The Amazon Fire TV line of devices lets you stream content from apps like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu to your TV, even if it's not a smart TV. It's a great option for those who want access to the latest streaming services but have a TV that's not yet integrated. But with more and more Amazon Fire TV devices, which model is right for you? We've taken a look at some of the best Amazon Fire TV models in our Fire TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick 4K vs Fire TV Cube guide. But 2020 saw the introduction of two new Amazon Fire TV sticks: the Fire TV Stick Lite and the Fire TV Stick (2020). Here, we're going to compare these last two devices to find out which of these shiny new models is right for you and your TV.
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(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Fire TV range: overview
Amazon has a range of Fire TV Stick streamers to choose from that offer different resolutions, form factors, and features. The cheapest HD streaming stick right now is the Fire TV Stick Lite, one of the newer models for 2020 that we'll take a closer look at below. It looks a lot like the Fire TV Stick (2020) but lacks a few features and extras, including volume/TV controls on your Alexa remote and support for Dolby Atmos audio. While they're not covered here, there are plenty more Amazon Fire TV devices to consider. In particular, there's the Fire TV Stick 4K, which (unsurprisingly) adds 4K resolution to the mix. Then at the higher end you have the Amazon Fire TV Cube, which is essentially a Fire TV streaming box built into an Amazon Echo speaker. In the rest of this article, we will focus specifically on Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick (2020). While these two models may be similar, they each offer specific benefits that are sure to appeal to some people more than others. Let's find out what you should buy.
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Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite (Image credit: LaComparacion)
Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick 2020: price
The Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is available for €29.99 or €29.99 in the US and UK, respectively. You can also pick one up for AU$59,99 in Australia (this is the first time a Fire TV model has landed in the territory). By contrast, the Fire TV Stick (2020) costs $39,99 or $39,99 and is not available in Australia. It might cost a bit more than the Lite, but it packs more features (more on that below). To put those two prices in context, the Fire TV Stick 4K is even more expensive at $49.99 / $49.99.
Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick 2020: design and features
On the surface, it is difficult to distinguish many models of the Amazon Fire TV Stick. The Fire TV Stick (2020) and Fire TV Stick Lite come in the form of a small HDMI dongle, shaped like a small candy bar, that connects to the back of your TV.
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The Fire TV Stick (2020) remote also has built-in volume controls (Image credit: TechRadar) The main difference between the two in terms of design - and what you get in the box - is that with the Fire TV Stick ( 2020), you'll get a remote with a few more button inputs. Of course, every Fire TV device comes with a version of the Alexa Voice Remote. They all support voice functionality and some basic input like feedback, home, menu, power, and navigation. But with the Fire TV Stick (2020), you also get volume controls to increase/decrease audio levels, as well as a mute button to mute the sound completely. The Lite version does not have it. So if you want to make the TV louder or quieter, or turn any connected AV equipment on and off, you won't be able to do it with your remote. It might not be a deal breaker for most people, but it is a bit annoying.
Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick 2020: content and resolution
The Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick (2020) give you the same Fire TV platform. This means that you can view content from the same apps. In the US, you'll find Netflix, HBO, Starz, Hulu, PlayStation Vue, and Crackle; there are also many other applications. You'll also find equivalent services like BBC iPlayer and Freeview Play replacing the US-only apps in the UK. While YouTube isn't on the platform yet, Amazon and Google are working hard to change this for users. One thing that may seem obvious, but worth noting: You'll need separate subscriptions for many of these apps, whether they're streaming services themselves or other apps like Amazon Fire TV Stick VPN. You won't be able to watch Netflix shows or Amazon Prime movies for free on a streaming device.
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Image Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick (2020) support Full HD (1080p) resolution quality. However, if you're watching on a 4K TV, your computer's processor must scale it to 4K resolution. In addition, both support the HDR10 + format preferred by Amazon Prime Video. This uses metadata to calibrate the image settings shot by shot and the transmission format HLG (hybrid log gamma). There's also 60fps playback on both, which should allow for smoother motion with less blur or stutter during fast-moving scenes, though some of that will depend on your TV's processing. You'll get a similar viewing experience with both, but they're not the same in terms of performance. The Fire TV Stick (2020) also supports Dolby Atmos pass-through. Instead, the Lite makes do with regular Dolby Digital audio, so there are some key features the Lite lacks. You'll have to pay extra and get the Fire TV Stick 4K if you want to achieve 4K UHD resolution, around four times the pixel count. The Fire TV Cube also supports 4K streaming.
Other streaming devices to consider
There are other competing streaming devices, all with their own interfaces and selection of apps, like the Apple TV 4K from Roku's line of streaming devices. What's worth remembering is that it often makes sense to stick with the products and services you already use. For example, iOS devices work better with Apple TV. Amazon Echo speakers were designed to work in tandem with Fire TV and make a lot of sense for Amazon Prime members. Google Chromecast is a similarly priced competitor. It's not in the Amazon Prime Video app, however, and we've found that it can be frustrating to navigate as well. There's an in-depth comparison of all the major models in our Apple TV vs Amazon Fire TV Stick vs Roku vs Chromecast guide.
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Fire TV Stick Lite vs Fire TV Stick 2020: to go
Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick (2020) are similar streamers from Amazon and bring smart features and apps to TVs that don't already have them built in. If you want to cut costs, or aren't sure if you'll be using a streaming stick a lot, go for the cheaper Fire TV Stick Lite. However, for a slightly improved experience, as well as volume controls on your remote, choose the Fire TV Stick (2020) instead. If you're looking for the best of the best viewing experience and have (mostly) an Ultra HD TV, we recommend the Fire TV Stick 4K instead. But for anyone with an HDTV, you'll be happy with the Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick (2020).