The Amazon Fire TV Stick remains one of the most popular ranges of streaming sticks available. And with good cause – the devices offer decent spec and very good performance for a bargain price, especially when on sale.
But which one should you choose? Amazon has chopped and changed its range a lot in recent years, which can make picking one confusing. But we're here to help.
Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023)?
The second-generation Fire TV Stick 4K launched in 2023, and is 30 per cent faster than the old Fire TV Stick 4K (2018), and supports Wi-Fi 6. Like the previous version, it supports the major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 and HDR10 Plus) and Dolby Atmos for more immersive audio with virtual height channels. And of course, as the name suggests, it's equipped for 4K visuals.
The Alexa Voice Remote means voice controls without touching a button, and it can control your TV, soundbar and AV receiver too.
Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023)?
We haven't reviewed this model, but the previous model picked up a five-star review along with a What Hi-Fi? Award to boot. Considering the similarities to the old model, we would like to think the newer Fire TV Stick 4K could follow suit.
Is it the best streaming stick at its price?
Without testing it, we couldn't say. But it certainly stands a good chance. The four-star Google TV Streamer is compelling, but given that it's £50 pricier than the Fire TV Stick 4K, and a whopping £70+ plus more expensive when the Fire Stick is discounted, the Amazon device is likely the better buy.
Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)?
Besides the standard Fire TV Stick 4K, Amazon also launched a new version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max in 2023. The Max is the biggest and most powerful Fire TV Stick that Amazon makes.
The latest model is even more powerful than the one it replaces, upping the processor to 2GHz, and supporting Wi-Fi 6E, which potentially means lower latency streaming and faster speeds (as long as you have a compatible router).
It's also the first Fire TV Stick with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which displays artwork, info from your calendar, sticky notes, and controls for your smart home devices and music streaming services, all when you're not watching TV. (Previously, this feature was only on Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLED Series of TVs.)
The Fire TV 4K Max supports the same HDR and Atmos formats as the standard 4K model, and has double the storage (16GB) of its predecessor. It too ships with an Alexa Voice Remote that can also control your soundbar and AV receiver as well as your TV.
Should you buy the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)?
Yes! We gave the most recent model an Award for its detailed picture, comprehensive HDR support and great app selection. The sound still needs improvement, but given its price, we can forgive that.
Is it the best streaming stick at its price?
Most definitely. It's great value, even at full price. The Apple TV 4K is superior, but it's also much pricier.
Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD?
The Fire TV Stick HD launched in October 2024, and is the latest entry-level device in the Fire TV Stick family. It replaces both the standard Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite (both now retired).
What's new? Not a whole lot. There's an Alexa Voice Remote for barking commands at the virtual assistant, and you also get buttons for your TV's volume and power controls.
Other than that, it's business as usual, with HDR support, full HD picture quality, HDMI ARC compatibility and a 1.7GHz processor. It doesn't support Dolby Vision or Atmos – for those, you'll need the Fire TV Stick 4K.
Should you buy the Fire TV Stick HD?
We haven't reviewed it yet, so can't say for definite. But at the moment, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the same price...
Is it the best streaming stick at its price?
Without reviewing it, we couldn't say. Stay tuned for a full review...
Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select?
In October 2025 Amazon announced yet another member of the Fire TV Stick family. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select brings you 4K visuals on a no-frills basis – there's no Dolby Vision or Atmos, though you do still get other formats of HDR.
Instead of Atmos, you get Dolby-encoded audio via HDMI passthrough. It has the same 8GB storage as the 4K and HD models of Fire TV Stick, and Wi-Fi 5.
It also lacks the more advanced features of the pricier models: live view picture-in-picture, hands-free with Alexa, the Fire TV Ambient experience and the ability to control other media devices like set-top boxes and games consoles.
It retails for £50 / $40 / AU$89, but is often on sale.
Should you buy the Fire TV Stick 4K Select?
We haven't reviewed, so can't say for definite. But if you want 4K without extras like Dolby Vision and Atmos, it looks like a tempting proposition, especially when it's on sale.
Is it the best streaming stick at its price?
Again, difficult to say. Its strongest competition is probably its stablemate, the Fire TV Stick 4K, which is only marginally more expensive. We would opt for the latter to futureproof our investment, but if money is tight and you want 4K, the Select could be for you.
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