budget
First and foremost, consider how much you’re willing to spend on a Fire TV Stick. High-end models, such as the impressive Fire TV Cube, can cost up to $140. However, if you’re on a budget, there are many simpler and more effective Fire TV Sticks for as low as $20. For example, the standard entry-level Fire TV Stick allows HD playback if your TV supports it. There are plenty of options to suit different budgets and all your streaming needs.
use case
Think specifically about what you’ll use your Fire TV Stick for. Are you looking to turn your TV into a smart TV or are you looking for additional services beyond what your smart TV already offers? Maybe you want to control your smart home technology with Fire TV Stick? You may be thinking. Make sure your use case matches the Fire TV Stick features you choose.
4K and HDR
Models like Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick 4K, and 4K Max support 4K resolution and HDR protocols, but Fire TV Stick Lite and standard Fire TV Stick do not. If you don’t really care about high-definition streaming, or your TV model doesn’t support 1080p or higher, the latter model should suit your needs. Otherwise, we recommend choosing one of the 4K sticks.
Alexa integration
All five Fire TV Stick models come with a remote control that includes voice search and control with Alexa. However, if you’re looking for something a little more advanced, the Fire TV Cube might be for you. This is because it has all the features of a separate Alexa speaker, allowing you to use your TV hands-free without the need for a remote control. Full Alexa integration also means the Cube can control smart home gadgets like lights and thermostats. You can also do this with the regular Fire Stick variant, but it requires connection to another Amazon Echo speaker. If you’re looking for a combination of Alexa, speakers, and a streaming device, the Fire TV Cube is probably the one you’ll be most happy with. If this isn’t your top priority, or you already have an Echo speaker, one of the Fire TV Sticks will do just fine.
