Best Amazon Fire TV Built-in Televisions Updated: Okay, so here’s the deal: not everyone wants to mess around with dongles, HDMI ports, and extra remotes. If you’ve ever tripped over a FireStick hanging awkwardly out the back of your TV (guilty), you’ll know what I mean. That’s where Fire TV built-in televisions come in. These TVs come with Amazon’s Fire OS baked right in, meaning no need for extra streaming devices. You get all the goodness of a FireStick… without the actual stick. And yep, they support VPNs like ExpressVPN, which is a must if you’re even mildly privacy-conscious (or just want to unlock content not available in your region).
Best Amazon Fire TV
I love my FireStick—I really do. It turned my dumb old TV into a streaming machine. But plugging it in, switching sources, setting it up, updating it constantly… honestly, it gets a bit tiresome. Especially if you just want to press a button and binge something immediately (hello, Sunday nights). With a Fire TV built-in television, it’s all smooth and seamless. You turn it on, and boom—you’re right in the Fire TV interface, just like that. Let’s dive into the best options if you’re ready to upgrade without overcomplicating your life.
Amazon’s Push into Fire TV Built-In Televisions
Amazon didn’t just stop at the FireStick—they went all in. The company now makes its own smart TVs, and they’ve also partnered with brands like Hisense, Toshiba, and Insignia to integrate Fire OS directly into their TVs. So whether you’re a brand loyalist or just want the best screen for your buck, there’s something for you. Below are the models I think are actually worth considering.
Best Fire TV Built-In Televisions
1. Amazon Fire TV QLED Omni Series
Alright, if you want the closest thing to a high-end FireStick experience wrapped up in a beautiful smart TV, the Omni QLED Series is it. I tested one last year and—no joke—ended up watching an entire season of The Expanse in one weekend just because the picture quality was that good. It supports 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG… all the acronyms that basically mean it looks fantastic. What I really love is the hands-free Alexa. No more fumbling for the remote when you just want to ask, “Alexa, play something funny.” It’s kind of like living in the future, minus the flying cars. If you’re into live TV, gaming, or just love yelling at your appliances to do your bidding (respect), this is a solid pick.
2. Amazon 2-Series
Not everyone wants to spend big on a new TV, and honestly, sometimes you just need a decent screen that doesn’t try to microwave your popcorn too. Enter the Amazon 2-Series. It’s a minimalist, no-frills Fire TV with a clean interface and solid HD picture. You’re not getting all the 4K magic or Dolby wizardry here—but if you’re after a 32 or 40-inch TV for the bedroom, kitchen, or kid’s room, this does the job nicely. I like that it still includes HDR 10 and HLG, and you get three HDMI ports (including ARC for soundbars). It’s affordable, reliable, and doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Think of it as the jeans-and-a-hoodie of smart TVs.
3. Amazon Fire TV 4-Series
This one’s the middle child of Amazon’s lineup—and I mean that in the best possible way. The Fire TV 4-Series gives you 4K support, HDR10, and HLG, but skips Dolby Vision and hands-free Alexa. Honestly? Not a huge deal for most people. It comes in 43″, 50″, and 55″, which means it fits pretty much any room that doesn’t feel like a broom closet. You still get Alexa voice control with the remote (which I end up using more anyway), and all the Fire TV features you’d expect: Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and a zillion other apps. If you want solid 4K without breaking the bank, this is a great pick.
4. Hisense U6 Series (U6HF)
Hisense is the underdog in this space, and I kind of root for them. They pack a ton of premium features into TVs that cost way less than you’d expect. The U6HF model is no exception—it runs Fire TV OS, supports 4K, and has surprisingly punchy colors thanks to Hisense’s ULED tech (it’s like LED, but fancier). This TV also throws in Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, which is wild at this price point. Streaming feels buttery smooth, and I didn’t notice any lag flipping between Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video. It’s available in 50″ and 55″, which are pretty much the sweet spots for most living rooms. If you’re someone who wants a premium viewing experience without spending a premium, this is the Fire TV to keep on your radar.
Just a quick PSA—if you’re streaming on any device, especially a FireStick, consider using a VPN. Not just for privacy, but because some content is geo-blocked. I use ExpressVPN because it’s fast, easy to install (even on FireStick), and works like a charm with Netflix, Hulu, and all the usual suspects. Bonus: they’ve got a 30-day money-back policy and usually throw in a few free months on the long-term plans. Just don’t be that person streaming unprotected on public Wi-Fi… please.
5. Toshiba V35 Series
So here’s the thing about the Toshiba V35 Series—it’s kind of like that reliable friend who doesn’t show off but always gets the job done. If you’re after a super affordable Fire TV that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, this one’s worth a look. It comes in 32” and 43” sizes, which makes it perfect for bedrooms, offices, or anywhere you don’t need a giant screen to feel immersed. The HD picture is solid (not jaw-dropping, but crisp enough), and it has Apple AirPlay support, which is rare at this price point. I found it easy to stream content from my iPhone, which is a nice little win.
Now, fair warning: it doesn’t support HDR, motion smoothing, or gaming-specific perks like Auto Low Latency Mode. But honestly, if you’re just watching Netflix or catching up on Prime Video, you probably won’t miss those extras. Plus, it’s still a Fire TV at heart—so you’ve got Alexa, voice search, streaming apps, live TV channels, and all the usual suspects.
6. Insignia F30
The Insignia F30 is kind of the surprise MVP in the budget 4K Fire TV lineup. I didn’t expect much when I first tried it out—but it actually punches way above its weight class. Let’s start with the basics: 4K resolution, UHD display, Alexa voice control. That’s already impressive. But what really stands out here is the sound. The DTS Studio Sound feature gives it a depth I didn’t expect from a budget-friendly set. It’s not going to replace your soundbar, but it’s definitely better than the flat, tinny audio I’ve heard on similarly priced models.
The Fire TV experience is smooth, and flipping between Disney+, YouTube, and HBO Max was lag-free in my testing. I also appreciated the simple setup and interface—nothing clunky or confusing. If you’re looking for a cheap upgrade to 4K and want something reliable without digging too deep into your wallet, the F30’s a very smart choice.
7. Pioneer Smart Fire TV
Okay, full honesty—when I heard Pioneer was making smart TVs again, I did a double take. I thought they were just doing car stereos these days. But here we are, and the Pioneer Smart Fire TV is actually… pretty great? It’s affordable (like, you’ll-do-a-double-check kind of affordable), and it still brings 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, and DTS Virtual-X Sound to the table. The audio is way more immersive than I expected at this price point, which is honestly kind of wild.
The Fire TV interface is familiar and fast, and the Alexa voice remote works exactly how it should—you hit the button, speak into the remote, and boom, there’s your show. No yelling, no misheard commands, no rage-quitting. This is one of those TVs that doesn’t make a lot of noise in the market, but quietly delivers everything you want—especially if you’re trying to build a budget-friendly home theater or outfit a guest room without skimping on features.
8. Toshiba C350
The Toshiba C350 is where the brand really flexes its engineering muscle a bit more. Think of it as the more sophisticated sibling to the V35. It’s not flagship-tier like the M550, but it brings some seriously impressive firepower for a mid-range TV. The Regza Engine 4K and Ultra Essential PQ technology (techy name, but it works) produce beautiful colors and clarity. Paired with a decent LCD panel and 4K support, you’re getting a picture that honestly looks better than it has any right to at this price point.
I really appreciated the support for Dolby Vision and HDR—those deeper blacks and brighter highlights make a noticeable difference, especially if you like moody dramas or space flicks. The DTS Virtual:X audio gives it a more theater-like feel without having to buy external speakers (though I still recommend a soundbar if you’re picky like me). Available in 43”, 65”, and even a massive 75” version, the C350 has plenty of screen-size options, whether you’re squeezing it into a studio apartment or mounting it in a full-on living room setup.
Winding Up
Alright, let’s wrap this up. If you’ve made it this far—congrats, you clearly care about your screen time. And honestly, that’s half the battle. Fire TV built-in televisions are awesome for cutting down on clutter, simplifying your setup, and getting all your streaming apps in one place without dealing with an extra stick or dongle dangling behind your TV like a forgotten charger. Whether you’re leaning toward a fancy QLED Omni Series, a budget-friendly Toshiba V35, or something in between like the Hisense U6 or Pioneer Fire TV, there’s really no wrong answer—just the one that works best for your space, your habits, and your budget. Me? I’m still torn between the C350 and the Hisense U6. I don’t need another TV… but then again, do we ever?
Fire TV built-in TVs are kind of a game changer. They simplify your setup, ditch the clutter, and give you a true plug-and-play smart experience. Whether you’re going high-end with the Omni QLED, keeping things chill with the 2-Series, or finding that sweet spot in the 4-Series or Hisense U6HF, there’s something here for every type of streamer. Just pick the one that fits your room, your budget, and your binge-watching habits. Then grab the popcorn—and maybe a VPN.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Fire TV built-in and a FireStick?
Great question! A Fire TV built-in television has the Fire OS software preloaded right into the TV itself—no external devices required. A FireStick, on the other hand, is a plug-in streaming dongle that adds Fire TV functionality to a non-smart (or less smart) TV. The experience is very similar, but with built-in Fire TV, everything’s already set up and ready to go from the moment you turn it on.
Can I use a Fire TV built-in television without an Amazon account?
Technically, yes—but it’s going to be very limited. You won’t be able to download apps, use Alexa voice control, or personalize anything. To really take advantage of everything Fire TV offers, you’ll need to log in with an Amazon account. It doesn’t have to be a Prime account, though having Prime definitely adds more content options.
Do Fire TV built-in TVs get software updates like a FireStick?
Yes, they do! Amazon regularly pushes out updates to the Fire OS across both Fire TV Sticks and Fire TV built-in televisions. These updates include performance improvements, bug fixes, security patches, and occasionally new features. As long as your TV is connected to the internet, it should update automatically—or you can trigger it manually in the settings.
Are Fire TV built-in TVs good for gaming?
They’re decent for casual gaming, especially cloud-based platforms like Amazon Luna or simple controller-based games from the app store. However, if you’re a competitive or console gamer, you’ll want to check for features like low input lag, Game Mode, and high refresh rates—some models like the Toshiba C350 or Hisense U6HF handle gaming better than others.
Is there a monthly fee to use Fire TV built-in televisions?
Nope—there’s no monthly fee to use the Fire TV interface itself. It’s totally free to use the interface, install apps, and watch free content. However, many apps (like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+) do require their own subscriptions. But apps like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee offer free streaming without subscriptions.
Can I install third-party apps on Fire TV built-in TVs?
Yes, you can! Just like with a FireStick, Fire TV built-in TVs support sideloading apps using the Downloader app. This is especially handy for installing apps that aren’t available in the Amazon Appstore. Just be sure to enable “Apps from Unknown Sources” in the settings. And of course, be cautious—only download apps from sources you trust.