· News · 7 min read
Amazon Pushes New Fire TV Stick with Massive Discounts
Amazon's new Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is here with Wi-Fi 6 and Alexa+ — but there's a catch. Here's everything you need to know about the July 2026 discounts and the new Vega OS.
Amazon just dropped a new Fire TV Stick — and the discounts on last year’s model are wild. I’ve been tracking Amazon’s hardware releases for years, and this July 2026 Prime Day push is different from anything we’ve seen before. The new Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) brings Wi-Fi 6 and Alexa+ to the budget segment, but Amazon’s made a quiet change that sideloading enthusiasts aren’t going to like.
Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) costs $34.99 and features Wi-Fi 6 and Alexa+. The previous generation is now $19.99 — a 43% discount. The catch? The new 2nd Gen runs Vega OS (Linux-based) and no longer supports sideloading apps.
What’s New: Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen)
Amazon released the Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) back in April 2026, but July’s Prime Day sales are pushing it into the spotlight. Here’s what changed from the 1st Gen:
Hardware Upgrades
The new model is 30% slimmer and 30% faster than its predecessor, powered by a 1.7GHz quad-core processor. Amazon also swapped the aging micro-USB for USB-C — a welcome change that makes cable management cleaner. Wi-Fi 6 support means better connectivity on congested networks, which is huge if you live in an apartment building with a dozen neighboring networks.
The included Alexa Voice Remote stays largely the same, though some users report occasional lag compared to the 4K Max remote. Nothing deal-breaking, but worth noting if you’re coming from a newer model.
The OS Shift Nobody Warned You About
Here’s where things get interesting — and not in a good way for power users.
The Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) runs Vega OS (Fire OS 1.1), which is Linux-based. Previous Fire TV sticks ran Android underneath Amazon’s Fire TV skin. That Android foundation was the key that unlocked sideloading — the ability to install apps like Kodi, Cinema HD, and other APKs that never made it to the Amazon Appstore.
Vega OS kills that entirely.
Amazon confirmed this shift earlier in 2026, but it’s worth repeating now that the new hardware is widely available. You can still install apps from the Amazon Appstore, but if you were planning to sideload anything on the 2nd Gen HD, you can’t.
Current Pricing (July 2026 Prime Day)
Amazon’s July 2026 Prime Day event is bringing some solid discounts on Fire TV hardware:
| Device | Current Price | Original Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) | $34.99 | $34.99 | Launch price |
| Fire TV Stick HD (1st Gen) | $19.99 | $34.99 | $15 off (43%) |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Select | $39.99 | — | Includes Alexa+ |
The 1st Gen at $19.99 is the real story here. It’s the last Android-based Fire TV Stick Amazon sold, which means it’s the last one that supports sideloading. If you’ve been putting off that purchase, now’s the time.
Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) vs. The Competition
How does Amazon’s new budget stick stack up against the competition?
| Device | Price | Resolution | Sideloading | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) | $34.99 | 1080p HD | ❌ No | Alexa users, budget buyers |
| 🏆 Fire TV Stick HD (1st Gen) | $19.99 | 1080p HD | ✅ Yes | Sideloaders, Kodi users |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | $49.99 | 4K HDR | ❌ No | Neutral interface, 4K value |
| Google Chromecast (4K) | $49.99 | 4K HDR | ✅ Yes | Google ecosystem, side-loaders |
| Apple TV 4K | $149.00 | 4K HDR | ❌ No | Apple ecosystem, premium users |
The Fire TV Stick HD wins on price — nothing else comes close at $19.99 for the 1st Gen. But if you need 4K, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select at $39.99 is the better pick, and it still runs Android so sideloading works.
The Chromecast with Google TV stands out as the only other budget option that allows sideloading, making it the alternative for users leaving the Fire TV ecosystem due to the Vega OS change.
Fire TV Stick HD (1st Gen)
- Full Android OS — sideloading works
- 1080p HD streaming
- Alexa Voice Remote included
- 43% off during Prime Day
Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen)
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- 30% faster processor
- Alexa+ AI assistant
- USB-C power connection
The Verdict: Should You Buy?
If you sideload apps — and if you’re reading this site, you probably do — the 1st Gen Fire TV Stick HD at $19.99 is the obvious choice. It’s the last Android-based Fire Stick, and Amazon’s clearance pricing reflects that. Once stock runs out, you’re stuck with Vega OS and no sideloading on future budget models.
If you just want a simple streaming stick for Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, the 2nd Gen is a solid pick. The Wi-Fi 6 and Alexa+ upgrades are genuine improvements, and the slimmer design is nice. Just know that you’re buying into a locked-down ecosystem.
If you need 4K, skip both HD models and grab the Fire TV Stick 4K Select at $39.99. It runs the full Fire OS with Android underneath, so sideloading still works.
✓ Pros
- Lowest price on any current-gen streaming stick ($19.99 for 1st Gen)
- Full Android OS on 1st Gen — sideloading works
- Alexa Voice Remote handles most streaming commands well
- Prime Day discounts make this a no-brainer purchase
✕ Cons
- 2nd Gen has no sideloading — major limitation for power users
- 1080p only — no 4K option at this price tier
- New Vega OS devices can't run Kodi or unofficial APKs
- 1st Gen stock is limited — won't last through Prime Day
How to Set Up Your Fire TV Stick
Whether you grab the 1st or 2nd Gen, setup takes about 10 minutes:
Fire TV Stick Setup
4 stepsPlug It In
Insert the Fire TV Stick into your TV’s HDMI port. For power, use the included USB-C cable — the 2nd Gen can often pull enough power from your TV’s USB port, but use the wall adapter if you experience boot issues.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Power on your TV and select the correct HDMI input. The Fire TV will prompt you to connect to Wi-Fi. The 2nd Gen supports Wi-Fi 6 if you have a compatible router.
Pair the Remote
Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the Alexa Voice Remote. Hold Home for 10 seconds if it doesn’t auto-detect.
Sign In and Stream
Sign in with your Amazon account. If you bought the 1st Gen and plan to sideload, head to Settings → My Fire TV → Developer Options and enable Apps from Unknown Sources before installing anything.
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Last updated: July 2026
