This is so easy to setup and use, I wish I got this years ago. I'll be honest, and I feel a bit foolish admitting this, but: Despite hearing about the Fire TV stick's existence for years, I never considered it because I thought there was a monthly fee! I didn't want to pay for anything beyond my subscriptions, so I never even read the details. I put my television in a box in the attic when I 'cut the cord' with my cable company in 2012 and it's been there ever since. I've been watching 'TV' on my desktop PC or on my Kindle.
This worked well enough for years, but during the pandemic I began spending a lot more time streaming shows and despite replacing my desk chair with a more comfortable chair, it just wasn't ergonomic and became more and more uncomfortable, so I needed to reconsider my TV setup. Enter the Fire Stick! This time I read the details - and then re-read them, and then Youtubed videos about it, because I couldn't believe it really didn't cost anything per month! You just buy the stick and plug it in and that's it?! Yep!
So here's a few noteworthy points: First, it does not use USB; I saw this pop up in the questions for this product quite a bit. Technically the wall adapter plugs into the included USB cord - just like your kindle charger, etc. But there's no USB needed for the actual television end, it uses an HDMI port and that's it. Interestingly, I almost didn't get it because I was sure the TV I bought back in 2009 wouldn't have an HDMI port, but I finally went up to the attic to check and sure enough, it has one! So be sure your TV has an HDMI port, that's required.
Setup was ridiculously easy. Just attach the items in the box together and plug it into the HDMI port on the back of your TV and then plug the other end into a wall outlet. That's it! Then turn the TV on and the setup will walk you through the rest, signing you into your Amazon account, calibrating the included remote control, updating (several times), choosing streaming apps to start with, etc. It's all very simple.
If you want to watch paid streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, etc you must have a paid subscription to them. But there's other services/apps such as Pluto TV and others that are totally free and have a decent variety of ad-supported content, both shows and movies as well as news. And Amazon's apps are of course there, like Amazon Music and Prime Video (if you subscribe to Prime Video). I only have Hulu and Prime Video currently as paid subscriptions, but there's plenty of free content to supplement. In fact, I even have my local news which surprised me (they must stream on a live app and I never realized it).
So basically, it aggregates various paid and free streaming apps to one place and this little stick presents them all in one nice looking interface, letting you use your remote to choose programming, just like TV. To be clear, the Fire TV stick runs off your wifi signal, so be sure you have wifi at home. On one hand it doesn't give you anything you can't get without it, but on the other hand, the convenience of having it all accessible in one place is fantastic and makes it feel like I'm getting all kinds of new content. Some of the apps I've never even heard of, so there is new-to-me content in that regard.
The interface is excellent and fairly intuitive, and the remote works great. I am super glad I opted for the Fire TV stick option that comes with the remote that also has TV controls like volume and mute, so I can do it all with the remote that came with it. Now I can sit in my living room like a normal person and watch TV (streaming services) comfortably from my couch; I should have got this years ago.
Just be sure you have:
1. A TV with an HDMI port
2. Wifi at home
3. OPTIONAL: Paid services if you want to watch Hulu, Netflix, etc. Otherwise you can still use this to access free content.
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Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn moreProduct Certification (1)
Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn moreProduct Certification (1)
Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn moreProduct Certification (1)
Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
Compare Fire TV streaming devices
| Price | From: $29.99 | From: $39.99 | From: $39.99 | From: $54.99 | From: $139.99 |
| Ratings | (34,410) | (338,910) | (211,295) | (104,443) | (1,550) |
| Best for | Essential streaming under $30 | HD streaming with convenient TV controls | Cinematic 4K streaming with Dolby Vision support | High performance 4K streaming with Wi-Fi 6 support | Ultimate 4K streaming with hands-free voice control |
| Supports 1080p Full HD |
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| Supports 4K Ultra HD & Dolby Vision (HDR for ultravivid picture quality) |
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| Live View Picture-in-Picture |
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| Hands-free with Alexa |
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| Connect & control your devices (cable box, game console, webcam, etc) |
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| Wifi support & connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E + Ethernet port |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1.5 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Audio support | HDMI passthrough of Dolby-encoded audio | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Processor | Quad-core CPU 1.7GHz, GPU 650MHz | Quad-core CPU 1.7GHz, GPU 650MHz | Quad-core CPU 1.7GHz, GPU 650MHz | Quad-core CPU 1.8GHz, GPU 750MHz | Octa-core 4x 2.2GHz 4x 2.0GHz, GPU 800MHz |
Certified for Humans
Certified for Humans products are smart devices for non-experts. Stress-free, no patience needed devices. Connecting to Alexa is quick and easy—even the software updates are automatic. All Certified for Humans devices meet a high standard and customers love them because they’re surprisingly simple. Learn more here.
Simple to set up and use
1. Plug Fire TV Stick directly into your HDTV, or use the included HDMI extender.
2. Plug into wall outlet.
3. Connect to internet and enjoy.
Every day is an earth day
You don’t have to be an environmental scientist to make sustainable choices. We considered sustainability in the design of this device. Here’s how:
Materials
50% post-consumer recycled plastics in streaming media player
20% post-consumer recycled plastics in the remote
Cable and adapter not included.
Low Power Mode
To reduce its energy consumption, this device will enter Low Power Mode when it goes to sleep. Learn more here.
Device Packaging
97% of this device’s packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Part with Purpose
There may come a time when you want to trade in or recycle your device. Explore options with Amazon Second Chance.
Technical details
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
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Size |
3.4” x 1.2” x 0.5” (86 x 30 x 13 mm) |
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Weight |
1.1 oz (32.0 g) |
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Processor |
Quad-core 1.7 GHz |
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GPU |
IMG GE8300 |
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Storage |
8 GB internal |
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Wifi |
Dual-band, dual-antenna wifi (MIMO) for faster streaming and fewer dropped connections than standard wifi. Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wifi networks. |
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Bluetooth |
Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy. Pair with compatible Bluetooth speakers, headphones, video game controllers, and more. |
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Voice support |
Yes, with Alexa Voice Remote (included) or the free Fire TV app (available for download on Fire OS, Android, and iOS). |
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IR device control with included Alexa Voice Remote |
The included Alexa Voice Remote can control Fire TV Stick and certain functions (such as power and volume) on a wide range of compatible IR-enabled devices, including TVs, soundbars, and A/V receivers. Note: Certain functions may not be available on some IR-enabled devices. |
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Cloud storage |
Free cloud storage for digital content purchased from Amazon. |
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Ports |
HDMI output, micro-USB for power only. |
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Audio support |
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+ surround sound and HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Atmos. |
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Video content formats supported |
HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, Vp9 |
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Output resolution supported |
1080p and 720p up to 60 fps |
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System requirements |
High-definition television with available HDMI input, internet connection via wifi, a power outlet. |
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TV compatibility |
High-definition TVs with HDMI capable of 1080p or 720p at 60/50 Hz. |
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Warranty and service |
90-day Limited Warranty and service included. Optional 2-Year and 3-Year Extended Warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Fire TV is subject to the terms found here. |
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Content availability |
Certain apps and services are subject to change or withdrawal at any time, may not be available in all areas and languages, and may require separate subscriptions. |
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Accessibility features |
VoiceView screen reader enables access to the vast majority of Fire TV features for users who are blind or visually impaired. Screen magnifier enables viewers to zoom in and out, and pan around the screen. Text Banner consolidates onscreen text into a compact, customizable banner that appears on the screen. Watch videos and TV shows with closed captioning displayed. Use Audio Description for verbal descriptions of what is happening on the screen, including physical actions, facial expressions and scene changes. Captions and audio descriptions are not available for all content. You can also listen to Fire TV with compatible Bluetooth headphones. Learn more about accessibility for Fire TV. |
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Included in the box |
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen), Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen), USB cable and power adapter, HDMI extender, 2 AAA batteries, Quick Start Guide |
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Software Security Updates |
This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Fire TV, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen)
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Size |
38 x 142 x 16 mm |
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Weight |
43.4 g (without batteries) |
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Batteries |
2 AAA (included) |
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Technology |
Bluetooth |
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Compatibility |
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen), Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max |
Climate Pledge Friendly
Products with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
Product Certification (1)
Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
Can't believe I just gave the fire stick five stars. After have dealing with a later model version of the fire stick was just horrible to be honest. Great when it was working with no issues. Constantly had to restart the stick just to watch or stream anything. And it is NOT my internet service. Have had no issues with my internet/wifi service and hardware.Purchasing the newer 2023 model, I must say is 10x better than whatever crap they sent me the first time around. Much faster, bolder, and cleaner looking. Streams with no issues, installation is super easy of course. Even transferring everything over to the newer edition. Hopefully this fire stick will hold up over time and not make me regret my purchase and choice in streaming services.
Images in this review
