While the setup process for all three dongles is very easy, the Chromecast's is almost foolproof.

The Roku lets you enter your username and password through a smartphone or computer the Fire TV stick doesn't, which is a feather in the former's cap.

The Roku Stick and Fire TV Stick both have more-traditional setup processes, which require you to sign in, at which point the devices will sync your existing accounts. (You do need to download the Google Home app on Android or iOS, or a similar extension on Chrome, but you don't need to use the app for anything except modifying settings.) There's nothing to 'set up,' really, aside from getting the Chromecast connected to your network. Since it doesn't have a navigable OS of its own, the device is dependent on your smartphone or computer, and all the menus you're already familiar with. There's no denying, though, that the Chromecast has the easiest setup of the three. (If more than 10 minutes goes by between you removing the streaming player from the box and watching your first show, something has gone grievously wrong.) All you need is a Roku, Google or Amazon account and a Wi-Fi network.

The Chromecast is not only the most attractive of the three devices, but it's also suitable to the widest variety of HDMI ports.Įach of the three devices is easy to set up. That you can either let it dangle or clasp the wire magnetically to the device's body means it's suitable for a wide variety of setups. The device's circular shape is attractive, even though you probably won't see it much, as it stays hidden behind your TV.

The Chromecast, on the other hand, not only comes in a couple of different colors, but also attaches via a flexible HDMI wire by default.

Chromecast to firestick