It is more expensive than Roku’s Express 4K, but not by much. And it does come with a much better remote control.
Design & Build
HDMI dongleRemote control with built-in micCompatible with the Roku remote control app
This Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a classic stick/dongle, so it plugs straight into an HDMI input on your TV. Streaming boxes, by contrast, plug into an HDMI port via a cable. It’s reminiscent of the Roku Streaming Stick+ design, with a matt black finish. The stick also includes a microUSB port for the power cable, a manual reset button, and a power indicator light. It connects at the rear of the stick, but I found the power cable – at just under 1.5m – was a bit too short to reach the power adapter on floor. Alongside the stick, you get a Bluetooth remote control. As this is Roku’s flagship streaming stick, it comes with all the bells and whistles. There are the playback, navigation and streaming platform buttons, plus volume controls and a power button on the side (which can control most TVs). The other extra is a microphone button, which you press when you want to use you voice to search. You can also download the Roku remote control app on your phone to control your TV, which includes playback and voice commands. There’s no headphone jack on the remote, but you can route sound via the app on your phone, and then listen via Bluetooth headphones paired with your phone.
Software, Compatibility & Performance
Setting up the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a breeze. Once it’s plugged in, all you need to do is connect to the internet by selecting your Wi-Fi network, synchronise the remote to your TV (you simply follow the instructions on screen), sign in to your Roku account (or create one) and choose which channels and streaming platforms you want on your homepage. The stick runs Roku OS 10.5, which includes a section for music and podcasts, an expansion on the services that support voice commands (including Netflix and Spotify), as well as improvements to the Roku mobile app. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K can be used on HD, 4K and 4K HDR TVs. It has support for HDR10+ and HLG up to 60fps. The stick is also capable of upscaling from 720p and 1080p. If you want 4K, you will need a 4K TV with an HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2. If you are unsure of how to check this (and your TV’s ports aren’t clearly labelled), check out our HDMI guide, as well as Roku’s own support pages. One of the biggest attractions of this device is the support for Dolby Vision. Again, to benefit, your TV must support this HDR format. Roku has also confirmed that it supports Dolby Atmos, though your TV must have this feature for it to show in the settings. The device also has Dolby-encoded audio. Apple users can use AirPlay 2 to stream content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac. Meanwhile, Android users can also cast content via screen mirroring – you’ll need to pair your phone with the Roku device to allow access. Roku also includes sections for different genres such as educational apps, travel apps and more. If you are after something subscription-free, then The Roku Channel has thousands of hours worth of content, including Hell’s Kitchen and the new release, Swimming with Sharks. The Streaming Stick 4K has Wi-Fi 5 which Roku says is up to twice as fast as previous devices from the brand. Thanks to this, and the speedy processor powering the Stick 4K, I encountered no lag or issues: it was responsive and all the apps I used ran smoothly. The voice control is also impressive within apps. It makes it quick to search for things on YouTube, especially compared to using the on-screen keyboard from the remote which is extremely tedious. I wish that Roku had the option to change what sort of ads show up on the interface. I kept getting Fox News ads, but had no interest in watching it. I would prefer to have something more relevant to my interests.
Pricing & Availability
That’s £10/$10 more than the Roku Express 4K. However, for that you get power and volume buttons on the remote, plus voice control, making it a more flexible and accessible option. For other alternatives, see our roundup of best streaming sticks and boxes.
Verdict
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the best-value dongles available right now. The remote control has everything you need, including voice support, and Roku’s simple interface make this a brilliant device for first-time users of streaming sticks. If these things don’t bother you, it’s a great buy. Hannah Cowton is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor and Macworld, working across entertainment, consumer technology and lifestyle. Her interests and specialities lie in streaming services, film and television reviews and rumours, gaming, wearables and smart home products. She’s also the creator of The London Geek, a geek culture and lifestyle blog.
