The Amazon Fire Cube is one of Amazon’s latest creations, a portal to stream different types of media, whether it be Live TV, Youtube Videos, Netflix or Amazon Prime Videos. This may sound similar to the Amazon Fire Stick, but the Amazon Fire Cube is a newer more robust model that has more features to it.
The Amazon Fire Cube can connect through WiFi or a wired connection with an adapter that comes with the cube for a more secure / faster connection. The Cube allows you to set up the Amazon Remote as the remote for your TV, giving you the capability to turn the TV on and off and the volume up and down using one remote.
One of the cool features that can be used with the Amazon Fire Cube is Amazon Alexa. That means that you don’t need an Amazon Echo or Dot, but can still have a lot of the same functionality of those devices (this isn’t saying you couldn’t add those devices to other parts of your house making your house a smarter house). With the capability of having Amazon Alexa built into the Fire Cube you can use commands such as “Hey Alexa, turn on Family Room TV” (if that’s the TV the Cube is connected to) and it will turn that TV on and off for you.
Just like with the Amazon Fire Stick the software updates occasionally and you can set this to update manually or automatically. If you have it set to automatic, which is the default, it will update at times you are not using the device and then waits for the next time you restart the device to install the updated components.
What we liked:
- Amazon Alexa software is built into the cube, making the Fire Cube a combination of the Fire Stick and the Echo / Dot.
- The ability to use a wired or wireless connection
- Speed with the Amazon Fire Cube is superior to the Amazon Fire Stick supporting 4K resolution better (although the 4K Fire Stick is now available – Regular Fire Stick is only 1080p capable)
- Apps are easily found and remote is easy to use
- If remote is lost or battery is dead, you can download the Amazon Remote App and connect it to your Fire Cube
What we disliked:
- At times connection would switch back and forth between a wired and wireless connection because both were present.
- Sometimes the router needs to be reset to clear cache and have the Amazon Fire Cube work smoother
- Amazon Fire Cube needs to be manually restarted every month or so to help with the installation of updates (The Cube slows down, when an update is downloaded and waiting for a restart to finish the installation).
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is just one device in the long line of Amazon streaming deices. There are other devices that are a little less expensive, but don’t give you a lot of the features that the Cube has are:
Some of the features that the others don’t support are the ability to have a wired connection. With this you have a physical and more secure connection leading to faster download / upload times. This also helps support better 4K resolution (Fire Stick and Fire Stick Lite only support up to 1080p resolution).
The Amazon Fire Cube also has Amazon Alexa software fully integrated into it. This means it will accept the same commands the Echo and Dot will without holding down any button, just say “Hey Alexa”. Set up is very easy and once you have it plugged into your TV it walks you through the rest of the set up.
When it comes to price, the closest comparison is the Fire Stick 4K at around $50. The Amazon Fire Cube is around $120, but it combines several features in one and you are getting more of a deal (if you are looking for another smart device in your home). Even though some people will choose the less expensive stick we found the Amazon Fire Cube to be a cost efficient device that saves you from spending $50 for the Fire Stick and then another $50-$100 on an Echo / Dot.
Check Prices on Amazon: Amazon Fire Cube
Amazon Fire TV Cube
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is an elite device that combines live and recorded media streaming with the Amazon Alexa software allowing for all of your "Hey Alexa" commands. The device allows for a physical connection as well as a wireless connection letting your speed remain high and resolution clear as you stream media to your tv.
Buying one of the Fire TV Sticks is not a bad option (after all you can save $60 is the wired connection and integration of Amazon Alexa doesn't do it for you). However, if you are looking or even thinking of making your house a smarter house, then buying a Fire Cube is a No-Brainer! This device supports 4K resolution, updates often - automatically and is very easy to set up / use. We here at LikedorDisliked believe the Amazon Fire Cube to be an all around Home Run!
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