In the increasingly competitive world of streaming operating systems, it seems like a lot of consumer decisions come down to brand loyalty and personal preferences. Considering Apple,Googleand Roku, among others, there are a lot of similarities when it comes to the audio andvideo formatsoffered, as well as search functions and price.
Roku’s latest update to its streaming lineup includes the Streaming Stick Plus, a well-priced and technically sound piece of kit that goes all in on branding, personalization, and convenience. It sits above theStreaming Stick, which lacks 4K resolution, but below the Streaming Stick 4K (even though this one also has 4K), and theRoku Ultra(which adds some extra formats and features). I tested it out across a week to see how it stacks up when it comes to searching, streaming, and organizing all your entertainment needs.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025)
A slim plug and play streaming stick that includes 4K/HDR support and includes a voice remote.
The Roku Streaming Stick saved my TV’s life
This Roku Streaming Stick gave new life to my ancient TV.
Price, availability, and specs
The Streaming Stick Plus is a small USB stick that connects to the back of your TV. It comes with a USB-C charging cable that also connects to your smart TV, drawing what power it needs from your unit. Also included in the purchase is the Roku voice remote.
The device features HDR10+ support and 4K resolution, although this budget-friendly version lacks Dolby Vision support. It is compatible with a range of virtual assistants and casting options, including Apple AirPlay and Google Home. The Streaming Stick Plus retails for $40.
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What I like about the Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Easy use with convenience and customization
As it should be, setting up the Roku stick is fast and simple, getting it off to a good start. You just plug the stick into an HDMI port, connect the power cable to a USB port, and the Roku will turn on and commence a speedy setup. Once you get the system running, you can begin the sometimes lengthy process of downloading your relevant apps and services and then logging into each one of them.
A lot of what I liked has more to do with Roku’s interface than it does with what this specific stick offers. There are some personalization options that make the Roku OS seem more intimate and fun. Not only can you customize the screen saver and the wallpaper, but the personalization options extend to how some menus look and are organized as well. These are nice and yet more or less superfluous to the entertainment experience, but with so many operating systems and companies vying to make you a part of their ecosystem, it’s these small touches that make a difference.
The OS is fairly fast and easy to navigate, although definitely not as speedy as the formidable Google TV Streamer. The Save List is another handy, albeit flawed, feature, which is available across all Roku devices. The remote does include a voice search function, although it is not hands-free: you have to press a button to activate it.
The biggest draw of the Streaming Stick Plus is the size and convenience it offers for the price. At less than four inches in length, this is a great streaming stick to travel with or move around a house if needed. It’s less cumbersome than the Ultra or Google TV Streamer, and the price makes it more appealing than those robust competitors as well.
This streaming device is too expensive to be this basic
Though fast and attractive, a mixed bag of new features and a high price hold back Google’s latest device.
What I didn’t like about the Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Too many ads and too few features
Roku, like a bunch of other interfaces, also has a bunch of free titles that are wielded as a selling point, but I’m having a tough time imagining anyone really wants to watch what’s available, as there’s lots of old, syndicated content, reality TV, and music.
For the dedicated content consumer, there are better streamers available, both in and out of the Roku lineup. This version lacks Dolby Vision and Atmos, two common, high-end formats featured on a bunch of streaming services. It lacks the latest Wi-Fi iteration and doesn’t include an Ethernet port, so you may find lag a problem at times depending on where you’re located.
I don’t care for the remote either. While the Ultra features a remote that includes hands-free voice control, backlit buttons, and a location finder, this version is simpler and feels cheaper. The plastic construction is far inferior to the remote that comes with Samsung, Apple, or Google products. While the layout and size are practical, it requires batteries and cannot be charged via USB. At least it doesn’t include a button to get you to the free content directly like other streamers do.
Samsung has every other smart TV manufacturer beat in this one area
From layout to design, Samsung bests the competition, including LG, when it comes to making an intuitive remote.
Should you buy the Roku Streaming Stick Plus?
For casual enjoyment and convenience, the price is right
The market is inundated with streaming sticks of all different flavors, and whether the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is worth it to you comes down to your enjoyment of the Roku OS and your precise needs. This certainly isn’t robust enough to satisfy someone who watches a lot of titles at the highest possible quality; the lack of Dolby support and mediocre power means you’re leaving some features on the table.
However, this compact and portable streaming stick, which still provides 4K resolution and HDR10+, means you can enjoy a lot of content at a high level at home or on the go. If you feel comfortable with Roku’s interface, and all the cute colors and screensavers it offers, then this is likely a worthy investment to support your entertainment needs.
