Amazon is strengthening its streaming offerings with the Fire TV 4K Max , the latest evolution of its popular HDMI dongle. This little stick promises to transform any television into a fully-fledged Smart TV, with 4K Ultra HD quality, the built-in Alexa voice assistant, next-generation WiFi 6E, and even gaming capabilities via the Amazon Luna platform. It's an attractive product on paper that aims to replace the sometimes slow interfaces of smart TVs, but it deserves a closer look to assess its true performance and limitations. Here's our full review.
Amazon has dominated the streaming dongle market for several years, facing Google Chromecast and Apple TV. This new iteration of the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick consolidates this leading position with solid technical arguments. With a quad-core processor more powerful than the previous generation, WiFi 6E compatibility to reduce latency, and 16 GB of internal storage (double the standard version), the streaming stick positions itself as the high-end solution for enjoying Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and many other services directly on your TV. We tested it for several intensive weeks to evaluate its interface, its fluidity in everyday use, its display quality in real conditions, and its additional features like cloud gaming and home automation integration. After more than 100 hours of use, here is our detailed verdict.
Table of Contents
Design and contents of the box: simple but complete
The packaging of the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick remains true to the Amazon philosophy: simple, efficient, and without unnecessary marketing frills. The box features a sleek design where only half of the space is actually used, the rest serving as protection. Upon opening, we discover the stick itself, compact with its small dimensions, but with a certain reassuring weight that inspires the quality of its manufacture. The matte black plastic used prevents fingerprints.
The Alexa voice remote is a natural companion to the device. Its compact size makes it comfortable to hold, even for extended use. Amazon has integrated predefined buttons for one-click access to Netflix, Prime Video, and Amazon Music. A fourth button unlocks access to other installed apps. The remote works via infrared and Bluetooth, allowing you to control the TV's volume and power directly.
A particularly handy addition to the package is the included HDMI extension cable. This small, flexible accessory makes it much easier to connect the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick to hard-to-reach HDMI ports, such as those on the back of wall-mounted TVs or in tight corners. Amazon also includes two AAA batteries for the remote, a long USB cable, and a 5W power adapter, which is needed during the initial setup phase.
The streaming stick stands out for its sleek finish and remarkable compactness. It connects directly to any standard HDMI port, and if your setup allows, you can then power it via your TV's USB port rather than monopolizing a power outlet. A welcome detail for minimalist setups.
Installation and configuration: exemplary simplicity from the start
Getting started with the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick is remarkably smooth and designed for all user profiles. You have two options: using the Fire TV app available on iOS and Android smartphones, or directly using the included remote control. The first method considerably simplifies the process, especially for entering WiFi and Amazon credentials.
From the very first use, the stick guides you step by step without ever getting lost. First step: pairing the remote control by simply pressing the Home button. Then comes the selection of the language from a dozen options (French, English, Spanish, German, etc.). Connection to the WiFi network is then done in two ways: either by scanning a QR code from the mobile application which automatically transmits the information, or by manually entering the password via the remote control.
Once you've logged in to your Amazon account (required to use the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick), the device will automatically update to the latest version of Fire OS. This typically takes between 3 and 5 minutes, depending on your connection. The stick will automatically reboot, install the update, and then prompt you to select your favorite apps to pin to the home screen. This initial customization allows for faster access to your favorite services.
This complete setup phase only takes 10 to 15 minutes. The interface then offers the option to configure a customizable screensaver with your personal photos or the Amazon image bank (landscapes, artwork, fauna, flora), and to enable or disable parental controls with a PIN code. Everything is designed to be accessible, even for users who are not comfortable with technology or seniors.
Important note: During initial setup, USB power is insufficient. You will need to plug the Fire TV 4K Max into the mains using the included adapter. Once setup is complete, you can switch to USB power from your TV if it provides enough power (usually 1A minimum).
Fire OS interface and application catalog: a rich ecosystem
The Fire OS interface on the Fire TV 4K Max is fluid and intuitively organized. The main tabs (Home, Search, Live, Library, Settings) allow you to quickly navigate content without ever getting lost. The home screen displays your pinned apps at the top, followed by personalized recommendations based on your active subscriptions and viewing history.
Amazon has paid particular attention to ergonomics with logical vertical and horizontal navigation. The thematic rows follow one another: "Continue Watching," "New on Prime Video," "Trending Netflix," "Popular on Disney+"... This aggregation of multi-platform content eliminates the need to juggle between applications to find something to watch. Universal search also works across all installed services.
The Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick's app catalog is impressive in its breadth and diversity. Video streaming: Prime Video (obviously), Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Canal+, MyCanal, OCS, Salto, Molotov TV, Arte, TF1+, M6+, France.tv, 6play… All the major French and international streaming services are present. For audio: Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal. Not to mention Twitch for gaming and live streaming.
Navigating between apps is seamless thanks to the next-generation quad-core processor. Transitions are instantaneous, menus respond quickly, and even with multiple apps running in the background, there are no hitches. This is one of the Fire TV 4K Max's major strengths compared to the often clunky native interfaces of smart TVs.
Important to note: While the catalog is extensive, some platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Crunchyroll, OCS, or Canal+ require a separate paid subscription. Only Prime Video and free channels (YouTube, Pluto TV, Molotov free version, France.tv) are accessible at no additional cost to Amazon Prime subscribers.
Technical performance: WiFi 6E and the processor make the difference
This is where the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick really stands out from the standard version and justifies its higher price point. Its ultra-fast quad-core processor, which Amazon doesn't provide the exact model number but is estimated to be 40% more powerful than the previous generation, coupled with WiFi 6E (802.11ax on the 6 GHz band), guarantees drastically reduced loading times compared to previous models.
WiFi 6E is a true revolution for streaming. This new standard offers higher bandwidth, reduced latency, and, above all, less interference, even in crowded environments with many connected devices. In concrete terms, launching an application or starting 4K content takes 2 to 3 seconds, compared to 5 to 7 seconds on older sticks. Menu navigation is also more responsive.
The 16GB of internal storage (compared to 8GB on the regular Fire TV 4K) allows you to install more apps and games without constantly worrying about available space. On our test model, after installing 25 various apps (streaming, gaming, utilities), there was about 8GB left free. This additional capacity is particularly useful if you plan to fully exploit the gaming features via Amazon Luna.
During our stress tests with multiple simultaneous streams (4K streaming on the main TV, Spotify music in parallel, background app updates), the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick never showed the slightest sign of weakness. The RAM, although not officially communicated by Amazon, seems sufficiently sized to handle multitasking without slowdown.
The only real technical stumbling block: the lack of a built-in RJ45 Ethernet port. For a wired connection, which is more stable and less susceptible to interference than WiFi, you'll need to invest in an Ethernet adapter sold separately by Amazon for around €15-20. This questionable choice for a "Max" model positioned high-end would have deserved this native option, especially since the competition (Nvidia Shield TV in particular) integrates this port as standard. Amazon argues that WiFi 6E makes Ethernet superfluous, but in practice, some users with a saturated network or far from their box will prefer the stability of the cable.
Picture and audio quality: a real treat for the eyes and ears
Fire TV 4K Max supports all of today's most demanding picture and sound standards: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels at 60 frames per second), HDR (High Dynamic Range), HDR10+ with dynamic metadata, Dolby Vision for compatible TVs, and Dolby Atmos for audio for immersive sound spatialization.
Our extensive testing with various reference content allowed us to precisely assess the key's capabilities. On The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Prime Video, Dolby Vision), the image sharpness was impressive, with fine details perfectly rendered even in dark scenes. The textures of the armor, the blades of grass, the stones of the walls: everything is chiseled. Contrast management with Dolby Vision is a real plus, with deep blacks and bright whites without overexposure.
For example, in (Netflix, HDR10+), the desert scenes bathed in intense light allowed us to test the brightness increase. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming key correctly transmits HDR10+ metadata to dynamically adjust the brightness scene by scene. On a high-end OLED or QLED TV, the rendering reaches remarkable quality, almost identical to a physical 4K Blu-ray player.
Dolby Atmos compatibility literally transforms the sound experience for those with a compatible soundbar or home theater system. We tested it with a Sonos Arc bar: the immersion becomes total, with convincing sound spatialization that places the effects all around you. Helicopters fly overhead, dialogue remains centered and intelligible, and the bass rumbles with power. It's amazing.
Amazon also offers the Alexa app to pair two Echo speakers (preferably the Echo Studio) and an Echo Sub to create a true wireless Alexa home theater system. We weren't able to test this setup, but user feedback is generally positive about the audio-video synchronization and sound quality.
The Fire TV 4K Max's built-in Bluetooth 5.2 streaming stick makes it easy to connect wireless headphones or earbuds to isolate yourself in your own little world or avoid disturbing those around you late at night. We tested it with Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones: pairing takes just a few seconds from the settings, and there was no noticeable audio lag. This is handy for watching a series after the kids go to bed.
Gaming with Amazon Luna: The Positive Surprise of the Test
This is probably the most unexpected and pleasantly surprising aspect of our Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick review. Amazon Luna, the home cloud gaming platform launched in 2020 in the United States and arriving in France in 2023, takes full advantage of the power of the new quad-core processor and low-latency WiFi 6E.
The concept of cloud gaming is based on a simple principle: games run on powerful remote servers, and only the video stream is transmitted to your screen, while your commands are sent back to the server. No need for an expensive console or a high-powered gaming PC. A streaming stick is all you need, provided you have a solid internet connection (Amazon recommends a minimum of 35 Mbps for 4K, 10 Mbps for 1080p).
The Luna catalog offers a variety of high-quality titles: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Forza Horizon 5, FC 24, Fortnite, The Sims 3, Control, Devil May Cry 5, Sonic Mania, Grid Legends, etc. You can find both recent AAA and independent titles. Some games are included in the Amazon Prime subscription (around ten rotating titles), others require the Luna+ subscription at €9.99/month with more than 100 games available, and Ubisoft offers a dedicated channel at €17.99/month for its franchises (Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, etc.).
Amazon sells a dedicated wireless Luna Controller (€49.99) that connects directly to Wi-Fi to reduce latency, but it's not absolutely mandatory. Any standard Bluetooth controller works perfectly with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming stick. We tested it with an Xbox Series controller (USB connection via OTG adapter) and a PS5 DualSense via Bluetooth: no compatibility or button recognition issues.
Real-world performance was surprisingly convincing. On a 500 Mbps fiber connection with the router 5 meters from the dongle, latency was almost imperceptible in racing games like Forza. In more demanding FPS games like Call of Duty, there were some micro-latencies in rapid aiming movements, but nothing prohibitive. Image quality at 1080p 60fps remains very decent, with a slight blur from video compression visible only if you really look for it.
This gaming feature adds real value to the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick and can appeal to the whole family: parents for Netflix and Prime Video, kids for playing Fortnite or The Sims directly on the living room TV without a console. It's an unexpected versatility that transforms this simple streaming dongle into a true complete media center.
Voice Remote and Alexa: Intelligence at your fingertips
The voice remote that comes with the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick is undoubtedly one of the major advantages of the Amazon ecosystem over the competition. Beyond the classic buttons (directional, select, return, menu) and the four customizable app shortcuts, it's the Alexa button that really shines.
A simple press of this button (represented by the microphone icon) allows you to launch ultra-precise voice searches. Some examples tested successfully: “Alexa, find me an action movie with Bruce Willis”, “Alexa, play a video by [YouTube creator] on YouTube”, “Alexa, show me the romantic comedies added this month”, “Alexa, resume my series where I left off”…
The voice assistant responds with remarkable accuracy and consistently offers multiple options based on your active subscriptions. If content is available on multiple platforms (Prime Video AND Netflix, for example), Alexa lets you choose. Voice recognition works even with broken French or a strong accent, and perfectly understands complex proper nouns (directors, actors, foreign titles).
But Alexa via the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick goes far beyond simply searching for content. The assistant controls your compatible home automation devices throughout your home: "Alexa, turn on the living room lights," "Alexa, lower the thermostat temperature," "Alexa, close the shutters," "Alexa, show me the security cameras"... Connected cameras (Ring, Arlo, Nest, etc.) can even be displayed as a picture-in-picture while you watch content, to keep an eye on the entrance or the children's room.
For users integrated into the Amazon ecosystem (Echo speakers, thermostat, Ring doorbell, smart plugs, etc.), the synergy is total and truly impressive. You can create complex Alexa routines that can be triggered from the streaming stick: "Alexa, start theater mode" could, for example, turn off the lights, close the blinds, turn on the soundbar, and launch Netflix automatically.
For those who prefer to avoid voice commands out of habit or modesty, a simple long press on the Alexa button on the remote control instantly opens the "Smart Home" tab where all your smart devices (lights, plugs, cameras, thermostats, locks, robot vacuums, etc.) are accessible in just a few clicks via a clear visual interface. Practical and discreet.
The remote also includes TV control buttons: volume +/-, power off. The setting is done automatically when the Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming key is first set up, which detects the brand of the TV and configures the appropriate infrared codes. Works with almost all brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, etc.).
Additional features: the little extras that matter
Amazon has paid particular attention to the details of the Fire TV 4K Max stick with several original features that enrich the daily user experience.
The dynamic screen replaces the standard black screen with images, videos, or artwork that transform your TV into a digital photo frame. Amazon offers an impressive library of high-definition content by default: breathtaking natural landscapes (mountains, beaches, forests, deserts), classic and contemporary works of art, wildlife photography, aerial views of cities, etc. The quality is there with smooth 4K videos and perfectly detailed images.
But the real plus is the ability to import and display your own personal photos stored on Amazon Photos (included with Prime for unlimited photo storage). Your vacation memories, family photos, artistic snapshots: everything can be displayed in a personalized slideshow. You can configure the display with the digital or analog clock, local weather, various informative widgets, set borders (classic, modern, borderless), and change the background. The transitions between images are smooth and elegant.
The default landscape and wildlife videos are definitely worth a special mention: aerial shots of Norwegian fjords, sunsets on tropical beaches, the Northern Lights, autumn forests, schools of tropical fish... It's beautiful, relaxing, and really transforms your living room when the TV is not in use. Much nicer than a black screen or a static logo.
The Fire TV 4K Max's portability is also worth highlighting. Its compact size and light weight (less than 50 grams) make it easy to take on the go: hotel rooms, vacation homes, friends' or family's houses... Simply plug it into any TV with an HDMI port to instantly find all your content, apps, settings, and personalized recommendations. No more fiddling with different interfaces on each TV.
Multiple user profiles allow each family member to have their own personalized space on the Fire TV 4K Max, with recommendations, viewing history, favorites, and tailored parental controls. Up to six profiles can coexist. This is useful for preventing children's cartoons from polluting parents' recommendations, or for preventing your crime series from appearing on your children's profile.
X-Ray feature is particularly fun for movie buffs. While watching a movie or series, a simple press of the button instantly displays information about the actors on screen, the music currently playing, filming locations, production anecdotes, and more, all without leaving the playback. Ideal for those moments when you wonder, "Where have I seen this actor before?"
✔ Exemplary fluidity thanks to the new generation quad-core processor and ultra-fast WiFi 6E.
✔ Exceptional 4K picture quality with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and impeccable detail rendering.
✔ Immersive Dolby Atmos sound for convincing spatialization.
✔ Complete and efficient Alexa integration (home automation, voice searches).
✔ Gaming via Amazon Luna surprisingly functional (credible cloud mini-console).
✔ Generous 16GB of storage for 25-30 apps.
✔ Intuitive voice remote with shortcuts and integrated TV control.
✔ Bluetooth 5.2 to connect headsets and controllers without latency.
✔ Customizable dynamic screen function with 4K photos and videos.
✔ Exceptional portability (50g) for travel.
✔ Comprehensive app catalog (all major streaming services).
✔ Multiple user profiles (up to 6) to personalize the family experience.
✔ Unbeatable value for money at €69.99 (often on sale at €49.99).
✖ No native RJ45 Ethernet port: Adapter sold separately (€15-20) required for wired connection.
✖ Multiple paid subscriptions required to take full advantage (Netflix, Disney+, Luna+, etc.).
✖ Amazon Luna requires an additional subscription (€9.99/month).
✖ Mains power required during initial setup.
✖ Amazon ecosystem restricts users who prefer neutrality.
✖ Prime Video-oriented interface with systematic highlighting of Amazon content.
✖ Cloud gaming limited by internet connection quality (35 Mbps minimum).
✖ X-Ray feature exclusive to Prime Video (no equivalent on Netflix or Disney+).
Final verdict: your TV's best multimedia ally
After three weeks of intensive use and more than 100 hours of testing in different configurations, the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick not only fulfills its primary mission but goes far beyond expectations. It transforms any television, even basic and unconnected, into a truly complete and powerful Smart TV , offers remarkable image and sound quality unexpected gaming capabilities and its accomplished home automation integration .
WiFi 6E + new-generation quad-core processor duo ensures exemplary fluidity in all situations. The 16 GB of storage gives you plenty of space and allows you to install around thirty applications without worrying about space. The Fire OS , while Amazon-oriented, remains intuitive, fast and never frustrating in everyday use.
Alexa integration works beautifully and adds real value beyond just a marketing gimmick. Voice search is accurate and fast, home automation control is seamless and efficient , and the voice remote makes everyday use much simpler.
The gaming surprise via Amazon Luna is the real highlight of this test. Transforming a simple HDMI dongle into a functional cloud gaming console , capable of running recent AAA games in 1080p/60fps with acceptable latency, is a technical feat.
The 4K picture quality with Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos sound are up to the standards of the high-end market. On a good OLED or QLED TV and a compatible sound bar, the rendering easily rivals dedicated 4K players at €200-300. Demanding videographers will appreciate the fine details and the accuracy of the colorimetry .
The only drawbacks to the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick are the inexplicable absence of a native RJ45 Ethernet (an optional adapter is required), and the requirement to purchase multiple paid subscriptions to take full advantage of the catalog. But this last point applies to all streaming ecosystems.
For those who have a non-connected or aging television, for those who want to replace the clunky, advertising-laden interface of their Smart TV, for those already invested in the Amazon ecosystem, the Fire TV 4K Max streaming stick represents a relevant investment at €69.99 (often on sale at €49.99 ) which will considerably improve the streaming, gaming and home automation experience in your living room.
It's currently our number one pick in the premium streaming dongle , ahead of the Chromecast with Google TV (less powerful, no gaming) and tied with the Apple TV 4K (more expensive, better for the Apple ecosystem).
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