Best FireStick Alternatives for Streaming & More (2024)

This post explores the best FireStick alternatives. The devices covered in this post work with all types of TVs with HDMI input.

Amazon Fire TV range of products has been a lifesaving entertainment solution for millions of people. They came in when people were moving away from cable TV and looking for an all-inclusive device to stream live TV, movies, and TV shows.

If you’re a FireStick user, you’re likely familiar with the device’s numerous benefits. Some examples include affordability, availability of free content streaming apps, flexibility of use, and convenience, as you can jailbreak your FireStick to install third-party apps.

FireStick devices also have fast download speeds, adequate app storage space, and work well with various VPN providers.

If you’re a FireStick user looking to switch to a different device, consider switching to a device with better or equal features, quality, and convenience.

Other vital considerations when choosing a FireStick alternative include multiple audio format support, device storage, a fast processor, and 4K streaming resolution capacity.

Attention Users: Read before you continue

Governments and ISPs across the world monitor their users' online activities. If found streaming copyrighted content online, you could get into serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend you get a good VPN and hide your identity so that your streaming experience doesn’t take a bad turn.

I use ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 4 months free and save 61% on the 2-year plan.

Here are the reasons why you must use a VPN all the time.

Read: How to Install and Use a VPN on All Your Devices

Best FireStick Alternatives

Here is our list of the devices that can serve as alternatives to FireStick.

1. Roku Streaming Stick 4K

If you’re looking for a FireStick alternative with an equally simple layout, Roku Stick should be at the top of your list. Like FireStick, Roku offers several premium content providers like Netflix, Hulu, and PlayStation Vue.

The price point is also similar, with both devices ranging between $35 and $40. Regarding features, Roku operates on the 10.5 software update for fast and seamless browsing. It also comes with an external antenna and a USB power cable to help you operate your streaming device from a comfortable distance.

Roku supports 4K streaming across all their devices except Roku Express. Most Roku devices also support Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround.

When it comes to integration, Roku is especially a convenient choice for Apple device users. The AirPlay Roku feature allows quick and hassle-free sharing of content across multiple Apple devices.

Other Roku highlights include 3000 channels and over 200 apps, a free access Roku channel for movies, series, and documentaries, an easy-to-use remote, and Roku’s Guest Mode feature to stream without changing recommendations.

Here’s a brief overview of the Roku streaming device:

Models: Various models with lots of features
Price: between $35 and $40
Devices: Compatible with various devices
Content: Tons of free channels
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution, depending on the device model

2. Chromecast with Google TV 4K

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is an upgrade of the HD version released in 2013. Even though the earlier HD version had had many software updates over the years, the 4K version is sleeker, has a better layout, and comes with a remote.

This latest addition to Google’s home entertainment device collection boasts better features and seamless integration.

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K works with nearly any TV with an HDMI slot. Just plug in the device’s dongle, connect to your Wi-Fi, and start streaming.

Besides the interface upgrade and the remote, this device offers access to multiple premium streaming services, including YouTube, YouTube TV, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Sling, and others.

Like Roku and FireStick, Chromecast with Google TV 4K is reasonably priced, retailing between $50 and $55 in most online and physical stores.

Regarding content, Google recently partnered with Haystack News, Tubi, and Plex to revamp their live tab with over 800 free channels.

Overall, this device has everything you need to enjoy quick and convenient streaming without running out of channels.

Other Chromecast with Google TV 4K highlights include 60fps/4K max streaming resolution, HDR10 and Dolby Vision video format support, and DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Audio, and Dolby ATMOS audio format compatibility.

Let’s take a look at Chromecast with Google TV 4K features:

Models: 3rd Generation, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast with Google TV HD, Chromecast with Google TV 4K
Price: approximately $50
Devices: Compatible with various devices
Content: Features various premium providers and free channels
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution, depending on the device model

3. Apple TV

If you’re an Apple device fan looking for a suitable FireStick alternative, consider switching to Apple TV. Apple TV 4K, the latest Apple TV home entertainment device, offers a more responsive design, software feature upgrades, and overall better value for money.

Despite being more expensive than Roku and Chromecast with Google TV, Apple TV has an improved A15 chip for excellent picture quality, seamless integration with your other Apple devices, and access to premium providers like Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN.

This streaming device also offers a ton of features, like SharePlay, which lets you stream content together with family and friends via FaceTime.

Apple TV 4K lets you listen to content via Bluetooth or AirPods. In addition to the multiple audio connection option, the Apple TV 4K has hundreds of useful apps, a well-sectioned menu for seamless navigation, and can store passwords within your Apple device ecosystem for quick retrieval.

Apple TV has Siri voice assistant support for users who prefer hands-free device control and 64GB capacity for the base model.

As the name suggests, Apple TV 4K supports 4K streaming resolution and Dolby Audio and Dolby ATMOS audio support.

Here’s a quick review of the Apple TV 4K features:

Models: 64 GB Wi-Fi, 128GB +Ethernet model
Price: approximately $130 to $150
Devices: Compatible with Apple devices
Content: Features various premium providers and free apps
Ease of use: Improved design for better navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution

4. Xiaomi TV Stick 4K

The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is an entry-level streaming device similar to the Fire TV Stick. This device has a 5W power adapter, a Bluetooth remote, a micro USB connector, and a charging cable.

The packaging also includes an HDMI extender cable in case the back of your TV has insufficient space. The remote has a pretty regular design but is lightweight and comfortable.

Xiaomi TV Stick 4K has a Google TV interface and runs on the Android TV 11 software. It has 2GB of RAM, sufficient for quick app responses without lagging or buffering.

The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K has 8 GB of storage, with about 5 GB available to the user. Like other Android TV-powered devices, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K uses your Google account to synchronize apps and make content suggestions.

This device has a comprehensive menu and a Discover tab that shows suggested content from your installed apps.

Additional Xiaomi TV Stick 4K features include several pre-installed apps, access to premium content providers, and the Xiaomi TV+ feature. The Xiaomi TV+ is a free live TV streaming app that doesn’t require signing up.

You can use this app to watch various channels if you’re not subscribed to any premium content provider.

Models: One model -Xiaomi TV Stick 4K
Price: approximately $60
Devices: Compatible with various devices
Content: Features various premium providers and free channels
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD resolution

5. Nvidia Shield TV Pro

Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a premium streaming box with excellent performance, expandable storage, and enhanced upscaling.

This streaming box outperforms all devices on this list in many areas, like performance and storage, which ties to its high price of approximately $200.

Nvidia Shield Pro will meet all your entertainment needs if you’re looking for a FireStick alternative and have an open budget.

Nvidia Shield TV Pro runs on Android 11, one version below the Chromecast with Google TV 4K device. Thanks to its Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos capabilities, it has superb video and audio quality. Unfortunately, it lacks HDR10+ compatibility.

This streaming box uses a slim, comfortable remote with backlit buttons. The remote has a responsive microphone for hands-free navigation with Google Voice Assistant.

In addition to the contemporary design and AI-powered features, Nvidia Shiels TV Pro has Plex support and offers other premium content providers like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu.

The user interface is straightforward, with a simple navigation menu at the top and a Favorite Apps tab for easy access to regular-use apps.

Designed with gamers in mind, this streaming box’s impressive speed and performance make it easy to play PC and mobile games on your TV while enjoying the convenience of premium content streaming.

Here are Nvidia Shield TV Pro highlights:

Models: Nvidia Shield TV Pro
Price: approximately $200
Devices: Compatible with Android TVs
Content: Features various premium providers with built-in Plex support
Ease of use: AI-enhanced upscaling with a sleek and contemporary interface
Quality: HD resolution

6. Buzz TV Gen 5

The Buzz TV Gen 5 series of TV boxes was released in 2022. The base, budget-friendly model runs on Android 11 and offers 2GB of RAM with 16GB of storage. Other upgrade versions have 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage.

Buzz TV Gen 5’s main focus is the live TV hub designed to host multiple live TV subscriptions in a single section.

Despite having ample storage and robust software for smooth performance, this TV box has limited premium content accessibility as it lacks the Netflix ESN certification and doesn’t have Chromecast support or Google Assistant. You can, however, sideload apps for better streaming options. Additionally, other premium providers like Prime Video are limited to 480p resolution.

Still, the Buzz TV Gen 5 supports 4K streaming for other content, has Dolby Atmos and Dolby surround capacity, and offers YouTube in 4K HDR through the Smart YouTube TV version.

Here’s a Buzz TV Gen 5 feature breakdown:

Models: Buzz TV E5 and Buzz TV E5 Pro
Price: Between $100 -$200
Devices: Compatible with various devices
Content: Features various premium providers and free channels
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution limited to specific apps

7. Tivo Stream 4K

Tivo Stream 4K is an ideal FireStick alternative for anyone looking for an affordable Android-powered device. This streaming device is very similar to Chromecast with Google TV but smaller and has a few unique design touches.

Tivo Stream is a plug-and-play device with Google voice assistant integration. It offers a phone app and a remote for navigation. The interface, like Chromecast with Google TV, is straightforward, with a menu, a search function, and a favorites tab.

Because Tivo Stream 4K is Android-based, you can install any official app from the Google Play Store. The device also supports various Premium content providers like Netflix, Disney Plus, Peacock, Sling TV, Prime Video, Philo, and Hulu.

Tivo Stream 4K has a plug-in external drive and an Ethernet cable. It has 8GB of storage, supports 1080p and 4K video resolution, and Dolby Digital+ and Dolby Atmos audio quality.

Let’s do a quick overview of the Tivo Stream 4K:

Models: Tivo Stream 4k, Tivo EDGE and Tivo Mini LUX
Price: approximately $30
Devices: Compatible with any device with HDMI input
Content: Features various premium providers and free apps
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution

8. Formuler Z11 Pro Max

The Formuler Z11 Pro Max is a perfect FireStick alternative for users looking for a compact device with versatile functions and advanced performance.

This device has 2GB of RAM paired with a quad-core processor for excellent speed and response.

The package has a media receiver to facilitate image processing and 4K Ultra HD image resolution.

Another outstanding Formuler Z11 Pro Max feature is the MyTVOnline 3 platform integration, which allows users to access various IPTV channels.

The platform has a TV guide with audio and subtitle support in various languages.

The remote is sleek with advanced features like fast forward, reverse, favorites, and more.

Formuler Z11 Pro Max has limited access to premium providers but allows easy sideloading of third-party apps. Formuler Z11 Pro Max supports Dolby Digital+ and Dolby Atmos audio quality and 4K video resolution.

Formuler Z11 Pro Max overview:

Models: Formuler Z11 Pro and Formuler Z11 Pro Max
Price: approximately $200
Devices: Compatible with any device with HDMI input
Content: Free IPTV channel hub with limited premium service providers
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution

9. ONN FHD Streaming Stick

Walmart’s ONN 4K streaming box is yet another ideal FireStick alternative for anyone on a budget. This device is powered by Android and has a similar interface to Chromecast and Google TV.

The ONN 4K streaming box upgraded to Google TV from Android TV in its previous versions. This has led to an overall improvement in the device’s layout and app accessibility.

The remote is small and feature-rich, with Google Assistant compatibility.

Like FireStick, ONN features popular premium content providers like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu.

However, it has limited storage capacity, with users having about 2GB at their disposal, and also doesn’t support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos.

The main downside of this device is the limited space and slow speeds. Still, for its price of $20, the ONN streaming device with Google ecosystem integration has all the features you need to enjoy movies and TV shows in the comfort of your home.

ONN 4K Streaming box overview:

Models: ONN 4K Streaming box
Price: approximately $20
Devices: Compatible with any device with HDMI input
Content: Access to premium providers and free Google Play Store apps
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution

10. MarQ Turbostream streaming box

The MarQ Turbostream is an underrated but capable streaming device. It is a simple, plug-and-play device with a comfortable remote and is compatible with any device with an HDMI slot.

The device supports Netflix, Hotstar, and YouTube but not Amazon Prime. It offers 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage.

The MarQ Turbostream is powered by Android. Meaning users have access to thousands of apps available on the Google Play Store. It also comes with a built-in Chromecast and supports Dolby audio quality.

MarQ Turbostream doesn’t compare to its more advanced counterparts like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro or the Formuler Z11 Pro Max, but it is still a decent FireStick alternative.

MarQ Turbostream overview:

Models: Flipkart MarQ Turbostreaming device
Price: approximately $50
Devices: Compatible with any device with HDMI input
Content: Access to premium providers and free Google Play Store apps
Ease of use: Simple interface for easy navigation
Quality: HD and 4K resolution

Wrapping Up

As you can see from this post, there are several options for anyone looking for the best FireStick alternatives. Some budget-friendly options include the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Chromecast with Google TV 4K, or the Tivo Stream 4K devices. Users without budget limitations can consider advanced streaming boxes like the Nvidia Shield TV Pro and the Formuler Z11 Pro Max.

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