Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3)

ForDedicated Ethernet and USB-A portsHDMI enter permits for controlling third-party equipmentSupports as much as 4K HDR10+ streaming with Dolby AtmosImproved microphones for hands-free AlexaMaterial-wrapped design is a welcome changePerformance has been improved by 20%TowardsAlexa Voice Remote Pro bought separatelyFar too many adverts to cope with

Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)

ForSupports as much as 4K HDR10+ streaming with Dolby AtmosIncluded distant helps IR and BluetoothLoads of microphones to make use of Alexa hands-freeStill highly effective sufficient in your streaming needsAgainstNo longer being boughtThe shiny design is a fingerprint magnetFar too many adverts to cope with

On one hand, the marketplace for the very best streaming gadgets could possibly be a bit overwhelming for some. But on the opposite, there’s all the time room for enchancment, so when Amazon introduced the Fire TV Cube (Third Gen), we had been naturally excited.Its predecessor was launched again in 2019, and Amazon’s huge array of good house gadgets has modified dramatically since then. So whether or not you are deciding for those who ought to improve, or simply need to know which is best between the Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3) vs. (Gen 2), we’re right here to assist. Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3) vs. (Gen 2): Spec comparisonWhy you possibly can belief Android Central

Our knowledgeable reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services so you possibly can select the very best for you. Find out extra about how we check.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0 Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3)Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 2)Dimensions86 x 86 x 77mm86.1 x 86.1 x 76.9mmProcessorAmlogic POP1-GAmlogic S922zRAM2GB2GBStorage16GB16GBPicture High qualityUp to 4K UHD (3840×2160)Up to 4K UHD (3840×2160)Dolby VisionYesYesHDRHDR10 / HDR10+ / HLGHDR10 / HDR10+ / HLGRemoteThird-Gen Alexa Voice RemoteThird-Gen Alexa Voice RemoteWi-Fi 6EYesNoDwell View Picture-in-PictureYesYesPortsHDMI 2.1 Input, HDMI 2.1 Output, IR Extender, Power, USB-A 2.0, Ethernet port 10/100MbpsHDMI, energy, micro-USB, wired infrared assistAmazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3) vs. (Gen 2): What’s new?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Unlike evaluating the Fire TV Cube vs. Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) the variations this time round are extra instantly obvious. So obvious, the truth is, that each one it’s good to do is to have a look at them. The Fire TV Cube (Third Gen) is wrapped in the identical material materials that you will discover on lots of the greatest Alexa audio system, ditching the shiny and fingerprint-magnet end discovered on the primary two iterations.Keeping with the aesthetics, for those who flip the Fire TV Cube (Third Gen) round, you will instantly discover fairly a distinction within the variety of ports which might be obtainable. In a world the place evidently producers are eradicating ports only for the sake of it, Amazon took a special method. You’ll discover a whole of six ports on the again of the brand new Fire TV Cube, versus the 4 ports obtainable on its predecessor. Another stunning transfer was that Amazon launched an “HDMI In” port, permitting you to plug in your cable field or gaming console, and management every part straight from the Fire TV Cube itself. There’s even a USB-A port on the again, making it straightforward to plug in a webcam if you wish to flip your TV right into a super-sized Echo Show of kinds. (Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Under the hood, there are much more variations, as Amazon guarantees a 20% improve in efficiency in comparison with the earlier mannequin. Other adjustments embody assist for Wi-Fi 6E, along with an improved array of microphones. So whereas you’ll get pleasure from hands-free Alexa on both the Fire TV Cube (Third Gen) vs. Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen), Alexa could be a bit extra responsive with the newer mannequin. One different distinction price stating comes right down to the included distant. The Third Gen Fire TV Cube ships with a barely up to date Alexa Voice Remote in comparison with its predecessor. With this, you will solely be capable to depend on pairing the distant along with your TV Cube by way of Bluetooth out of the field, whereas the earlier mannequin additionally supported an IR blaster. (Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)No matter what Fire TV Cube you find yourself with, you will need to spring for a number of further bucks in order for you the brand new Alexa Voice Remote Pro. This was introduced alongside the Fire TV Cube (Third Gen), however is not bundled with Amazon’s most costly streaming machine. On the brilliant facet, even for those who personal or choose up a preowned Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen), the brand new Voice Remote Pro will work with it. Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3) vs. (Gen 2): What’s the identical?(Image credit score: Android Central)In phrases of general performance, you are not going to essentially discover a lot of a distinction right here. Both of those Cubes are able to streaming as much as 4K UHD and HDR10+ content material, whereas additionally together with assist for Dolby Atmos, 7.1 encompass sound, and HDMI audio passthrough. Despite the inclusion of an HDMI 2.1 port on the Fire TV Cube (Third Gen), it is nonetheless restricted to the identical 60fps as its predecessor.As we talked about beforehand, you’ll ask Alexa to activate a film for you, because of the built-in microphone array on both machine. If you do not need to scream throughout the room, there is a devoted Alexa button discovered atop the Alexa Voice Remote.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The most evident similarity between the Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3) vs. (Gen 2) is the interface itself. It’s the identical throughout the board, and your whole favourite streaming apps or companies are nonetheless obtainable, no matter which model you personal. However, this additionally means that you will have to cope with the identical degree of adverts, equivalent to being unable to take away promoted sections for a service that you simply aren’t even subscribed to. Amazon Fire TV Cube (Gen 3) vs. (Gen 2): Which TV Cube is greatest?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)If you are seeking to improve from the Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen), we might argue that it is not an absolute necessity, but. There are quite a lot of figuring out components that go into making that call, equivalent to how lengthy have you ever owned your present Fire TV Cube. However, we should admit that having the extra ports with no need to make use of a dongle is a degree of comfort we weren’t anticipating. Plus, the flexibility to attach different gadgets to your Fire TV Cube (Third Gen) and management it from a single distant can also be fairly a wonderful expertise.Unfortunately, those that had been excited to see HDMI 2.1 and pass-through assist, could be disenchanted if the plans had been to attach both a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The determination to restrict the output to 60fps is a little bit of a head-scratcher, as we really feel like this was a missed alternative for Amazon. Nevertheless, in order for you the very best streaming machine powered by Alexa, it would not get any higher than the Fire TV Cube (Third Gen). Those hanging onto the final iteration might want to determine whether or not the enhancements are definitely worth the improve. 

Amazon Fire TV Cube (Third Gen)

Blending in
The Fire TV Cube (Third Gen) is Amazon’s greatest and strongest streaming machine. And the design overhaul now gives a cohesive look with Amazon’s Echo audio system. 

Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)

Getting lengthy within the tooth
The Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) may not be the very best from Amazon, however that does not imply it is not nice. You’ll nonetheless be capable to entry your whole streaming companies, whereas having fun with a hands-free Alexa expertise.