As the days pass, the competition for which is the best streaming devices become bigger and bigger. Like smartphones, there are so many other streaming devices. Amazon Firestick, Roku, Apple TV are some of the popular streaming devices in the market. After some time, Android TV Box came into play. Android TV Boxes are devices that use the common Android platform to create their own streaming devices. Nvidia Shield TV is one example of an Android TV Box. In this article, we analyzed all the pros and cons of Nvidia Shield TV vs Firestick.
What is Nvidia Shield TV?
Nvidia Shield TV is one of the 37 Android streaming devices available in the world. There are two streaming devices launched by Nvidia. Nvidia Shield TV and Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Nvidia Shield’s streaming devices are considered as one of the best streaming devices in the Android TV Boxes.
Tip-off !!
Streaming without a VPN exposes your IP address, making you vulnerable to privacy breaches and hacker attacks. Without encryption, your online activities are more susceptible to monitoring by ISPs, snoopers, and the government. Lastly, accessing geo-restricted content may be impossible without a VPN, limiting your entertainment options. Hence, it is recommended to use a VPN.
Of all the available VPNs, I recommend NordVPN if you ever want to watch the desired movies, TV shows, or sports events on your Firestick without risking your privacy. NordVPN is the fastest and best VPN service provider with global coverage. You can now avail yourself of the New Year's deal of 67% off + 3 Months Extra of NordVPN to stay anonymous.
With NordVPN on Firestick, your internet traffic gets encrypted, so your IP and identity stay anonymous. You can stream the desired content while staying away from the government and other online intruders.
What is Firestick?
Firestick is a streaming product owned by Amazon. It is a small device that can capable of turning your normal TV into a smart TV. With Firestick, you can install apps, play games, stream videos, listen to songs, and many more. Amazon Firestick is considered one of the best streaming devices in the streaming industry.
Nvidia Shield TV vs Amazon Firestick: Setup
In Nvidia Shield TV, the external wire connection is no that much tough. It is an Android-powered device and so the setup procedures are also very simple. You just need to follow simple on-screen instructions to activate the device. You need to choose the language, you can also use Android smartphone mail ID if you want. If you choose to use your Android smartphone mail ID, the setup process won’t have a few extra steps. You need to choose the Home Wi-Fi network, and within two or three steps, the setup will be finished.
The setup procedure of Firestick is almost similar to Nvidia Shield TV. After the external wire connections are done, you can dive into the setup process. In the setup, you need to choose the language, Home WiFi network, and account. If you brought the device from the Amazon e-commerce store, the Amazon e-commerce account will be signed in on the device. If you want, you can give your own account.
In the setup process, both devices require the same information. By considering the setup, it is a tie between these two devices.
Nvidia Shield TV vs Firestick/Fire TV: Design
NVIDIA Shield has two products in its TV Box, NVIDIA Shield TV and NVIDIA Shield Pro. Shield TV is a circular device whereas Shield Pro is a rectangular device. The circular device looks more classy than the rectangular one. It is the only circular streaming device that is available now. Like the shape difference, both the devices have contrasting specs. The circular device weighs 137 grams and the rectangular device weighs 250 grams.
Amazon Firestick is a pen drive sized device that can easily fit into your TV. It won’t occupy any space at all. However, Firestick is a bit thicker device, it may block the other HDMI port if two HDMI ports are placed close to each other. To sort out this issue, Firestick has its own HDMI extender. The total weight of the device is 32 grams which is a lighter device when compared to Nvidia Shield.
In the design aspect, Firestick is the clear winner.
Amazon Firestick Nvidia Shield TV: Control
NVIDIA Remote is a 15.5 cm device that can be used to control the device. The remote has a total of 16 buttons which includes the NETFLIX preset button. Other than the remote control, you can control the device through a smartphone app called NVIDIA SHIELD TV.
Firestick also has its own remote which is a rectangular device. In the remote, there is no preset button available. It can also be controlled by the Amazon Fire TV smartphone app. Other than this, Firestick can be controlled by the Echo devices which is not possible in the other streaming devices.
Learn how to pair Firestick remote?
In the control options, Firestick can be controlled in three ways, Nvidia Shield TV can be controlled in two ways. So, Firestick is the best streaming device in the control department.
Nvidia Shield TV vs Firestick: UI
Since the Nvidia Shield TV runs on Android TV OS, the user interface is similar to your Andriod smartphone. All the Google apps are preinstalled on your device. Being an Android device, you can change the UI if you want. There are a lot of launchers available on the Play Store itself.
In the cast of Firestick, it runs on Fire OS which is specially designed for Amazon streaming devices. The UI will look new to most of the users. Unlike Nvidia Shield TV, you can’t change the UI of your device. It may not respond correctly.
Having the privileges over changing the UI, Nvidia Shield TV is the best streaming device in the UI category.
Related Comparison: Apple TV vs Firestick
Nvidia Shield TV vs Firestick: App Ecosystem
As we said earlier, Nvidia Shield TV is an Andriod TV. So most of the Android apps can be installed on the devices. You can install almost all the Android smartphone apps on your Shield TV. You can also install third-party apps with ease.
For Firestick, Amazon has its own app directory called Amazon App Store. Fire OS is very similar to Android OS, so you can install apps that are available for Android devices. Like Nvidia Shield TV, you can also install third-party apps.
In the apps ecosystem, both devices are having compatibility with most of the apps. Like the setup category, it is a tie in the App Ecosystem too.
Nvidia Shield TV vs Firestick: Gaming
NVIDIA deserved a name for its graphics processing units (GPU) for gaming purposes. The trademark is still visible on the NVIDIA Shield Box. With the 8GB storage, the device is perfect for gaming. Though you need to have Shield Controller to play high-end games. NVIDIA Shield Controller is one of the best game controllers.
In Firestick you can play games but the only medium-ranged games. High-end games like PUBG, Fortnite may not respond quickly. Even though the Firestick has its own game controller, playing games on Firestick is not the wise choice.
In the gaming category, Nvidia Shield TV is the winner.
Nvidia Shield TV vs Firestick: Pricing
NVIDIA Shield TV costs $149.99 and Shield TV Pro costs $199.99. The price is much higher for a streaming device. If you want to play games, the Shield Controller costs $59.99. Just for the streaming and gaming, it not wise to spend that much money.
The price of Amazon Firestick starts from $45 to $119. It is clear that the costliest Firestick is cheaper than the cheapest Nvidia Shield TV. In the price section too, Firestick is the best streaming device.
Related Comparison: Roku vs Firestick
Final Verdict
By analyzing all the aspects, it is evident that the Amazon Firestick is the best device. Nvidia Shield TV may be the best device for gaming and streaming purposes. In the streaming device category, Firestick is the best choice.