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The claim that a Fire TV Cube costs $200 now is not supported by the available price evidence: a 2026 TechRadar guide lists a U.S. price of $139.99, though that is a reported price, not a verified live listing. The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV can still do more for particular jobs—especially if yours is the SHIELD TV Pro and you need USB expansion, Plex Media Server, or broad local-media support. But a Fire TV Cube is the better fit for hands-free Alexa control, and the 2022 Cube adds Wi-Fi 6E and an HDMI input. The answer depends on the exact generation and model, not a blanket “more” score.
First, identify which Fire TV Cube and SHIELD you mean
“Fire TV Cube” can refer to distinct generations. Amazon’s second-generation Cube arrived in 2019; its third-generation Cube arrived in 2022. The newer model lists Wi-Fi 6E and an HDMI input, so specifications for one generation should not be assumed to describe the other. Amazon’s second-generation specifications and third-generation specifications identify the different products.
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There is a similar distinction with NVIDIA: SHIELD TV and SHIELD TV Pro are separate models. The USB ports, Plex Media Server, and tuner-based DVR capability discussed below are Pro-specific; they should not be credited to the tube-shaped SHIELD TV. NVIDIA’s SHIELD comparison page marks those features as Pro-only.
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The reviewed evidence does not establish $200 as the Cube’s current U.S. price. A 2026 TechRadar buying guide reports $139.99, but it is secondary reporting and does not verify a live listing, seller, or exact generation. Check the listing for the specific Cube model and seller before treating any price as current. TechRadar’s guide is the source for the reported figure.
#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.
Amazon announced the second-generation Cube in 2019 at a U.S. launch price of $119.99. That is a historical launch price, not a current street price. NVIDIA’s 2019 launch announcement listed starting prices of $149 for SHIELD TV and $199 for SHIELD TV Pro; those figures are historical, too. They cannot establish which device costs less today. Amazon’s 2019 announcement and NVIDIA’s 2019 announcement give the launch context.
What “does more” means in practice
| Need | Better fit based on documented features | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-free voice and compatible AV control | Fire TV Cube: Amazon describes far-field Alexa control and control of compatible TV and AV equipment. | Compatibility, configuration, and service availability affect what voice commands can control. |
| USB storage, peripherals, or Plex Media Server | SHIELD TV Pro: NVIDIA lists two USB 3.0 ports, expandable storage, and Plex Media Server. | These Pro features do not apply to the standard SHIELD TV; confirm that apps and files support your formats. |
| Wired network connection | SHIELD TV Pro: NVIDIA lists Gigabit Ethernet. | The cited specifications do not make this a like-for-like port comparison with every Cube generation. |
| Wi-Fi 6E or HDMI input | Third-generation Fire TV Cube: Amazon lists both. | These are specifications of the 2022 third-generation Cube, not a general description of all Cubes. |
| Gaming | SHIELD offers NVIDIA gaming options, including GeForce NOW; Amazon documents Cube voice and streaming features. | GeForce NOW requires a subscription; supported games, availability, and service terms can change. The cited sources do not establish a universal performance winner. |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, and advanced audio formats | SHIELD TV Pro lists Dolby Vision, HDR10, Dolby Atmos and DTS passthrough, plus high-resolution audio support. | Format support on the device does not guarantee that a particular app, title, file, TV, or receiver will deliver that format end to end. |
When the SHIELD TV Pro does more
If “more” means serving a local-media setup, the SHIELD TV Pro has a clear feature advantage on paper. NVIDIA lists two USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, expandable storage, and Plex Media Server. Its comparison page also identifies Plex and USB-tuner DVR as Pro features. Those are useful distinctions if you want to attach storage or peripherals, run a Plex server, or use tuner-based DVR.
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.
NVIDIA also lists Dolby Vision, HDR10, Dolby Atmos and DTS passthrough, and high-resolution audio support for the Pro. Treat these as supported capabilities, not guarantees for every playback chain: compatibility depends on the content, playback app, file, television, and audio equipment. Check the formats you actually use before buying around a codec or passthrough requirement. NVIDIA’s SHIELD TV Pro specifications detail the listed connections and formats.
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When a Fire TV Cube is the better choice
The Cube’s distinguishing case is hands-free Alexa control. Amazon describes far-field voice control and the ability to control compatible TV and AV devices. That can suit a living room where voice is the preferred way to start playback or operate compatible equipment; it is not evidence that every television, receiver, service, or command will work without setup.
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.
If considering the 2022 third-generation Cube, its listed Wi-Fi 6E support and HDMI input may also matter for the connection layout or wireless network in your home. Those features do not make it interchangeable with the 2019 second-generation Cube, and the best choice depends on the ports and wireless capability you need. Amazon’s third-generation product specifications describe that model’s features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV still worth buying?
It can be, if the exact model meets a need that a newer streaming device does not. A SHIELD TV Pro remains relevant for buyers who value its documented USB expansion, Plex Media Server, Gigabit Ethernet, or specified media-format support. For gaming, NVIDIA describes SHIELD gaming options including GeForce NOW, but availability and subscription terms matter, and the source material does not support a blanket claim that SHIELD wins every game comparison.
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.
For an ordinary streaming setup centered on hands-free Alexa control, the Cube may be the more appropriate device. Compare the exact Cube generation against the exact SHIELD model, then verify current prices and app or service support in your region. NVIDIA’s 2019 launch announcement also described local streaming and native games at that time; current gaming services and terms should be checked with NVIDIA rather than inferred from launch-era claims. NVIDIA’s SHIELD product page covers its current product positioning.
Quick Recap
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
