Following Apple and Roku's lead, Amazon has refreshed its streaming lineup with the third-generation Fire TV. It's faster, supports HDR, and costs less than before. But is there a downside?
This set-top box now sports a compact design similar to the Fire TV Stick or Chromecast Ultra, hanging discreetly behind your TV rather than sitting in front.
The new Amazon Fire TV retails for $69.99—a notable drop from the second-generation model's $99.99 price.
Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen), Streaming Media Player Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen), Streaming Media Player Buy Now on Amazon
Amazon sweetens the deal with bundles: pair it with an Echo Dot for extra savings, or grab the Fire TV with an HD antenna bundle for cord-cutters wanting free live TV.
If you want to cut the cord but still enjoy free live sports, you need to buy a TV antenna. What can you watch using a TV antenna? What can you watch using a TV antenna? What if there was a cheap and legal way to get access to many of the big networks? You would probably turn around. Well, it turns out there is! The trusty TV antenna advances. Read more . Amazon is making it so simple (and affordable) by selling a Fire TV and HD antenna bundle.
Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD (2017 Edition, Pendant) + HD Antenna Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD (2017 Edition, Pendant) + HD Antenna Buy now on Amazon
Shipping starts October 25—pre-order now to snag one during the holiday rush.
The standout change is its tiny size, akin to a Chromecast. It's a sleek black tile that fits in your palm, with an HDMI cable that lets it hang behind the TV.
Connect to power, HDMI, and you're set. Perfect for TVs with rear ports—no clutter or shelf needed. Side ports might look awkward, though.
Performance matches the premium look: Amazon joins the 4K HDR push, like Apple TV and Chromecast, plus Dolby Atmos audio.
To enjoy 4K HDR, pair with a compatible TV. The best affordable 4K HDR smart TVs you can buy. The best affordable 4K HDR smart TVs you can buy. The new Smart TVs have a difficult decision to make. It's not a gadget you update frequently, so you want something future-proof. So what do you get? Read more too.
The slim design sacrifices the microSD slot from prior models. Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Game Controller Review &Giveaway Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Controller and Game Review and Giveaway Amazon launched Fire TV, a media center device not very different than Apple TV, but with games as a benefit. Read more. You're now capped at 8GB—too little for offline downloads, 4K storage, or extensive gaming.
At twice the Fire TV Stick's price—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 affordable streaming device for beginners. This guide will help you set up and start using your Amazon Fire Stick without any stress. Read More—it packs a quad-core 1.5GHz processor (40% faster), 2GB RAM (vs. 1GB), and 4K HDR support the Stick lacks.
Alexa integration shines with Echo devices. A Comparison Guide to Amazon Echo Devices:Which is Best for You? A Comparison Guide to Amazon Echo Devices:Which is Best for You? Which Amazon Echo Device is Right for You? We compare the Plus, Dot, Tap, Show, Spot, Look and Fire TV Cube to help you decide. Read more.
What is the best media streaming device? What is the best media streaming device? Looking for the best streaming device? We've covered four different types of streaming devices:Budget, Mid-Range, High-End, and DIY. Learn more. The Fire TV matches Roku Streaming Stick+ at $69.99, undercutting Apple TV's double price.
Apple TV upgrades iTunes buys to 4K HDR free; Amazon/Roku require repurchases. Fire TV's voice remote vs. Roku's Wi-Fi booster—your call. Roku Ultra under $100 bridges the gap nicely.
Roku Ultra - HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player with HDR, Enhanced Remote with Voice Search Roku Ultra - HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player with HDR, Enhanced Remote with Voice Search Buy Now On Amazon $84.70
4K HDR, snappier performance, and Alexa perks impress, despite the storage cutback. Features like X-Ray elevate Prime Video. 8 Cool Things You Can Do With Amazon Prime Video 8 Cool Things You Can Do With Amazon Prime Video You Can Do More Than Just "just stream videos" through Amazon Prime Video. Here are several nifty tips, tricks, and hidden features that will enhance your Amazon Prime Video experience... Read More.
Excited for the 2017 Fire TV? Or a step back? What's your top streaming pick? Share in the comments!
