If you‘re looking to purchase a streaming device to watch your favorite shows and movies on your TV, you might be wondering if you can buy an Amazon Fire Stick at Walmart. After all, Walmart is known for its vast selection of electronics and media devices. However, the answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think.
In this article, we‘ll delve into the complicated relationship between Walmart and Amazon, and how this impacts the availability of Fire Sticks and other Amazon devices at the retail giant. We‘ll also compare Fire Sticks to other popular streaming devices sold at Walmart, and provide expert tips on how to choose the best one for your needs and budget.
The Walmart-Amazon Rivalry: A Brief History
To understand why you can‘t find Amazon Fire Sticks at Walmart, it‘s helpful to know a bit about the competitive history between these two retail behemoths. While Walmart has long been the world‘s largest brick-and-mortar retailer, Amazon has dominated the e-commerce space for years and has increasingly encroached on Walmart‘s turf with its own physical stores and expanding product offerings.
In response, Walmart has heavily invested in its online presence and sought to challenge Amazon‘s dominance. This rivalry came to a head in 2017, when Walmart made the bold move to stop selling Amazon devices like Fire Sticks, Kindle e-readers, and even Amazon gift cards in its stores and on Walmart.com.
Although Walmart never released an official statement on the reason for this decision, industry experts widely saw it as a strategic move to distance itself from Amazon and avoid promoting its biggest competitor‘s products and services. As a Walmart spokesperson told The Verge at the time, "We don‘t have specific reasons for the removal of the products, but we make decisions based on what‘s best for the business."
Fire Stick Alternatives at Walmart
So if you can‘t get a Fire Stick at Walmart, what other streaming device options are available? Fortunately, Walmart stocks several highly-rated alternatives from popular brands like Roku, Google, and Apple. Here‘s a quick rundown of some of the top choices:
Roku
Roku is one of the most well-established and widely used streaming device platforms, with a range of models to fit different budgets and needs. At the lower end, Walmart offers the Roku Express for $29, a compact and easy-to-use HD streaming box. For $49, the Roku Streaming Stick+ adds 4K and HDR support, a voice remote, and long-range wireless reception. And for $99.99, the top-tier Roku Ultra boasts the fastest performance, Dolby Vision, Bluetooth, and a remote with a built-in headphone jack for private listening.
Google Chromecast
Another popular and affordable option, the Google Chromecast lets you stream content from your phone, tablet or laptop to your TV. The 3rd Generation Chromecast is available at Walmart for just $29.98 and supports 1080p streaming with a simple and user-friendly interface. Stepping up to the $49.98 Chromecast with Google TV adds 4K, a voice remote, the Google TV content-aggregation platform, and direct access to the Google Play app store.
Apple TV
For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, Walmart also carries a selection of Apple TV models. The Apple TV HD with 32GB storage starts at $144.99 and can stream 1080p video from iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, and many other services. For $169, you can get the more powerful Apple TV 4K with 32GB, or $189 for the 64GB model. These support 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Atmos sound, and come with the intuitive Siri voice remote.
According to market research firm Parks Associates, as of Q1 2021, Roku maintained its lead as the top streaming media player platform in the US with 37% market share, followed by Amazon Fire TV at 24%. Apple TV and Google Chromecast trailed at 7% and 6% respectively.
Choosing the Right Streaming Device
With all these options available at Walmart, how do you decide which streaming device is right for you? Here are some key factors to consider:
-
Streaming services: Check which popular apps and services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) are available on each platform, as well as any niche content you want access to. Most major services are widely supported, but there can be some differences.
-
Video and audio quality: If you have a 4K HDR TV and/or a surround sound system, you‘ll want a streaming device that can take full advantage of them. Look for models that support the latest video and audio formats like 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
-
Ease of use: Consider how tech-savvy you are and how simple you want your streaming experience to be. Roku and Chromecast are known for being very user-friendly and easy to set up, while Apple TV and Android TV boxes can be more complex but offer additional features for power users.
-
Voice control: Many newer streaming devices come with voice-enabled remotes that let you search for content, launch apps, and control playback hands-free. If you‘re used to using voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa, choose a compatible streaming device for a more seamless experience.
-
Price: Streaming devices can range in price from under $30 to over $200, so think about how much you‘re willing to spend for the features you need. For most users, a mid-range model like the Roku Streaming Stick+ or Chromecast with Google TV offers excellent value and capabilities.
The Bottom Line
While you won‘t find Amazon Fire Sticks for sale at Walmart due to the ongoing competition between the two retail giants, there are plenty of other excellent streaming devices available both in-store and online. Whether you go with a Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV or another brand, you can enjoy endless hours of entertainment at the click of a button or a simple voice command.
By considering your specific needs, preferences and budget, and factoring in key features like app selection, video and audio quality, usability and price, you can find the perfect streaming device to upgrade your home media setup. And with Walmart‘s wide selection, competitive prices and convenient shipping and pickup options, it‘s easier than ever to start streaming your favorite content today.
