Choose a Fire TV Stick for a compact player that plugs into your TV and is controlled with its Alexa voice remote. Choose the Fire TV Cube if you want hands-free Alexa, built-in Ethernet, or an HDMI input for routing compatible equipment through it. The Cube offers more connection options, but that does not make it a universal performance winner.
What’s the practical difference?
A Fire TV Stick plugs into a TV’s HDMI port and keeps the setup small. The Cube sits on a table or shelf, connects to the TV by HDMI, and adds an HDMI input, built-in Ethernet and far-field Alexa. Those differences matter more to most buyers than the devices’ names or shape: consider where the player will sit, how you want to control it and what else you need to connect.
| Feature | Fire TV Stick 4K (2026) | Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen, 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Plugs into a TV’s HDMI port | Tabletop device with HDMI input and HDMI output (ARC) |
| Voice control | Alexa voice remote; hands-free control can be added through a linked Echo device | Built-in far-field Alexa for compatible TVs, sound bars and receivers |
| Storage and wireless | 8 GB; Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3 | 16 GB; tri-band Wi-Fi 6E; built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet |
| Video and formats | Up to 2160p at 60 fps; HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG | Up to 4K at 60 fps; HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision; Dolby Atmos-related codec support |
| Other connections | Uses a TV HDMI port | HDMI 2.1 input and output (ARC), USB 2.0 and IR extender |
These specifications refer to the 2026 Fire TV Stick 4K and the 3rd-generation Fire TV Cube, not every Fire TV Stick or Cube. Amazon’s Fire TV device specifications list multiple generations with different features.
Choose a Stick for a simple, compact setup
The Stick is the straightforward choice if you want a player tucked behind or beside the TV, don’t need an HDMI input or built-in Ethernet, and are happy to use the included voice remote. The model matters: the 2026 Fire TV Stick 4K has 8 GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, while the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023) is a separate 16 GB model with Wi-Fi 6E, according to Amazon’s device specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
Know which Stick you’re buying
Amazon announced the Fire TV Stick 4K in October 2026. It supports output up to 2160p at 60 fps and HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, but those specifications should not be applied to all Stick models. Premium Stick tiers may support additional formats such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Check the exact generation’s specifications before buying for a particular feature.
In its October 2026 announcement, Amazon said the new Stick 4K gets customers to content “nearly 20–40% faster” than a similarly priced 4K streaming stick from another leading brand. Amazon also reported apps launching over 35% faster and content starting nearly 20% faster. These are Amazon’s comparisons, not independent laboratory results, and they are not a Stick-versus-Cube test. See Amazon’s launch announcement for the claims and context.
Rank #2
- This bundle contains Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) and Alexa Voice Remote Pro.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
Choose the Cube for hands-free Alexa and more connections
The 3rd-generation Fire TV Cube is a better fit when you want to speak to Alexa from across the room without picking up a remote, connect compatible equipment through an HDMI input, or use wired networking without a separate adapter. Amazon lists HDMI 2.1 input and output (ARC), USB 2.0, an IR extender and built-in 10/100 Ethernet in its Cube specifications.
What the HDMI input does
The Cube’s HDMI input lets compatible equipment—such as a set-top box, game console or webcam—connect to the Cube, which then connects to the TV through its HDMI output. Amazon describes this as a way to switch between streaming and connected equipment. The input is for routing a source through the Cube; it is not a second HDMI output.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Like-New Fire TV Cube is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Like-New Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Smarter searching starts here with Alexa – Find movies by actor, plot, and even iconic quotes. Try saying, "Alexa show me action movies with car chases."
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
Hands-free does not mean every device responds
Amazon says the Cube’s far-field Alexa can control compatible TVs, sound bars and receivers. Compatibility matters: a device that is not supported may not respond to voice commands. Sticks rely on their Alexa remote for voice control; for hands-free Stick control, Amazon documents linking an Echo device.
Check picture and sound compatibility before paying for an upgrade
A device’s format support only helps when the rest of the playback chain supports it. The Fire TV, streaming app and content, TV, and any connected audio equipment all need to support the format for it to work as intended. For example, don’t choose a Cube or premium Stick for Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos without checking the capabilities of your display and sound system. TechRadar’s Fire TV Stick buying guide also recommends checking TV and speaker compatibility.
Rank #4
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
The 2026 Stick 4K’s listed formats are HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. The 3rd-generation Cube additionally lists Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-related codec support. Other Stick tiers may offer different format support, so compare the exact model rather than assuming every Stick has the same capabilities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Cube faster than a Stick?
There is no independent, controlled everyday speed test in the cited sources that establishes a universal Stick-versus-Cube winner. Amazon describes the 3rd-generation Cube’s octa-core processor as “2X more powerful than the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.” That is Amazon’s processor comparison with a specific Stick generation; it does not establish that the Cube launches every app or starts every video twice as fast. The Stick’s 2026 speed figures are Amazon’s comparison against a similarly priced competitor, not against the Cube.
Best Value
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
How to make the choice
- Choose a Stick if a compact HDMI-connected player and voice remote meet your needs.
- Choose the Cube if you specifically want far-field Alexa, an HDMI input for compatible equipment, built-in Ethernet or a tabletop device.
- Match the generation to your needs. Compare the precise model names and specifications, especially for Wi-Fi, storage, HDR and audio formats.
- Check the live local price and availability. Prices and stock vary by market, retailer and date; compare like-for-like generations rather than relying on a temporary promotion.
Amazon announced the 2026 Stick 4K in October 2026, changing the lineup while older models may still be available. TechRadar’s buyer guide includes US and UK list and sale prices, but those offers can change. Check the current price in your country before deciding.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
