Roku is the most popular brand of streaming media players, according to a study from the Tech Eco System Dashboard from Parks Associates. The study surveyed 8,000 US internet households and 43% of streaming media player (SMP) owners reported using Roku more than competitors, including Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Amazon came in a close second with 35% of SMP owners reporting they use a device such as a Fire TV stick or player most often to watch video content. The top four are rounded out by Apple TV and Google Chromecast, respectively.
“Historically, Amazon and Roku have dominated the streaming media player market, and our research shows their dominance continues,” said Sarah Lee, Research Analyst, Parks Associates. “Other competitors such as Apple and Google have held on to their respective shares but do not show much growth as of yet.”
Earlier this week, Roku announced in their Q2 earnings report that users stream over 329 million hours of video daily. America’s $1 TV streaming platform continues expanding its content offering with the recent acquisition to bring the beloved sitcom The Goldbergs to The Roku Channel.
Although Roku leads all SMPs, Smart TV still reigns supreme, according to the study. Of US households that were surveyed, 56% consider the smart TV as the primary device for consuming video. Comparably, only 34% consider an SMP as their primary viewing device, however, combined with smart TV they make up 90%.
“Today, smart TVs are much more affordable, as are streaming media players,” Lee said. “These devices offer consumers cost-effective solutions as well as an ecosystem-consistent experience.”
Nearly half, 46%, of households in the US have at least one streaming media player, however, 68% of households own a smart TV. Other devices, including gaming consoles and smart Blu-ray players, make up the remaining video-consuming devices for households with at least one internet-connected entertainment device.
Last month, we surveyed Cord Cutters readers about their preferred streaming devices HERE.