The Fire TV Stick 4K Select looks like a great deal — same 4K streaming at a lower price. But there's a critical difference Amazon doesn't make obvious, and it cost me more frustration than it was worth. Here's what you need to know before buying.
Table of Contents
- The Fire TV Stick 4K Select Doesn't Run Fire OS
- The Biggest Problem: Far Fewer Apps
- Who It's For — and Who Should Avoid It
- Conclusion: Just Get a Non-Select Model
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select Doesn't Run Fire OS
This is the single most important thing to know, and Amazon buries it. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select does not run Fire OS — it runs a Linux-based operating system called Vega OS. The interface looks similar, but under the hood, it's a completely different platform.
Amazon's product listing does not clearly disclose any of the following:
- The operating system is not Fire OS
- The app library is significantly smaller
- APK sideloading is not supported
The Biggest Problem: Far Fewer Apps
The App Store Has Significantly Fewer Apps
Because Vega OS is a different platform, it has its own app store — and the selection is dramatically smaller than the Fire OS app store. Many apps you'd expect to find on a Fire TV simply aren't available.
APK Sideloading Is Not Possible
On regular Fire TV devices running Fire OS, you can sideload Android APKs to install apps that aren't in the store. On the Select model with Vega OS, this is not possible. There's no developer mode toggle and no way to install apps outside the built-in store.
Specific Apps I Couldn't Use
Here are some apps I expected to work but couldn't use on the Select model:
- SmartTube — An ad-free YouTube client popular on Fire TV. Not available and can't be sideloaded.
- AdLock / AdGuard — Ad-blocking apps. Not in the Vega OS store and can't be sideloaded.
- Kodi — Popular media center app. Not available.
- Various VPN apps, file managers, and third-party launchers
Workaround: Cloud Streaming
Some apps that aren't natively available can be accessed through cloud streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW. However, this requires a stable internet connection and a subscription, and the experience is noticeably worse than running apps natively.
Who It's For — and Who Should Avoid It
Good Fit
- You only use major streaming apps (Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube)
- You don't plan to sideload any apps
- Budget is your top priority
Not a Good Fit
- You want to install apps outside the built-in store
- You use ad-blocking apps or SmartTube
- You want a Kodi media center setup
- You expect the same experience as other Fire TV devices
Conclusion: Just Get a Non-Select Model
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select saves you a few dollars upfront, but the trade-offs are significant. If you want the full Fire TV experience with access to all apps and APK sideloading, go with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max or another model that runs Fire OS. The price difference is small, but the difference in usability is huge.
