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Head-to-head · Best Streaming Devices

Roku Streaming Stick (2025) vs Roku Streaming Stick Plus

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Roku Streaming Stick Plus comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 3.9). Roku Streaming Stick Plus is best for: Travelers or secondary room setups prioritizing a discreet HDMI-plug design. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
Ranked #5 in Best Streaming Devices
Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
3 sources

The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) is Roku's least expensive player, a 1080p stick that plugs directly into an HDMI port and can run off a TV USB port. PCMag found it loaded apps and streamed video quickly and praised the simple interface and Apple AirPlay support. PCWorld highlighted that its voice remote controls TV volume and power, an upgrade over the old Roku Express remote. However, it does not support 4K or HDR, TechRadar noted a little lag when navigating the interface, and PCWorld measured weak Wi-Fi performance at long range.

Strengths
  • — Voice remote controls TV power and volume, which PCWorld called a big upgrade over the old Roku Express remote
  • — Can be powered from a TV USB port; PCMag measured power draw at just 2.2W
  • — Simple, accessible Roku interface with Apple AirPlay support
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to 1080p with no HDR support
  • — TechRadar noted a little lag when navigating the interface
  • — No Twitch app on the Roku platform, according to PCMag
Buy at roku.comFull review →
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Streaming Devices
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
3 sources$34.99as of Oct 11

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus delivers native 4K resolution at 60Hz with HDR10+ and HLG support in an extremely compact form factor that avoids blocking adjacent HDMI ports. Expert Reviews found it to be a simple, effective entry-level streamer powered directly via USB-C without a separate wall adapter. However, the device lacks Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio formats, relying on older Wi-Fi 5 connectivity instead of modern standards. CNET reported significant software instability during initial setup, with frequent app crashes and buffering issues that require multiple system resets to stabilize. This model fits users seeking a clean interface for secondary TVs or travel who prioritize ease of use over premium features, while those requiring robust wireless performance or advanced audio-visual formats should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Extremely compact form factor that avoids blocking adjacent HDMI ports on most televisions
  • — Supports 4K resolution at up to 60Hz with HDR10+ and HLG compatibility
  • — Includes a dedicated voice remote with shortcut buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Prime Video
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks support for Dolby Vision HDR or Dolby Atmos audio formats
  • — Equipped with older Wi-Fi 5 dual-band connectivity instead of modern Wi-Fi 6 standards
$34.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) tops out at 1080p without HDR, while the Roku Streaming Stick Plus adds 4K and HDR10+. Both sticks can be powered from a TV USB port.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus adds 4K and HDR10+ over the 1080p Roku Streaming Stick (2025), and both can be powered from a TV USB port. Unlike the Roku Ultra (2024), it lacks Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and uses Wi-Fi 5 rather than Wi-Fi 6.

Specs side-by-side

SpecRoku Streaming Stick (2025)Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Resolution1080p4K (2160p) at 60Hz
HDR SupportNoneHDR10+, HLG
Audio SupportDTS Digital Surround and Dolby-encoded audio pass-through over HDMIDolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround
ConnectivityDual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)Dual-band Wi-Fi 5
OSRoku OS—
PowerUSB-C, approx. 2.2W when streaming—
Size3.7 x 0.80 x 0.45 inches—
Model3840R—
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