The Amazon Fire TV Cube is Amazon’s top-tier streaming device, positioned above the Fire TV Sticks with a faster processor, more storage, built-in Alexa speaker capability, and HDMI-in for passthrough of external devices. Video streams at up to 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and AV1 codec support. Wi-Fi 6E and wired Ethernet both come standard for network connections. The built-in far-field microphone array picks up voice commands from across the room without needing the remote.
Amazon’s fastest and most responsive streaming option
Speed is the main difference between the Cube and the Fire TV Stick line. An octa-core processor inside is twice as fast as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, with 2GB of RAM keeping app switching quick when you jump between apps. Apps load in a second or two. The Fire TV interface itself isn’t dramatically faster than on a Stick, but background operations such as content downloads and 4K stream startup do come out ahead.
HDMI-in is one of the features that doesn’t come on any other Fire TV device. Plug a cable box, PlayStation, or Xbox into the HDMI-in on the back of the Cube, and the Fire TV interface can switch to that device with a voice command or a remote button. Alexa also stays available while you’re using the passthrough device, so you can ask about a player’s stats during the game or turn off a compatible smart-home light without switching back to the Fire TV interface.
Alexa is built into the Cube through a far-field microphone array on top of the housing, the same setup Amazon uses on its Echo speakers. Voice commands work from across the room without a wake button on a remote, so you can ask Alexa to play a movie, dim smart lights, check the weather, or set a timer with your hands full. When the TV is off, the Cube functions as an Echo speaker, playing music, answering questions, and controlling smart-home routines.
Ports on the back of the Cube include HDMI-in, HDMI-out, Ethernet, USB-A 2.0, and an IR extender jack. HDMI-out connects to a TV or receiver. Ethernet supports up to 100 Mbps for wired networks, while Wi-Fi 6E supports wireless connections on compatible routers. The USB-A port accepts webcams for video calls or external storage for extra app space beyond the built-in 16GB. The IR extender jack pairs with an optional cable to control devices tucked into cabinets or shelves out of sight.
The Cube is the third generation of the Fire TV Cube line, adding Wi-Fi 6E, HDMI-in, and an octa-core processor over the previous version. The Cube also positions above the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max in Amazon’s current streaming lineup. At $110, down from $140, the current sale takes $30 off the retail price. For a smart-home household that already uses Alexa, or a living room with both a cable box and streaming apps, the Cube fits.
