Amazon now has three 4K-ready streaming sticks: Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen), and the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select. All deliver 4K resolution and Alexa voice control, but their power, picture and audio features, wireless tech, remote controls, and pricing are quite different. Here’s how to pick the right one for your TV and budget.
Performance and storage
– Fire TV Stick 4K Max: The fastest option with a 2.0 GHz quad‑core CPU, 850 MHz GPU, 2 GB RAM, and 16 GB of storage. The extra storage is great if you install lots of apps and games.
– Fire TV Stick 4K: 1.7 GHz quad‑core CPU, 650 MHz GPU, 2 GB RAM, and 8 GB storage. Smooth for everyday streaming, but with half the storage of the Max you’ll fill it faster.
– Fire TV Stick 4K Select: 1.7 GHz quad‑core CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 8 GB storage. With less RAM, expect slower app switching and more limitations when multitasking compared to the other two.
HDR picture and immersive audio
– All three support HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG.
– Only the Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max support Dolby Vision for dynamic HDR.
– Only the Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max support Dolby Atmos for immersive audio when paired with a compatible TV or soundbar.
– Fire TV Stick 4K Select supports Dolby‑encoded audio but not Dolby Atmos.
Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth
– Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Best wireless performance with tri‑band Wi‑Fi including Wi‑Fi 6E for higher speeds and lower latency, especially useful for cloud gaming and busy networks.
– Fire TV Stick 4K: Dual‑band Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
– Fire TV Stick 4K Select: Dual‑band Wi‑Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
– Note: You’ll need a router that supports Wi‑Fi 6 or 6E to see those speed and stability benefits.
Remote controls and compatibility
– Fire TV Stick 4K Max includes the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced. It’s longer, adds more buttons (including channel buttons for Live TV and a recent apps button), and supports both Bluetooth and infrared for broader control.
– Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Select ship with the standard Alexa Voice Remote, which is Bluetooth‑only and has fewer buttons.
– Both remotes use two AAA batteries. Neither includes backlit keys or a Remote Finder feature; those are reserved for the Pro remote.
– The standard Alexa Voice Remote works with all three devices. The Enhanced remote is not compatible with the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Select.
Smart features and cloud gaming
– All three integrate with Alexa for voice search, smart home control, and hands‑free assistance via paired devices.
– Cloud gaming support is available on the 4K Max and 4K, with support coming soon to the Fire TV Stick 4K Select.
What’s in the box
– Each stick includes an HDMI extender, power adapter, and batteries for the remote.
Pricing and availability
– Fire TV Stick 4K Select: $39.99 MSRP, available for pre‑order ahead of its October 15 release.
– Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen): $49.99 MSRP, but currently discounted to $24.99.
– Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen): $59.99 MSRP, currently discounted to $39.99.
– Prices and promotions can change, so check current deals before buying.
Which Fire TV Stick should you buy?
– Best overall: Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It’s the fastest, has double the storage, supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, offers Wi‑Fi 6E, and includes the Enhanced remote. At its current sale price, it’s the strongest value for performance and future‑proofing.
– Best under $30: Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen). At its current discount, it’s a no‑brainer if you want Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Wi‑Fi 6 without paying more.
– Budget 4K with basics: Fire TV Stick 4K Select. Good for simple 4K streaming, but its 1 GB RAM, lack of Dolby Vision and Atmos, and Wi‑Fi 5 make it a step down from the other two unless you specifically want the lowest cost at its regular price.
Bottom line
If you want the smoothest performance, the most storage, and the best wireless connectivity for high-bitrate streaming and cloud gaming, go with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. If you’re pinching pennies but still want premium picture and sound, the Fire TV Stick 4K is the sweet spot while it’s on sale. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select delivers 4K on a tighter budget, but you’ll sacrifice speed, advanced HDR, and Atmos audio.
