Amazon renames the Fire TV lineup — the Fire TV Stick 4K Max emerges as the smart pick

Amazon recently updated the names and pricing for its Fire TV streaming devices. The new lineup now lists five models: the $35 Fire TV Stick HD, $40 Fire TV Stick 4K Select, $50 Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, $60 Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and the $140 Fire TV Cube. The reshuffle has left several mid-tier options that differ by small, sometimes confusing features.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each model offers and the practical differences to watch for:

• Fire TV Stick HD ($35) — 1080p streaming, best budget pick for older sets or basic upgrades.
• Fire TV Stick 4K Select ($40) — entry 4K option but lacks Dolby Vision and has less memory; uses Wi‑Fi 5.
• Fire TV Stick 4K Plus ($50) — similar to the 4K Max but with less storage, Wi‑Fi 6 (not 6E), and a standard Alexa remote.
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($60) — top pick for most buyers: 4K with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Wi‑Fi 6E, 16GB storage, 2GB RAM, and support for Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass.
• Fire TV Cube ($140) — high-end option with Ethernet port, hands‑free Alexa, and advanced device control for your home theater.

In short: Amazon covers affordable, mid-tier, and high-end needs with the Stick HD ($35), 4K Max ($60), and Cube ($140). The two intermediate sticks (4K Select and 4K Plus) add complexity without clear value for most users.

If you want one recommendation: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max strikes the best balance of price and features — and it frequently drops to sale prices around Black Friday.

For the original reporting and a closer comparison chart, see the Engadget story: Engadget: Why does Amazon need five TV streamers?

Quick buying tips:

• Choose the Stick HD if you only need 1080p and a low price.
• Pick the 4K Max for future-proofing (4K, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Wi‑Fi 6E).
• Consider the Cube only if you need Ethernet and hands‑free Alexa / device control.

Discussion: Which Fire TV model would you pick for your living room — budget HD, mid-range 4K Max, or the full-featured Cube? Share your reasons below.