What do authors do when we’re not working? Well, like a lot of you, I often read or binge TV in my downtime. And this year I’ve fallen so completely in love with something that I *have* to share.
I bought my first Apple TV device back in 2013 and I absolutely loved it. I never, ever thought I’d convert or choose anything else. Love me, love my Apple TV. Loyalty, thy name is Ella.
But.
I hate the Apple TV remote with a fire-burning passion. It’s terrible. Too small, too sensitive, one breath and you’re suddenly paused or on a different screen entirely. Last year I dropped the remote to one of my Apple TV’s from the couch to the carpet. The bottom portion turned out to be glass and it shattered like crazy. The remote is now taped around the bottom, super ghetto girl style. I’m sure you’re thinking “hey, genius, just buy another one.” Hell to the no. It would be $50 to replace something I’ve never liked. No thanks.
After I decided to cut to cord on cable, I needed another Apple TV for upstairs. But then I remembered that I have a friend who raves about the Fire TV stick. I went and asked her a bazillion questions.
Could I still watch Apple TV programs on the Fire TV stick?
Answer: Yes.
What about my other apps? Would Hulu, Disney, YouTube TV and Discovery+ be available on the Fire Stick?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Ok, but how was it possible that the two were even comparable when the Apple TV 4K 64gb model is $140 versus the Fire Stick 4k which is $30?
Surely the Apple TV had to be better.
I decided to do a test, so I ordered a Fire Stick.
I just knew it wasn’t going to come close to my Apple TV. “You get what you pay for,” after all.
Or do you?
In this case I’d have to say no.
I’ve now had the Fire Stick for just under a year and I still have two Apple TV’s in the house. I am shocked- SHOCKED, I tell you- to report that I like the Fire TV so much better than the Apple TV that I’m going to switch over to it through the entire house.
The big thing is that the remote is heads and tails about the Apple TV. Even the newest version of the Siri remote is lackluster at best. There’s no glass to break but it’s just not great. The Fire Stick remote is fantastic. I like the layout and the ease of use. Without a doubt it’s the better product.
But what about the actual television?
The Fire Stick picture is crisp and clear, as is the picture on the Apple TV. That said, the Fire Stick lags/goes off focus easily 95% less often than the Apple TV does. I have very high speed fiber internet, so generally I don’t get much lag but when I do, it’s almost always on one of the Apple TV units.
Is there anything about the Fire Stick TV that I don’t like?
Answer: I don’t LOVE the Home Screen and think it could be improved. Honestly though, that’s me being nit picky. Navigation is easy and any time I’ve given a voice command to Alexa it’s worked.
For me the hands down winner between the two is the Fire TV stick. And for the price of one Apple TV, I could buy four fire sticks. Save your money and get the Fire Stick. You won’t be sorry.