The main places to buy a Fire TV Stick

You can buy a Fire TV Stick from Amazon directly, from major electronics retailers, and from some grocery and warehouse stores. The most straightforward route is Amazon's own website or app, where you'll see the current models, prices, and shipping speed. But you have other options that may be faster or cheaper depending on where you live and what you need.

The retailers that stock Fire TV Sticks most reliably are Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Costco. Most of these have both in-store and online inventory, so you can pick one up the same day if you go in person, or order online for delivery or store pickup. Some smaller electronics shops and phone carriers also stock them, but availability varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon.com is the fastest source if you have Prime membership, since you can get next-day or two-day delivery on most models.
  • Best Buy, Walmart, and Target carry Fire TV Sticks in-store and online, so you can walk out with one the same day if you shop locally.
  • Costco and Sam's Club stock Fire TV Sticks, but only if you have a membership, and selection is usually limited to one or two models.
  • Prices are typically the same across retailers, so choose based on convenience and shipping speed rather than hunting for discounts.
  • Avoid third-party marketplace sellers on Amazon unless you recognize the name, because counterfeit Fire TV Sticks are common on those listings.

Amazon.com and Amazon Prime

Buying directly from Amazon is usually the fastest option if you have Prime membership. You can see all current Fire TV Stick models on the same page, compare their specs side by side, and read reviews from other buyers. Most models ship with one-day or two-day delivery if you're a Prime member, and standard shipping is also available.

When you order from Amazon, make sure you're buying from "Amazon" itself, not from a third-party seller. Look for the line that says "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com." Third-party sellers on Amazon's marketplace sometimes list counterfeit or refurbished Fire TV Sticks at lower prices, and you have less protection if something goes wrong. The official Amazon listing will always say it ships from Amazon.

Best Buy and Walmart

Best Buy and Walmart both stock Fire TV Sticks in most locations and usually have multiple models in stock. Both retailers let you order online and pick up in-store within a few hours, which is useful if you need one right away. You can also order online for home delivery, though shipping times vary by location and how busy the warehouse is.

Best Buy sometimes runs sales on Fire TV Sticks, especially during holiday shopping periods, so it's worth checking their website if you're not in a hurry. Walmart's prices are typically the same as Amazon's, but their website search can be harder to navigate if you're looking for a specific model. Both stores accept returns within 30 days if you change your mind.

Target and warehouse clubs

Target carries Fire TV Sticks both in-store and online, with the same in-store pickup and home delivery options as Walmart and Best Buy. Target's return window is also 30 days, and you can return items bought online to any Target store if that's more convenient for you.

Costco and Sam's Club stock Fire TV Sticks, but only members can buy them. Selection is usually limited to one or two of the most popular models, and prices are the same as other retailers. The advantage is that both stores have generous return policies — Costco allows returns for up to two years on most items, and Sam's Club allows 90 days. If you're already a member and want the easiest return process, these are good options.

Phone carriers and smaller retailers

Some phone carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, sell Fire TV Sticks in their stores, though availability is spotty and selection is usually limited to one model. Prices are the same as other retailers, so there's no reason to buy from a carrier unless you're already there for another reason. Local electronics shops sometimes stock them too, but you'll want to call ahead to confirm they have the model you want in stock.

Avoid buying from unfamiliar online retailers or marketplace sites other than Amazon, even if the price looks lower. Counterfeit Fire TV Sticks are common on lesser-known sites, and you may not be able to return them if they don't work or if Amazon's set up system rejects them.

Refurbished and open-box Fire TV Sticks

Amazon sells refurbished Fire TV Sticks directly on its website at a lower price than new ones. These are returned units that Amazon has tested and cleaned, and they come with the same one-year warranty as new devices. If you're looking to save money and don't mind a device that's been used before, refurbished is a legitimate option from Amazon itself.

Best Buy also sells open-box Fire TV Sticks — items that were returned or had their packaging opened but were never used. These are usually discounted 10 to 20 percent below the new price. Open-box items come with Best Buy's standard return policy, so you have 30 days to send it back if it doesn't work.

What to check before you buy

Fire TV Sticks come in several versions: the standard Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The main difference is resolution — the standard model outputs 1080p, while the 4K models output 4K video if your TV supports it. If your TV is older or smaller than 50 inches, the standard model is usually fine. If you have a newer 4K TV, the 4K or 4K Max model will give you better picture quality.

Check what's included in the box before you buy. Most Fire TV Sticks come with a remote control, but some bundles include an Alexa Voice Remote with a microphone for voice commands. The basic remote works fine, but the voice remote is more convenient if you use Alexa features. Make sure the listing says what remote is included so you know what you're getting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy a Fire TV Stick on Amazon or at a store?

Prices are almost always the same across Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. Choose based on where you can get it fastest or most conveniently. If you have Prime membership and need it soon, Amazon is usually quickest. If you want it today, go to a store near you.

Can I return a Fire TV Stick if I buy it online?

Yes. Amazon allows returns within 30 days, Best Buy and Target allow 30 days, and Walmart allows 90 days. Costco allows returns for up to two years. You can usually return online purchases to a physical store if that's easier than shipping it back.

Are refurbished Fire TV Sticks worth buying?

Yes, if they're sold directly by Amazon. Amazon refurbished units are tested and cleaned, come with a one-year warranty, and cost noticeably less than new. Avoid refurbished units from third-party sellers, since you have less protection if something goes wrong.

What's the difference between the standard Fire TV Stick and the 4K model?

The standard model outputs 1080p video, while the 4K model outputs 4K if your TV supports it. If your TV is 4K-capable and newer than five years old, the 4K model gives you better picture quality. For older or smaller TVs, the standard model is fine and costs less.

Should I buy from a third-party seller on Amazon?

No, not unless you recognize the seller's name. Buy from "Amazon" itself — look for the line that says "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com." Third-party sellers sometimes list counterfeit Fire TV Sticks at lower prices, and you have less protection if it doesn't work or Amazon rejects it during setup.