Amazon Firestick 2023 Comparison (4K, 4K Max, Stick, Lite and Cube)

amazon firestick

If you don’t have a smart TV, there are a variety of streaming devices you can purchase online to help update your TV. Not only do they allow you to stream content online, but you have access to your favorite streaming apps on that same TV. The most popular option is the Amazon Fire TV stick.

Since Amazon has been topping the market with its various gadgets, it’s only normal for Firestick to have multiple models to choose from. So whether you’re looking to compare prices or functionality, in this article, we’ll be looking into the five Fire TV stick options.

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Fire TV Cube

Key Specifications

  • Alexa’s Hands-free mode
  • Comes with an Ethernet Adaptor
  • Supports 4K, Dolby Vision, and Atmos
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB storage
  • Fire OS 7
  • Micro USB and HDMI ports
  • Wall outlet
  • Shortcut buttons

Price: $174.98

fire tv cube

While the Fire TV cube was launched in 2019, it was updated to include a new remote control in 2021. This new remote came with a guide and four shortcut buttons.

Asides from its unique cube design, this Firestick model comes with a hands-free mode. Since it’s compatible with Alexa, you can operate it using voice commands. It can also control your other home gadgets like a TV, soundbar, and more once connected.

The Firestick cube comes with an Ethernet adapter and it supports both Dolby Vision and Atmos. We also love that it has an extra 8GB of storage when compared to other models. Unfortunately, the size isn’t compact so you’ll need a wall outlet.  It also doesn’t support WiFi 6.

However, because of its many unique features, we recommend opting for a Firestick cube if you have a solid budget. 

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Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Key Specifications

  • Offers WiFi 6
  • Supports 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Atmos
  • 2GB RAM
  • Fire OS 7
  • TV USB port and wall outlet
  • Shortcut buttons
  • No Ethernet connection

Price: $39.99

fire tv stick 4k max

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the only Firestick that supports WiFi 6 – the only downside to the cube model. So it’s ideal if you want to completely cut out buffering issues and enjoy high-end specs. Launched in late 2021, this is still the latest model available in the market. 

This Fire TV stick has amazing performance especially since it launches apps faster. This is thanks to its 2GB ram and super fast processor which is an upgrade from its predecessors. It supports Dolby Atmos audio so you’re guaranteed a superior sound experience.

Although it doesn’t come with an Ethernet adapter and Alexa controls like the Firestick Cube, this is still a solid model we highly recommend especially if you’re on a budget.

Fire TV Stick 4K

Key Specifications

  • Designed for 4K, HDR
  • Supports Dolby Vision and Atmos
  • No Ethernet connection
  • Fire OS 6
  • TV USB port and wall outlet
  • TV controls and shortcut buttons

Price: $34.99

fire tv stick 4k

Designed specifically for users with a 4K TV, this Firestick model was originally launched in 2018. Similar to the cube, it was relaunched in 2021 to include a new remote. 

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It was the first firestick to support 4K video and Dolby Vision HDR. We recommend opting for this model if you’re on a very low budget and looking for a streaming device that supports your 4K TV. Otherwise, it’ll be better to opt for the models we’ve looked at above, and here’s why.

The Fire TV Stick 4K still runs on Fire OS 6. So you can’t enjoy the Dolby Atmos audio on apps that require an upgrade like Netflix. You also can’t add any external storage when you run out of the provided 8GB. The RAM is also a bit slower compared to the 4K max especially since the RAM is at 1.5GB. 

Fire TV Stick

Key Specifications

  • Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS surround, and Dolby Encoded audio
  • TV controls
  • No 4K, HDR, or Dolby vision
  • No Ethernet connection
  • Fire OS 7

Price: $29.99

fire stick

Also known as the regular firestick, this model was launched together with the Stick Lite in 2020. Like most models, it was released again in 2021 because of its new remote. Unlike the Lite version, the remote here comes with power and volume controls. 

Unfortunately, since it’s an older model, it only offers 1080p playback and no Dolby vision video. So you can consider this option if you don’t have a 4kTV or plan to have one soon. It also has Dolby Atmos so the sound will offer an enjoyable experience. 

However, if you do have a 4KTV and want to enjoy faster performance, we recommend going for any of the newer models. 

Fire TV Stick Lite

Key Specifications

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  • 1080p HD
  • Dolby Atmos and Dolby-Encoded Audio
  • No volume or power controls
  • 1GB RAM
  • Fire OS 7

Price: $24.99

stick lite

Launched along with the Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick Lite also got its remote upgrade in 2022. However, it’s still not as convenient as the TV stick or any other model especially since it doesn’t have volume or power controls. 

The major difference between the Lite and the regular stick is that while the latter allows for Dolby encoding, the former only uses a Dolby passthrough. It’s also the only model that uses Bluetooth.

We do not recommend getting this model though especially since it doesn’t support 4K or HD. And because it has only 1GB RAM, the processor can be quite slower than other models.

We hope that you’ve found this guide useful in choosing your next streaming device. Do share this post with your friends and family who might need this too.

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