Disclosure: Our experts test apps for security before recommending them. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. See how it works.
This is a detailed comparison of the Fire TV stick VS Smart TV helping you to choose the best device.
Choosing between a Fire TV Stick and a Smart TV in 2024 can be a bit tricky. While both let you watch your favorite shows and movies, they are actually pretty different.
With a FireStick, you can easily make your regular TV smart and open up a world of streaming apps with minimal effort. Meanwhile, a Smart TV offers a complete solution with all the built-in smart capabilities.
To give you a better idea, we have put together a comparison chart highlighting the key features of a FireStick and Smart TV:
| Feature | FireStick | Smart TV |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $40 – $120 depending on the model | $200 – $2000+ depending on size, brand, and features |
| Portability | Highly portable | Fixed |
| Operating System | Fire OS | Varies (e.g., Android TV, Tizen, webOS) |
| App Availability | Wide range via Amazon App Store | Wide range, varies by OS |
| Voice Control | Alexa integration | Varies (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant) |
| Video Quality | Supports up to 4K | Supports up to 8K depending on the model |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.0 GHz (for the latest model) | Varies widely; can range from quad-core to octa-core processors |
| Storage | The latest FireStick devices have 2GB+16GB capacity | The latest smart TV models have 2GB+16GB or more |
| Remote Control | Comes with a voice remote | Comes with a smart remote; features vary |
| Sideloading | Generally easy, allowing for a wider range of apps not officially available on the Amazon App Store | Possible but more complicated |
| IPTV Services | Countless IPTV players to play the best IPTV services | Limited availability of IPTV Players to play IPTV services |
Fire TV Stick vs. Smart TV
While the chart above enables you to have a quick look into FireStick and Smart TV, we are going to dive deeper to help you make a well-informed decision:
1. Price
The price of a FireStick ranges from $40 to $120. On the other hand, Smart TVs can vary widely in price, starting at around $200 and going up to $2000 or more, based on the size, brand, and features.
So, if you are hard-pressed for the budget and still want a smart upgrade, a FireStick might be the way to go.
2. Apps
Both FireStick and Smart TVs give you access to a host of streaming apps including Hulu, Peacock TV, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
However, the FireStick has a slight edge with its sideloading feature, which allows you to install apps that are not officially listed on the Amazon App Store.
Though some Smart TVs let you sideload apps, the process is often riddled with several complications.
3. IPTV
Smart TVs enable you to install only a handful of IPTV players like IPTV Smarters Pro and TiviMate. This makes your streaming choices very limited.
The FireStick is more flexible. It lets you add several IPTV players including ones not listed on the official stores. As a result, you have the freedom to pick and choose from the best IPTV services in the market.
4. Storage
FireSticks typically come with 8GB to 16GB of internal storage. Smart TVs, on the other hand, might have similar storage ranges, but this can differ greatly from one TV to another.
Some budget Smart TVs might offer less internal storage, while higher-end models could provide more, potentially exceeding what is available on a FireStick.
It is also worth noting that both Smart TVs and FireSticks allow for external storage solutions with external storage devices such as hard drives and USB drives.
5. Processor
FireSticks are made with quad-core processors, typically running between 1.7 to 2.0 GHz. They are optimized for smooth streaming.
On the other hand, entry-level Smart TVs have similar or lower-capacity processors than FireStick. However, expensive Smart TVs have octa-core CPUs that make up for 8K streaming and multitasking.
6. Portability
As for portability, the Fire TV Stick clearly surpasses the smart TV. It is a small and lightweight device, which can be carried on the go. You just need Wi-Fi to start streaming.
Smart TVs, in contrast, are stationary. Once set up in a space, they are not meant to be moved around often.
7. User Interface
The user interface (UI) on a FireStick is focused on Amazon’s ecosystem. It is designed to be user-friendly, with content discovery and voice search via Alexa at its core.
Smart TVs offer a variety of UIs depending on the brand and operating system, such as Tizen for Samsung TVs or webOS for LG TVs.
This means that if you switch from one Smart TV model to another, you will take some time to get your head around a specific UI. Fortunately, that is not going to be the case with the FireStick.
Other Devices vs Firestick
Listed below are some other devices that are compared to Firestick:
- Apple TV vs Fire TV Stick
- Cable vs Fire TV Stick
- Chromecast vs Fire TV Stick
- MI TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick
- Ruko vs Fire TV Stick
Wrapping Up
There you have it! At the end of the day, choosing between a FireStick and a Smart TV boils down to your needs and preferences.
If you want a cost-effective, portable option to stream your favorite shows on any TV, the FireStick is your go-to choice. It is easy to use and move around.
But if you are after a seamless, all-in-one smart experience with everything built in from the start, then a Smart TV might be more your style.
