Roku Premiere
Score: 79/100
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select
Score: 77/100Rankings
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 1 GBbest | |
— | 8 GBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 36 gbest | 42.5 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Processor Model | Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM | MT8698 MCM quad-core 1.7 GHz |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital, DTS | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision audio |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Simple IR | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 36 g | 42.5 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 36x17x84 mm | 38.1x15.24x101.6 mm |
Display(2) | ||
Maximum Video Resolution | 3840x2160 | 2160p |
HDR Formats Supported | HDR10 | HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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praise centers on the included accessories and voice remote, while recurring complaints focus on Wi-Fi reliability, the outdated micro-USB power connector and the lack of additional ports.
“very very compact,”
“plug in HDMI, connect Wi-Fi, done”
“tons of fun”
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.
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.
