Amazon Fire TV vs FireStick – Which Device is Best Overall?

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Choosing the perfect streaming device is often easier said than done, especially with multiple options from the same brand.

Amazon’s Fire TV and FireStick both promise top-notch video quality, smooth performance, and endless content options.

Currently, the latest versions of both the devices – Amazon Fire TV Omni Series QLED and FireStick 4K Max are trending red-hot in the market.

Amazon FireStick 4K Max 2nd Generation

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FireStick 4K Max 2nd Gen was released in September 2023. Compared to its version, the device offers even better performance and speed, thanks to the updated Fire OS 8.1. 

It has 16 GB of internal storage, which means you have ample space to install your favorite apps. On top of that, the device’s portable design gives it a special standing in the streaming landscape!

Fire TV Omni Series QLED

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Amazon first released the Fire TV Omni series QLED 65” in April 2023. Costing between $300 to $800, it is considered one of the most budget-friendly smart TVs.

Quantum dot display is the major upgrade in the device, which improves color accuracy, brightness, and contrast.

Comparing Amazon FireStick and Fire TV

After separately outlining the features of the Fire TV and the FireStick, we are now sharing a head-to-head analysis for a clear understanding of how both devices stack up against each other:

Feature Amazon Fire TV (Latest model) Fire TV Stick 4K Max (latest model)
Device Type Smart TV Streaming Stick
Display 🏆Built-in display available in various sizes up to 75 inches Adjusts to the size of the external TV
Resolution 🏆4K Quantum Dot Display 4K Ultra HD
HDR Support 🏆HDR10, HDR 10+ HLG, Dolby Vision HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
Voice Control 🏆Hands-free voice control with Alexa Alexa Voice Remote
Audio 🟰Dolby Digital Plus 🟰Dolby Digital Plus
Operating System Fire TV OS 7 (Android 9) 🏆Fire TV OS 8.1 ((Android 11)
Portability Fixed installation as part of the TV 🏆Highly portable, can be used with different TVs
Price Range $300 – $999.99 (depending on the size) 🏆$59.99
Connectivity 🏆HDMI, HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AUX, Optical, Coax USB, Wi-Fi, optional ethernet adapter
Processor ARM Cortex-A55 CPU up to 1.5GHz 🏆2.0 GHz Mediatek MT8696D quad-core
Internal Storage 🟰16 GB 🟰16 GB

Amazon Fire TV VS FireStick: Detailed Feature Comparison

If you want a clear look at what Amazon Fire TV and FireStick have to offer, read the detailed comparison of their features below:

Price 

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Amazon Fire TV Stick is currently priced at $39.99 on Amazon (33% down from its original price – $59.99).

Model Price (USD)
Fire TV Stick Lite $29.99
Fire TV Stick $39.99
Fire TV Stick 4K $49.99
Fire TV Stick 4K Max $59.99

Fire TV QLED models ranges from $300 to $800, varying based on the size of the TV. Recently, Amazon reduced the price of the 65-inch model from $799.99 to $699.99 (13% discount).

Model Price (USD)
Fire TV 2-Series From $90.98 to $131.99
Fire TV 4-Series From $249.99 to $399.99
Fire TV Omni Series From $329.99 to $819
Fire TV Omni QLED Series From $379.99 to $999.99

Operating System & App Compatibility

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Fire Stick 4K Max 2nd Gen runs on Fire OS 8.1 (Android 11), which brings several advancements including improved privacy features, better performance, and compatibility with the latest apps.

Fire TV QLED series is based on the older Fire OS 7 (Android 9). It misses out on some of the latest Android features but supports a vast range of apps, including older ones that may not run on newer operating systems.

Remote Control

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Fire TV QLED series is more feature-packed, notably including a full numeric keypad (0-9) and a TV guide button.

In contrast, the Fire Stick 4K Max remote opts for a simpler design. It has fewer buttons including volume, power, play/pause, and home.

Voice Control

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The Amazon Fire TV, especially higher-end models like the Omni Series, offers hands-free voice control capabilities. This feature is facilitated through built-in microphones in the TV set.

With FireStick, users need to press a button on the remote to activate voice commands to interact with Alexa for tasks like checking the weather or managing compatible smart home devices.

Storage

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The latest variants of both the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Amazon Fire TV models offer 16 GB of internal storage. To expand storage, the Fire TV Stick requires an OTG cable to connect USB drives or hard drives.

However, Amazon Fire TV models feature built-in USB ports, which let you connect the external storage devices to the device without any additional cables.

Video & Audio Quality

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The Amazon Fire TV Omni Series QLED offers slightly better video quality compared to the FireStick Max because it features both 4K resolution and QLED technology.

QLED enhances color accuracy, brightness, and contrast, resulting in a more vibrant and lifelike picture. As for audio, both devices support Dolby Digital Plus.

Connectivity

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The Amazon Fire TV offers a wide array of ports including multiple HDMI, Ethernet, USB, AUX, and HDMI eARC. It also supports Wi-Fi for easier connectivity.

On the other hand, the Fire TV Stick provides only necessary connectivity options such as HDMI, USB cable, and Wi-Fi. While it lacks built-in Ethernet, you can use an Ethernet adapter to enable wired internet connections.

Processor

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The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is equipped with a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor. This powerful processor ensures smooth performance while supporting advanced HDR formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

In contrast, the Amazon Fire TV’s latest model uses a 1.5 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU. While it is good enough for everyday use, its lower clock speed means it might not handle intense processing tasks as swiftly.

Portability

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Amazon Fire TV models, being full-sized smart TVs, are not portable. Even the smallest size in the lineup (43-inch) weighs 8.5 kg. Also, its dimensions (95.6 x 57.4 x 8.4 cm) are not ideal for portability.

Fortunately, the Amazon FireStick 4K Max excels in portability. Measuring only 99 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm and weighing a mere 48.4 g, it is incredibly lightweight.

Setup

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With FireStick, you simply need to plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect it to power, and follow the on-screen instructions. Setting up FireStick usually takes just a few minutes.

On the other hand, the installation process of a Fire TV requires a bit more effort. You will need to unbox the TV, mount it on the wall, connect it to power, and finally follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

User Experience (Amazon Reviews/Ratings)

Who better to speak about user experience than the users themselves? Let’s take a look what customers have to say about Amazon FireStick and Fire TV.

Fire TV Omni Series QLED

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The Fire TV series QLED has a good overall customer rating of 4.1★ from 3,503 reviews. Most reviewers (64%) gave it 5 stars. However, there are also critical reviews, with 11% of users giving it just 1 star.

FireStick 4K Max

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The FireStick 4K Max has a 4.7★ rating from 468,310 reviewers; a notable 82% of these are 5★ ratings. This clearly exceeds the Fire TV QLED’s 4.1 stars, suggesting both higher customer satisfaction and potentially greater sales.

Is It Worth Buying a FireStick When You Already Own a Fire TV?

Well, the latest Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series runs on Older Amazon Fire TV models like Series 2 or Series 4, which might not support some newer apps and features due to their Fire OS versions.

So, if you want to keep up with the latest streaming services, games, and other apps without replacing your entire TV setup, investing in FireStick 4K Max can be a great option.

Portability could be another strong reason to buy FireStick Max despite having a Fire TV. Be it a friend’s house in the neighborhood or a relative in a different state, you can easily carry FireStick in your pocket.

Note: Once the Fire Stick is configured on a TV, there is no need to set it up again, regardless of the TV you are using.

Where to Buy Amazon Fire TV and FireStick

If you want to upgrade your existing TV setup, visit the following online retailers to place your order:

For US Residents:

For UK Residents:

Other Devices vs FireStick

Listed below are some popular streaming devices that we have compared to FireStick:

FAQs – Amazon Fire TV vs FireStick

What is the main difference between FireStick and Fire TV?

FireStick is a streaming stick that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port, while Fire TV is a smart TV with built-in Fire OS.

Does Fire TV come with a remote?

Yes, it comes with an Alexa Voice Remote.

Can I control smart home devices using FireStick and Fire TV?

Yes, both devices integrate with Alexa for smart home control.

Can I use an external storage device with Fire TV or FireStick?

While both devices support external storage, you will need an OTG cable to connect a USB or hard drive with the FireStick.

Final Verdict

As you can see, both the Amazon Fire TV and FireStick offer convenient access to the best streaming services and other apps.

The Fire TV provides a more robust experience with additional features like Ethernet connectivity, hands-free voice control, and a 4K quantum dot display.
On the other hand, FireStick’s compact design and affordability make it ideal for users who prioritize budget-friendliness and portability.
However, ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.

About black joseph

Black Joseph is a tech enthusiast and creative mind behind firestickhacks.com. With a passion for optimizing streaming experiences, he's dedicated to sharing innovative hacks and solutions for Firestick users. Joseph's expertise and insights help users unlock the full potential of their devices, making entertainment more accessible and enjoyable

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