Welcome to the era of low-cost 4K streaming. Not only do most 4K TVs now include app and streaming service support, but dedicated 4K media streamers are becoming increasingly affordable. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K joins them, but it completely replaces the 4K-capable Amazon Fire TV. The Fire TV Stick 4K is smaller, faster, and less expensive, and it also supports Dolby Vision and has a more advanced remote.
Because of its size, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is more accurately described as a branch. This is a far more compact design than a more traditionally shaped streamer like the Apple TV 4K, but at 10cm long, the Fire TV Stick 4K will protrude from the edge of many TVs when plugged into a sideways-facing socket. Plugging it in next to other cables can also be a challenge.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]There is, at least, an HDMI extender in the box that can help with the latter issue while also improving wi-fi performance â though we had no problems with wi-fi without it. By purchasing the optional ethernet adapter, you can hardwire the Fire TV Stick 4K to your router.
The Fire TV Stick 4K is not only larger than most sticks, but it also consumes more power, to the point where you should use the included USB wall plug rather than plugging the cable into one of your TVâs own sockets â though we tested both ways and found no difference in performance. However, wall-mounters who chose a stick device for its convenience will be disappointed if they discover that plugging the Amazon into the wall is or becomes necessary.
The initial setup is pleasantly simple. The stick automatically installs any available software updates, connects to your WiFi quickly and easily, and, predictably, links to your Amazon account. The video that introduces you to your new device is informative, but it also activates any Alexa devices that are already in the room.
After the initial setup is complete, there are a few more advanced options to consider. The option to play all content at its native frame rate is disabled by default, but we strongly advise you to enable it. The Fire TV Stick 4K is also set by default to always output HDR, effectively upconverting standard dynamic range content to an unnatural effect â we recommend changing that while in the settings menus.