Amazon Fire TV Stick is a reliable streaming device, specialized for streaming Prime. Keep reading to learn about its various pros and cons.
With so many different streaming services and devices available, it’s difficult to keep track of them all. However, in terms of streaming devices, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, Sling TV box, and Roku are the ones that stand out. In this article, we are going to review Amazon Fire TV Stick and discuss its various pros and cons.
What is Amazon Fire TV Stick?
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a small tiny stick that you can easily plug into the HDMI port at the back of your TV.
Since it is tiny, you can hide it at the back of your TV. If you don’t have space at the back of your television, you can also use the small mini cable that comes with the product to attach it to the HDMI port.
The device needs to be attached to your TV for power, but it’s better to use the adapter with the device and plug it into a power outlet.
The purpose of this device is to stream your favorite movies and TV shows but you need a strong Wi-Fi connection for that. Despite not gaining as much attention as other streaming services, this streaming device currently has more than 30 million active users.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Pros
Amazon Fire Stick TV has a number of benefits.
4K Capability
If you are interested in watching content in the highest available quality, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the best option for you. The device lets you stream content in ultra-HD quality.
Supports All Major Streaming Services
Amazon Fire Stick is a versatile device that supports all major streaming services. Besides Amazon’s own Prime Video service, you can also watch Hulu, Netflix, HBO Go/Now, Sony Crackle, Sling TV, Tubi TV, Amazon Music, Pluto TV, Pandora, Spotify and various other services. However, the availability of these services can differ, according to each country.
Elegant Design
Amazon Fire Stick has a measurement of 99 x 30.0 x 14mm. Due to its compact size, the device fits most TV sets. Even though Amazon’s products can be wider than traditional HDMI options, you will have no trouble using the device. The mini-cable included in the box ensures that you can plug in the device, regardless of the port’s size.
Access to Free Services
Perhaps, the best thing about the Amazon Fire TV is that it lets you access free streaming services. Although you will need to buy the device micro console along with the Firestick, there is no need to pay for a monthly subscription to use it.
So you can watch a limited amount of content for free. However, if you want to watch services such as NBA League Pass, Netflix, and Hulu, you will have to pay for these services individually.
Easy to Set Up
As mentioned before, the device is extremely easy to set up. You only need to plug in the device to an HDMI port, attach it to a power supply and then, connect it to a Wi-Fi network. After that, you just need to enter your Amazon account password and start using it.
Access to Amazon Prime Videos
If you are already a frequent Amazon user or rely on Amazon Prime for streaming content, Fire Stick is the best option for you. There’s no need to enter payment information every time you make a purchase and you can easily link the device to your account.
Voice Control with Alexa
The remote comes with an integrated microphone for Alexa voice commands, allowing you to control playback, search for content, get updates, and even manage smart home devices hands-free.
Integration with Amazon Ecosystem
If you are already invested in the Amazon ecosystem, the Fire TV Stick seamlessly integrates with other Amazon services and devices.
Live TV without Cable
The device supports apps that can replace traditional cable services, like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV, allowing you to watch live TV, sports, news, and more.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Cons
Despite having many advantages, Fire Stick has a number of cons as well.
Limited Scope
Amazon Fire Stick has a limited scope when compared to other streaming devices. For instance, Google’s Chromecast is compatible with more peripherals than the Fire Stick, so you can easily use it with other devices, such as your computer, phone or laptop.
No Unique Streaming Features
The problem with Amazon Fire Stick TV is that it does not offer any unique streaming features on its own. Therefore, if you already have a Smart TV, or a DVD player with an internet connection, you can access the streaming services you want. However, you won’t be able to watch amazing streaming content available on Amazon Prime.
Constant Self Promotion
Since Amazon offers a variety of different products, the device is prone to excessive advertisements. The device can prompt you to buy other Amazon products and services. For instance, if you are not using the Amazon Prime video service, the device will often push you to subscribe to it.
Limited Storage
The device comes with limited internal storage, which can be quickly used up by apps and cached data, limiting the number of apps you can install.
The total internal storage of the device is 8GB from which only 4.5 GB is available for use since the other space is occupied by the operating system of the device.
No DVR Capability
The Fire Stick does not have a built-in DVR to record content. To record shows, you would need an additional device like the Fire TV Recast.
Performance Issues
Some users may experience performance issues such as slower navigation or app loading times, especially on the less powerful models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a monthly fee for using a Fire TV Stick?
No, there is no monthly fee for using the Amazon Fire TV Stick itself. You only pay for the device upfront.
However, while the Fire TV Stick provides access to free content and apps, many of the streaming services available on the device, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, require their own separate subscriptions, which do come with monthly fees
What is the point of having a Fire TV Stick?
Here are some of the main benefits and reasons for getting an Amazon Fire TV Stick:
- It provides easy access to a wide variety of streaming content and apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. without needing a smart TV. This makes it a cheap and simple way to add streaming capabilities to any TV with an HDMI port.
- The Fire TV Stick offers a smooth streaming experience and user-friendly interface for navigating between different apps and searching for content.
- It supports voice controls via Alexa, allowing you to search for titles, launch apps, control smart home devices, and more using your voice.
- You get access to Amazon-specific features like ASAP channel flipping, X-Ray on Prime Video, and integration with other Amazon devices.
- It’s affordable, typically costing between $30-$50 depending on the model, making it cheaper than buying a more expensive smart TV.
- Compact and portable design allows you to easily take it with you for streaming while traveling.
What is Free on Amazon Fire Stick?
Here are some of the main free apps, services, and content available on the Amazon Fire TV Stick:
- – IMDb TV – An ad-supported streaming service with a collection of free movies and TV shows.
- – Pluto TV – Provides over 250 free live TV channels spanning different genres.
- – Tubi – An ad-supported on-demand video service with thousands of free movies and shows.
- – The Roku Channel – Offers free movies, news, and more. Requires a Roku account.
- – Crackle – Lets you watch free movies and TV shows with ads. Owned by Sony.
- – YouTube – Watch videos and stream music for free.
- – Twitch – Allows live streaming of games, chat, and more.
- – Peacock – NBCUniversal’s free ad-supported streaming service with NBC shows, news, and sports.
- – ABC News, CBS News, FOX Now – Free news and some TV show content.
- – PBS Kids – Educational content for children.
- – Facebook Watch, Instagram – View content from friends and creators.
- – Web browser – Use Silk or Firefox browsers to access free web content.
- – Free games – Tetris, Solitaire, etc.
So in summary, the Fire Stick provides access to many free, ad-supported streaming video services, live TV channels, news, games, and web content.
The Final Verdict
Amazon Fire TV Stick is optimized for providing exceptional support to Amazon’s existing streaming services.
The intuitive user interface of the device performs quick searches and can help you use voice control to watch your favorite programs in 4k quality.
However, if you are looking for an option that provides greater support for other streaming options, you should look for another streaming device.
randall K. says
The reason I’d want this is because cable makes me pay for many stations I never watch. If I got this, can I only subscribe to, say an MLB pack only or would I have to pay for other stations or packs I don’t want?
Dumb question maybe but I’m trying to learn after getting messed around with by Dish Network.
Harris Andrea says
Randall, yes you can subscribe to the whole MLB.tv pack inside Amazon prime (it will be an additional monthly cost over and above the Amazon Prime cost).
Lila Barnhardt says
I have a smart Samsung tv..
monthly Cost of tv service contInues to rise.
Is the Firestick compatible with a 2020 smart tv?
Harris Andrea says
Lila, yes it should be compatible. It needs to have an HDMI port.
Martin Carr says
I have a good smart TV and a fire stick, when I watch a film the sound and film get out of sync and I have to pause the film then after a few seconds they are back in sync again I do this several times throughout the film, any suggestions
Harris Andrea says
Martin, here is a possible fix for the out-of-sync problem: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GRZKUFGWX49Z6SWC
Mario Attard says
Hi we have installed one in Malta and we are only able to watch Amazon produced films and documentaries
Please is there any chance that we can watch all the other contents advertised
Regards
Mario Attard
Jay says
Two questions,… 1. Does the firestick 4k work on a laptop via USB hub?…. 2. Does the firestick 4k work on smartphone via USB hub?… all the devices are Samsung, including the USB hub which uses a USB-C connector.
Harris Andrea says
The USB for the firestick is used to provide power to it. I have my doubts that the USB hub will provide enough power for the firestick.
I recommend to connect it directly to a USB port on the laptop (not through a hub). For the smartphone, I believe it won’t work.
Mary Oliver-Barratt says
We have a Firestick but can’t find a way to move easily between the std stations BBC 1, 2, ITV, C4 etc
Also can’t find a way to mark programmes we want to watch so we don’t miss them. We have a fairly new Sony TV
Are these things possible Please?
Harris Andrea says
You can add programmes (channels) to favorites. Here is a useful link for this: https://techunwrapped.com/amazons-fire-tv-now-allows-you-to-add-channels-to-favorites-so-you-dont-miss-a-thing/
Joanne Gemignani says
I am trying to get rid of cable services as they are incredibly high. Can I use the Firestick without cable and with the Stick can we watch local news etc.
I know I will need to get my internet service through another company but that’s ok other than that I don’t need cable. Can you suggest if I’m on the right track
Thank you, Joanne
Harris Andrea says
There are a few ways to get local news channels on Firestick. Have a look at this link https://www.firesticktricks.com/how-to-get-local-channels-on-firestick.html
Mike says
Amazon Fire TV Stick is optimized for providing exceptional support to Amazon’s existing streaming services. The intuitive user interface of the device performs quick searches and can help you use voice control to watch your favorite programs in 4k quality. However, if you are looking for an option that provides greater support for other streaming options, you should look for another streaming device.