Pretty much any TV that you can buy today comes with WiFi connectivity, a proprietary operating system, an app store, and popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime pre-installed. And as TVs without these features become increasingly rare, the term “Smart TV” is beginning to disappear as we get used to the fact that there’s no other kind.

And yet today’s so-called Smart TVs don't always live up to your demands.

Most TV manufacturers only provide software support (e.g. operating system and security updates) for two to three years. Worse yet, their app stores are often painfully limited, lacking listings for popular and important software that would allow you to do more with your screen.

But if you can spare $50 and an HDMI port, you can dramatically expand the capabilities of your TV with a plug-in digital media player such as the Amazon Fire TV stick.

Notice: Using Amazon Fire TV stick for digital signage? As of 2024, Amazon have released the Amazon Signage Stick. This has now replaced the Fire TV stick as the budget choice for professional displays.

What is an Amazon Fire TV Stick, and what does it do?

First introduced in November 2014, Amazon’s Fire TV devices are a cheap and easy way to connect Smart and not-so-Smart TVs to WiFi and download, install, and run third-party apps on your TV. They’re about half the size of most TV remotes and plug into your screen’s HDMI port.

Even if your TV does have built-in WiFi capabilities and its own app store, a Fire Stick is a significant upgrade. With their voice-controlled remotes powered by Alexa, Fire TV Sticks streamline everything from photo sharing to web surfing to content streaming. You can:

• Watch Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Hulu, and dozens of other streaming services
• Use your voice for everything from volume control to text input
• Watch live TV and stream your favorite music
• Share photos from your cloud library to your TV screen
• Turn your TV into digital signage with the ScreenCloud app*

With their fast onboard processors, RAM, and GPUs, Fire TV Sticks are one of the best ways to breathe new life into an aging screen. As long as the screen itself still looks good, content will stream smoothly and quickly regardless of your TV’s hardware specs.

Read more about the best media players for digital signage

Amazon Fire TV Stick models and generations, compared

Amazon releases a new generation of Fire TV Sticks approximately every two years. Each generation comes with its own variants and models, ranging from budget options to high-end hardware.

If you already have a Fire TV Stick but you’re not sure which one it is, Amazon has a full list of current Fire TV Products. As of 2024, the most expensive option tops out at $60, so affordable that it rarely makes sense to buy an older model on clearance.

Amazon Fire Stick Lite (from $29.99, released 2021)

Release Date: 2021
Best for: Basic HD streaming
Storage: 8GB

RAM: 1GB

As the most affordable Firestick model, the Lite is a great option for streaming 1080p content. Another notable difference is in its remote, which lacks the power, mute, and volume controls included with more expensive models–the Lite remote can only control the media player.

It doesn’t support 4k resolution apps and relies on the older Wi Fi 5 standard. If you just want to stream movies and TV shows, you can get by with the Lite.

Amazon Fire TV Stick (from $39.99, 3rd generation)

Release Date: 2021
Best for: Basic HD streaming + TV control
Storage: 8GB

RAM: 1GB

This one’s easy. Besides the price, the Fire TV Stick is exactly the same as the Lite, except it has 3rd Gen Alexa Voice Remote and can control your TV power, channels, and volume. Which, let’s face it, is much easier than shoving your arm down the back of the sofa for the remote.

If you’re an audiophile, the vanilla Fire TV Stick comes with Dolby Atmos while the Lite doesn’t, but the dimensions and internal specs of the two Sticks are otherwise identical.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (from $39.99, 2nd generation)

Release Date: 2023
Best for: 4K Ultra HD streaming + background apps
Storage: 8GB

RAM: 2GB

The same price as the vanilla model, the 4k variant is the safest choice when picking a Fire TV Stick. It also includes more RAM, with 2GB, making it possible to run more resource-intensive apps, like ScreenCloud.

Finally, the Fire TV Stick 4k uses the Wi Fi 6 standard, which can deliver significantly faster data transfer speeds, if your network hardware can accommodate it.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (from $59.99, 2nd generation)

Release Date: 2023
Best for: 4K Ultra HD streaming + local storage
Storage: 16GB

RAM: 2GB

If performance is important to you, the Max has a few things going for it. Despite being the exact same size as the non-Max 4k Stick, the Max has a faster processor (Quad-core 2.0GHz vs Quad-core 1.7GHz), faster GPU, double the storage space, and is compatible with the slightly improved Wi Fi 6E. It is, without question, the best Fire TV Stick for turning an old TV into digital signage or digital bulletin board.

Amazon Signage Stick

Release Date: 2024
Best for: All professional digital signage applications such as menu boards and displays
Storage: 16GB

RAM: 2GB

While the Amazon Fire Stick used to be the go to for professional displays, it's been usurped by the made-for-purpose Signage Stick. Unlike the Fire stick, the Signage stick boots straight to your digital signage software and allows you to control the content remotely.

It's worth noting that this is not for TV streaming services, but specifically for professional digital signage. The Signage Stick also costs more than the rest of the models on this list, coming in at $99.

Read more about the Amazon Signage Stick.

How to pick the right Fire TV Stick

When all your options are $60 or less, it might be tempting to pick the best model. Or, if your screen isn’t 4k, to assume one of the cheapest models makes the most sense. There’s a little more to it than that, but not much.

Screen resolution

If you plan to use your Fire TV Stick with a 4k screen, get one of the models that supports 2160p.

The converse isn’t necessarily true, though, especially for a use case like turning your TV into digital signage. Even with a 1080p screen, you’ll still want the increased RAM, WiFi speed, and better graphics of the 4k Stick when downloading, caching, and storing media locally. For basic streaming, pick the cheapest variant that matches your screen’s resolution.

Future hardware considerations

You might also want to think of near-term hardware upgrades you plan to make. Maybe you have a 1080p TV today, but plan to switch to 4k in the next year. Or you’re already working on plans to upgrade your network to the latest hardware, opening the doors for WiFi 6/6E. 

Budget

Although $60 is pretty cheap for what you get out of a Fire TV Stick, the cost isn’t something you can ignore entirely. Especially if you’re buying them to test out an idea you’re unsure about or are buying several at a time. Instead of settling for a cheaper model, check an Amazon price tracking site to see how often the 4k or 4k Max Stick is discounted and by how much.

Where to buy an Amazon Fire Stick

Although buying directly from Amazon.com is often your best bet for purchasing a Fire TV Stick, it’s far from your only option. If you’re crunched for time, worried about return policies, or want to talk to a real person about which model to buy, you can usually find all of the variants at big-box retailers.

If you’re in the the US:

• Best buy
• Target
• Staples
• Home Depot

From the UK and Europe:

• Argos
• Currys
• John Lewis
• MediaMarkt
• Carrefour
• Boulanger

How to buy an Amazon Fire Stick in a location where it’s unavailable

If you reside in a country in Asia, Africa or New Zealand, it may be difficult to get Amazon to ship you a Fire TV Stick. From our experience, you may have better luck by ordering from B&H.

How to set up an Amazon Fire Stick

It’s a good idea to sign up for a basic Amazon account (Prime is not required) before getting started. If you already have one, you can start downloading apps and streaming content in a matter of minutes. 

Step 1: Plug in the power cord

Your Fire TV Stick should come with a micro USB power cord and head. Plug the micro USB into the Stick itself and insert the other end into a power outlet.

Step 2: Attach to your TV’s HDMI port

After the power cord is attached, plug the Fire TV Stick directly into the HDMI port on the back of your TV, or use a HDMI extender if you don’t want it plugged directly into the screen.

Step 3: Turn on your TV and switch to the correct HDMI source

If you don’t see the Fire TV splash screen after turning on your TV, make sure you’ve selected the correct source (i.e. HDMI1, HDMI3). Along the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a message that cycles through several different languages. Make sure there are batteries in your remote and Press the Play/Pause button to begin setting up the device.

NOTE: If you see the splash screen and your remote has working batteries but you cannot get past this screen, try pressing and holding the Home Button for 10 seconds.

Step 4. Registering the device and logging in

Next, you’ll pick your language preference and the Fire TV Stick will check for software and firmware updates.

If you bought your Fire TV Stick from Amazon.com, your account credentials might already be loaded on the device. Your login screen will simply say “Welcome, [NAME]! This Amazon Fire TV Stick will be registered to your account.” And you can click Continue to skip over manually entering your username and password.

If you bought the Stick from a brick-and-mortar retailer, you can sign in by visiting amazon.com/code and inputting the 6-digit OTP displayed on screen, or scan the QR code with your phone.

Step 5: Finish fine-tuning your settings

After logging in, you’ll run through a few additional setup steps (e.g. making sure your Alexa remote can adjust the volume, recognize your voice, etc.). It’ll then ask you (a few times) to sign up for Amazon’s add-on services, to download apps from the most popular streaming and media platforms, and to set up parental controls.

That covers the basics. All that’s left if for you to install your favorite apps, log in, and get familiar with navigating the Fire TV Stick’s UI.

How to install and open apps on the Amazon Fire TV Stick

From the home screen, scroll to the magnifying glass. You can either hit the down button on your remote, select the search bar, and type in the app you’re looking for, or press and hold the blue Alexa button to search with your voice.

A voice search for a recognized app will take you directly to its download page. If you typed in your search manually, choose the app you’re looking for from the list and click the Get icon to download it.

After the download is finished and you’ve returned to the homescreen, there are a few ways to open a downloaded app.

The two easiest are to either press and hold the home button on your remote and open the Apps menu or press and hold the Alexa voice button and say “Open [app]”. Or, you can scroll along the top menu all the way to the right, with the Apps menu directly to the left of the settings tab. 

How to install ScreenCloud on an Amazon Fire TV Stick

Following the same steps outlined above, find and install the ScreenCloud Digital Signage Player on the Amazon app store. Depending on which version of Fire OS your Fire Stick has installed, you can follow the instructions for enabling developer mode to allow the ScreenCloud Player to launch whenever the device is turned on, bypassing the default home screen. However, we expect this feature to be removed from all Fire OS devices in the near future.

Once all of that is done, it’s the same process as pairing a ScreenCloud screen on any platform or operating system. Just log in to studio.screencloud.com, open the Screens tab, click New Screen, and enter the pairing code shown on your Fire TV Stick screen.

Pros of using an Amazon Fire TV Stick for digital signage

The main reasons to use a Fire TV Stick for digital signage is the price and user-friendliness. They cost the same as other similar devices but have more powerful hardware.

Cons of using a Fire TV Stick for digital signage

In February of 2024, Amazon updated Fire OS to disallow any app from bypassing the default home screen when the device is first turned on. This means that everytime your screen boots up with the media player connected, you'll see the Amazon splash screen and, sometimes, some ads.

Digital signage apps like the ScreenCloud Player will still run indefinitely after a manual start, but if the Fire OS device is turned off, you will have to reopen the app with your Alexa remote.

This is a significant downgrade from purpose-built media players like the Station P1 Pro, which only receive software updates specifically developed to improve digital signage.

Finally, the Fire TV Stick is not compatible with remote device management tools. This means you can't monitor screen downtime or reactivate screens remotely, which can be a huge help for more advanced digital signage deployments.

Amazon Fire TV Stick alternatives

There’s a lot of competition in the field of digital media players, each with its own range of models and generations and pros and cons. While Amazon’s Fire TV Stick was once our top recommendation for low-cost devices for digital signage, there are better options.

Amazon Signage Stick

Amazon's made for digital signage media player was released at the tail end of 2024, and actually comes preloaded with ScreenCloud. You simply connect the device to the HDMI port on your choice of screen, exactly the same as with a Firestick, follow the prompts to set up and away you go!

Sign up for your ScreenCloud free trial here.

Roku Streaming Stick

Arguably the closest Fire TV Stick alternative in terms of price and functionality, Roku’s HDMI stick also comes with a voice-controlled remote, expansive app store, and some onboard storage. Roku’s processors aren’t as fast, and its network speeds aren’t as quick, but on the upside it doesn’t push you to pick specific platforms like the Fire TV Stick does.

Google Chromecast

Google’s digital media player is around the same price as the Fire TV Stick and is currently our favorite device for a budget digital signage device. Chromecasts are excellent for interacting with Google’s ecosystem (e.g. Assistant, Calendar, etc.) and handle 4k streaming just as well as other devices in this budget range.

Apple TV

It’s not an HDMI stick, but the Apple TV 4k device is small enough to be discreetly mounted on the back of almost any display. With the added size comes a big bump in power and functionality. You get an ethernet port, up to 128GB of storage, and an A15 Bionic chip. The only drawback is that Apple’s digital media players start at $129.

Not sure which is right for you?

If you feel overwhelmed with all of the choices, check out our video on the best low-budget digital media players. And if you’re looking for hardware that’s built specifically for digital signage, consider the Station P1 Pro.

Amazon Fire TV Stick FAQS

Does the Amazon Fire TV Stick have to be plugged in to work?

Yes, the Amazon Fire TV Stick needs to be plugged into a power source to function. It typically comes with a USB power adapter that can be connected to a power outlet, or it can be powered directly from a USB port on your TV, although the latter might not always provide sufficient power for optimal performance.

Does the Amazon Fire TV Stick have Bluetooth?

Yes, the Fire TV Stick is Bluetooth-enabled. To pair Bluetooth headphones, speakers, game controllers, and keyboards, scroll to the settings page (the furthest right on the navigation bar) and open the Controllers & Bluetooth Devices menu.

Does the Amazon Fire TV Stick have YouTube?

Yes, the Fire TV Stick supports the YouTube app, allowing you to stream YouTube videos directly on your TV. The app can be downloaded for free from the onboard app store.

Does the Amazon Fire Stick need internet?

Yes, the Fire TV Stick requires an internet connection to stream content. It connects to the internet via WiFi (there’s no ethernet port), and a stable and strong WiFi connection is recommended for smooth streaming and optimal performance.

How do I troubleshoot network issues with the Amazon Fire TV Stick?

Scroll to the settings page (the furthest right on the navigation bar) and open the Network menu. There, scroll to the very bottom of the list and open Basic WiFi Troubleshooting Tips.

What TVs are compatible with the Amazon Fire TV Stick?

The Fire TV Stick should be compatible with any TV that has an HDMI port. It's designed to work with a wide range of HD and 4k TVs, including both older and newer models.

Do you have to have a smart TV to use a Firestick?

No, you don't need a smart TV to use the Fire TV Stick. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, you can use the Fire TV Stick to access streaming services, apps, and games, essentially turning any HDMI-equipped TV into a smart TV.

Do you need an account Amazon or Prime subscription to use a Fire TV Stick?

You don't need an Amazon Prime subscription to use the Fire TV Stick, but you will need a basic Amazon account to register the device. Note that you can use one Amazon account across multiple Fire TV Sticks. You cannot log into multiple Amazon accounts on one device, however. 

Why does my Fire TV Stick keep turning itself off?

If your Fire TV Stick is turning itself off, it could be due to power issues (insufficient power from a third-party power cable is a common issue), overheating, or software glitches. Ensure it's adequately powered using the official adapter, check for ventilation, and try resetting the device if the problem persists.

What is the “Optimizing System Storage and Applications” error on Fire TV Stick?

This message usually appears during system updates or when the Fire TV Stick is restarting. If it's stuck on this screen, it could indicate a storage issue or a software problem. Try resetting the device or clearing app caches to free up space.

Can I use my smartphone as a Fire TV Stick remote?

Yes, you can use your smartphone as a remote for the Fire TV Stick by downloading the Amazon Fire TV app. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices and offers remote functionalities, including voice search and a keyboard for easier typing.

How do I update Fire OS on my Fire TV Stick?

Fire OS updates are typically automatic, but you can manually check for updates by going to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it, ensuring your Fire TV Stick is connected to the internet.