Simply put, Amazon Fire TV is a small box you connect to your HDTV and stream content from the Internet. Movies, TV shows, music – it’s all there on the big screen. You can also play video games with the remote (included), via a mobile app, or with a game controller (optional). Fire TV is another product in the expanding Amazon ecosystem that is a sure-fire winner for anyone who invested heavily in the Amazon line-up. It’s important to note that Amazon Fire TV is not a single product per se. You can buy it in either box or stick form. Both are quite similar in many ways, but there are some noticeable differences. We’ll get right on it.
Amazon Fire TV Box
The SSD-sized device comes with a number of options. There is a digital audio, Ethernet, HDMI and microSD port that together provide a variety of connectivity options. The main selling point is the Fire 4K Ultra HD support that brings true-to-life picture quality. Those with an Alexa-powered device will be happy to know that Alexa-based voice controls are fully supported, courtesy of the included Alexa Voice Remote. There are over 300,000 TV episodes and movies on Netflix, Amazon Video, HBO NOW, Hulu, and more, as well as over 15,000 apps, games, and Alexa skills at disposal. Prime members get unlimited access to Prime Video at no additional cost, with the option to add over 100 premium and specialty channels without subscription. You can get all of this for $89.99.
Amazon Fire Stick
Currently in its 2nd gen version, Amazon Fire Stick is a smaller (and cheaper) version of the Fire TV box. Being smaller means fewer capabilities, although Fire Stick aims at a different side of the spectrum. The same core features are there – Alexa support and roughly the same number of available channels, apps, and games. There are two main differences here in terms of functionality. The first one is that the Fire Stick maxes out at a full HD resolution of 1080p. Secondly, gaming support is much lower, especially those that have higher performance requirements. However, the little brother is cheaper by a cool 50 bucks so the price tag of $39.99 is definitely appealing. This brings us to the question of the day…
Which Amazon Fire TV device is best for you?
Coming from the same line of products means there will be lots of similarities. Both devices run on the same platform (FireOS 5, based on Android OS), plug into an HDMI port, and offer approximately the same features. There are also small touches like personal recommendations on the home screen, although much of it is Amazon-centric. Apart from the obvious physical difference, the rest is more of a subtle variety. The hardware specs are close. The box is understandably faster with the nominally quad-core processor that is really a pair of dual-cores (2GHz and 1.6GHz, respectively). Amazon claims that the second generation device offers around 75% faster performance compared with the old model. Fire TV box also has more memory (double compared to Fire Stick’s 1GB), but the real difference is the intended purpose.
A quick glance at the specifications reveals that Fire TV box aims straight for the 4K TVs. It will get the most out of it without prior optimization. There is a variety of apps in full UHD resolution, including fan-favourites like Amazon Video, Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, and others that make it worth the investment. In addition, users can watch live TV such as sports and news. Hence, buying this for a non-4K TV would be a waste of potential as you can get the same 1080p quality with the Fire Stick. While the Fire TV box works with full HD machines and the Fire TV Stick works with UHD machines, getting the one that is best optimized for your TV set is the smart decision.
As for gaming, Amazon stated that it doesn’t see Fire TV as a direct competitor with gaming consoles. Instead, the device targets those who don’t own a console but do a lot of gaming on mobile devices. In that regard, Fire TV box supports more games as it has access to blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft and more. With an optional Amazon Fire controller that retails at $49, it’s the obvious choice for gamers. An expandable memory slot that goes up to 128 GB of microSD storage only adds to that claim. On the other hand, the Fire Stick TV’s forte is running lightweight, casual games.
In the end, the price might be the key player in the decision-making process. The differences between the two devices effectively sum up to $50. For sure, the Fire TV box is a more versatile device. Those looking for 4K and core-gaming capabilities, as well as additional features like Ethernet connection, extra apps, and a high-quality audio, should look no further. However, those that are perfectly content with the 1080p picture quality and casual gaming, paying a significantly lower price of $39 might be the way to go. It’s a great device for those just entering the streaming media waters. And at that price, it’s quite affordable too.
Additional notes
We feel it’s our obligation to point out a few things. Namely, buying any of these devices doesn’t automatically grant you access to the streaming content. It’s the same principle as when buying a regular TV. You don’t get cable with you, do you? Thus, you need to have subscription to a specific service or cable/satellite package that provides the desired content. We only mention this so to avoid potential confusion (which happens more than you think). Also, some apps are listed as “free” on the Fire TV interface or the Amazon website. Do notice that this doesn’t mean they are free of cost. It means there is no cost to install the app itself on the device. Conversely, it has no connection with the content accessed by the app and whether it costs money or not.
Closing words
It’s a widely accepted consensus that Amazon Fire Stick for Amazon Fire TV is a great starting point for users who have no previous experience with streaming media. For the price that it is currently retailing for, you get a lot of value. Still, if you yearn for all the performance one such device can muster, the box version is a better choice. In particular, it’s the go-to option for those that have made or plan the move to a 4K TV and have 4K content to exploit. And for the Amazon faithful, it’s a must as it provides easier access compared to the web interface.