Quick guide: Chromecast vs. Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Xbox 360 vs. PS3

3. Roku 3

AP Photo/ Roku/ File
A Roku streaming device with remote control. Roku first supported Netflix viewing on the TV five years ago, and has since added scores of other streaming options.

Roku runs in much the same way as Apple TV. The device plugs into a power source and a TV. It pulls in streaming video through a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. While Roku does not stream YouTube, it is compatible with a variety of operating systems unlike Apple TV. And, as an added bonus, you can listen to your video through a headphone jack in the remote, if so desired.

How it works: Roku streams videos over the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Supported: Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Vudu, HBO Go ... there are more than 750 total.

Mirroring: Yes, via the free Roku app for iOS and Android.

Price: $99, plus the cost of an HDMI cable

Where can you buy one: Roku.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, WalMart, Target, and many other retailers.

Compatibility: iOS, Mac OSX, Android, and Windows

Remote: Yes; the remote also has a headphone jack, and can function as a gaming device.

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