Amazon Fire TV Cube
Score: 83/100
Google TV Streamer
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K streaming device with a powerful octa-core CPU and full HDR/Dolby Atmos support. Its bulkier form factor, lack of gaming-focused features, and ad-laden UI are notable trade-offs. Ideal for Alexa-centric households that value voice control and HDMI switching.
The Google TV Streamer (4K) is a compact set-top box offering 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and built-in gigabit Ethernet plus Thread/Matter integration. Its MediaTek processor is weaker than top-tier competitors, leading to occasional app lag, and the remote still needs AAA batteries. Ideal for Google-centric households seeking a feature-rich, affordable 4K streamer with strong smart-home connectivity.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2 GB | 4 GBbest | |
16 GB | 32 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
0.1 Gbps | 1 Gbpsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 513 g | 161.6 gbest |
1 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Fire OS 7 | Google TV |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio/MAT, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3, FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos |
Performance(4) | ||
Processor | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | MT8696 |
GPU | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz | PowerVR Rogue GE9215 |
RAM (GB) | 2 GB | 4 GB |
Internal Storage (GB) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
Display(1) | ||
Maximum Video Resolution | 4K | 3840x2160 |
Connectivity(3) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 6E | 802.11ac |
Ethernet Speed (Gbps) | 0.1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Alexa Voice Remote | Voice remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (g) | 513 g | 161.6 g |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 77×86×86 mm mm | 25.4x76.2x162.6 mm 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, such as FlatpanelsHD, commend the Google TV Streamer for its extensive app catalog, 4K HDR+ support, increased RAM/storage, AV1 codec and low power draw, as well as its built-in Ethernet and Thread/Matter smart-home capabilities. However, they criticize its weaker MediaTek processor, limited frame-rate matching to Netflix, and overall performance that trails behind Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield, positioning it as a decent but not market-leading streaming box.
Everyday users appreciate the smooth 4K streaming, seamless Google integration and immersive Dolby audio, noting that the device fits well into existing Google Home setups. Recurring complaints focus on occasional app lag, the need to replace remote batteries, and confusion over HDMI version specifications in some listings.
