Since Amazon discontinued the Amazon Fire TV, we are left with four choices regarding Amazon Fire TV streaming devices. We have the Fire TV Cube, which combines streaming TV with an Amazon Echo. We have three flavors of the Amazon Fire TV Stick, the Fire Stick 4K, the Fire Stick, and The Fire Stick Lite. The only major difference between the Fire Stick and Fire Stick Lite is the audio support and the Fire Stick remote allows you to control your TV power and volume, where the Fire Stick Lite does not.
This article will explain the significant differences between the Amazon Fire TV Cube and various Amazon Fire TV Sticks and help decide which one is right for you.
I’ve done full reviews of all these devices for those looking for a deeper dive:
Review of the Fire Stick and Fire Stick Lite
Three Types of Fire Sticks
Price For Amazon Fire Stick 4K: $49.99
Price For Amazon Fire Stick: $39.99
Price for Amazon Fire Stick Lite: $29.99
Before we get into the Fire TV Cube, let’s look at the difference between Amazon Fire Stick and Amazon Fire Stick 4K. Both Fire Sticks have the following features:
- Voice Support with Alexa Voice Remote (included)
- Dual-band, dual-antenna 802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO Wi-Fi
- Dolby Audio, 5.1 surround sound, 2ch stereo, and HDMI audio pass-through up to 7.1
- Support for Dolby Atmos Audio
- The apps and available content are the same.
- Supports HDR
The Amazon Fire TV Stick costs $39.99 on Amazon. However, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K cost $10 more ($49.99) and adds the following features:
- Supports Up to 4K video
Basically, the choice comes down to 4K video. If you are happy streaming movies and TV in 1080p, then go with the Amazon Fire Stick. However, if you need the picture quality of 4K in HDR, chose the Amazon Fire Stick 4K.
Now, if you are okay with the 1080p video, you can save another $10 by going with the Amazon Fire Stick Lite. The only two differences between the Fire Stick and Fire Stick Lite Are:
- The remote control that comes with the Fire Stick has TV buttons allowing you to control the power and volume on your TV while the Fire Stick Lite does not.
- The Amazon Fire Stick supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital+ surround sound while the Lite version only supports those features via HDMI audio passthrough.
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Price: $119.99
If you are merely looking for a streaming device, I recommend going with the Amazon Fire Stick 4K. However, if you are looking for a streaming device that doubles as an Amazon Alexa device with a built-in speaker, you may want to opt for the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
Like the Amazon Fire Stick 4K, the Amazon Fire TV Cube has the following features:
- Voice Support with Alexa Voice Remote (included)
- Dual-band, dual-antenna 802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO Wi-Fi
- Dolby Atmos Audio, 5.1 surround sound, 2ch stereo, and HDMI audio pass-through up to 7.1
- Supports Up to 4K video and HDR at 60 fps
However, with the Amazon Fire TV Cube, you also get:
- Better Menu response times due to better processor
- Far-Field Voice Controller fire TV and other smart devices
- Built-in Speaker
- The Power of Amazon Alexa, even with the TV off
- Support for Ethernet with the included Fire TV Ethernet Dongle
In addition to it being a great streaming device, it acts as a hub for your smart home. You’re getting all the functionality of an Amazon Echo in your Fire TV.
Fire TV Stick or Cube
Those looking to experiment with cord-cutting should look to grab the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Fire Stick 4K. The low price makes it an easy investment. Most people have more than one TV, so you can always pick up another one for other TVs if you like cord-cutting. If you can sacrifice watching video in 4K you can save $10 and go with the Fire Stick. If you can go a step further and not have a remote that powers on your TV and controls the volume, you can save $10 with the Fire Stick Lite.
However, if you are looking for a device that can stream and hub your smart home, you may want to go with the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
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