The Amazon Fire TV Stick range enables you to access and stream a variety of content, including Amazon’s own, but also through apps such as Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and Now.

Amazon now has four HDMI streaming sticks and they all look similar.

Each stick plugs directly into your TV via HDMI and comes with a power adapter, HDMI extender (but not an HDMI cable), and AAA batteries for the remote.

So what’s the difference? That’s why you’re here and that’s what we’ll tell you.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon’s top TV stick is the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, taking the functions of the existing 4K model and boosting the power by 40 per cent, adding Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. That means it’s faster, while the new also enables picture-in-picture video, so your Ring Video Doorbell can be shown while you’re watching TV.

You get the same 4K HDR support, with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio as the Fire TV Stick 4K model that’s a step down, but everything on this model is faster.

Why buy? This is Amazon’s flagship Fire TV stick, offering the best experience with the most power. It’s the most expensive too and if you don’t have a Wi-Fi 6 router, you won’t benefit from those speed boosts – but the interface is still faster than other Fire TV devices.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K represents great value for money – especially when compared to devices like the Apple TV 4K. It can output video up to 4K Ultra HD resolution at 60 frames per second. It also has high dynamic range (HDR) support including Dolby Vision. Dolby Atmos support is available, which goes alongside the general 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby surround audio output plus HDMI Audio pass-through. Basically, it will play the best format possible, depending on the AV receiver, home cinema system, soundbar or TV you plug it into.

An Alexa Voice Remote is included in the box. As with the main Fire TV Stick below, there are power and volume controls too, so you can control audio gear like a soundbar. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is more powerful, but for many, this 4K model will fit the bill.

Why buy? This is Amazon’s regular 4K device, while not as capable as the 4K Max, it offers plenty of 4K HDR content from the likes of Amazon and Netflix. It’s a little slower than the 4K Max, but ultimately, the picture quality is essentially the same.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

An updated quad-core processor in the 2021 version of the Fire TV Stick offers a smooth experience on this streamer that supports 1080p quality – while it also includes support for Dolby Atmos audio alongside 5.1 and 7.1 surround audio output and HDMI audio pass-through. A full Alexa Voice Remote is included in the box and there are power and volume controls too, so you can control audio gear like a soundbar and your TV. The remote also has shortcut buttons for the main streaming services.

Why buy? For those without a 4K TV, the standard Fire TV Stick is an inexpensive way to access a wide variety of content, perfect for second or bedroom TVs.

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

Amazon’s entry-level streaming stick, the Fire TV Stick Lite, sits below the main Fire TV Stick and supports Full HD, however, there is no onboard Dolby Atmos decoding. But the key difference is the less powerful remote control – called the Alexa Voice Remote Lite. There are no volume or mute buttons, so you can’t use it to control the sound of your TV and/or soundbar. There’s also no power button. It does, however, include Alexa voice control to help you find content.

Why buy? The cheapest way to get Alexa working through a TV and if you don’t have 4K, there’s not much reason to choose the standard Fire TV Stick over this Lite version – provided you don’t mind using another remote for volume.