The Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite look identical and have a lot in common in terms of performance and features, with the most notable difference being price. There are some important differences, though, and we'll outline them to help you choose between the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite .
1.7Ghz quad-core processor.
Supports 1080p@60Hz.
Support HDR.
Built-in Dolby support (Atmos, Dolby Digital, etc.).
The remote has the TV's power and volume buttons.
1.7Ghz quad-core processor.
Supports 1080p@60Hz.
Support HDR.
HDMI audio pass-through, Dolby Digital and more
The remote control has no TV control function.
The Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite are very similar devices that check almost all the same boxes. They have the same processor; both support Full HD video and HDR, and work with Alexa. The most notable difference is that the Fire TV Stick has built-in Dolby support, while the Fire TV Stick Lite has a stripped-down remote that doesn't control your TV.
fire tv stickProcessor: Quad-core 1.7GHz.
Graphics card: IMG GE8300.
Memory: 1GB DDR4.
Resolution: 1920x1080@60Hz.
Audio: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, AAC-LC, AAC+, etc.
Operating system: Fire OS 7.
Storage space: 8GB.
Miracast: Supported.
Processor: Quad-core 1.7GHz.
Graphics card: IMG GE8300.
Memory: 1GB DDR4.
Resolution: 1920x1080@60Hz.
Audio: Supports HDMI audio pass-through for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Atmos and DTS, AAC-LC, AAC+, etc.
Operating system: Fire OS 7.
Storage space: 8GB.
Miracast: Supported.
Looking at the specifications of Fire TV Stick (3rd Generation) and Fire TV Stick Lite, they are almost identical even at a cursory look. Both devices feature identical hardware, with the same processor, graphics processor, memory, and onboard storage.
The only difference in specs is audio codec support. They both support all the basics, from AAC to MP3 and most options in between, but the Fire TV Stick Lite only supports HDMI audio passthrough like Dolby Atmos, while the Fire TV Stick natively supports Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, etc., and more.
As a result, the Fire TV Stick will deliver more immersive sound in a Dolby Atmos home theater setup. However, if you use TV speakers or a basic soundbar, you're unlikely to notice a difference.
Since the hardware is the same, the performance of these units is also the same. While the name Fire TV Stick Lite may suggest an underpowered, cheap device, it performs the same as the Fire TV Stick.
fire tv stickRod Shape Factor.
Built-in HDMI output.
Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Generation).
Rod Shape Factor.
Built-in HDMI output.
Alexa Voice Remote Lite (2nd generation).
Just as the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite have the same hardware, they also come in the same packaging. They all have the same stick form factor that's been used since the original Fire TV Stick, with built-in HDMI output and a micro-USB port for power.
The only difference is that the Fire TV Stick comes with a third-generation Alexa Voice Remote, while the Fire TV Stick Lite comes with a second-generation Alexa Voice Remote Lite.
The Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) has a few extra buttons, including a power button and volume control, and it can control your TV directly via infrared (IR) transmission. This means you can avoid picking up a second remote in many situations and use the Fire TV Stick remote to control your Fire TV and regular TV controls.
The Alexa Voice Remote Lite (2nd generation) has the same features as the Alexa Voice Remote but lacks TV controls. It can still handle voice commands via Alexa with the push of a button, but you'll need to pick up the TV remote to adjust the volume.
fire tv stickMSRP: $39.99.
Positioned as an upgraded version of Fire TV Stick Lite, it is a more affordable option compared to Fire TV Stick 4K.
MSRP: $29.99.
Positioned as a more affordable alternative if you don't need native Dolby support or TV controls.
The difference here is simple: Amazon positions 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 and native Dolby Atmos support on the remote.
Likewise, the Fire TV Stick is a slight upgrade over the Fire TV Stick Lite, making it more affordable than the slightly more expensive Fire TV Stick 4K for those who don't own a 4K TV.
There are two reasons to buy the Fire TV Stick instead of the Fire TV Stick Lite: if you have a fancy surround-sound system, or if you crave the convenience of volume and power buttons on the Fire TV remote.
If you're not interested in volume and power buttons and use TV speakers or a basic soundbar, there's no reason to pay extra for the 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 so if you've invested in a Dolby Atmos system.
