Highlights
- However, if you’re a heavy media consumer who enjoys storing movies, TV shows, or music offline, the Fire TV Cube 3 offers an expandable storage option via a microSD card slot, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional storage.
- The Fire TV Cube 3 adds an HDMI In port, allowing you to connect external devices such as cable boxes or gaming consoles and control them using the Fire TV Cube 3’s remote.
- However, if you’re on a budget or don’t require these additional features, the Fire TV Cube 2 is still a solid choice and offers a great streaming experience.
The Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3 are Amazon’s top-of-the-line streaming devices, offering a plethora of features and capabilities to enhance your home entertainment experience. But with only a few years separating them, you may wonder which one is worth your investment. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3, helping you make an informed decision.
Performance and Processing Power
At the heart of the Fire TV Cube 2 lies a hexa-core processor, while the Fire TV Cube 3 boasts an upgraded octa-core processor. This difference translates into faster performance, smoother navigation, and quicker app loading times on the Fire TV Cube 3. You’ll appreciate this enhanced responsiveness, especially when switching between apps or streaming high-quality content.
Storage Capacity
Both the Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3 come with 16GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, games, and downloaded content. However, if you’re a heavy media consumer who enjoys storing movies, TV shows, or music offline, the Fire TV Cube 3 offers an expandable storage option via a microSD card slot, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional storage.
Streaming Quality and Resolution
When it comes to streaming quality, the Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3 both support 4K Ultra HD resolution, ensuring crisp and detailed visuals. However, the Fire TV Cube 3 takes it a step further with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, two advanced HDR formats that deliver even more vibrant colors and enhanced contrast. If you have a compatible TV, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning visuals with the Fire TV Cube 3.
Audio Performance and Immersive Sound
Both devices offer immersive audio experiences, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats. However, the Fire TV Cube 3 features an upgraded speaker system with two additional tweeters, resulting in louder and clearer audio output. This improved sound quality is noticeable when watching movies or listening to music, providing a more cinematic and engaging experience.
Remote Control and Voice Control Capabilities
The Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3 come with dedicated remote controls that feature voice control functionality powered by Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. With these remotes, you can easily search for content, launch apps, control playback, and even control compatible smart home devices using your voice. The Fire TV Cube 3’s remote also includes dedicated buttons for volume control and power, providing added convenience.
Connectivity and Ports
In terms of connectivity, both devices offer Wi-Fi 6 support for faster and more stable wireless connections. Additionally, they both have an Ethernet port for wired connectivity, providing a reliable and low-latency connection for streaming high-quality content. The Fire TV Cube 3 adds an HDMI In port, allowing you to connect external devices such as cable boxes or gaming consoles and control them using the Fire TV Cube 3’s remote.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value faster performance, expandable storage, superior streaming quality, improved audio output, and the convenience of an HDMI In port, the Fire TV Cube 3 is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t require these additional features, the Fire TV Cube 2 is still a solid choice and offers a great streaming experience.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
Apart from the direct comparison between the Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3, there are a few additional factors to consider when making your decision:
- Content Library and Streaming Services: Both devices offer access to a wide range of streaming services, including popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. However, some services may have exclusive content or different subscription plans on different platforms. Check the availability of your preferred content before making a choice.
- Gaming Capabilities: If you’re interested in gaming on your streaming device, the Fire TV Cube 3 has a slight edge with its more powerful processor and support for cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna and NVIDIA GeForce Now.
- Smart Home Integration: Both devices support Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, allowing you to control compatible smart home devices using voice commands. However, the Fire TV Cube 3 has a built-in Zigbee hub, which expands its compatibility with a wider range of smart home devices.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which device has a better remote control?
A: The Fire TV Cube 3’s remote features dedicated buttons for volume control and power, providing added convenience.
Q: Can I use the Fire TV Cube 2 remote with the Fire TV Cube 3?
A: No, the Fire TV Cube 2 and Fire TV Cube 3 have different remotes that are not interchangeable.
Q: Does the Fire TV Cube 3 support 8K streaming?
A: No, neither the Fire TV Cube 2 nor the Fire TV Cube 3 supports 8K streaming.
Q: Can I connect a soundbar to the Fire TV Cube 2 or Fire TV Cube 3?
A: Yes, both devices have an HDMI ARC port that allows you to connect a soundbar or AV receiver for enhanced audio output.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The Fire TV Cube 3 has a more powerful processor and supports cloud gaming services, making it a better choice for gaming.