Fire TV Stick 4K Max discounted to $39.99, Bluetooth audio praised

Amazon’s most capable streaming stick is suddenly much cheaper, with retailer listings showing the Fire TV Stick 4K Max discounted to $39.99 as of Aug. 29 and an online coupon that can shave the price further to $29.99. The sale brings Amazon’s top-tier HDMI streamer within a dollar of its previous low and has renewed interest among shoppers ahead of the fall sports and TV season.

The second generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max packs several upgrades that Amazon and reviewers say justify the premium over the company’s standard sticks. It doubles internal storage to 16 gigabytes, adds a 2.0 gigahertz quad core processor for faster navigation, and supports WiFi 6E for higher wireless throughput on compatible routers. The device also supports 4K Ultra HD streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10 picture formats and Dolby Atmos audio, and includes the Fire TV Ambient Experience that displays art and widgets when the stick is idle.

Beyond raw specs, users have praised convenience features. One reviewer who switched the stick from a TV to a monitor highlighted native Bluetooth audio support, saying pairing a headset took less than a minute and worked without a smartphone. That contrasts with...