Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review

Amazon has released the all-new Fire TV Stick 4K Max that is available now for purchase.

It’s priced at $54.99 which is $5 more than its sister device, the Fire TV Stick 4K.

The all-new Fire TV Stick 4K Max features built-in Wi-Fi 6 and improved processing power.

The device is running Fire OS 7 which supports expanding the internal storage.  Don’t get too excited about this just yet, there is a big problem that I will get into below.

 

Users can also expect more memory with 2GB of RAM. (The original Fire TV Stick 4K comes with 1.5 GB of RAM).

The new Fire TV Stick 4K Max features up to 40% more processing power for a quicker, sleeker experience.

 

This is because of its new 1.8GHz processor, increased RAM memory, and strong graphics processor.

 

One of the most notable features available is support for Wi-Fi 6 which is sure to improve buffering issues and more.  See our speed tests below regarding this new addition.

 

Right now, the only other media device with Wi-Fi 6 compatibility is the Apple TV 4K priced at $179.

 

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes equipped with a MediaTek MT7921LS Wi-Fi 6 chipset that is typically seen in laptops and gaming consoles.

 

This device also features the all-new Alexa Remote with dedicated app buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, and more.

 

One thing to note about the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the provided 8 GB of internal storage.

 

This is the same amount of internal storage that comes with the Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick Lite, and other models.

 

Currently, the only model of Fire TV with more storage is the Fire TV Cube which includes 16 GB of internal storage.

 

Download Speeds

I used the Analiti Speed test app for the following tests.

I have a one GB Fiber download speed plan through my Internet Service Provider. During the WiFi tests, I am connected to the 5Ghz band on my Asus ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Router (GT-AX11000).

This router resides in the same room as my Fire TV Stick 4K Max (approximately 20 feet away from the wireless router).

I’m using Premium VPN as my VPN on USA Server 02.

WiFi

VPN On: Download = 162 Mbps & Upload = 93 Mbps

VPN Off: Download = 428 Mbps & Upload = 106 Mbps

Ethernet – via UGREEN Gigabit Adapter

VPN On: Download = 190 Mbps & Upload = 134 Mbps

VPN Off: Download = 301 Mbps & Upload = 129 Mbps

As you will see from the tests above, the new WiFi 6 chip-set makes a pretty big difference in download speeds.

Here’s what I get for wireless download speed with VPN off on the original Fire TV Stick 4K.

As you can see, I’m getting almost 100 Mbps more speed with the new Firestick Max on my WiFi 6 compatible router.

It’s important to point out that the Fire TV Stick 4K Max still supports the other typical wireless bands as well (802.11a/b/g/n/ac).

For those of you with WiFi reception problems, this could be the fix you’re looking for.