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2nd Gen Fire TV Stick vs. 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Stick Lite vs. Fire TV Stick 4K

Amazon recently announced the third generation Fire TV Stick and first generation Fire TV Stick Lite. So, how do these two products stack up against each other as well as the second generation Fire TV Stick and first generation Fire TV Stick 4K?

You can find out in this comparison guide between these four media players.

Quick Summary

When compared to the 2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick, the 1st Gen 4K Stick, 1st Gen Lite Stick and 3rd Gen Stick come with a processor that is 50% more powerful, which leads to a big performance boost.

The 2nd Gen stick does not support HDR while the other three media players do (although the Fire TV Stick 4K is the only one compatible with Dolby Vision).

If you have a 4K TV, or planning to get one in the future, then the only option you have is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K as the other media sticks support video playback at only up to 1080p.

If you only have a 1080p TV, then the 3rd generation Fire TV and 1st generation Fire TV Lite sticks are more powerful, have more audio options, come with a low power mode and include HDR support when compared to the 2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick.

The 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick, along with the 1st Gen Fire TV Stick 4K, are the only media players in this comparison to support Dolby Atmos.

2nd Gen Fire Stick vs. 3rd Gen Fire Stick vs. 3rd Gen Fire Stick Lite vs. Fire Stick 4K Comparison Chart

You can check out Seeking Tech’s comparison table between the Fire Sticks below.

2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
What’s in the BoxFire TV Stick (2nd Gen)

Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen)

USB cable and power adapter

HDMI extender

2 AAA batteries

Quick Start Guide
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)

Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen)

USB cable and power adapter

HDMI extender

2 AAA batteries

Quick Start Guide
Fire TV Stick Lite (1st Gen)

Alexa Voice Remote Lite

USB cable and power adapter

HDMI extender

2 AAA batteries

Quick Start Guide
Fire TV Stick 4K (1st Gen)

Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen)

USB cable and power adapter

HDMI extender cable

2 AAA batteries

Quick Start Guide
Weight32.0 g32.0 g32.0 g53.6 g
Dimensions85.9 mm x 30.0 mm x 12.6 mm86.0 mm x 30.0 mm x 13.0 mm86.0 mm x 30.0 mm x 13.0 mm99.0 mm x 30.0 mm x 14.0 mm
CPUQuad-Core ARM 1.3 GHzQuad-Core 1.7 GHzQuad-Core 1.7 GHzQuad-Core 1.7 GHz
GPUMali450 MP4IMG GE8300IMG GE8300IMG GE8300
RAM1 GB1 GB DDR41 GB DDR41.5 GB DDR4
Storage8 GB8 GB8 GB8 GB
Wi-Fi FeaturesDual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO)

802.11a/b/g/n/ac support
Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO)

802.11a/b/g/n/ac support
Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO)

802.11a/b/g/n/ac support
Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO)

802.11a/b/g/n/ac support
Bluetooth4.1 + LE5.0 + LE5.0 + LE5.0 + LE
Voice ControlAlexa Voice Remote

Fire TV Smartphone App

Linked Echo Device
Alexa Voice Remote

Fire TV Smartphone App

Linked Echo Device
Alexa Voice Remote

Fire TV Smartphone App

Linked Echo Device
Alexa Voice Remote

Fire TV Smartphone App

Linked Echo Device
IR Device Control with Remote Control?YesYesNoYes
Cloud StorageFree for contents purchased from AmazonFree for contents purchased from AmazonFree for contents purchased from AmazonFree for contents purchased from Amazon
Miracast Support?YesYesYesYes
PortsHDMI output port

Micro USB port (power only)
HDMI output port

Micro USB port (power only)
HDMI output port

Micro USB port (power only)
HDMI output port

Micro USB port (power only)
Video Resolution and Frame RateUp to 60 frames per second in 720p and 1080pUp to 60 frames per second in 720p and 1080pUp to 60 frames per second in 720p and 1080pUp to 60 frames per second in 720p, 1080p and 4K
HDRNoneHDR10

HDR10+

HLG
HDR10

HDR10+

HLG
Dolby Vision

HDR10

HDR10+

HLG
Video CodecsH.263

H.264

H.265 (HEVC)

MPEG-2

MPEG-4
H.263

H.264

H.265 (HEVC)

MPEG-2

MPEG-4

VP8

VP9
H.263

H.264

H.265 (HEVC)

MPEG-2

MPEG-4

VP8

VP9
Dolby Vision

H.263

H.264

H.265 (HEVC)

MPEG-2

MPEG-4

VP8

VP9
DRMHDCP 1.4

PlayReady 2.5

Widevine L1/L3
HDCP 2.2

PlayReady 3.0

Widevine L1/L3
HDCP 2.2

PlayReady 3.0

Widevine L1/L3
HDCP 2.2

PlayReady 3.0

Widevine L1/L3
Audio CodecsAAC-LC

AC3 (Dolby Digital)

AMR-NB

eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus)

FLAC

HE-AACv1 (AAC+)

HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)

MIDI

MP3

Opus

PCM/Wave

Vorbis
AAC-LC

AC3 (Dolby Digital)

AMR-NB

Dolby Atmos (EC3_JOC)

eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus)

FLAC

HE-AACv1 (AAC+)

HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)

MIDI

MP3

Opus

PCM/Wave

Vorbis passthrough
AAC-LC

AMR-NB

FLAC

HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Atmos

HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Digital

HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Digital+

HDMI Audio passthrough for DTS

HE-AACv1 (AAC+)

HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)

MIDI

MP3

Opus

PCM/Wave

Vorbis passthrough
AAC-LC

AC3 (Dolby Digital)

AMR-NB

Dolby Atmos (EC3_JOC)

eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus)

HE-AACv1 (AAC+)

HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)

FLAC

MIDI

MP3

Opus

PCM/Wave

Vorbis up to 5.1
Low Power Mode?NoYesYesNo
System RequirementsHDTV with HDMI input

Wi-Fi internet connection

Power outlet
HDTV with HDMI input

Wi-Fi internet connection

Power outlet
HDTV with HDMI input

Wi-Fi internet connection

Power outlet
HDTV with HDMI input

Wi-Fi internet connection

Power outlet
Warranty90-day limited warranty and service

Optional 2-year or 3-year extended warranty (US Only)
90-day limited warranty and service


Optional 2-year or 3-year extended warranty (US Only)
90-day limited warranty and service


Optional 2-year or 3-year extended warranty (US Only)
1-year limited warranty and service


Optional 2-year or 3-year extended warranty (US Only)
PricingCheck price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)

What’s in the Box

In addition to the main media player unit, each product also comes with a remote control, remote control batteries, HDMI extender, quick start guide in addition to an USB cable and power adapter.

You can take a look at what’s included in each box below:

2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick:

  • Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen)
  • Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen)
  • USB cable and power adapter
  • HDMI extender
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Quick Start Guide

3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick:

  • Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
  • Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen)
  • USB cable and power adapter
  • HDMI extender
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Quick Start Guide

1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite:

  • Fire TV Stick Lite (3rd Gen)
  • Alexa Voice Remote Lite
  • USB cable and power adapter
  • HDMI extender
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Quick Start Guide

1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K:

  • Fire TV Stick 4K
  • Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen)
  • USB cable and power adapter
  • HDMI extender cable
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Quick Start Guide

Weight

The second and third generations of the Amazon Fire TV Stick, as well as the first generation of the Fire TV Stick, weigh the same amount. The Fire TV Stick 4K is a lot heavier compared to the rest of the media players in this group.

You can take a look at the weight specifications below:

  • 2nd Gen Fire TV Stick: 32.0 g
  • 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick: 32.0 g
  • 1st Gen Fire TV Stick Lite: 32.0 g
  • 1st Gen Fire TV Stick 4K: 53.6 g

Dimensions

The 3rd Gen Fire TV and 1st Gen Fire TV Lite are identical in size, which is a little bit bigger than the 2nd Gen device. The Fire TV 4K is bulkier than the other three.

You can check out the full measurements below:

  • 2nd Gen Fire TV: 85.9 mm x 30.0 mm x 12.6 mm
  • 3rd Gen Fire TV: 86.0 mm x 30.0 mm x 13.0 mm
  • 1st Gen Fire TV Lite: 86.0 mm x 30.0 mm x 13.0 mm
  • 1st Gen Fire TV 4K: 99.0 mm x 30.0 mm x 14.0 mm

CPU

The second-generation Fire TV Stick comes equipped with a Quad-Core ARM 1.3 GHz processor.

The three other sticks are equipped with a Quad-Core 1.7 GHz processor, which is 50% more powerful than the CPU from the previous generation Fire TV Stick.

GPU

The Gen 2 Fire Stick uses a Mali450 MP4 GPU while the other Fire Sticks use the IMG GE8300 GPU.

RAM

For RAM, the second-generation Fire TV Stick comes with 1 GB while the third-generation Fire TV Stick and first-generation Fire TV Stick Lite each includes 1 GB DDR4.

The first-generation Fire TV Stick 4K is equipped with 1.5 GB DDR4.

Storage

All of the media sticks in this comparison guide come with 8 GB of internal storage.

Wi-Fi Features

The Amazon Fire TV Sticks are equipped with dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO), which will help increase streaming speeds and prevent disconnects.

The media players also support the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac networks.

Bluetooth

The 2nd Gen Fire TV Stick utilizes Bluetooth 4.1 + LE while the rest of the sticks utilize Bluetooth 5.0 + LE.

Voice Control

You can use your voice to control these media players. You can do so by using the Alexa Voice Remote, free Fire TV Smartphone App or linked Echo device.

IR Device Control with Remote Control

The 2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick, 3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick and 1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K support IR device control as you can use the remote to control compatible IR-enabled devices like your television set to power on, power off, change the volume and perform other actions.

The 1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite does not support this feature.

Miracast

All four media players support Miracast, a feature that lets you mirror the screen of your Amazon Fire tablet to your TV.

Cloud Storage

All four sticks in this comparison guide use free cloud storage when it comes to digital contents that are purchased from Amazon.

Ports

The Fire TV Stick include one HDMI output port as well as a Micro USB port used for power.

Video Resolution and Frame Rate

The 2nd and 3rd generation Fire TV Sticks, as well as the Lite version, support up to 60 frames per second in 720p and 1080p resolutions.

The Fire TV Stick 4K supports up to 60 frames per second in 720p, 1080p and 2160p (also known as 4K) resolutions.

HDR

The second gen Fire TV does not support HDR at all. Both the 3rd Gen Stick and 1st Gen Stick Lite support HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. The 4K stick supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG.

Video Codecs

When it comes to audio codecs, the second-generation Fire TV Stick is missing support for the VP8 and VP9 codecs that are supported by the other three media players.

The first-generation Fire TV Stick 4K is the only one that supports the Dolby Vision codec.

You can check out the supported video codecs for all four devices below:

2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick:

  • H.263
  • H.264
  • H.265 (HEVC)
  • MPEG-2
  • MPEG-4

3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick:

  • H.263
  • H.264
  • H.265 (HEVC)
  • MPEG-2
  • MPEG-4
  • VP8
  • VP9

1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite:

  • H.263
  • H.264
  • H.265 (HEVC)
  • MPEG-2
  • MPEG-4
  • VP8
  • VP9

1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K:

  • Dolby Vision
  • H.263
  • H.264
  • H.265 (HEVC)
  • MPEG-2
  • MPEG-4
  • VP8
  • VP9

DRM

You can take a look at the Digital Rights Management features for the media players below:

2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick:

  • HDCP 1.4
  • PlayReady 2.5
  • Widevine L1/L3

3rd Gen Fire TV Stick, 1st Gen Fire TV Stick Lite and 1st Gen Fire TV Stick 4K:

  • HDCP 2.2
  • PlayReady 3.0
  • Widevine L1/L3

Audio Codecs

For audio, the 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick and 1st Gen Fire TV Stick 4K are the only two media players in this versus guide to support Dolby Atmos.

You can find a full breakdown of supported audio codecs below:

2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick:

  • AAC-LC
  • AC3 (Dolby Digital)
  • AMR-NB
  • eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus)
  • FLAC
  • HE-AACv1 (AAC+)
  • HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)
  • MIDI
  • MP3
  • Opus
  • PCM/Wave
  • Vorbis

3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick:

  • AAC-LC
  • AC3 (Dolby Digital)
  • AMR-NB
  • Dolby Atmos (EC3_JOC)
  • eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus)
  • FLAC
  • HE-AACv1 (AAC+)
  • HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)
  • MIDI
  • MP3
  • Opus
  • PCM/Wave
  • Vorbis

1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite:

  • AAC-LC
  • AMR-NB
  • FLAC
  • HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Atmos
  • HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Digital
  • HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Digital+
  • HDMI Audio passthrough for DTS
  • HE-AACv1 (AAC+)
  • HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)
  • MIDI
  • MP3
  • Opus
  • PCM/Wave
  • Vorbis

1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K:

  • AAC-LC
  • AC3 (Dolby Digital)
  • AMR-NB
  • Dolby Atmos (EC3_JOC)
  • eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus)
  • HE-AACv1 (AAC+)
  • HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+)
  • FLAC
  • MIDI
  • MP3
  • Opus
  • PCM/Wave
  • Vorbis

Low Power Mode

Both the 3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick and 1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite feature a low power mode, which will automatically activate when the devices go to sleep, resulting in lower energy consumption.

System Requirements

The system requirements are the same for all four media playing sticks. You need a HDTV with HDMI input, Wi-Fi internet connection and power outlet.

Warranty

The 2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick, 3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick and 1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite each come with a 90-day limited warranty and service.

The 1st Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K includes a 1-year limited warranty and service.

You can also purchase an optional 2-year or 3-year extended warranty if you are a U.S. customer.

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