The best Amazon Fire TV streaming devices can help you get the most out of your TV by improving performance and unlocking a range of features, including voice control via Alexa. These devices boast advanced processors that can breathe life into an old TV, making them a great investment for those seeking a smarter TV. Better yet, they’ll give you access to streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Freevee.
And setting up Amazon’s streaming devices is easy, thanks to their straightforward design and simple user interface. Simply plug the Fire TV device into one of the TV’s HDMI ports and follow the on-screen instructions for quick connectivity.
Top Fire TV streamers from Amazon
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023)
Best features for a reasonable price
The new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the latest and greatest model of the 4K model. It provides a speedy processor and updated software to make streaming services smooth and flawless.
- 4K streaming
- Supports Wi-Fi 6
- Easy to install
- Doesn’t offer the most robust Alexa features
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the best Fire TV streamer for users who want Amazon streaming without having to buy a new TV. With 4K streaming, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, it streams movies and TV shows in high resolution and high dynamic range (HDR). Dolby Atmos support is also present for an immersive audio experience. Amazon stepped up its game with the 2nd gen model by making it compatible with Wi-fi 6, allowing for faster and more seamless streaming than its predecessor.
Like most Fire TV devices, the Fire TV Stick 4K provides a bundled voice remote to find, launch, or control content on TVs. More importantly, the remote provides options to control the power and volume of TVs, soundbars, or AV receivers. The Fire TV Stick 4K has a plethora of fantastic features and is a great, affordable option to upgrade a TV without having to purchase a new expensive television.
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Two-in-one
The Fire TV Cube is not your regular streamer. It does the double duty of a streaming device and a smart speaker. And it does both pretty well. Plus, it’s among the most powerful streamers on the market.
- 4K streaming
- Wi-Fi 6E compatible
- Doubles as a smart speaker
- Pricer than our other options
The Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) is an interesting option in Amazon’s Fire TV streamer lineup. Sure, it does everything the other Fire TV streamers do, but it can also work as a smart speaker. This is a great option for anyone planning on getting a Fire TV stick and an Echo smart speaker, as it provides the functionality of both. The Fire TV Cube is the most powerful media streamer in Amazon’s portfolio, making it fast and responsive. Sluggish interfaces and waiting for apps to load are not issues that users will have with the third-gen cube.
As it’s the third generation of the Cube, it’s a pretty refined and well-featured device as it comes with 4K streaming, all HDR formats, and Dolby Atmos. Amazon has also included an HDMI 2.1 input on the device, that can be used in lieu of ports on the TV. The Fire TV cube also offers connectivity with a cable box through the extra HDMI port and control of the box directly from within the Fire TV interface.
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen): Smart, speedy, and packed with ads
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In addition, thanks to a far-field microphone array in the Cube, the remote control microphone feature is still available, like with other Amazon streaming devices. Lastly, there is Wi-Fi 6E support for fast wireless connectivity and a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
Amazon streaming on a budget
The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is an incredibly affordable option on Amazon’s Fire TV line. It comes with the basic capabilities of most Fire TV devices, such as the voice control button, and streaming apps, but without the extra bells and whistles such as 4K streaming. This is a great option for anyone who wants the basic streaming at a reasonable price.
- Incredibly Affordable
- Runs the same software as more expensive Amazon streaming devices
- Simple interface
- Does not stream in 4K
- Simplified remote control
If 4K streaming is not a must, but affordability is, the Fire TV Stick Lite is a great option. It has all the essentials, including 1080p streaming and HDR10+. This device also comes with the Alexa Voice Remote Lite, and while the remote cannot control a TV’s power or volume, it can launch apps, find content, or fetch weather forecasts using the Alexa voice assistant.
While the Fire TV Stick Lite isn’t as fast as the Fire TV 4K or 4K Max in launching apps or navigating the interface, you get a decent overall experience. That said, there are occasional slow-downs while navigating the Fire OS interface, but this is expected from a device that costs as little as the Fire TV Stick Lite. Lastly, although there is no built-in Dolby Atmos support, the device can pass through Atmos and other Dolby audio data to a connected device. This device is a great budget option to enjoy the Amazon Fire TV experience without having to shell out the money for the extra high-tech bells and whistles.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen
Best of both worlds
It may not be the fastest or the cheapest media streamer in Amazon’s lineup but, it provides the affordability of the Fire TV Stick Lite with more robust features such as TV controls. It’s an excellent option for 1080p streaming.
- Affordable
- TV Controls built into remote
- Dolby Atmos Surround Sound
- No 4K streaming
The Amazon Fire TV Stick has similar features and pricing to the Fire TV Stick Lite but comes with upgraded features comparable to more expensive Amazon streaming devices. It’s a good choice for anyone looking for an affordable option while keeping the convenience of TV controls on the Alexa Voice Remote and the built-in support for Dolby Atmos.
The Fire TV Stick comes with the same voice remote as its more expensive cousins, allowing control of the power and volume of TVs, soundbars, or AV receivers. Like the Fire TV Stick Lite, it also supports full-HD streaming and HDR10+.
Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) review: You should probably buy a Chromecast
Amazon fixes the Fire Stick's performance issues, but the software is still not great
Another perk of the Fire TV Stick in place of the Lite version is that it can open applications more quickly, so the lag that may come with the Lite is not an issue with this model. The Amazon Fire TV Stick offers the best of both worlds: affordability with more robust features, making it a great option for anyone looking for an affordable Fire TV Stick without having to sacrifice the convenience of TV controls.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
A lot of features in a compact device
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a feature-rich device and one of the most robust in Amazon’s line of streaming products. It can stream in 4K and supports the faster Wi-Fi 6 networks. Plus, you can use it to enjoy Atmos surround sound on Netflix and other streaming services.
- 4K streaming
- TV controls and Alexa Voice control
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E
- Pricier than other options
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is Amazon’s latest and greatest streaming stick. It has everything you get on the Fire TV Stick 4K, such as 4K streaming, Dolby Vision support, and the Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls. Plus, the device packs a faster processor, more RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 support. So apps load quicker, the interface feels snappier, and has speedier connectivity if used with a router that supports Wi-Fi 6.
It’s also the only Fire TV streaming device, apart from Fire TV Cube, to support Dolby Atmos on Netflix titles. Another highlight of the device is live view picture-in-picture support that you can utilize to watch the live camera feeds without stopping your movie or TV show. Moreover, if you are an Amazon Luna subscriber, you will be happy to know the Fire TV Stick 4K Max supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which will automatically switch your TV to game mode whenever you play a game.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) review: Inexpensive and feature-packed
You don’t have to be an Amazon fan to love this streaming stick, but it helps
However, we noticed during testing that the Fire TV Stick 4K Max lacks Google Cast and AirPlay support. Also, the interface is a bit cluttered, so you may have to customize it to gain easy access to available features and functions. All in all, this is a great device that will elevate your streaming experience.
Amazon Fire TV 65-inch Omni QLED Series 4K UHD smart TV
All Amazon Fire Streaming features baked in
The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series is a great option for Amazon streaming straight through a smart TV. It comes with a Quantum Dot LED display and streams in 4K resolution for an immaculate viewing experience. The TV comes with a remote, but Alexa voice control as well, making it one of the best options for Amazon Fire TV streaming.
- QLED display
- 4K resolution
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- On the pricier side
The Amazon 65″ Class Omni QLED Fire TV is a great option for anyone who wants all the bells and whistles of a robust Fire streaming device without the additional hardware to a TV. The Quantum Dot LED display provides a great viewing experience in 4K. With four HDMI ports, other streaming devices or consoles can be connected to this Fire TV, so having to worry about ports is a thing of the past.
Amazon Fire TV Omni Series review: An acceptably affordable Alexa TV
This cheap 4K TV offers all of the smart features you’ll ever need, especially if you can grab one on sale
Another perk of this TV is that not only does it come with a robust Amazon remote, but Alexa voice controls are built in as well. While the price tag of the device is much steeper than most of the Fire TV devices, it is a great option for any TV savant who wants a crystal clear picture, advanced features, and Alexa integration.
Amazon Fire TV 4-Series
Great features on a budget
The Fire TV 4-Series is Amazon’s low-end line but that doesn’t take away from its robust features that are still comparable to the Omni series. The class 4-Series still streams in 4K and comes with voice control just like its Omni counterpart.
- 4K resolution
- Alexa voice control
- Affordable
- Doesn’t support HDR10+ or Dolby Vision
Smart TVs can often be expensive, which is why a lot of buyers opt for the Fire TV Sticks as opposed to the smart TVs, but thankfully, Amazon has the more affordable 4-Series Fire TVs. The 4-Series comes with similar features to the Omni series, such as 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, as well as the sought-after Alexa voice controls. This model also comes with four HDMI ports, a USB port, and optical audio output, allowing for myriad devices to be connected to the TV.
The one downside to the 4-Series when compared to the Omni series is the ability to support is that it does not support dynamic HDR formats such as HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. While this may be a deal-breaker for users who prefer the latest and greatest visuals, this TV is still a great option for Amazon Fire TV streaming and still provides a great picture without skimping on the features that all Amazon users have grown to love.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar with HDMI eARC
A Fire TV-friendly soundbar
It’s far from fancy, but if you’ve been on the lookout for a soundbar that easily connects to your TV and delivers impressive stereo sound, look no further than the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar.
- Improves TV sound quality
- Minimalist design
- Multiple connections
- No Voice Remote Pro for base model
- No wireless subwoofer
- Not designed for surround sound virtualization
If you’ve been wanting to add a little extra boost to your TV audio, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar does a decent job of enhancing your TV-watching experience. Do keep in mind that there’s no 5.1 support here, so don’t expect anything on par with a full surround sound system. And as far as connections go, the Fire TV Soundbar includes HDMI ARC/eARC, digital optical, USB, and Bluetooth inputs. If you have an Amazon Fire TV streaming device or smart TV, you’ll be able to use the streamer’s remote to control the Fire TV Soundbar.
At only 24 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, the Fire TV Soundbar can be easily integrated into most everyday AV setups. While it’s not the most feature-packed soundbar out there, it’s a great way to add some extra punch to your living room setup.
Comparing Amazon’s Fire TV streamers
Selecting a Fire TV streaming device can seem daunting with all the specs and features, but here’s a quick comparison of the Fire TV streaming devices to help identify similarities and differences:
|
Fire TV Stick Lite |
Fire TV Stick |
Fire TV Stick 4K |
Fire TV Stick 4K Max |
Fire TV Cube |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Supported video resolutions |
720p, 1080p |
720p, 1080p |
720p, 1080p, 4K |
720p, 1080p, 4K |
720p, 1080p, 4K |
|
HDR support |
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
|
Audio support |
Can pass through Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Atmos data |
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+ |
Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo |
Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo |
Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, 2-channel stereo |
|
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet via external dongle |
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet via external dongle |
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet via external dongle |
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet via external dongle |
Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth 5.0 |
|
RAM, storage |
1GB, 8GB |
1GB, 8GB |
1.5GB, 8GB |
2GB, 8GB |
2GB, 16GB |
|
Processor |
Quad-core, 1.7GHz |
Quad-core, 1.7GHz |
Quad-core, 1.7GHz |
Quad-core, 1.8GHz |
Octa-core, 4x 2.2GHz, 4x 2.0GHz |
|
Alexa support |
Via voice remote |
Via voice remote |
Via voice remote |
Via voice remote |
Via voice remote, hands-free |
|
Miscellaneous |
Alexa Voice Remote Lite (2nd Gen) |
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) |
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) |
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) |
Alexa Voice Remote, HDMI 2.1 input, USB Type-A port |
|
List price |
$30 |
$40 |
$50 |
$55 |
$140 |
The best of Amazon’s streaming devices
Amazon offers many Fire TV streaming device models with unique features and capabilities. So, there’s bound to be an option to meet your needs. As you narrow your options, pay special attention to the supported codecs and video quality, as these determine your viewing experience.
The Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) tops the list because it can decode most codecs, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which are good at performing frame-to-frame optimization. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 for higher connection speeds, providing a lag-free streaming experience. Best of all, this Amazon Fire TV Stick is reasonably priced considering what it offers.
If you don’t mind splurging, the Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) is a good choice. It boasts an octa-core processor that allows for fast switching of apps and smooth streaming performance. Moreover, it has a built-in microphone, meaning you can utilize Alexa’s voice control for hands-free operation. You will be happy to know it supports Dolby Atmos, making it a great soundbar companion.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite is super affordable and is just as reliable as most high-end offerings. It streams in 1080p, supports voice control, and is easy to set up. The Fire TV Stick Lite should suffice if you are on a budget or seeking a standard streaming device.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023)
Best features for a reasonable price
The new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the latest and greatest model of the 4K model. It provides a speedy processor and updated software to make streaming services smooth and flawless.
