Amazon Fire TV Stick: Well worth the $40, but still not as good as Roku
[MUSIC]
Hello everyone.
This is Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The first thing to know is that it costs $40.
The second is that it works great for streaming video and even playing games.
Roku Stick is still our favorite at $10 more, but Amazon's is a close second, especially if you already have a lot of Amazon content in your collection.
Fire TV stick is about the size of a USB key.
It plugs directly into the HDMI port on your television.
It does require power, however, and Amazon recommends using the included USB power adapter instead of a USB port on your TV for best performance.
So there will be an extra wire, but it's still a very clean install.
Unlike chromecast, google sub $40 streamer, the firetv stick includes an actual physical remote and a real user interface.
Unfortunately, that interface pushes amazon content over other apps like Netflix and search results, unlike rowcrews, don't include other apps on the device.
The app selection on the stick is good, but it's still missing HBO Go, Vudu, and a few other major apps.
Seeing this search, you can do so via voice on The Stick too.
To do so, you'll need to use the companion remote app for Android, coming soon to iOS, or purchase a step up remote with a microphone for another 30 dollars.
I was pleasantly surprised at how responsive with the stick was.
It seems every bit as fast as $99 Fire TV box, and since their app selection's identical there's little reason to get the box unless you're really into playing app-based games on your TV.
Yes, the stick also supports games and even Amazon's optional $40 controller, but the selection isn't wide as on the box.
That's a look at the $40 Amazon Fire TV Stick, a great value, especially if you're deep in the Amazon ecosystem.
I'm David Castlemeyer for CNN.
[MUSIC]
Up Next
Roku vs. Chromecast vs. Apple TV 4K: What's the Best Streaming Device?
Up Next
Roku vs. Chromecast vs. Apple TV 4K: What's the Best Streaming Device?
Best Streaming Devices of 2022
Best Streaming Devices of 2022
Best Rokus for 2022
Best Rokus for 2022
Apple TV 4K (2022) Review: An Excellent Streamer That's Still Too Expensive
Apple TV 4K (2022) Review: An Excellent Streamer That's Still Too Expensive
7 Tips to Get More Out of Your Roku TV
7 Tips to Get More Out of Your Roku TV
Which Roku Is the Go-To? We Break It Down
Which Roku Is the Go-To? We Break It Down
Roku Voice Remote Pro review: 'Hey Roku' only goes so far
Roku Voice Remote Pro review: 'Hey Roku' only goes so far
Roku Remote Pro: Rechargeable battery, 'Hey Roku' voice and more for $30
Roku Remote Pro: Rechargeable battery, 'Hey Roku' voice and more for $30
Apple reveals the HomePod Mini
Apple reveals the HomePod Mini
Chromecast with Google TV wants to help you find what to watch
Chromecast with Google TV wants to help you find what to watch
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
Apple May Give FineWoven Accessories 1 More Season
Apple May Give FineWoven Accessories 1 More Season
US vs. TikTok: What Happens Next
US vs. TikTok: What Happens Next
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
What to Expect at Apple's May 7 iPad Event
What to Expect at Apple's May 7 iPad Event
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Latest How To All how to videos
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro