For beginners, stick with the Fire Stick. It's reliable, backed by Amazon and because of it's popularity there will always be good, unofficial "support" for any sideloaded apps like Kodi. You don't need Amazon Prime, but it can make the experience better. I decided to try it out during a free 30-day trial and bought it at a promotional price when Shakespeare in Love won an award. I justify it with the free shipping and cheap prices of stuff I buy anyway, but no longer have to go out and visit a store to acquire. It's less than a Netflix membership.