Fire Stick vs Smart TV

Updated: Feb 14, 2024 8:04 AM
guide for fire stick vs smart tv

While both smart TVs and Fire Sticks are devices that let you access applications and streaming content on your TV, they differ in how they accomplish this task.

Fire sticks are portable dongles that plug into one of your TV’s HDMI ports, while a smart TV has this functionality built-in. Both options require an internet connection.

Smart TVs are some of the best TVs available today, and these televisions and Fire Sticks make watching your favorite shows and movies easier than ever before.


Key Takeaways_

  • Fire Sticks are portable, inexpensive, and versatile.
  • Smart TVs require no extra setup (besides connecting to the internet) for streaming and have more features out of the box
  • Fire Sticks have a wider variety of apps available, whereas not every Smart TV can use every streaming app available

While some people may wonder what is a smart TV, most will know the differences between regular TVs vs smart TVs. Smart TVs allow for out-of-the-box streaming and no setup, but depending on the model may offer fewer streaming options and apps.

Smart TVs and streaming devices like the Fire Stick are also great ways to watch TV without a cable subscription. Also, it should be noted that TVs with Smart technology will come at higher price points than those without them.

Is A Smart TV or Fire Stick Better?

Deciding on which of these options is better is based on your needs and budget.

If you have a regular TV you love but want to be able to use apps, a Fire Stick makes the most sense for you. However, if you are in the market for a new TV, you may want to consider a Smart TV.

While both options allow you to stream content or use apps for movies and the like, the way they get the job done is a little different.

  • Amazon Fire Stick is a dongle purchased separately from the television to add Wi-Fi connectivity and streaming ability to the TV.
  • A Smart TV has Wi-Fi connectivity and streaming apps built-in.
A Firestick being plugged into a TV for smart TV functionality.

Both options require an internet connection to stream content. However, Smart TVs usually have the option of an ethernet connection as well.

That said, both options have many pros and cons, especially in terms of cost, convenience, and portability.

insider tips

You can use Fire Sticks with Smart TVs to extend the TV’s capabilities, such as if the model in question isn’t able to access a particular streaming service.

You can also read our smart TV vs Android TV for a comparison to another streaming device or for a more general overview of the differences between streaming devices and Smart televisions; read our guide to Smart TV vs streaming devices.

Smart TV and Fire Stick Comparison

Check out the table below for a side-by-side comparison of the features of smart TVs and Fire Sticks.

amazon firestick vs tv table guide

Here’s the full version of the table that covers software updates, compatibility, portability, and user interface.

FeatureSmart TVFire TV Stick
Smart FeaturesIntegrated smart featuresExternal streaming device
Operating SystemManufacturer-specific OS (e.g., webOS, Tizen, Roku)Amazon’s Fire OS
App InstallationPre-installed apps, app store for moreRequires app installation
Internet ConnectivityBuilt-in Wi-Fi or EthernetRequires Wi-Fi connection
CostLower-end: $200-$300
Higher-end: $1,000+
$20-$50
Control OptionsRemote control, voice control, motion control (varies by model)Remote control, optional voice control
PortabilityFixed to the TV it’s built intoPortable, can be used on multiple TVs
UpdatesUpdates may vary depending on manufacturerReceives regular software updates
CompatibilityAlready integrated into the TVWorks with HDMI-equipped TVs
User InterfaceCustomizable and varies by manufacturerDesigned for use with the Fire TV Stick

Compatibility & Convenience

While no extra setup is required to access online streaming services with a Smart TV, there sometimes are limitations depending on the model. Newer Smart TVs have the apps for the most popular streaming services available to them, older Smart TVs may not be able to use all of them.

Additionally, apps on Smart TVs don’t always work as seamlessly as they do on Fire Sticks, which can access an enormous variety of even fairly niche streaming services.

Fire Sticks and Smart TVs each offer some conveniences the other does not.

  • Smart TV
    • Lets you stream content right away and requires no extra setup.
    • You can’t use its connectivity to stream from your other devices, for the most part.
  • Fire Sticks
    • Takes some initial setup and software updates more frequently.
    • Can use them on multiple devices as they’re also portable, meaning you can take your streaming options on vacation.

If you don’t know how to update your device, you can read our page on how to update a smart TV.

A remote control with voice assistance

Both Smart TVs and Fire Sticks integrate with other services, too, like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, making them capable of accepting voice commands. An Amazon Fire TV, for example, comes with a single remote control that can be used to access the voice assistant.

Other Features

Both options will usually have an app store with plenty of apps and games, screen mirroring, smart home integration, and support for high-quality audio and video content.

The Fire Stick integrates seamlessly with content and features offered to Amazon Prime members, like Amazon Prime Video.

STAT: A 2016 Forbes article reported that most streaming services would rather support their app on popular streaming devices than ensure it works on every available Smart TV. (source)

Smart TV features can vary by brand and model, but in general, you will get a more customizable interface, and some models also have built-in tuners so that you can watch OTA (Over-the-Air) channels.

Cost

For those on a strict budget, the Fire Stick is clearly the better option, with the streaming device costing around $30 and a decent HDMI cable costing around $10.

Smart TVs, however, come at a wide range of price points depending on size, brand, and features, but finding even a smaller entry-level model will run you $350-450.

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