Roku Streaming Stick+ Review: 4K on A Budget

The Roku Streaming Stick+ was updated in September 2019. Unlike the 2017 Roku Sticks, the 2019 model supports Dolby Atmos audio and HDMI 2.0a. However, the price point is what makes the Roku Streaming Stick+ shine. It has all the functionality a cord-cutter needs and can be found for around $40.

It’s also a great device to purchase for adding Roku functionality to multiple televisions.  You can purchase two Roku streaming sticks for the price of just one Roku Ultra.

Roku Streaming Stick+

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus provides all the streaming functionality a cord-cutter needs at a great price. Video streams, at 720p, 1080p, and 4K at 60 frames per second. The Roku Streaming stick also supports HDR. Believe me. If you want one feature in a streaming device, it’s HDR. The real-world color it provides really sets it apart from non-HDR video.

Roku streaming service support is unrivaled by the competition. Roku supports thousands of apps including Disney+, Hulu,  and Apple TV.

Furthermore, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus significantly boosts Wi-Fi range and signal quality. It does this by putting the Wi-Fi module on the power dongle instead of being built into the stick. This will distance it from interference from your TV and improves the Wi-Fi signal quality.

Check out the full specs below.

Tech Specs

• Networking – 802.11ac dual-band wireless support.
• Video – 720p, 1080p, Streaming Stick Plus supports 4K video and HDR10.
• Audio – DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Audio, and Dolby ATMOS pass through over HDMI, Digital stereo over HDMI
• Power Consumption – Under 3 watts when streaming
• Power Input – 5-volt 1-amp USB power adapter

What’s Included In Roku Streaming Stick+

You’ll find all of the following when you unbox you new Roku Streaming Stick+

• Roku Streaming Stick+
• Voice remote with TV power, volume, and mute buttons
• Two AAA batteries
• USB power cable with long-range wireless receiver
• Power adaptor & extender cable

The Roku Interface

Unless you are asking, “What’s a Roku,” you are most likely familiar with the look and feel of navigating the Roku user interface. Like all other Roku models (stick or not), the Roku Streaming Stick uses the same Roku OS we all know and love. Therefore, if you used a Roku before, you will be intimately familiar with navigating the new Roku Streaming Stick.

For those not familiar, Roku sports an easy-to-navigate home screen that displays all the downloaded channels (also called apps) that you use.  You install apps like Sling TV, Netflix, and more through the Roku Channel Store.

The homepage is fully customizable, allowing you to order the channels how you see fit. There are a few pre-installed apps, but Roku allows you to remove them from the interface if you like.

Roku has thousands of channels available, and every major streaming service is available. Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Sling TV, Hulu, and more are all there. In fact, if content availability is what you are looking for in a streaming device, I suggest Roku. They even have “The Roku Channel” which shows free movies and TV.

Roku OS provides a function called “My Feed,” which allows you to set favorite shows on your subscription services. Roku will then let you know when new episodes of those shows are available.

Roku OS also provides one of the best search functions of any streaming device. When you search for an actor or title, Roku searches through most major streaming services to provide results. Furthermore, Roku integrates Live over the air TV with Roku search results. Roku has some of the best voice search functionality in its class.

More recently, Roku OS has added support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allowing you to integrate voice commands between your digital assistance and Roku.

Installing the New Roku Streaming Stick

Installation of the Roku Streaming Stick is a breeze and the setup process doesn’t deviate from any other Roku device. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Plug the Roku Streaming Stick into an HDMI port on your TV.  Connect the micro-USB port to the TV’s powered USB port, or the USB external adapter.  Not all USB ports supply power. If the Roku Stick doesn’t power on when connecting to the TV’s USB port, use the USB external power adapter.

Step 2: Turn on the TV and make sure it’s on the correct HDMI input.

Step 3: Insert the two included AAA batteries into the remote.  If the LED starts blinking, it is pairing with the device.  Once the remote pairs, the LED will stop blinking.

Step 4: Follow the guided setup on your television to set up the device on your network.

Should You Buy Roku Streaming Stick

If you already have a streaming device and are happy,  then there is no reason to run out and get a Roku Streaming Stick. However, if you are looking for an affordable way to add streaming functionality to your TV, then the Roku Streaming Stick is a great product to purchase. Furthermore, if you’re looking for an affordable way to add Dolby Atmos and HDR in 4K video, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a good solution at a great price.