Original price was: $139.99.$109.99Current price is: $109.99.
The Amazon Fire TV Cube ($139) launched in late 2022, marking a significant evolution in streaming devices. After extensive testing, we've found it represents a compelling fusion of streaming power and smart home control that sets new standards for what these devices can do.
The 3rd generation Cube's octa-core processor (think of it as having eight mini-computers working together) delivers noticeable improvements over its predecessor. In our testing, apps launched about 20% faster than the previous model, and navigating menus feels virtually instantaneous. This extra power really shows when you're jumping between 4K streaming apps or using voice commands while streaming.
The device supports all major HDR formats (HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision), which means you'll get the best possible picture quality from your 4K TV. In our home theater testing, we noticed the HDR performance was particularly impressive when streaming shows like "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," where dark scenes maintained excellent detail without losing shadow definition.
Perhaps the biggest technical leap forward is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E support. Think of this as an express lane for your internet traffic - it uses a dedicated 6 GHz band that's less congested than traditional Wi-Fi frequencies. During our testing, this translated to zero buffering when streaming 4K content, even with multiple devices active on the network.
The Fire TV Cube really shines as a smart home hub. The built-in Alexa functionality goes beyond simple voice commands - it can control your entire entertainment system and smart home devices. Some practical examples from our testing:
Initial setup takes about 10 minutes, with clear on-screen instructions. The device automatically detects most HDMI-connected equipment, though you might need to manually program some older devices. We found the HDMI input especially useful for integrating cable boxes or game consoles - you can switch between these sources using voice commands.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Cube offers several advanced features:
During our extended testing, we found several standout use cases:
The USB port allows you to connect external storage, effectively turning the Cube into a media server. We successfully played various video formats, including MKV and MP4 files, though you might need to install a third-party media player app for some formats.
While not primarily a gaming device, the Cube handles Amazon Luna cloud gaming services well. The powerful processor means minimal input lag, though you'll want a stable internet connection for the best experience.
At $139, the Fire TV Cube sits at the premium end of the streaming device market. However, the value proposition becomes clearer when you consider it replaces:
The Fire TV Cube makes the most sense for:
Since its release, Amazon has rolled out several software updates improving:
While impressive, there are some considerations:
After months of testing in various setups, the Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen proves itself as a powerful, versatile streaming hub. While the price may seem steep, the combination of top-tier streaming performance, smart home integration, and voice control capabilities justifies the investment for the right user.
The performance improvements over previous generations are meaningful, particularly in app loading times and wireless stability. For those building or upgrading a smart home entertainment system, this device offers an elegant solution that simplifies rather than complicates.
Whether it's worth upgrading from the previous generation depends on your needs - if you're especially interested in Wi-Fi 6E or faster performance, it's a worthwhile upgrade. For new buyers looking for a premium streaming experience, the Fire TV Cube represents the current pinnacle of what's possible in this category.
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is worth the $139 investment if you want premium streaming performance and smart home integration. It's especially valuable for home theater setups due to its Dolby Atmos support, HDMI input capabilities, and IR blaster for controlling multiple devices.
The Fire TV Cube offers significantly more processing power, Wi-Fi 6E support, and hands-free Alexa control. It also includes HDMI inputs and IR blasting capabilities that Fire TV Sticks don't have, making it better suited for complex home theater setups.
Yes, it can control TVs, soundbars, AV receivers, and cable boxes through HDMI-CEC, IR blasting, or voice commands. The Fire TV Cube can turn devices on/off, switch inputs, and adjust volume through a single voice command.
Yes, it supports 4K resolution with HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision HDR formats. It also includes Super Resolution Upscaling for enhancing lower-resolution content.
Yes, the Fire TV Cube has an HDMI input port specifically for connecting cable boxes or other devices, allowing you to switch between streaming and cable TV using voice commands.
It supports Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround sound, and standard stereo audio. The device can pass through high-quality audio formats to compatible receivers via HDMI eARC.
Wi-Fi 6E provides access to the less congested 6 GHz band, resulting in more stable 4K streaming, reduced buffering, and better performance when multiple devices are connected.
While the Fire TV Cube requires internet for streaming services and updates, you can play local media through the USB port and use basic TV controls even without internet connection.
Yes, it works with any TV that has an HDMI port. However, to take full advantage of features like 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos, your TV and audio equipment need to support these technologies.
The Fire TV Cube matches competitors in streaming performance and offers unique features like hands-free Alexa and HDMI input. While Apple TV 4K has a more polished interface and Nvidia Shield offers better gaming performance, the Fire TV Cube excels in smart home integration and value for home theater use.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - aftvnews.com - en.community.sonos.com - pocket-lint.com - business-standard.com - androidauthority.com - bestbuy.com - bhphotovideo.com - cordbusters.co.uk - youtube.com - developer.amazon.com
| Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen |
|---|
| Processor - Determines UI smoothness and app loading: Octa-core (4x 2.2GHz + 4x 2.0GHz) |
| Wi-Fi Standard - Affects streaming stability and quality: Wi-Fi 6E |
| RAM - Impacts multitasking and app switching: 2GB |
| Storage - Space for apps and downloaded content: 16GB |
| Maximum Resolution - Video quality ceiling: 4K UHD with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision |
| Audio Support - Critical for home theater setup: Dolby Atmos, 7.1 surround |
| Ports - Determines connectivity options: HDMI in/out, ethernet, USB-A, IR extender |
| Voice Control - Hands-free operation capability: Built-in far-field microphones |
| Power Consumption: 15W typical |
| Dimensions: 3.4" x 3.4" x 3.0" |
| Weight: 1.1 lbs |
| Bluetooth Version - For remote and accessory connection: 5.0 |
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro ($199.99) distinguishes itself with significantly more powerful hardware, leveraging its gaming-grade Tegra X1+ processor for superior video processing and AI-enhanced upscaling. This translates to noticeably better picture quality, especially when watching older content on large 4K TVs. Its gaming capabilities are in a different league entirely, offering GeForce Now cloud gaming and local Android gaming with proper controller support. The ability to function as a Plex Media Server and support for external storage through USB ports makes it a more versatile entertainment hub for home theater enthusiasts.
While the higher price point of the Shield TV Pro might give pause, its broader format support, including Dolby Vision and DTS:X, along with full HD audio passthrough, delivers a more complete home theater experience. The device has maintained its value through consistent updates since its 2019 release, and its performance still exceeds many newer devices. For users who want maximum flexibility, superior video processing, and gaming capabilities, the extra investment pays off in real-world use, though its voice control features and smart home integration aren't as seamless as the Fire TV Cube's.
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For those considering alternatives, the Tablo 4th Gen 2-Tuner DVR ($99) offers a completely different approach to home entertainment. While the Fire TV Cube focuses on streaming services, the Tablo excels at recording and managing over-the-air broadcast television. Its standout feature is the ability to record two shows simultaneously while streaming to multiple devices throughout your home, all without any monthly fees. The built-in 128GB storage provides about 50 hours of HD recording capacity, and you can expand this significantly with an external hard drive.
Where the Tablo really shines is in its multi-room flexibility and cost savings over time. Since it doesn't require any subscription fees and uses free over-the-air channels, it can significantly reduce entertainment costs compared to streaming services. The Tablo also works with virtually any streaming device or smart TV in your home, making it more ecosystem-agnostic than the Fire TV Cube. However, it's important to note that you'll need an HD antenna for reception, and the video quality is limited to broadcast standards rather than 4K streaming. These devices can actually complement each other well - using the Fire TV Cube for premium streaming content while leveraging the Tablo for local broadcasts and DVR functionality.
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The Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($59.99) offers impressive value with many of the Cube's core streaming capabilities at less than half the price. It supports the same 4K HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and features the latest Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for stable streaming. While it doesn't match the Cube's processing power, its quad-core processor still provides smooth navigation and quick app loading for most users. The stick form factor also makes it more portable and easier to install, simply plugging directly into any TV's HDMI port.
However, you'll miss out on several premium features compared to the Cube. There's no hands-free Alexa (voice commands require using the remote), no HDMI inputs for cable boxes, and no ethernet port without purchasing a separate adapter. For many users, especially those primarily interested in streaming services, these limitations won't impact daily use. The Stick 4K Max represents an excellent balance of performance and value for anyone who doesn't need the Cube's advanced home theater integration features or hands-free voice control.
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👌Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Device Details
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ($49.99) stands out as a compelling alternative for those who prioritize value and simplicity over advanced features. It delivers the same core 4K HDR streaming capabilities, including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, in a compact stick format that disappears behind your TV. While it uses a less powerful quad-core processor and half the RAM of the Cube, it still provides smooth streaming performance for most users and includes the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology for reliable connectivity.
Where the Stick 4K really shines is its balance of features versus cost. At nearly one-third the price of the Cube, it handles all major streaming services with ease and includes voice control through its Alexa remote. While you won't get hands-free operation or the ability to control complex home theater setups, the Fire TV Stick 4K delivers everything most users need for streaming entertainment. It's particularly well-suited as a solution for secondary TVs or for those who simply want quality 4K streaming without the premium features of the Cube.
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👌Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device Details
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The Roku Streambar SE ($69.99) takes a fundamentally different approach by combining streaming capabilities with audio enhancement in a single device. While it doesn't match the Fire TV Cube's pure streaming performance, it offers significant value for users who want to improve both their TV's sound and add smart features in one purchase. The Streambar's built-in speakers provide noticeably better audio than most TV speakers, particularly for dialogue clarity, and its compact design makes it ideal for bedrooms or smaller spaces where a full audio system isn't practical.
However, the Streambar's streaming capabilities are more basic, with older Wi-Fi 5 connectivity and a less powerful processor that results in slower app loading times. Its voice control features are also limited to remote-only commands, unlike the Cube's hands-free Alexa integration. Yet at nearly half the price of the Fire TV Cube, the Streambar presents compelling value for users who prioritize audio improvement alongside basic streaming features. It's particularly attractive for those who want to upgrade from built-in TV speakers without committing to a separate soundbar and streaming device.
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👌Roku Streambar SE Soundbar Details
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The Google TV Streamer 4K ($99.99) stands out with its impressive 4GB of RAM and 32GB storage - double what the Fire TV Cube offers - resulting in noticeably smoother app switching and more space for apps and games. This newer device also brings Google's latest AI-powered content recommendations and a more unified streaming experience across services. The redesigned remote includes a programmable button and helpful features like Find My Remote, while the simplified port selection focuses purely on streaming needs with HDMI out and gigabit Ethernet.
For $40 less than the Fire TV Cube, the Google TV Streamer 4K provides better pure streaming performance and a more streamlined experience. While it lacks the Fire TV Cube's hands-free voice control and HDMI input options, its powerful hardware and content-first interface make it an excellent choice for users who primarily want high-performance streaming without extra smart home features. The higher RAM and storage specifications future-proof the device, while its Matter support ensures broad smart home compatibility through the Google Home ecosystem.
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👌Google TV Streamer 4K Details
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The Apple TV 4K ($129) sets itself apart with superior processing power thanks to its A15 Bionic chip, which delivers noticeably smoother navigation and better video processing than the Fire TV Cube. The larger 64GB storage capacity provides ample room for apps and games, while the more refined HDR processing and upscaling capabilities result in visibly better picture quality, especially when watching non-4K content on larger screens. The clean, ad-free interface offers a more premium user experience, and integration with other Apple devices through features like AirPlay and Fitness+ adds significant value for those in the Apple ecosystem.
However, the trade-off comes in versatility. While the Apple TV 4K excels at pure streaming performance and gaming capabilities, it lacks the Fire TV Cube's built-in smart speaker functionality and HDMI input for cable box integration. The base model also omits an Ethernet port, and its Siri voice control capabilities aren't as comprehensive as Alexa for whole-home control. Despite these limitations, the Apple TV 4K's superior processing power, larger storage, and better picture quality make it a compelling choice for users who prioritize performance and video quality over additional smart home features, especially in dedicated home theater setups.
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD offers a compelling alternative for users who don't need premium features or 4K support. At just $39.99, it delivers reliable 1080p streaming performance and includes many of the core features that make Fire TV devices popular, including Alexa voice control through the remote and access to all major streaming services. While it uses an older quad-core 1.7GHz processor and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity, the device performs adequately for basic streaming needs and casual viewing, particularly on smaller or bedroom TVs.
However, the limitations become apparent when compared to the Cube's premium features and performance. The Stick HD lacks 4K support, advanced HDR formats, and hands-free voice control. Its processing power can result in occasional interface lag and slower app loading times. The basic Dolby Digital audio support, while sufficient for standard TV speakers, won't take full advantage of high-end sound systems. The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD remains an excellent value for those with 1080p TVs or secondary viewing setups, but users with 4K TVs or home theater ambitions should consider the more capable Cube instead.
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👌Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Streaming Device Details
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The $30 Roku Express takes a fundamentally different approach, focusing on simplicity and value rather than premium features. Its straightforward interface and neutral content presentation make it particularly appealing for users who want basic streaming without the complexity of smart home integration or voice control. While limited to 1080p resolution, it handles this task reliably and provides access to all major streaming services through an intuitive menu system that doesn't prioritize any particular content provider.
However, the performance gap between these devices is significant. The Roku Express lacks the Fire TV Cube's 4K capabilities, Dolby Vision support, and advanced audio features, making it less suitable for modern home theater setups. Its basic Wi-Fi 5 connectivity and simpler processor result in noticeably slower app loading times and menu navigation. Yet for secondary TVs or users with 1080p displays, the Roku Express delivers impressive value at less than a quarter of the Fire TV Cube's price, providing core streaming functionality without unnecessary premium features.
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👌Roku Express 2022 Streaming Media Player Details
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The Roku Express 4K+ offers remarkable value at $39.99, delivering capable 4K HDR streaming performance in a simple, user-friendly package. Its straightforward, platform-agnostic interface treats all streaming services equally, making content discovery more intuitive for many users. While it lacks Dolby Vision support, the device still handles HDR10 and HDR10+ content well, providing excellent picture quality for most viewing scenarios. The included voice remote works effectively for basic content searches and playback control, and the device's modest power consumption makes it an energy-efficient choice.
Despite its lower price point, the Roku Express 4K+ does show its limitations when compared to the Fire TV Cube. The slower processor results in longer app loading times and occasional menu lag, while the Wi-Fi 5 connectivity might struggle in homes with many wireless devices. The absence of advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos and the lack of HDMI inputs for cable box integration make it less suitable for sophisticated home theater setups. However, these compromises are reasonable given the price difference, and for users who primarily want reliable 4K streaming without extra bells and whistles, the Roku Express 4K+ represents an excellent value proposition.
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👌Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Device Details
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The Roku Streambar ($130) takes a more integrated approach, combining streaming capabilities with a compact soundbar in a single device. Its standout feature is the ability to instantly upgrade both your TV's intelligence and audio quality in one affordable package. While it doesn't match the Fire TV Cube's processing power, it delivers good 4K streaming performance alongside significantly improved TV audio through its four internal speakers. The sound quality is particularly impressive for dialogue clarity, and the device includes helpful features like automatic volume leveling for commercials and night listening mode. For many users, especially those with basic TV speakers, this represents an immediate and noticeable upgrade to their viewing experience.
Where the Streambar really shines is in its value proposition and expandability. The initial cost is lower than buying a separate streamer and soundbar, and you can later add Roku wireless speakers and a subwoofer to create a full 5.1 surround system. While it lacks Dolby Vision support and offers more basic voice control features, its content-neutral interface and straightforward setup make it an excellent choice for users who want to improve their TV experience without dealing with multiple devices or complex configurations. It's particularly well-suited for bedrooms, apartments, or secondary TVs where a simple, all-in-one solution is preferable to a more complex setup.
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The Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99) excels in its simplicity and value proposition, offering a straightforward streaming solution at a significantly lower price point. Its compact stick design disappears behind your TV, while still delivering excellent 4K HDR streaming performance including Dolby Vision support. The Roku interface remains refreshingly platform-neutral, prioritizing apps over content recommendations, which many users prefer. Despite its more modest processor, the device handles streaming tasks smoothly, and its long-range WiFi receiver helps maintain stable connections even in challenging placement situations.
Where the Roku Streaming Stick 4K really shines is in its focus on core streaming functionality without the premium extras that drive up cost. While it lacks the Fire TV Cube's advanced features like hands-free voice control and smart home integration, it provides everything needed for high-quality streaming at one-third the price. The voice remote offers basic search capabilities, and the device supports major audio formats through HDMI, though without the advanced audio routing options of the Cube. For users who prioritize streaming performance and value over smart home features, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K represents a more practical choice that doesn't compromise on essential streaming quality.
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👌Roku Streaming Stick 4K Streaming Device Details
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The Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen distinguishes itself with superior processing power from its A12 Bionic chip, delivering noticeably faster app loading times and smoother interface navigation. Its 32GB storage capacity provides ample space for apps and games, while the innovative color calibration feature using an iPhone's sensors offers more accurate picture quality. The clean, ad-free interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices create a more premium user experience, though at a higher $179 price point. Apple Arcade support and better gaming performance make it a more versatile entertainment device, particularly for those who want more than just streaming capabilities.
However, compared to the Fire TV Cube, the Apple TV 4K lacks hands-free voice control, requiring users to use the Siri remote for voice commands. While its Wi-Fi 6 support is excellent, it doesn't include the newer 6E standard, and it lacks the Fire TV Cube's HDMI input port for cable box integration. The Apple TV 4K represents a premium streaming experience that justifies its higher price for users who prioritize performance and clean interface design, especially those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, but it may be more than necessary for users primarily interested in basic streaming and smart home control.
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👌Apple TV 4K 32GB 2nd Generation Details
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The NVIDIA Shield TV ($149.99) distinguishes itself with superior gaming capabilities and advanced AI upscaling technology that noticeably improves non-4K content quality. Its Tegra X1+ processor, while older, still delivers exceptional performance for both streaming and gaming, offering features like GeForce NOW cloud gaming and PC game streaming that are entirely absent from the Fire TV Cube. For home theater enthusiasts, the Shield TV's superior handling of audio formats, including uncompressed TrueHD with Atmos, and better playback of high-bitrate content make it a more capable device for serious media setups. The Android TV interface offers greater customization options and broader app compatibility.
While the Shield TV commands a higher price, its expandable storage via USB or microSD, robust gaming features, and more powerful media playback capabilities justify the premium for power users. However, it lacks the Fire TV Cube's hands-free voice control and newer Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, requiring a remote for voice commands and relying on older Wi-Fi 5 technology. Despite these limitations, the Shield TV's consistent performance updates and enduring hardware capabilities have helped it remain competitive even against newer devices, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize performance and versatility over pure streaming convenience.
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While the Amazon Fire TV Cube offers comprehensive smart home integration, the Roku Ultra 2024 takes a different approach to streaming, focusing on pure performance and user experience. Its quad-core processor delivers remarkably responsive navigation, potentially feeling smoother in day-to-day use despite having fewer cores than the Fire TV Cube. The device's standout feature is its advanced Voice Remote Pro, which includes backlit buttons, a rechargeable battery, and a unique lost remote finder feature that sets it apart in the streaming device market.
From a value perspective, the Roku Ultra provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing critical streaming capabilities. Its neutral content platform means users get an unbiased interface that doesn't prioritize any specific streaming service, creating a more user-friendly experience. While it lacks the deep smart home integration of the Fire TV Cube, the Roku Ultra excels in pure streaming performance, offering excellent 4K HDR support, Dolby Atmos compatibility, and a clean, intuitive interface that appeals to users who want a straightforward media streaming solution. At a lower price point—often available for around $80 compared to the Fire TV Cube's $110 sale price—it represents a compelling alternative for those who prioritize simplicity and value over complex smart home features.
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👌Roku Ultra 2024 4K Streaming Device Details
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