Getting rid of cable TV has become simpler than ever before, and Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks offer an ideal solution, enabling you to enjoy countless hours of your preferred streaming services. Although many modern televisions are equipped with smart technology, they may not update their apps as frequently as standalone streaming devices. At present, Roku has some of our preferred offerings on the market, but faces strong competition from Amazon, Google, and Apple.
Amazon has made a noteworthy effort to expand its presence in the streaming market through the production of various streaming devices under the Fire TV brand. We have carefully examined all these devices and concluded that Roku’s products have better usability due to their unbiased approach to different services. Roku’s menus do not prioritize any particular service, unlike Prime Video that is favored by Amazon. Nevertheless, Amazon’s Fire TV devices are also superbly functional, particularly if voice-activated Alexa integration is a priority.
Amazon offers a wide variety of options for streaming devices, ranging from the basic Fire TV Stick Lite to the higher-end Fire TV Cube, with a selection of models in between, such as the midrange Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It may seem overwhelming, but our guide to the best Fire TV streaming device will assist you in selecting the perfect model for your needs.
Check out the top 4K TVs for 2023 by clicking here: Best 4K TV.
If you want the top-performing Fire Stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is your best bet. It is fast, with apps loading almost instantly, and navigating the system is easy and seamless. What’s more, the Max has Wi-Fi 6 support and can accommodate almost all the latest playback standards such as Dolby Vision. However, the Fire TV platform of the Max is accompanied by ads that are prominently featured throughout. We do not appreciate the TV turning into a massive rotating billboard for content or ads when in screensaver mode. Nevertheless, for those who want the quickest and most advanced Amazon Fire TV stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a solid option.
Check out our review of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Buy for $35 on AmazonBuy for $35 on Best BuyBuy for $36 on B&H Photo-Video
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which was introduced in 2018, is still available today. While we typically suggest upgrading to the Max, the original Fire TV Stick 4K is a good option for those who want 4K streaming without paying for the newest features such as Wi-Fi 6 and rapid speed. The voice capabilities are remarkable, and those who own Echo and Dot devices can operate it with Alexa. Its app and game choices are excellent and it responds quickly, albeit not as swiftly as the Max. The remote can control the volume and power on both TVs and soundbars. In conclusion, if the price of the Fire TV Stick 4K is similar to that of the Max, we recommend skipping it and going for the newer and speedier Max.
Please check out our review of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
The Fire TV Stick 4K is currently available for $32 at Best Buy and $50 at B&H Photo-Video. You will receive price alerts for this product.
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Fire TV Stick Lite
Top affordable streaming option
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is our preferred budget streaming device, outperforming the Roku Express in terms of value. The Lite offers superior features for its price, with its standout feature being a remote control that has Alexa-powered voice search and control. Despite its low price point, the Fire TV Stick Lite’s remote does not require line of sight to function, unlike the Roku Express. On the other hand, the cheapest Roku model that has a voice remote is the Express Plus 4K, which uses a less advanced voice system compared to Alexa. For individuals looking to save the most money on a streaming player, the Fire TV Stick Lite is undoubtedly the best option available.
Check out our review of the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite.
You can currently purchase it for $20 on Amazon.
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Fire TV Cube
Best for hands-free Alexa use and smart home control
Price: $120 on Amazon
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Although we have not yet reviewed the latest 2022 version of the Fire TV Cube, it boasts several new features such as 4K upscaling and a faster processor, solidifying its position as a valuable addition to any Alexa-centered household’s living room. The Cube combines the Fire TV Stick and an Alexa speaker, enabling you to search for shows, adjust TV volume and inputs, control lighting, make audio-only Zoom calls (unless you add a webcam), stream music, and check the weather – all without having to use a remote. Additionally, it offers an octa-core processor, 2GB of memory for quick 4K streaming, and audio support for Dolby Atmos.
Check out our review of the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
Currently priced at $120 on Amazon, you are receiving notifications for any changes in the price of Fire TV Cube.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is a great option for those still using regular HD TVs, although the Lite version is a better value. The main difference between the two versions is the remote control, with Fire Stick’s remote including buttons for volume, mute, and power, which the Lite lacks. Although slightly more expensive, the Fire TV Stick is a good choice for those with 1080p TVs who want a remote that can control their TV’s volume. It is available at Amazon for $25, Best Buy for $25, and B&H Photo-Video for $40.
Check out our review of the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Available for $25 on Amazon, $25 at Best Buy, and $40 at B&H Photo-Video.
Our Testing Process for Fire TV Devices
We put every Fire TV Stick through extensive hands-on testing for several hours. This involves setting up the device on various TVs, assessing the installation process, adding popular streaming services, and using the product as if it were our own. We assess all the major features available and compare them with other Fire TV models in the company’s range. To do this, we connect several Fire TV streaming devices to the same TV and switch back and forth to compare the experiences.
The factors considered to evaluate a device encompass the physical design, unique characteristics that distinguish various models, remote access and layout, overall user-friendliness, efficient design and layout, search functionality, privacy configuration, quantity and performance of applications, and the system’s overall speed and dependability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fire TV
How does a Fire TV device differ from a Fire TV television?
A Fire TV device, which can be found in the following list, is a compact, stick-shaped or square hardware that can be inserted into your TV’s HDMI port. This enables your TV to have Amazon Fire TV software and access to content, regardless of the brand of your TV.
Amazon also produces Fire TVs, which are TVs preloaded with Fire TV software. This way, your television has built-in access to the Fire TV interface and you don’t need an extra streaming device.
Which streaming applications are available on Fire TV?
Fire TV has an extensive selection of streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount Plus, Peacock TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, Showtime, Discovery Plus, among others. Spectrum cable users are not able to use the Spectrum app on Fire TV, however.
Is an Amazon Prime membership required for Fire TV usage?
No, you only need a free Amazon account to set up the device. Although not mandatory, having a Prime membership is beneficial and suggested. This subscription includes access to Prime Video content like popular shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Expanse and Wheel of Time. Such programs and other Amazon-branded productions are prominently promoted in the Fire TV system, and utilizing Prime membership provides an effortless way to explore Amazon’s offerings.
