TiVo Stream 4K
Score: 65/100
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.
TiVo Stream 4K is an Android TV dongle that aggregates multiple streaming apps and live TV into a single 4K Dolby Vision interface with voice control. It suffers from an outdated Android 9 OS, modest 2 GB RAM and no wired Ethernet, which can affect performance. It works well for casual viewers seeking a unified streaming experience.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2 GBbest | 2 GBbest | |
8 GB | 16 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 5 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | — | 513 gbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Processor | Amlogic S905Y2 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz |
GPU | Mali-G31 | ARM Mali G52-MP2 800 MHz |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Android 9.0 | Fire OS 7 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | 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 Audio/MAT, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3, FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | 2.0a | 2.1 |
Connectivity(3) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6E |
Ethernet Port | false | true |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | voice remote | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 53×16×77 mm mm | 86×77×86 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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 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.
