Roku Ultra vs Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2026)
The Roku Ultra has ethernet, better remote, and no Amazon ecosystem lock-in. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is $40 cheaper and faster. Here is how to choose.
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Roku Ultra (2024) wins overall
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both devices output Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos passthrough correctly on every major app. Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Max, and Prime Video all look identical on both devices when connected to the same 4K TV. The differences are software, interface, and remote, not picture quality.
Yes. Amazon sells an official Ethernet Adapter for Fire TV at around $15 that plugs into the micro-USB power port and provides both power and ethernet. It works well and is worth buying if you are using Fire TV in a room with poor Wi-Fi. With the adapter, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max matches the Roku Ultra on wired reliability.
Both have every major streaming service - Netflix, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and all the live TV services. The app catalog is effectively tied. Fire TV has more niche Amazon-exclusive apps. Roku has slightly better support for small independent streaming services and free ad-supported channels via The Roku Channel.