Firestick Lite vs Firestick

Firestick Lite and Firestick are two of the most popular Amazon streaming devices on the market. They turn your TV into a smart gadget that can play a wide range of high-quality content. Best of all, they’re easy to use and won’t put a dent in your budget.

But does this mean the two devices are the same? The answer is no, and this article will explain the differences. We’ll cover the key features of the Firestick Lite and the Firestick to help you choose the right one for you.

Comparing Firestick Lite to Firestick

At a glance, it seems the Firestick and the Firestick Lite are identical. However, there are several notable differences in terms of design and performance. Here’s an overview of the most important features:

Remote

The biggest difference between the Firestick and the Firestick Lite might be the remote. On the one hand, the Lite version comes with an Alexa gadget that lacks a few buttons that could make it more functional. More specifically, it doesn’t have the controls for the volume and power. The good news is that it incorporates a Guide button that lets you access your Live TV Guide.

On the other hand, the Firestick remote has all the buttons traditionally associated with streaming remotes. This includes the power button in the upper-right corner and volume controls (mute, up, and down). That said, it lacks the Guide button, which can be annoying because it prevents you from obtaining information about your content quickly.

Considering these differences, you can’t cycle between the Firestick and the Firestick Lite with a single remote, as you don’t have the necessary controls in one place. The easiest workaround is to use your Fire app on your smartphone and install a digital solution. Alternatively, you can command Alexa to perform certain functions, but talking to your remote while watching TV can be disruptive.

Performance

As previously discussed, there are some significant differences when it comes to the remote, but that’s not the case regarding performance. Both work seamlessly, as Amazon rates them for identical energy-saving gains and speed. In particular, the devices are 50% faster and consume 50% less energy than previous versions.

The performance improvements make sense since the Firestick and the Firestick Lite use cutting-edge hardware. There’s the 1.7 GHz quad-core processor that can run intense streaming sessions without a hitch. Plus, the gadgets come with 8GB of flash memory, enabling you to store a lot of content.

Streaming Quality

The most important feature of any streaming device might be the streaming quality. Luckily, the Firestick and the Firestick Lite deliver impressive performance in this regard. They offer full HD videos while supporting several advanced video standards, including HDR, HLG, HDR 10, and HDR 10+.

The only way these devices differ with regard to streaming quality is the audio. The Firestick features Dolby Atmos sound, whereas the Lite version only runs Dolby Audio using pass-through HDMI.

As a result, the Firestick generates more immersive sound. It pumps audio through your AV equipment and TV in a unique way to create multidimensional effects. The sound is so crystal-clear that it grabs your attention instantly.

By contrast, Dolby Audio doesn’t offer the same audio quality. The sound is rich, powerful, and works great with many surround-sound devices, but the immersion isn’t there.

Design

The Firestick and the Firestick Lite look the same out of the box. They have identical dimensions (3.4 x 1.2 x 0.5 inches) and weigh just over one ounce.

Additionally, the devices have the same connection method. The gadgets can be plugged into your TV using the internal HDMI ports. Plus, Amazon ships their HDMI extension if you’re struggling to reach the slots on the back of the TV.

Build quality is also excellent. The products are made of recycled aluminum, as they’re an integral part of the company’s pledge to eco-friendly production practices. The exterior is die-cast, promising terrific endurance and resistance to impact.

Content

There are no differences in regard to the content. Both the Firestick and the Firestick Lite support the Fire TV streaming platform, allowing you to enjoy your content using any gadget.

Some of the services you can access in the U.S. include Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Starz, Crackle, and PlayStation Vue. Naturally, most platforms require separate subscriptions through the streaming service itself or another app (e.g., Fire TV VPNs). This means you can’t watch Amazon Prime or Netflix shows for free on your streaming stick.

Price

The gadgets have many things in common, but one is more affordable than the other. Namely, the Firestick Lite is priced at around $29.99, while the Firestick costs approximately $10 more. The price difference is justified because the Firestick has better audio and comes with essential buttons that make the platform easy to use. At the same time, the Firestick is more cost-effective than Firestick 4K, making it perfect for your 1080p TV.

More Firestick Devices To Consider

The Firestick and the Firestick Lite aren’t the only two streaming devices you can consider. Amazon offers a few other gadgets, such as the Firestick 4K. This is the perfect option if you want a streaming platform that supports Dolby Vision and 4K ultra-HD video.

Besides high-quality, the Firestick 4K also comes with the same remote as your standard Firestick. Plus, it has 8GB of flash memory and is operated by a quad-core processor. Another great thing about the gadget is that it has 1.5GB of RAM, which should provide seamless surfing and more immersion. However, the product costs around $10 more than the Firestick, so you can get it for approximately $50 on Amazon.

Apart from the Firestick 4K, make sure to check out the Firestick 4K Max, too. It’s the most popular player from the series, mirroring the Firestick 4K while adding Wi-Fi 6. This is the fastest and latest wireless standard that can take your streaming experience to a whole new level. The Wi-Fi speed is now up to a whopping 9.6GBPS and is less susceptible to latency. It can handle a large amount of traffic more efficiently while supporting optimal power management. Keep in mind that you’ll need a corresponding router to make the most of the new standard.

This gadget is also compatible with Picture-in-Picture, which lets you binge-watch your favorite TV show while monitoring the live feed of your security camera. Furthermore, it’s perfect for avid gamers because it works with HDMI 2.1. This technology is specifically geared toward fast-paced gaming, supporting bandwidths of up to 48GBPS and ensuring higher refresh rates (up to 120FPS). Moreover, HDMI 2.1 provides a streamlined VRR (variable refresh rate) and dynamic HDR to reduce stutter, lag, and other obstacles.

The device is a bit on the expensive side (about $55), but it blows every other gadget out of the water with advanced Wi-Fi settings and phenomenal video quality.

FAQ

What other devices should I consider?

Firestick or Firestick Lite: Make Your Call

The Firestick and the Firestick Lite are remarkable streaming devices, so you can’t go wrong with either one. Still, some differences can help you break the tie. If you’re looking for immersive audio and a standard remote, go for the Firestick. But if you want to save some money while enjoying the same content and video, the Firestick Lite is the better choice.

What do you look for in a streaming device? Does the Firestick or the Firestick Lite meet your criteria? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.