Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
VERDICT
If you hate searching for lost remotes, this is your savior. The Fire TV Cube is the fastest, most powerful streaming device Amazon has ever made. With hands-free Alexa built right into the box and a unique HDMI Input port, it can control your entire entertainment center with simple voice commands.
The Big Picture
Streaming sticks hang behind the TV and can't hear you well. The Fire TV Cube sits proudly on your cabinet, covered in fabric like a premium speaker. It has an octa-core processor that makes apps fly, and it features "Super Resolution Upscaling" to make old HD content look crisp on your 4K TV.
🗣️ Hands-Free Alexa
The Experience: Walk into the room and say, "Alexa, turn on the TV and play The Boys."
The Tech: It uses infrared blasters on all four sides to blast signals to your TV, Soundbar, and Cable Box. It works even if your other devices aren't "smart," replacing their remotes entirely.
🔌 HDMI Input Port
A rare feature in streamers.
The Function: You can plug your Cable Box or PS5 directly into the Cube. This lets you say "Alexa, switch to Satellite" or "Switch to PlayStation," and it manages the inputs for you. It can even overlay Alexa info (like weather) on top of your cable TV feed.
✅ The Pros
- Speed: Twice as fast as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Super Resolution: Excellent AI upscaling for HD content.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Future-proof internet speeds for buffer-free 4K.
- Acts as a hands-free Echo speaker even when the TV is off.
❌ The Cons
- Ads: The home screen is heavily populated with Amazon ads and recommendations.
- No HDMI Cable: You need to buy your own cables (Amazon doesn't include them).
- Bulky compared to a stick.
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you want to control your entire AV system with your voice.
NO if you just want simple streaming (the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is much cheaper and hides behind the TV).
See the showdown: Amazon Fire TV Cube vs. Apple TV 4K Comparison