Roku Streaming Stick+
Score: 76/100
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 Roku Streaming Stick+ delivers 4K HDR streaming with a sleek plug-in form factor and a voice-enabled remote. Its main trade-offs are the lack of Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and a wired Ethernet connection. Ideal for budget-conscious cord-cutters who need portable 4K streaming and strong Wi-Fi coverage.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1 GB | 2 GBbest | |
— | 16 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.5 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 26 gbest | 513 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Processor | ARM Cortex A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz |
GPU | OpenGL ES 2.0 | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz |
RAM (GB) | 1 GB | 2 GB |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Roku OS | Fire OS 7 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Standard stereo | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio/MAT, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3, FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0 | 2.1 |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E |
Ethernet Port | false | true |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Roku Voice Remote with IR TV controls | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 26 g | 513 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 20x12x94 mm | 86×77×86 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Stick+ for its sleek, plug-and-play form factor, strong long-range Wi-Fi, and solid 4K/HDR picture at a budget price, but they criticize the missing Dolby Vision/Atmos support and the lack of an Ethernet port.
Everyday users love the effortless setup, crisp 4K/HDR picture, responsive voice remote, and reliable Wi-Fi range, while recurring complaints focus on occasional overheating, short remote battery life, and intrusive interface ads.
“quick setup, intuitive interface, strong 4K/HDR picture quality”
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.
