Streaming media has become an indispensable part of our home entertainment, and Amazon‘s Fire TV devices are strong competitors in this market. Two of Amazon‘s most popular offerings are the Fire Stick Lite and standard Fire Stick. On the surface they may seem almost identical, but there are some key differences worth examining before you choose which model to purchase.
Background on Amazon‘s Fire TV Products
Released in 2014, Amazon‘s Fire TV product line encompasses various digital media streaming devices. The current lineup includes the basic Fire Stick, Fire Stick Lite, Fire Stick 4K/4K Max, and the Fire TV Cube. Across its iterations, the Amazon Fire TV system has aimed to rival heavy-hitters like Roku, Apple TV and Google‘s Chromecast.
Amazon strategically developed the Fire Stick form factor to compete directly with plug-in HDMI streamers from other brands. The very first Fire TV device was a simple set-top box before the ultra-portable stick design was introduced.
Fire Stick vs Fire Stick Lite Feature Comparison
| Spec | Fire Stick Lite | Fire Stick |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $39.99 |
| Storage | 8GB | 8GB |
| Memory | 1GB | 1GB |
| Remote | Basic remote | Alexa voice remote |
| Max Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Passthrough only | Native support |
Key Takeaways:
- Fire Stick offers native Dolby Atmos audio
- Fire Stick remote includes TV controls and Alexa built-in
- Fire Stick Lite is more affordable
- Otherwise very similar core media streaming functionality
Beyond the specs, there are some meaningful differences when using these two streamers daily.
The Remotes
Arguably the most impactful distinction comes down to the remote control. The included Fire Stick Alexa Voice Remote can power your television on and off, adjust volume, and launch streaming content via voice commands. Its buttons also let you easily control TV functions without needing a second remote handy.
Conversely, the stripped-down Alexa Voice Remote Lite bundled with the Fire Stick Lite lacks any TV or volume controls. For basic streaming it offers the same core functionality. However, you lose some convenience by needing your TV‘s original remote as well to adjust settings and volume.
Performance & Dolby Atmos Differences
Thanks to a slightly faster processor, the base Fire Stick also enables snappier response times when navigating menus and switching between apps/streams. The experience feels more fluid compared to the streamlined Fire Stick Lite. These are minor day-to-day differences, but may appeal to discerning home theater enthusiasts.
You also get better integrated audio support in the form of Dolby Atmos pass-through on the Fire Stick Lite compared to full native handling with the standard model. For consumers who don‘t have external speakers or sound systems this won‘t make a practical difference. But those wishing to leverage Dolby Atmos effects on capable speakers can only achieve this using the Fire Stick.
Price Points
Given very similar core functionality between the two, the Fire Stick Lite presents excellent value at only $30 to access Amazon‘s streaming ecosystem. Yet spending just $10 more on the Fire Stick during sales lets you gain more advanced features like the tricked-out Alexa Voice Remote and Dolby Atmos handling.
Ultimately even the priciest Fire TV options cost notably less than competitive products from the likes of Roku or Apple TV. Both Amazon models are affordable gateways to HD streaming.
Additional Fire TV Offerings
Beyond the Fire Stick and Fire Stick Lite, Amazon rounds out their lineup with the aforementioned Fire TV Cube and Fire Stick 4K models.
The unique Fire TV Cube incorporates built-in Alexa smart speaker functionality for expanded voice control of your home theater and entertainment center. If you already use Echo devices and other compatible smart home tech, the Cube may appeal for consolidating multiple roles.
For shoppers focused purely on streaming performance, the 4K model Fire Sticks offer increased resolution, HDR and Dolby Vision compared to the 1080p-capped standard versions. Of course you‘ll need a 4K, HDR-enabled television to benefit from those enhanced specs.
How Does Fire TV Compare to Other Streamers?
The Fire TV platform holds its own against competitors like Roku, Chromecast and Apple TV when it comes to core media streaming. Amazon‘s interface puts content front-and-center without too much clutter. Setting up and starting to stream is quick and painless across the Fire TV product family.
However Amazon‘s prominent promotion of their own Prime Video content risks crowding out third-party streaming apps and channels. Roku for example offers a more neutral user interface not overwhelmingly biased towards the company‘s own ecosystem. Still for Prime subscribers already invested in Amazon‘s services, Fire TV integration can actually be a perk.
Overall the latest generation Fire Sticks earn their place among the best streaming hardware options today thanks to breadth of content support, ease of use and wallet-friendly pricing. Both the Fire Stick and Fire Stick Lite warrant consideration alongside market leaders from Roku, Google and Apple.
Conclusion – Which Fire Stick is Best?
Both the Amazon Fire Stick and more affordable Fire Stick Lite allow you to stream all your favorite media in up to 1080p quality. Core functionality remains very similar across the two models. The extra $10 gets you noticeable perks by stepping up to the full Fire Stick, however.
Ultimately I recommend the standard Fire Stick as the best choice for most buyers thanks to handy remote features plus Dolby Atmos support. But don‘t overlook the Fire Stick Lite on a tighter budget – you still get robust access to Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and practically any streaming service.
I hope this detailed comparison helps explain the key differences between Amazon‘s Fire TV offerings. Let me know if you have any other questions!
