Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023)

Ranked #8 in Streaming Devices

402 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Good balance of cost and features.

Consolidated from 24 cited sources across 21 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

2 enthusiastic sources
11 positive sources
4 neutral sources
6 unconvinced sources

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Pros & cons

✓ Top stick-style device per Wirecutter
✓ Good price/performance rating on RTINGS
✓ Strong mid-tier option
✓ Competitive price
✓ HDR10+ & Dolby Vision

✗ Same ad-heavy Fire OS caveats as the 4K Max
✗ Same Vega OS transition uncertainty
✗ Better bought on sale than at full price

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 11 articles, 9 video reviews and 4 community sources

2 enthusiastic sources

PCMag Australia Article · Jun 2026

The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus adds Wi-Fi 6 to one of the best media streaming devices at the same affordable price as the previous model.

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PCMag Middle East Article · Nov 2025

The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus adds Wi-Fi 6 to one of the best media streaming devices at the same affordable price as the previous model.

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11 positive sources

Cord Busters Article · May 2026

The difference between the Max and the regular 4K stick isn’t all that big – for an extra tenner, I would go for the top one – but if you can find the 4K stick (2nd Gen) with an extra discount – then it becomes the king of value-for-money.

Read G Geek Street Geek Street · 630K subscribers · Jun 2020

Unboxing and installation of the Amazon Fire TV 4K device, with great functionality - such as the Bluetooth connection, Alexa Voice Control, streaming services and pairing up a gaming controllers. A small device but with multi options and functions! Let me know in the comments below what you think of the device.

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Lifehacker Khamosh Pathak · reviewer · Mar 2026

The main draw here, of course, is the 4K Ultra HD streaming support. You can watch 4K content with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, meaning you can watch 4K HDR content on most 4K TVs out there.

Read T Team AG Team AG · 82.3K subscribers · Jun 2023

Both are splendid devices but which is better?

Watch F r/firestick u/just_nosy-5 · owner

If it's the 2nd generation 4K Max, it's fantastic and works perfectly with any app you install, whether legal or from dubious sources. I have two, and they're still working perfectly in 2026.

Read thread D Dave Taylor Dave Taylor · 60K subscribers · Sept 2024

Either way, the new second generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K offers a huge amount of power and capabilities at a startlingly affordable price. Tech expert Dave Taylor shares an unboxing of the Firestick TV 4K and then goes into the full setup and configuration process. All 15 minutes of it!

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PCMag Middle East Article · Nov 2025

The second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max one-ups the standard model with Wi-Fi 6E support, though you'll only notice its speed and reliability improvements with a compatible router.

Read C Cloud Gaming Battle Cloud Gaming Battle · 42.3K subscribers · Jul 2024

This is a fairly easy setup overall, but first, make sure you have a compatible Fire TV Stick.

Watch F r/firetvstick u/Sletterenberg · owner

You are ok with the 4K standard. There are now ways to prevent future updates. Suggest you check on YouTube. I am not too worried.

Read thread T Things We Buy Things We Buy · 13.7K subscribers · Sept 2025

I have a slower outdated TV , I use the Amazon fire tv stick to give my TV a faster response less buffering and more of an updated operating system. This one is the 4k max supports wifi 6e for smoother streaming. It comes with power cables, battery for the remote, the stick and the hdmi extender.

Watch C ColonielLizardT4 ColonielLizardT4 · 2.7K subscribers · Oct 2023

Turns out while not a real night \u0026 day leap, the upgraded ram and processor as well as a newer remote and fuller Dolby Atmos support (for example, Netflix on the 1st gen stick doesn’t support Atmos, only DD+ 5.1) were all enticing enough to warrant such purchase.

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4 neutral sources

CNN Underscored Henry T. Casey · reviewer · Dec 2025

While I have nits to pick about all of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select’s deficiencies, I think most folks will be able to get by without noticing them (except, of course, for the slight slowness inescapable at this price point). I found the Roku Streaming Stick Plus to be a bit snappier, but I think your choice of platform (Fire TV or Roku) will have a bigger impact on your buying decision.

Read S Stu’s Reviews Stu’s Reviews · 418K subscribers · Oct 2023

Well, from a few feet away, it looks almost identical to previous versions, but upon closer inspection, it actually features a more refined design.

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Cord Busters Article · Oct 2025

But at this price point, the compromises are hard to justify when the better-equipped Fire TV Stick 4K is just a tenner more.

Read F Free Tech Free Tech · 385K subscribers · Oct 2025

So, after getting it set up and that, I'm not going to lie, I am a bit disappointed. It looks exactly the same as Fire OS or the previous versions of the Fire Stick. You'd think with it being a brand new operating system and Amazon's own, they may have freshened it up or changed a few things, but it looks exactly the same. If I go across to an app here, I'm going to click on this.

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6 unconvinced sources

Pocket-lint Eli Becht · reviewer · Apr 2026

If somebody asked me what cheap stick to pick up, I don't think I'd say to get an Amazon Fire TV Stick. I'd point them toward Onn sticks, and it's all because of a self-inflicted change.

Read L LeeTV LeeTV · 116K subscribers · Oct 2025

That's right, with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, there's no more Fire Stick jailbreak. Even though jailbreak's not a term, basically on the new Vega OS, you will not be able to side load apps. You will not be able to download installer.

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Lon Seidman & Lon.TV Blog admin · reviewer · Oct 2025

But at launch, it’s clear this is a minimally viable product, and early adopters will need to temper expectations.

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TechEnclave tech_noob · reviewer · Oct 2025

Unless you debloat the hell of Amazon sticks - it will be a choppy experience, pair it with Nextdns.

Read F Facebook Joshua Alexander · owner

So it would be a waste of time and money to buy a fitedtick if that's the reason you buying it

View post F r/firestick u/Stunning-Leek334 · owner

The plus is just a rebranded name for the old 4K the max is still the better stick

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1 stance not read source

What Hi-Fi? Article · Oct 2023

The range currently comprises four models: the Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K Select. You might also find the older Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick on sale refurbished, but as they're no longer part of the range, we've not included them here.

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