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Amazon FireStick has long been a popular choice for its ease of use and access to a wide range of content, thanks to the sideloading feature.
However, it’s not the only option out there. Whether you’re looking for additional features, better performance, or simply want to try something new, there are several FireStick alternatives to consider.
From budget-friendly to premium devices, these alternatives can cater to all your entertainment needs.
Best FireStick Alternatives
As a FireStick user, issues like limited internal storage and the need for additional accessories (like an ethernet adapter or USB adapter) to unlock its full potential can sometimes leave users looking for alternatives.
Thankfully, the market is full of streaming devices that might better suit your streaming preferences.
Let’s dive into these FireStick alternatives right away:
1. ONN Google TV 4K Streaming Box
The ONN Google TV 4K Streaming Box offers an impressive streaming experience at a price of only $19.88. It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Powered by Google TV, the compact remote includes dedicated buttons for popular streaming services including Disney Plus, YouTube TV, and Netflix.
2. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a powerhouse streaming device designed for advanced users. It features 16GB of internal storage (expandable via USB 3.0 ports) and is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor.
The Shield TV Pro is also known for its support for GeForce NOW, enabling cloud gaming, and its AI-enhanced upscaling. However, its price is on a higher side, costing you $198.
3. Amazon Fire TV Cube
The Fire TV Cube is Amazon’s most powerful streaming device. For $109.99, it gives you the convenience of a hands-free smart speaker and far-field microphones, allowing you to control your TV using just your voice.
It boasts an octa-core processor for fast and smooth performance. With 16GB of internal storage, the Fire TV Cube offers more space than many FireStick models.
4. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K
The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K is a compact streaming device, supporting 4K Ultra HD streaming with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
Powered by Android TV 11, it provides a smooth user experience and access to thousands of apps from the Google Play Store. You can purchase it for $49.95.
Read More: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick vs Amazon Fire TV Stick
5. Roku 4K Streaming Stick
Priced at $34, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a sleek and powerful streaming device. It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
The device is equipped with a quad-core processor, which means you can enjoy smooth navigation. It features dual-band Wi-Fi for fast and stable streaming, even in rooms far from your router.
Read More: Roku vs Fire TV Stick
6. Google Chromecast 4K
The Google Chromecast 4K is a feature-rich streaming device with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and H.265 codec compatibility. $49.90
It comes with a voice-enabled remote, including dedicated buttons for popular apps like Netflix and YouTube. The device supports multiple personalized profiles, making it ideal for families or shared setups.
Read More: Fire TV Stick VS Chromecast
7. Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K is a high-end streaming device backed by Apple’s robust ecosystem. It features an A15 Bionic Chip that offers lightning-fast performance for streaming, gaming, and app usage.
Available in 64GB and 128GB variants, you can purchase it for $159.99 to $189.99. However, Apple TV 4K doesn’t let you sideload third-party APKs.
Read More: Fire TV Stick VS Apple TV
8. TiVo Stream 4K
While TiVo has a strong reputation for its recording technology, it has expanded into streaming devices with the TiVo Stream 4K. It is available for $24.99 on Amazon.
Powered by Android TV, it offers access to thousands of apps from the Google Play Store. It offers seamless integration with Sling TV, allowing users to watch live TV alongside streaming content.
FAQs – FireStick Alternatives
Which FireStick alternative is best for gaming?
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the top choice for gaming, offering GeForce NOW support.
Is Roku better than FireStick?
Roku is simpler to use and has a broader app library, while FireStick offers deeper integration with Amazon services.
Can I stream in 4K with FireStick alternatives?
Yes, most alternatives like the Chromecast with Google TV, TiVo Stream 4K, and Apple TV 4K support 4K streaming.
What’s the most affordable FireStick alternative?
The ONN Google TV 4K Streaming Box (costing only $19.88) is the most budget-friendly FireStick alternative.
Can I sideload apps on FireStick alternatives?
Many FireStick alternatives, like the TiVo Stream 4K and NVIDIA Shield TV, allow sideloading apps.
Conclusion
While the Amazon FireStick is a fantastic streaming device, it can sometimes fall short in areas like storage and ethernet connection. Fortunately, there are several FireStick alternatives in the market.
From the premium experience of the Apple TV 4K to NVIDIA Shield TV Pro and budget-friendly options like the ONN Google TV 4K Streaming Box or TiVo Stream 4K, the options are plenty.
That said, choosing the right device comes down to understanding what features matter most to you!
We bought a Firestick 4k a couple months ago. Didn’t get a chance to try sideloading until now. The new Firestick does NOT support android apps. They must have already upgraded to their new VEGA OS which locks you out of the android apps.
Regardless, I can no longer activate developer mode or download apps like Downloader or File Commander. So Firestick is pretty worthless to me now.
Sooo which of these alternatives allow sideloading??? I think that’s probably one of the most important questions when looking for a Firestick alternative at this point in time.
The article mentions a couple like Tivo and Nvidia. But I would like this addressed in a definitive list to know ALL of my options please.
Hi Geena, yes the latest FireStick 4k Select model doesn’t sideload. But the rest of them still allow sideloading and they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
I would suggest you opt for FireStick 4k max 2nd, which has 16 GB RAM and a super fast processor.