The Roku Streaming Stick has long been a great way to get smart streaming without breaking the bank. So much so, that even if your TV does have built-in smart features, getting a Roku device can allow you to integrate it with the rest of your smart home. The most recent model in the lineup is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which has launched alongside the slightly higher-end Streaming Stick 4K+.
The new device aims to incrementally improve over the last-generation Streaming Stick 4K. And while it probably isn’t the way to go for those who already have the last-generation Streaming Stick+, if you have a much older device, or no streaming device at all, the all-new Roku Streaming Stick 4K is an excellent option.
Here’s why.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K review: Design
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K looks identical to the last-generation model, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The device is 3.7 inches long, and looks fine, but the majority of the time it will likely be hidden behind your TV anyway, so the way it looks may not matter.
It has a MicroUSB port on it for power, and a plug for powering it from an outlet. You can also power it from your TV’s built-in USB port. I don’t mind that the device has a MicroUSB port here, given the fact that you’ll probably only set it up and then never interact with it again.
The design of the device itself isn’t really as important as the design of the remote. If you’ve used a Roku device before, you’ll easily be able to navigate the remote. It’s built from a black plastic, and it’s a little thinner than the Voice Remote Pro, which comes with the Streaming Stick 4K+. The device does away with the headphone jack and the microphone mute switch that you’ll get with the more expensive device, along with the two programmable buttons. But you’ll still be able to use voice commands, which is nice. This remote is powered by two AAA batteries.
Over the years, the streaming services that get quick-access controls on the Roku remote have changed. This time around, you’ll get Netflix, Disney+,
Roku Streaming Stick 4K review: Features and software
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K may not have the same remote as the Streaming Stick 4K+, but the actual streaming device is the same. That means that you’ll still get Dolby Vision and HDR10 support. That should make for a better viewing experience for those that have a compatible TV.
The software built into the Streaming Stick 4K is…Roku. If you’ve used a Roku device before, you’ll know exactly how it looks and feels. The operating system is laid out as a grid, with different apps, or “Channels.” It’s not the prettiest interface out there, but it works well and gets you to your apps as quickly as possible. Even if you haven’t used Roku before, you should find it relatively easy to use.
I don’t use voice commands on streaming devices very often, and that didn’t change with the Streaming Stick 4K. But they did work pretty well here, so if you like the idea of using voice commands to open apps and change volume, you’ll get use out of them on the Streaming Stick 4K.
Under the hood, the Streaming Stick 4K has a faster quad-core processor. Generally, the interface was fast and responsive, however I thought the previous-gen Streaming Stick+ was too. Hopefully the faster processor will allow the device to last a little longer.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K review: Video and audio
As mentioned, the Streaming Stick 4K keeps features like Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, so as long as your TV supports it, you’ll get an improved video quality. For many, that’s enough to mean that you don’t have to buy a more expensive streamer like the Roku Ultra or Apple TV 4K. That’s a nice upgrade over the Streaming Stick+, which didn’t support Dolby Vision.
The device also supports Dolby Atmos passthrough, and if you have a compatible setup, that will make for a better audio experience. You may run into some compatibility issues, however, that will completely depend on your system.
Conclusions
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has a lot going for it. If you don’t have a Dolby Vision-compatible TV, the Streaming Stick 4K isn’t a huge upgrade. But if you do, it’s worth considering the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for your living room streaming.
The competition
Easily the biggest competition comes from the slightly higher-end Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, which is the same streamer, but with an upgraded remote. The remote adds a headphone jack for wired private listening, has a switch for microphone muting, has two programmable buttons, and is rechargeable — though through MicroUSB.
If you’re not tied to a platform, it’s also worth considering the Amazon Fire TV Stick. It also supports Dolby Vision and voice controls. At retail price, it’s the same $49.99.
Should I buy the Roku Streaming Stick 4K?
Yes. If you like the Roky operating system and want a cheap streamer that supports Dolby Vision, this is the way to go.
