the new chromecast 2020 is what you want (google tv). its stand alone like the firestick, but without all the garbage the amazon one has. and it's full android, no limitations other than it won't support a mouse... but you can put a usb hub on it to add more storage space, and also ethernet wire. its like a shield tv pro just without the games.
it also runs Kodi perfectly... it's incredible what you can do with a $50 device these days.
the remote is also awesome. the power and volume buttons are IR, so they can control your tv.
https://www.target.com/p/google-chromec ... nk=sametab