Firestick vs Apple TV: Which Should You Buy?
Editor's Choice
#1 Pick
Editor's Choice
EXPRESS VPN
$2.79/month
Save 20%
Blazing Fast
3,000+
214
8
Step by Step Instructions
Step 01
Open the Amazon App Store
From your Firestick home screen, navigate to the “Find” or search icon and open the Amazon App Store.
Step 02
Search for ExpressVPN
Type “ExpressVPN” in the search bar using your remote. Select the official ExpressVPN app from the results.
Step 03
Download & Install the App
Click on the “Download” or “Get” button to install the app on your Firestick. Wait for the installation to complete.
Step 04
Sign In & Connect
Open the app, sign in with your ExpressVPN account, and tap the power button to connect to a server.
Firestick vs Apple TV: Which Should You Buy?
Easy guide to help you decide which streaming device is right for you
Step 01
Consider Your Budget
-
Firestick is one of the most affordable streaming devices available with multiple models at different price points
-
Apple TV is a premium device that costs significantly more than Firestick
-
If affordability is your priority, Firestick is the clear choice while Apple TV suits those willing to invest more for a premium experience
Step 02
Think About Performance
-
Both devices support 4K streaming, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos
-
Apple TV uses a more powerful processor delivering faster app launches and smoother navigation
-
Firestick handles everyday streaming well but can feel slightly slower when switching between apps
Get EXPRESS VPN — 20% Off
Step 03
Consider the Interface
-
Apple TV offers a clean minimal interface with no ads making it distraction free and easy to navigate
-
Firestick's home screen includes ads and Amazon promoted content which can feel busy for new users
-
If a clutter free experience matters to you, Apple TV is the better option
Step 04
Check Which Ecosystem Suits You
-
Apple TV works seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple smart home devices
-
Firestick works best with Alexa, Echo devices, and Amazon smart home products
-
Pick whichever device fits the ecosystem you already use at home for the most connected experience
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of top Fire Stick VPNs
| VPN | Price | Servers | Speed | Devices | Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EXPRESS VPN
|
$2.79/mo | 3,000+ | Blazing Fast | 8 | 5 | Get Deal |
NordVPN
|
$4.39/mo | 6,998+ | Blazing Fast | 8 | 4.8 | Get Deal |
Proton VPN
|
$3.99/mo | 14,999+ | Blazing Fast | 7 | 4.8 | Get Deal |
|
|
$1.88/mo | 3,200+ | Blazing Fast | 8 | 4.7 | Get Deal |
IPVanish
|
$2.49/mo | 3,100+ | Blazing Fast | 6 | 4 | Get Deal |
PrivadoVPN
|
$1.99/mo | — | Blazing Fast | 5 | 4 | Get Deal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better Firestick or Apple TV?
It depends on your priorities. Firestick is the better choice for affordability and flexibility while Apple TV is better for performance, a cleaner interface, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Can Firestick do everything Apple TV can?
Both devices cover the core streaming experience including 4K, Dolby Vision, and all major apps. However Apple TV has a faster processor, no ads on the home screen, and tighter integration with Apple devices which Firestick does not offer.
Does Apple TV have more apps than Firestick?
Both devices have access to all major streaming apps. However Firestick has a broader and more open app ecosystem making it easier for smaller and niche streaming platforms to be available on the device.
Which device has better parental controls, Apple TV or Firestick?
Both devices offer parental controls but Apple TV's Screen Time integration gives parents more detailed control over content and usage limits. Firestick offers profile based parental controls which are straightforward and easy to set up.
How does Fire Stick vs Apple TV compare for gaming?
Apple TV has a stronger processor making it better suited for gaming through services like Apple Arcade. Fire Stick supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna but its hardware is less powerful making it better suited for casual cloud gaming rather than demanding titles.
Does Apple TV have Alexa like Firestick does?
No, Apple TV uses Siri as its voice assistant instead of Alexa. Siri is more focused on content search and Apple service integration while Alexa on Firestick extends to smart home control and a broader device ecosystem.
Which device is better for travel, Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV?
Amazon Fire TV Stick is significantly better for travel as it is compact and plugs directly into any TV's HDMI port. Apple TV is a larger box that requires a power cable and is less practical to carry and set up in hotel rooms or temporary locations.