The streaming stick market has been relatively quiet for a while. But Amazon has just refreshed two of its most popular devices, and — importantly for Kiwis — both are now available here. The all-new Fire TV Stick HD is available to pre-order at $89, with shipping from April 29. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select, bringing 4K Ultra HD with HDR10+, is available to order now at $99.
The headline feature of the new HD model isn't the speed improvements or the Wi-Fi 6 support, though both matter. It's the size.
Small Enough to Actually Take With You
The new Fire TV Stick HD is Amazon's slimmest streaming device to date — about 30% narrower than the previous generation. That's not just about aesthetics. It means it fits more neatly behind a TV without competing for space with other cables and plugs, and it fits comfortably in a bag or carry-on.
Portability in a streaming stick isn't a new idea, but Amazon has made a proper attempt to build around it this time. The device supports Direct Power, drawing electricity directly from a TV's USB port via the included cable — no separate power adapter required. If your hotel TV doesn't have a USB port, any USB-C cable and wall adapter will do.
For anyone who has ever arrived at an Airbnb or hotel room and spent ten minutes hunting for the HDMI input behind a wall-mounted TV, the appeal is obvious. A device this size that needs nothing but an HDMI port and a USB socket to work is a genuinely useful travel companion.
The Performance Jump
Amazon claims more than 30% faster performance on average compared to the last-generation HD stick — translating to quicker boot times and snappier app launches. It's not a dramatic headline number, but it's the kind of improvement that makes daily use feel meaningfully less frustrating.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are both welcome additions. Wi-Fi 6 in particular makes a real difference in homes or hotels where the network is under load from multiple devices — you're far less likely to hit buffering during peak hours.
The redesigned Fire TV interface also gets a mention: better-organised categories for movies and TV shows, smarter recommendations, and the ability to pin more apps directly to the home screen. Amazon has clearly done some work on reducing the friction between turning on the TV and actually watching something — which, when you think about it, is the whole point.
The 4K Option
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select, available now at $99, is the right pick if your TV supports 4K and you want the full picture quality upgrade. HDR10+ support alongside standard 4K Ultra HD means compatible content will look noticeably better on a capable display — and at $10 more than the HD model, it's easy to justify if picture quality is your priority.
For travel scenarios, though, the HD model's portability advantages make more practical sense. The 4K Select is the one to buy for the lounge; the HD is the one to throw in your bag.
Worth It?
Both devices hit a price point that undercuts a smart TV upgrade and outperforms most budget streaming alternatives. At $89 and $99, Amazon is competing squarely with Chromecast and Roku equivalents — and the combination of Direct Power, a slimmer chassis, and a meaningfully updated interface gives the new HD model a clearer identity than its predecessor.
The Fire TV Stick HD is available to pre-order now from Amazon.com.au and will be stocked at JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming, and PB Tech from April 29. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is available to order now from the same retailers.