The sales event features deep discounts across multiple retailers, bringing flagship streaming hardware down to some of their lowest prices yet.
Discounts on Flagship 4K Hardware
Shoppers looking to upgrade their home entertainment setups can find significant markdowns on Amazon’s premier streaming devices. theverge.com reported that both the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus have returned to their lowest prices to date at major retailers including Best Buy and Target.
The top-tier Fire TV Stick 4K Max is selling for $34.99, marking a $25 savings off its original $59.99 price tag. Meanwhile, the step-down Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is available for $24.99, down from its original price. Lifehacker noted that these hardware discounts arrive ahead of the scheduled Prime Day window running from June 23 to 26.
Comparing Specs Across the Fire TV Lineup
Understanding the hardware differences between the discounted streaming sticks helps clarify which model fits specific room requirements. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max distinguishes itself by offering double the internal storage at 16GB, compared to the 8GB found in the 4K Plus. It also upgrades wireless connectivity to Wi-Fi 6E, whereas the Plus relies on standard Wi-Fi 6. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max also comes with a new 2.0 GHz quad-core processor and the best voice assistant with Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced.
Both premium models share core capabilities, including support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, and Dolby Atmos audio on compatible sound systems. They operate on Amazon’s updated software interface, which aggregates recommendations across multiple streaming subscriptions, organizes content into dedicated hubs for TV shows, sports, and more, and lets users pin up to 20 favorite applications.
For buyers seeking even lower entry points, the lineup extends into budget territory. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is marked down to $17.99 from $39.99, featuring a whopping 55% discount. With the Select model, users give up the Live View Picture-In-Picture feature, which shows a camera’s live feed through Alexa on the TV screen, and Hands-Free with Alexa, which lets users play music, search for songs, or control playback through voice commands. The Select model offers 4K resolution, but only supports Wi-Fi 5 without Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision. However, opting for the Select over the HD model requires spending just $2 more to gain 4K resolution capabilities, as the HD version maxes out at 1080p.
Smart Home Integration and Ambient Features
Beyond basic media streaming, Amazon’s hardware incorporates utility features that transform idle screens into smart displays. The 4K Max stands alone as the only streaming stick in the lineup that supports the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which turns your TV into a smart display, of sorts, that can showcase artwork and Alexa widgets, like your calendar or sticky notes, when you’re not streaming.
Both higher-end sticks feature deep integration with Alexa Plus, allowing you to launch content from specific streaming services, or search for specific scenes, with just your voice. Additionally, you can summon Alexa to control compatible smart home devices, or to display a live feed from your connected Ring cameras on the TV.
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