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This Fire TV Stick 4K Select Review will tell you everything you need to know about this device so you can be informed before making a purchase.
Amazon has officially released the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select and we detail the good, the bad, and everything in between in our guide below.
After years of speculation, this is the first Fire TV device that does not run on the Android Operating System and instead uses “Vega OS” which is Amazon’s in house platform.
All other Firestick models run on Fire TV OS which is built on Android OS and features the same capabilities. This disparity is causing outrage for lots of users who enjoy the current structure of these media devices.
Continue reading for more details on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select including the new operating system and why an alternative device is likely a better option.
When reviewing streaming devices such as this, there are a few important things to consider. Here are some of the top factors we examine:
Our review below covers all aspects of this device including the key factors above as well as everything else you need to know about the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. Keep reading!
Most “gearheads” are interested in the specs that accompany various streaming devices and boxes. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is definitely not one that stands out in that regard.
If you’ve used Firesticks before, you know they’re among the most affordable streaming options—but that low price often comes at the cost of performance and capability.
While higher-end streaming devices are available, most users only need a few key apps to access their favorite content. Amazon understands this, which is why Firesticks tend to prioritize simplicity and price over advanced features and specs.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the provided specs within the all new Fire TV Stick 4K Select. As you can see – it is lacking in most aspects.
Currently, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is priced at $39.99 which is just above the Fire TV Stick HD ($34.99) and the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus ($49.99) which was renamed after the Select was launched.
As we referenced earlier, the Fire TV 4K Select runs on Vega OS which is a closed Operating System (similar to Roku devices) that doesn’t allow for sideloading.
This should be a deal breaker for almost anyone looking to purchase a streaming device as without these capabilities, only apps in the official app store are available for download.
Recently, we have seen various 3rd Party Apps being blocked by Amazon including popular APKs such as Ocean Streamz, Flix Vision, and more.
Amazon has even taken it one step further with the Firestick Select as the Amazon App Store has been rebuilt speficially for Vega OS and doesn’t have all of the apps you’d typically find.
Sideloading is often referred to as jailbreaking and is the main reason that millions of people across the world originally purchased Firestick/Fire TVs in the past.
Without 3rd party capabilities, these devices are nearly useless and we recommend opting for an alternative such as an Android TV or Google TV that have continued to rise in popularity.
A key note that should be mentioned is that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select does not have VPN compatibility, as users are unable to download any VPN applications within its trimmed-down Appstore.
Wow. This is absolutely insane — for years, Fire TV devices have been a favorite among cord-cutters specifically because they allowed users to install VPNs for privacy, geo-unblocking, and security. Now, if you search “VPN” in the new Appstore, nothing appears.
This change means you can’t install popular VPN apps like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN — and with sideloading blocked on the new Vega OS, there’s no manual workaround either. The result is a closed ecosystem that removes one of the most powerful features Firesticks were known for: the freedom to protect your connection and access global content.
After launching in Fall of 2025, those who purchased the device quickly took to the official Amazon Page to post their thoughts.
Most of these are negative as users claim it is lacking in speed and is extremely glitchy during navigation. As of the writing of this article, it currently has a 3.1 Star Rating out of an overall 5.
Many complain about the lack of applications in the app store, removal of sideloading, and overall performance. Here is an example:
It has also been reported that Amazon is surpressing comments as the device currently only has 52 reviews which is extremely low when compared to others in the Fire TV lineup.
In my opinion, the release of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is the beginning of the end for Firestick devices.
The restricted app library and no sideloading capability create too many limitations for cord-cutters who need flexibility. Instead, consider Android TV/Google TV devices like the Onn 4K Pro, which offer full app compatibility, better performance, and true streaming freedom without Amazon’s restrictions.
We want to know your take on the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select. Will you be purchasing one of these? Let us know in the comments below!
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