The best Amazon Fire TV sticks plug into your TV’s HDMI port, turning it into a streaming media player, putting countless shows and movies at your fingertips. They all come with a convenient Alexa-compatible remote to navigate the intuitive interface and connect to the internet via Wi-Fi to stream from Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and other services.
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We typically test the best TVs and speakers, and use streaming players like the Fire TV Stick to access content with great picture and sound quality. There are four models in the range, and we’ve rated them based on their features and price, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Best Overall Fire TV Stick
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Best for most people
$30 50 U.S. dollars Save $20
Fire TV Stick 4K offers high-resolution streaming and fast Wi-Fi speeds for a great viewing experience on most platforms.
- 4K resolution
- Alexa compatible remote
- Subscribe to MGM+ for free for six months
- No Wi-Fi 6E
- Not as fast as the 4K Max model
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K offers excellent value for money and is the best option for most buyers as they get 4K resolution and Wi-Fi 6 without the huge cost factor. Powered by the 1.7GHz MediaTek MT8696D with 2GB RAM and 8GB storage, it’s 30% faster than its predecessor and capable of delivering stunning HDR10+ 4K content on compatible TVs.
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Get easy access to content from HBO Max, Netflix and other streaming services, and you can get a free 6-month subscription to MGM+ when you buy the Fire TV Stick 4K. Included is an Alexa-compatible voice remote that makes it easy to find content or control your smart home devices.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is available in most areas, and only the most demanding users will hit the 8GB storage limit or complain about the lack of Wi-Fi 6E speeds. Everyone else will enjoy the smooth interface and crisp 4K resolution on their shows.
Best Premium Fire TV Stick
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers the fastest Wi-Fi 6E speeds to enjoy high-resolution content and includes 16GB of storage for apps and games.
- Supports the fastest Wi-Fi 6E speed
- 16GB memory
- Includes environmental experience features
- expensive
- Wi-Fi 6E is not yet widely adopted
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) is the best luxury option you’re willing to pay for the fastest speeds. The main difference between it and the regular Fire TV Stick 4K is Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, which can deliver blazing fast speeds if you have a compatible router supporting it. Another key differentiator is the 16GB of storage, which provides double the storage space for apps and games, making it a must-have model for enthusiasts.
Fireproof/lint-free
Sometimes it’s the extras that make a product stand out, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max features Live View picture-in-picture functionality so you can view security cameras while watching your favorite shows and movies. When you’re not watching anything, you can turn your TV into a giant digital photo frame, showcasing stunning abstract art, nature photography, and other relaxing images and videos with the Ambient Experience feature.
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This Amazon Fire TV Stick is only worth buying if you use all its features and have a router fast enough to support Wi-Fi 6E speeds. If you’re willing to pay the price, it offers excellent image and sound quality and a smooth user experience.
Best Value Fire TV Stick
Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation
One stick fits all TVs
$25 $40 Save $15
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is compatible with most TVs and offers full HD streaming from most platforms along with a six-month MGM+ subscription for an unbeatable value.
- Works with most TVs
- Affordable
- Decent storage space
- Wi-Fi 5 speeds only
- Lacks some features of more expensive models
Anyone who doesn’t need 4K can check out the third-generation Amazon Fire TV stick, since it’s affordable and brings Full HD streaming with Dolby Atmos audio and HDR10+ to most TVs. This Fire Stick is perfect for TVs in waiting rooms and other places where a wide range of content to entertain viewers is paramount. Although it is expensive, it is not inferior in terms of performance, and the MediaTek MT8695D processor and 1GB RAM provide a good user experience and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity.
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There’s plenty of room for apps on the 8GB of RAM, and voice access to Hulu, Disney+ and most streaming services is easy. You also get a six-month subscription to MGM+ with the Fire TV Stick, which matches the pricier models in the range to underline its impressive value.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick offers full HD streaming at a great price and includes a six-month MGM+ subscription, making it an unbeatable value. Its slower Wi-Fi 5 speeds aren’t a big deal as it’s good enough to support 1080p resolution, but the lack of Fire TV ambient experience and comfort features like real-time viewing of picture-in-picture may turn off some buyers.
Best Budget Fire TV Stick
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
Low cost compatibility
20 dollars $30 Save $10
The Amazon Fire Stick Lite is an affordable option that offers Full HD streaming for buyers who want a simple, user-friendly device to play content on most TVs.
- low cost
- 8GB internal storage
- Compatible with most TVs
- no extra features
- Wi-Fi 5 is slow
The entry-level Amazon Fire Stick Lite is perfect for users who want a simple, uncluttered way to enjoy Full HD content. It may be a descendant of the Fire Stick series, but despite using Dolby-encoded audio rather than Atmos sound, it still delivers excellent Full HD streaming on most platforms. The 8GB internal storage matches its older sibling and offers enough space to install apps and games.
Amazon/Pocket-lint
Another difference between the Fire Stick Lite and more expensive models in the range is the Alexa Voice Remote Lite, which removes TV controls but retains voice assistant compatibility for searching and managing content. Like all other Fire TV sticks, it has access to Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming services, and includes a free 6-month MGM+ subscription.
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No need to spend money on features you don’t need, the Fire Stick Lite is an affordable option that delivers HD streaming at a low cost. It doesn’t have the fastest internet speeds or extra features like Fire TV Ambient Experience, but it makes up for it by running on most TVs and having a user-friendly interface.
Bottom line: Which is the best Amazon Fire Stick?
Fire TV Stick 4K is the best choice for most buyers as it offers 4K resolution and fast internet speeds at an affordable price. Buyers willing to pay more for the fastest speeds and expanded storage can try the premium Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Amazon’s Fire TV stick offers the best value as it supports FHD resolution and comes with a six-month MGM+ subscription at a low price.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Editor’s Choice
How do we choose the best Amazon Fire TV stick?
Choosing the best Amazon Fire TV stick is easier than any other product since there are only four models. However, we’ve ranked them based on their specs, features, and pricing to determine which one is best for every user and budget.
FAQ
Q: How many apps are there for the Fire TV Stick?
Fire TV has more than 23,000 apps, including streaming services, games and other software.
Q: Can you watch regular TV on Fire TV Stick?
You can watch live TV through supported apps, although some may require a monthly subscription.
Q: Is the Fire TV Stick better than a smart TV?
Fire TV Sticks generally have a smoother interface, faster speeds, and a wider selection of apps than many TVs, but this depends on the brand and model.