Overall Findings
The Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite are remarkably similar devices that check almost all the same boxes right down the line. They have the same processor, both support full HD video and HDR, and both work with Alexa. The most significant differences are the Fire TV Stick has built-in Dolby support, and the Fire TV Stick Lite comes with a pared-down remote that can’t control your television.
Specifications and Performance: Almost Identical
Looking at the specifications of the Fire TV Stick (3rd gen) and the Fire TV Stick Lite, even a cursory glance reveals they are almost identical in every way. The hardware is the same in both devices, with the same processor, graphics processor, memory, and onboard storage. The only difference in terms of specifications is with audio codec support. They both support all the basics, from AAC to MP3 and most of the options in between, but the Fire TV Stick Lite only supports HDMI audio passthrough for things like Dolby Atmos, while the Fire TV Stick has native support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and more. The net effect is that the Fire TV Stick will provide substantially more immersive sound in Dolby Atmos home theater setups. At the same time, you’re unlikely to notice a difference if you use your television’s speakers or a basic soundbar. Since the hardware is identical, the performance of these units is also the same. While the name Fire TV Stick Lite might imply an underpowered budget device, it performs to the same standard as the Fire TV Stick.
Design and Remote: Alexa Voice Remote Lite Lacks TV Controls
Just as the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite have the same hardware under the hood, they also share identical packaging. They both have the same stick form factor that’s been in use since the first generation Fire TV Stick, both have built-in HDMI outputs, and both have micro USB ports for power. The only difference here is the Fire TV Stick comes with a second-generation Alexa Voice Remote, and the Fire TV Stick Lite comes with an Alexa Voice Remote Lite. The Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen) includes some extra buttons, including a power button and volume controls, and it’s capable of transmitting via infrared (IR) to control your television directly. That means you can avoid picking up a second remote in many cases and use the Fire TV Stick remote to control both your Fire TV and your regular television controls. The Alexa Voice Remote Lite has the same functionality as the second generation Alexa Voice Remote, but it lacks television controls. It can still process voice commands via Alexa at the touch of a button, but you’ll need to pick up your television remote if you want to adjust the volume.
Price: Price Difference Reflects Feature Differences (It’s Small)
Final Verdict: Do You Have a Dolby Atmos Sound System?
There are two reasons to buy a Fire TV Stick over a Fire TV Stick Lite: if you have a fancy surround sound system or crave the convenience offered by volume and power buttons on your Fire TV remote. If you aren’t interested in the volume and power buttons, and you’re using your TV speakers or a basic soundbar, there’s no reason to pay the extra money for a Fire TV Stick. On the other hand, the Fire TV Stick is worth the extra money if you have a Dolby home theater system and even more so if you’ve invested in a Dolby Atmos system.
