Why I’m Finally Ditching the Firestick for the Nvidia Shield Pro!
Look, if you’ve followed my channel for any length of time, you know I have recommended Amazon Firesticks for years. They were the budget kings—cheap, cheerful, and easy to modify.
But recently? The relationship has turned toxic.
We are seeing a massive shift in how Amazon treats its users. Between the aggressive blocks on third-party apps, the looming threat of a new operating system that kills sideloading, and lackluster hardware releases, I’ve officially had enough.
I am making the switch to the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, and in this post, I’m going to tell you exactly why you probably should too.
The Video Evidence: Why I’m Done
I actually covered this in detail in a recent video on my YouTube channel. If you want to hear the full rant and see exactly what is happening with Amazon updates, check it out below:
(While you’re there, make sure to Subscribe to LeeTV Official so you don’t miss the next update!)
3 Reasons Why the Firestick is no longer “King”
It’s not just one thing; it’s a combination of moves Amazon has made recently that makes it hard to recommend their devices to streaming enthusiasts.
1. The War on Sideloading & “Unknown Apps”
For years, the best part about Android-based streamers was the freedom. You bought the device, and you could install whatever you wanted on it.
Amazon is actively closing those doors. We are seeing more updates specifically designed to block custom launchers and make it difficult to use apps like ADB Debugging. They want you in their “Walled Garden,” watching their ads, and buying their Prime content. If you use your device for real streaming (you know what I mean), the Firestick is becoming a headache.
2. The “Vega OS” Threat
This is the big one. Amazon is slowly moving away from Fire OS (which is based on Android) to a new system called Vega OS.
Why does this matter? Vega OS is web-based. It is not Android. This means .APK files will not work. No more Downloader app, no more Cinema HD, no more Stremio, no more Kodi. Once Amazon fully rolls this out to new devices, the era of sideloading on Fire TV is effectively over.
3. Underwhelming Hardware (WiFi 5 in 2025? Really?)
I took a look at the specs of the newest “Firestick 4K” models, and frankly, it’s insulting. We are in an era of Gigabit internet and WiFi 6E routers, yet Amazon is still pushing devices with WiFi 5 chips. They are cutting corners to keep costs down, but the performance suffers. When you compare the raw processing power of the new Firesticks against the competition, they are struggling to keep up with high-bitrate 4K streams.
Why the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is Still the GOAT
So, where do we go? I decided to bite the bullet and upgrade to the Nvidia Shield TV Pro.
Yes, I know what you’re going to say: “But Lee, it’s expensive!” You are right. It costs significantly more than a Firestick. But the old saying is true: Buy nice, or buy twice. The Shield Pro was released in 2019, and it still absolutely destroys every other device on the market today.
Here is why the Shield is worth every penny:
1. The Tegra X1+ Processor
This chip is a beast. While the Firestick stutters through menus, the Shield flies. It handles heavy skins on Kodi, massive Plex libraries, and multiple background apps without breaking a sweat.
2. AI Upscaling
This is the “killer feature” nobody talks about enough. The Shield uses Artificial Intelligence to take 720p or 1080p content (like older TV shows or sports streams) and upscales them to 4K in real-time. It doesn’t just stretch the image; it actually adds detail. It looks incredible on a big TV.
3. Proper Connectivity (Gigabit Ethernet & USB)
Unlike the Firestick, which needs a dongle for everything, the Shield Pro has full-sized ports on the back.
- Gigabit Ethernet: Hardwire your internet for zero buffering.
- 2x USB 3.0 Ports: Plug in a massive external hard drive, a keyboard, a mouse, or a webcam. It turns your TV into a mini-computer.
4. Lossless Audio Support
If you have a soundbar or a home theater system, the Firestick is letting you down. The Shield supports passthrough for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA (Master Audio). If you want that uncompressed, theater-quality sound, the Shield is the only real option.
5. It is REAL Android TV
No bloatware. No massive banner ads for car insurance taking up half the screen. Just a clean, customizable Android TV interface that lets you do what you want. Sideloading is as easy as it should be. And NO BLOCKING of apps…..yet!
The “Budget” Alternative: Thomson 270
I get it. Not everyone wants to drop $200 on a streaming box.
If you want to get away from Amazon’s ecosystem but want to keep the price closer to a Firestick, you need to check out the Thomson 270.
I recently published a post about Amazon Firestick vs Thomson 270 and why the Thomson box is better! It’s worth a read!
If you didn’t know, the Thomson 270 is the UK equivalent to the Onn box, which is a VERY popular Android TV box in US and Canada!
It runs on Google TV (so you still get the Play Store and easy sideloading), it has better specs than the standard Firesticks, and it comes with a backlit remote—something Amazon still refuses to give us in the box.
It’s the best “bang for your buck” device I’ve tested recently.
👉 Grab the Thomson 270 Deal Here
Final Thoughts
The Firestick had a great run. It was the device that introduced millions of us to the world of cord-cutting. But Amazon has made it clear: they care more about showing you ads and controlling what you install than giving you a good experience.
If you want the best, get the Nvidia Shield Pro. If you want the best value, get the Thomson 270.
Just don’t get stuck with a bricked Firestick when Vega OS takes over.
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