Does Amazon Make TVs in 2026? (You‘ll Be Surprised at the Quality)

If you asked most people to name the world‘s biggest TV brands, they‘d likely list giants like Samsung, LG, and Sony. Very few would think to mention Amazon.

But you might be surprised to learn that Amazon actually offers its own lineup of smart TVs. And they provide stiff competition to even the biggest names when it comes to price, features, and ease of use.

Let‘s explore Amazon‘s journey into TV manufacturing, how their Fire TV models stack up, what tech is inside them, and whether Amazon TVs should make your short list if you‘re shopping for a new television this year.

When Did Amazon Get Into the TV Business?

Amazon‘s very first Fire TV streaming device launched in April 2014, alongside the Fire TV Stick. This surprised many observers, since Amazon was primarily known as an online retailer.

But with smart TVs and streaming video services on the rise, it made perfect sense for Amazon to launch its own TV platform. The company already had extensive digital video content through Amazon Prime Video.

By 2017, over 10 million Fire TV devices had been sold. Buoyed by this success, Amazon decided to embark on manufacturing actual televisions under the Fire TV brand starting in 2018.

The first Fire TV edition smart TVs were produced in partnership with Element Electronics. These initial models earned praise for their combination of 4K resolution, Alexa voice features, and easy access to Amazon‘s streaming content catalog.

Since then, Amazon has continued iterating and expanding its Fire TV lineup. Let‘s look at the latest models available in 2024.

Amazon‘s Current TV Models and Pricing

As of 2024, Amazon offers two main series of Fire TVs, plus streaming devices that work with existing TVs:

• Fire TV Omni Series – Amazon‘s higher-end TV lineup with 4K resolution, Dolby Vision HDR, and far-field microphones for hands-free Alexa control. Available in 43", 50", 55", 65", and 75" sizes starting at $409.99.

• Fire TV 4-Series – More budget-friendly basic 4K TVs with Alexa voice remote but lacking some of the Omni extras. Ranges from 43" to 75" models starting at just $349.99.

• Fire TV Stick – Stream in Full HD with Alexa remote. Priced at $39.99 but often discounted.

• Fire TV Stick 4K – Support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. Usually $49.99 but regularly on sale.

Across all current models, Amazon Fire TVs are very competitively priced. For example, the 55-inch Fire TV Omni costs $559.99, compared to $649.99 for the similar TCL 5-Series TV.

Next let‘s see how Amazon TV tech specs and features measure up against other brands.

How Do Amazon Fire TVs Compare to Other Smart TVs?

Overall, Amazon Fire TVs compete closely with mid-range 4K smart TV offerings from the major makers in terms of display performance, features, and user experience:

Display Technology

• Amazon Fire TVs use LCD panels with LED backlighting, as do most TVs in their price range. They can‘t match the inky blacks and pixel-perfect illumination of more expensive OLED TVs.

• Picture quality is very good for the price. Fire TVs support HDR in various formats for improved contrast and a wide color gamut.

• Resolution maxes out at 4K Ultra HD, like competitors in this bracket. There‘s no 8K support, which remains rare and expensive.

Smart TV Features and Interface

• Amazon‘s Fire TV OS provides smooth navigation and quick access to Amazon‘s content library and services.

• Hands-free Alexa voice control makes searching for content incredibly easy. You don‘t need the remote to find movies or launch apps.

• Support for Alexa skills and smart home control are bonuses not found on all rival platforms. Setting up routines and controls is a breeze with Fire TV and Alexa integration.

Gaming Performance

• With 60Hz refresh rates and Auto Low Latency Mode, Fire TVs provide a responsive gaming experience but aren‘t optimized for hardcore gameplay.

• Serious gamers may want to consider 120Hz TVs from Samsung, LG or Sony that fully support the latest consoles. But for casual gaming, Amazon TVs work very well.

Audio Quality

• One downside common to less expensive TVs is weaker sound quality from the built-in speakers. Fire TV models are no exception. Investing in a soundbar greatly improves the audio immersion.

• Support for Dolby Atmos 3D sound gives the Fire TV Omni Series an advantage over cheaper models when paired with the right sound system.

Price

• When comparing by size class and features, Amazon Fire TVs are very competitively priced, often undercutting models from other manufacturers.

• Of course you pay more for the innovative self-lit OLED TVs or 8K flagships, but Amazon isn‘t targeting that high-end category.

So while Amazon TVs can‘t beat out premium offerings on every metric, they provide excellent overall value and performance for a mainstream 4K smart TV buyer.

Next let‘s take a look inside Amazon‘s flagship Fire TV Omni Series.

Inside the Amazon Fire TV Omni Series

The Omni Series represents Amazon‘s most advanced television lineup to date. Here are some of the key features and specifications:

Picture Quality

• 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) for crisp detail. The 65" model packs in over 8 million pixels.

• High dynamic range (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) for vivid colors and lighting effects. Makes movies and shows pop.

• Full array LED backlighting precisely illuminates the LCD panel. Helps maximize contrast across the screen.

Sound System

• Omni Directional Audio provides immersive 360° sound by projecting audio channels in different directions.

• Dolby Atmos support enables more advanced 3D audio when connected to a compatible sound system.

• Dual bottom-firing speakers deliver decent built-in sound, but a soundbar is recommended.

Smart Features

• Fire TV operating system gives you access to over 1 million movies and shows through Amazon Prime Video and other installed apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.

• Alexa integration lets you launch apps, search content, control smart home devices, check sports scores, and more completely hands-free.

Connectivity

• 3 HDMI 2.1 inputs support up to 4K @ 120Hz signals from gaming consoles and other devices. Also 1 USB, A/V in, ethernet.

• Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 networking and Bluetooth 5.0 LE allow fast streaming over home wireless networks.

Design

• Near bezel-less design provides an expansive viewing experience and slim profile, especially on the 65" model.

• VESA mounting support allows for wall mounting or use with third-party stands.

As you can see, the Fire TV Omni delivers all of the core technology and features expected in a 2022/2023 mid-range 4K television. Next we‘ll look at Amazon‘s more affordable 4-Series.

What‘s Inside the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series?

As the budget lineup in Amazon‘s catalog, the Fire 4-Series makes some tradeoffs to hit lower price points starting under $350. But you still get excellent display quality and smart functionality:

• 4K Ultra HD resolution for crisp detail. High dynamic range support boosts colors and contrast.

• 60Hz effective refresh rate delivers smooth motion for most TV viewing and casual gaming.

• The Alexa Voice Remote provides quick access to Amazon content and services, but lacks hands-free control.

• Fire TV OS gives you access to Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and most major streaming apps. Stream what you love.

• Connections include 3 HDMI inputs, USB, composite A/V, ethernet, and digital/analog audio output.

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow for easy wireless set up. Control with mobile apps and connected devices.

While you don‘t get every bell and whistle, the basics like 4K UHD, HDR, smart TV capabilities, and voice control are all covered at very wallet-friendly price points.

Who Makes the Amazon Fire TVs?

Amazon relies on third-party manufacturers to produce their Fire TV models. This allows them to tap into established TV makers‘ expertise and production capacity.

The current generation of Amazon Fire TVs are made by TCL, one of the leading TV manufacturers worldwide. TCL is known for affordable TVs that offer very good performance for the prices they command.

Previously, Amazon partnered with Insignia to produce Fire TVs. Insignia is Best Buy‘s in-house TV brand. But in 2021 they switched to TCL, likely to benefit from TCL‘s larger scale and track record delivering value-focused TVs.

Leveraging these partnerships allows Amazon to focus on developing excellent software and user experiences through Fire TV OS, rather than manufacturing.

How Successful Are Amazon Fire TV Sales?

Amazon does not release exact unit sales figures for its Fire TV lineup. However, analysts estimate Amazon shipped over 5 million Fire TV devices globally in 2021. This includes both Fire TV streaming sticks and Fire TV smart TVs.

While Amazon still has just single digit market share compared to giants like Samsung, LG, and TCL, Fire TV sales continue growing at a healthy clip annually.

Here‘s a look at estimated Fire TV sales growth since the lineup‘s inception:

Year	Estimated Fire TV Global Unit Sales
2014	1 million
2015	5 million
2016	8 million
2017	17 million
2018	25 million
2019	30 million
2020	40 million
2021	50 million

The Fire TV Stick makes up the majority of these sales and continues to hold the #1 market share position in the streaming device category according to Parks Associates.

Although Amazon is just getting started in smart TV manufacturing, their affordable and content-forward offerings are steadily winning over cord-cutters. With continued growth expected, Fire TVs could become a major player in the TV industry in coming years.

What Do Owners Have to Say About Amazon Fire TVs?

Reviews from verified purchasers provide valuable insight into real-world ownership of Amazon Fire TVs. Overall, owner ratings are very positive across the lineup:

• On Amazon‘s website, the Fire TV Omni series earns a 4.5 out of 5 stars average rating based on over 5,700 customer reviews. 78% of reviewers award 5 stars.

• The budget Fire TV 4-Series also garners praise with a 4.4 out of 5 average across 2,300+ reviews. 75% of buyers give a 5-star rating.

• Many mention the user experience is far superior to their old non-smart TVs. Setup is quick and painless.

• Hands-free Alexa makes finding movies, shows, sports, and streaming apps incredibly convenient.

• Owners say both image and sound quality are great for the price. HDR support delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors.

• Some note built-in audio is a little weak. But that‘s typical for most TVs, making a soundbar a smart add-on purchase.

Professional reviewers also commend Amazon FireTVs for their combination of performance, features and value:

• CNET scored the 65-inch Omni Series 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "one of the smartest TVs with Alexa." They praised the extensive voice control integration.

• Reviewed.com gave the Omni line an overall score of 8.8 out of 10, complimenting the "solid streaming features" and excellent pricing.

• TechRadar highlighted the Omni‘s far-field mics for Alexa and "strong HDR performance" while noting somewhat thick borders on the display.

Which Fire TV Is Best for Different Buyers?

With their range of models at different price points, Amazon Fire TVs can appeal to all kinds of shoppers. Here‘s a quick rundown of which options best fit certain buyer needs:

For budget buyers – The Fire TV Stick 4K is your most affordable path to adding smart capabilities to an existing TV. Enjoy popular apps and Alexa voice at just $39.99.

For secondary TVs – The entry-level Fire TV 4-Series makes an ideal kitchen, bedroom, or office television. Get essential streaming and smarts starting under $350.

For movie & TV lovers – Step up to the Omni Series for the best display quality plus immersive Dolby Atmos audio support. Binge your favorite shows in cinematic fashion.

For Alexa enthusiasts – If you love using Alexa, the Fire TV Omni‘s far-field mics let you ditch the remote and control your entire entertainment experience by voice.

For casual gamers – Any Fire TV works well for streaming game services and playing undemanding titles. Hardcore gamers may want higher refresh rate displays.

For Prime members – All Fire TVs provide seamless access to Amazon Prime content like The Boys, Thursday Night Football, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more.

Tips for Saving Money on Amazon Fire TVs

Don‘t pay full retail price for your Fire TV. Use these tips to keep more money in your wallet:

• Look for discounts and coupons on Amazon‘s website. Sale prices are often $50-100+ below regular MSRP.

• Shop during special sales like Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day when Fire TVs routinely see major markdowns.

• Consider buying refurbished/pre-owned TVs when available for even deeper discounts over new condition. Renewed models come with a 90-day Amazon warranty.

• Watch for periodic promos where Amazon bundles gift cards, subscriptions, or other perks along with Fire TV purchases. You can stack the extra savings.

• Buy Amazon Warehouse open-box deals for lightly used returns. Items are inspected and discounted 20-30% or more.

• Use an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card to earn 5% cash back on Amazon Fire TV purchases. That nets you an extra $50 on a $1,000 TV.

With a little strategic shopping, you can land appreciable savings on already value-packed Amazon televisions.

Bottom Line

It‘s clear Amazon takes the TV business seriously, not just slapping their name on mediocre models. Fire TVs genuinely compete on performance, features, and price with major brands.

Of course premium televisions still outclass Amazon on maximum picture quality, but Fire TVs are aimed squarely at mainstream buyers. If you want robust 4K streaming and smarts at an affordable price, Amazon makes compelling options.

Powered by Alexa and Fire TV OS, finding and watching content is easier than ever. And innovations like far-field voice control on the Omni Series show Amazon‘s commitment to advancing the smart TV experience.

So next time you‘re in the market for a new television, don‘t overlook upstart Amazon. The online retail giant may surprise you with high-tech TVs tailored to today‘s streaming-first viewing habits.