Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Stick Lite

The Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite look the same and have much in common regarding performance and capabilities, with the most notable difference being price. There are some crucial differences, though, and we'll outline them all to help you choose between the Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Stick Lite.

Overall Findings

The Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite are remarkably similar devices that check almost all the same boxes right down the line. They have the same processor; both support full HD video and HDR and work with Alexa. The most significant differences are that the Fire TV Stick has built-in Dolby support, and the Fire TV Stick Lite has a pared-down remote that can't control your television.

Specifications and Performance: Almost Identical

Looking at the specifications of the Fire TV Stick (3rd gen) and the Fire TV Stick Lite, even a cursory glance reveals they are almost identical. Both devices have the same hardware, with the same processor, graphics processor, memory, and onboard storage.

The only difference in terms of specifications is with audio codec support. They both support all the basics, from AAC to MP3 and most of the options in between, but the Fire TV Stick Lite only supports HDMI audio passthrough for things like Dolby Atmos, while the Fire TV Stick has native support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and more.

The Fire TV Stick will, therefore, provide substantially more immersive sound in Dolby Atmos home theater setups. However, you're unlikely to notice a difference if you use your television's speakers or a basic soundbar.

Since the hardware is identical, the performance of these units is also the same. While the name Fire TV Stick Lite might imply an underpowered budget device, it performs to the same standard as the Fire TV Stick.

Design and Remote: Alexa Voice Remote Lite Lacks TV Controls

Just as the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite have the same hardware under the hood, they also share identical packaging. They both have the same stick form factor that's been in use since the first generation Fire TV Stick, built-in HDMI outputs, and micro USB ports for power.

The only difference here is the Fire TV Stick comes with a third-generation Alexa Voice Remote, and the Fire TV Stick Lite comes with a second-generation Alexa Voice Remote Lite.

The Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) has some extra buttons, including a power button and volume controls, and it can transmit via infrared (IR) to control your television directly. That means you can avoid picking up a second remote in many cases and use the Fire TV Stick remote to control your Fire TV and your regular television controls.

The Alexa Voice Remote Lite (2nd Gen) has the same functionality as the Alexa Voice Remote, but it lacks television controls. It can still process voice commands via Alexa at the touch of a button, but you'll need to pick up your television remote to adjust the volume.

Price: Price Difference Reflects Feature Differences (It's Small)

The difference here is straightforward: Amazon has positioned the Fire TV Stick Lite as its entry-level streaming product. You save about $10 compared to the Fire TV Stick, and in turn, you give up TV controls on the remote and native Dolby Atmos support.

In that same vein, the Fire TV Stick offers a mild upgrade over the Fire TV Stick Lite and a more affordable option than the slightly more expensive Fire TV Stick 4K for people who don't own a 4K television.

Final Verdict: Do You Have a Dolby Atmos Sound System?

There are two reasons to buy a Fire TV Stick over a Fire TV Stick Lite: if you have a fancy surround sound system or crave the convenience of volume and power buttons on your Fire TV remote.

If you aren't interested in the volume and power buttons and are using your TV speakers or a basic soundbar, there's no reason to pay extra for a Fire TV Stick. On the other hand, the Fire TV Stick is worth the extra money if you have a Dolby home theater system and even more if you've invested in a Dolby Atmos system.