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Jalopybox

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Nov 13, 2012
699
5
What is the best, lowest cost solution for a device to access Netflix? Needs to be wifi capable and not flaky. Roku, Apple TV? Thanks.
 
Another vote for Apple TV, I love mine. Although I have a friend who swears the high-end Roku box is the best.
 
I have both, and if all he wants is Netflix, then the ATV is not worth the extra 50 bucks. The Roku works great for Netflix.

The ATV excels over the Roku in certain areas, Netflix is not one of them.


The cheap roku is said to be laggy
 
Another vote for Chromecast.

I have an ATV and and it's great as well, but if all he's looking for is the cheapest device for Netflix, it's hard to beat the Chromecast.
Plus we will see a flood of apps for the Chromecast by summer.
 
the remote app for apple tv is better
you need a CC just to activate the roku
most of the channels are crap and the ones that aren't are mostly on the apple tv as well
 
I have a Roku and it's slow and doesn't have the new Netflix interface. I don't have an AppleTV but I have used them. I would take an AppleTV over Roku. I use a PS3 as my main device though.
 
I am a big fan of my Roku 3, we use it exclusively for Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. Haven't noticed lag or issues.

The Chromecast is also supposed to be excellent.
 
I'd also love to see some type of remote App for iOS. When I'm casting Netflix from my phone, it's a PITA to open up the app, wait for it to load, and then pause the movie or show I'm watching.

On my S4 and N7(2013), a screenshot of the video I'm casting and a pause/play button appears on my lockscreen. Controls also show up on the pull down notification screen. I assume this is probably across any Android device.

Just tested my iPad 2 on iOS7, and nothing. I'm surprised at that.
 
Doesn't Chromecast require the use of your phone or tablet to act as the source material? It's not 100% standalone like Apple TV or Roku, no?
 
Doesn't Chromecast require the use of your phone or tablet to act as the source material? It's not 100% standalone like Apple TV or Roku, no?


Yep, need a phone, tablet or computer to cast. Still a great little product for 30 bucks. I also got 3 months of Netflix with mine. No brainer.
 
If all you want is Netflix, get Chromecast, if you just want the best selection of channels (flixster, vudu, crackle, and many more) go with roku.

Apple TV shouldn't even be a consideration unless you're just buying it due to the brand or want to stream iTunes.

More options and programming choices on roku
 
Doesn't Chromecast require the use of your phone or tablet to act as the source material? It's not 100% standalone like Apple TV or Roku, no?

You use any device for the user interface, but it's basically a standalone cause it's not streaming from your device.
 
Roku isnt half the price.

apple tv cost $125 with tax. roku 1 was $60 plus tax and they added an enviromental disposal fee, so was like $90. not quite half price. The interface is terrible and all the bonus channels are like spam channels no ones heard of.
 
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