What is better roku streaming stick or chromecast?

Roku streaming Stick and google Chromecast are two very different streamers.

Roku is a fully functional media hub that can access streaming media services by itself with the included remote. It has its own on-screen menu and can stream channels on its own, placing direct user control at the forefront and leaving mobile device control as a supporting feature.

The Chromecast is more of a smartphone and tablet accessory, and requires one to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to work. It focuses on letting users send whatever they're watching on their mobile devices to the Chromecast without any direct control over the Chromecast itself. However, it's limited to only supported apps and services, and currently that means a very limited selection of content like Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, and HBO GO.

google has released the Chromecast SDK and opened it up to development, but currently Roku's ecosystem is much more powerful from a consumer standpoint, if less hackable. You can do more with less effort on the Roku than on the Chromecast, and that makes it well worth the extra $15 on the price tag.