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Reading Time: 4 minutesAmazon Fire TV devices have, for quite some time now, served as one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get access to high-quality media streaming apps on your TV.
Over the years the range of Fire TV devices has expanded greatly, encompassing budget-friendly options, ultra high-definition streaming boxes, soundbars, and even TVs with Fire TV functionality built in.
Plugging a Fire TV device into your television grants immediate access to streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, as well as a gaming library, YouTube, and a huge range of apps downloadable via the app store.
Their ease of use and cost benefit makes them ideal additions to your home entertainment center, but also perfect gifts for loved ones who like to binge episodes of their favorite shows or enjoy movie rentals from the comfort of their home theater.
But understanding which Fire TV device to buy is all about knowing how the device will be used and how it fits into your budget. To help make the decision easy, we’ve broken the devices down into four simple categories, with recommendations on the ideal devices for each type of user.
TVs with Fire TV Integrated
Credit: Amazon
Ideal for: Those shopping for a new entertainment center or one in need of major upgrades
Before you buy anything, you have one important decision to make: do you want to add streaming capabilities to your current equipment, or is it about time to treat yourself to a more significant upgrade?
If you’re shopping for a new TV, why not get one with Fire TV already built in? Amazon makes two Fire TV-enabled panels, the 4-Series and the Omni Series, but there are also great options from brands like Pioneer, Insignia and Toshiba, found on Amazon’s Fire TV homepage.
The Amazon Fire TV Omni Series 4K TVs are available in sizes from 43 to 75 inches. This covers a huge range of budgets and room sizes, and with Fire TV included, all you have to do is sign in to your account on the TV itself to get access to everything Fire TV has to offer—no need for a separate device.
These smart TVs also support hands-free voice control with Alexa, HDR video and—on the 65 and 75-inch versions only—Dolby Vision technology.
Shop the Amazon Fire TV Omni Series
Fire TV-Enhanced Soundbars
Credit: Amazon
Ideal for: Upgrading to a more cinematic audio setup, or saving HDMI slots on your TV
If you’re happy with your current TV, but you need a better sound system for movie nights at home, a soundbar would be a great investment.
Models like the Nebula Soundbar, or the TCL Alto 8+, offer fully integrated Fire TV functionality, killing two birds with one stone (or one HDMI input, if you prefer).
Not only does this make getting access to Fire TV easier, but it also saves you from having to connect multiple devices to your TV. And you can enjoy a more cinematic audio experience while you watch your favorite content.
Streaming in 4K (2160p)
Credit: Amazon
Ideal for: Connecting to a 4K TV and enjoying 4K shows and movies
If you have a 4K TV, you’ll want to take advantage of a Fire TV device that boasts full support for 4K content and, luckily, there are plenty of options.
For an all-in-one approach, the Fire TV Cube is Amazon’s most powerful streaming device with a fast hexa-core CPU and 16GB of storage. It’s also the only standalone Fire TV device with hands-free Alexa voice control.
However, if you’re not interested in playing games on your actual device, you can save money and still enjoy fast and effortless 4K streaming by using the Fire TV Stick 4K, a powerful device that can stream all your favorite 4K content with full support for Dolby Vision HDR.
Additionally, the newly released Fire TV Stick 4K Max delivers the same great 4K streaming, enhanced further with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 routers, which offer the fastest wireless internet connections available today.
Streaming in HD (1080p)
Credit: Amazon
Ideal for: Pairing with an older HD TV model
If your good, old, 1080p TV is still going strong, you don’t need to spend more on a 4K streaming device that you can’t fully utilize. Amazon offers two models for those with HD TVs, both of which represent excellent value.
The Fire TV Stick is effectively a 1080p version of the Fire TV Stick 4K, and gives you access to the same streaming services and apps. It also comes with a fully-featured remote including Alexa voice control, power and volume buttons, and one-touch shortcuts to four popular streaming apps.
Meanwhile, the Fire TV Stick Lite serves as the most affordable device. Like the others, it supports all the same popular streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu, but with a simpler remote control for a more streamlined experience.
Save 20% on a New Fire TV Device
Do you already have a Fire TV device but need to upgrade? Perhaps you just got a 4K TV and would like to get a Fire TV Stick 4K, or the powerful Fire TV Cube, to pair with your flashy new display.
The good news is Amazon offers an excellent trade-in service on Fire TV devices. After a simple appraisal, Amazon will give you an Amazon.com gift card equal to the value of your device (which you would send in via free shipping), and a limited-time promotional discount of 20% off a new qualifying Fire TV device.
Head over to Amazon for more information and to get started on your Fire TV trade-in.
Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson has been writing for high-profile publications for 16 years, primarily in the video game industry, but also covering tech. Mike is an obsessed video game hoarder with hundreds of games spanning a 30-year collection. An entire room in his house is dedicated to Super Mario, and he thinks the Nintendo Switch is “the best invention in human history.” Counseling may be necessary.