The Fire TV Stick is a streaming video player that allows you to install various streaming apps – such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video – naturally. You’ll also need to connect it to an available USB port or a power outlet to provide power. A USB cable and plug are included with every model.
As new platforms/services release, you may find them on the Fire Stick immediately, or it can take months. In the case of Peacock, it took 14 months.
The Fire TV Stick Lite: Best for Basic Streaming & Budget
The Fire TV Stick Lite is the cheapest model available at just $29.99, is the perfect entry-level streaming stick. It includes the Alexa Voice Remote Lite, which is the fancy way of saying you can’t control your TV volume or inputs with it. You can still press the microphone button to speak to Alexa to search, switch channels, or even interact with other Alexa-compatible devices.
There’s plenty of room to store apps/platforms with 8 GB of storage. The 1.7 GHz processor, 1 GB memory, and 650 MHz GPU gives you smooth performance for video.
Pros:
- Affordable at $29.99Easy to installAlexa on remoteFull 1080p HD video
Cons:
- No 4K supportNo Wi-Fi 6 supportOverly simple remote
The Fire TV Stick: Best for Most Streamers
The remote adds controls for TV/soundbar volume and TV power. You also get four shortcut buttons for Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+, which is nice if you have those services. Alexa voice control is also included.
You get the same amount of storage as the Lite with 8 GB. The 1.7 GHz processor, 1 GB memory, and 650 MHz GPU are also the same, ensuring a smoother streaming experience.
Affordable at just $39.99Full 1080p HD supportRemote includes TV controlsAlexa on remoteDolby Atmos audio
No 4K supportNo Wi-Fi 6 support
The Fire TV Stick 4K: Best for 4K Streamers
The remote includes Alexa voice control and TV power/volume controls. However, the shortcut buttons aren’t there for some odd reason.
The specs are similar to the previous models with 8 GB storage, 1.7 GHz CPU, and 650 MHz GPU. However, the memory is bumped up to 1.5 GB.
4K supportOften on sale for just $39.99 ($10 off)Alexa on remoteDolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
No shortcuts on remoteNo Wi-Fi 6 support
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Best for Most Powerful 4K Experience
The remote looks more like the standard Fire TV Stick with four presets for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. There are also TV controls and Alexa voice control. One added benefit is live picture-in-picture, so you can ask Alexa to check security cameras or your Ring doorbell and see the video without leaving your favorite TV show or movie.
The specs are also noticeably better. While it’s still just 8 GB of storage, the memory increases to 2 GB. The CPU jumps to 1.8 GHz and the GPU to 750 MHz.
4K supportShortcuts on remoteAlexa on remoteLive picture-in-pictureWi-Fi 6 supportDolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
More expensive than other models at $54.99
Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Cube
The most noticeable difference is the Fire TV Cube is an actual cube that’ll sit near your TV. This means it’s not quite as out of the way as the Fire TV Stick. The other main difference is that you get hands-free Alexa voice control. With the Fire TV Stick models, you must press the Alexa button to talk to Alexa.
It’s also designed to give you more power overall. The hexacore 2.2 GHz + 1.9 GHz CPU and 800 MHz GPU surpass the Fire Stick models. You also get double the storage with 16 GB and 2 GB of memory. It’s essentially the 4K Max with more power and hands-free Alexa control.
But, there’s a catch. It’s much more expensive at $119.99. For perspective, you can buy an Echo Dot (basic model) for $39.99. If you buy at Fire TV Stick 4K, you’d pay $89.98 at most. Plus, the Echo Dot is often on sale for less.
Other Fire TV Options
If you opt for a TV, try these tips to get everything set up just the way you want it.
- TCL Alto 8+ Soundbar – $199.99Nebular Soundbar – $139.99
Fire TV Stick vs. Apple TV
Apple has two different devices: Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K. These are comparable to the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K. Overall, the devices share many similarities. Apple TV uses Siri, which is included on the remotes instead of Alexa.
Apple TV is also a small box versus a hideaway stick. One thing I personally don’t like is that you have to buy an HDMI cable separately, which is required for using it.
Apple does offer more storage for apps at 32 GB, and the 4K model is also available in a 64 GB version. Another benefit is that there’s a wired Ethernet option for a stronger connection while streaming.
The biggest difference is price. Apple TV HD is $149, while Apple TV 4K is $179 to $199.
Fire TV Stick vs. Roku
The more comparable battle is actually between Fire TV Stick and Roku. The pricing and features are incredibly similar.
Roku has several options to choose from, including:
- Roku Express – $29.99, includes basic remote and HD streamingRoku Premiere – $42, includes basic remote and 4K and HDR streamingRoku Express 4K – $39.99, includes basic remote and 4K/HDR streamingRoku Express 4K+ – $38.98, includes voice remote with TV controls and 4K/HDR streamingRoku Streaming Stick+ – $49.99, includes voice remote with TV controls and 4K/HDR streamingRoku Ultra – $99, includes TV controls and headphone jack on remote for private/quiet listening along with 4K/HDR streaming
There are some additional models, including a soundbar, but these are the most popular options. As you can tell, they’re similar to the various Fire Stick models.
Fire TV Stick vs. Chromecast
The final battle comes down to Fire TV Stick and Chromecast. First, it’s important to point out that the basic Chromecast is just for casting other devices to your TV, so is mostly likely not what you are looking for. Instead, a better comparison can be made with the Chromecast with Google TV.
The Chromecast with Google TV comes in three colors: snow, sunrise, and sky. It’s a dongle that connects to your HDMI port and needs a USB port for power. The included remote works with Google Assistant.
There’s only one model available, and it’s just $49.99 and supports 4K/HDR streaming. Bundles with HBO Max or Netflix are available to give you an initial discount on either service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a 4K TV to use the 4K models?
Yes. Your TV has to support 4K; otherwise, you’re limited to your TV’s capabilities.
2. Is all content in 4K?
No. Only content that’s created for 4K will be shown at that quality. Otherwise, your device streams the TV show/movie at the highest quality it’s available in.
3. Do I need other Alexa devices to use the voice control?
No. In fact, you don’t even have to use the Alexa voice control on the remote if you don’t want to.
4. Can I get any discounts?
Wrapping Up
Once have your Fire TV Stick installed, check out some of the best apps to add. You can even add a web browser.
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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