What to Know Before Buying a Roku Streaming Stick (HD vs Plus vs 4K)

Streaming devices are a top choice for enhancing the performance of older TVs, particularly when built-in smart features begin to lag. They are also favored by some smart TV owners who prefer using a dedicated streamer. 

Among the various options, Roku stands out as a popular brand, offering models like the Roku Streaming Stick HD, Plus, and 4K. These models differ not just in price but in performance, hardware capabilities, Wi-Fi stability, and overall usability.

All models operate on the same Roku OS, providing a consistent core interface, and most users focus on price and basic features. 

Choosing the right model depends on your TV’s resolution, your Wi-Fi setup, and the content you intend to stream.

1. Your TV should determine your Roku model

Purchasing an expensive streaming device doesn’t automatically enhance your TV experience. Since Roku devices function as streaming platforms, the TV itself plays a significant role.

For instance, a Roku Plus or 4K model will not deliver 4K streaming if your TV’s display is limited to 1080p. Similarly, the Roku 4K’s support for Dolby Vision is ineffective if your TV doesn’t accommodate it. Therefore, selecting a model compatible with your TV is the most sensible approach.

It’s also crucial to verify the HDMI ports on your TV. For optimal 4K streaming, the Roku device should connect to an HDMI port on the TV that supports HDCP 2.2, a content protection standard. This information is typically labeled next to the port or outlined in the TV manual.

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

The Roku Stick also needs a power source. It can connect directly to your TV’s USB port if it provides 5V–1A power, a feature most modern TVs have. For older TVs, an external socket will work. Roku includes all necessary components.

The device doesn’t decide the picture quality. Your TV does.

2. Short-term and long-term performance

Initially, the Roku Stick HD functions adequately. For users who primarily use a few apps, there might not be any noticeable issues. It may seem slightly slower than the Plus or 4K models, but this isn’t immediately apparent.

However, over time, the differences become more pronounced as apps like Netflix and Disney+ grow more demanding with updates. The Roku Plus and 4K generally offer better performance, with quicker navigation and faster app loading times.

This performance difference is partly due to the hardware. The Roku Stick HD has 512MB of RAM, suitable for basic tasks, whereas the Roku Plus and 4K, equipped with 1GB of RAM, provide smoother app switching.

Limited storage space on these devices can slow down performance when multiple apps are installed. Additional RAM helps manage background processes more effectively. 

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3. Wi-Fi and internet matter more than specs

Your internet connection is a critical factor in determining streaming quality, regardless of the Roku model you choose. 

All Roku models depend solely on Wi-Fi. Even if your TV is hardwired to the router, the Roku device still requires a wireless connection, as there is no wired option available.

For HD streaming, 5-10Mbps is sufficient, but 4K content demands 25Mbps or more consistently. Streams using HEVC/VP9 codec formats may require up to 40Mbps. If your connection frequently falls below these speeds, the Roku Stick 4K model may not deliver the expected performance.

Signal strength is also important. With multiple devices connected to Wi-Fi, some buffering might occur. Nevertheless, all three models feature dual-band Wi-Fi to better manage network congestion.

Keep in mind that not all content is free. While Roku provides some free content and channels, popular platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime require separate subscriptions. 

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4. What Roku doesn’t do

While Roku serves well as a streaming platform, it lacks the app flexibility found in Android TV. Unlike Android and Fire TV, which allow the installation of third-party apps, Roku has limited support for them.

Sideloading apps on Roku isn’t straightforward and is more of a developer feature than a practical alternative for regular users. However, the Roku Channel Store provides a sufficient selection of apps. 

Android TV users may notice fewer customization options and less flexibility with Roku. 

Due to limited storage, downloading content for offline use is not possible. While this might not be an issue for most users, it’s important to be aware of this limitation before purchasing.

5. Price and what you’re paying for

The Roku Stick is the most affordable option at £29.99/$29.99, available on Amazon. For TVs with a maximum resolution of 1080p, the HD model is sufficient for basic streaming needs. Even for those on a budget with a high-end UHD TV, the HD model can still perform adequately, though the difference in picture quality will be noticeable.

The Roku Plus is recommended for most buyers. With 1GB RAM and dual-band Wi-Fi, it provides a significant improvement in daily use. Priced at £39.99/$39.99 on Amazon, the small price difference from the HD model makes it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone with a 4K HDR TV.

The Roku 4K, priced at £49.99/$49.99, includes all the benefits of the Plus model, with additional Dolby Vision support and enhanced Wi-Fi range for routers located further away. For those with Dolby Vision-compatible TVs wanting to maximize their viewing experience, the Roku 4K is the best choice.

It’s important to note that Roku’s free channels are an added benefit but not the primary selling point. Subscriptions for services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ are still required. The cost of the device is just the starting point.

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Which Roku Streaming device is best for you?

The Streaming Stick serves as a basic entry-level option. For 1080p TVs and users who rely on a limited number of apps, it performs adequately, though its limitations may become apparent over time.

The Streaming Stick Plus is the preferred choice for most users, offering enhanced performance and 4K support, making it well-suited for everyday use.

The Streaming Stick 4K is a more specialized option. It adds Dolby Vision support to the Plus model. For those whose TVs support Dolby Vision and who prioritize picture quality, the additional cost is justified. The 4K model also benefits from its extended Wi-Fi range. 

Each model includes a voice remote. If you’re uncertain about which to choose, the Plus model is recommended as it balances price and performance effectively.