Do Walmart Sell Fire Sticks in 2022?
No, as of 2022 Walmart does not sell Amazon Fire TV streaming devices, including the popular Fire Stick models. Walmart removed Fire Sticks from their in-store and online inventory back in 2017.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore why Walmart made this decision, what streaming device alternatives are available, whether Walmart ever launched their own streaming service, and if the Fire Stick still reigns supreme for streamers today.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Sell Fire Sticks?
Walmart has never provided an official reason for no longer selling Fire TV devices. However, industry experts largely see it as a strategic move due to the increasing competition between retail giants Walmart and Amazon.
As online shopping continues to accelerate rapidly, Amazon is considered one of Walmart’s biggest competitors in the ecommerce space. Walmart has invested billions in improving its own online offerings to keep pace as more sales move digital.
In fact, according to Digital Commerce 360 estimates, Amazon accounted for nearly 40% of all online retail sales in the U.S. in 2021 while Walmart trailed at just below 6%.
Ecommerce Sales Share by Top Online Retailers
Retailer | 2021 Estimated Sales Share |
---|---|
Amazon | 39.5% |
Walmart | 5.9% |
eBay | 4.7% |
Target | 2.8% |
Best Buy | 1.8% |
With Amazon taking such a commanding lead in ecommerce, it makes sense why Walmart would avoid promoting their devices in-store. As a seller, I can understand not wanting to directly enable your biggest competitor’s sales growth.
There were also rumors that Walmart was developing their own streaming video platform and content to rival Amazon Prime Video. Carrying Fire TV devices would undermine their own streaming products.
Beyond just Fire Sticks, Walmart also pulled other Amazon devices like Kindle e-readers and eliminated Amazon gift cards from shelves. Many online sellers took similar steps to distance themselves from Amazon‘s expanding empire.
Clearly Walmart sees Amazon encroaching from all sides as both technology and retail giants collide. By cutting ties with Fire Sticks, they are attempting to stem the tide. But is it enough? Or has the Fire Stick’s popularity continued to grow despite losing Walmart?
Fire Stick Sales and Growth
Despite being removed from Walmart, Fire Stick sales have only accelerated as streaming demand increases. According to market researchers at Parks Associates, Amazon sold over 50 million Fire TV devices globally in 2021, up 10 million from the previous year.
The Fire Stick‘s affordable price point around $40 makes it appealing for budget-focused shoppers. And Amazon leverages their platform by pre-loading Prime Video and other Amazon apps on the Fire Stick‘s interface.
Fire TV Global Annual Sales
Year | Estimated Units Sold |
---|---|
2017 | 35 million |
2018 | 45 million |
2019 | 50 million |
2020 | 60 million |
2021 | 70 million+ (estimated) |
In the U.S., a 2021 survey showed that Fire TV remained the most popular streaming device family with a 34% market share. Roku was second at 30%, followed by Samsung, LG, and Apple TV.
So while losing Walmart shelf space certainly had some impact, the Fire Stick has continued to sell well thanks to Amazon’s online dominance and aggressive pricing strategy. For shoppers seeking an affordable, no-frills streaming option, the Fire Stick remains a top choice even without Walmart distribution.
What Streaming Devices Does Walmart Sell?
Instead of Fire products, Walmart currently sells streaming devices from Roku, Google, and Apple:
Walmart Streaming Device Options
Device | Price | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Roku Express | $29 | 1080p, Remote, HDMI Cable |
Roku Streaming Stick | $49 | 1080p/4K, Voice Remote |
Roku Ultra | $69 | 4K/HDR, Ethernet, USB, Remote with headphone jack |
Chromecast | $29 | 1080p, Cast from Mobile Apps |
Chromecast with Google TV | $49 | 4K, Remote with Google Assistant |
Apple TV HD | $94 | 1080p, App Store Apps, AirPlay |
Apple TV 4K | From $169 | 4K, Dolby Vision, Siri Remote |
The Roku devices start at just $29 making them even cheaper than the Fire Sticks available on Amazon.com now priced around $39. However, Fire OS may be easier for some customers to navigate versus Roku‘s interface.
Chromecast is super simple for casting content from your mobile apps, but lacks a real dedicated remote. And Apple TV offers tight iOS integration but at a premium price tag.
No single streaming solution is perfect for every customer. As a seller, I recommend looking at factors like budget, video quality needs, and smart home ecosystem before choosing the right device. And Walmart provides enough diverse options to appeal to many mainstream streamers today.
Did Walmart Have Their Own Streaming Service?
In an attempt to compete with Netflix and Hulu‘s rise, Walmart acquired a streaming platform called Vudu back in 2010. The initial model was similar to iTunes – buying or renting digital versions of DVD and Blu-ray releases.
Then in 2019, Walmart tried to pivot Vudu into more of a direct Netflix competitor by announcing plans for original Vudu content with a monthly subscription model.
However, the transition to becoming a full production studio pumping out fresh exclusive content proved too costly for Walmart. The retail giant ended up selling off Vudu just a year later in 2020 to Fandango, the movie and event ticketing company.
The rapid failure of Vudu highlights just how difficult it is to gain ground in streaming against entrenched giants like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and newcomers like Disney+. Maintaining an extensive content library is incredibly expensive. Competing with established user bases and recommendation algorithms is an uphill battle.
Walmart likely realized those resources were better spent improving its core retail business, especially with the pandemic accelerating ecommerce demand rapidly. As a seller, focusing on your core strengths rather than branching into new complex spaces is usually wise. Walmart‘s retreat from streaming reflects the challenges of trying to compete with specialized experts like Amazon and Netflix on their own turf.
Can You Still Stream Vudu Content?
While no longer owned by Walmart, Vudu continues to operate today as an on-demand streaming marketplace. Users can access the Vudu app on Roku, Apple TV, game consoles, and other devices.
Unlike subscription services, Vudu allows you to pay per title – either purchasing or renting movies individually. So there is no monthly cost, but you do have to pay to watch each piece of content.
One advantage Vudu retained was offering early access to new movie releases. Thanks to its digital download model, Vudu can provide titles while they are still in theaters, unlike Netflix which often has to wait months.
So while Vudu never became a true Netflix substitute, it provides another pay-per-view option for accessing the latest films. The ability to get new movies quicker than other services remains a unique value proposition.
Fire Stick vs. Roku vs. Chromecast
Now that we‘ve covered why Walmart stopped carrying Fire Sticks and the alternative streaming devices available, how do the most popular options compare for shoppers today?
Fire Stick Pros
- Huge app selection including nearly all major streaming services
- Intuitive Fire TV interface, especially for Prime members
- Alexa voice assistant built-in for hands-free navigation
- Extensive 4K and HDR support across models
- Can control smart home devices with Alexa
- Usually cheaper than Roku devices
Fire Stick Cons
- Prime content is heavily promoted over other services
- No option for wired ethernet connectivity
- Remote lacks headphone jack for private listening
- No model with Dolby Vision support
Roku Pros
- Roku Channel offers free TV and movies
- Simple interface easy for new streamers
- Robust app store with thousands of options
- Some models offer wired ethernet ports
- Advanced HDR support like Dolby Vision on high-end devices
- Audio out via remote headphone jack
Roku Cons
- Overall more expensive than Fire Stick
- No native voice assistant or smart home support
- Lower maximum resolution of 3840×2160 versus 4K Ultra HD
Chromecast Pros
- Ultra-low $29 starting price
- Seamlessly cast from hundreds of mobile apps
- Guest mode allows friends to easily stream their content
- Plays content in up to 4K with HDR
- New Chromecast with Google TV model adds remote
Chromecast Cons
- Lacks traditional remote on base model
- No headphone audio out port
- Interface less refined than Fire or Roku
- Requires smartphone, tablet, or computer to cast content
Overall, Fire Stick remains the best value for Prime members wanting deep Alexa integration. Roku offers better connectivity like wired ethernet and audio out for broader platform support. And Chromecast excels at simple wireless casting from mobile apps.
No single streaming stick is unequivocally “the best.” And losing Walmart shelf space hasn’t slowed Fire Stick‘s popularity. Assessing your budget, video quality needs, smart home ecosystem, and preferred streaming services helps determine the right option. Walmart may not sell Fire Sticks but still provides solid alternatives that cover mainstream use cases.
The Bottom Line
Walmart made a strategic decision to remove Amazon Fire TV streaming devices from their stores in 2017 as online competition heated up between the two retail giants. But the affordable Fire Stick continues selling very well on Amazon.com, retaining its spot as America‘s most popular streaming device family.
Losing Walmart store distribution certainly had some impact limiting Fire Stick accessibility. However, Prime members especially remain loyal to the easy-to-use Fire TV platform integrated with Alexa voice commands and smart home control.
Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV products fill the void at Walmart for those uninterested in Amazon‘s ecosystem. Each streaming platform has pros and cons based on your budget, tech needs, and content preferences. No solution is objectively "the best" across the board.
Walmart’s failed Vudu streaming venture also highlights the immense challenges in trying to compete with entrenched experts like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in today‘s crowded video streaming space.
In the end, Walmart’s retreat from directly promoting Fire products and investing in original content reflects their renewed focus on excelling at core retail in the face of Amazon’s ecommerce dominance. As a seller, concentrating on your strengths rather than branching into highly competitive tangential spaces is usually the smartest path.