For hands-free Alexa, HDMI pass-through, Wi-Fi 6E, HDR10+ and AV1, choose the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation, 2022). For Android TV with Chromecast, Gigabit Ethernet, USB storage, NVIDIA AI upscaling and GeForce NOW, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (2019) is the better fit. Both support 4K playback and Dolby Vision; the right choice depends on your home setup and the features you will actually use.
This is a comparison of the manufacturers’ published specifications, not hands-on testing. App availability varies by region, and specifications can change. Confirm compatibility with your TV, audio equipment and services before buying.
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Fire TV Cube vs. SHIELD TV Pro at a glance
| Feature | Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation, 2022) | NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Video formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG; AV1, HEVC and VP9 up to 4K/60, with format-specific limitations; H.264 up to 4K/30 or 1080p/60 | Dolby Vision and HDR10; HEVC up to 4K HDR/60; VP8, VP9 and H.264 up to 4K/60 |
| Upscaling | 4K streaming device; no equivalent AI-upscaling feature is listed in Amazon’s specifications | NVIDIA AI-enhanced upscaling up to 4K/60 |
| HDMI and USB | HDMI 2.1 input and output with ARC; one USB 2.0 port | HDMI 2.0b; two USB 3.0 Type-A ports |
| Networking | Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E; 10/100 Ethernet | 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi; Gigabit Ethernet |
| Platform and voice | Fire OS 7; hands-free Alexa | Android TV 11 with Chromecast 4K built in; Google Assistant |
| Storage | 16 GB internal | 16 GB internal, expandable through USB flash drives or hard drives |
| Gaming and media features | Amazon lists no equivalent NVIDIA gaming feature on the product specification page | GeForce NOW 4K HDR cloud gaming and Android games; Plex Media Server use is supported |
| Security support information | Amazon lists security updates at least through December 31, 2030 | NVIDIA says SHIELD Experience upgrades come directly from NVIDIA; a dated support end point is not stated on its product page |
Specifications are from [Amazon’s Fire TV Cube specification page] and [NVIDIA’s SHIELD TV Pro product page]. Amazon’s update and security details are on its [Fire TV software updates page] and [Fire TV security updates page].
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChoose the Fire TV Cube if you want Alexa and HDMI input
Hands-free Alexa control
The Cube has a four-microphone array and built-in speaker, allowing hands-free Alexa commands without picking up the remote. That suits a room where voice control is part of how you manage playback or compatible connected devices. SHIELD TV Pro supports Google Assistant; NVIDIA also lists Alexa compatibility through a separate Echo device.
#1 Best Overall
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
An HDMI input for another device
The Cube’s HDMI 2.1 input lets you connect a compatible source such as a cable box, game console or webcam. It also has an HDMI 2.1 output with ARC. If you want the streaming device to sit in the signal path for another HDMI device, that input is a meaningful distinction: the SHIELD Pro lists an HDMI 2.0b output, not an HDMI input.
Wi-Fi 6E, HDR10+ and AV1
Amazon explicitly lists tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, HDR10+ and AV1 support for this Cube. Its published formats also include Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. These matter when your network, TV and streaming source can make use of them; format support on the player alone does not guarantee that a title will stream in that format.
Rank #2
- This bundle contains Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) and Alexa Voice Remote Pro.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
Choose the SHIELD TV Pro if you want Android TV, USB expansion or NVIDIA gaming
Android TV and Chromecast
NVIDIA lists Android TV 11 with Chromecast 4K built in and Google Assistant. If you prefer Google’s TV platform or routinely cast from compatible devices, that ecosystem may fit more naturally than Fire OS. Check that the apps you use are available in your region on the platform you choose; availability can change.
The Tool Desk
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The SHIELD TV Pro has two USB 3.0 Type-A ports and 16 GB of internal storage that can be expanded with a USB flash drive or hard drive. NVIDIA specifically notes the Pro’s USB ports for Plex Media Server and external drives. The Cube has one USB 2.0 port and Amazon lists 16 GB internal storage.
Rank #3
- Like-New Fire TV Cube is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Like-New Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Smarter searching starts here with Alexa – Find movies by actor, plot, and even iconic quotes. Try saying, "Alexa show me action movies with car chases."
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
AI upscaling and gaming
NVIDIA lists AI-enhanced upscaling up to 4K/60, which may appeal if you watch lower-resolution material on a 4K screen. That is a feature specification, not a measured claim that every source will look better than on the Cube. NVIDIA also lists GeForce NOW 4K HDR cloud gaming and Android games. GeForce NOW requires a compatible controller or keyboard and mouse; verify service availability and requirements in your region.
Picture formats and performance: what the specifications establish
Both devices list Dolby Vision and 4K playback, but their published format lists differ. Amazon names HDR10+ and AV1 for the 2022 Cube; NVIDIA’s SHIELD TV Pro page does not list either. NVIDIA specifies HDR10, Dolby Vision and AI-enhanced upscaling. If a particular format is important, check support across the whole chain: the streaming service or local file, the device, the TV and, where relevant, the receiver or soundbar.
Rank #4
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Do not read processor figures as a direct speed ranking. Amazon lists the Cube with an Amlogic POP1-G octa-core CPU and 2 GB of RAM; NVIDIA lists the SHIELD Pro with a Tegra X1+ processor, a 256-core GPU and 3 GB of RAM. These specifications alone do not establish which device opens apps or plays a given stream faster. NVIDIA’s 2019 launch announcement described the Tegra X1+ as offering “up to 25 percent more performance” than its predecessor; that is NVIDIA’s launch claim, not a current independent comparison of these two products. See [NVIDIA’s October 28, 2019 announcement].
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Ports and network: match the device to your setup
For wired networking
The SHIELD Pro has Gigabit Ethernet, while the Cube’s Ethernet is 10/100. The Cube has newer Wi-Fi 6E; the SHIELD lists 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi. Which connection works better in practice depends on your router, wiring, placement and broadband connection. Prefer SHIELD for a wired setup where Gigabit Ethernet is useful; consider the Cube’s Wi-Fi when your network supports Wi-Fi 6E.
Best Value
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
For USB accessories or HDMI sources
SHIELD’s two USB 3.0 ports offer more and faster USB connectivity for compatible drives and peripherals. The Cube instead has an HDMI input for routing a connected source through it, alongside HDMI output. Choose by the connection you need rather than by the HDMI version number alone: the input and output serve different purposes.
Software and update support
Amazon’s support pages list FireOS 7.7.1.6 (36005355908) as the Cube’s latest software version and list security updates for the third-generation Cube at least through December 31, 2030. These are live support details and may change. NVIDIA’s product page lists Android TV 11 and says SHIELD Experience upgrades come directly from NVIDIA, but does not state a dated support end point. That absence is not evidence that updates have ended; it means the cited product information does not provide a comparable end date.
Which one should you buy?
- Pick the Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation, 2022) if hands-free Alexa, HDMI input, Wi-Fi 6E, HDR10+ or AV1 support are the deciding features, or if you prefer Amazon’s ecosystem.
- Pick the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (2019) if Android TV with Chromecast, Gigabit Ethernet, USB expansion, NVIDIA AI upscaling, GeForce NOW or Plex-oriented storage use matters more.
- Compare your TV and content formats first if the choice hinges on HDR or a video codec. Both support 4K and Dolby Vision, but the other formats they list are not identical.
There is no current price comparison established here: NVIDIA’s $149 figure was the SHIELD Pro’s starting price at its 2019 launch, not a present-day price. Current availability, seller and price should be checked when shopping.
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Quick Recap
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