Roku 3 and Apple TV are two of the most popular streaming video devices. Giving these devices to friendly and family members as Christmas gifts will definitely not a bad idea. Let's have a look at both of these devices to make a selection easier.

The latest version of Roku, the Roku 3, is available for $100. It works all major video services with the exception of Apple's iTunes.

The Roku 3 allows players to play a number of popular games, including "Angry Birds," supports music services like Pandora and Spotify, and offers language lessons. In addition, it allows its users to browse photos on various services such as Flickr.

There are more than one thousand apps available in Roku's store, and several of these apps are absolutely free. It comes accompanied by a remote control that has an avant-garde headphone jack. You can plug a pair in and enjoy a movie or a game without disturbing other who might be reading a book or enjoying a sleep, as sound on the television gets automatically turned off once a headphone jack is plugged in.

In comparison, Apple TV is available for $99, but it has fewer apps. Apart from Apple's own services, it offers only 27 apps. However, the Cupertino, California.-based tech giant is constantly adding new apps to the device.

Apple TV offers a number of trendy services, including Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, PBS, HBO and ESPN. Amazon's service is unfortunately missing. This device excels in consistency. The keyboard remains unchanged whether you are on Netflix, HBO Go, or Hulu Plus.