If you're confused about Amazon's new name for its Fire TV Stick 4K Plus streaming device, you're not alone. On Sept. 30, Amazon revealed its new Alexa Echo speakers, Blink and Ring cameras, Kindle e-readers and Fire TV televisions in a live event. Then on Oct. 16, the company changed the name of the Fire TV Stick 4K to Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, which has brought mixed reactions.
The internet has had a heyday with this new name change, but I think it's like movie theater popcorn -- there are typically four sizes (kids, small, medium and large) for customers to choose from, depending on how much popcorn they want. We live in a world where people like to personalize and customize their experiences, so it's sort of strange when there's pushback for small, minimal changes to a product or device.
Amazon ultimately made the name change to accommodate its latest Fire TV Stick, the Select, which was unveiled at its most recent event.
What are the real differences among the Amazon Fire Sticks?
From the entry-level Fire TV Stick HD to the new Fire Stick 4K Select, Fire Stick 4K Plus and 4K Max, Amazon's streaming devices offer similar functionality with a few slight differences and features for those willing to pay a little more. The Fire Stick you choose will depend on your preferences and budget.
Fire TV Stick HD
The base-level Amazon Fire TV Stick starts at $35 and, unlike the 4K versions, only provides video in 1080p. It offers 8GB of storage and 1GB of memory. It does not work with Alexa Plus nor does it support Xbox Game Pass.
Fire TV Stick 4K Select
The newest Amazon Fire TV Stick sells for $40 and has almost the exact same feature set as the Fire TV Stick HD, with the obvious exception of supporting 4K Ultra HD video. The 4K Select also plans to add support for Xbox Game Pass and Alexa Plus soon.
CNET streaming expert Ty Pendlebury says, "The Select is an entry-level 4K stick. Like Roku, which just has too many products that are similar in price and specs."
Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
This recently renamed Amazon Fire TV Stick retails for $50 and includes support for live picture-in-picture viewing, Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Atmos audio, Xbox Game Pass and Alexa Plus, unlike the two cheaper models. The memory on the 4K Plus is also beefed up to 2GB.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max
The top-of-the-line Amazon Fire TV Stick sells for $60. It includes all of the features of the 4K Plus and bumps up the available storage to 16GB, while adding support for Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced and Wi-Fi 6E.
What Amazon's new name for the Fire TV Stick means for you
If you're on the market for a streaming device and want to choose from Amazon's Fire TV Stick collection, we have you covered. Our experts have thoroughly tested these sticks to provide you with the best insight you need to make an informed decision. That way, you're not totally left in the dark when trying to decipher what each stick has to offer.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. It's really that simple. Whatever you choose, it should be the best option for your streaming needs. At the end of the day, that's all that really matters.
