The Fire TV Cube is a brand new streaming media player from Amazon, which means it is probably going to be a very popular item. Much of the Fire TV Cube’s functionality is similar to the Fire TV Stick, but with a more powerful GPU, an HDR tuner and a better remote, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is a bigger, more powerful and more expensive device. To help you decide between the Fire TV Cube and Fire TV Stick, we took a look at the specs, price, and features, and compared the two devices.
Even though Fire TV Cube is streaming 4K content, it’s really a media player for those who are okay with using Amazon Instant Video library. On the other hand, Fire Stick is Amazon’s best-selling streaming device and is by far the best and most simple streaming device on the market. If you are looking for a good streaming device, there is no better choice than Fire TV Stick.
If you’re in the market for a new streaming/gaming console then you may have noticed the Fire TV Cube recently coming out. This new device is a combination of the Amazon Fire TV and the Fire TV 4K. The Fire TV Cube is the first streaming device to work with 4K HDR content and your 4K content from Amazon or Google Play. The device is also the first streaming device with a voice remote.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the three Fire TV devices currently on the market: FireStick, FireStick 4K and Fire TV Cube (3rd generation). This article will help you choose the best Fire TV streaming device for your needs.
Released in October 2016, the FireStick 2. Generation is one of the most widely used streaming devices in the world. In October 2018, Amazon released an updated version of the FireStick (3rd generation) with 4K support, called FireStick 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K.
Both FireStick 2. Both the 2nd generation and the FireStick 4K are on the market and sold on Amazon and at various retailers.
The first Fire TV Cube with a built-in Echo Dot was released in June 2018. However, this model has been discontinued, and sales of the 2nd generation Fire TV Cube have begun. Production began in October 2019.
Here are three devices that we will discuss in this article:
- FireStick 2. Generation (without 4K)
- FireStick 4K
- Fire TV Cube
FireStick vs. FireStick 4K vs. Fire TV Cube
In the following sections, we’ll evaluate these three devices based on speed and performance, storage, video resolution and quality, audio support, Alexa integration and voice support, remote control support, and price and value.
We hope this comparative analysis will help you choose the best Fire TV streaming device.
Firestick 2nd Gen in this picture is an old model. The new variant comes with the same remote as the Firestick 4K and Fire TV Cube.
Speed and power
| Unit/ Technical data | Processor | Processor width | RAM / Memory |
| FireStick 2. Generation | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | 32 bits | 1 GB DDR3 |
| FireStick 4K | Quad-core 1.7 GHz | 64-bit | 1.5 GB DDR4 |
| Fire TV Cube | Hexa-core (Quad-core 2.2 GHz + Dual-core 1.9 GHz) |
64-bit | 2GB DDR4 |
The Fire TV Cube’s specifications include a six-core processor with quad (2.2 GHz) and dual (1.9 GHz) cores. This device definitely has more processing power than the other two. With the built-in Alexa Echo Dot always on tap, however, the Fire TV Cube has more going for it. However, it is faster and the difference is noticeable.
The FireStick 4K, with its 1.7 GHz quad-core processor, is faster than the 2nd generation FireStick. Generation with a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. A difference of only 0.4 may seem insignificant. The fact that the Fire TV Stick 4K has a 64-bit processor, while the FireStick 2. However, the fact that the third generation is based on a 32-bit processor makes a big difference.
With the same applications installed and the same settings, the FireStick 4K runs smoother.
In terms of RAM, the Fire TV Cube is the big winner with 2GB of memory. Then again, the Fire TV Cube has to work a little harder because of the built-in Echo Dot.
The Fire Stick 4K has a slightly larger RAM capacity of 1.5 GB. However, it offers better performance than the 2nd generation FireStick thanks to DDR4 technology. Generation, which always works with DDR3.
Overall, the Fire TV Cube is the fastest, but the FireStick 4K offers decent performance.
Storage
| Device | Storage |
| FireStick 2. Generation | 8GB |
| FireStick 4K | 8GB |
| Fire TV Cube | 16GB |
In terms of storage capacity, there’s not much to choose between the FireStick 2nd Gen and the FireStick 4K. Both devices have 8GB of memory (almost a third of which is reserved for the operating system and pre-installed applications).
Storage space has always been an issue for Fire TV devices. The Fire TV Cube does a little better, increasing the storage capacity to 16GB. But in my opinion, even that is not much.
You can expand the internal memory by connecting an external memory device. However, the process is somewhat complicated and you will need to purchase an additional storage device.
Resolution and video quality
| Device | Output resolution |
| FireStick 2. Generation | Up to 1080p |
| FireStick 4K | Up to 2160p |
| Fire TV Cube | Up to 2160p |
If you have a UHD (4K) TV and want a rich cinematic experience, the FireStick 4K or Fire TV Cube is for you. Both offer resolutions up to 2160p, while the second generation FireStick offers higher resolution. The generation can handle 1080p at best.
But that’s not all. The Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube also support HDR 10 and Dolby Vision, two of today’s major content formats. These formats offer much richer and brighter colors and much better overall video quality.
Buy the FireStick of the 2. Generation only if your TV supports the maximum resolution of 1080p. If you have a TV with 4K resolution or are considering purchasing one, I would at least recommend the FireStick 4K.
Audio support
| Device | Audio support |
| FireStick 2. Generation | Dolby Audio with 5.1 surround sound, HDMI to 7.1 audio pass-through, 2-channel stereo |
| FireStick 4K | Dolby Atmos with 7.1 surround sound, HDMI pass-through speakers up to 5.1 and 2-channel stereo |
| Fire TV Cube | Same as the Firestick 4K |
The FireStick 2nd Gen supports Dolby Audio, which limits surround sound to 5.1. In contrast, the FireStick 4K and Fire TV Cube support the much more advanced Dolby Atmos technology with 7.1 surround sound.
You won’t notice much difference if your audio output is limited to the TV speakers. But if you have a better audio system, like. For example, if you have a home theater with Dolby Atmos support, the Fire Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube offer a noticeable difference in the audio experience compared to the 2nd generation FireStick.
Alexa integration and voice support
| Device | Alexa | Language support |
| FireStick 2. Generation | Yes | With Alexa-compatible voice control and Fire TV app (free download on iOS, Android and Fire OS). |
| FireStick 4K | Yes | Same as for the Fire Stick 2. Generation |
| Fire TV Cube | Yes | Like Firestick 2. Generation + Voice support for near and far with integrated Echo Dot |
Alexa integration is a given in every Fire TV device currently available. You can instruct Alexa to tell you the weather, find nearby restaurants, open any app you buy from the Amazon Store, play movie titles, help you with your shopping list, and even tell you a joke.
All three devices come with an Alexa-compatible remote. Simply press and hold the Alexa (microphone) button on the remote to start voice assistance.
However, the Fire TV Cube takes the voice feature to the next level. Fire TV Cube combines Echo Dot and a traditional streaming device into one. It comes with a near and far field holder. This means you can give Alexa commands without reaching for the remote. Moreover, the Echo Dot can hear you even in the presence of loud noises.
You can also use the Echo Dot to control smart devices, including smart lights, a TV, and many other devices. The Fire TV Cube’s Echo Dot also works with Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets.
The Fire TV Cube also has a built-in speaker, so it can be used independently of the TV.
So if you need advanced voice support, the Fire TV Cube is for you.
Remote controls
All three devices come with the same remote control. In addition to the Alexa button, the remotes have a standard navigation ring, Select/OK button, back, home, menu, rewind, play/pause and forward buttons.
In addition, the remotes have infrared buttons that allow you to control the TV, such as on/off, volume up/down and mute.
If you bought a 2nd generation FireStick a few months ago. When we bought the first generation, it had no buttons to control the TV. However, all devices are equipped with a TV control function.
If you lose your remote or it stops working, you can buy a new one for £29.99 (with TV buttons) or £27.99 (without TV buttons). Yes, it is very expensive for a remote control. But it is what it is.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, you can find many affordable third-party remotes on Amazon. However, my experience is that your Fire TV device works best with Amazon controllers.
You can also use your mobile phone or tablet as a remote with the Amazon Fire TV Remote app. This app is available for free for Android, iOS and Fire OS devices. Please note that the Remote app does not have a TV control function.
Price and value for money
| Device | Price |
| FireStick 2. Generation | $39.99 |
| FireStick 4K | $49.99 |
| Fire TV Cube | $119.99 |
| FireStick 3. Generation | $39.99 |
| Fire TV Stick Lite | $29.99 |
Although the FireStick 2nd Gen is the cheapest of the three, I recommend the FireStick 4K. The 4K version is only $10 more expensive and offers much better picture and sound quality. It also has a faster processor and more RAM.
Unless you have a 4K TV with a maximum resolution of 1080p, I would still go for the FireStick 4K. You don’t have to invest in a new set when you upgrade your TV. And if you have a Dolby Atmos-compatible audio system, you’ll get a superior cinematic experience with the Fire TV Stick 4K, even if the video resolution is less than 1080p.
The Fire TV Cube is in an entirely different class. This device is designed to provide a rather futuristic (or what you want to call cheesy) experience. It is mainly intended for those who like to experiment with artificial intelligence. With a built-in Echo Dot, faster processor, and more RAM, the Fire TV Cube is obviously the most expensive.
What is the best device to buy?
If I had to choose, I would go for the FireStick 4K.
Especially if you can’t decide between the FireStick 2. When it comes to choosing between the 3rd generation and the FireStick 4K, the latter is the obvious choice.
For a $10 price difference, you get a host of new features, including Dolby Vision, HDR 10 support, and Dolby Atmos sound. These features are not just marketing gimmicks. They can tell the difference between an average movie experience and an exceptional movie experience.
I would only recommend the Fire TV Cube if you like advanced voice support and artificial intelligence. You can control smart devices and use the built-in Echo Dot independently of your remote or TV. If that’s what you want, the Fire TV Cube is the best choice.
On the other hand, if streaming is the main reason you’re looking for a Fire TV device, the FireStick 4K is a reasonable middle ground between the second generation FireStick and the Fire TV Cube.
I hope I could help you choose the best streaming device for your needs. You can buy these devices or all of them on Amazon.com. And don’t forget to bookmark our FireStickTricks.com blog so you’re always up to date on cable clipping and troubleshooting.
Other interesting topics:
- How to unlock the Firestick
- To set up and use a VPN on the Firestick
- Best applications for Firestick
- Tips for those who disconnect the cable from the Firestick
- Important Fire Stick settings you need to know
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We’ve had some questions regarding the Fire TV Cube’s support for 4K HDR video. So, we put the question to Google.. Read more about fire tv 3rd gen vs fire stick 4k and let us know what you think.{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Whats better FireStick 4K or fire cube?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Firestick 4K is better than fire cube.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is Fire Cube faster than FireStick 4K?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Fire Cube is faster than FireStick 4K.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is difference between FireStick and fire cube?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” FireStick is a streaming media player that supports the apps and games that are available on the Amazon App Store. FireStick also has a remote control that allows you to easily navigate through the interface and control your TV. FireStick is a small device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV or projector and streams content from the Amazon App Store. FireStick is a small device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV or projector and streams content from the Amazon App Store. Fire Cube”}}]}
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats better FireStick 4K or fire cube?
Firestick 4K is better than fire cube.
Is Fire Cube faster than FireStick 4K?
Fire Cube is faster than FireStick 4K.
What is difference between FireStick and fire cube?
FireStick is a streaming media player that supports the apps and games that are available on the Amazon App Store. FireStick also has a remote control that allows you to easily navigate through the interface and control your TV. FireStick is a small device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV or projector and streams content from the Amazon App Store. FireStick is a small device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV or projector and streams content from the Amazon App Store. Fire Cube
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