Nearly all TVs sold today have smart features that let you stream TV shows and movies, but the interface is often limited and doesn’t allow for upgradability. That’s where the Roku Streaming Stick 4K comes in. It offers more streaming options and additional smart features, making it suitable for those who want access to a more extensive library of titles or anyone who has an older TV without smart features.
It has a sleek, unassuming design, so it doesn’t distract you as you watch TV, and it works with popular voice assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. We’ve tested multiple streaming devices in the BestReviews Testing Lab for performance, including the similar Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus. While our findings about the Plus were mostly positive, in the end, we chose the Roku Streaming Stick 4K as our Best of the Best pick in our analysis of streaming devices.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has a super easy setup process, Dolby Vision picture quality and a voice remote with TV controls. Plus, you’ll get access to tons of popular streaming apps such as Disney+, Netflix and Prime Video. Right now, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is 30% off at Target for a low price of just $35.
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The Roku Ultra is an advanced streaming device that’s best for those who want more power and smart features. It streams in 4K with picture-enhancing HDR technology, and the remote control features a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack for private listening and a microphone button for searching titles with your voice. It works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Alexa and supports DTS digital surround sound.
The Roku Express 4K has a different form factor than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but it’s still lightweight and easy to set up. It’s the cheapest Roku device that offers 4K HDR streaming, and it supports screen mirroring and Apple AirPlay. You’ll get access to plenty of streaming apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Showtime, YouTube TV and Crackle. The remote control provides TV controls and lets you search across all apps for your favorite TV shows and movies.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the main competitor of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K as it offers comparable functionality at a slightly higher price point. Its interface isn’t as user-friendly as the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and it’s more cluttered with streaming recommendations, but it’s a more versatile streaming device. It allows you to control other smart devices on your home network, and there is more wiggle room for app and interface customization. Plus, it supports Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and HDR 10, HDR 10+, Hybrid Log-Gamma and Dolby Vision.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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