The main retailers that sell Fire Sticks

You can buy a Fire Stick from Amazon directly, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and a handful of other electronics retailers. Amazon's own website usually has the full range of models in stock, but Best Buy and Walmart often match or beat Amazon's prices, especially during sales events. Target carries Fire Sticks but typically stocks fewer models than the big-box electronics stores.

Most of these retailers sell Fire Sticks both online and in physical stores. If you buy online, shipping usually takes two to five business days from Amazon, and one to three weeks from other retailers depending on your location and whether you pay for expedited shipping. In-store pickup is available at Best Buy and Walmart if you want it the same day or within a few hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all stock Fire Sticks, with Amazon typically carrying the widest selection of models.
  • Prices vary between retailers, so checking two or three sites before buying can save you $10 to $20.
  • Fire Sticks go on sale during Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, when discounts of 20 to 40 percent are common.
  • You do not need an Amazon Prime membership to use a Fire Stick, but you will need an Amazon account to set it up.

Price differences between retailers

The standard Fire Stick (the entry-level model) usually costs between $39 and $45 across retailers, though the exact price shifts week to week. The Fire Stick 4K costs between $49 and $55. Best Buy and Walmart sometimes undercut Amazon by a few dollars, and they occasionally run their own sales that Amazon does not match.

Costco and Sam's Club occasionally stock Fire Sticks at a discount if you have a membership, but their inventory is less reliable than the major retailers. Smaller electronics stores and office supply chains like Staples may carry them, but prices are usually higher and selection is limited.

When Fire Sticks typically go on sale

Amazon Prime Day (usually in July) and the holiday shopping season (October through December) are the most predictable times for discounts. Black Friday and Cyber Monday often bring 25 to 40 percent off the standard models. Prime Day discounts are usually 20 to 30 percent.

If you are not in a rush, waiting for one of these events can save you real money. However, if you need a Fire Stick now, the difference between retailers is usually small enough that waiting months for a sale is not worth it. Check the current prices at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart before deciding whether to buy today or wait.

What to check before you buy

Make sure you are buying the model you actually want. The standard Fire Stick is the cheapest and works fine for most people. The Fire Stick 4K is worth the extra $10 to $15 if your TV supports 4K resolution and you plan to watch 4K content. The Fire Stick Lite is the budget option but lacks some features of the standard model.

Check the return policy at whichever retailer you choose. Amazon allows returns within 30 days, as do Best Buy and Walmart. If the device does not work when you set it up, you will want to know you can send it back without hassle.

Buying refurbished or used Fire Sticks

Amazon sells refurbished Fire Sticks at a discount (usually 20 to 30 percent off the new price) directly from its website. These are returned devices that Amazon has tested and cleaned. They come with the same one-year warranty as new devices and are a legitimate way to save money if you do not mind a device that may have minor cosmetic wear.

eBay and Facebook Marketplace sometimes have used Fire Sticks for sale from individual sellers, but there is no warranty and no may provide the device will work. If you go this route, ask the seller whether the device is still linked to their Amazon account (it needs to be unlinked before you can use it) and whether they have the original remote.

What comes in the box

A new Fire Stick includes the stick itself, a remote control, two AA batteries for the remote, a USB power cable, and a power adapter. You will also get a quick-start guide. Some retailers bundle a Fire Stick with a discounted or free Echo Dot or other Amazon device during promotional periods, so check whether any bundles are available when you shop.

The power adapter plugs into a wall outlet, and the USB cable connects the stick to the adapter. You can also plug the USB cable directly into a USB port on your TV if your TV has one, though this does not always provide enough power. Most people use the wall adapter.

Setting up after you buy

Once you have the Fire Stick, you will need to plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to power, and turn on your TV. The setup process walks you through connecting to your home Wi-Fi and signing in with your Amazon account. The whole process takes about five to ten minutes.

You do not need Amazon Prime to use a Fire Stick, but you will need an Amazon account. If you do not have one, you can create one for free during setup. After setup, you can read apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others from the Fire Stick's app store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Fire Stick in a physical store the same day?

Yes. Best Buy and Walmart both stock Fire Sticks in most locations. You can check their websites to see if a specific model is in stock at a store near you, and many locations offer same-day or next-day pickup if you order online.

Is it cheaper to buy a Fire Stick from Amazon than from other retailers?

Not always. Best Buy and Walmart frequently match or beat Amazon's prices, especially on the standard Fire Stick model. It is worth checking all three before you buy. During sales events, prices vary widely, so the cheapest option changes week to week.

Do I need Amazon Prime to use a Fire Stick?

No. You need an Amazon account to set up the device, but Prime membership is not required. You can watch free content, rent or buy movies and shows, and use any app available on the Fire Stick without Prime.

What is the difference between a refurbished Fire Stick and a new one?

A refurbished Fire Stick is a returned device that Amazon has tested, cleaned, and repackaged. It works the same as a new one and comes with the same one-year warranty. The only difference is that it may have minor cosmetic wear and costs 20 to 30 percent less.

Can I return a Fire Stick if it does not work?

Yes. Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart all allow returns within 30 days of purchase. If the device does not work when you set it up, contact the retailer's customer service and they will walk you through a return or replacement.