If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly streaming solution, the Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) is often among the first devices that come up. Amazon claims it’s “50% more powerful than the previous generation” and ships with the Alexa Voice Remote. Amazon
But how does it perform in real-world use, especially compared to newer alternatives? In this review, we’ll dive into its specs, pros & cons, comparisons, and verdict—so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your streaming setup.
What’s in the Box & Key Specifications
What you’ll get in the box:
- Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) dongle
- 3rd Generation Alexa Voice Remote
- USB power cable + power adapter
- HDMI extender cable
- Instruction manual / Quick Start guide
Key specs & features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 1080p (Full HD) |
| Supported HDR formats | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Dignited+3Dignited+3What Hi-Fi?+3 |
| Processor / performance | Improved from past generations; many users call it “responsive” and “fast” Android Police+2Dignited+2 |
| Storage / RAM | 8 GB internal storage (shared with system) Bob Is The Oil Guy+2Dignited+2 |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (AC) |
| Remote features | Voice (Alexa), power, volume, directional pad, shortcuts |
| Ecosystem | Fire OS, deep Amazon integration, support for common streaming apps |
Pros: What Works Well
- Affordable & accessible entry point
- It’s one of the cheapest ways to turn any TV with HDMI into a smart streaming device. Dignited+1
- Amazon often offers deals or bundles, making it an even more attractive value.
- Improved performance over predecessors
- Many reviewers note it’s significantly snappier and more responsive than earlier Fire Sticks. Android Police+1
- App launch times and navigation feel more fluid.
- Solid picture & HDR support for 1080p content
- HDR handling in the supported formats (HDR10, HDR10+, HLG) is well done considering its hardware constraints. What Hi-Fi?+1
- For users with non-4K TVs, its performance is “good enough” in most scenarios. Best Buy+1
- Alexa remote is useful
- Having voice control right from the remote is a big plus—searching, launching apps, controlling playback, etc.
- Remote also includes TV power/volume buttons, reducing the need to juggle multiple remotes. Android Police+1
- Broad app support and ecosystem integration
- It runs Fire OS, which supports popular streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.). Android Police+2Dignited+2
- Its integration with Alexa and the Amazon ecosystem (if you already use it) is an advantage.
Cons & Limitations to Watch Out For
- No 4K support
- This stick tops out at 1080p, so if you have a 4K TV or plan to get one, you’ll be leaving potential on the table. Dignited+3YouTube+3What Hi-Fi?+3
- Some users suggest spending the extra to get a 4K or 4K Max model. Reddit+1
- Limited storage space (8 GB)
- The internal storage is quite small, especially considering that some of it is taken by system files. Bob Is The Oil Guy+1
- If you install many apps, you might hit storage limits quickly. Some workaround solutions include using USB OTG storage (depending on model & software). Cinco Días
- Interface is Amazon-focused
- Like many Fire TV devices, the home screen leans heavily toward promoting Amazon’s own content and services, which some users dislike. Android Police+1
- You’ll see ads, featured content, and recommendations front and center.
- Possible future restrictions on sideloading / third-party apps
- A few users note concerns about future software updates possibly limiting sideloaded or unofficial apps. Reddit
- Always a potential risk when the manufacturer controls updates.
- No Dolby Atmos support for all services / limitations
- Some services (e.g. Apple TV via this stick) don’t support Dolby Atmos or direct content purchases on the Fire Stick. What Hi-Fi?
- Not ideal for power users / heavy media server use
- If you run a local media server with high bitrates or demand lots of transcoding, you might feel the limits. AVForums+1
How It Compares to Alternatives (4K, 4K Max, etc.)
- On Reddit and user forums, many suggest that if your budget allows, go for a 4K Max version instead of the 3rd Gen, as it offers better speed, more storage, and future-proofing. Reddit+2Reddit+2
- In Android Police’s review, the 3rd Gen is described as a “substantial improvement from its laggy predecessor,” but still with tradeoffs (e.g. the interface, ads) compared to more neutral platforms. Android Police
- What Hi-Fi notes that for HDR and audio, the 3rd Gen holds up decently in its class. What Hi-Fi?
- Some users report that the 3rd Gen uses the same CPU as the 4K model for certain tasks—so performance differences become more about memory, software, and output resolution. Bob Is The Oil Guy+1
Real-Life Use Cases & Observations
- Many users praise the setup process as simple and intuitive—even for non-tech-savvy users. Home Depot+1
- As one user put it in a forum:“Yeah, Firestick 3rd Gen uses the same CPU as my Firestick 4K … The only crippling spec is the internal storage space (8GB) — you’re going to run out of it rather fast if you start installing additional apps.” Bob Is The Oil Guy
- Others caution:“It’s a good device for the price point … but the 4K or 4K Max may be more worthwhile if you can stretch your budget.” Reddit
- A teardown investigation (or user guide) suggests you may be able to extend storage via USB (depending on model / software), but that’s an advanced trick—not guaranteed. Cinco Días
Verdict & Recommendations
Best for:
- Users with 1080p TVs who want an affordable way to stream content.
- Those already invested in the Amazon ecosystem (Prime Video, Alexa, etc.).
- General or casual users who don’t need 4K, heavy app usage, or local media server use.
Consider alternatives if:
- You have (or will upgrade to) a 4K TV.
- You want more storage or room for many apps.
- You dislike advertising or a home screen that pushes Amazon content heavily.
- You’re concerned about future software limitations (e.g. sideloading restrictions).
If I were you, I’d still pick the 3rd Gen Fire TV Stick for a secondary TV or as a budget solution. But for a primary living room setup, if the additional cost is acceptable, a 4K or 4K Max variant would likely give better longevity and value.
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