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As streaming services continue to grow in popularity, many people are turning to devices like Roku and Firestick to access their favorite shows and movies. But what happens if you have both devices and want to use them on the same TV? Can Roku and Firestick be used on the same TV?
With at least two HDMI ports, your TV can utilize both Roku and Firestick. You’ll connect the devices to two HDMI ports and browse between them with your TV remote.
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How To Use Roku and Firestick on the Same TV
Rokus and Firesticks are both high-quality streaming devices that have existed for a long time. And while some might argue that one is better than the other, they both work equally well.
However, they offer different features, which might tilt a specific user’s favor based on their preferences.
One of the greatest ways to use both streaming services’ capabilities is to connect them to the same TV.
Fortunately, this is a really straightforward procedure. In the next section, let’s look at how to utilize Roku and Firestick together.
1. Ensure You Have Two Free and Functional HDMI Ports
The primary thing you’ll want to ensure is that you have two open and working HDMI ports. You won’t be able to install Roku and Firestick using the same HDMI port.
You can choose to install either the Roku or Firestick first. The order of installation is inconsequential.
However, installing both devices and getting them to work perfectly may take some time. You may encounter issues that you have to troubleshoot and fix. Don’t expect the process to be purely plug-and-play.
2. Install Both Devices
The next step is to install the devices in your preferred order. You’ll need to install both, so I’ve provided instructions below on how to set up each.
How To Install and Set Up Your Roku
- Purchase an HDMI cord. Roku boxes need a separate HDMI wire than Firesticks, which connect straight to the TV. I recommend a high-speed HDMI cable to ensure your Roku always runs as efficiently as possible. If you have a Roku streaming stick, you’ll be able to plug this directly into the port without a cord.
- Decide which HDMI port to use. You’ll need to set up your Roku in an area where it’ll be easy to control using the remote. Some televisions have HDMI ports on the side and back of the TV, giving you more flexibility. Wherever you install it, stick with one HDMI port and ensure you place the Roku box where you can easily control it with your remote.
- Hook up your Roku. Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your television and to the correct slot on the Roku box. If you’re using a streaming stick, plug it directly into the TV.
- Turn on your TV and set it to the correct HDMI input. You can select the correct input using your TV remote. Push the “input” button and cycle through until you get to the input that your Roku device is connected to.
- Choose a language for your Roku. The first screen will ask basic questions, such as what language you want your Roku interface to be in.
- Set up your connection. Roku devices only operate with internet access. You can connect your Roku device via a wireless or ethernet cable. If connecting to WiFi, follow the on-screen instructions to set up a network connection. If you’re using a cable, plug in one end to the back of the Roku box and the other to the internet modem.
- Allow the Roku to update. When setting up your Roku, you must install a few updates to ensure it operates correctly.
- Create your Roku account. Once you’ve set up the device, create your account. From here, you can use your Roku for streaming.
How To Install and Set Up Your Firestick
- Decide which HDMI port to use. As with your Roku, you’ll first need to decide what HDMI port to use. While you can use any port that isn’t occupied, sometimes one port may be more convenient than others because it allows you to place the Firestick in a better position.
- Plug in your Firestick. All firesticks plugin directly to the TV.
- Connect the power adapter. Firesticks typically require you to connect a power adapter via USB to the TV to activate it.
- Pair the remote. The Firestick remote should pair automatically, but if it doesn’t, you can hold down the home button until the play/pause button appears on the screen. This is an indication that the remote has been paired.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Like your Roku, the Firestick will need to perform updates before it’s ready to operate.
- Set up your Firestick via your Amazon account. You’ll be asked to sign into your Amazon account. Once you sign in, your Firestick is ready to use.
3. Alternate Between Your Devices
Once you’ve installed both your Roku and Firestick on your TV, using them is a breeze! You won’t be able to use Roku and Firestick simultaneously, but you can alternate between the two without any issues.
You’ll want to change the HDMI source on your television to switch between the two. For example, if the Roku device is connected to HDMI port number one, you must be on that input to use the Roku. The same goes for the Firestick.
Remember that you’ll still need separate remotes to use these two on the same TV. While utilizing a Roku and a Firestick on the same TV is feasible and rather simple, moving between remotes may be inconvenient. Unfortunately, there’s no universal remote that powers both.
You’ll also want to keep your TV remote handy to easily switch between HDMI inputs.
You’ll need to keep track of three remotes to utilize Roku and Firestick on the same television. If you’re the person who misplaces remotes, you’re bound to be frustrated sometimes. But it’s a small inconvenience compared to the value you get from both streaming services.
Will Using Roku and Firestick on the Same TV Affect the Picture Quality?
As long as your TV can handle the resolution output of both devices, using Roku and Firestick on the same TV should not affect the picture quality. Both devices output at 1080p or 4K resolution.
However, it’s important to remember that using both devices simultaneously may cause performance issues, particularly if you have an older TV model.
What Is the Difference Between the Amazon Firestick and Roku Streaming Stick?
The Amazon Fire Stick and Roku Streaming Stick are popular streaming devices that allow you to stream content from various online sources on your TV. However, there are some key differences between the two:
1. Content Selection
Both devices offer a lot of channels, and some channels overlap, but the Amazon Fire Stick is more heavily focused on Amazon’s own content, such as Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music. You can check out available channels for the Firestick here.
The Roku Streaming Stick has more diverse channels, including popular streaming services like Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. You can view all of Roku’s channels here.
2. Voice Control
Both devices offer voice control through their respective voice assistants, Alexa on the Fire Stick and Roku Voice on the Roku Streaming Stick.
However, Alexa is generally considered more advanced and responsive than Roku Voice since it’s part of Amazon’s ecosystem and has your preferences in mind.
3. User Interface
The user interface of the Amazon Fire Stick is heavily influenced by Amazon’s Prime Video service, focusing on personalized recommendations and Amazon content.
The Roku Streaming Stick has a more straightforward, customizable interface allowing you to arrange and access your channels easily.
4. Price
The price of the two devices is relatively similar. Depending on the model, either Amazon Fire Stick or the Roku Streaming Stick can cost slightly more than the other.
Ultimately, the choice between the two devices comes down to personal preference and which features are most important to you.
If you’re an Amazon Prime member and heavily invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, the Fire Stick may be a better choice.
The Roku Streaming Stick may be a better fit if you want a more diverse selection of channels and a more customizable interface.
Final Thoughts
You can use a Roku and a Firestick on a TV without issue if you set them up on different HDMI ports. The only inconvenience is that you’ll need to use three remotes.