Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Plus now includes the upgraded Fire TV OS, enhancing its streaming capabilities.
The redesigned Fire TV OS, initially showcased by Amazon at CES, was an impressive upgrade. It is faster, better structured, and resembles Google’s leading TV interface. This update is being rolled out to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, which is now available for $29.99 ($20 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target — just $5 above its best price ever. For those looking for a cheaper option and willing to wait for the update, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is also on sale for $19.99 ($20 off), just $2 more than its lowest price, at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
The new Fire TV OS update simplifies content navigation by adding top tabs for search, home, movies, TV shows, sports, news, and live content, drawing recommendations from all your subscriptions. Apps now have a dedicated row, and users can pin up to 20 favorites instead of six. Alexa Plus support is also included, enabling voice searches, scene jumps, smart home control, sports scores, and more. The remote is enhanced, allowing quick audio adjustments or device checking with a long press of the Home button.
On the hardware side, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is a commendable streaming device. Positioned as a mid-range option in the Fire TV lineup, it offers half the storage of the $40 Fire TV Stick 4K but includes HDR10 Plus, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos support. An Alexa Voice Remote provides quick access to apps and voice controls, making it a balanced choice between features and cost.
While the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is recommended, the standard Fire TV Stick 4K suits those seeking a budget-friendly 4K streaming stick for additional TVs. Priced at $20, it lacks the new OS update and has less RAM, making it slower. It also doesn’t support Dolby Vision and Atmos but includes HDR10, HDR10 Plus, Alexa Plus, and an Alexa Voice Remote, granting access to major streaming services and select Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games.