Nvidia SHIELD Pro
Score: 82/100
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Score: 81/100Rankings
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a high-performance Android TV player featuring a Tegra X1+ processor, AI upscaling, and support for Dolby Vision, Atmos, and GeForce NOW gaming. Its limited 16 GB internal storage and lack of HDMI 2.1/AV1 keep it from being future-proof. Targeted at power users and gamers who value expandability and top-tier media capabilities.
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K streaming box with a powerful octa-core CPU and full HDR/Dolby Atmos support. Its bulkier form factor, lack of gaming-focused features and occasional ad-laden UI are trade-offs. Ideal for Alexa-centric homes that value HDMI switching and high-speed Wi-Fi 6E.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 GBbest | 2 GB | |
16 GBbest | 16 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.5 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 513 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Processor | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ | Octa-core 2.0 GHz |
GPU | 256-core NVIDIA GPU | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz |
RAM (GB) | 3 GB | 2 GB |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Android 11 (Android TV) | Fire OS 7 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio/MAT, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3, FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0b | 2.1 |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0+LE | 5.0 |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6E |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Hands-free Google Assistant Remote | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 513 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 159x98x26 mm mm | 86×77×86 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the SHIELD TV Pro as a high-performance media powerhouse, emphasizing its AI upscaling, 25% faster Tegra X1+ CPU, dual USB expandability, and robust GeForce NOW 4K cloud gaming. However, they note the hardware design has not changed since 2019 and that it lacks newer interfaces like HDMI 2.1 and AV1 decoding, making it feel a step behind the latest competitors.
Everyday users praise the device for smooth 4K streaming, excellent Plex integration, reliable NVIDIA firmware updates, and powerful GeForce NOW gaming. Recurring complaints focus on the limited 16 GB internal storage, occasional Wi-Fi drops, voice-control glitches, lack of AV1 support, and a setup process that can be daunting for non-technical owners.
“best for PC game streaming to TV”
Fire TV Cube is ideal for Alexa-centric households; SHIELD Pro is the choice for gamers and media enthusiasts demanding top-tier performance.
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.
