Interestingly, its one of two new streaming sticks from Amazon this year along with the non-Max version.
Thats due to the fact that theyre very similar.
And, yes I do.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) home screen interface
But, its for a good reason.
Ive never had more bad luck with a throw in of port failing on me than a micro-USB one.
Hopefully, the next iteration of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max will use something like USB-C instead.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) comes with everything you need to plug in and start streaming.
So, if it doesnt fit, it’s possible for you to just use the extender.
This iteration also comes with an enhanced remote with Alexa built-in.
As far as performance goes, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) is very speedy.
Amazon includes an HDMI extender (shown) with is useful for making connections on a TV with closely spaced HDMI ports.
Its actually surprising how quick it is for a streaming stick, though Im sure that quad-core CPU helps.
Even using Alexa in the remote worked without much in the way of latency.
More impressive software-wise is the Ambient Experience.
The Amazon Fire TV Ambient experience
It will also show the time, weather, and a selection of widgets with more information.
Its not a make or break thing, but is a nice addition.
you’re free to essentially open a recommended series or movie without launching the app first.
You actually have to back out of the previews to get to the homepage.
Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)?
If that bothers you, there are plenty of good alternatives such as Roku.
Still, its easy to use, comes with 4K HDR support, and is under $50.
Plus, its about the size of a flash drive.
I used it with Amazon content, as well as free offerings and other apps as well.
Luna gaming on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)
Read more about how we test
First reviewed November 2023
