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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.