The Amazon Fire TV Stick is one of the most popular streaming devices on the market, offering an easy and affordable way to access all of your favorite streaming content. With several different models now available, it can be tricky to figure out which Firestick is the right choice for your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide will compare the key features and specs of the various Firestick models to help you determine the best option.
Overview of Current Firestick Models
There are currently 5 main Firestick models available from Amazon:
- Fire TV Stick Lite
- Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
- Fire TV Stick 4K
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)
The Firestick lineup ranges in price from $29.99 for the entry-level Fire TV Stick Lite up to $119.99 for the top-of-the-line Fire TV Cube. Storage capacity ranges from 8GB on the cheaper models up to 16GB on the Fire TV Cube. The 4K and 4K Max models support 4K Ultra HD streaming while the cheaper Stick and Stick Lite are limited to 1080p Full HD.
Here‘s a quick overview of how the current Firestick models compare:
| Model | Price | Storage | 4K? | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick Lite | $29.99 | 8GB | No | 2020 |
| Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) | $39.99 | 8GB | No | 2020 |
| Fire TV Stick 4K | $49.99 | 8GB | Yes | 2018 |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | $54.99 | 8GB | Yes | 2021 |
| Fire TV Cube | $119.99 | 16GB | Yes | 2019 |
Now let‘s take a more in-depth look at each model and what it has to offer.
Fire TV Stick Lite
Price: $29.99
Storage: 8GB
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Remote: Basic Alexa Voice Remote
The Fire TV Stick Lite is Amazon‘s most affordable streaming stick. For just $29.99, you get smooth Full HD streaming and Alexa voice controls. The big omissions here are 4K support and volume/power buttons on the remote. But if you don‘t need 4K and want to save money, the Fire TV Stick Lite is a great entry-level option.
Key Features:
- Stream in 1080p Full HD
- Alexa Voice Remote for hands-free controls
- Tons of streaming apps and channels
- Easy to set up and use
Best For: Budget streamers who don‘t need 4K. The Fire TV Stick Lite keeps costs down by omitting more advanced features. But it still offers a quality Full HD streaming experience.
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
Price: $39.99
Storage: 8GB
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Remote: Alexa Voice Remote with power & volume buttons
The 3rd generation Fire TV Stick offers the same Full HD streaming as the Lite model but with an upgraded Alexa remote. For $10 more, you get power and volume buttons on the remote along with voice controls. If you do a lot of voice searching and streaming, the extra buttons may be worthwhile.
Key Features:
- Stream in 1080p Full HD
- Upgraded Alexa Voice Remote with power & volume buttons
- Voice search & controls
- Compact and portable
Best For: People who want voice controls and commonly used buttons on their remote. The volume and power toggles add convenience compared to the base Lite model.
Fire TV Stick 4K
Price: $49.99
Storage: 8GB
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Remote: Alexa Voice Remote with power & volume buttons
Step up to the Fire TV Stick 4K to unlock 4K Ultra HD streaming. For $20 more than the 1080p Stick, you get support for sharper 4K content along with HDR color. The remote is the same upgraded model with power and volume buttons.
Key Features:
- Stream in 4K Ultra HD with HDR
- Alexa Voice Remote with power & volume buttons
- Access to 4K streaming apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and more
- Smooth streaming performance
Best For: People with 4K TVs who want to watch high-quality 4K video. The Fire TV Stick 4K delivers Ultra HD streaming at an affordable price point.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Price: $54.99
Storage: 8GB
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Remote: Alexa Voice Remote with power & volume buttons
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is Amazon‘s newest and most advanced 4K streaming stick. For $5 more than the regular 4K Stick, you get faster navigation, better Wi-Fi performance, and picture-in-picture support. It‘s an excellent option if you want the best 4K streaming experience.
Key Features:
- Streams in 4K Ultra HD with HDR
- 40% more powerful than Fire TV Stick 4K
- Wi-Fi 6 support for faster streaming
- Picture-in-picture mode
Best For: People who want the smoothest, fastest 4K streaming performance. With enhancements like Wi-Fi 6, a faster processor, and PiP, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is ideal for 4K streaming enthusiasts.
Fire TV Cube
Price: $119.99
Storage: 16GB
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Remote: Alexa Voice Remote with power & volume buttons
If you want the ultimate Fire TV experience, the compact yet powerful Fire TV Cube is Amazon‘s flagship streaming device. With 16GB of storage and hands-free Alexa control built right in, it‘s ideal for heavy streamers. But the high price tag may be overkill for casual users.
Key Features:
- Streams in 4K Ultra HD with HDR and Dolby Vision
- 16GB storage for lots of apps and games
- Hands-free Alexa – control Fire TV with your voice
- Superior performance with octa-core processor
Best For: People who want the top-tier Fire TV with expansive storage, hands-free Alexa, and excellent 4K HDR streaming. It‘s a media powerhouse albeit at a premium price.
Firestick Comparison Chart
Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the key specs, features, and pricing across the various Firestick models:
| Model | Price | Storage | Resolution | 4K? | Processor | Remote | Alexa? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick Lite | $29.99 | 8GB | 1080p | No | Quad-core 1.7GHz | Basic | Hands-free |
| Fire TV Stick | $39.99 | 8GB | 1080p | No | Quad-core 1.7GHz | Enhanced | Hands-free |
| Fire TV Stick 4K | $49.99 | 8GB | 4K Ultra HD | Yes | Quad-core 1.7GHz | Enhanced | Hands-free |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | $54.99 | 8GB | 4K Ultra HD | Yes | Quad-core 1.8GHz | Enhanced | Hands-free |
| Fire TV Cube | $119.99 | 16GB | 4K Ultra HD | Yes | Octa-core 2.2GHz | Enhanced | Hands-free & Built-in |
Which Firestick Should You Buy?
So which Fire TV model is right for you? Here are some guidelines:
- On a tight budget? The Fire TV Stick Lite delivers solid 1080p streaming at an affordable price.
- Want voice controls? Upgrade to the 1080p or 4K Stick for the Alexa Voice Remote.
- Have a 4K TV? Go with the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max to watch Ultra HD content.
- Need more storage? Get the pricier Fire TV Cube with 16GB for more apps.
- Want the best performance? The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the fastest with Wi-Fi 6 support.
For most people, the Fire TV Stick 4K is the best blend of features, performance and value. But be sure to factor in your budget, TV setup, and any need for advanced capabilities like hands-free Alexa before deciding.
Alternative Streaming Devices
The Firestick models may be the most popular streaming devices, but there are alternatives worth considering:
- Roku Streaming Stick+ – Roku‘s 4K HDR stick with voice remote offers stiff competition to the Firestick 4K.
- Apple TV 4K – Great if you‘re in the Apple ecosystem, with support for AirPlay content streaming.
- Chromecast with Google TV – Google‘s take on 4K streaming with deep YouTube integration.
- NVIDIA Shield TV – A premium Android TV box with advanced gaming features.
- TiVo Stream 4K – Runs Android TV with some unique TiVo perks like live TV integration.
For streaming simplicity, though, Firestick remains a top choice and budget pick. But some of these alternatives do offer unique capabilities if you need specific features.
The Best Firestick for You
Amazon‘s Firestick lineup has an option for just about any user. With regular sales and discounts, you can often find them at even lower prices too. Think about your personal needs – resolution, storage, voice controls – and choose the model that aligns with your budget and TV setup. For most, the Fire TV Stick 4K hits the sweet spot of value, features and performance. But the Lite stick excels for budget streaming, while the 4K Max and Cube cater to more demanding streaming enthusiasts. Whichever you choose, Firestick makes it easy and affordable to access thousands of streaming channels, apps and services.
