xbox, but some people want to play all the games that are only available on one platform or the other.
Here are some reasons why you might want both:
- You don’t want to lose access to your favorite apps like Roku users did in 2021 when YouTube’s Roku app was temporarily shut down.
- You want both Firestick’s smart home features and Roku’s better user interface.
- You want to be able to use apps that are only available on one platform.
- You want to be able to install Fire TV apps from outside the Fire TV app store without putting your other apps at risk.
Or, let’s be honest, you might just want to be a nerd and play around with two platforms. I can see where you’re coming from. I mean, have you looked at the site you’re on?
Can You Use A Firestick On A Roku TV?
Roku comes in more than just a streaming stick. You can buy TVs that already have Roku set up. Brands like Hisense, TCL, and Insignia all make Roku TVs. It’s also available on TVs from brands like Walmart’s Onn TVs that aren’t as well-known.
These Roku TVs work just like regular smart TVs, so it’s easy to put a Firestick on them. In this case, the Firestick only needs a single HDMI port, and you’ll be able to use both the Firestick and Roku operating systems.
Can You Use A Roku Stick On A Fire TV?
You can buy TVs with Fire TV’s operating system, FireOS, already on them, just like you can with Roku TVs. Toshiba, LG, and Insignia all make these kinds of TVs.
Even if you already have a Fire TV, you can still use one of your TV’s HDMI ports to connect a Roku Streaming Stick. After that, you can switch between the main TV input and HDMI to use both Fire TV and Roku on your TV.
Conclusion
If it isn’t clear by now, Roku Streaming Sticks and Fire TV Sticks can be used with any TV. You could even put Firestick on an old TV that isn’t even a smart TV. These sticks are also portable, so you can take your Firestick or Roku Streaming Stick with you wherever you go to use your smart TV apps.
Your new streaming devices can do a lot more than they used to. Smart TVs don’t all come with Bluetooth, but Roku and Fire TV do. Whether you choose one device or both, you can connect your favorite headphones to them and listen to music after your partner goes to bed. You could also improve your speaker system by adding a few cheap Amazon Echo dots or an Alexa-enabled Sonos One speaker.