Though Walmart is one of the largest and most popular stores on Earth, they do not sell any Amazon fire sticks. That’s likely due to their own Onn-branded streaming devices.
I’m an active patron of both Walmart and Amazon, which has given me great knowledge of how the companies operate. Understanding them, and researching their policies, is how I managed to cover the topics in this guide.
The below sections go over Walmart’s decision not to sell Amazon fire sticks, as well as some alternatives they offer to the devices.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Amazon fire stick is a well-rounded and popular device sold all over the world. Even so, it’s not available at Walmart.
- Walmart avoids selling the fire stick due to the fact that it creates direct competition with its own Onn-branded products.
- Setting up a fire stick is an easy process that only requires two plugs and cords to get everything going.
The Benefits of a Fire Stick
The Amazon fire stick is one of the most convenient and most popular streaming devices on the market. The handy item allows you to stream content from all of your favorite services, watch movies, and even catch live TV through different apps.
You can also purchase extra content like HBO or Showtime if you want to expand on what you watch on a regular basis. It’s an excellent device with a lot of versatility. However, despite its modes and popularity, you are not able to purchase it at Walmart.
The retail giant sells tons of electronics and electronic devices, so it might seem they stay away from such a big device, but they have plenty of valid reasons for the decision.
Why Walmart Doesn’t Sell Fire Sticks
Walmart used to sell fire sticks, but they stopped back in 2017. They gave no explanation for the shift, nor did they reveal if they would ever put them back. Most assume they did it because of their own Onn-branded streaming devices.
You cannot get fire sticks in store or online. The company also has no plans on returning the devices to their catalog. They do have Amazon fire stick remotes, but that’s as far as they go. You won’t find the full TV package anywhere.
Even so, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options. Walmart has a lot of products for anyone who wants a good streaming device. Even without Amazon, they offer similar devices like Chromecast for those who want access to Google TV.
On top of that, Walmart offers all versions of Apple TV and enables customers to get every type of Roku, ranging from the Express to the Ultra.
Where to Buy Fire Sticks (and Alternatives)
If you don’t mind shopping around and are determined to get a fire stick, there are quite a few stores that offer the devices besides Walmart. The prices differ, so shopping around is important, but you can get fire sticks at just about every big box retailer.
That includes Target, Lowes, Best Buy, Staples, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Office Depot, Walgreens, and of course Amazon itself. You can get them on any of their websites, purchase them in store, or have them delivered to any brick and mortar building as well.
You can also get a Fire TV Cube product if you want from those sources as well. That device is like the Fire TV Stick, but it doubles as a speaker that can be used with Alexa.
If you want to branch out from Amazon, there are several other great alternatives too. They include the aforementioned Google Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV. Onn works too, as does NVIDIA shield. They do not come with any fees, and all have plenty of great features.
Connecting a Fire Stick
If you end up getting a Fire Stick from any of the above retailers, you need to take it home and hook it up. Luckily, connecting it is quite a simple process.
All you need is a power source as well as a compatible HDMI cable. First, plug it into the power adapter using the included USB cord. Plug the cord into an electrical socket and then use the HDMI cord to plug it into the port into the TV.
Next, turn on your TV and go to the corresponding HDMI plug in. Put two AAA batteries into your fire stick remote control to set it up and pair it with your fire stick. Once that’s done, press the play button on the remote and kick off the set-up process.
Pick your desired language and press OK. From there, connect the fire stick to the internet and scan for available networks. After logging in, register your fire stick with your Amazon account and save your WiFi password to the account.
FAQs
These are commonly asked questions about Walmart and Amazon Fire Sticks.
Is Roku Better than a Fire Stick?
What type of smart TV you choose is entirely up to you. Roku and Amazon both come with all of the popular channels and streaming services, as well as great interfaces. Amazon is a bit easier to use, but Roku does have more free channels if you’re after content.
Do I Need a Fire Stick for Each TV?
Yes. Unfortunately, you cannot use a single Fire Stick across multiple devices. You need a unique one for every device, which does add to the total cost of outfitting them to your home.
How Long Do Fire Sticks Last?
For the most part, Fire Sticks are well made devices made to last a long time. They will stick around for several years or more before slowing down. Even if you do need to replace one, they aren’t terribly expensive.
Final Words
It may seem odd that Walmart doesn’t sell fire sticks, but it makes sense when considering how it creates a conflict of interest. Still, there are plenty of other places to get the useful devices. There are tons of alternatives on the market as well.
Have you used an Amazon Fire Stick? Do you like its features? Where did you get it? Let us know in the comments below!
