Amazon Fire TV Cube
Score: 82/100
Google Chromecast
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K Ultra HD player with built-in Alexa, HDMI input and support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Its drawbacks include a bulkier form factor, lack of gaming-focused features like VRR/ALLM, and occasional ad-heavy UI. Best suited for Alexa-centric households that want seamless voice control and premium video/audio.
Google Chromecast (HD) provides a compact, lightweight solution for 1080p streaming with a Bluetooth voice remote and optional Ethernet support. Its 1.5 GB RAM and lack of 4K limit high-resolution content and multitasking. Perfect for budget-focused users with HD TVs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2 GBbest | 1.5 GB | |
16 GBbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 513 g | 55 gbest |
2 countbest | 1 count | |
60 Hzbest | — | |
1 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
RAM (GB) | 2 GB | 1.5 GB |
Processor | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Amlogic S805X2 quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 1.8 GHz |
GPU | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz | Mali-G31 MP2 |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 6E | 802.11ac |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Ports (count) | 2 count | 1 count |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Fire OS 7 | Google TV (Android TV) |
Display(1) | ||
Maximum Video Resolution | 4K UHD | 1080p |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Alexa Voice Remote | Voice remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 513 g | 55 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 77 x 86 x 86 mm mm | 2.4×0.5×6.4 inches mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Fire TV Cube for its powerful octa-core CPU, comprehensive HDR and Dolby Atmos support, and the unique hands-free Alexa with HDMI input that simplifies switching between streaming and live sources. However, they note the mediocre SDR upscaling, lack of gaming-focused features like VRR/ALLM, and a bulkier form factor compared to slimmer competitors.
Everyday users consistently highlight the convenience of hands-free Alexa, rapid app launches, and excellent 4K/Dolby Vision picture quality, while expressing frustration over intrusive ads, occasional voice-recognition hiccups, and sub-par upscaling of non-4K content.
Professional reviewers note that the HD model is positioned as a budget-friendly entry point to the Google TV ecosystem, offering sufficient performance for basic HD streaming but lacking the 4K support and higher-end hardware of its 4K sibling. Official listings emphasize its compact form factor, voice remote, and optional Ethernet as key differentiators for cost-conscious users.
