Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max vs Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Review

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a media streamer that supports Wi-Fi 6, making it faster than the standard Fire TV Stick 4K. However, the difference in performance is not noticeable unless you have a Wi-Fi 6 router and a fast internet connection. The device is physically identical to the Fire TV Stick 4K and offers the same features and functionality. Overall, it is a great media streamer, but the upgrades may not be worth the extra $5 unless you have specific use cases.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review: Speedy app delivery isn't everything

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a powerful streaming stick with fast performance and support for major streaming apps. It has Wi-Fi 6 support and can play 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos content. However, the interface has too many ads and the search results can be unreliable. The device lacks Chromecast and AirPlay support, and the Luna gaming service has limited game options. Overall, it's a good option for Amazon device users, but Roku and Google streamers may be better choices.

Nvidia Shield TV 2019 review

The Nvidia Shield TV 2019 is a powerful streaming player that offers top-notch PC game streaming, fast-loading 4K HDR content, and AI upscaling for 1080p video. It runs on the Android TV OS, has thousands of apps, and is compatible with smart home devices. The design is unique but cool, and the remote control is redesigned and illuminates when picked up. The Shield TV performs well in streaming and gaming, with fast loading and smooth gameplay. It is priced at $150, making it a more affordable option for gamers and streamers.

Nvidia Shield TV Pro review

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a powerful streaming device that offers high-spec PC gaming and 4K movies in multiple HDR formats. It has a compact design and comes with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The new features include Dolby Vision support, Dolby Atmos audio, and an AI image upscaler. It also has the GeForce Now service for streaming top-tier PC games. The remote control has been improved and includes dedicated playback controls. The standard Nvidia Shield model is more affordable but has less storage and RAM. Overall, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is recommended for its streaming capabilities and gaming potential, although it is a bit pricey.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro Review

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is a premium Android TV box that offers double the storage space and better performance compared to cheaper alternatives. It has two USB ports and a dedicated Ethernet port, making it ideal for running Kodi or Plex. The device runs on Android TV 11 and has a good track record of updates. Its standout feature is AI-powered upscaling, which enhances HD content. The SHIELD TV Pro supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos but lacks HDR10+ compatibility. The remote is uniquely shaped, ergonomic, and has backlit buttons. Overall, the SHIELD TV Pro is a feature-rich streaming box, although it is one version behind on the Android TV software and lacks HDR10+ support.

Nvidia Shield TV review: Go-to streamer for PC gamers and geeks

The Nvidia Shield TV is a popular choice for gamers and geeks, offering 4K HDR streaming, built-in Google Assistant, and gaming options like Steam Link. It has a sleek design and comes with a new remote. The Android TV interface is user-friendly and offers a wide range of apps. The Shield TV supports cloud gaming and streaming from a gaming PC. It also has AI upscaling for improved image quality. While it is more expensive than other streamers, it offers unique features for PC gamers.

Nvidia Shield (2019) review

The Nvidia Shield (2019) is a powerful 4K HDR streaming player with AI upscaling, Dolby Vision support, and a redesigned remote. It offers a unique cylindrical design and has inputs and outputs located at each end. The device runs on the Tegra X1+ processor and comes with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. It supports Android TV and offers a wide range of streaming services. The Shield can also function as a micro game console and has Google Assistant integration. The AI upscaler enhances the visual performance, making HD content look sharper. However, the Shield is more expensive than other 4K HDR streaming players and may not be necessary for budget-conscious users or those with HDTVs.

Nvidia Shield Pro (2019) review: As powerful as it is expensive

The Nvidia Shield Pro (2019) is a powerful and expensive media streamer that excels in audio/video quality. It supports all media formats, has plenty of ports, and can even run a Plex server. The design is sleek and distinctive, with a mix of glossy and textured panels. The remote is improved but still has some issues. The software runs on Android TV, which has access to all streaming platforms and offers a better app management experience than Google TV. The Shield Pro's support for high-end audio/video formats is a major strength, although it has some issues with Dolby Vision. The Tegra X1+ chip is powerful but shows its age at times. The AI upscaling feature is impressive, making 1080p content look almost as good as native 4K. Overall, the Shield Pro is a great choice for those who value audiovisual fidelity, but it may not be worth the price for everyone.