Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick 4K Select, released in October 2025, continues a long-standing practice across its streaming device line: reliance on the micro-USB port for power. While the company has introduced more advanced streaming hardware like the Fire TV Cube with a dedicated power port, the vast majority of its plug-in sticks – including the 4K Plus and 4K Max – still utilize the older connection standard, a notable contrast to the widespread adoption of USB-C across the consumer electronics landscape.
The continued use of micro-USB is particularly striking given the rapid shift towards USB-C as the universal charging standard for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and a growing number of other devices. USB-C offers several advantages over micro-USB, including reversible connectors for ease of use, faster data transfer speeds, and increased power delivery capabilities – ranging up to 100W or more, compared to micro-USB’s 9-15W.
According to Amazon’s device specifications, every Fire TV Stick currently in production utilizes micro-USB. This stands in contrast to the Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), which features a dedicated power port alongside HDMI 2.1 input and output, a USB-A 2.0 port, and an Ethernet port. The Cube also supports 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6E, and far-field voice control, positioning it as a premium, albeit more expensive, alternative to the stick-style devices.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select, priced at $40, offers 4K HDR visuals and integrates AI enhancements through Alexa+, but lacks premium features such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. The device runs on Amazon’s modern Vega OS, which reviewers note is still undergoing development and exhibits some limitations in personalization and app selection. Some apps on the 4K Select are also cloud-based, potentially leading to performance issues depending on network connectivity.
While the micro-USB connection doesn’t directly impact streaming quality or performance, its continued presence on Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks feels incongruous for a device marketed as a modern upgrade to home entertainment systems. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select provides access to a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube, through the Amazon Appstore.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select began shipping on October 15, 2025, but was available for pre-order prior to that date.
