Roku recently released a couple of new streaming sticks, and I picked up the entry-level HD version to see how it stacks up. There’s also a “Stick Plus” that supports 4k displays. In my latest Roku review, we take a look at what the new sticks are all about.
The HD model comes in at $29 and only supports 1080p. For those who want 4K, the Stick Plus is $10 more, and if you want Dolby Vision support, the Streaming Stick 4K—which they released a couple of years ago—is still the one to go with (all links are compensated affiliate links). The Streaming Stick 4k also integrates the Wi-Fi antenna into the power cord, which helps in areas with weak wireless signals.
The entry level Stream Stick I reviewed only supports B/G/N Wi-Fi, which isn’t the fastest, but for 1080p streaming it’s good enough. Setup is simple, and like other Roku products, it’s really locked down in terms of what you can install—just streaming apps and not much else. If you’re expecting app stores full of games or utilities, this isn’t the device for that.
One thing that caught me off guard was what’s missing from the box. There’s no power adapter—just the stick, the remote, and a USB-A to USB-C power cable. Most TVs can power the device through a USB port, but if not, you’ll need your own wall charger. It also doesn’t come with an HDMI extender, which might be a problem if your TV is mounted close to the wall. Roku will send you one for free if you request it, but you’ll have to wait for it to arrive.
The remote is solid and responsive, and it supports volume and power controls through HDMI CEC. There’s no IR blaster, so you won’t be using it as a universal remote, but it does support voice search. I tested it with a show on Netflix, and it launched the app and played the video quickly.
The Roku interface is still simple and snappy, though ads are creeping in more and more. Lately, I’ve noticed banner ads that animate as you navigate, and there’s talk of even more intrusive formats like video ads on pause screens. Still, it’s less cluttered than Android TV or Fire TV, at least for now.
Roku in recent years has focused on advertising supported content, so you’ll find plenty of free content offerings throughout the Roku interface. Their free Roku Channel includes a live TV grid with ad-supported channels, similar to Pluto TV. There’s also a featured free section for on-demand content. Their search works well too—look up a show, and it’ll show you where to stream or buy it across different services.
Casting from a mobile device works just like it does with Chromecast. I tested this by casting a YouTube video from my phone, and the Roku even downloaded the app automatically since it wasn’t already installed. Apple AirPlay and Miracast are also supported for screen mirroring, and I was able to show videos and photos from my iPhone without much hassle.
The Roku mobile app is still useful, though ads have started appearing there too. The private listening feature stands out—you can route audio from what is playing on the television through your phone and use headphones without disturbing others. The app also gives you quicker access to apps, a touchpad-style remote, and a keyboard for easier typing.
Overall, there’s not much new here—but that’s kind of the point. Roku keeps things consistent, and this stick delivers what you’d expect: simple, reliable streaming in a small package. It’s great for travel or a spare room, especially if you’re using an older HD TV. Just don’t expect advanced features like VPN support or ethernet connectivity. For more demanding needs, something like a Fire TV Stick or an Android box might be a better fit. But for straightforward, no-fuss streaming, this little stick still gets the job done.