TLDR Review: Fire TV Stick 4K Select (2025)
Pros
- •Runs on the new Linuased VegaOS, which offers a smooth, glitch-free streaming experience without the typical slowdowns or app crashes seen in older Fire TV devices.
- •Delivers true 4K streaming and Dolby Atmos support for a solid, higuality movie and TV show experience.
- •Easy and quick setup process, including neat features like QR code scanning for Amazon Prime account login and compatibility with older TVs via USB adapter.
- •Voicontrolled remote includes Alexa integration, offering convenient hands-free navigation and smart home control.
- •Remote is weluilt, comfortable to hold, and has long-lasting batteries, enhancing everyday usability.
- •Includes access to all major streaming apps and free live TV options, making it versatile for most streaming needs.
- •Supports multiple device control (such as TV and soundbar), adding value for users seeking an integrated entertainment setup.
- •Provides louder and clearer audio output compared to regular TV volume, improving the listening experience without extra sound equipment.
- •Lightweight OS and efficient hardware contribute to responsive performance with fast app launches and minimal buffering on standard internet connections.
- •Offers great value as a loost 4K streaming stick with AI-powered search and seamless integration into the Amazon ecosystem.
Cons
- •Does not support sideloading of unofficial Android apps due to VegaOS, limiting users strictly to the official Fire TV app store and reducing flexibility for custom or niche apps.
- •Limited codec support: drops V and Dolby Vision, and lacks local decoding for TrueHD or DTS-HD MA; only 2-channel FLAC audio is supported, which hampers surround sound experience for home media enthusiasts.
- •Plex and other local media streaming apps struggle with higitrate files due to heavy transcoding, often resulting in degraded video quality.
- •Equipped with only 1GB RAM and Wi 5, which keeps costs low but limits performance headroom for power users or future-proofing.
- •Heavily promotes Amazon ads throughout the interface, which can be distracting if you prefer a more aree environment.
- •Requires a very fast internet connection to reliably stream 4K content without freezing or buffering issues.
- •Best suited for streaming directly from major services and not for users with extensive personal media libraries or advanced audio setups.
- •The interface and menu are Primocused, which may feel limiting or cluttered if you’re not an Amazon Prime subscriber.
Bottom Line
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select (newest model) is a polished, affordable streaming device that excels as a straightforward 4K media streamer for users plugged into mainstream services like Prime Video and HBO Max. Its smooth performance, Alexa-enabled remote, and value pricing make it a top pick for casual streamers who want crisp visuals and solid audio without fuss. However, if you have a large personal media library with high-bitrate files or require advanced surround sound formats, this might feel a bit limiting due to codec restrictions and lack of sideloading flexibility. For those users, considering more powerful devices like the Fire TV Cube or other higher-end streamers with broader codec support could be a smarter move.
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