This article will provide you with the Best Firestick Alternatives that will perform better or provide you with features lacking in the current Amazon lineup.
The Amazon Firestick is one of the most popular media devices available today.
Many cord-cutters were first introduced to streaming via Firestick or Fire TV Devices due to their low price point and extreme popularity.
However, there are tons of other streaming devices available today that provide many of the same features with an overall better viewing experience.
In this guide, we provide numerous Firestick Alternatives that can alleviate various issues that users come across when using Fire TV.
Here are the most important things we considered when searching for the Best Firestick Alternatives.
- More internal storage than Firestick or option to expand internal storage
- Ability to play 4K video
- Necessary audio formats
- Strong processor
- Fast download speeds
- Runs side-loaded applications (IPTV, Cinema, Syncler, etc.)
- Works with our #1 Ranked VPN out of the box
- Similar price-point
There are hundreds of viable devices to replace your Firestick or Fire TV that vary in price and performance.
Most of these are Android TV Boxes that also run the Android Operating System which is well-known within Firestick devices.
We will list the best Firestick alternatives that are relative in pricing for those who want to stay within budget.
However, we also provide some of the best streaming devices available that provide a premium streaming experience.
We suggest opting for a higher-end streaming device for the best viewing capabilities.
Why You Should Consider a Firestick Alternative
Amazon’s Fire TV Lineup is filled with numerous streaming devices that vary in price, specifications, and more.
With the latest arrival of the all-new Firestick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max come some welcome improvements. However, many specs and features will stay the same.
All of the Fire TV variations feature Amazon’s Fire OS Software which is oftentimes the main reason users search for an alternative.
Amazon is continually limiting users’ ability to edit or update device preferences which leaves many feeling restricted.
The Amazon Appstore itself offers limited applications and users are unable to download the Google Play Store.
How to Install Google Play Alternative on Firestick
Apart from that, Amazon oftentimes rolls out updates to these devices that limit functionality.
This includes blocking the ability to change shortcut buttons on the Firestick remote, blocking 3rd party launchers, and much more.
Another one of the biggest gripes we see from Firestick owners is the lack of available internal storage.
Sure, we can expand the internal storage by way of ADB commands, but this is less than ideal. This is a simple feature that most Android-powered devices allow for.
Many have also complained about the constant advertisements displayed on the Firestick interface.
Users are repeatedly hit with video popups, pushes for Amazon services, and personalized banner ads.
While Android Boxes prompt some of the same ad displays, these devices are much easier to modify for complete customization.
With Amazon having such a tight grip on user accessibility, many are looking for a Firestick alternative.
Best Firestick Alternatives
Android TV streaming devices are another great Fire TV Stick alternative.
In 2014, Google introduced the Android TV operating system which is a smart TV platform that works well with a remote in a 10-foot interface.
You will find the Android TV operating system now installed on devices such as NVIDIA Shield TV Pro, Chromecast with Google TV, and MECOOL Android Boxes.
The Android TV user interface is very similar to the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV. It works very well with a remote.
Some Android TV Boxes come with stock Android. We refer to these as generic Android TV Boxes because they don’t contain the true Android TV operating system.
These boxes come with the same type of Android version often found on phones and tablets. We won’t be recommending those in this article.
The first options listed below are similarly priced to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which is currently available for $59.99.
However, TROYPOINT recommends using one of the premium devices below that will provide you with the highest quality streaming experience.
Firestick Alternatives – Discount Devices
1. MECOOL
Those looking for a Firestick alternative have tons of options with a MECOOL device.
MECOOL is one of the most well-known Android Box providers with numerous streaming choices.
These vary in price, specs, and more, with a couple of options being within the Firestick price range.
The MECOOL KM7 Plus is a powerful Android TV Box that is Netflix Certified with numerous features.
This includes 16 GB of internal storage, Ethernet Port, 2 USB Ports, and more.
With TROYPOINT discount, the MECOOL KM7, a high-powered streaming device, is available for $71, which is an excellent deal.
Another great Firestick alternative closer in price is the MECOOL KD3.
This Android TV Stick is smaller than typical box options but offers similar capabilities as a Firestick with Google TV OS integration.
Similar to Firestick devices, the KD3 offers 8 GB of internal storage with expanding capabilities and can be purchased for $67.49 after the TROYPOINT discount, closer to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max price.
For a detailed review on MECOOL’s KD3, check out the provided link.
2. Onn Google TV Box
If you are seeking an affordable Firestick alternative with a good performance, consider the onn. Google TV Box.
Initially launched by Walmart in 2021, it received positive reviews and was later updated in spring 2023 with enhancements.
Priced at $19.88, it stands out as one of the most economical media devices available despite running on Google TV OS, supporting 4K streaming, and featuring 8 GB internal storage.
Refer to our review guide below for more insights on utilizing the onn. box for comprehensive streaming.
3. Chromecast with Google TV
The Chromecast with Google TV has become popular as an Android TV streaming device in recent years.
Two variations of this device include a standard version for 1080p content and a 4K version for Ultra High Definition streaming.
Offering similar functionalities to Firestick or Fire TV devices without Amazon restrictions, these devices are priced at $29.99 and $49.99, respectively, which is cheaper than the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Although internal storage is limited, expansion is possible with appropriate hardware, as demonstrated in the review video linked below.
Chromecast with Google TV Review
Purchase Chromecast with Google TV
4. Tivo Stream 4K
Aside from its renowned recording platforms, Tivo also offers the Tivo Stream 4K in the streaming device market.
This 4K media device runs on Android TV and features a USB C port for adding external storage, USB hub, and more.
Similar to Firestick, the Tivo Stream 4K offers 8 GB of internal storage, with the option to expand via USB C or OTG cable.
The attractive aspect of the Tivo Stream 4K is its price, which is currently set at $39.99, comparable to the Firestick 4K.
Firestick Alternatives – The Best Options
While the media devicesListed above are relative in pricing to the Amazon Firestick. However, they are lacking in various features that could enhance the user’s streaming experience. It might be wise to invest in a higher-end streaming device that offers minimal restrictions and maximum capabilities.
BuzzTV Gen 5, created by BuzzTV, offers some of the most high-end media devices available today. Their BuzzTV Gen 5 lineup features a variety of powerful streaming options with prices ranging from $89.99 to $229.99 depending on the specifications of each device. These devices support various IPTV Services and streaming apps like Kodi and Syncler. Additionally, they come with a built-in IPTV Player, ample storage, and 4K streaming capabilities but are not optimized for high-definition Netflix.
NVIDIA SHIELD, similar to MECOOL & Chromecast with Google TV, offers two variations – the NVIDIA SHIELD TV & NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro, which are powerful alternatives to the Firestick. Despite not being updated in years, they still provide a premium streaming experience with 4K video capabilities and a built-in Tegra X1+ Processor. Unlike the previously mentioned options, NVIDIA SHIELD devices are priced above $100, making them a worthwhile investment for long-term streaming needs.
The Formuler Z11 Pro Max is another potent Firestick alternative, featuring 32 GB of internal storage and advanced features. It is known as the Best IPTV Box and boasts a built-in IPTV Player with the MYTVOnline3 app and a user-friendly remote. Running on Android 11 OS, it offers fewer restrictions compared to Fire OS and is considered a powerhouse device available for $189.99.
In conclusion, a higher-end streaming device like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro could be the best Firestick alternative. NVIDIA SHIELD devices are favored for their power, utility, and extensive capabilities, surpassing what a Firestick offers. By opting for these alternatives, users can avoid the limitations imposed by Amazon on their devices and unlock unlimited potential, making them a preferred choice over devices like Roku.