Only really need use of these two apps - still want relatively snappy performance though.
Currently have a Version 1 fire stick which is slow as hell now and the remote is dying.
Not looking to spend nvidia shield sort of money, so would the new fire stick 4k be my best option?
Only using for 1080p now but may upgrade to a 4k TV in next year or so...
Here's a recent post that might be relevant: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/awv9vm/new_to_android_tv_boxes_need_suggestions/
Honestly I know you may not want to spend the money, but I've had the shield TV since launch (even buying a 2nd one a year later) and it has literally been the best tech purchase I have ever made in my life.
It's like 4 years old now and is still really fast, gets software updates, can play even full Bluray rips from my NAS, and works great with Amazon/Netflix/HBO/Kodi. There's really nothing else out there that's better.
Warning - expect 5.1 DD+ audio dropouts with the Xiaomi Mi Box when using Netflix and Kodi.
Also there is no 5.1 DD+ > 5.1 DD only audio down-mixing available on any Android TV OS box. Support for that is non existent.
If that sort of audio is important to you get a Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K which has properly implemented Dolby Audio support.
The Amazon FireTV Stick 4K also has auto Frame Rate Matching for Kodi - the cheap Android TV OS boxes do Not.
This thread is a good summary:
The Mi Box is your best option if you don't want to buy a Shield.
I have both and have no problem with the Mi Box for streaming.
Netflix and Kodi both work great on the Mi Box S if you want something cheap. If you have the budget for something higher end that'll do better at 4K then go Shield TV.
Fire Sticks don't run Android TV. If you want an affordable Android TV device, then look at the Mi Box. But then again maybe you'll like sticking with Amazon since you're already using one of their Fire OS products.