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topicnews · September 21, 2024

All models in comparison – these are the differences

All models in comparison – these are the differences


With our overview you will find the right model for your needs. (Image: 4kClips - adobe.stock.com)
With our overview you will find the right model for your needs. (Image: 4kClips – adobe.stock.com)

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is the most popular option for making a TV smart. Simply plug it into the HDMI slot on your TV and off you go. If you want to buy one, you can choose from the following models in 2024:

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

With all Fire TV Sticks you can do the following:

  • Stream movies and series in HDR
  • Play games
  • Watch linear television
  • Use Alexa
  • Enjoy Dolby Atmos

We’ll tell you what functions the four devices have in common and what the differences are so that you can find the right Fire TV Stick for your needs.

A notice: This article deals exclusively with the differences between various Fire TV Sticks from Amazon. Competing devices such as those from Waipu, Apple or Google are not covered for now. However, we are already working on our own articles that will also take a look at alternatives.

Amazon Fire TV Stick: These are the differences

Before we go into the individual models, you will find an overview of the functions below.

Fire TV Stick Lite Fire TV Stick Fire TV Stick 4K Fire TV Stick 4K Max
HDR ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
4K ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅
Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Alexa support ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Xbox Game Pass ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅
Remote control ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Price 35 euros 45 euros 60 euros 80 euros

Picture and sound quality

The standard version supports HDR, but not 4K. (Image: CesareFerrari – adobe.stock.com)
The standard version supports HDR, but not 4K. (Image: CesareFerrari – adobe.stock.com)





The standard version supports HDR, but not 4K. (Image: CesareFerrari – adobe.stock.com)

If you have a 4K TV and want to stream content in 4K, you need to get the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max. The standard and Lite models only achieve full HD resolution.

In terms of sound, the sticks are not very differentbecause they all support Dolby Atmos. Only the Lite version passes the signal on to your output device, which is why you need a soundbar or speakers that can process the signal.

Connections

All models use micro USB ports to supply the respective stick with power. There are no differences between the four models

WiFi

Almost every model has a different WiFi standard.

  • WiFi 5: Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
  • WiFi 6: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
  • WiFi 6E: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

If you have a weak WiFi connection to your router, it is worth getting a more expensive stick, as it uses a newer and therefore more stable WiFi standard.

Notice: Please note that your router must also support the corresponding standard in order to benefit from a newer WiFi standard.

Our author Martin Brinkmann has found another solution for his Wi-Fi problems with the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Alternatively, there are also LAN adapters for Fire TV Sticksso you don’t have to worry about the Wi-Fi signal at all.

software

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max includes two exclusive additional features. (Image: Ascannio - adobe.stock.com)
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max includes two exclusive additional features. (Image: Ascannio - adobe.stock.com)





The Fire TV Stick 4K Max includes two exclusive additional features. (Image: Ascannio – adobe.stock.com)

Basically, the user interface is now the same on all Fire TV Sticks. Only the Fire TV 4K Max has two additional functions.

  • Picture-in-picture mode for compatible surveillance cameras
  • Ambient TVThis feature turns your TV into a smart display on which you can show things like pictures, news or the weather.

Hardware

The Fire TV Stick 4K has now been replaced by the 4K Max by Amazon. (Image: Ascannio - adobe.stock.com)
The Fire TV Stick 4K has now been replaced by the 4K Max by Amazon. (Image: Ascannio - adobe.stock.com)





The Fire TV Stick 4K has now been replaced by the 4K Max by Amazon. (Image: Ascannio – adobe.stock.com)

Depending on the model, not only the size and weight differ, but also the RAM and internal storage. We have listed all the information for you below

Fire TV Stick Lite Fire TV Stick Fire TV Stick 4K Fire TV Stick 4K Max
processor Quad Core Quad Core Quad Core Quad Core
RAM 1GB 1GB 1.5GB 2GB
memory 8GB 8GB 8GB 16 GB
Size 86x30x13mm 86x30x13mm 108x30x14mm 108x30x14mm
Weight 32g 32g 43.5g 43.5g

Remote control

The remote control supplied is the same for all versions except the Lite version. Unlike the other models, it is not CEC-capable. This means that you cannot use it to control your TV in addition to the stick.

If you want, you can buy the Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro for 40 euros. Among other things, it has two freely assignable buttons, button lighting and can be paired with headphones via Bluetooth.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

As the name suggests, the Cube is a cube. (Image: Claudio Caridi - adobe.stock.com)
As the name suggests, the Cube is a cube. (Image: Claudio Caridi - adobe.stock.com)





As the name suggests, the Cube is a cube. (Image: Claudio Caridi – adobe.stock.com)

In addition to the Fire TV Sticks, there is also the Fire TV Cube. It has similar specifications to the streaming sticks, but comes with a few additional functions. Technically, it is almost identical to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max; only the Ambient TV mode is missing.

  • Built-in speaker: This provides additional sound. However, this has the disadvantage that the device does not simply disappear behind the television.
  • Stronger processor: Unlike the other devices, the Cube has an octa-core instead of a quad-core.
  • New upscaling: The cube is designed to better upscale Full HD content to 4K.
  • Connections: The Fire TV Cube has HDMI-In, HDMI-Out, Ethernet and a USB-A input.
  • Smart functions: The Fire TV Cube also works as a smart speaker. For example, you could turn the TV on and off with a word command and integrate it into your existing Alexa system

Which stick is worth it for whom?

The standard and lite version It is particularly worthwhile for those who want to make their TV smart as quickly and easily as possible, for example the TV in the bedroom.

  • Use the standard version if your audio device cannot implement Dolby Atmos for you or if you also want to control your TV with the stick’s remote control.
  • Otherwise you can save the 10 euros and choose the Lite version.

Jobs at GS Tech
Jobs at GS Tech

Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max is intended for those who place more value on image quality and want to get the most out of their streaming stick from a technical point of view.

  • Choose the Fire TV Stick 4K Max if you value WiFi 6E and have a corresponding router, if you want to use the 8 GB of additional storage, use the picture-in-picture mode for surveillance cameras or if you want to turn your TV into a smart display.
  • Otherwise, save yourself 20 euros and go for the cheaper Fire TV Stick 4K

The Fire TV Cube is an additional option if you want a loudspeaker or smart speaker and the stick does not necessarily have to be hidden behind the TV.

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