As the years have passed, the cost of streaming hardware has continued to drop. While it feels like everything in the world is getting more expensive these days, there are tons of opportunities to pick up cheap Fire TV Sticks. But as prices go down, it does raise the question about whether or not the quality has decreased on these devices as well. Amazon has expanded its Fire Stick lineup to include better affordable options, and a cheap Fire TV Stick is actually worth considering in select cases.

While the answer may not be incredibly cut and dry for everyone, I will try to break down the scenarios in which buying a cheap Fire TV Stick could be worth it, and when it might be best to spend the extra money on a more powerful option.

The appeal of a cheap Fire TV Stick

During some of its biggest sales events, Amazon has been known to drop the price of its Fire TV Sticks down to as little as $13, which is cheaper than you can eat at most fast food places these days. The entry-level streaming hardware from Amazon still gives you access to all the best streaming services, apps, and more. The big difference comes in some of the extras, and that’s where you’ll have to decide what’s most important to you.

With the Fire TV Stick lineup, you do get what you pay for. The cheaper Fire TV Sticks don’t have the same processing power or fancy features as higher-end models like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max or even the Fire TV Cube. It might have slower performance, no 4K capability, or even a more basic remote with fewer bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad choice… you just need to know what’s best for you.

Ideal for older TVs

If you have an older TV without built-in streaming capabilities, the cheap Fire TV Stick is likely a great option. Older models, especially those without smart TV functionality, can still offer great picture and sound quality, so a Fire TV Stick can breathe new life into them by providing access to the latest streaming apps and services.

Some older TVs still offer only 720p or 1080p picture quality, which means that if you were to get one of the higher-end 4K-compatible Fire TV Sticks you’d be paying for features that you can’t use. In our guest room, we have an older 1080p TV that still works fine, so we haven’t rushed to upgrade it. For me, the cheap Fire TV Stick was a no-brainer in that room, as it got me the streaming apps I wanted and didn’t cost much in the process.

Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on a brand-new smart TV, you can pay a fraction of the price for a Fire TV Stick that does all of the heavy lifting. It’s plug-and-play and requires little effort to set up, so pretty much anyone can do it.

Great for secondary spaces

The cheap Fire TV Stick can be a fantastic solution for secondary spaces like guest rooms, kitchens, or even dorm rooms. If you’re looking to stream content without the need for a full-blown smart TV, the Fire TV Stick is an excellent choice. It turns any old TV with an HDMI port into a smart device in minutes, providing access to a world of content without the hefty price tag.

Let’s say you have an older TV that you’re using in a toy room or the garage. Instead of upgrading the entire setup to a smart TV, you can easily plug in a cheap Fire TV Stick, giving your guests access to streaming services with just a couple of clicks. It’s simple, cost-effective, and perfect for spaces where you don’t need the latest and greatest tech.

The same goes for the kitchen or basement, spaces where you might want something for casual viewing or background entertainment without making a large investment. The Fire TV Stick doesn’t need to be the centerpiece of your home theater setup, and that’s exactly why it works so well in secondary rooms.

When it’s not a good idea

Getting a cheap Fire TV Stick may seem like a great choice overall, but there are definitely situations that make it less appealing. If you’ve got a nice big 4K TV or projector and prefer top-notch performance and value having a great remote, the entry-level Fire TV Stick is one to avoid. It’s not designed for power users, and that’s fine.

If you have a home entertainment system with a bunch of components, odds are that you’re not looking to save a few bucks by going with a cheap Fire TV Stick anyway.

The verdict?

So, should you buy a cheap Fire TV Stick? If you’re looking for an affordable, easy way to add some smarts to your existing TV or for a secondary space, it’s an easy recommendation. As long as you understand that the performance isn’t going to be as smooth and seamless as the more powerful models, there’s not much to ding the cheap model for.

If you’re using this as the main streaming device in your home and want something powerful that’s built to work for years to come, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.