In this post, we will compare the five Fire TV devices available in the market presently – FireStick Lite vs. Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) vs. All-new FireStick 4K vs. All-new FireStick 4K Max vs. Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen). This article aims to help you choose the best Fire TV streaming device for your needs. Choosing a suitable device is easier with proper knowledge.
FireStick is one of the most widely used streaming devices across the world. The 1st generation FireStick was released in November 2014. Over the years, Amazon introduced several variants and new generation Fire TV devices.
As I write this guide, there are five Fire TV devices on the market:
- FireStick Lite (2nd Gen)
- Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
- Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
- All-new FireStick 4K (2nd Gen)
- All-new FireStick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
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Here are reasons why using a VPN at all times is essential.
Read:How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
FireStick Lite vs. Fire TV Stick vs. All-new FireStick 4K vs. All-new FireStick 4K Max vs. Fire TV Cube
In the following sections, we will evaluate the five devices based on:
- Speed and Performance
- Storage
- Resolution and Video Quality
- Audio Support
- Alexa Integration & Voice Support
- Remote Controller Support
- Pricing and Value for Money.
I hope this comparative analysis helps you choose the best streaming Fire TV device.
1. Speed and Performance
| Device / Specs | Processor | CPU Width | RAM / Memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | Quad-core 1.7GHz & GPU 650 MHz | 64-bit | 1 GB DDR3 |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | Quad-core 1.7GHz & GPU 650 MHz | 64-bit | 1 GB DDR4 |
| All-New FireStick 4K (2nd Gen) | Quad-core 1.7GHz & 650 MHz | 64-bit | 2GB LPDDR4 |
| All-New FireStick 4K Max (2nd Gen) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz & GPU 850 MHz | 64-bit | 2GB LPDDR4 |
| Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | Quad-core 2.2GHz + 2.0 GHz & GPU 800MHz | 64-bit | 2GB LPDDR4/x |
The FireStick Lite is slower than several current FireStick devices. This Fire TV stick is powered by a Quad Core 1.7GHz processor with 1GB RAM. It takes about a minute to power on. The navigation is usually smooth, but you may experience occasional lagging.
Next is the standard Fire TV Stick, which has features and specs similar to the FireStick Lite except for the remote. The Fire TV Stick has a Quad Core 1.7GHz processor and 1GB RAM. Like the FireStick Lite, the Fire TV Stick powers fast and has a good app loading time. However, as expected, it is slower than the Fire TV Cube and the All-New 4K & 4K Max devices.
The All New (2nd Gen) FireStick 4K retains the Quad-core 1.7GHz processor, but bigger RAM makes it faster and smoother than FireStick Lite and FireStick 3rd Gen.
The 2nd Generation FireStick 4K Max offers several significant performance upgrades from the previous generation’s FireStick 4K Max. The most notable include the advanced 2.0 GHz Quad Core processor and 2GB RAM from the Quad Core 1.8 GHz processor.
These upgrades have resulted in a 30% overall improvement in responsiveness and navigation. App loading time is quick, outperforming the previous Fire TV devices except for the Fire TV Cube.
The 3rd Generation Fire TV Cube released in October 2022 is smooth and seamless. This device features a 2.2 GHz +2.0 GHz octa-core processor, up from the previous generation’s Hexa-core processor (2.2 GHz + 1.9 GHz).
This powerful processor makes the Fire TV Cube snappy and responsive, with the OS only taking a few seconds to launch when you power it on. Additionally, apps load fast, and navigation is a breeze without lag or freezing.
Verdict:The 3rd Gen Fire TV Cube is the clear winner in speed and performance, with the all-new FireStick 4K Max coming a close second. The rest fall behind because of the Quad Core 1.7GHz processor cap.
2. Storage
| Device | Storage |
|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | 8 GB |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | 8 GB |
| All-New FireStick 4k | 8 GB |
| All-New FireStick 4K Max | 16 GB |
| Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | 16 GB |
Storage is essential to choosing a streaming device as it dictates how many apps you can download without having to delete. Let’s dive into the specifics of each Fire TV.
The FireStick Lite, Fire TV Stick, and the all-new FireStick 4K have 8GB of storage (with a third reserved for pre-installed apps and the OS). This means there’s no clear winner from the above on this front.
On the other hand, the All-New FireStick 4K Max and the Fire TV Cube have 16GB storage, giving them enough storage to download and even sideload apps without affecting performance.
Verdict: The all-new FireStick 4K Max and the Fire TV Cube are the ultimate choices, with 16 GB of storage.
3. Resolution and Video Quality
| Device | Output Resolution |
|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | Up to 1080 (Full HD) |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | Up to 1080 (Full HD) |
| All-New FireStick 4K | Up to 2160 (4K) |
| All-New FireStick 4K Max | Up to 2160 (4K) |
| Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | Up to 2160 (4K) |
Video quality is crucial to any streaming experience as clarity, color contrast, and vibrancy define the device’s cinematic appeal. Here are details of how different Fire TV devices compare in resolution and video quality.
The FireStick Lite has a maximum resolution of 1080p (60fps), a class behind the current generation FireSticks. I find the video quality equally good with high-quality images. Some supported video formats include HDR 10, HDR10+, and HLG.
As we’ve established, the Fire TV Stick has similar specs to the FireStick Lite. It has a 1080p (60fps) maximum resolution and HDR 10, HDR10+, and HLG video format support. Like the FireStick Lite, the Fire TV Stick has clear images with good color contrast.
All-new FireStick 4K and 4K Max and the Fire TV Cube have a maximum resolution of 4K Ultra HD.These Fire TV versions support various video formats, including Dolby Vision, plus HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, and HLG. These devices offer significantly better video quality than FireStick Lite and 3rd Gen if you have a 4K-compatible TV.
Verdict:There isn’t much to choose between FireStick 4K, 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube as far as resolution is concerned. On the other hand, FireStick lite and FireStick 3rd Gen are limited to 1080p.
4. Audio Support
| Device | Audio Support |
|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | Dolby HDMI Passthrough Only |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | Dolby Atmos |
| All-New FireStick 4K | Dolby Atmos with 7.1 surround sound |
| All-New FireStick 4K Max | Dolby Atmos with 7.1 surround sound |
| Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | Dolby Atmos with 7.1 surround sound |
Like video quality, audio quality can significantly enhance your streaming experience.
The FireStick Lite lags behind the rest of the FireStick devices in this department with its Dolby-encoded audio support. The Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen comes in at a close second with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital+ audio formats support.
Fire TV Cube and the all-new FireStick 4K and 4K Max offer superior audio quality with refined and well-balanced sound.
These devices have Dolby Atmos audio format support with 7.1 surround sound. Additionally, they have a HDMI audio pass of up to 5.1 and 2-channel stereo.
However, the difference in audio is felt only if your FireStick is connected to a supported audio output. If you have speakers with Dolby Atmos support, the quality improvement of the 7.1 surround sound will be tangible.
Verdict: The all-new FireStick 4K and 4K Max and the Fire TV Cube have the same audio quality support. This means you’ll have to consider other factors besides audio when selecting the best Fire TV product.
5. Alexa Integration and Voice Support
| Device | Alexa | Voice Support |
|---|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | Yes | With Alexa-enabled voice remote and Fire TV app (free to download on iOS, Android, and Fire OS) |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | Yes | Same as FireStick Lite + Volume and power control functions and IR-enabled device control |
| FireStick 4K | Yes | Same as FireStick Lite + Volume and power control functions and IR-enabled device control |
| FireStick 4K Max | Yes | Same as FireStick Lite + Volume and power control functions and IR-enabled device control |
| Fire TV Cube | Yes | Same as FireStick Lite + Hands-free, Near-field, and far-field voice support with Echo speaker |
Alexa integration is part of every Fire TV device. You can use the Alexa voice assistant to navigate FireStick. Examples of Alexa-assisted commands for Fire TV include showing you the weather report, finding nearby restaurants, and opening apps downloaded from the Amazon Store.
You can also stream movies by titles, create a shopping list, and even ask her to tell a joke. Even though all Fire TV devices have Alexa, the level of integration varies from one version to the other, as detailed below:
The FireStick Lite has the lowest level of Alexa integration among the current Fire TV products. It performs the basic voice command functions like opening apps. Next is the Fire TV Stick. This stick has additional Alexa integration, allowing you to perform various tasks.
Besides opening apps and giving weather report commands, you can control other remote functions like volume and power and control other Infrared compatible devices like sound bars and TVs.
All-new FireStick 4K and 4K Max take Alexa integration to the next level. The voice assistant picks sound fast and has an equally good response. In addition to performing basic functions like searching for content and answering questions, these devices’ integration level lets you control compatible doorbells and cameras and bring up live feeds and videos.
The Fire TV Cube has the highest Alexa voice assistant integration as it serves as an entertainment system. This device combines the best streaming capability and the Amazon Echo speaker. It has near-field and far-field support that is unavailable on other Fire TV devices.
This means you can give hands-free commands to Alexa without using the remote. Additionally, the Echo speaker picks sound over loud noise.
Another highlight of the Alexa integration level in Fire Stick Cube is controlling various smart devices like smart lights, cameras, and TVs. The Fire TV Cube Echo speaker also works with IoT (Internet of Things) gadgets.
Fire TV Cube also has a built-in speaker, allowing you to use it independently of a TV.
Verdict:Fire TV Cube has impressive voice support that picks sound in a noisy room and better Alexa integration that lets you control more gargets.
6. Remote Controls
| Device | TV Controls | Preset App Buttons |
|---|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | No | Yes |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | Yes | Yes |
| All-New FireStick 4K | Yes | Yes |
| All-New FireStick 4K Max | Yes | Yes |
| Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | Yes | Yes |
Fire TV products come with a black, lightweight remote suitable for a minimalist setup. The remotes are similar across various Fire TV devices, with slight differences in size and functionality. Let’s take a closer look at the remote controls.
All FireStick device remotes have the Alexa button at the top and the round navigation pad slightly below it. They also have the home, select, back, menu, rewind, play/pause, TV guide, and fast forward buttons at the center of the remote and four preset app buttons at the bottom.
The FireStick Lite is the least functional of the five Fire TV devices as it lacks the power, mute, and volume control buttons in the other remotes. The Fire TV Cube and all-new FireStick 4K Max remotes are 6.2 inches long compared to the rest at 5.6 inches. These remotes have additional channels, settings, and recent buttons.
Verdict:If you are looking for excellent functionality and convenience, the all-new FireStick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube remotes are the best, thanks to the additional buttons.
7. Pricing and Value for Money
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| FireStick Lite | $29.99 |
| FireStick 3rd Gen | $39.99 |
| All-New FireStick 4K | $49.99 |
| All-New FireStick 4K Max | $59.99 |
| Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | $139.99 |
Note: The prices mentioned here are retail prices. However, they are subject to change during promotional periods.
The FireStick Lite costs $29.99, and the Fire TV Stick costs $39.99. Despite performing equally, the Fire TV Stick offers more value for money if you consider the Dolby Atmos audio support and improved Alexa integration.
The all-new FireStick 4K and 4K Max cost $49.99 and $59.99, respectively. The main difference is the 16GB storage available for the 4K Max, while the 4K has the standard 8GB.
Additionally, the all-new 4K Max has the Fire TV ambient experience feature that uses an AI-powered smart display to turn your TV screen into a gallery by displaying artwork, music, photos, etc.
Finally, there’s the Fire TV Cube, which is the most expensive of the Fire TV devices at $139.99. The price difference is, however, worth it if you have Amazon eco-system-compatible devices that would benefit from advanced Alexa integration and hands-free navigation.
Which one should you buy?
The best Fire TV product depends on your budget and needs. Suppose you are looking for a device that balances all the important aspects of streaming, performance, and audio-visual quality. In that case, the all-new FireStick 4K Max is the perfect option. The All-New FireStick 4K Max comes with a powerful 2 GHz Quad Core processor for snappy and smooth navigation at a fraction of the cost.
The Fire TV Stick is also an ideal compromise for those on a tight budget but still want smooth navigation, good-quality video quality, and Dolby Atmos audio support.
I recommend Fire TV Cube for advanced voice support and AI. You can control smart devices and use the Echo speaker independent of a remote controller or TV. If you want that, Fire TV Cube is a clear choice.
I hope I was able to help you choose the best streaming device. Of course, you can buy any or all of these devices from Amazon.com. And, don’t forget to bookmark our post, FireStickTricks.com, for all your cord-cutting and troubleshooting requirements.
More interesting topics:
- How to Jailbreak a Firestick
- How to set up and use a VPN on Firestick
- Best apps for Firestick
- Best tips for Firestick cord-cutters
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