Latest news with #HDMI
Time Business News
10 hours ago
- Time Business News
IPTV Box: The Ultimate Guide to Next-Generation Streaming (2025)
Television and entertainment have come a long way from the days of bulky CRT screens and endless cable wires. Today, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) has disrupted the traditional broadcasting industry, giving users more control, flexibility, and affordability than ever before. At the heart of this revolution lies the IPTV Box – a small, portable device with the power to transform your entire viewing experience. Whether you're a tech enthusiast eager to upgrade your home entertainment setup or a business looking to sell IPTV services, this in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know about IPTV boxes in 2025. 📺 What is an IPTV Box? An IPTV Box is a streaming device that allows you to watch television channels, movies, and on-demand content over the internet instead of relying on cable or satellite connections. Think of it as a bridge between your TV and the vast world of internet content. Once connected, it gives you access to: Live TV channels from around the world 🌎 Video-on-Demand (VoD) services 🎬 Apps like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more 📱 Interactive features like pausing, rewinding, and recording live TV ⏯ All you need is a TV with an HDMI port and a stable internet connection to unlock this powerful experience. 🚀 How Does an IPTV Box Work? The magic of an IPTV box lies in its ability to decode streaming signals transmitted over the internet and deliver them to your television. Here's how it works: 1. Connect to the Internet – Via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. 2. Stream Content – The IPTV service provider sends TV signals and VoD content over IP networks. 3. Decoding – The box processes the data into high-quality audio and video for display on your TV. 4. Interactive Features – Some IPTV boxes allow recording, time-shifting, and even gaming. Unlike traditional cable TV, IPTV gives you on-demand access, meaning you're no longer bound by fixed schedules or geographical limits. 🌟 Key Features of IPTV Boxes in 2025 Modern IPTV boxes come packed with powerful features designed for seamless viewing: ✅ Ultra HD and 4K/8K Streaming – For cinema-like picture quality. ✅ Global Channel Access – Watch sports, news, and entertainment from any country. ✅ Video-on-Demand – Access massive libraries of movies and series. ✅ DVR Functions – Record live shows to watch later. ✅ App Ecosystem – Install popular streaming apps for more content. ✅ Parental Controls – Protect your kids with content restrictions. ✅ Multi-Device Support – Use on multiple TVs with one account. 🎯 Benefits of Using an IPTV Box Here's why more people are cutting the cord and switching to IPTV: 🌍 1. Global Entertainment Without Limits No matter where you are, an IPTV box gives you access to thousands of international TV channels, including premium sports, kids' shows, and movies. 💸 2. Save Money Every Month Cable subscriptions can be expensive. IPTV services are more affordable, with no hidden fees and customizable packages. 🖥️ 3. High-Quality Streaming Enjoy smooth, buffer-free streaming in HD, 4K, and even 8K, provided you have a stable internet connection. 🏡 4. Portability and Ease of Use Travel often? Carry your IPTV box anywhere and enjoy your favorite shows on any TV. 🛡️ 5. Safe for Kids With parental controls, you can block inappropriate channels and set watch-time limits. 🏆 Top IPTV Boxes in 2025 Here are the best-performing IPTV boxes this year: 🔥 1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Compact and powerful. Alexa-enabled for voice commands. Huge app library. 🚀 2. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Supports gaming and AI upscaling for 4K. Great for tech-savvy users. 📦 3. Formuler Z11 Pro Max Excellent for dedicated IPTV services. Smooth interface and premium build. 🍏 4. Apple TV 4K Seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. 🌎 5. MAG 524 Trusted by IPTV professionals and resellers. Excellent streaming stability. 🛍️ How to Choose the Best IPTV Box for Your Needs? When shopping for an IPTV box, ask yourself: ✔️ What's my budget? (Options range from $40 to $300) ✔️ Do I want 4K or regular HD? ✔️ Do I need app support like Netflix and YouTube? ✔️ Is portability important to me? ✔️ Which IPTV services are compatible? Choose wisely to avoid buying an underpowered device that limits your streaming experience. 📈 For Businesses: Why Sell IPTV Boxes? If you're an entrepreneur, IPTV boxes represent a fast-growing, profitable market in 2025. Benefits for Businesses: ✅ High Demand Worldwide ✅ Low Startup Costs ✅ Recurring Income from IPTV Subscriptions ✅ Scalable Online Business Combine this with a strong SEO strategy, and you can reach global customers searching for 'IPTV box near me' or 'buy IPTV box online.' 📢 Marketing Hashtags for IPTV Services Here are the best hashtags to use when promoting your IPTV box: #IPTV #IPTVBox #CutTheCord #4KStreaming #SmartTV #StreamingDevice #DigitalTV #StreamingRevolution #TechGadgets #HomeEntertainment #UnlimitedStreaming 📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓ Is an IPTV box legal? ✅ Yes, the box itself is legal. However, always use legitimate IPTV services to avoid copyright issues. ❓ Do I need fast internet for IPTV? ✅ A minimum speed of 15 Mbps is recommended for HD streaming. For 4K, aim for 25 Mbps or higher. ❓ Can I use an IPTV box on any TV? ✅ Yes, as long as your TV has an HDMI port. ❓ Are there monthly fees? ✅ The IPTV box is a one-time purchase, but you may need a subscription for premium channels. 🏁 Conclusion: Is an IPTV Box Worth It? An IPTV Box is not just a gadget—it's your gateway to unlimited entertainment, global content, and a smarter viewing experience. For consumers, it's a cost-effective, flexible, and high-quality alternative to cable TV. For businesses, it's a profitable niche with huge demand in 2025. 📢 Ready to Upgrade Your Streaming Experience? 👉 Get the best IPTV box today and unlock endless possibilities for home entertainment! 📲 Contact us for bulk orders or reseller opportunities. SEO Meta Description: 'Explore the ultimate 2025 guide to IPTV boxes. Learn how they work, benefits for users & businesses, and why IPTV is the future of streaming. #IPTVBox' TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Is 71% off on this HP laptop a mistake? Save $1,200 before it's gone
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Deals this good rarely come along, especially on electronics as capable as this HP Laptop, during a time when inflation threatens to hike prices on everything from eggs to computers. If there's one thing worth investing in, it's your future, and a high-powered laptop makes all kinds of dreams possible. This 15.6-inch laptop has a clear, full HD screen that's easy on the eyes, even in bright light, and is great for everything from streaming shows to editing documents. It runs on a fast Intel processor, has 32GB of memory for smooth multitasking, and comes with a massive 1TB of storage to hold all your files, photos and apps without slowing down. Store all your documents, projects, photos, videos and apps without relying on external drives or cloud subscriptions. And with Windows 11 Pro, you'll get pro-level security features and faster performance right out of the box. Advertisement For ports, it includes USB-C, two regular USBs, HDMI for connecting to a monitor or TV, a charging port, and a headphone jack. It also has fast Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth for wireless connections. What else do you need to begin a successful business, finish school, or play a game on the side for a breather? Hurry while it's still available at this unbeatable price. Amazon Power through work, school, or side hustles with 32GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and a full HD screen, plus all the ports and power you need to stay connected. This high-performance laptop is rarely this discounted. Grab it before it's gone! For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Unmissable soundbar deals on Amazon: Save up to 60% on immersive sound experience
There's never been a better time to enhance your audio experience with a high-quality soundbar. Whether you're watching films, streaming music, or gaming, a soundbar can bring rich, immersive sound to your living room without the bulk of traditional speaker systems. Product Rating Price Sony HT-S20R Real 5.1ch Dolby Digital Soundbar for TV with subwoofer and Compact Rear Speakers, 5.1ch Home Theatre System (400W,Bluetooth & USB Connectivity, HDMI & Optical connectivity) View Details Creative Stage 160 Watt 2.1 Channel Wireless Bluetooth Soundbar (Black) View Details PHILIPS Audio HTL8162 2.1CH 160W Bluetooth Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, HDMI ARC, Metal Grille, Glass Top & Touch Control (Black) View Details Sony HT-S500RF Real 1000w Dolby Audio Soundbar for TV with Rear Speakers & Subwoofer Home Theatre System (Bluetooth Connectivity, HDMI & Optical Connectivity, USB Playback) View Details Bose TV Speaker- Small Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Includes Remote Control and Optical audio cable, Wall mountable Black, View Details View More With a wide range of styles and features to suit every need, these latest soundbar deals offer excellent value for money. From sleek, minimalist designs to models packed with advanced audio technology, you're sure to find the perfect match for your space—at a fraction of the usual cost. Sony's HT-S20R delivers a true 5.1 channel surround experience in a compact, affordable package. It features rear speakers, a subwoofer, and a 3-channel soundbar for a cinematic, immersive sound stage, making it an excellent pick for living rooms craving movie-theatre vibes. The 400W output pours power into every explosion and whisper, while seamless Bluetooth and USB connectivity boost its everyday versatility. Its classic Sony design is slim and modern, fitting easily with most TV setups. Multiple connectivity options—HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, and USB—make setup nearly foolproof with a broad array of TVs and devices, while the user-friendly controls keep operation simple for all users. However, advanced audiophiles may desire more EQ adjustment. Drivers Multiple (full system, specific driver sizes not listed) Connectivity Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, USB Frequency Response 0.01 Hz The Creative Stage soundbar offers a clutter-free, compact design that fits under most monitors and TVs. With 160W output and dual custom-tuned mid-range drivers, the subwoofer delivers room-filling sound and thumping bass, perfect for movies or music. Installation is simple with flexible mounting and plug-and-play. Connectivity covers all the basics: Bluetooth, USB, AUX, optical, and HDMI ARC. The included remote gives you access to EQ presets and specific bass/treble controls. Memory card slot is missing, which some users may expect, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder on a modest budget. Connectivity Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Optical, ARC Subwoofer Dedicated, wired Mounting Wall mount kit included Philips' HTL8162 blends stylish design with practical features. The metal grille and glass top give a premium look, while 160W output and wireless subwoofer deliver punchy and well-balanced audio. Touch controls add modern convenience, and remote access means full-featured, easy operation from the couch. Multi-connectivity options are a highlight, with HDMI ARC, USB, Audio-in, and Bluetooth all supported. The system mounts neatly on tables, making it very versatile. The only notable omission is the lack of customizable sound profiles. Drivers Not specified (2.1 channel) Connectivity Bluetooth, USB, HDMI ARC, Audio-in Subwoofer Wireless, compact Design Metal grille, glass top with touch controls Sony's HT-S500RF is a powerhouse home theatre with a massive 1000W output and full 5.1 channel setup. It uses two large rear speakers, a dedicated subwoofer, and a three-channel soundbar to deliver a truly immersive audio experience ideal for big rooms and action-packed content. Enhanced front tweeters enrich the highs, while the 18cm subwoofer guarantees booming bass. Features include Bluetooth, USB playback, HDMI, and optical input—ensuring seamless integration with most setups. Designed for the Indian market, it excels in loudness and clarity. Size and price may deter those with limited space or modest needs. Drivers Multiple, including front tweeters Connectivity Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, Optical F&D's E200 offers a minimalist, affordable solution for desktops, laptops, and small rooms. With a simple 3W driver setup, it emphasizes clarity and enhanced bass for its size. Compact and USB-powered, it's perfect for students, gamers, or office spaces needing a quick audio upgrade without the clutter. Easy to set up and use, the E200 is built for convenience and portability. However, the low wattage and lack of wireless options mean this product is best for personal rather than home theatre use. The Bose TV Speaker is designed to clarify voices and enhance TV audio in a compact size. With two angled full-range drivers, it creates a wide natural sound for overall better TV listening. Bluetooth streaming capabilities let users switch easily between TV audio and personal playlists. It stands out for its ease of setup and wall-mountable form factor. While simple, features like Dialogue Mode and bass boost on the remote are practical. Advanced features and big volume are not its focus. Drivers 2 angled full-range Output Power Not specified Connectivity Bluetooth, HDMI-ARC, Optical Included Remote control, optical cable Yamaha's SR-C20A is a compact soundbar with a built-in subwoofer and Bluetooth streaming. It focuses on providing clear voice and spatial audio in smaller settings, with practical features like HDMI and optical inputs and wall-mounting. Suited for desks or bedrooms, this bar is not made to shake walls, but delivers clarity, convenience, and surprising bass from a small package. However, it isn't waterproof and lacks the volume of larger bars. Drivers Built-in subwoofer, passive radiators Connectivity Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, Aux Mounting Wall-mountable with keyholes This Zebronics bar offers Dolby Digital Plus surround at a value price, and can be mounted three ways. The 120W combined power and 16.51cm subwoofer deliver impactful sound for movies and music, while multiple ports guarantee device compatibility. The LED display and remote allow fine volume and media control. It's a good fit for users wanting theater-like experience on a budget, but the design may not be as sleek as pricy competitors. Drivers Subwoofer (16.51cm), soundbar (4 x 6.98cm, 2 x 2.54cm) Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, USB, AUX, HDMI ARC, Optical Audio Modes Dolly Digital Plus Mounting Tabletop, wall, free-standing Blaupunkt SBW100 delivers strong, German-engineered sound with its 120W soundbar and wired subwoofer. Multiple input options—HDMI ARC, AUX, Bluetooth, USB—make it easy to set up with various devices. The side-firing woofer produces rich, heavy bass, enhanced by genre-tailored EQ modes (Song, Cinema, Dialog, Flat). The minimalist European look is sleek, and all controls are remote-operated. Because the subwoofer is wired, cable management is needed, and wattage is mid-tier. Drivers Not specified (includes side-firing sub) Connectivity HDMI-ARC, AUX, Bluetooth, USB The boAt AAVANTE Bar 2050 provides powerful 160W audio through a 2.1 system with a wireless 80W subwoofer. Packed with modes—including NEWS, MOVIES, and MUSIC—it caters to multiple entertainment preferences. Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, AUX, USB, and Optical cover connectivity for most devices. Signature boAt sound emphasizes bass and clarity, making it a top pick for music and movies in mid-sized rooms. While stylish, it may not suit small spaces and is best for those wanting punchy, dynamic output. Output Power 160W (80W bar + 80W sub) Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, AUX, USB, Optical Audio Modes Multiple entertainment modes Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I've tried BEST Fire TV Stick money can buy – and it has three clever Amazon tricks that could save you £100s a year
WHEN it comes to telly, few gadgets are as well known as the Amazon Fire Stick. And I've been trying out the best version of this blockbuster device: the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max . It's a supreme plug-in streamer that I reckon could even save you hundreds of pounds a year. 9 The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach has been trying out the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 9 It's the top-of-the-range Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun If you're new to the Fire Stick game, this is a small black bar that plugs into the back of your telly. It goes into the HDMI port. Your TV almost certainly several of those. And it'll give it a brand new interface chock full of apps, games, and some clever Amazon features too. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 The idea is that no matter what TV you have – even if it's old and a bit rubbish – you can get a new and "smart" experience on the cheap. Read more on Amazon And at £69.99 (or potentially less if you read on...), this device is way cheaper than upgrading to a newer TV. Of course Amazon Fire TV Sticks can be snapped up for far less, with the HD model coming in at just £39.99. So what makes this so good? Why am I here raving about it to you? AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – WHAT IS IT? Let's start with the basics. You plug it in, and you're pretty much good to go in a matter of seconds. Most read in Tech It's a fairly easy system to navigate. If you've ever used a phone or telly (and let's be honest, you probably have) then it's the same thing. You've got a list of apps that you can open, and they'll serve up content. There's a frankly enormous selection of apps available via the Amazon Appstore. But you get some bits pre-installed, like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and (of course) Amazon Prime Video. These are all official and legal apps – no "dodgy" Fire Sticks here. Amazon Fire Stick trick lets you find lost remote instantly using hidden 'ringer' There's also a Live tab packed with loads of live TV channels. These are totally free to watch. The only catch is that you'll have to sit through ads. But if you fancy effectively unlimited Hell's Kitchen, Mythbusters, or Baywatch , you're in luck. The big advantage for this device over the cheapest Amazon Fire Stick is the 4K quality. 9 You control the Fire Stick with this handy Alexa-enabled voice remote (but you can use the buttons if you'd prefer not to chat with your telly) Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun You'll be able to watch Ultra HD Netflix or Amazon Prime Video content in its full native resolution. So all of that extra detail is captured and displayed (as long as you have a 4K telly too). There is a slightly cheaper Fire Stick 4K (the one without the "Max" branding) that costs a tenner less. There are a few minor differences, including a slightly more advanced Wi-Fi system that you don't really need to worry about, and an "Ambient Experience" that shows artwork on your telly. They're both fine to have, but they're not the big winners. Instead, look out for the doubled storage on the Max (16GB versus 8GB) so you can download more apps. 9 The interface is easy to navigate – and guides you on how to use features as you go Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun And note that the processor is also faster on the Max, which makes it ultra-speedy. A slow telly is immensely frustrating. Don't put yourself through that. WHAT I'M MOST IMPRESSED BY One of the best things about the Amazon Fire TV Stick platform generally is the vast array of apps on offer. You can get pretty much everything on here. But there are some great options that save you money . For a start, you've got so much free telly on offer that you'd struggle to get through it all. You could quite easily watch TV forever without paying a penny. So if you fancy binning all of your TV subscriptions, you won't have to go without telly. That'll save you hundreds of quid right off the bat. But earlier this week, I also revealed how you could quite easily enjoy For £14.99 a month you can get Xbox Cloud Gaming , which is basically a "Netflix for games". 9 Loads of popular apps are available on the Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun So instead of having a console render the gaming visuals, they're beamed to you over the internet instead. You can play a massive library of over 350 games without owning a console. You just need a Fire Stick, decent internet, and a wireless games controller – like an Xbox or PlayStation joypad. It's a great way to make a saving, because you don't need to fork out for a console. But there's an even cheaper option that I'm also pretty impressed by. AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – THE OFFICIAL SPECS Here's a quick look... Picture Resolution: 4K Ultra HD Video Formats: Dolby Vision / HDR / HDR10 / HDR10+ / HLG Audio: Dolby Atmos Bundled Remote: Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced Storage: 16GB Memory: 2GB Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E Picture-In-Picture Live View: Yes Ambient Experience: Yes Picture Credit: Amazon Amazon has its own Xbox Cloud Gaming rival called Luna. And if you pay the £8.99-a-month Luna+ fee, you get more than 100 games to play. It's massively cheaper than buying a console, and you can cancel at any time. That's harder to do with a console. It works extremely well, and the visuals are stunning – because they're being rendered by powerful Amazon computers. 9 You'll be able to unlock seemingly endless live telly too Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun Better yet, if you've got Amazon Prime then you get some games for free – even if you're not paying for Luna+. That includes Fortnite, which is a smash-hit shooter game that almost needs no introduction. So that's a third way this could slash your bills . If you can enjoy the free games you're getting with Prime, you don't need to pay for Luna+ at all. Are there any downsides? Honestly, it's pretty good for the price. I think the iPad , or Apple Watch. But that magical Apple box starts at £149, so it should be better. Not everyone needs a £149 plug-in streamer. But I think Amazon's 4K Max device is a great middle-ground between your smart TV or a bottom-end Fire Stick and a top-end gadget like the Apple TV 4K. 9 If you have a Bluetooth controller (like this Amazon Luna joypad) then you can play top-tier video games on the Fire Stick without even owning a console Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun SHOULD YOU BUY IT? Whether it's the gadget for you really depends on your budget – and home set up. If you haven't got a 4K telly or you're not paying for any 4K content subscriptions (if you've got the basic Netflix plan, for instance), then buying a 4K Stick is arguably overkill – unless you're looking for future-proofing. But 4K TVs are much cheaper to come by these days, so keep that in mind. If you're an Apple fan that wants to splash out, the Apple TV 4K is still my top pick for a streaming gadget. I'm impressed by it. For the price, this is good value for money – and it's got several ways to slash your entertainment bills too. It's fairly small and doesn't need a tangle of wires. The remote is neat and easy to use, and looks good on the coffee table. It also gives you access to the Alexa voice assistant, which is handy for asking about the weather or demanding a movie. And the set-up is no-nonsense. I'd only downgrade to the cheapest Fire Stick if I was sticking it in a spare room on a non-4K TV. Otherwise, this feels like the Fire Stick to go for. The other thing to watch out for is pricing. 9 Amazon has a special gaming service called Luna for playing video games over the internet Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun As I mentioned, this gadget normally costs £69.99 – but it doesn't always. Amazon often discounts its own products. Just plug the gadget into CamelCamelCamel (a tracker that monitors Amazon prices over time) to see for yourself. There are several points where it's been on sale for as low as £50, and even £44.99. The average retail price is £58.74. So this gadget is even better value for money if you can pick it up in a sale. There's no guarantee, but keeping your eyes peeled around Black Friday 2025 (that's November 28) could be a good idea. The Sun says: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the perfect mid-range streaming gadget – and the best of the Amazon "sticks". It can save you money, and delivers 4K visuals across your favourite apps. 5/5 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 Check The Sun's guide to Fire Stick 4K vs Fire Stick 4K Max. 9 The Fire Stick takes up very little space at the back of your telly Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – Pros and Cons Pros Extremely easy to set up and use Huge selection of content – and loads of free content too Viable alternative to a games console Takes up almost no space Great value for money Cons Slower than an Apple TV Better value if you wait for a sale
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review: I've tried BEST Fire TV Stick money can buy – and it has three clever Amazon tricks that could save you £100s a year
WHEN it comes to telly, few gadgets are as well known as the Amazon Fire Stick. And I've been trying out the best version of this blockbuster device: the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It's a supreme plug-in streamer that I reckon could even save you hundreds of pounds a year. 9 The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach has been trying out the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 9 It's the top-of-the-range Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun If you're new to the Fire Stick game, this is a small black bar that plugs into the back of your telly. It goes into the HDMI port. Your TV almost certainly several of those. And it'll give it a brand new interface chock full of apps, games, and some clever Amazon features too. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 The idea is that no matter what TV you have – even if it's old and a bit rubbish – you can get a new and "smart" experience on the cheap. And at £69.99 (or potentially less if you read on...), this device is way cheaper than upgrading to a newer TV. Of course Amazon Fire TV Sticks can be snapped up for far less, with the HD model coming in at just £39.99. So what makes this so good? Why am I here raving about it to you? AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – WHAT IS IT? Let's start with the basics. You plug it in, and you're pretty much good to go in a matter of seconds. It's a fairly easy system to navigate. If you've ever used a phone or telly (and let's be honest, you probably have) then it's the same thing. You've got a list of apps that you can open, and they'll serve up content. There's a frankly enormous selection of apps available via the Amazon Appstore. But you get some bits pre-installed, like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and (of course) Amazon Prime Video. These are all official and legal apps – no "dodgy" Fire Sticks here. Amazon Fire Stick trick lets you find lost remote instantly using hidden 'ringer' There's also a Live tab packed with loads of live TV channels. These are totally free to watch. The only catch is that you'll have to sit through ads. But if you fancy effectively unlimited Hell's Kitchen, Mythbusters, or Baywatch, you're in luck. The big advantage for this device over the cheapest Amazon Fire Stick is the 4K quality. 9 You control the Fire Stick with this handy Alexa-enabled voice remote (but you can use the buttons if you'd prefer not to chat with your telly) Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun You'll be able to watch Ultra HD Netflix or Amazon Prime Video content in its full native resolution. So all of that extra detail is captured and displayed (as long as you have a 4K telly too). There is a slightly cheaper Fire Stick 4K (the one without the "Max" branding) that costs a tenner less. There are a few minor differences, including a slightly more advanced Wi-Fi system that you don't really need to worry about, and an "Ambient Experience" that shows artwork on your telly. They're both fine to have, but they're not the big winners. Instead, look out for the doubled storage on the Max (16GB versus 8GB) so you can download more apps. 9 The interface is easy to navigate – and guides you on how to use features as you go Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun And note that the processor is also faster on the Max, which makes it ultra-speedy. A slow telly is immensely frustrating. Don't put yourself through that. WHAT I'M MOST IMPRESSED BY One of the best things about the Amazon Fire TV Stick platform generally is the vast array of apps on offer. You can get pretty much everything on here. But there are some great options that save you money. For a start, you've got so much free telly on offer that you'd struggle to get through it all. You could quite easily watch TV forever without paying a penny. So if you fancy binning all of your TV subscriptions, you won't have to go without telly. That'll save you hundreds of quid right off the bat. But earlier this week, I also revealed how you could quite easily enjoy a "virtual" Xbox on the Fire Stick – rather than paying for a £500 console. For £14.99 a month you can get Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is basically a "Netflix for games". 9 Loads of popular apps are available on the Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun So instead of having a console render the gaming visuals, they're beamed to you over the internet instead. You can play a massive library of over 350 games without owning a console. You just need a Fire Stick, decent internet, and a wireless games controller – like an Xbox or PlayStation joypad. It's a great way to make a saving, because you don't need to fork out for a console. But there's an even cheaper option that I'm also pretty impressed by. AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – THE OFFICIAL SPECS Here's a quick look... Picture Resolution: 4K Ultra HD Video Formats: Dolby Vision / HDR / HDR10 / HDR10+ / HLG Audio: Dolby Atmos Bundled Remote: Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced Storage: 16GB Memory: 2GB Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E Picture-In-Picture Live View: Yes Ambient Experience: Yes Picture Credit: Amazon Amazon has its own Xbox Cloud Gaming rival called Luna. And if you pay the £8.99-a-month Luna+ fee, you get more than 100 games to play. It's massively cheaper than buying a console, and you can cancel at any time. That's harder to do with a console. It works extremely well, and the visuals are stunning – because they're being rendered by powerful Amazon computers. 9 You'll be able to unlock seemingly endless live telly too Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun Better yet, if you've got Amazon Prime then you get some games for free – even if you're not paying for Luna+. That includes Fortnite, which is a smash-hit shooter game that almost needs no introduction. So that's a third way this could slash your bills. If you can enjoy the free games you're getting with Prime, you don't need to pay for Luna+ at all. Are there any downsides? Honestly, it's pretty good for the price. I think the Apple TV 4K box is still a slicker experience. It feels faster to navigate, and I think the whole interface looks better. Plus it works neatly with your other devices if you have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. But that magical Apple box starts at £149, so it should be better. Not everyone needs a £149 plug-in streamer. But I think Amazon's 4K Max device is a great middle-ground between your smart TV or a bottom-end Fire Stick and a top-end gadget like the Apple TV 4K. 9 If you have a Bluetooth controller (like this Amazon Luna joypad) then you can play top-tier video games on the Fire Stick without even owning a console Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun SHOULD YOU BUY IT? Whether it's the gadget for you really depends on your budget – and home set up. If you haven't got a 4K telly or you're not paying for any 4K content subscriptions (if you've got the basic Netflix plan, for instance), then buying a 4K Stick is arguably overkill – unless you're looking for future-proofing. But 4K TVs are much cheaper to come by these days, so keep that in mind. If you're an Apple fan that wants to splash out, the Apple TV 4K is still my top pick for a streaming gadget. I'm impressed by it. For the price, this is good value for money – and it's got several ways to slash your entertainment bills too. It's fairly small and doesn't need a tangle of wires. The remote is neat and easy to use, and looks good on the coffee table. It also gives you access to the Alexa voice assistant, which is handy for asking about the weather or demanding a movie. And the set-up is no-nonsense. I'd only downgrade to the cheapest Fire Stick if I was sticking it in a spare room on a non-4K TV. Otherwise, this feels like the Fire Stick to go for. The other thing to watch out for is pricing. 9 Amazon has a special gaming service called Luna for playing video games over the internet Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun As I mentioned, this gadget normally costs £69.99 – but it doesn't always. Amazon often discounts its own products. Just plug the gadget into CamelCamelCamel (a tracker that monitors Amazon prices over time) to see for yourself. There are several points where it's been on sale for as low as £50, and even £44.99. The average retail price is £58.74. So this gadget is even better value for money if you can pick it up in a sale. There's no guarantee, but keeping your eyes peeled around Black Friday 2025 (that's November 28) could be a good idea. The Sun says: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the perfect mid-range streaming gadget – and the best of the Amazon "sticks". It can save you money, and delivers 4K visuals across your favourite apps. 5/5 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 Check The Sun's guide to Fire Stick 4K vs Fire Stick 4K Max. 9 The Fire Stick takes up very little space at the back of your telly Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
