Side by side
| Google TV Streamer | Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | September 2024 | 2023 |
| System | Google TV (Android TV OS) | Fire OS 8 |
| Memory and storage | 4 GB, 32 GB | 2 GB, 16 GB |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E; Ethernet with a 10/100 adapter |
| Picture | 4K60, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | 4K60, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG; AV1 decoding |
| Apps | Google Play, plus developer downloads | Amazon Appstore, plus developer downloads on Fire OS |
| Form | A box beside the TV | A stick behind the TV |
Streamer figures as reported by 9to5Google and AFTVnews at launch; Fire TV figures from Amazon’s developer specifications.
What the extra memory and storage buy you
Large IPTV accounts mean long channel lists, several days of TV guide and, for some players, recordings. More memory keeps scrolling and channel switching quick; more storage leaves room for the player, its guide data and other apps without warnings. With 16 GB, the 4K Max is the best-equipped stick, but the Streamer has double.
The network question
Live TV can’t pause to catch up. The Streamer’s built-in gigabit port gives the steadiest connection without extra parts. The stick relies on Wi-Fi unless you add Amazon’s 10/100 adapter, which is still plenty for a 4K stream. See Firestick Ethernet adapter and Wi-Fi or Ethernet for IPTV.
Same players on both
TiviMate, IPTV Smarters, Sparkle TV, Kodi and VLC run on both. On the Streamer most come from Google Play; on the stick some install from their developers. See best IPTV apps for Android TV and best IPTV apps for Firestick.