Nvidia Shield TV
Score: 78/100
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Score: 81/100Rankings
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.
The NVIDIA Shield TV provides 4K HDR streaming with AI-enhanced upscaling, Dolby Vision, and robust gaming support in a compact cylindrical design. Its modest 8 GB internal storage and single micro-USB port constrain local media expansion. Suited for enthusiasts who prioritize performance and smart-home integration over storage capacity.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2 GBbest | 2 GBbest | |
8 GB | 16 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 249 gbest | 513 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Processor | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ (quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 + 256-core Maxwell GPU) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz |
GPU | 256-core Maxwell GPU | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Android TV | Fire OS 7 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD | 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 | 5.0 |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6E |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Voice Remote | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 249 g | 513 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 25.4x101.6x152.4 mm mm | 86×77×86 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently rank the Shield TV as the top Android TV streamer, praising its AI-driven 4K upscaling, powerful Tegra X1+ processor, and robust Dolby Vision/Atmos support. They also commend NVIDIA's ongoing software updates and seamless integration with GeForce NOW, while noting the limited internal storage and absence of full-size USB ports as the main drawbacks.
Everyday users love the device's picture quality, especially the AI upscaling and Dolby Vision/Atmos experience, and they value the smooth cloud-gaming performance. Common frustrations revolve around the small 8 GB storage, occasional Wi-Fi instability, and the remote's missing headphone jack.
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.
“plays PC games on TV brilliantly”
Fire TV Cube suits Alexa-centric homes; Shield TV excels for gamers and those prioritizing AI upscaling.
