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Amazon Fire Stick vs. NOW TV vs. Roku: Best Budget Streamer

Compare Amazon Fire Stick, NOW TV & Roku for budget streaming. Best features, prices & content to pick the right device for you.

By Top Providers Published

With so many streaming devices available, choosing the right one on a budget can be tricky. Three popular options—Amazon Fire Stick, NOW TV (Sky Stream), and Roku—offer affordable ways to transform your TV into a smart streaming hub. But which one is the best for you?

In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the features, performance, content availability, pricing, and pros & cons of each device to help you decide which budget streamer is the right fit.

1. Overview of Each Streaming Device

Amazon Fire TV Stick (4K Max, Lite, or Basic)

  • Price: £30–£60 (depending on model)

  • Key Features:

    • Alexa voice remote

    • Supports 4K HDR (on higher models)

    • Deep integration with Amazon Prime Video

    • Thousands of apps (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc.)

    • Can sideload apps (unofficial APKs)

NOW TV (Sky Stream Puck)

  • Price: Free with NOW TV membership (or £14.99/month for Sky Glass)

  • Key Features:

    • Focused on Sky content (Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, etc.)

    • No long-term contract (monthly subscriptions)

    • 4K streaming available on some content

    • Simple, user-friendly interface

    • Limited third-party app support

Roku Streaming Stick (Express, Premiere, or Ultra)

  • Price: £30–£80 (depending on model)

  • Key Features:

    • Neutral platform (no favoritism toward any service)

    • Simple, easy-to-use interface

    • Supports 4K HDR (on higher models)

    • Private listening via headphone jack (on some models)

    • Large app selection (but no sideloading)

2. Performance & Speed Comparison

Feature Amazon Fire Stick NOW TV (Sky Stream) Roku
Processor Quad-core (faster in 4K Max) Decent but not flagship Reliable but basic
RAM 2GB (4K Max) 2GB 1GB–2GB
WiFi Support Dual-band (WiFi 6 on 4K Max) Dual-band Dual-band
Lag/Stuttering Minimal on 4K Max Occasional buffering Smooth on higher models
Boot Time Fast (~10 sec) Slightly slower (~15 sec) Fast (~10 sec)

Verdict:

  • Best for speed: Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max (WiFi 6, powerful processor)

  • Most consistent: Roku (no bloatware, smooth UI)

  • NOW TV is decent but not as fast as Fire Stick or Roku

3. Content & App Availability

Service Amazon Fire Stick NOW TV (Sky Stream) Roku
Netflix ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Disney+ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Amazon Prime ✅ (Best integration) ❌ No ✅ Yes
Apple TV+ ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes
Sky Sports/Cinema ❌ No (unless via NOW TV) ✅ (Main focus) ❌ No (unless via NOW TV app)
Sideloading Apps ✅ Yes (APKs) ❌ No ❌ No

Verdict:

  • Best for Amazon Prime users: Fire Stick (deep integration)

  • Best for Sky/Sports fans: NOW TV (exclusive Sky content)

  • Best for neutrality & wide app support: Roku

4. User Interface & Ease of Use

Amazon Fire Stick

  • Pros:

    • Alexa voice control is handy

    • Customizable home screen

    • Supports profiles for different users

  • Cons:

    • Heavy Amazon ads & recommendations

    • Can feel cluttered

NOW TV (Sky Stream)

  • Pros:

    • Simple, clean layout

    • Great for Sky content lovers

    • No long-term contracts

  • Cons:

    • Limited customization

    • Fewer third-party apps

Roku

  • Pros:

    • Extremely simple UI

    • No favoritism toward any streaming service

    • Easy to navigate

  • Cons:

    • Basic remote (no voice control on budget models)

    • Less customization

Verdict:

  • Simplest UI: Roku

  • Best for voice control: Fire Stick

  • Best for Sky users: NOW TV

5. Price & Value for Money

Device Starting Price Subscription Needed? Best For
Amazon Fire Stick £30 (Lite) – £60 (4K Max) No (but Prime Video is extra) Amazon Prime users, sideloaders
NOW TV (Sky Stream) Free with NOW TV sub (£9.99+/month) Yes (Sky content) Sky Sports/Cinema fans
Roku £30 (Express) – £80 (Ultra) No (but apps may require subs) Neutral users, simplicity

Verdict:

  • Cheapest upfront cost: Fire Stick Lite (£30)

  • Best for Sky content: NOW TV (but requires subscription)

  • Best long-term value: Roku (no forced ads for other services)

6. Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Amazon Fire Stick If You…

✅ Want Alexa voice control
✅ Use Amazon Prime Video a lot
✅ Like the option to sideload apps (unofficial APKs)
✅ Need WiFi 6 support (4K Max model)

Choose NOW TV (Sky Stream) If You…

✅ Are a Sky Sports or Sky Cinema subscriber
✅ Prefer a simple, content-first approach
✅ Don’t need many third-party apps

Choose Roku If You…

✅ Want a neutral, ad-free experience
✅ Prefer a simple, easy-to-use interface
✅ Don’t care about voice control (on budget models)

Final Verdict: Best Budget Streamer?

Category Winner
Best Performance Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max
Best for Sky Content NOW TV
Best UI & Neutrality Roku
Best Value for Money Roku Express / Fire Stick Lite

  • If you’re an Amazon Prime user → Fire Stick is best

  • If you love Sky Sports → NOW TV wins

  • If you want simplicity & wide app support → Roku is the top pick

Which One Will You Choose?

Each of these streaming devices has its strengths. Do you prefer Alexa, Sky, or a no-nonsense approach? Let us know in the comments! 🚀