Distinctions - Packed into the Fire TV Stick’s HDMI plugin is a 1.7 GHz quad core processor that handles streaming effortlessly.

Criticisms - 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 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 simplest, but still frustrating, gripe to be had with the Fire TV Stick is that the dedicated platform buttons at the bottom of the remote are not configurable, meaning users without active subscriptions to the services shown get no utility out of what could be convenient, customizable buttons.

Distinctions - Amazon provides the Fire Stick TV 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. 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.

Criticisms - The Fire Stick uses cheap plastic with minimal coating, and appears somewhat lackluster when compared to brushed aluminum casing on competitor devices. The main frustration with the remote itself aesthetically are the only use of colors, aside from the Alexa button, are on the platform buttons on the bottom, which are non-customizable and not cohesive as a color group. Amazon does not offer additional color choices for the Fire TV Stick, but does offer special editions with molded and colored remotes for an additional cost.

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 arrives with two disposable batteries, so the path is already somewhat decided.

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is not wholly remarkable or distinct from other plug-in smart add-ons we’ve seen in the space. It’s not particularly worse, but the main distinction of Alexa integration falls so short of practical functionality that it doesn’t warrant acknowledging.

Criticisms - The Fire TV Stick, 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 via the buttons and suggested titles in the actual interface. With peers offering similarly ‘simplified’ experiences, it’s hard to see the Fire TV Stick as more than just another option unless it can be found on sale.