Most television sets now have a smart TV interface, but they are often clunky and lack some apps and features. For a better viewing experience, it’ll be worth getting one of the best TV streaming devices, which gives you easy access to everything from streaming apps like Netflix and Apple TV+ to games and the latest news and sports headlines.
Roku’s range of devices focuses on simplicity, usability and affordability, and the Streaming Stick Plus is one of the most inexpensive 4K streaming devices you can currently buy.
I have previously tested several Roku gadgets and many other streamers, including Amazon’s Fire TV Cube and the Sky Stream. Most recently, I’ve been trying out the Roku Streaming Stick Plus to see how it compares to its pricier counterparts and other similar products.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs Plus: What’s Different?
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The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a mid-priced streaming stick, positioned between the Roku Streaming Stick and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K in terms of features and price.
Both the Plus and the 4K model can stream content in UHD (i.e. 4K), but the Plus doesn’t support Dolby Vision.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K also features long-range Wi-Fi for a more reliable connection wherever it is placed, which the Plus lacks.
When compared to the standard Roku Streaming Stick, the Plus also adds 4K streaming, HDR10+, and fast app launch. So it’s a sensible mid-point.
Is the Roku Streaming Stick Plus worth buying?
Released in mid-2025, you can buy the Roku Streaming Stick Plus now for £39.99 in the UK and $39.99 in the US. We have yet to receive a confirmed price for Australia.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus setup
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The slim plastic stick plugs into the back of your TV, directly into the HDMI port. It’s designed to be powered by the TV, but there’s also a cable included that connects it via USB-C to a USB-A socket if your setup doesn’t provide reliable enough power.
Once powered on, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus was incredibly quick for me to set up. I simply followed the on-screen instructions to connect it to Wi-Fi, to update the software, and finally to log into my account by scanning a QR code on my phone. Overall, it took less than 5 minutes to get started.
From the front of my TV set, you can’t see the stick itself at all. If your TV is mounted on a wall, then all you’ll potentially need to conceal is the power cable.
(Image credit: Future)
Included in the box, the voice remote can control both the streaming stick and your TV, allowing you to adjust the volume and power the set on and off, as well as click through the system.
The remote is basic, focusing only on the essentials. There are navigation buttons, a home button, pause/play and skip buttons, and easy access to top streaming services through dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Disney+.
The remote’s volume controls sit where your thumb grips it, with a mute button positioned below. It’s small and made of plastic, so it doesn’t feel as nice in the hand as those from more premium alternatives.
You can also search for content using voice commands thanks to the microphone button. It quickly and efficiently finds what you’re looking for. The Streaming Stick Plus is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa, so you can control it by voice via your smart speakers. I hooked it up to my Alexa speakers by enabling the Roku Smart Home skill.
If you misplace the remote, you can actually control this streamer through the Roku smartphone app. You can use it to navigate through the system, select content, and even perform voice searches.
What can the Roku Streaming Stick Plus do?
As long as you have a compatible television set, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus allows you to stream content from some apps and services in high-quality 4K resolution. You can expect tonnes of detail, vibrant colours, and a good level of contrast thanks to HDR10+ support. Unfortunately, there’s no Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos surround sound support, though.
Roku’s user interface is uncluttered and straightforward. From the home screen, you can access all your most-used apps from a grid, without being bombarded by adverts. For personalised recommendations, your saved shows and movies, searching for content, discovering new apps, and adjusting the stick’s settings, there’s a menu on the left-hand side of the home screen. It’s all super intuitive to navigate.
(Image credit: Future)
On this Roku streamer, all the most popular streaming services are at your fingertips, including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, as well as more niche options like Crunchyroll and Kidoodle TV. There are lots of other apps available too, including news platforms like Bloomberg, sports apps like WWE Network, music streamers like Spotify, and lifestyle apps like Peloton.
The Roku Channel is pre-loaded onto the device too, with free TV shows, movies and kids’ entertainment. Plus, US users get a live TV channel guide included. This isn’t available in the UK, unfortunately, but you can still watch channels like BBC and Channel 4 through their streaming apps.
If you need to watch a show quietly, like when the kids are in bed, you can very easily stream audio to a pair of headphones through the companion app. They only need to be connected to your smartphone, so there’s no need to connect via the stick or the TV. Up to three people can do this simultaneously.
Another perk worth mentioning is the integration of Apple AirPlay, which allows you to effortlessly cast content from your iPhone to your TV’s screen, such as photos and videos.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus review: Verdict
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A fuss-free streaming device that can be set up in minutes, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a top choice if you’re on a budget and want to avoid excessive adverts.
The user interface is simple to navigate, allowing you to find content from all the top streaming services, as well as games, news, and sports. It’s unfortunate that live channels aren’t available in the UK from one easily accessible place, but they can still be found through individual apps like BBC iPlayer.
If you’re looking for an easy way to stream TV shows and movies in 4K, the Streaming Stick Plus works well. Although it’s disappointing that there’s no Dolby Atmos support to make use of spatial audio on some soundbars.
During testing, I used voice search a lot to find what I was looking for, and it was great to be able to use an Alexa smart speaker too. I also appreciated that you can control it via an app on your phone and switch the audio to headphones through the Roku app.
Also consider
You could consider the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max as a top alternative. It has a higher price tag, but includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos surround sound, and faster Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. It can be controlled using the Alexa voice assistant, and it offers all the most popular streaming apps. It even has the Xbox app for gaming. However, the user interface is a little more complex than Roku’s.
If you don’t mind splashing out, the Apple TV 4K is the best-performing TV streaming device, packed with lots of power, ample storage, and class-leading picture and audio quality. It boasts all of the top streaming apps, and you even get access to Apple Arcade games.
