Distinctions - Amazon provides the Fire TV Stick Lite with the same 1.7 GHz processor found in the regular Fire TV Stick and the 4K, providing more than enough power via the quad-core set up to handle high-definition streaming with ease.

Criticisms - The Lite, like the base Fire TV Stick, does not support either 4K streaming or Dolby Atmos while still utilizing the same exact GPU as the up-charged 4K TV stick. There is a slight memory difference, but we have seen comparable peers offering 4K with less. Similar to the 4K as well, the primary drawback with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, and the Lite by extension, are poor optimization choices in Amazon’s software. Alexa latency and inaccuracy with media titles involving proper nouns is problematic, especially when the alternative option is using the clunky and slow Amazon user interface to search for titles. The Lite in particular exacerbates this problem by not having TV controls like volume, power or input selection, which inherently necessitates a separate remote for those controls.

Distinctions - Amazon provides the Fire TV Stick Lite with solid tactile buttons that hold up with extended use, as well as a more solid case than previous releases that survives most regular household stresses with ease. The microphone provided for Alexa use does a competent job of filtering out background conversation or noise from voice recognition, even if the main speaker is often misinterpreted.

Criticisms - While relatively durable, the fire stick is entirely plastic and rubber, and does not incur nearly the raw cost for assembly of the MSRP, as evidenced by it being perpetually on sale for half of the suggested MSRP. With certain features gated behind higher price tags in different models, one would hope that the additional cost, if not into features, would manifest in raw material quality or a more solid build, but neither is present. The largest perceived vulnerability can be found in significant weakness in the actual machining of the assembly, specifically the HDMI plug, which has significant panel gap causing creaking.

Distinctions - Amazon provides a relatively environmentally neutral default color choice in black, but unlike siblings within the Fire Stick line, no colored buttons specific to streaming services are present, allowing the Lite to remain simply utilitarian. Compared to competitors, the Lite is also incredibly subdued with branding.

Criticisms - The Fire Stick uses cheap plastic with minimal coating, and appears somewhat lackluster when compared to brushed aluminum casing on competitor devices.

Distinctions - Amazon does have a device recycling program for these remotes, if still working, available to access on the same page the remote can be purchased from. Amazon attempts to sustainably source most of the plastic used as well as some of the boxboard involved in the packaging.

Criticisms - Material quality is not amazing for households with less delicate users. The larger problem, however, as is the case for many remotes, is a lack of rechargeable batteries. While rechargeable AAA batteries can be substituted, the Fire TV Stick Lite arrives with two disposable batteries, so the path is already somewhat decided. The conspicuous lack of features that would benefit newer TVs will also lead to it being inconvenient when the consumer upgrades to a TV without attached controls or a bespoke remote.

Criticisms - The Fire TV Stick Lite, without 4K streaming capability, does not offer much for its price point in comparison to peers. Other streaming plug-ins often have 4K compatibility and less locked-in brand affiliations shown via suggested titles in the actual interface. Unlike even the other Fire Sticks within the same model year and line, the Lite does not offer the TV controls that many have come to appreciate. Without a mute button, volume controls, or even an option to turn off the Stick itself, the Lite sacrifices much of its practicality within its intended environment.