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Roku Streaming Stick: Two-minute review
Roku Streaming Stick is cheap, compact and easy to use. As the cheap of two latest streaming sticks of Roku, being the second Roku Streaming Stick Plus, it has limitations – in particular, no 4K or HDR support – but the price proposal here is very good. If you are trying to save money, it may be one of the best streaming devices outside there.
As far as the competition goes to this price point, it is actually only Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, which is slightly more expensive. Of course, if you care to get the best performance and features and are willing to pay for it, I suggest that it goes to Roku Ultra (2024) instead.
The Roku Streaming Stick literally at the end is a stick with an HDMI port, and the stick standards are also small by streaming the standards. When I reviewed the Amazon Fire TV Stick coming out in 2023 (still current model), I had trouble fitting their heavy bodies in HDMI slots behind my TV, so welcome to the Swailt Design of the ROKU streaming stick.
The only visual difference between this and streaming Stick Plus version is that the Roku logo is the opposite of an etched design, making it look a little cheaper than its elder brother. Otherwise, it is similar, with some extent convex case, HDMI at one end with male jack, and USB-C charging port on the other. There is also a reset button, and this is the case.
It is worth noting that Roku provides USB-A cable only for charging USB-C-there is no power supply or adapter. When I first looked at it on the Ruku Stream Stick Stick Plus (again, they are the same in this regard), I was a bit upset that I expected to pay extra for an adapter. But then I realized that an adapter was a good reason for lack of adapter, as you expect to use the USB port on your TV to power the streaming stick.
Because you are strengthening the stick from the USB port of TV, which usually occurs on some slots from HDMI connection, there are no hanging cables from the device. This means that you will finish with a cleaner-dying setup using the Roku Streaming Stick.
The remote control included is the voice remote of Roku. It has a little heavy weight that has little weight, which still makes good handling while being quite compact. The button includes the dedicated play/poses buttons – a feature that I appreciate on the navigation wheel layout that is with most remotes. And there is also a voice assistant button, which lets you make a voice command while holding down. This is not the best remote of Roku – it will include Roco Ultra – but it is quite good and what no one will expect at this price point.
Roku Streaming Stick is intended to be an entry-level HD device, so there is no 4K or HDR support. I tested it on a 65 -inch TV, and the picture quality was still very good. If you are getting it for a room TV, it is probably worth saving a few extra money.
Its performance is the largest sticking point of the Roku Streaming Stick. Given the low price of the stick, you should not expect the world, but it is still noticeable. The real streaming experience is fine and without any hindrance, but the Roku streaming stick has a slight delay when interacting with it, the onscreen cursor moves a second part after a button press, so you feel that it is holding it.
It is worth noting that the Roku Streaming Stick uses the old 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi standard, which is also slower than the 802.11AC (Wi-Fi 5) used by Roku streaming stick plus. You probably do not require the latest Wi-Fi standard for a streaming device, but the slow and old WiFi standard of the streaming stick is a possible reason why it moves slightly.
The interface of the streaming stick is a common intuitive knowledge that I expect from Roku. There are some clock suggestions at the top, but the home screen is otherwise a series of tiles for different apps. I appreciate its simplicity compared to the high congested interfaces used by Google TV, Fire TV and other smart TV platforms. If you like that type of layout, Roco has a uniform setup when you click on the “What to Watch” tab on the homescreen.
A good amount of free material is available to stream directly through the Roku interface. There is also a sports tab, but you still need a subscription that the service also has the rights of your favorite game. Otherwise, the interface of Roku is its normal rock-solid self here.
Roku Streaming Stick: Price and release date
- $ 29.99 / £ 29.99 (About AU $ 50)
- Released on April 2025
It is impossible to defeat thirty rupees or a kwid for a streaming device. The closest to this is perhaps Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, which I first mentioned $ 34.99 / £ 39.99 / AU $ 69.
You need to ask yourself if it is worth saving ten rupees for this version on Roku Streaming Stick Plus, which goes for $ 39.99 / £ 39.99 (about AU $ 70). The design of both sticks is the same, and therefore there are boundaries in the performance. If you are trying to get the cheapest streaming stick with 4K and HDR support (but not Dolby Vision), then the plus version is what you want. But if you have an old TV that does not support the features, the original Roku Streaming Stick will be ideal.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) is also a good streamer to watch as it regularly offers discounts at the same price as the Roku streaming Stick Plus. And unlike Roku products, this model is available to buy in Australia.
Should you buy Roku Streaming Stick?
|
Property |
Note |
Rating |
|
features |
HD streaming with dolby atomos but no 4K or HDR support |
3/5 |
|
Display |
This is fine when streaming, but it falls behind when interacting with the interface and menu, possibly using an old Wi-Fi standard |
3.5/5 |
|
design |
It is slim and is designed to get power from TV, which helps it to provide cleaner, more tangal-free look |
4.5 / 5 |
|
price |
Streaming is not cheaper than this. You just have to decide if you can stop 4K and HDR support |
5/5 |
Buy it if …
Do not buy it if …
Roku Streaming Stick Review: Consider also
How I tested Roku Streaming Stick
- Regularly used for a week
- Tested with various apps
- Remote tested
I have used Roku Streaming Stick regularly for a few days so that he can do everything. I used it to stream Roku content and movies and shows from apps like Max. I spent time using remote and tested various tasks.
I have tested a lot of tech gear for years from laptops to keyboard and speaker, and so I have been able to use my expertise to give an honest and fair opinion, not to mention any important eye, not to test for any product.
Read more about how we test
June 2025 reviewed for the first time
