Roku Streaming Stick+

Reviewing the Roku Streaming Stick+

Smart TVs may be the standard these days, but you might have an older TV at home you’re not willing to part ways with just yet because it’s still in good condition. However, older TVs don’t have the same options for streaming content as newer TVs. With a streaming device, you can transform any TV into a smart TV.

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is a simple streaming device that opens up your options for streaming content on any TV. BestReviews Testing Lab tested it thoroughly to determine if it’s worth a buy and stacks up against other top streaming devices.

Testing the Roku Streaming Stick+ 

BestReviews has a group of testers who test products in a real-world environment, and they’ve tested the Roku Streaming Stick+. Testers were asked a series of questions about their past experiences with streaming devices and Roku devices. They proceeded to unbox the streaming device, set it up and test its interface, features and functionality. Testers ran through the device’s setup and tested picture quality and wireless connectivity.

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim Roku makes about the product. For this article, the tester determined whether the primary brand claims (to save money and benefit TV systems) hold up.

What is the Roku Streaming Stick+?

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is a streaming device that offers access to hundreds of streaming services. It’s a dongle that connects easily to any TV and features a user interface similar to a smartphone or tablet in which users can download and use many apps to stream TV shows and movies.

See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best Roku devices.

Roku Streaming Stick+ price and where to buy

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is available on Amazon for $65.

How to use Roku Streaming Stick+

The Roku Streaming Stick+ connects to any TV with an HDMI port. The dongle itself connects to the TV but also comes with a power cord that must be connected to a power outlet. The Roku Streaming Stick+ can also be powered through a USB connection to any TV with a USB port. However, for optimal performance, it’s best to use a direct connection to a power outlet.

Setup takes a few minutes, and the interface will walk the user through a Roku account registration. Once your account is set up, you can launch any preloaded apps or download the ones you want. Roku offers some free TV streaming services, but most require in-app purchases or a paid subscription for full access.

Roku Streaming Stick+ benefits

This streaming device is seamless to set up, and syncing the included remote with a TV is easy. The testers mentioned how it automatically detected a Vizio TV and paired with it instantly, making it possible to manage TV functions and the Roku interface with a single remote.

The interface is user-friendly, and although some users might find it dated compared to other streaming devices, such as the Fire Stick, its distraction-free, ad-free layout is easier to navigate for first-time users.

Regarding picture quality, it looks just as good as other HD streaming devices. The remote’s build quality is much sturdier than most other streaming devices, and although it’s simple, it’s intuitive, powerful and quick to learn.

Roku Streaming Stick+ drawbacks

The interface may feel outdated to users with experience using streaming devices, and there’s occasional lagging when switching or launching apps. The search function isn’t as reliable or thorough as other streaming devices, making it frustrating to locate titles from time to time.

Although the Roku Streaming Stick+ supports Google Assistant and Alexa, setting up either voice assistant is tedious since it requires downloading an external app. Unlike other Roku streaming devices, the Roku Streaming Stick+ doesn’t include the Pro remote, which features a headphone jack for private listening. The included remote has four preset shortcuts for popular streaming apps, but they’re not customizable and therefore, might be apps the user has no use for.

Should you get the Roku Streaming Stick+?

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is a smart option for those without experience with streaming devices, and even experienced users can appreciate its uncluttered interface, the wide selection of streaming apps and the intuitive remote.

Apps with free TV streaming on the Roku Streaming Stick+ offer classic movies and TV shows that are harder to find in popular streaming apps, making it a more appealing device for older users. Unlike other streaming devices, such as the Fire TV Stick, the Roku Streaming Stick+ is devoid of games and is primarily focused on providing streaming services.