Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Score: 74/100
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is a high-end streaming stick delivering 4K HDR with AI-driven search and Alexa voice control. Its main trade-offs are limited internal storage and occasional lag under heavy use. Ideal for Alexa-enabled households seeking premium 4K performance and cloud gaming.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers a compact, hideable form factor with long-range Wi-Fi and full 4K HDR support. Its lack of Ethernet and modest 1 GB RAM can lead to occasional lag and limit wired stability. Best suited for secondary or wall-mounted TVs where space is at a premium and wireless performance is sufficient.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1 GBbest | — | |
4 GB | 8 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.5 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 26 gbest | 45.4 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Processor | ARM Cortex A55 | Mediatek MT8696D |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 4 GB | 8 GB |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Roku OS | Fire OS |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby-encoded audio | Dolby Atmos |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Voice remote with TV power, volume, mute buttons | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 26 g | 45.4 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 93.98×20.32×11.43 mm mm | 38.6×17.5×141.2 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for its breathtaking 4K clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, noting the vibrant color pop and excellent upscaling. The long-range Wi-Fi receiver is highlighted as a key strength, delivering stable 4K streams even in challenging locations. Editors also commend the slim, hideable form factor and the voice remote with TV power and volume controls, calling it ideal for wall-mounted or secondary TVs. Minor criticisms focus on the lack of Ethernet and limited 1 GB RAM, which can cause occasional lag.
Everyday users consistently highlight the easy setup, sharp 4K picture quality, and reliable long-range Wi-Fi as top positives. The compact, hidden design and the abundance of free live channels are also frequently praised. Recurring complaints revolve around occasional interface slowdowns, the need to replace remote batteries often, and the absence of an Ethernet port for wired connections. Overall sentiment is positive, with most users finding the device meets daily streaming needs well.
“breathtaking upgrade for any TV”
“fast streaming, easy to setup, great apps”
“Works fast... perfect for streaming.”
Pick Fire TV Stick 4K for more RAM and Amazon ecosystem; pick Roku for simplicity and better Wi-Fi range.
Choose Roku for a neutral, service-agnostic experience; choose Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for Alexa features and Xbox gaming.
Professional reviewers commend the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for its lightning-fast app starts, fluid navigation, and AI-driven search that feels smarter than previous generations. They highlight the premium picture and audio quality from Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos, as well as the added value of Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming. Wi-Fi 6 is praised for delivering reliable 4K streaming even on congested networks, though reviewers note minor lag under heavy use and the limited 8 GB storage compared to the 4K Max.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the device's speed, easy setup, and high-quality 4K/Wi-Fi 6 performance, often calling it "fast streaming, easy to setup, great apps" and noting its suitability for small spaces thanks to the HDMI extender. Recurring complaints focus on occasional lag and the limited internal storage, but overall satisfaction remains high with users describing it as "perfect for streaming".
