New Amazon Firestick vs new Google Chromecast; which is the best? This is the question.
On a serious note though, we see a lot of confusion out in the tech streets when it comes to deciding on which option to choose. This is because Amazon decided to introduce the Fire TV Stick 3rd generation device right after Google TVs Chromecast streamer.
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To solve this quandary, we decided to do some research and testing to bring you a comprehensive review of both devices so you can make an informed decision based on a fair comparison.
Next in our new Amazon Firestick vs new Google Chromecast comparison, we look at features. Thanks to having Alexa Voice Remote, the Fire TV Stick is easy to navigate. You can fast forward, rewind, and search for shows using voice commands.
And you don’t have to know the name of the program either, you can just mention the director or actor’s name to get to the movie. The Firestick is also easy to use and you can easily figure it out. The included app can be synchronized with your TV. But you can watch shows on a computer or a laptop too if you like.
The Chromecast is also easy to set up using your phone or tablet since it doesn’t come with a remote controller. The great thing about this device is that you can also control it through voice commands.
Although simpler and more versatile, the Chromecast lacks some of the features that come with the Firestick such as Advanced Streaming and Prediction (ASAP) from Amazon, which studies your preferences in order to prepare your Prime Video experience accordingly. The Amazon Fire TV Stick comes highly recommended for Alexa fans.
Both streamers offer a fair amount of content in a wide variety of options. Regardless of which device you choose, you’ll have access to all the big streaming services including YouTube,Netflix, Apple TV, and of course, Prime Video. The only downside with Chromecast is that you can only use a computer or laptop to watch content from Apple TV+ and not your smartphone.
Both Chromecast and Firestick come optimized for gaming, notably the Firestick with its flexible remote which can be turned into a game controller. But, obviously, the best place to play your games is through a PS4 or an Xbox and nothing can replace them.
Because it comes with Google TV, the Chromecast remote control can be utilized to control the device’s new TV service.
There’s one screen available for you to use when looking for new content and everything is in one place. The great thing about this is that you can view up to three different types of content at once and on the same screen seamlessly. No need to switch between screens.
When it comes to the Fire TV Stick, they basically put the Prime service in your face first and shows from other streaming services are placed in the background.
It’s also important in our comparison between the new Amazon Firestick vs new Google Chromecast to see how these devices stack up in terms of performance. You’ll be glad to know that both devices stream content in 1080p HD resolution quality.
When it comes to the Firestick, this translates to a crisp and clean picture quality where bright colors really pop while adding depth to dark scenes. The Chromecast performs similarly with detailed imagery and sharp contrasts between bright colors.
It gives the feeling of being right there on the scene with the rest of the characters. But the device’s detailing of dark colors is just not as thorough and we’ve noticed a fair amount of judder and blur here and there.
The Fire TV Stick uses Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 for sound and the Chromecast is powered by the Dolby Digital Plus 5.1. This translates to clear speech on both devices. However, the Chromecast exhibits a lip-sync effect on the average blockbuster soundtrack.
Otherwise, both devices offer great value for money and decent performance. If you want to get the most out of the content that you watch on streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, then it’s worth investing in either of these devices.
It’s also worth noting that both devices have upgraded versions, including the Fire TV Stick 4K which retails for $42.99 and the Chromecast Ultra which retails for $69.
Attention: Read before you continue
Governments and ISPs across the world monitor their users online activities. If found streaming or browsing content on your Fire TV Stick, mobile or PC, you could get into serious trouble.
Currently, the following information is visible:
- Your IP:
- Your Country:
- Your City:
- Your ISP:
If this is your real information, you need to use a VPN to protect your identity.
We strongly recommend you to get a good VPN and hide your identity so that your online experience doesn’t take a bad turn.
We use IPVanish which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like their service, you can always ask for a refund. IPVanish also runs a limited time offer where you can save 74% on your VPN and they allow you to use one account on unlimited devices.
This is a flash sale that can expire at any time!
Next in our comparison of the new Amazon Firestick vs new Google Chromecast is price. Retailing for $39.99, this device comes with 2nd generation Alexa Voice Remote and a basic remote that complements its basic design as well.
On the other hand, we have the Google Chromecast device which retails for $35.00 and operates on a plug and play model with a flexible HDMI cable. This means there’s no remote for you to control it from afar. But it’s cheaper than the Fire TV Stick in some regions and it sports a stylish design.
So, what’s the verdict in the comparison of the new Amazon Firestick vs new Google Chromecast? Honestly, both devices deserve five stars.
Both have incredible features that are worth mentioning. For instance, the Alexa device sports a responsive and easy to use interface that makes it easy to navigate the different features that are included.
It’s even better if you’re an existing Amazon Prime subscriber. But, we recommend opting for the Fire TV Stick 4K if you really want to get the most out of this particular device in terms of both performance and value.
However, if you’re working within a confined budget, then you should definitely look into the Chromecast. It’s easy to use and comes with a lot of great features. Plus, if you have a Google smart speaker or an Android device then you can get even more out of this device.
Between the new Amazon Firestick vs new Google Chromecast, which option offers the best value for money in your opinion? Sound off on the comments below. We love hearing from you!
Using a VPN is the easiest and most effective way of spoofing your location on an Amazon Fire TV Stick (aka Firestick, but this also includes all Fire TV devices).
For more information on using a VPN on the Firestick, please see Best VPN for Fire Stick.
How to change DNS on Fire TV Stick
It might be possible, however, to evade geographic restrictions on content, or even avoid throttling by your ISP, by changing the DNS settings of your Fire Stick.
Note you do not need to do this if using a VPN, as DNS requests are sent through the VPN tunnel to be handled by your VPN provider.
- Go to Settings -> My Fire TV -> About -> Network and make a note of all the settings there (taking a photo with your phone is an easy way to do this).
- Go to Settings -> Network and select your Wi-Fi network. Click the remote's menu button (☰) to forget this network.
- Click on the connection again and enter your network password (SSID). Instead of clicking Connect, click Advanced.
- Enter the 'IP address'...
- ... and 'Gateway' values you noted in step 1.
- For Subnet Mask there can be a few options: enter 24 if the Subnet Mask value you noted in Step 1 was 255.255.255.0, or 32 if the 'Subnet Mask' value was 255.255.255.255. For any other Subnet Mask values, use this tool to calculate the number. The value listed after Mask Bits is the one you are looking for.
- Enter the primary (DNS 1) and secondary (DNS 2) DNS settings.
How to verify the DNS changes is working
Once you have changed your DNS settings, you might want to check that the change is working. To do this, download the Firefox for Fire TV browser and visit ipleak.net. You should see your new DNS server settings under 'DNS Address detection'.
But what DNS setting should I enter?
If you use a commercial smart DNS service, it will tell you what DNS settings to use. If you want to use a public DNS service, then see A Complete Guide to Changing your DNS Settings for a discussion on your options.
If you want to use Kodi on your Firestick, check out our how to set up Kodi on Firestick guide to get up and running.
Use a SmartDNS on your Firestick to unblock content
As previously mentioned, a VPN is the best way to alter your DNS settings because a VPN automatically redirects your DNS requests so that they are handled by a VPN server in your preferred location. This provides you with high levels of privacy.
Being able to change your DNS settings on a Firestick without needing to connect to a VPN can be extremely useful, and some VPN providers understand this.
Using Smart DNS allows you to alter the location of your Firestick device, without needing to install a VPN onto it, which inevitably uses up space and internal memory. It also allows you to do location spoofing without needing to install a VPN onto your router, or by sharing your internet connection from the firestick to a VPN-enabled device.
That is why ExpressVPN has opted to include a smart DNS service called MediaStreamer for free with every subscription. MediaStreamer is available via the member's area of its website; where it provides you with the DNS address you need to enter the menu on your Firestick (using the instructions above).
For the price of a subscription with ExpressVPN, you get full use of a VPN on up to 5 devices and access to its MediaStreamer. This allows you to get complete privacy online and the ability to unblock international services like Netflix (it unblocks 24 international Netflix catalogs in total) in addition to a Smart DNS service.
Google Firestick App
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