Intro- Amazon Fire TV Buyer's Guide
Amazon’s streaming players, especially the Fire TV Stick, are some of the most popular streaming devices available. But with multiple devices in their lineup, which one should you choose? Our Amazon Fire TV Buyer’s Guide is here to help.
Contents
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What to Know Before You Buy a Fire TV or Streaming Device
Amazon Fire TV allows you to access all your favorite shows, movies, and apps in one place. Whether it’s Prime Video, Freevee, or other streaming services like Hulu, HBO Max, or Paramount+, you can watch it all with Fire TV.
If you use Alexa, Fire TV is easily compatible. For example, just say “Alexa, play Judy Justice” and Judge Judy appears, gavel in hand.
You can also integrate Fire TV together with Alexa-compatible devices to create a smart home system. Use your Fire TV device to view a camera feed from your Ring doorbell, adjust the lighting from your Philips Hue lights, or tell your Roomba to boot up without leaving the couch!
Deal alert!
Amazon offers discounts ons their devices throughout the year. Check the retailer links below for the most up-to-date pricing info- especially around the holidays or Prime Day!
Amazon Fire TV Smart TVs vs Streaming Devices
There are two ways to access Fire TV– either with a streaming player like the Fire TV Stick or with a smart TV that has Fire TV built-in.
Either option will give you the same software interface and apps.
A Fire TV streaming player is a great way to upgrade a TV you already own. A smart TV that has Fire TV built-in is a good option if you’re shopping for a new TV.
Fire TV Sticks
Amazon Fire TV Sticks (often called Fire Sticks for short) are an affordable way to get a wide range of streaming options on your TV.
At the time of publication there are four different models. Two provide streaming in 4K and two provide streaming in HD.
4K Fire TV Sticks
Both of the 4K Fire TV Sticks are great for cinematic image and sound quality as you stream movies and shows.
If you plan to use your Fire TV Stick for things like gaming with Luna+ or want the ability to multi-task with Live View Picture-in-Picture, then the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is your best option.
The 4K Max also has the faster processor, strongest performance, and Wi-fi capabilities.
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Fire TV Stick 4K | |
|---|---|---|
| Image Quality | 4K UHD or 1080p HD | 4K UHD or 1080p HD |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory | 2 GB | 1.5 GB |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Processor | Quad-core CPU 1.8 GHz GPU 750 MHz | Quad-core CPU 1.7 GHz GPU 650 MHz |
| Special Features | Wi-fi 6 Support Live View Picture-in-Picture | |
| Remote | Alexa Voice Remote w/ TV Controls | Alexa Voice Remote w/ TV Controls |
| Price | $54.99 | $49.99 |
| Buy Now | Get on Amazon | Get on Amazon |
Latest Pricing from Amazon:
HD Fire TV Sticks
If you are looking for an even more affordable alternative to the 4K Fire TV Stick models, both of the HD options are good choices.
They provide solid performance for streaming movies and shows in HD. The biggest difference between the regular and the Lite model is the remote that comes with the Fire TV Stick Lite does not include TV controls.
This means that you won’t be able to turn the TV off and on or adjust the volume on your TV using the included Alexa Voice Remote Lite. You will need to use the remote that came with your TV for that instead.
| Fire TV Stick | Fire TV Stick Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Image Quality | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | No |
| Dolby Vision | No | No |
| Processor | Quad-core CPU 1.7 GHz GPU 650 MHz | Quad-core CPU 1.7 GHz GPU 650 MHz |
| Remote | Alexa Voice Remote w/ TV Controls | Alexa Voice Remote Lite (no TV Controls) |
| Price | $39.99 | $29.99 |
| Buy Now | Get on Amazon | Get on Amazon |
Latest Pricing from Amazon:
Fire TV Cube
The fastest and most powerful Fire TV streaming device is the Fire TV Cube. It’s the only Fire TV device that comes with a souped-up hexa-core processor.
Not only will you get the ultimate 4K cinematic experience, you’ll also be able to control your TV and other connected devices hands-free with Alexa- no remote needed!
| Image Quality | 4K UHD or 1080p HD |
| Storage | 16 GB |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Dolby Vision | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| Processor | Hexa-core CPU 2.2 GHz +1.9 GHz GPU 800 MHz |
| Special Features | Live View Picture-in-Picture Hands-free Alexa |
| Remote | Alexa Voice Remote w/ TV Controls |
| Pricing | $119.99 |
| Buy Now | Get on Amazon |
Latest Pricing from Amazon:
Amazon Fire TV Smart TVs
A smart TV with Fire TV built-in gives you all you need to stream movies and TV in one simple package.
You can also watch local channels by plugging an antenna into your TV with a coaxial cable. Once you do so, you can access the live local TV channels in the same menu as your streaming apps.
The two main factors to consider when buying a smart TV are the resolution and the screen size. Here are some of the options that Amazon offers.
4K TVs
Amazon Fire TV Omni Series
Screen sizes available: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch
Amazon Fire TV 4-Series
Screen sizes available: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch
Pioneer Smart Fire TV
Screen sizes available: 43-inch, 50-inch
Toshiba Smart 4K C350 Series Fire TV
Screen sizes available: 43-inch, 50-inch
Insignia Class F50 Series 4K QLED
Screen sizes available: 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch
Hisense U6 Series QLED 4K TV
Screen size available: 50-inch
Insignia F30 Series 4K Fire TV
Screen sizes available: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 58-inch, 65-inch, 70-inch, 75-inch
HD TVs
Insignia F20 Series HD Fire TV
Screen sizes available: 24-inch, 32-inch, 39-inch
Insignia F20 Series Full HD Fire TV
Screen sizes available: 24inch, 32-inch, 42-inch
Final Thoughts: Amazon Fire TV Buyer's Guide
Have you tried out any of these Fire TV devices? What do you think of our Amazon Fire TV Buyer’s Guide? Let us know in the comment section below!
