Roku Stick VS Stick Plus VS Roku Stick 4K – Which Is Best?

Stand-alone streaming devices, such as Roku, are still very popular, even though Smart TVs are continually improving. That’s because streaming devices are often faster, easier to use and support a more comprehensive library of apps.

In 2025, Roku finally updated its lineup in the UK, and replaced the ageing Roku Express and Roku Express 4K, with the new Stick and Stick Plus.

So, there are currently three different streamers: the Roku Streaming Stick (HD), Roku Streaming Stick Plus (4K) and Roku Streaming Stick 4K. (they also seel quite a few Roku TV models in the UK).

In the US, Roku is often the most popular streaming platform, but in the UK, the Amazon Fire TV Sticks are still better known. But with three separate devices at three different price points and an easy to use, streamlined interface, you should definitely consider Roku when you’re buying.

In this roundup, I’ll compare the three Roku streamers, look at each one’s pros and cons, and help you decide – which Roku device to get, according to your budget.

• Looking for our older comparisons? See the Roku Express VS Express 4K VS Roku Stick 4K, and the even older Roku Premiere VS the rest comparison.

Quick Look

Roku Streamers – What They Share

While there are some distinct differences between them, the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick Plus and Roku Streaming Stick 4K also have a lot in common, as they’re all based on the same Roku OS.

For a more comprehensive look at each device, be sure to read my full reviews of the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick Plus and Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

The two older models, the Roku Express (replaced by the Streaming Stick) and the Roku Express 4K (replaced by the Streaming Stick Plus), have been discontinued in the UK. However, you can still find them in some stores.

Confusingly, Roku also used to sell a “Roku Streaming Stick+” in the UK a few years ago, so be sure not to mix that one with the new Plus model.

Video Connectivity: All three devices are HDMI only, meaning you can’t connect them to an old TV that only has SCART or RCA ports (If your TV doesn’t have enough HDMI ports, consider using an HDMI switcher).

Broadband Connectivity: All three devices use WiFi to connect to the internet, but the Roku Streaming Stick uses an older standard (802.11b/g/n), with the Stick Plus and Stick 4K using the newer(ish) 802.11ac WiFi 5 (but none of them support WiFi 6 or 7).

Also, in the past it was able to use an Ethernet adapter with the Roku Express – but that is no longer the case with the new Stick models – so WiFi is your only option.

Roku Interface: All three devices use the same Roku operating system and interface, which is good, as it’s slick and easy to use. There are minor speed differences (more on that later), but other than that, every Roku device looks the same on your screen.

Channel Availability: There are thousands of channels (known as “Apps” on other devices) available for Roku streamers – from the big ones like Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video and Sky’s NOW, to UK catch-up services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, as well as plenty of others – some good, some not so much. 

The selection of apps is the same across the entire range of Roku streamers – though you might see a difference in how responsive some of the apps are, depending on the specs of your device (See here for my recommendations on the best Roku channels in the UK).

The Roku Channel: All Roku devices give you access to this streaming video-on-demand channel, which includes free movies, TV programmes and kids’ content, as well as some Roku Originals.

Audio: All three devices support Digital Stereo / DTS Digital Surround, as well as Dolby Audio and Dolby ATMOS (but those are only supported via HDMI pass-through, so you’ll need an audio device with the proper decoder).

Roku Mobile App: The app gives you the same additional features on all three devices – using it as a remote, casting from your phone to the device, and “Private Listening”, which lets you connect headphones to your smartphone and hear the Roku’s audio through those.

Roku Stick VS Stick Plus VS Stick 4K

All three are very capable streaming devices, but there are several differences (other than the price) that you need to consider before buying.

In broad terms, the Roku Streaming Stick is an entry-level HD streaming stick, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a budget-friendly 4K streaming stick, and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the premium 4K stick that adds better WiFi connectivity, and HDR Dolby Vision support and a voice remote. (In the US, you can also find the even higher-end Roku Ultra).

Here are some of the significant differences between the three Roku devices:

The Form Factor

Form Factor: The old Roku Express devices were tiny “boxes” that you connected to your TV via an HDMI cable. The new 2025 sticks, however, are now sticks that connect directly to your TV’s HDMI port – same as the Streaming Stick 4K.

The new 2025 sticks are tiny and truly portable, at 3.7 x 0.80 x .45 inches and just 26 grams.

Another plus for the new 2025 sticks, is that they can now be powered through your TV’s USB port (if it has one) – so you don’t even need to connect them to a wall outlet (this is thanks to increased power efficiancy, compared to the old Express sticks).

There is a small trade-off to consider, though. When powered via your TV’s USB port, the stick completely shuts down when you turn off your television. This means a brief 10-15 second boot-up period when you switch on again.

The 4K Stick is a bit more power hungry, therefore – while you can still technically try to power it with your TV’s USB port – many TVs won’t be giving it enough power, so you’re better off connecting it to a power socket.

WiFi Connectivity

As mentioned, all three devices require WiFi to connect to the internet.

All three sticks now support dual-band wireless, with the HD Stick limited to an older 802.11b/g/n standard. The Stick 4K also comes with a WiFi Booster (attached to the USB power cable), which increases the range of its WiFi reception.

All of them do not support WiFi 6 (or 7), unlike the new Amazon Fire TV 4K Max Stick.

If your WiFi at home is patchy and your router is far from the TV, you might prefer the Stick 4K for its superior connectivity, or at least the Stick Plus which supports WiFi 5.

The CPU And RAM

Roku doesn’t tend to share a lot of technical information about their device’s specs – but on paper at least, all three sticks now share the same processor – the ARM Cortex A55 CPU.

It’s hard to know what exactly goes on under the hood, as CPU model doesn’t tell the whole story.

As for RAM, The Roku Streaming Stick has 512MB, while the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and Stick 4K both have 1GB of RAM.

This helps those two devices feel snappier to use than the HD Stick and might also affect streaming and buffering issues.

Video Quality

The Roku Stick only supports Full HD (1080p) content. The Stick Plus and Stick 4K, however, support video quality up to UltraHD (4K) with HDR. 

The Stick Plus supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG – which is the format used by the BBC.

The Stick 4K supports all those HDR formats and adds support for Dolby Vision.

Keep in mind that for 4K content, you also need a TV that supports 4K. And you need 4K content – on Netflix and Disney+, for example, that means paying for a more expensive plan. There’s also some 4K content on YouTube.

So which should you get, judging by video quality? At this point, I would suggest going for 4K, as that future-proofs your device.

However, if you’re buying the device for a guest room or have an HD-Only TV and have no plans to upgrade it soon, the Streaming Stick (HD) might be enough.

The Roku Remotes

The old Express sticks used to come with Roku’s basic, infrared remote.

But the new, 2025 Stick and Stick Plus now come with the more advanced Roku Voice Remote, which also includes TV volume controls.

Therefore, all three sticks now come with the same remote (but the app shortcut buttons at the bottom may be different, depending on the year your remote was manufactured).

All three remotes now work with Bluetooth (so you don’t need to point them directly at the device – which makes sense, since all three sticks are now hidden behind the TV).

The voice button lets you use the Voice Control and Search features, so you can press a button and “talk” to the remote. That’s primarily used for searching and some basic commands (like “Run Netflix”).

Interface and Speed

Roku’s OS looks and behaves the same on every device (and I like it a lot, as it’s cleaner and easier to use than most Smart TVs, or even from the Amazon Fire TV’s interface).

The Express used to feel a bit underpowered, with its interface being visibly slower.

That aspect has been improved with the new Streaming Stick – while it’s still not AS snappy as the Plus (or 4K), it won’t make much of a difference as long as you don’t compare them side by side.

The Plus and the Stick 4K are pretty much on the same level in terms of speed and responsiveness, and are both very snappy to use.

In addition, the Roku Stick (HD) interface only supports 720p (for the interface itself, not for streaming video quality, where it’s 1080p). This means that some of the Roku screens – backgrounds in particular – look a bit pixelated at times. The Plus and Stick 4K don’t have this issue.

Pricing

As of this writing, the official recommended retail prices for the devices are:

• Roku Streaming Stick – £29.99
• Roku Streaming Stick Plus – £39.99
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K – £49.99

Of course, some – or all of them – are sometimes on sale, so it’s hard to judge by these prices. Still, the ladder stays the same – with the HD Stick remaining the cheapest, the Plus in the middle, and the Stick 4K being the most expensive.

But when the prices go down, you should start asking yourself how much you’re actually saving by buying the HD Stick instead of the faster, 4K-enabled devices.

Which Roku Device Should I Get?

As you can see in this comparison, the three Roku streamers are somewhat similar – with just a few distinct differences. The price difference isn’t huge, making the decision even more confusing.

The first question you should ask yourself is whether you need 4K or not. Does your TV support 4K? Do you plan on buying a 4K TV anytime soon? If the answer is yes, the Streaming Stick (HD) is out of the running, as there’s really no point in investing in a 4K TV, only to buy a streamer that doesn’t support it.

The HD stick is a great device for guest rooms, old HD-only TVs, or if you regularly take it with you when you travel (to hotels and AirBnBs, for example).

However, for most people, it would make more sense to fork another ten quid, and go for the Streaming Stick Plus, for the 4K support and the slightly better speed and WiFi.

As for the Streaming Stick 4K (which hasn’t been updated since 2021), I think it has become a bit redundant, with the Streaming Stick Plus providing excellent performance, the same voice remote, and all at a lower price.

The only reason to get the 4K Stick at this point is if you really want Dolby Vision support (which, granted, is important for some). Otherwise – the Streaming Stick Plus is my main recommendation.

Either way, remember to read my full reviews of each device:

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K Full Review
• Roku Streaming Stick Plus Review
• Roku Streaming Stick Review

Where Can I Buy The Roku Streamers?

The new 2025 Streaming Sticks are currently only available for sale on Amazon and in ASDA stores, but should become accessible in additional stores later this year.