Should you buy an Amazon Fire TV device? With several new models hitting the market and a sleek Fire TV interface that's only expected to get better this year, there are plenty of reasons to opt for Amazon's streaming ecosystem. While streaming sticks have become a way to update 'dumb' old TVs, adding a smart TV interface and selection of apps where there were none, they have now become a way to enhance or complement what is available on a current smart TV. Since Panasonic TVs don't support Disney Plus, and many Android TVs still make do with a clunkier interface than you might expect, using a separate streaming stick as a plugin for specific services or to make general browsing make it a little easier, it's a no-brainer, especially with the low cost of most streamers these days. However, things get tricky when it comes to deciding which transmission stick to buy. Here we'll focus on what's available in the Amazon Fire TV lineup, but you can also check out our guide to the best Roku streaming device, compare Fire TV vs Roku, or visit our dedicated pages for the new Fire TV. Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick (2020). It should be noted that Amazon Prime Day 2020 arrives in mid-October (13-14), with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales starting a few weeks later. We expect some Fire TV devices to get discounts, so it might be worth waiting a bit to see what deals are available. Today's best Fire TV streaming device deals
How much does a Fire TV streaming device cost?
Previously, the Fire TV line wasn't the cheapest way to get a TV streamer — the Roku Express even brought the cheapest Fire TV stick down. However, that has now changed with the introduction of a Fire TV Stick Lite, which costs just $29.99 / £29.99 / AU$59.99. (This is the only Fire TV model available in Australia.) On top of that, there's a Fire TV Stick (2020), also an HD streamer, priced at $39.99/$39.99, or the Fire TV Stick 4K, an Ultra HD streamer that'll set you back $49, $99/€ 49.99. For a real upgrade, check out the Fire TV Cube, which is essentially an Amazon Echo, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and TV/AV Control Center all in one, available for $119.99 / $109.00.
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Using the Alexa Voice Remote for 4K Streaming (Image Credit: Amazon)
What does Fire TV have that others don't?
Overall, there aren't too many differences between the Fire TV and other streaming lines like Roku or Google Chromecast. They all connect to your TV via an HDMI port, offer a mix of HD or 4K resolution, depending on how much you're willing to pay, and have pretty similar app compatibility. The main difference to the Fire TV is its Alexa Voice remote. This is a clicker for navigating the Fire TV platform that comes with a voice command button to ask Alexa to invoke shows, apps, or the like. For all Fire TV devices other than the Fire TV Stick Lite, which is contained with a simplified remote, it also has playback and volume buttons to control your TV or even connected audio equipment like sound bars or AV Receivers. Another advantage is that it supports more and more diverse applications than other streaming devices. For example, downloading an Amazon Fire TV Stick VPN is a fantastic way to open up a world of content from other countries and make sure you don't miss out on your favorite shows and movies abroad.
Amazon is also making the curious decision to support HDR even on its HD devices, rather than backing it up only for 4K models. You also get support for dynamic HDR HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats, which you won't find on Roku or Chromecast devices yet. Even high-powered streamers like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro or Apple TV 4K are happy with Dolby Vision, without HDR10+, the latter being Amazon's preferred HDR format on Amazon Prime Video. If you're an Amazon Prime subscriber and want the best experience from these services, along with the smoothest voice assistant experience, Fire TV is probably the way to go.
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(Image credit: Amazon)
Amazon Fire TV Streamers: Should You Buy One?
If you want to upgrade your stupid TV to the world of online intelligence, or if you want to improve the app selection on the smart TV you already own, an Amazon Fire TV streamer is a great bet. It is easy to use and is also a good option if you have joined the Amazon Prime ecosystem. Amazon Prime Video viewers will get HDR10+, which is hard to find on other streamers, and the Alexa Remote is a stylish, well-designed remote for those who are happy to put Amazon's voice assistant at the center. of your smart home. It goes without saying, however, that if you're happy with your TV's smart platform, there's not much to invest here. Today's best Fire TV streaming device deals