Amazon Fire TV Stick Review

What is Fire TV Stick

Fire TV Stick connects your HDTV to a world of online entertainment. Whether you're a Prime member or not, enjoy a huge selection of movies and TV episodes, voice search that actually works, and exclusive features like ASAP. Fire TV Stick is an easy way to enjoy Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, low-cost movie rentals, live and on-demand sports, music, photos, games, and more.


What’s on Fire TV Stick
Fire TV Stick combines all your favorite subscriptions and streaming services with Amazon's massive selection of digital content. Watch over 200,000 TV episodes and movies, rent videos from just 99 cents, or kick back with your favorite sports, news, music, and games. Eligible customers get a free 30-day trial of Netflix and Amazon Prime when they purchase Fire TV Stick. Additional payments such as subscription fees or affiliated video subscriptions may be required to access certain content on certain channels (for example, HBO GO, Netflix, and WatchESPN). Participating television providers only; some channels may not be available in every market Fire TV Stick is sold. See more...




Customer Reviews

Must have device, especially for Amazon Prime members, November 20, 2014
By
Quentin Moore "The Tech Ranker"


I was fortunate to order one of these as soon as it was announced. As an Amazon Prime member, I was able to buy the Fire TV Stick for $19 during a two day sale. I figured, for that price, I might as well test it out!
Set up was easy and straight forward. I find that the interface is quick and easy to use. The interface and streaming on the Stick is much faster than the Amazon app built into my HDTV. This fact alone made this a great purchase. Here are some more thoughts I have on the Fire TV Stick so far:

✔ PROS:
- Quick, easy to use, polished interface
- Wireless streaming works really well
- Amazon Instant video loads, fast forwards, and rewinds really fast
- A dedicated Prime Menu allows Prime members to easily see what free content is available
- Unlike Chromecast, the Fire TV Stick includes a remote
- Can stream your own videos by first uploading them to your cloud disk
- Can play quite a few casual games
- Awesome, irresistible price for Amazon Prime users. I got it for $19 during the two day sale.
- Better specs than Chromecast and Roku Stick
- Ultraportable. I plan to use Fire TV Stick when I travel for work and to visit family
- Stream local videos and other content using the Plex app http://www.amazon.com/Plex-Inc/dp/B004Y1WCDE/ (Thanks BikeRider!)

✔ CONS:

- Included remote doesn't support voice search. That remote costs extra. Would be nice to have a second Fire TV Stick model that includes the voice search remote, rather can requiring us to buy a second remote.
- Probably won't be able to use universal remotes with this unless Logitech offers a compatible device.
- Not as fast as Fire TV, but since the Stick is so much cheaper, this is not really an issue.
- Limited compatibility with older Android devices.

✔ OTHER

- Arrived associated with my Amazon account. You can change this of course. Just keep this in mind if you are sending the Fire TV Stick as a gift.
- Unlike the Chromecast, the Fire TV Stick may complain if you connect its power port to a USB port on your TV instead of using the included AC power brick.
- Setup will take 15 to 20 minutes
- Would be nice if this thing was compatible with the Fire Keyboard: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1DFOMPMA8NG4V/


✔ AMAZON FIRE TV STICK vs CHROMECAST


Chromecast is cheaper these days. It's a very capable device. It currently has a few notable content sources that Fire TV Stick doesn't have, including HBO Go and Sling Player. It doesn't have a remote and I find the user interface to be a little clunky.

Amazon Fire TV Stick has a remote and a very quick and easy to use interface. Your non-technically inclined family members will find the Fire TV Stick easier to use than the Chromecast. If you have Amazon Prime, it's a no brainer. Chose the Stick over the Chromecast.


✔ AMAZON FIRE TV STICK vs FIRE TV
The Fire TV is faster, includes voice search, has more RAM, has more storage, has an Ethernet port, and can play more games. It's also more expensive (although there are discounts on them all the time).
The Fire TV Stick is more portable. It's also a lot cheaper, especially if you are an Amazon Prime member and got the initial $19 price.
If you can afford to the Fire TV, get that. Otherwise the Fire TV Stick is a great alternative. I plan to own both. :-)

✔ BOTTOM LINE

I really like the Amazon Fire TV Stick. At only $19 for Amazon Prime members (during the 2 day sale), I REALLY, REALLY LIKE Fire TV Stick. Its interface is faster and easier to use than my HDTV's built-in Amazon app, plus it includes a lot more video sources. It's really the best way to view your Amazon content on a TV.

The interesting thing is, Fire TV Stick has convinced me to buy the more expensive Fire TV too. I want to have the voice search and the faster interface on my main HDTV. I plan to take the Fire Stick with me when I travel for work or travel to visit family.

For Amazon Prime members, and for anyone that has a few Amazon movie/TV purchases, the both the Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick are must have devices and great stocking stuffers for this Christmas.

✔ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Where can I find the Fire TV Stick in stock?
A: If Amazon doesn't have it in stock, try your local Staples or Best Buy. You may be able to check their websites to view local inventory.


Q: Do I have to pay extra for Netflix?
A: Yes. You must have an existing Netflix subscription in order to view Netflix content on your Fire TV Stick. In general, if you normally have to pay a subscription to access a streaming service, that subscription is required in order for you to stream content via the Fire TV Stick.


Q: Do I need Amazon Prime to use the Fire TV Stick?
A: No. Amazon Prime is not required to use Fire TV Stick. You can access Netflix, Hulu Plus, and even your Amazon Instant Video purchases, all without having an Amazon Prime subscription.


Q: What is the advantage of having an Amazon Prime subscription with the Fire TV Stick?
A: Amazon Prime give you unlimited access to over 40,000 movies and TV shows, including access to a large selection of HBO shows. You also get access to Prime Music, as well as unlimited cloud storage for your photos. You also get free two-day shipping, as well as the ability to earn credits for purchasing books, movies, and music.



Q: Can I watch live ESPN broadcasts for free using Fire TV Stick?
A: To access live ESPN broadcasts via your Fire TV Stick, you must already have access to ESPN through an existing cable TV subscription. The providers below offer access to WatchESPN live video:
- AT&T U-verse
- Bright House Networks
- Charter
- Comcast XFINITY
- Cox
- DISH
- Google Fiber
- Midcontinent Communications
- Optimum
- Time Warner Cable
- Verizon FiOS TV


Q: Is the Fire TV Stick compatible with HBO GO?
A: HBO GO will be available for Fire TV Stick in Spring 2015. HBO GO is currently available for the Fire TV box.


Q: Is a "Smart TV" required to use Fire TV Stick?
A: No. Any TV with an available HDMI port will work.


Q: Can the Fire TV Stick play games?
A: Yes. Please note however that the Fire TV Stick doesn't play all Android games. It doesn't even play all the games that can run on the Fire TV box. Also note that some games require an optional game controller.


Q: Can I use a universal remote control with the Fire TV Stick, such as a Logitech remote?
A: IR based remote controls do not work with the Fire TV Stick. However, Logitech's Harmony Hub and Harmony Home products are compatible with both Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. For more details, google "Harmony experience with Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick".


Q: Can I use my TV's USB port to power the Fire TV Stick?
A: The Fire TV Stick requires an amount of power usually not provided in standard USB ports. The included USB cable and AC adapter definitely works, of course. An AC powered USB hub may work. A USB port on your TV or other equipment probably will not work.


Q: Will the Fire TV Stick continue to work if I switch TVs?
A: Yes. You can use the Fire TV Stick on any HDMI equipped TV in your home. You can also use it when you are away from home.


Q: Can I use the Fire TV Stick in a hotel room, using hotel Wi-Fi?
A: The hotel room TV requires an accessible HDMI port, of course. If in order to access your hotel's Wi-Fi network you must first access a special web page to log in, this functionality is coming soon to the Fire TV Stick but not yet available (as of 12/18/2014).


Q: Can I access the Fire TV Stick from my audio/visual receiver (AVR)?
A: I haven't personally tested this but I believe it should work. Your AVR must have an available HDMI port of course.


Q: Can I stream content from my local computers to my Fire TV Stick?
A: Yes, using the Plex app.


Q: Can I view Ultraviolet (UV) movies on my Fire TV Stick?
A: At least one person (B. Brown of Oregon) reports that you can watch Ultraviolet movies using the Flixster app. I haven't personally tried it.


Q: How do I turn the Fire TV Stick off?
A: You don't have to turn the Fire TV Stick off. It goes to sleep after a period of inactivity. If you want to put it to sleep anyway, go to settings > system menu > click sleep. (Thx Selden Deemer)


Q: How do I open the remote to insert the batteries?
A: In the middle of the back of the remote, there is a small rectangle. Right next to it, there's the edge where the battery cover and the rest of the remote meets. Place your thumb on the rectangle and, with a little force, move the rectangle away from the edge. The cover should come off easily. Hope this helps!


Q: Can I block family members from making purchases using the Fire TV Stick?
A: Yes. You can enable a feature that requires a PIN number to be entered before purchases can be made.

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