Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick go beyond streaming Netflix or Spotify—they're ideal for web browsing on your TV.
Two optimized browsers are available on the Amazon Appstore: Firefox and Silk, Amazon's own browser. Both deliver a full internet experience on Fire TV OS.
As seasoned Fire TV users know, a browser is essential for YouTube access, since Google no longer supports its app on the platform.
Which is the best browser for Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick? Can sideloaded options compete? Our hands-on tests reveal the winner—or tie.
In late 2017, a Google-Amazon dispute led to the YouTube app's removal from Fire TV. Amazon quickly responded by enhancing browser capabilities, making Firefox and Silk available.
Today, selecting YouTube on your Fire Stick opens it in your default browser.
For video playback, some users report Firefox loads faster with less buffering than Silk. In our extensive testing, differences were minimal.
Silk's frequent re-authentication requests can frustrate heavy YouTube viewers, requiring credential re-entry multiple times weekly.
Firefox for Fire TV mirrors little of its desktop counterpart. Settings are limited to Send usage data and Clear all cookies and site data.
Silk offers a richer interface: customize cursor, autocomplete, passwords, privacy, parental controls, site permissions, and accessibility tools.
Firefox's simplicity suits most users who want a no-fuss browser. Silk appeals to those who enjoy customization.
Silk lets you add custom bookmarks to the home screen for quick access to favorites.
Firefox provides eight fixed, non-editable shortcuts that aren't always useful.
Silk leverages Amazon's EC2 cloud for heavy sites, offloading processing from your Fire TV Stick and reducing local cache usage—ideal for limited memory.
Privacy concerns arise, as Amazon handles your traffic. Disable via Settings > Advanced > Cloud features and toggle off.
Silk defaults to Bing (switchable to Google, Yahoo, Ask Jeeves). Firefox sticks with Google—no changes possible.
13 Alternative Search Engines That Find What Google Can't 13 Alternative Search Engines That Find What Google Can't Google Search still can't do everything. These 13 alternative search engines can take care of some specific jobs for you. Read More For Google fans, this could sway your choice.
Fire TV devices are family staples for kids' cartoons. Limit web access with robust controls.
7 Ways Your Kids Can Bypass Parental Control Software 7 Ways Your Kids Could Bypass Parental Control Software Just because you've installed a safety net in parental control software means your kids won't find a way to navigate through him. This is how they will do it! Read More If you have young children, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about setting up and using parental controls. Read More
Silk includes parental controls; Firefox does not. In Silk, go to Settings > Parental controls.
Silk toggles desktop or mobile sites easily: In a page, press More on your remote and select Request desktop site. Firefox lacks this.
Fire TV's Android base allows sideloading Google Play apps. How to install apps on your Amazon Fire TV Stick How to download apps on your Amazon Fire TV Stick Your Fire TV Stick can run almost any Android app, and its installation couldn't be easier. Read More of Access them. Read More
Sideloaded browsers aren't optimized for Fire TV remotes. Navigation often falters—e.g., Chrome's address bar is hard to reach without extras.
Solutions: Pair a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse or a cursor app. How to use a mouse with an Amazon Fire Stick when the remote fails How to use a mouse with an Amazon Fire Stick when the remote fails When apps are transferred to an Amazon Fire Stick, you can't navigate them with the device's remote, and that's when you'll need a mouse. Read more.
Top sideloaded picks: Chrome, Opera, UC Browser.
Syncs across devices, incognito mode, voice search (newer Fire TVs), desktop/mobile toggle.
Built-in ad blocker, auto video downloads—great for video-focused Fire TV use where lurking trumps reading. Custom home page, private browsing.
Night mode, ad blocker, Facebook acceleration, video library (humor, anime, movies, sports).
A tie!
No outright winner between native Firefox and Silk. Each shines in key areas for different users. With minimal storage needs, install both and switch as needed.
Customize further with our Fire TV Stick guide: How to Set Up and Use Your Amazon Fire TV Stick How to Set Up and Use Your Amazon Fire TV Stick The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great and reliable device. affordable transmission for beginners. This guide will help you set up and start using your Amazon Fire Stick without any stress. Read more.
