Fire TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick 4K vs. Fire TV Cabinet: Overview of Differences

Amazon device comparison

March 30, 2020, 5:26 pm Reading time: 4 minutes

With Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K, Amazon offers two compact streaming sticks. You can also buy cube-shaped fire TV cubes. Netzwelt will tell you how these three models differ and which one is right for you.

table of Contents

1. Test results at a glance
   

2. Stick or cube?
   

3. Size and weight
   

4. Processor and format
   

5. No difference in remote control
   

6. That's how netzwelt tests
   

Those who want to buy Amazon Fire TV now have a lot of options. In addition to the 39 Euro Fire TV Stick, Amazon has also offered the Fire TV Stick 4K for some time. This supports, among other things, 4K content at a surcharge of € 20. In the fall of 2019, a cube-shaped streaming box Fire TV Cube was added to the streaming TV box. The price is 120 Euros, which is twice that of the Fire TV Stick 4K, but with a wider range of functions.

The three models differ in appearance and equipment. However, there is no difference in playable content. This naturally raises the question of why you should choose a more expensive model, especially since Fire TV users usually still have to pay monthly. Our comparative tests clarify the differences between Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube and help you find a streaming solution that fits your living room.

Test results at a glance

If you want to find out more about the pros and cons of a single streaming solution from Amazon before comparing, we recommend that you check out our test report. The following overview outlines the most important test results for Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube. The plus and minus signs are not a direct comparison, they apply only to the device itself. If you want to compare the device with models from other manufacturers, we recommend that you take a look at the streaming joystick comparison.

Below we detail the differences between the devices. First, let's narrow down the choices: for whom is the compact joystick solution sufficient and when does it make sense to use a Fire TV Cube?

Stick or cube?

Fire TV Stick lets you turn your regular TV into a smart TV. You are actually transforming WLAN modules and streaming applications. The TV can still be operated via the remote control. You can also issue commands to the TV by voice, but you still have to hold the remote control. Different from Fire TV Cube. A remote control is also included in the box, but this is not absolutely necessary.

Because Fire TV Cube combines Fire TV Stick with smart speakers. So you can turn the TV on or off or bring up content even if the remote disappears into the gap in the sofa. Anyone who already owns an Amazon Alexa-based smart home can of course control it through Cube. If you don't have a smart home and can communicate with your TV without a remote control, you should save a few euros and use a Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Stick 4K. By the way, these are not only different in terms of 4K content.

Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Stick 4K: Size and Weight

The naked eye can already see the huge difference between the two devices. The 4K-capable Fire TV Stick is much larger and heavier than the Full HD version. Amazon believes that the Fire TV Stick 4K should be equipped with a more powerful WiFi antenna so that high-resolution content can be successfully found on 4K TVs. Therefore, for users with weak WiFi connection in the living room but without a 4K TV, it is also recommended to purchase this controller.

Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Stick 4K: Processor and Format

The Fire TV Stick 4K not only provides a better WiFi antenna, but also a slightly stronger processor. You won't notice a big difference in the performance of these two devices in daily life. As already mentioned at the beginning, another difference between the two sticks is the supported format. Although Fire TV Stick 4K supports HDR and Dolby Atmos in addition to Ultra HD content, you must use a basic model with Full HD and Dolby 5.1.

Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Stick 4K: No Difference in Remote Control

Another difference from the market is the remote control. Fire TV Stick 4K is the manufacturer's first streaming media stick with infrared remote control. This way you can control not only the Fire TV Stick, but also the basic functions of the TV-such as the volume. Amazon now also offers a basic model with an infrared remote control.

That's how netzwelt tests

As part of the streaming joystick test, we determined the final grade consisting of several evaluation criteria. We evaluate, among other things, the quality of processing. Our tests also focused on operation and user-friendliness. We also ask and answer important questions such as performance and equipment. How many connections are there? Is there actually a long waiting time? In addition, we feel that streaming media is great in terms of the various applications provided. Of course, the focus is on image and sound quality. But price also plays a role.

netzwelt uses a rating scale of zero to ten. The higher the score, the better the streaming stick we considered. The overall score may differ slightly from the average of the above assessment criteria-for example, when functions or features are particularly prominent. You can find out who we are, how and from whom to get test equipment, and how to fund the network on the Transparency page.

Sort

The following products were processed in this comparison test:
Amazon Fire TV Stick (2017)
And Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
.

In addition, the following keywords were assigned:
External storage media and media players.