The main places to buy a Fire Stick

You can buy a Fire Stick from Amazon directly, from major electronics retailers like Best Buy and Walmart, from online marketplaces, and from some smaller electronics shops. Amazon's own website usually has the full range of models in stock, but other retailers often match or beat the price, especially during sales events. The model you choose matters more than where you buy it — the device works the same way regardless of retailer.

Amazon.com is the fastest option if you have Prime membership, since you can get a Fire Stick delivered within two days in most areas. Best Buy and Walmart both stock Fire Sticks in their physical stores and online, so you can pick one up the same day or have it shipped. Target, Costco, and Sam's Club also carry Fire Sticks, though selection may be smaller than at Best Buy or Walmart.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all carry Fire Sticks, with prices usually within a few dollars of each other.
  • The Fire Stick Lite is the cheapest model and works for most people; the Fire Stick 4K is worth the extra cost only if your TV supports 4K video.
  • Buying from Amazon directly gives you the fastest shipping if you have Prime, but other retailers often have the same price or better sales.
  • Check the return policy before you buy — Amazon allows 30 days, but other retailers may differ.

Amazon.com and Prime membership

Amazon sells Fire Sticks on its main website at amazon.com. If you have an active Prime membership, you get free two-day shipping on most models, and some areas may have access to for same-day or next-day delivery. You can also return a Fire Stick within 30 days if it does not work the way you expected.

The advantage of buying from Amazon is that you can set up the device using the same account you used to order it, so the setup process is slightly faster. You also see customer reviews from people who have already bought and used the device. The downside is that Amazon's prices are not always the lowest — other retailers run sales that Amazon does not match when ready.

Best Buy and Walmart

Best Buy and Walmart both stock Fire Sticks in their physical stores and on their websites. Best Buy usually has all current models available, and staff can answer basic questions about which model to choose. Walmart's selection is similar, though some smaller Walmart locations may carry only the most popular models.

Both retailers ship to your home or let you pick up in-store, which is useful if you want the device today. Prices at Best Buy and Walmart are usually within a dollar or two of Amazon's price, and during Black Friday, holiday sales, or back-to-school events, they sometimes undercut Amazon. Return policies vary — Best Buy allows 15 days for most electronics, while Walmart allows 15 days as well, so check the receipt or website before you buy.

Target, Costco, and other retailers

Target carries Fire Sticks both in stores and online, with the same general selection as Best Buy and Walmart. Target's return window is 30 days, matching Amazon's policy. Costco and Sam's Club also stock Fire Sticks, but only if you have a membership, and their selection is usually limited to one or two popular models.

Smaller electronics shops, phone carriers, and department stores may also sell Fire Sticks, but prices tend to be higher and selection smaller. Unless you have a specific reason to shop at these places — a loyalty program discount, for example — you will usually save money at the larger retailers.

Choosing between models and prices

Amazon makes four main Fire Stick models: the Fire Stick Lite, the standard Fire Stick, the Fire Stick 4K, and the Fire Stick 4K Max. The Lite is the cheapest and works fine for most people. The standard Fire Stick costs a bit more and is slightly faster. The 4K models cost more but only matter if your TV supports 4K video — if you are not sure, your TV probably does not, and the standard model is the better choice.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and change often, especially during sales events. Before you buy, check the current price at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to see which is lowest that day. Sign up for price alerts on Amazon or Best Buy's website if you are willing to wait a few weeks — Fire Sticks go on sale several times a year.

What to check before you buy

Make sure the listing says "Fire Stick" and not "Fire TV Cube" or another Amazon device — they are different products. Check the model name: Fire Stick Lite, Fire Stick (standard), Fire Stick 4K, or Fire Stick 4K Max. Read the return policy on the retailer's website, since it varies — Amazon and Target allow 30 days, while Best Buy and Walmart allow 15 days.

Look at the price and check whether it includes any extras like an Alexa voice remote or a power adapter. Some bundles include a Fire Stick plus a smart home device or a subscription service, which may or may not be worth the extra cost depending on whether you want those things. If the price seems unusually low, read the product description carefully to make sure you are not buying a used or refurbished device unless that is what you intended.

Refurbished and open-box Fire Sticks

Amazon and other retailers sell refurbished Fire Sticks at a discount — usually 20 to 30 percent less than a new one. A refurbished device has been returned, tested, cleaned, and repackaged by the manufacturer or retailer. It works the same as a new device and comes with the same warranty, but it is not in its original packaging.

Open-box devices are new Fire Sticks that were returned unopened or barely used. These are even cheaper than refurbished models and are usually sold by Best Buy or Walmart. Both refurbished and open-box devices carry the same return policy as new ones, so there is no extra risk. If you are on a tight budget, a refurbished Fire Stick is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy a Fire Stick on Amazon or at Best Buy?

Prices are usually within a dollar or two of each other. Best Buy and Walmart often have sales that match or beat Amazon's price, especially during holiday weekends. Check all three before you buy to see which is lowest that day.

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

Yes. Amazon allows 30 days, Best Buy and Walmart allow 15 days, and Target allows 30 days. Keep your receipt and the original packaging if possible, though most retailers will accept returns without the box as long as you are within the return window.

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

A refurbished Fire Stick has been returned and tested by the manufacturer, but it works exactly like a new one. It costs 20 to 30 percent less and comes with the same warranty and return policy. The only difference is the packaging and the fact that someone else opened it first.

Do I need a Prime membership to buy a Fire Stick?

No. You can buy a Fire Stick from any retailer without Prime membership. Prime membership only speeds up shipping if you buy from Amazon. The device itself works the same way whether you have Prime or not.

Which Fire Stick model should I buy?

Start with the Fire Stick Lite if you are on a budget — it streams all the major services and works on any TV. Choose the standard Fire Stick if you want a bit more speed. Only buy a 4K model if your TV supports 4K video and you plan to watch 4K content regularly.