As a streaming device enthusiast, I‘ve tested my fair share of HDMI dongles over the years as cord-cutting becomes more popular. Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV – they all have their merits. But today we‘re focused on two very similar products from the Amazon ecosystem: the Fire Stick Lite and standard Fire Stick.
On the surface, these streaming sticks seem nearly identical. And that‘s true…to an extent. But look closer and you‘ll notice some important differences that may sway which one is better suited for your needs. In this detailed guide, we‘ll unpack everything you need to know to compare the Fire Stick Lite vs Fire Stick:
- Key Specs and Features
- Performance and Usage Differences
- Remote Control Capabilities
- Audio/Video Quality Comparison
- Pros, Cons, and Real-World Performance
- And finally – which model comes out on top?
Let‘s get started!
Overview: Fire Stick Lite vs. Fire Stick Key Stats
I‘ll begin with a high-level feature comparison before we dive into the details. Take a look at this at-a-glance specs contrast:
| Fire Stick Lite | Fire Stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Sept 2020 | April 2014 |
| Price | $29.99 | $39.99 |
| Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Storage | 8GB | 8GB |
| Memory | 1GB | 1GB |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos passthrough | Dolby Atmos decoding |
| Remote | Alexa Voice Remote Lite | Alexa Voice Remote |
| TV Controls | No | Yes |
| Power | USB cable | Wall adapter |
You can already see the Fire Stick enjoys some advantages when it comes to sound quality, voice remote capabilities, and the included power supply.
But specs alone don‘t tell the whole story. Let‘s explore the differences between the Fire Stick Lite vs Fire Stick models…
A Brief History of Fire TV Devices
Before analyzing the Lite vs standard Fire Stick models, it helps to understand the evolution of Amazon‘s Fire TV lineup. Believe it or not, Fire OS devices have been available since way back in 2014.
The first product unveiled was actually the Fire TV box – a set-top box similar to Apple TV. Priced at $99, it targeted cord-cutters with support for 1080p streaming and apps like Netflix and Hulu. Unusual for a streaming box, it even featured expandable gaming capabilities
Shortly after, in November 2014, Amazon introduced the first Fire TV Stick. This turned the streaming hardware into a compact HDMI dongle form factor many are now familiar with. Initially sold for $39 at launch, the low price and Prime video support sparked fast adoption.
Over the next 6 years, Amazon iterated on both form factors, gradually expanding the portfolio:
- Fire TV (Gen 2): 2015
- Fire TV Stick (Gen 2): 2016
- Fire TV Cube: 2018
- Fire Stick 4K: 2018
Most recently, we‘ve seen two new streamers join the current lineup:
- Fire Stick Lite: September 2020
- Fire Stick 4K Max: 2021
Phew! No wonder customers have trouble keeping them straight. But again, this article focuses specifically on comparing the Fire Stick Lite vs standard Fire Stick…
Fire Stick vs Fire Stick Lite: Key Differences
Alright, back to the main event! Given the background above, where exactly does the Fire Stick Lite differ from the regular Fire Stick model? Let‘s explore the 4 key differences shoppers should be aware of:
Price
The most obvious difference comes down to pricing. As an intentionally more affordable variant, the Fire Stick Lite retails for just $29.99 – a $10 price drop from the standard $39.99 Fire Stick.
For budget-focused buyers or those outfitting multiple TVs, that lower price tag may be highly appealing! Even as Amazon‘s streamers have improved over the generations, they‘ve maintained aggressive price points.
Of course, tech bargains often come with compromises…which leads me to the next major difference…
Performance & Capabilities
As we established up top, on paper the core specs are remarkably similar, despite the "Lite" branding. Both streamers share:
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- 8GB storage
- 1GB memory
- Alexa voice assistant integration
But take my word for it – the regular Fire Stick is indeed the more powerful, snappier streamer in actual usage. The interface feels a touch quicker and apps launch faster thanks to a faster processor.
For my money, I recommend springing for the small price bump avoid any sluggish streaming. But casual viewers may not notice much of a difference.
Sound & Video Quality
Another subtle differentiation comes with the audio and video capabilities.
On one hand, both the Lite and standard models include:
- HDR support for improved contrast and colors
- Access to Dolby Atmos 3D spatial soundtracks when passed through to a compatible sound system
But the standard Fire Stick takes things a step further with onboard decoding and processing of Dolby Atmos audio formats. For hearing immersive directional sound effects, the pricier model may better fit home theater buffs.
Finally, visually both max out at Full HD – you‘ll need to upgrade to a Fire Stick 4K model to enjoy 4K Ultra HD movies.
Voice Remote Control
Last but not least, we arrive at perhaps the most impactful distinction for everyday use – the bundled voice remote control.
As mentioned earlier, the Fire Stick Lite comes packaged with a slightly pared back Alexa Voice Remote Lite. It looks very similar, albeit slightly thinner, but loses out on the ability to directly control TV functions.
That means no buttons for controlling power, volume, or mute. You‘ll need to keep using the native TV remote in addition.
By comparison, the Alexa Voice Remote included with the Fire Stick retains dedicated playback buttons and IR capabilities to command your television. This unified control is far more convenient compared to juggling multiple remotes!
Fire Stick vs Lite: Pros, Cons and Verdict
Now that you understand the nitty-gritty differences across criteria like price, performance, audio quality, and voice remote capabilities, let‘s summarize the pros and cons of each streamer:
Fire Stick Lite Pros
- Cheaper at only $29.99
- Stream over 500,000+ movies and shows
- Smooth 1080p HD streaming
- Alexa skills and voice search
Fire Stick Lite Cons
- Slower performance
- No TV controls on remote
- Dolby Atmos pass-through only
Fire Stick Pros
- Faster streaming with snappier interface
- Advanced Dolby Atmos audio decoding
- Alexa remote controls TV functions
- Bundled power adapter
Fire Stick Cons
- Slightly more expensive at $39.99
- HD-only resolution – no 4K
- Prominent Prime Video branding
At the end of the day, only you can decide if faster speeds, better sound, and superior voice control justify spending a bit more on the full Fire Stick.
But considering Amazon‘s streamers already deliver tremendous value compared to Apple TV or Roku devices, I believe the regular $39.99 Fire Stick easily justifies its additional cost for most households.
The Fire Stick Lite makes for a compelling, cheaper alternative. Yet if stretched over 3-5 years of ownership, the minor price difference becomes negligible. In exchange the standard model grants notably smoother streaming, simpler universal remote capabilities, and future-proof Dolby Atmos.
No matter which route you select, both options provide easy access to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and literally hundreds of channels. For those entrenched in Amazon‘s ecosystem, these handy HDMI-connected dongles slot right into Alexa-powered smart homes!
I hope this detailed Fire Stick Lite vs Fire Stick comparison helped illuminate the key trade-offs. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
