New Amazon Fire TV Stick Review - $39 Streaming Media Player with Alexa

Buy it on Amazon - lon.tv/3by5p (affiliate link) - The new Amazon Fire TV stick offers Alexa voice control and better performance over the prior version. At $39 it's the best value media player at the moment. See more streaming players: lon.tv/settopbox and subscribe! lon.tv/s
VIDEO INDEX:
00:05 - Hardware overview
01:00 - Interface
02:30 - Amazon Video Playback Performance
03:10 - Netflix Video Playback Performance
03:54 - KZbin video playback performance
04:48 - Universal voice search
05:23 - Alexa: shopping and weather
05:45 - Alexa: controlling lights
06:20 - Gaming: Sonic the Hedgehog
07:16 - Gaming: Game controller compatibility issues
07:52 - Gaming: GTA Vice City
08:39 - PC Game streaming with Moonlight app
09:55 - Sideloading discussion
10:58 - Kodi and Blu Ray MKV
11:48 - Plex
12:56 - Conclusion and final thoughts
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The new Amazon Fire Stick is much faster than I recall the original being. It's designed mostly as a streaming device for Netflix and other services, but it does have the capacity to run some apps and casual games quite well.
It only has 1 gigabyte of RAM and 8 gigs of storage so it will be limited in what it can do. But for many consumers looking to make a dumb TV smart this price is almost a no brainer.
I did have some issues with it connecting to my AC wireless network that I hope will be resolved in a future firmware update. I also noticed that Android compatible game controllers do not appear to work with it - only Fire TV compatible controllers will pair.
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[@MisterCee41510]

Such an under rated reviewer/unboxer. Your my go to guy for tech stuff Lon, thanks!

[@edwardbell8771]

slim Large same here

[@MrDannyloco]

yeah, UnBx Therapy sucks right now

[@Nothingmuch1039]

I came here for a basic review and got so much more. Excellent job!

[@mgnet2000]

The Fire Stick is best $39.00 that I have spend. I have four of them using Kodi, you can also stream about 30 cable channels if you have cable or satellite. It's a big savings for me because I don't have to have extra cable boxes to see the channels that I my family normally watch.

[@riginallyme]

Moses Garcia save more money with Sling... that's what we do

[@mgnet2000]

Not in my case. I would have to get 4 accounts since Sling is per device.

[@riginallyme]

Moses Garcia 3devices included. but sounds like that wouldn't be enough for ur4 tvs possible. I have it on 3 of my fire sticks

[@riginallyme]

Moses Garcia one sling account allows u to stream to 3 different devices (TV tablets etc)

[@mgnet2000]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm signing for Sling now.

[@ZaphodJoe]

Hi Lon, I had tried this back in July and the first one I got kept freezing and black screening on me. I had to keep unplugging it and realized it was SUPER hot. I called support and they asked if I saw a temperature icon and I said no and they said I needed to upgrade the firmware. So I let it cool down and upgraded about 3 updates. Then it would keep going to the over heating screen. I was using the supplied adapter and cable so it was getting the correct power. I called back and they sent me a second one. That one I couldn't even get updated it kept freezing and locking up before it could even do firmware updates. I finally sent em both back and the full Amazon Fire TV was on sale for $89 I think. So I got that and haven't had any issues with that and really love it. I wonder if I just got a lemmon? I did searches and tons of people had issues with the stick over heating and using fans on them. Just before I mailed them back I tried the fan option on my first stick that was just over heating and it did fix the problem but I didn't want to have to have a fan running on the thing 24/7 and I liked the idea of the faster full TV version and a Cat 5 cable built in etc. Plus it has 4k in case I ever update my tv in the future.

[@JF-em6hr]

Just wanted to say this is one of the best reviews I've seen. With being informative and getting to the point quickly.

[@themanofNeil]

Great review! You presented 99% of the info I was looking for. The other 1% was to see how well it worked with Playstation Vue.

[@gsharpshooter80]

I have a bunch of them as I'm one of those "sellers". The ui is definitely faster and much more fluid and should have been what the old stick was. I've also tested n64 and the performance is much more noticeable. Wifi performance is also very good as I've noticed no drops on streams for live tv and updates for the fire stick are much more faster so thankfully I don't have to wait a freaking half hour to wait for the device to update. At most updates are 3-5 minutes about. But yea the best way to describe the performance of the stick in terms of cpu and gpu is similar to that of the xiaomi mi box. Wifi I feel is maybe better on the stick. The only thing I wish dearly with all my heart is if they could throw us a usb port or micro sd card slot! The last thing I noticed was that physically the stick is slightly more bigger and heavier (nothing crazy though, barely noticable). Also, for some reason my matricom bluetooth controller has some button latency issues with this stick compared to the older one. Not sure why, anyone else have this problem with their bluetooth controllers? If not can anyone recommend a Bluetooth controller for the stick that's in the $20-$30 range?

[@jeffreco74]

Hey Lon! Try changing your router to a lower channel on your AC signal. I've found that some devices don't see the higher channels, but switching to a lower one works!

[@95Daniyal]

great video. 👍. But you missed the screen mirroring thing. kindly show that in the next video for Amazon Fire Tv Stick 2nd Generation.

[@RitsuOuO]

Thank you for this thorough review. I'm going to buy this for my grandmother so she can stop paying $180 a month for stupid cable when we have netflix, amazon, and hulu already!

[@jtn191]

The KZbin interface is identical to Roku's YT one

[@hiddenfiresindeed]

what is the best streaming device for my (not smart) tv to view KZbin? is there no way to get 1080 quality videos? i was looking at amz firestick, chromecast, roku..... want to keep it at $50 or under.

[@Wickard36]

deirfiúracha I have AppleTV it's pretty good for KZbin

[@rickeyseay1447]

Good review of the stick. I got a new smart TV last week and I think a want to add the stick to one of the newer non smart TVs. It should work okay with what I want to use it for.

[@davidschlotterback8374]

I personally would recommend a Roku 3 or 4. The Fire Stick is similar to a Kindle Fire meaning that the apps available are extremely limited. I have a Roku 3 that I love and have an Apple TV in my living room that really isn't bad, thought it's remote is kind of a pain in the ass to learn.

[@PhilTalksSports]

really enjoyed the review! just one question, my main reason for purchase would be watch ESPN how does that run ?

[@raymondtran1380]

Excellent video. Which would you pick out of the Fire Stick, Fire TV 2 or Xiaomi Mi Box? I will mainly use the box for Kodi.

[@ryangephart1779]

Great review! what is the purpose of using the splitter you have it connected to and mention at ~ 1:01?

[@B3DFire]

Thanks for showing the alexa voice commands, other videos I have seen on the fire stick do not show this

[@TechEthic]

ive got the first gen fire stick. I love it. I might get the one with Alexa since I'm a tech reviewer.

[@SCTR7]

bought one and returned it. sticking with the MI Box

[@slang9445]

Amazing review. Covered everything i needed to know about this device. Thank you very much!

[@kingeo25]

Wondering what splitter/switch box you're using. Have you done reviews of HDMI switch boxes recently?

[@ang3l2701]

I'd like to ask you if possible if you could do a Slingplayer on Amazon Fire TV stick review because there isn't any review for this important app on any youtube channels and I'm interested on get this device just pretty much for this app since you don't need a smartphone or tablet to start it like you need on Roku or Apple tv.

[@FlintG]

Pretty cool but I think I may just get the TX5 pro tv box instead since it has a better processor and it has micro sd support even has optical out.

[@bradley7118]

Do you get to watch games on there like basketball and football, like watch the whole games live?

[@chriskartalidis9687]

Is it possible to install Google play store?

[@ThePallones]

Hey Lon, curious to know what HDMI splitter you are using, as I am looking for a good one! Thanks, John

[@neworleans39]

do u have to pay for it each month or is it a one time price for the the product. will it work on a 13 yr old tv

[@mariojj6624]

I love my Amazon fire stick tv but I wish they have mirco SD for more storages

[@arnaldocolon8496]

You can use a external keyboard?

[@PinderProductions]

Great video! Will older Fire tv devices get Alexa?

[@EvertGuzman]

Pinder Productions no

[@BabygurlBad123]

so if I was to buy this fire stick are all the shows free on the fire stick or do I have to pay for them ?

[@Brewskii2117]

I had trouble getting my Fire TV to see to my AC network, after some googling I saw that there's a problem with the channel for the network being above a certain value. Try changing the channel to a lower value. (I think mine is set to 36) It worked for me.

[@LouisManofMusic]

Two questions. What is the name of your splitter? What monitor is that?

[@اسفعلىالاساءةنبهنيلأمسح]

Do you have to pay monthly to watch the tv channels?

[@TaCoMan2012tacosrule]

I know it's been 10 months, but other people may see this comment. Amazon Fire Stick doesn't really give you your traditional television channels such as ABC Family, Fox, NBC, sports or other local channels. The Amazon FIre Stick works similar to an antenna. It works as a platform to view content that you can already find online if you have a laptop or Desktop computer at home. Buying a Fire Stick helps you to pay for the convenience of having services you already pay for such as Netflix and Hulu Plus bundled together for you.

[@nathannadasi]

did plexiglass give you any issues? just wondering because I have read reviews that have said they had issues running plexiglass on the fire stick

[@user-ci1kz1cc6t]

I know nothing about these devices. If you buy one do you have to pay to watch anything with them? Do they work on a subscription service?

[@MrGardoPR]

Can you please review the performance on the Playstation vue app?? the previous version of the stick was terrible.

[@shaq6772]

can you please see if after the recent update , you can mirror you windows 10 to tv with fire stick?? thanks a lot

[@hanspetterfasteng3726]

hello love what you do! what about hdhomerun?

[@Pngwolffman]

Lon, how does this stack up to the Roku Stick?

[@Grizz94]

I just got the amazon fire game controller I was wondering does it work with amazon fire stick I already know that what it says on the box but I just wanna make sure before I buy one

[@Kate-Taylor]

Does this connect well to WIFI? I bought chromecast and it does not connect will with the wifi at my house. I just purchased this hoping that it will work better than chromecast

[@jnasiatka85]

Is there a way to control the fire stick with the Google home Mini

[@rnwcole]

Can you get your local channels with this?

[@ruchirtondon2482]

so what to you suggest is better to stream content, fire stick or chrome cast 2

[@dav4ever200]

a very interesting product, thanks lon!

[@gatgolf]

Lon - what model is that monitor?

[@ericbazinga]

Hey Lon, will you review the Nintendo Switch when it comes out?

[@LonSeidman]

I will definitely get one but I am not happy with how Nintendo treats content providers. see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6aco4agfK5qrtE

[@ericbazinga]

Lon.TV​ Yeah, Nintendo isn't the greatest when it comes to copyright. They really should work on that. A real shame, I figured you'd have a field day reviewing that thing, there's just so many cool things about it.

[@CarterDarter]

The only problem I can find with the device for me is 30fps only during moonlight.

[@iutarogirotto5110]

can it navigate the internet? as in going to different websites, how does it do that without a kb and mouse, vital part you left out of your review, pls advise

[@juanrafaelbatistadonastorg7859]

could you recommend a video Player for this decide?

[@mavchb]

Hi Lon, does it now support HDMI CEC?

[@margoriegutierrez]

How do I add apps that didn't come withe the firestick? I'm trying to get the Xfinity to go app. That's how I watch live tv etc..

[@frankpaul3204]

Can you try to run playstation vue to see how it performs ? the first fire stick was very slow running this.

[@jedimojojojo1603]

Lon, would you prefer this or Chromecast? Mind you, I don't have Prime.

[@LonSeidman]

Personally I like having a self contained device that doesn't require a cell phone to operate.

[@jedimojojojo1603]

Lon.TV thanks Lon. The question was for my mother. Also 1 more question... for me. For online storage for media (videos, music) what would be best? I'm currently using google drive but am not to sure about privacy of one's files.

[@im_amil]

Jedi Mojo Jojo I have the chromecast, 1 year strong. But this product looks interesting

[@HeyBuddays]

For your mother, she'd probably be better off with the new $50 Roku stick. It's fool proof.

[@jedimojojojo1603]

HeyBuddays thanks I'll look into the roku. I see you got a like so it must be good a choice.

[@202WinkProductions]

Technology is putting Comcast and direct tv and shit out of business

[@cinematicrecapp]

So do you have to be a Amazon prime member because then you need 6 pound a month

[@MegaFinalRound]

Is the gaming in 60 frames per second?

[@FairyCRat]

I'd love a new streaming stick to replace my first gen Apple TV, but I'm still divided between this and the new one from Roku.

[@cdstoudemire]

Fairy C Rat you can't get Kodi on the roku

[@marcusfrankum1631]

don't get Roku it's slow as hell

[@MrGamecatCanaveral]

Roku is not slow as hell. They're both about the same. I did hear you have to get Amazon prime to use the fire stick though.

[@TravelWright22]

Thanks

[@thomasjarvis3608]

does it have any live TV apps?

[@JayJohnson-pg3of]

thanks guys your information made me look like a genius

[@raymondpalmer4186]

Do you have to pay a monthly fee?

[@MrGamecatCanaveral]

I heard you have to get Amazon prime to use the fire stick.

[@RitsuOuO]

You have to pay subscription fee for the apps you want like normal. Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc. But you don't pay monthly for the stick itself.

[@MrGamecatCanaveral]

I heard you have to have prime to use the stick. Is that true?

[@jisanmiah5224]

Ritsu_oAo do you have to pay for amazon prime

[@BionicWoman345]

jisan miah no you don't need prime

[@michelles2325]

Thank you!

[@DTGrosz]

Can I access google with this and other sites.

[@andrewb9790]

The fact this has voice control and can record every conversation in the room (despite Amazon protestations that it wont), this means I will never buy a product like it.

[@LonSeidman]

This one is not always listening, the button has to be pushed to activate the mic on the remote.

[@andrewb9790]

They say that but I don't believe it. I don't want something that could be considered a bugging device in my home. Quite happy to pay for and use Amazon services but not with a microphone. It's also why I've not bought a Kinnect and all laptop / iMac Web cams are taped over. I don't trust these companies NOT to be listening/watching if they can use it to make a $

[@jt3000o]

you have some issues

[@andrewb9790]

jt3000o If my privacy and wanting to keep home conversations unheard by companies or security agencies are 'issues', then yes, I do.

[@jt3000o]

okay do you have a phone do you have a computer of any kind a car made in the last 4 years then you have a lot of microphones around you being over paranoid is just silly good luck with that

[@edishyti1]

What's the highest resolution KZbin can achieve on fire tv stick 2. Is it at least 720p?

[@cdstoudemire]

edi sh the fire tv stick can output 1080p

[@LonSeidman]

Mentioned in the video 1080p 30

[@hiddenfiresindeed]

Lon.TV I thought u were saying it could NOT play youtube at 1080? Did I misunderstand? If it can, then this sounds like the best device for me. Thanks for the informative review!!

[@quentinmathews4261]

does it have sling tv app

[@fermentation-1263]

can you use a ps4 controller?

[@optionstraderman]

I just discovered the hard way that Playstation VUE WEB View DOES NOT work on my 64 bit Linux Lite 2.8 systems which are based on the Ubuntu 14.04 LTS Operating System. I have tried it on both Google Chrome 64bit and Firefox and keep getting the message to update my browsers. Very Disappointing !!! Playstation Vue Tech Support doesn’t have an answer either, but I have seen others mentioning this problem in posts, but not in any public articles. However, PS Vue works great on my Android 4.4.2 Smartphone and also on the Amazon Fire TV 2nd Gen and Amazon Fire Stick 2nd Gen.

[@Nightmare-ee6yy]

Do u need wifi for it to work?

[@fabiantaveras8458]

Day Rose lol yes

[@dazzler114]

how do watch local channels Alexa

[@carlislejones8293]

does this work in any country

[@bomberkid55]

Still no VUDU support?

[@iamsunflower2011]

I can't get the back off the remote?

[@girlfriend989]

What does the AC do?

[@girlfriend989]

What about iPhone not android jw?

[@greenstaraz]

BlackMagic Speed Test for Windows, Anyone knows where to get it, Thanks

[@doncaruso1949]

I don't have internet at home, will it work with my smart phone?

[@MrGamecatCanaveral]

Does your phone have a hotspot? It might work. Try it out. If it doesn't work, return it.

[@doncaruso1949]

MrCapeCanaveral yes it does.

[@MrGamecatCanaveral]

Just saw another video where the guy was running his stick through his phone. So there you go!

[@doncaruso1949]

MrCapeCanaveral OK thanks

[@romankujawa3893]

I don"t have vision only voice

[@dakkon74]

They do say what kind of processor. (Mediatek 8127D) developer.amazon.com/public/solutions/devices/fire-tv/docs/device-and-platform-specifications

[@graphicartdude]

Does anyone know of a streaming device that allows for someone to add a KZbin video to one of their KZbin playlists? This is such a stupid omission in my opinion. Neither my Apple TV or Amazon Firestick allows this option. It's incredibly inconvenient. Thanks.

[@tomaspostorivo]

you put gta san andreas, but you tried gta vice city

[@LonSeidman]

Oops! Thanks I fixed it.

[@tomaspostorivo]

Lon.TV you are welcome

[@tomaspostorivo]

Lon.TV mention me in your next video

[@aesircorporation1924]

+Rolight, please don't get cocky.

[@tomaspostorivo]

AesirCorporation shut up, and look for a more suitable name for your corporation

[@leewegener]

dude loves star trek

[@ComeAtMe]

I'll stick with my Chromecast 2.

[@rodneyrhodes9072]

Get 1

[@lee1302]

Lon i am looking for a andriod tv that can run kodi mkv files i have just like you i am looking for one thats under $50 any help i app it thank you so much :)

[@jasonkloos6348]

lee1302 Sidelining Kodi to the fire stick using apps2fire works fantastic. Handles HD mkv files with no issues.

[@lee1302]

thank you so much

[@xash06]

alot for $40!

[@jasonc9893]

Will I get game of thrones for free

[@HellcatCustoms]

Chromecast is way easier. You already have big touch screen smart phones.. Why do you need a remote control stick to do everything lol

[@SirCharles.]

"apps2fire" is a good Android app for installing apks and transferring files to your Fire devices. just get the device's IP and enable ADB+dev options and that's it. my fire stick was great in the beginning, but a few months later it overheats like crazy. I use Kodi a lot and it seems to be running it worse than it was before.

[@methanoid]

Not buying games/apps a 2nd time just cos they don't like PlayStore...

[@jasonkloos6348]

Meth Methanoid Look into apps2fire in the play store. It lets you sideload play apps from your phone or tablet to the fire stick or fire TV

[@marcusfrankum1631]

it's better than Roku

[@MrDannyloco]

$30 now**

[@LonSeidman]

bargain!

[@mariussm7797]

Roku in 30$ and better :)

[@jisanmiah5224]

I'm not a prime subscriber does that mean I can't watch amazon prime

[@LonSeidman]

You can buy or rent but can't watch the prime content.

[@jisanmiah5224]

Lon.TV I don't understand an you explain it more

[@LonSeidman]

+jisan miah if you're not a prime subscriber you can't watch prime content. But if you buy or rent a movie or show you can.

[@jisanmiah5224]

Lon.TV thanks this really helped if you didn't say I would of bought it

[@anjeljanae5010]

im gona by a fire stick

[@MrGreenCheddar]

Seriously dude, Star Wars prequel and No Man's Sky? what do you just like everything that is garbage in the world.

[@LonSeidman]

:)

[@MrGreenCheddar]

Lon.TV At least your into Star Trek Next Gen lol ;)

[@DUNKINGxOR3O]

MrGreenCheddar prequels are not bad you are just an ignorant fuck

[@matthewd9370]

MrGreenCheddar prequels are superior

[@mvpandrew93]

Do not purchase, Amazon was being a cheapass and now you can't even watch KZbin with the device. It's turned into a sleep noise catalog for me, do not purchase!!!

[@shaseemwhite4817]

Damn he's cute, shit.

[@sirtroublesgaming954]

So you buy the stick for $39 install it ... than you have to subscribe (pay) to Amazon Prime to watch it (all that is free is bad tv cut versions or you have to pay more to watch the good stuff) .... whatever you want to watch (Netflix, HBO, Showtime etc) you have to pay individual monthly fees - this fire stick (just tried it at home) is crap

[@RitsuOuO]

Of course you have to pay! Amazon doesn't own any of those apps!