Shopping for a smart TV is fun, but there’s also a lot to consider. When you’re choosing the better half of your living room, you want to be sure it’s a perfect match, and we’re here to help you do exactly that.
Brace yourself for an in-depth comparison of Android TV vs Fire TV. They might seem similar at first glance, but there are some key differences you need to know about before you make your choice. Read on to get the full picture and decide which option works best for you.
A VPN can open up a world of content on your smart TV and keep your connection private so no one can snoop on your streaming habits. CyberGhost VPN has native apps for Android TV and Fire TV, so you can easily set it up even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
Android TV vs. Fire TV
Android TV and Fire TV are top choices for smart TV fans around the world. It can be hard to choose between the two because at first glance, they seem to offer pretty similar features – but when you take a deeper look, there are actually some important differences. After all, one is made by Amazon while the other is made by Google.
In this head-to-head battle of the tech giants, there are some big questions: Do any of these differences make real tie-breakers? Is one TV a significantly better choice than the other? Or is it all just a matter of compatibility with your other devices?
User Experience
It’s no coincidence Android TV and Fire TV’s interfaces look similar, because Amazon’s OS is based on Android software (that might change in 2024, but we’ll get to that later). Both have user-friendly interfaces and give you easy access to streaming services.
The Android TV interface features four tabs: Search, Home, Discover, and Apps:
Fire TV keeps things simple with icons for Find, Home, Live, and My Stuff:
In both cases, the Home tab displays your downloaded apps, shows and movies you started watching, personalized recommendations, and ads. The main difference is that Android TV gives you more wiggle room in terms of customization.
App Ecosystem
Android TV and Fire TV have different shopping spots: Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore. While Amazon has quite a collection, Google Play has even more variety. But here’s the kicker – you can’t find the Apple TV app on Google Play for Android TV, so you’ll have to do a little sideload and get it from Apple’s website.
For app discovery, you can use Android TV’s Search tab or Fire TV’s Find section. Android’s search is spot-on, but you can also get good results using Google Assistant or Alexa.
Voice Assistant and Devices Integration
Who needs buttons when you’ve got Alexa or Google Assistant? You can use voice commands to search online, launch apps, adjust the volume, play music, and even get weather forecasts.
Alexa works flawlessly with Fire TV, while Google Assistant syncs seamlessly with Android TV. Google has a slight advantage because of its more accurate search results and straightforward integration with Google accounts and devices, including Chromecast functionality.
When it comes to playing nice with your other gadgets, both platforms can serve as smart home hubs. Android TV complements Google’s Nest devices, and Fire TV is optimized for Echo and Ring products.
Hardware Availability
Fire TV has a few affordable devices, including the Fire TV Cube with an integrated Alexa speaker, and the compact Fire TV Sticks with varying features.
Android TV is available on various devices and boxes, but our winner is Nvidia Shield Pro. It’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a reliable, strong TV box that’s also good for gaming.
If you want to change your TV altogether, some popular brands that support Fire TV are Amazon Omni, Toshiba, Insignia, TCL, and Pioneer. And if you’re eyeing Sony, Hisense, Haier, and Panasonic smart TVs, chances are they’re running Android TV. Lots of choices out there!
Agendas and Privacy Concerns
Let’s talk about hidden and not-so-hidden agendas. Amazon owns Fire TV, so obviously, it’s all about pushing Prime Video, Luna, Alexa, and their add-on goodies. Google runs Android TV, so it prioritizes YouTube, YouTube TV, Google Assistant, and the lot.
Both platforms also collect user data to optimize their ads and services, which directly affects their privacy policies… Let’s just say finding those privacy settings is a bit of a treasure hunt.
Whether you’re Team Fire TV or a fan of Android TV, it’s worth being aware of the interests of these companies. After all, your digital safety comes first!
What’s Next?
It’s time for a plot twist! Android TV and Fire OS might be heading in different directions soon. In November 2023, it was reported that Amazon is working on its own OS, a Linux-based system called Vega, that will be integrated into Fire TV devices sometime during 2024.
We’re not sure how this OS will look and function, how it will affect 3rd party apps, and what it means for existing devices in terms of updates. So, if you’re on the lookout for a new Fire TV device, keep this in mind.
Android TV vs. Fire TV: Which Is Better for You?
Main similarities:
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- 👍 User-friendly Android-based OS
- 👍 Massive app store libraries
- 👍 Voice assistant support
- 👍 Variety of integrations with other devices
- 👎 Brand-bias prioritization and ads
- 👎 Challenging privacy policies and settings
Key differences:
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- 👉 Google Play Store vs Amazon Appstore
- 👉 Supported by Google/Amazon
- 👎 Reliable Android TV boxes can be on the pricier side
- 👎 Fire OS’s uncertain future due to the upcoming Vega rollout
The bottom line:
There aren’t a lot of differences between Fire TV and Android TV, so your decision should primarily be based on your ecosystem preferences. Are you more of an Android and Google person, or do you swear by all things Amazon? Ultimately, choosing the smart TV that matches your favorite devices, products, and services will likely give you the best value for money.
Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for Smart TVs
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Changing your IP address can open up a world of new content for you to watch, let you explore or research other cultures, and help you avoid censorship.
We have servers in 100+ countries, including fast streaming-optimized servers for major streaming platforms around the world.
✔️ Ironclad encryption
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FAQs
Fire TV is a range of streaming media devices developed by Amazon that includes set-top boxes, HDMI plug-in sticks, and smart TVs with Fire TV built-in. These devices are usually set up with Amazon’s Fire OS.
Android TV is an operating system for smart TVs based on Android and developed by Google.
Fire OS can make a better fit if you own an Alexa voice assistant and other Amazon devices. Other than that, there aren’t many significant differences between the Fire and Android TV operating systems, and it’s a matter of personal preference.
There isn’t a clear winner between the two. What makes one better than the other is your ecosystem at home. If you use Google Home, have a Google Pixel, and saying “Hey Google” is your go-to, then Google TV will probably work better for you. If you love Amazon Prime Video and Alexa is your favorite virtual assistant, Fire TV will likely be the better choice for you.
Android TV covers most apps and functions you’d get with Amazon’s Fire Stick. You can also download Amazon’s apps for Prime Video, Alexa, and more on Google Play Store.
It’s probably worth paying that extra cost only if you want to easily sync your smart TV with other Amazon devices like a Fire Tablet, Echo, or Alexa. Or, if you’re looking for a light and small streaming device, you can take with you when you’re visiting friends or traveling.
You don’t need a Fire Stick if you already have a smart TV, but it can give you access to features other smart TVs might not have. It’s also very compact, so you can easily take it with you to use in a hotel or for a movie night at a friend’s place.
A Fire Stick comes with Fire OS, has over 20,000 apps, and is easy to pair with other Amazon devices like Echo and Ring Video Doorbell.
Fire TV is a type of smart TV that’s integrated with Amazon’s Fire OS. Usually, smart TVs have an operating system set up to allow users easy access to content and apps.
Fire OS is available on major TV brands like Amazon Omni, Toshiba, Insignia, TCL, and Pioneer. Meaning they are essentially Fire TVs.
Amazon Fire TV has an easy-to-use operating system, personalized streaming profiles, available voice commands via Alexa, and an extensive app library, including apps of all major streaming services. Another advantage of Fire TV is that it’s easy to pair with other Amazon devices and services like Prime Video and Luna.
There’s no monthly fee for Fire TV. Once you buy the Fire TV Stick, Cube, or smart TV – it’s yours for life. Amazon Fire TV also doesn’t include a Prime Video subscription or any other mandatory subscription plan, but some devices come with a 6-month gift subscription to MGM+.
A familiar and popular option for Android TV is the Nvidia Shield Pro. It’s well-recommended by most online technology publishers and Reddit users. Shield’s operating system is Android 11.0, powered by Android TV with a Chromecast 4K built-in.
Using a VPN lets you access a wider range of content. You can change your digital location to learn about different cultures or to bypass censorship. CyberGhost VPN has servers in 100 countries and dedicated apps for smart TVs, so it’s easy to explore the globe from your TV with just one click.
Setting a VPN on your smart TV also gives you a secure connection and keeps your online activities private from your ISP. That way, it can’t throttle your speeds based on data usage while you’re streaming.
CyberGhost is the best VPN for streaming. We have streaming-optimized servers for all major streaming services and easy-to-use Android and Fire TV VPN apps. That means you can easily set up CyberGhost on your smart TV and enjoy a smooth connection.
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