Amazon Fire TV Stick - 2020

Overview

Despite its few shortcomings, the updated 2020 edition of the Amazon Fire Stick is a great budget solution for adding streaming capabilities to an older television. It can play content from practically every streaming service and now includes HDR support as well. Add to that the fluid interface and versatile remote, and you've got a streaming stick that's nearly perfect -- unless you are tightly integrated into the Google Home ecosystem.

-- As reviewed by AndroidAuthority

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 11 expert reviews

Excellent:

2
Good:

5
Average:

1
Bad:

3

TechSpot is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Last revision on May 18, 2023

Reviewers Liked

HDR and Dolby Atmos
Can be placed behind the TV
Inexpensive
Remote offers Alexa voice and TV control
Makes Amazon Prime content easy to find
Vast array of supported streaming services

Reviewers Didn't Like

Occasional UI lag
The step-up 4K stick is better for 4K TVs
Dolby Atmos support inconsistent across apps
No HBO Max or Peacock support
YouTube app does not support HDR playback
No Google Play Movies & TV or Now TV

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

The Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020) is the latest refresh of the standard Fire TV streaming stick, adding a host of new improvements such as HDR, a 60fps frame rate, and compatibility with Dolby Atmos audio. There's now a cheaper iteration in the Fire TV Stick Lite, but you'll want this step-up model for a remote with fully-fledged volume and AV controls.

By TechRadar on August 17, 2021

You’d be much better off in terms of future-proofing by spending extra — not much extra, really — for the Fire TV Stick 4K if you constantly stream from Prime Video and will put the remote’s Alexa capabilities to use. If you’re not big on Amazon’s ecosystem, then something like the new Chromecast or a Roku streamer would be a more sensible buy. The latest Fire TV Stick is faster than before and comes with sleeker software, but it’s still not cut out for a 4K streaming world

By The Verge on February 25, 2021

More powerful and with the new interface, this latest TV Stick is great value.

By TechAdvisor on December 22, 2020

100

A solid little HD streamer.

By Stuff on December 09, 2020

Amazon's latest crack at a streaming stick won't upset anyone who buys it thanks to clutch additions like 60fps and HDR support, but you can get better devices with more long-term viability for just an extra $10.

By Mashable on November 11, 2020

By AndroidAuthority on November 06, 2020

The new HD Fire TV Stick finally catches up with its 4K brethren, making it the top option for HD TVs.

By ExpertReviews on November 02, 2020

The new Fire TV Stick (3rd gen) is zippy and incorporates Alexa, but only streams up to 1080p.

By Tom's Guide on October 31, 2020

If you already have a Fire Stick, there's absolutely no reason for you to buy the 2020 version. Dolby Atmos and HDR are weird add-ons for 1080p devices, and if Amazon wanted to offer something unique at the price it should have included full 4K support. As it is, if you have a decent 4K TV then you should get a real 4K streamer -- it's just another $10. And if you want to save money, go with the LIte.

By cnet on October 29, 2020

Amazon's budget streamer has much-improved hardware, but TBD software.

By TechHive on October 29, 2020

Load More Reviews…

Amazon Fire TV Stick - 2020

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Similar To

Price: $40

TechSpot Metascore

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Roku Ultra - 2020

Apple TV 4K

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Amazon Fire TV Recast

Google Chromecast - 2020

Roku Streambar

Expert reviews and ratings