Amazon Fire TV Cube
Score: 81/100
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K streaming media player with Alexa, HDMI input and full HDR/Dolby Atmos support. Its bulkier form factor, lack of gaming-focused features and occasional UI ads are trade-offs. Best for Alexa-centric households that want HDMI switching and premium audio-visual performance.
Roku's Streaming Stick 4K offers true 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and long-range Wi-Fi in a tiny dongle, plus extensive smart-home compatibility. It lacks Ethernet and has only 1 GB RAM, which may affect heavy app use. Perfect for users seeking a simple, reliable 4K streamer with broad ecosystem support.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2 GBbest | 1 GB | |
16 GBbest | — | |
100 Mbpsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 3.5 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 513 g | 28.35 gbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Processor Model | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | ARM Cortex A55 |
GPU Model | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz | OpenGL ES 2.0 |
RAM (GB) | 2 GB | 1 GB |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 2.1 | 2.0b |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 6E | 802.11ac |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio/MAT, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3, FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis | Digital stereo over HDMI, DTS Digital Surround passthrough, Dolby‑encoded audio passthrough |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Alexa Voice Remote | Voice Remote |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | W | 3.5 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 513 g | 28.35 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 86 x 77 x 86 mm mm | 20x48x11 mm mm |
Display(2) | ||
Maximum Video Resolution | 4K UHD | 3840x2160 |
HDR Formats Supported | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, HLG |
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 commend the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for its snappy performance, fast quad-core processor, and excellent picture quality with full HDR and Dolby Vision support. The device's discreet size and robust smart-home integration are also highlighted, positioning it as Roku's top-of-the-line streaming stick.
Everyday users give the stick high marks, repeatedly noting the sharp 4K picture, smooth streaming experience, and the convenience of the voice remote with TV power and volume controls. The long-range Wi-Fi is frequently mentioned as a benefit in larger homes.
