Best Fire TV Stick for 2024: Fire Stick 4K, Lite and More
Budget
First, consider how much you’re willing to spend on a Fire TV Stick. High-end models can cost up to $140, such as the impressive Fire TV Cube. But if you’re on a tighter budget, there are plenty of simple but effective Fire TV Sticks available for as little as $20. For example, the entry-level standard Fire TV Stick offers HD playback if your TV is compatible. There are options to suit every budget and all streaming needs.
Use cases
Think about what exactly you will use your Fire TV Stick for. Are you looking to turn your TV into a smart TV, or are you looking for extra services beyond the existing features of your smart TV? Maybe you want to use a Fire TV Stick to control your smart home technology. Make sure your use case matches the capabilities of the Fire TV Stick you choose.
4K and HDR
Models such as the Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick 4K, and 4K Max support 4K resolution and HDR protocol, while the Fire TV Stick Lite and standard Fire TV Stick do not. If you don’t care much about high-resolution streaming or your TV model doesn’t support anything above 1080p, the latter model should suit your needs. Otherwise, you may want to opt for one of these 4K sticks.
Alexa integration
All five Fire TV Stick models come with a remote with built-in voice search and control, powered by Alexa. But if you’re looking for something a little more advanced, the Fire TV Cube might be your best choice. That’s because it comes with all the features of a standalone Alexa speaker, allowing you to use your TV hands-free without a remote. Full Alexa integration also means the Cube can control your smart home devices, such as lights and thermostats. While regular Fire Stick variants can do this as well, they need to be connected to a separate Amazon Echo speaker. If you’re looking for an Alexa speaker-streaming device combo, the Fire TV Cube may be your most satisfying choice. If that’s not your priority, or you already have an Echo speaker, one of the Fire TV Sticks will do just fine.
