Fire TV 和Fire TV Stick是两种不同类型的亚马逊电视(Amazon TV)流媒体设备。本文比较了这两个类别的产品，以便您清楚地了解异同。
我们将介绍物理属性、技术规格、价格、可用性和其他因素的差异。
Fire TV vs. Fire TV Stick：设计和形式
Fire TV 是亚马逊流媒体播放器的机顶盒版本。消防电视(Fire TVs)是方形的。它是您放置在娱乐中心或架子上并使用电缆连接到电视的流媒体设备。
只有第 3代 Amazon Fire(Gen Amazon Fire) TV 设备具有内置的悬垂式HDMI电缆。插入时，设备会挂在电视背面，例如Google Chromecast。
另一方面，Fire TV Stick是亚马逊流媒体播放器的一个小版本。这是一个巧克力棒大小的矩形加密狗。与Fire TV 不同，您不需要电缆即可将Fire TV Stick连接到电视。您可以将流媒体棒的HDMI端直接插入电视的HDMI端口。
Fire TV Stick的外形使其成为无线娱乐中心的最佳选择。与Fire TV 机顶盒不同，您可以直接从电视的USB端口为Fire TV Stick供电。(Stick)大多数Fire TV 型号（第 1 代和第 2 代）都需要通过墙壁插座供电才能开启。
亚马逊 Fire TV Cube 解释(Amazon Fire TV Cube Explained)
将Fire(Fire) TV Cube想象成立方体中的Fire TV。除了形状不同，Fire TV Cube顶部还有四个按钮——麦克风、操作(Action)和音量按钮。
Fire TV Cube具有内置麦克风和扬声器，可与(Cubes)Amazon Alexa语音助手进行免提交互。您可以在没有电视（如Amazon Echo）或电视关闭时在Fire TV Cube上与(Cube)Alexa进行交互。Fire(A Fire) TV Cube是Fire TV 和Amazon Echo的混合体。
那么，Fire TV(Fire TVs)和Fire TV Cube设备有什么共同点？它们没有像Fire TV 棒那样的HDMI插头——您需要一根HDMI电缆将流媒体设备连接到您的电视。
存储和内存
所有Fire TV 和Fire TV Stick一代都有 8 GB (8GB) 的存储空间。Fire TV Cube(Cubes)有 16GB 的存储空间，很可能是因为它们兼作流媒体设备和智能扬声器。
内存方面(Memory-wise)，Fire TV(Fire TVs)和Fire TV Cube(Fire TV Cubes)具有 2GB RAM，而Fire TV Stick的内存范围为 1GB–1.5GB。通常，Fire TV Stick Lite型号和老一代的流媒体棒具有 1GB RAM。提供 4K 流媒体的Fire(Fire) TV Stick型号具有更高的内存配置（最大 1.5GB）。
第 1 代和第 2 代Fire TV 具有内置USB端口。因此，您可以使用拇指驱动器轻松扩展设备的存储空间。Fire TV Sticks没有USB端口，因此您需要一个Micro USB转USB适配器来连接USB驱动器。
Alexa语音遥控器
购买Fire TV、Fire TV Cube或Fire TV Stick时，请确保选择带有Alexa 语音遥控器(Alexa Voice Remote)的产品。借助Alexa，您可以通过语音控制查找电视节目、调整媒体播放以及执行其他任务。
所有Amazon Fire TV 设备都支持Alexa并附带Alexa Voice Remote，但下列型号除外：
- 亚马逊 Fire TV – 第一代（2014 年）
- 亚马逊消防电视棒(Amazon Fire TV Stick)– 第一代(Gen)（2014 年）
- 亚马逊 Fire TV Stick 基本版(Amazon Fire TV Stick Basic Edition)(2017)
注意：(Note:)您无法将Alexa Voice Remote与这些设备配对，因为它们缺乏对(Alexa Voice Remote)Alexa的原生支持。
网络连接
Fire TV 和Fire TV Stick都支持有线和无线互联网连接。但是，只有Fire TV（第 3代(Gen)型号除外）附带内置以太网(Ethernet)端口。要使用Fire TV Stick的有线连接，您需要单独购买亚马逊以太网适配器(Amazon Ethernet Adapter)（售价 20 美元）。Fire TV Cube(Cubes)没有以太网(Ethernet)端口，但在包装盒中配有以太网(Ethernet)适配器。使用有线连接无需额外投资。
有线连接通常比Wi-Fi更快、更稳定。如果您打算购买 4K Fire TV 设备，则需要以太网(Ethernet)连接来传输超高清(Ultra High-Definition)( UHD ) 内容。如果您购买的是“ Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max ”，则应将以太网(Ethernet)适配器的成本考虑在内，除非您的无线网络提供商保证最低 25Mbps 的互联网速度而不会受到限制。
操作系统
Fire OS为亚马逊的所有流媒体设备（棒和机顶盒）提供支持。Fire OS基于Android。因此，您可以在 Fire TV Stick和 Fire TV上安装 Android 应用。(install Android apps on a Fire TV Stick)
Fire OS提供三个版本： Fire OS 5、Fire OS 6和Fire OS 7。Fire OS 5基于Android 5.1 Lollipop，而Fire OS 6和 7 基于Android 7.1 Nougat和Android 9 Pie。
2020 年（及更新）发布的Fire TV Stick(Fire TV Stick)型号，配备最新的开箱即用Fire OS 7 。只有Fire TV Stick（基本版(Basic Edition)）、Fire TV Cube（第一代(Gen)）和Fire TV（第三代(Gen)）运行Fire OS 6。其他Fire TV和Fire TV Stick型号随附Fire OS 5。
Netflix、Hulu、Disney Plus、HBO Max等流媒体应用程序将在所有Fire OS版本上完美运行。但是，Fire OS版本越高，Fire TV 的功能和性能就越好。
请参阅Amazon 网站上的 Fire OS 文档(Fire OS documentation on Amazon’s website)，了解哪个Fire TV 设备运行哪个Fire OS版本。
注意：(Note:) Fire OS无法在Fire TV(Fire TVs)和Fire TV Sticks上升级。也就是说，您不能将流媒体设备从一个版本升级到另一个版本——例如，从Fire OS 5升级到Fire OS 6。但是，您可以将Fire TV 更新为同一版本的不同版本。
亚马逊保证为其流媒体设备提供软件安全更新(software security updates)，直至其停产或无法在其网站上购买后四年。
消防(Fire)电视与消防(Fire)电视棒(Stick)：价格和可用性
亚马逊(Amazon)不再销售Fire TV。该公司于 2017 年推出了最后一代（第 3 代）消防(Fire)电视盒，并于同年停产。所有型号的流媒体盒在其各自的亚马逊(Amazon)零售页面上“当前不可用”。但是，您仍然可以在亚马逊(Amazon)和百思买等第三方商店购买已停产的(third-party stores)Fire TV(Fire TVs)的翻新版本（60 至 70 美元） 。
Fire TV Stick的价格会因您购买的版本或世代而异——4K 版本通常更贵。最新版本（Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – 1st Gen (2021)）售价 54.99 美元。那是迄今为止最昂贵的Fire TV Stick设备。
最便宜的Fire TV Stick是“Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite ”版（29.99 美元）。它是标准Fire(Fire) TV Stick的淡化版本，不支持杜比视界(Dolby Vision)和电视控制。如果没有杜比视界(Dolby Vision)，Fire TV Stick Lite将无法优化您的电视显示HDR图片的方式。同样(Likewise)，Alexa Voice Remote Lite无法控制您的电视、条形音箱和娱乐系统中的其他设备。
- Fire TV Stick Lite - 第一代（2020 年）(Fire TV Stick Lite – 1st Gen (2020)) - 29.99 美元
- 消防电视棒 - 第二代（2016-2019）(Fire TV Stick – 2nd Gen (2016-2019)) - 34.99 美元 - 39.99 美元
- 消防电视棒 - 第三代（2020 年）(Fire TV Stick – 3rd Gen (2020))(Fire TV Stick – 3rd Gen (2020)) - 39.99 美元
- Fire TV Stick - 基本版 (2017)(Fire TV Stick – Basic Edition (2017)) — 49.99 美元
- Fire TV Stick 4K - 第一代（2018 年）(Fire TV Stick 4K – 1st Gen (2018))(Fire TV Stick 4K – 1st Gen (2018)) - 49.99 美元（特价 34.99 美元）
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max - 第一代（2021 年）(Fire TV Stick 4K Max – 1st Gen (2021))(Fire TV Stick 4K Max – 1st Gen (2021)) - 54.99 美元
注意：(Note:)这些是亚马逊网站上上述产品的官方推荐零售价。第三方商店和公司可能会以更高的价格出售它们。
机顶盒还是(Box)棒(Stick)：你应该(Which Should)买(Buy)哪一个？
消防(Fire)电视棒(Sticks)现在很流行。它们便于携带并悬挂在您的电视后面，从而提供整洁且无线缆的娱乐设置。4K 支持是另一个突出的区别——没有Fire TV 型号支持 4K 流媒体。Fire TV 设备已经过时、价格更高，并且不再接收来自亚马逊(Amazon)的软件更新。
Fire TV Cubes是智能家居设置的绝佳补充。它支持 4K超高清(Ultra HD)内容，兼作智能扬声器，并提供比Fire TV Stick设备更多的功能。然而，它的价格要贵50多美元。有关更多详细信息，请参阅我们的Fire TV Stick 4K 与 Fire TV Cube 比较文章(Fire TV Stick 4K vs. Fire TV Cube comparison article)。
Fire TV vs Fire TV Stick: What Are the Differences?
Fire TV and Fire TV Stick are two distinct types of Amazon TV streaming devices. This article compares products in both categories so that you have a clear understanding of the similarities and differences.
We’ll cover differences in physical attributes, technical specs, price, availability, and other factors.
Fire TV vs. Fire TV Stick: Design and Form
The Fire TV is the set-top box version of Amazon’s media streaming player. Fire TVs are square. It’s a streaming device you place atop an entertainment center or shelf and connect to your TV using a cable.
Only the 3rd Gen Amazon Fire TV device has a built-in pendant-like HDMI cable. The device hangs from the back of your TV when plugged in—like Google Chromecast.
On the other hand, the Fire TV Stick is a much smaller version of Amazon’s streaming media player. It’s a rectangular dongle the size of a chocolate bar. Unlike Fire TV, you don’t need a cable to connect a Fire TV Stick to your TV. You can plug the HDMI end of the streaming stick directly into your TV’s HDMI port.
The Fire TV Stick’s form factor makes it the best choice for a cable-free entertainment center. Unlike the Fire TV set-top box, you can power a Fire TV Stick directly from your TV’s USB port. Most Fire TV models (1st and 2nd gen) require power from a wall socket to come on.
Amazon Fire TV Cube Explained
Think of the Fire TV Cube as Fire TV in a cube. In addition to the shape difference, the Fire TV Cube has four buttons on the top—Microphone, Action, and Volume buttons.
Fire TV Cubes have built-in microphones and speakers for hands-free interaction with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. You can interact with Alexa on the Fire TV Cube without a TV (like the Amazon Echo) or when your TV is off. A Fire TV Cube is a blend of Fire TV and Amazon Echo.
So, what do Fire TVs and Fire TV Cube devices have in common? They lack an HDMI plug like the Fire TV stick has—you need an HDMI cable to connect the streaming devices to your TV.
Storage and Memory
All Fire TV and Fire TV Stick generations have eight gigabytes (8GB) of storage space. Fire TV Cubes have 16GB storage space, most likely because they double as streaming devices and smart speakers.
Memory-wise, Fire TVs and Fire TV Cubes have 2GB RAM, while Fire TV Sticks’ memory ranges from 1GB–1.5GB. Typically, Fire TV Stick Lite models and older generations of the streaming sticks have 1GB RAM. Fire TV Stick models that offer 4K streaming have higher memory configurations (1.5GB max).
The 1st and 2nd generations of the Fire TV have built-in USB ports. So, you can easily expand the devices’ storage with a thumb drive. Fire TV Sticks lack USB ports, so you’ll need a Micro USB to USB adapter to connect a USB drive.
Alexa Voice Remote
When buying a Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, or Fire TV Stick, ensure you choose one with an Alexa Voice Remote. With Alexa, you can find TV shows, adjust media playback, and execute other tasks via voice control.
All Amazon Fire TV devices support Alexa and ship with an Alexa Voice Remote, except the models listed below:
- Amazon Fire TV – 1st Gen (2014)
- Amazon Fire TV Stick – 1st Gen (2014)
- Amazon Fire TV Stick Basic Edition (2017)
Note: You cannot pair an Alexa Voice Remote to these devices because they lack native support for Alexa.
Network Connectivity
Both Fire TV and Fire TV Stick work with wired and wireless internet connectivity. However, only the Fire TV (except the 3rd Gen model) ships with a built-in Ethernet port. To use a wired connection with Fire TV Sticks, you’ll need to purchase the Amazon Ethernet Adapter (costs $20) separately. Fire TV Cubes don’t have an Ethernet port, but they come with an Ethernet adapter in the box. No extra investment is required to use a wired connection.
A wired connection is often faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. If you intend to buy the 4K Fire TV device, you’ll need an Ethernet connection to stream Ultra High-Definition (UHD) content. If you’re buying the “Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max,” you should factor in the cost of an Ethernet adapter, unless your wireless network provider guarantees a minimum internet speed of 25Mbps without throttling.
Operating System
Fire OS powers all Amazon’s streaming devices—sticks and set-top boxes. Fire OS is based on Android. Therefore, you can install Android apps on a Fire TV Stick and Fire TV.
Fire OS is available in three versions—Fire OS 5, Fire OS 6, and Fire OS 7. Fire OS 5 is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop, while Fire OS 6 and 7 are based on Android 7.1 Nougat and Android 9 Pie.
Fire TV Stick models released in 2020 (and newer) with the latest Fire OS 7 out-of-the-box. Only the Fire TV Stick (Basic Edition), Fire TV Cube (1st Gen), and Fire TV (3rd Gen) run Fire OS 6. Other Fire TV and Fire TV Stick models ship with Fire OS 5.
Streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, etc., will work perfectly on all Fire OS versions. However, the higher the Fire OS version, the better the Fire TV features and performance.
Refer to this Fire OS documentation on Amazon’s website to see which Fire TV device runs which Fire OS version.
Note: Fire OS cannot be up-leveled on Fire TVs and Fire TV Sticks. That is, you cannot upgrade the streaming device from one version to another—e.g., Fire OS 5 to Fire OS 6. However, you can update Fire TV to different builds of the same version.
Amazon guarantees software security updates for its streaming devices up until four years after they’re discontinued or no longer available for purchase on its website.
Fire TV vs. Fire TV Stick: Price and Availability
Amazon no longer sells the Fire TV. The company launched the last (3rd) generation of the Fire TV box in 2017 and discontinued it in the same year. All models of the streaming box are “currently unavailable” on their respective Amazon retail page. However, you can still purchase refurbished versions ($60–$70) of the discontinued Fire TVs on Amazon and third-party stores like Best Buy.
The price of the Fire TV Stick will vary depending on the version or generation you’re buying—4K editions are typically pricier. The latest edition (Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – 1st Gen (2021)) costs $54.99. That’s the most expensive Fire TV Stick device yet.
The cheapest Fire TV Stick is the “Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite” edition ($29.99). It’s a watered-down version of the standard Fire TV Stick with no support for Dolby Vision and TV controls. Without Dolby Vision, the Fire TV Stick Lite cannot optimize how your TV displays HDR pictures. Likewise, the Alexa Voice Remote Lite cannot control your TV, soundbar, and other devices in your entertainment system.
Note: These are the official recommended retail prices of the products mentioned above on Amazon’s website. Third-party stores and companies may sell them at higher prices.
Set-Top Box or Stick: Which Should You Buy?
Fire TV Sticks are the in-thing now. They’re portable and hang behind your TV, thereby providing a clutter-free and cable-free entertainment setup. 4K support is another standout differentiator—no Fire TV model supports 4K streaming. Fire TV devices are obsolete, pricier, and no longer receive software updates from Amazon.
Fire TV Cubes are a great addition to a smart home setup. It supports 4K Ultra HD content, doubles as a smart speaker, and offers more functionality over Fire TV Stick devices. However, it’s over $50 more expensive. Refer to our Fire TV Stick 4K vs. Fire TV Cube comparison article for more details.
