The Amazon Fire TV Cube and Amazon FireStick share many features, but they also differ significantly. Each device is targeted at a different set of users, so if you are planning to buy a FireOS device, this article will help you make a smart choice.
Both devices are renowned for being inexpensive. However, the Cube is the odd one out, as it is bigger, pricier, and has some additional features.
Let’s compare both devices in detail and see how they differ from each other.
FireStick Vs FireCube – Design Comparison
One of the most obvious differences between the Fire TV Cube and a Fire TV Stick is the form factor. Every Fire TV Stick has a similar basic layout. They resemble an enlarged USB drive because of their slim, light design and rectangular shape.
In contrast, the Fire TV Cube appears enormous. The 3.4-inch square box weighs 465g and has dimensions of 3.38 x 3.38 x 3.02 inches.
The FireCube is intended to be placed close to or in front of your smart TV, in contrast to the Fire TV Stick, which can be hidden behind your TV. It has a fashionable appearance and will go well with your entertainment unit.
Conclusion: The FireStick is better in the sense of size and handling, whereas the FireCube is bulky and therefore not as portable.
FireStick Vs FireCube – Hardware Comparison
With HDMI-CEC and IR capabilities built into the Fire TV Cube, you can use Alexa to manage your TV, sound system, air conditioners, and satellite boxes.
Your voice alone can control your TV’s power and input selection, adjust the volume of your soundbars, and change the TV’s connection to the cable.
In comparison, the FireStick is only controllable with the given TV remote.
Conclusion: FireCube leads this category as it has better specs.
FireStick Vs FireCube – Performance Comparison
The Fire TV Cube is Amazon’s top-of-the-line product. It is powered by an Amlogic S922X Hexa-core processor with two Cortex-A53 efficiency cores and four Cortex-A73 performance cores; both clocked at 1.9GHz.
Whereas the FireStick is powered by a quad-core MediaTek CPU, which is clocked at 1.8GHz. There have been reports of the FireStick being sluggish and inconsistent, whereas the FireCube is more consistent and fast.
Conclusion: If the pricing is not an issue, then the Fire TV Cube is the better option as it has superior performance. However, if you have a limited budget, you can go for the FirStick, knowing that FireStick delivers a great performance too.
FireStick Vs FireCube – Connectivity Comparison
A Fire TV Stick’s restricted connectivity options include just HDMI and USB connections. An HDMI, infrared, and micro-USB connector is included on the Fire TV Cube.
An Ethernet adapter is also included with the Cube for wired internet connectivity. This may be useful if other gadgets in your home are competing for bandwidth and your Wi-Fi signal is weak.
Ethernet connections are supported by the Fire TV Stick and Stick 4K, although an adapter is required.
Conclusion: Both the FireStick and The Cube are good connectivity-wise, although the Fire TV Cube has more options.
FireStick Vs FireCube – Storage Comparison
Unlike previous Fire TV devices, which only have 8GB of internal storage, the Fire TV Cube has 16GB. More storage equals more room for media files and programs.
Conclusion: More storage is a huge deal; therefore the Fire TV Cube is better in this regard
FireStick Vs FireCube – Display Comparison
Regarding streaming quality, the Fire TV Cube supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 and delivers 4K HDR streaming. It competes head-to-head with the Fire TV Stick 4K and Sticks 4K Max, which also support 4K HDR streaming at 60 frames per second.
The top streaming resolution for the basic Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite is 1080p, 60 frames per second.
Conclusion: Both devices are almost equal regarding display and streaming performance; therefore, any of the two will be able to do the job.
FireStick Vs FireCube – Price Comparison
The lowest of the lot is the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite ($30), which the $40 Fire TV Stick follows, the $50 Fire TV Stick 4K, and the $139 Fire TV Cube.
To be directly on point, there is essentially no reason for anyone to purchase the Fire TV Stick when the 4K model costs only $10 more and has a much nicer remote.
You will be investing for the long run, and you will also start with a better peripheral. Get the Fire TV Stick 4K Max if performance and app open times are important to you.
On the other side, the Fire TV Cube is somewhat pricey. This makes sense, though, given it doubles as an Alexa speaker and not just a Fire TV device.
The Fire TV Cube makes sense if your den doesn’t already have a smart speaker or if you want your digital assistant integrated inside a flexible streaming device.
Conclusion: In the battle of prices between 5 devices, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k is ideal as it has the best value-to-money ratio.
FireStick Vs FireCube – App Store Support
Each Fire TV device includes Alexa integration. You may ask Alexa to perform various tasks, including displaying the weather report, locating nearby eateries, opening any app you downloaded from the Amazon App Store, playing movies, assisting you with your shopping list, and even telling you a joke.
Each of the five devices comes with an Alexa-capable control. The remote’s Alexa (mic) button must be pressed and held to activate speech support.
The voice capabilities are slightly improved by Fire TV Cube, though. The Fire TV Cube combines the Echo Dot and standard streaming equipment.
Furthermore, it has near-field and far-field support. You can speak to Alexa hands-free without picking up the control.
Conclusion: All devices support Alexa; therefore, apps are accessible on all of them. The Cube just has a small advantage due to its enhanced voice support.
FireStick Vs FireCube – Which One is Better?
The Fire TV Cube is a unique device that excels in many ways above a Fire TV Stick.
While it costs more than the top-tier Fire TV Stick 4K Max, it offers much more value. It combines the strength of an Echo speaker with a Fire TV Stick, making it much more than just a streaming device.
The Fire TV Cube enables hands-free playback of content and voice control of your TV, satellite box, and audio system.
