Quick answer
Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Google TV Streamer – which is better for IPTV?
Both are excellent. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is cheaper, plugs straight into the TV and is the most popular choice in the UK. The Google TV Streamer costs more but has double the storage, more memory and a built-in Ethernet port, which makes it faster with large channel lists and steadier for live sport. If budget matters, choose the Fire Stick; if you want the smoothest experience, choose the Google TV Streamer.
These are two of the best streaming devices you can buy for IPTV in the UK. They both support all the popular player apps, 4K and HDR, but they are built for slightly different buyers. Here is how they compare in everyday use.
Side-by-side comparison
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Google TV Streamer | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Stick behind the TV | Small box on the TV unit |
| Storage | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Ethernet | Needs an adapter | Built in |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Picture | 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Sound | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| App store | Amazon Appstore, plus sideloading | Google Play Store |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Prices and specifications can change between versions, so check the current listing before you buy.
IPTV apps
Fire TV Stick 4K Max: some player apps are in the Amazon Appstore, and others are installed with the Downloader app. TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro, XCIPTV and others all run well. See our Firestick setup guide.
Google TV Streamer: many player apps, including TiviMate, are in the Google Play Store, so setup is simpler. Downloader is available too if you need it. See Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer setup.
Speed and storage
Storage matters more than most people expect. Player apps, TV guides and app updates all take space, and devices slow down when they get full. The Google TV Streamer’s extra storage and memory make it feel quicker with big channel lists and less likely to slow down over time. On the Fire Stick, keep at least 1 GB free and avoid installing too many apps.
Connection
For live sport, a wired connection is the most reliable. The Google TV Streamer has an Ethernet port built in. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max needs Amazon’s Ethernet adapter, but its Wi-Fi 6E is very strong if you have a compatible router. Read Ethernet vs Wi-Fi for IPTV.
Remote and everyday use
Both remotes are simple, with voice search and TV controls. The Fire TV remote has shortcut buttons for popular apps; the Google TV remote has a customisable star button. If you already use Alexa or Google Assistant at home, that may decide it for you.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Fire TV Stick 4K Max if you want great value, a device that hides behind the TV, or you already use Amazon services.
- Choose the Google TV Streamer if you want the fastest experience, use large channel lists or recordings, can connect a cable, or prefer the Google Play Store.
Frequently asked questions
Does TiviMate work on both?
Yes. TiviMate runs on both devices.
Which is better for live sport?
The Google TV Streamer, mainly because of its built-in Ethernet port and extra memory. A Fire Stick with an Ethernet adapter is also very good.
Can I use either on an older TV?
Yes, as long as the TV has an HDMI port. On a non-4K TV, both will simply output HD.