Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is a streaming stick delivering 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, plus AI-powered search and Alexa integration. It is limited by occasional lag under heavy use and only 8 GB of internal storage, and it relies on TV USB power. Best suited for cord-cutters and Alexa-enabled homes seeking affordable 4K streaming.
The Roku Premiere is a compact 4K/HDR streaming player that shines with a responsive quad-core processor and a voice-controlled remote. Its main trade-offs are the lack of Ethernet, an older micro-USB power input, and Wi-Fi 5 only. It's best suited for budget-conscious users who want simple 4K streaming without wired networking.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select offers 4K Ultra HD streaming with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, powered by a quad-core processor and Alexa voice remote. Its limited 1 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 5 connectivity and 8 GB storage can cause occasional lag and restrict app installations. Best for budget-conscious casual streamers who want an affordable 4K experience.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a compact HDMI stick that adds 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and long-range Wi-Fi to any TV. Its lack of Ethernet, limited 1 GB RAM and 4 GB storage can lead to occasional lag and restrict connectivity options. Ideal for cord-cutters seeking a simple, affordable streaming solution with a tiny form factor.
The ONN Android TV 4K UHD device offers a very affordable entry into 4K streaming with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and a voice-controlled Google Assistant remote. Its compromises include a lack of Ethernet, limited internal storage and an older Bluetooth version. Ideal for budget-conscious cord-cutters who are comfortable using Wi-Fi as their primary connection.
The X88 Screencast TV Stick is an affordable Android 13 dongle with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 4K-capable HDMI 2.0b output, bundled with a remote and HDMI extender. In practice, its video often caps at 1080p and its modest 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage limit multitasking. It fits budget-conscious travelers or secondary-room setups needing basic streaming.
MECOOL's KM2 is an Android TV streaming stick with HDMI 2.1, Ethernet and a voice remote, supporting 4K HDR at 60 fps. Limited to 2 GB RAM and 8 GB storage, it may struggle with heavy multitasking. Suitable for budget users who need Ethernet and expandable storage for basic 4K streaming.
The TiVo Stream 4K aggregates multiple streaming apps and live TV into a single Android TV interface with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. Its modest processor, limited 8 GB storage, and lack of Ethernet reduce its suitability for power users. Suited for casual viewers wanting a unified streaming experience.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 GB | — | — | 2 GBbest | 1 GB | 2 GBbest | 2 GBbest | 2 GBbest | |
4 GB | — | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.5 Wbest | — | — | 5 W | — | — | — | — |
| ↓ lower better | 26 gbest | 36 g | 45.4 g | — | 42.5 g | — | 340 g | 50 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||||||||
Processor Model | ARM Cortex A55 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM | Mediatek MT8696D | Amlogic S905Y2 | MT8698 MCM quad-core 1.7 GHz | Amlogic S905X2-B | Amlogic S905Y2 | RK3528 Quad-Core 64-bit Cortex-A53 |
GPU Model | OpenGL ES 2.0 | — | — | Mali-G31 | — | — | — | — |
RAM (GB) | 1 GB | — | — | 2 GB | 1 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
Storage(1) | ||||||||
Internal Storage (GB) | 4 GB | — | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
Ports(1) | ||||||||
HDMI Version | 2.0b | HDMI 2.0 | — | 2.0a | — | 2.1 | — | 2.0b |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 5 | Wi‑Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 5 | — | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 |
Bluetooth Version | — | — | Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0 | — | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Audio(1) | ||||||||
Supported Audio Formats | Digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby-encoded audio | Dolby Digital, DTS | Dolby Atmos | MPEG, AAC, HE‑AAC, OGG, OGA, FLAC, ALAC, Ape, M4A, RM, MPEG‑1/2 Layers I/II, Dolby Digital/Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS, WMA, WMA Pro | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision audio | — | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | — |
Controls(1) | ||||||||
Remote Type | Voice remote | Simple IR | Alexa Voice Remote | — | Alexa Voice Remote | Voice remote | Voice | Remote |
Power(1) | ||||||||
Power Consumption (W) | 3.5 W | — | — | 5 W | — | — | — | — |
Build & Design(2) | ||||||||
Weight (g) | 26 g | 36 g | 45.4 g | — | 42.5 g | — | 340 g | 50 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 93.98x11.43x20.32 mm | 36x17x84 mm | 38.6x17.5x141.2 mm | 53x16x77 mm mm | 38.1x15.24x101.6 mm | 50.8 x 25.4 x 152.4 mm mm | — | 30x13x787 mm mm |
Software(1) | ||||||||
Supported Apps | — | — | — | Google Play Store | — | Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+ | — | — |
Display(2) | ||||||||
Maximum Video Resolution | 2160p | 3840x2160 | 2160p | 3840x2160 | 2160p | 4K | 4K | 3840x2160 |
HDR Formats Supported | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision | — | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ | HDR |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for its breathtaking 4K clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, noting the vibrant color pop and excellent upscaling. The long-range Wi-Fi receiver is highlighted as a key strength, delivering stable 4K streams even in challenging locations. Editors also commend the slim, hideable form factor and the voice remote with TV power and volume controls, calling it ideal for wall-mounted or secondary TVs. Minor criticisms focus on the lack of Ethernet and limited 1 GB RAM, which can cause occasional lag.
Everyday users consistently highlight the easy setup, sharp 4K picture quality, and reliable long-range Wi-Fi as top positives. The compact, hidden design and the abundance of free live channels are also frequently praised. Recurring complaints revolve around occasional interface slowdowns, the need to replace remote batteries often, and the absence of an Ethernet port for wired connections. Overall sentiment is positive, with most users finding the device meets daily streaming needs well.
“breathtaking upgrade for any TV”
“very very compact,”
“plug in HDMI, connect Wi-Fi, done”
Opt for the Fire Stick if you are invested in the Amazon ecosystem and want Alexa integration; choose Roku Premiere for a broader app selection and a more neutral platform.
Pick the Fire TV Stick for speed, Alexa integration, and Amazon services; pick TiVo for a neutral Android platform that aggregates apps and includes live-TV options.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Roku Premiere for its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, easy setup, and crisp 4K/HDR picture quality. They appreciate the responsive quad-core processor and the extensive Roku channel library, while noting the trade-off of missing Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 and a premium remote.
Everyday users love how quickly they can get the device up and running and enjoy the sharp 4K picture and compact form factor. Common praise centers on the included accessories and voice remote, while recurring complaints focus on Wi-Fi reliability, the outdated micro-USB power connector and the lack of additional ports.
Professional reviewers commend the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for its lightning-fast app starts, fluid navigation, and AI-driven search that feels smarter than previous generations. They highlight the premium picture and audio quality from Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos, as well as the added value of Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming. Wi-Fi 6 is praised for delivering reliable 4K streaming even on congested networks, though reviewers note minor lag under heavy use and the limited 8 GB storage compared to the 4K Max.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the device's speed, easy setup, and high-quality 4K/Wi-Fi 6 performance, often calling it "fast streaming, easy to setup, great apps" and noting its suitability for small spaces thanks to the HDMI extender. Recurring complaints focus on occasional lag and the limited internal storage, but overall satisfaction remains high with users describing it as "perfect for streaming".
Professional reviewers commend the TiVo Stream 4K for its content aggregation that simplifies browsing across multiple services and for delivering solid 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos performance at a budget price. However, they criticize the modest Amlogic S905Y2 processor, the lack of Ethernet, and the outdated Android 9.0 operating system, noting these as trade-offs for the dongle's compact form factor.
Everyday users praise the device for its easy setup, responsive voice remote, and the "headache-free" unified recommendations that make managing multiple streaming accounts simple. Recurring complaints focus on the limited 8 GB internal storage, occasional app lag, the need for AAA batteries in the remote, and the absence of a wired Ethernet connection for more stable streaming.
Professional hands-on reviewers commend the Fire TV Stick 4K Select for delivering the fastest app launches and a bright, crisp 4K picture at an affordable price, emphasizing its Dolby Vision/Atmos support and AI search. However, they criticize its outdated 1 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 5 radio and overall lack of premium features, labeling it under-featured compared to newer sticks.
Everyday users appreciate the smooth 4K streaming, quick app loading, Alexa voice control and the inclusion of free ad-supported TV and cloud gaming. Recurring complaints focus on occasional UI lag, limited storage/RAM and occasional incompatibility with certain apps, as well as the older Wi-Fi standard.
Professional reviewers describe the KM2 as a capable entry-level media player that delivers smooth 4K HDR streaming and offers a richer set of ports than many rivals, but they caution that its limited 2 GB RAM and modest storage make it unsuitable for heavy multitasking or gaming.
There are no direct consumer reviews on the main product pages, but indirect mentions suggest users find the KM2 reliable for basic 4K streaming on non-smart TVs. Common feedback points to satisfactory streaming quality but concerns about limited internal storage and RAM when using multiple apps.
Professional reviewers agree that the ONN 4K streaming box punches far above its weight class, delivering impressive 4K HDR picture quality, Dolby Atmos audio, and a responsive Google TV experience despite its modest hardware.
Everyday users echo the reviewers' praise for price-to-performance, highlighting quick app loading, vibrant 4K streaming, and the convenience of the voice remote and built-in Chromecast. Recurring complaints focus on occasional lag, limited internal storage, no wired networking option, and a basic plastic build.
Professional reviewers commend the X88 Pro for its crystal-clear 1080p playback on large screens, reliable Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and budget-friendly price that brings Android 13 streaming to any TV. However, they caution that the advertised 8K capability is exaggerated, the base RAM/storage limits multitasking, and the lack of active cooling could cause throttling under heavy use.
Everyday users love the stick's portability, easy plug-and-play setup, and the surprisingly good picture quality for streaming services on older TVs. Common complaints revolve around over-hyped resolution claims, occasional app lag on the base model, and confusion caused by inconsistent specs across different sellers.
Fire TV Stick is better for Alexa users and ad-rich environments; ONN is preferable for pure 4K HDR streaming without ads at a lower price.
Roku excels for a neutral, ad-free experience; ONN wins on raw hardware specs, Google TV ecosystem, and price.
