1 Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review: Small Refinements to A Winning Formula
Fred Huggard edited this page 1 month ago


Compared to the myriad streaming companies they deliver, Roku’s streaming Tv units seem caught in time. In 2021 Roku is lastly changing the Plus with its new Streaming Stick 4K, however as with its different latest updates to products just like the Roku Ultra, the upgrades are minimal. Probably the most notable change is the addition of assist for the Dolby Vision HDR format. After using the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for the past few days I can report that it remains to be a wonderful streamer. On the other hand, so is the cheaper Roku Express 4K Plus, which is just about precisely the identical aside from Dolby Vision and the truth that it is not technically a stick. In the long run, most Roku patrons might be higher off pocketing the $10 financial savings and getting the Express 4K Plus. Editor’s word, Dec. 7, 2022: Given its excellent options for the money and superior Roku system we have awarded this product our Editors’ Choice in streaming units.


Note that we gave the identical award to the Roku Express 4K Plus as well. The two are very comparable and while the Express 4K Plus is generally cheaper, and Flixy streaming thus the better alternative in our ebook, their prices range with discounts and the Streaming Stick 4K is generally cheaper. Between the two it’s best to simply choose the one that’s cheapest on the time. Take a look at our Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Roku Express 4K Plus comparability for extra particulars. The brand new Flixy streaming Stick 4K runs on Roku’s newest 10.5 software and does a advantageous job. Apps loaded quickly, and whereas it didn’t all the time really feel as snappy as Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K Max, I by no means was left hanging for more than a few seconds. Roku made some slight hardware modifications to the Streaming Stick 4K. The dongle now sports activities a matte end, as opposed to the glossy plastic of the Streaming Stick Plus, and the included power/Wi-Fi cable now could be a bit longer and blockier.


After all, the Stick is designed to tuck behind a Tv so few individuals will discover these tweaks. Unlike the Fire Flixy TV Stick Max, the brand new Roku would not help Wi-Fi 6, but I do not think that is a big deal right now. I do want Roku had moved the Micro-USB slot for power from the aspect of the system to the center. Depending in your setup, you could have hassle squeezing the machine into the HDMI port on your Tv or other AV gadgets. I had some issues plugging it right into a Sony soundbar, for instance. Roku does supply a free HDMI extender on its webpage, which should help, though in contrast to Fire Tv it would not embrace one within the field. Roku does embrace a energy adapter, but I also had no points powering the gadget from the USB port on a 2019 TCL 6-Series Tv or from a roommate’s RCA Tv. Tv reveals and motion pictures available in 4K and/or Dolby Vision performed again with no points on my TCL.


I used to be unable to check that function. Roku’s interface stays the only among the most important streamers, with apps displaying in a easy grid and no particular person Flixy TV Stick shows or movies showing until you click by means of to the actual app. The general really feel is much less cluttered than the thumbnail-heavy menus of Fire Flixy TV Stick and Google Tv, however I do miss the ability to proceed watching a present instantly from the house web page. With OS 10.5 Roku made a number of small improvements however nothing that rivals the addition of AirPlay help last 12 months. As with rival streamers and software program from Amazon, Apple and Google, the Roku software includes all the main apps and streaming companies you’d count on in 2021. This contains Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Apple Tv Plus, Flixy streaming Sling Tv and extra. Game streaming providers like Google Stadia and Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming stay MIA, nonetheless. Roku remains in a spat with YouTube Tv , however I was nonetheless in a position to download the YouTube Tv app from a backup of a previous Roku with no issues.