Roku Streaming Stick+
Score: 76/100
Roku Express
Score: 67/100Rankings
The Roku Streaming Stick+ delivers 4K HDR streaming with a sleek plug-in form factor and a voice-enabled remote. Its main trade-offs are the lack of Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and a wired Ethernet connection. Ideal for budget-conscious cord-cutters who need portable 4K streaming and strong Wi-Fi coverage.
The Roku Express HD is an ultra-compact streaming stick delivering 1080p video with a simple IR remote and access to over 400 free channels. It lacks HDR and dual-band Wi-Fi, which can limit picture quality and network performance. Ideal for budget-conscious users with HD TVs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1 GBbest | — | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.5 W | 2.2 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 26 gbest | 31 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Display(2) | ||
HDR Support | true | false |
Maximum Resolution | 4K | 1080p |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 2.5 W | 2.2 W |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Standard stereo | Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, Stereo |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 1.4b |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 | 802.11bgn |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Roku Voice Remote with IR TV controls | IR Simple Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 26 g | 31 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 20x12x94 mm | 71x20x38 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Stick+ for its sleek, plug-and-play form factor, strong long-range Wi-Fi, and solid 4K/HDR picture at a budget price, but they criticize the missing Dolby Vision/Atmos support and the lack of an Ethernet port.
Everyday users love the effortless setup, crisp 4K/HDR picture, responsive voice remote, and reliable Wi-Fi range, while recurring complaints focus on occasional overheating, short remote battery life, and intrusive interface ads.
Professional reviewers commend the Roku Express HD for its upgraded storage, fast app launches, and the clean, intuitive Roku OS that gives access to a massive channel lineup. They also note the device's tiny footprint and broad smart-home integration as strong points. However, they criticize the lack of HDR, occasional app lag, and the reliance on single-band Wi-Fi, which can hinder performance in busy network environments.
Everyday users praise the device for its plug-and-play simplicity, reliable 1080p streaming, and the huge library of free channels, especially for secondary or guest TVs. Recurring complaints focus on slower app loads, the absence of 4K/HDR, and the basic IR remote that requires line-of-sight, with some noting Wi-Fi buffering in crowded homes.
“quick setup, intuitive interface, strong 4K/HDR picture quality”
“perfect for new users yet powerful for pros”
“Seamless HD streaming for beginners, quick setup, vast free/premium content access, and reliability for casual viewing”
