Is the Amazon Fire TV Stick worth it?
In addition to controlling a Fire TV Stick with the included remote or your voice using Alexa, you can also operate it from your smartphone. Just download the Fire TV app and connect. The best Amazon Fire TV Stick for every household  A Smart TV is the device of choice for those seeking access to their favorite streaming services and apps. However, there is an alternative to upgrading to a television with a built-in smart platform: you can add one yourself. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is among a handful of popular products that essentially makes your TV smart if it doesnt connect to the internet. The Fire Stick is a dongle that attaches to the HDMI port of your TV and connects online to access the content. If you have an older TV, an Amazon Fire TV Stick may be right for you. The Fire TV Stick is about the size of a thumb drive at just over 3 inches in length. One end features an HDMI connector that plugs into the HDMI port of your TV. Once you plug it in, you simply connect to the internet, log into your Amazon account and begin watching. Fire TV Sticks offer a range of apps, including new and popular streaming services as well as older entertainment platforms. That includes Disney+ and HBO Max, along with mainstays such as YouTube and Spotify. While the Fire Stick is free to use and available apps are free to install, you will need a subscription to the various services in order to enjoy viewing. Some options come with a free trial. Fire TV Stick types  There are three main types of Amazon Fire TV Sticks available. All three are reasonably priced, feature 8 GB of storage (which is more than enough for downloading apps) and are compatible with HDR content. Fire TV Stick  This main model offers Full HD content. It includes a remote that can be set up to control the power and volume of your TV and also navigate the platforms interface. It also features buttons that go directly to four apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Hulu. This Fire TV Stick 3rd generation model also caters to Dolby Atmos, which is a high-quality sound technology offered by a majority of news shows and films. Fire TV Stick Lite  The Lite option comes in at a lower price by sacrificing a bit of control. While it includes a remote, it does not control your TV. Whats more, it does not support Dolby Atmos. Fire TV Stick 4K  This top-tier Fire TV Stick provides access to content in 4K resolution. Also known as Ultra High Definition resolution, 4K features 33 million pixels, which is about four times as many pixels as Full HD resolution. Most new films and series are shot in 4K. However, youll want to make sure you have a 4K TV as well as access to 4K content. While some streaming services like Amazon Prime Video only have one membership tier, others like Netflix require an additional fee to view 4K content. While this remote control will operate the volume and power of your TV like the flagship model, it does not include one-push buttons that go directly to specific apps. Pros and cons of the Amazon Fire Stick TV  One of the biggest draws of the Fire TV Stick is its compatibility with Amazons virtual assistant, Alexa. It allows you to control other connected, compatible devices such as lights, a video doorbell or the thermostat. Users also gain free access to IMDb TV, a service owned by Amazon. Overall, its an affordable way to make a TV smart.  Amazons agreements with other competitors determine whats available on the Fire Stick. While there are no notable streaming services absent at the moment, users are not able to access the Google Play Store, which is where you might rent or buy new films  youll have to use Amazon Prime Video instead. A strong internet connection is a necessity, particularly for the 4K Fire TV Stick. Dongles are typically slower than smart platforms that are built into the TV. Lastly, since the Fire TV Stick takes up an HDMI port, you may not have enough available for other devices depending on the TV. Consider whether youre hooking up a gaming console, soundbar or Blu-ray player. Amazon Fire TV Stick alternatives  Its worth mentioning the alternatives to the Amazon Fire TV Stick to best assess its value. Roku Streaming Stick is a popular competitor thats similar in price and appeals to those who arent partial to Amazon products. Two other notable sticks are Googles Chromecast and Apple TV, both of which are best used by consumers who enjoy other products from the company. Amazon also recently released the Amazon Fire TV Cube that enhances the features of the Fire Stick. This larger device sits on a nearby shelf or TV stand instead of plugging into the back of the TV. It includes a speaker and microphone so that you can communicate with Alexa, providing a hub for your smart home. This retails around $120. Lastly, you can opt for a budget-friendly smart TV with Fire TV built in, such as this option from Insignia. Price of the Amazon Fire Stick  The various Fire TV Stick models are priced between $30 and $50, comparable to similar models from competitors. However, Amazon frequently puts their products on sale and offers discounts and bundles along with other services and devices. The Fire TV Stick is ideal for those who want access to streaming platforms on their TV and would rather not upgrade and invest in a new smart TV. Even if you already own a smart TV, it may not have access to more recent streaming services like HBO Max or Disney+ if its an older model; the Fire Stick can be used to supplement the existing platforms. Whats more, you can take the Amazon Fire Stick with you as you travel in case you dont have access to a TV with a smart platform. Whether you enjoy other Amazon products and services may determine if the Fire TV Stick is worthwhile. If you dont use Alexa or arent invested in Amazon Prime Video, you may find the extra features superfluous and even distracting as the Fire TV will promote Amazon content. What you need to buy for an Amazon Fire TV Stick  Amazon Ethernet Adaptor  For those with a weaker internet connection in their home, you may want to invest in an Ethernet adapter for your Fire TV Stick. This allows you to directly connect to your router for a more reliable connection. Where to buy: Sold by Amazon  Sceptre 65-Inch 4K TV  The Fire TV Stick is a budget-friendly way to make a TV smart. This sizable 4K TV by Sceptre doesnt contain a smart platform but offers plenty of value when connected to a streaming stick. Where to buy: Sold by Amazon  Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. Anthony Marcusa writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money. 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