Number 2. Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
If budget is your primary concern and 4K resolution isn’t a necessity, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite presents itself as a viable alternative. Priced at $30, it stands as one of the most cost-effective streaming sticks available on the market, often featuring frequent discounts. This device offers FHD streaming with HDR capabilities and includes the convenience of an Alexa voice remote, just like its higher-end counterparts.
The “Lite” designation of this Fire TV Stick stems from its inability to control your television. To power it on or off and adjust volume, you’ll still need to rely on your TV remote. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s a worthwhile compromise that allows for significant cost savings. In comparison, the standard Fire TV Stick typically retails for $40, while the Fire TV Stick 4K comes with a $50 price tag.
Amazon’s Fire TV platform supports a wide range of popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more. The Live page also provides direct access to Twitch right out of the box. Although you can’t utilize Alexa to control your TV, the Fire TV Stick Lite does allow you to harness Alexa’s power for searching shows and asking general questions, such as weather forecasts or the latest scores of your favorite sports teams.
Despite its affordable price, the Fire TV Stick Lite delivers a commendable streaming experience. It features the updated Fire TV interface, which introduces various enhancements like user profiles, a new main menu navigation bar with show recommendations, and a scrolling list of your favorite streaming apps.
While the layout may not be as intuitive as Google TV’s and may be slightly more intricate than Roku’s, it remains user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, it’s worth noting that the interface tends to prioritize Amazon Prime Video content, and there may be more ads compared to other streaming platforms. Although it may not be the absolute best streaming device available, it certainly stands as the ideal choice if you’re seeking an affordable upgrade for an older non-smart TV.
For a slightly higher price point, you have the option to upgrade to either the Fire TV Stick 4K or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Both of these devices offer 4K resolution, HDR support, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The Max model goes a step further by incorporating WiFi 6 support and a faster processor, providing an even more robust streaming experience for those willing to invest a bit more.
Number 3. Chromecast with Google TV
