UPDATED AUGUST 2026 · RESEARCH-BASED REVIEW
Quick verdict: Roku Streaming Stick Plus is one of the easiest 4K streaming devices to recommend to people who value simplicity over feature overload. It supports 4K HDR, hides behind the TV, can be powered from a compatible TV USB port and uses Roku’s straightforward interface. The main compromise is that Dolby Vision is reserved for Roku’s higher-tier Streaming Stick 4K.
Key specifications
- Up to 4K at 60fps
- HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG
- 1GB RAM listed in Roku’s developer hardware table
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Built-in HDMI
- USB-C power
- Roku Voice Remote with TV power, volume and mute controls
- Apple AirPlay/HomeKit compatibility plus Google Home and Alexa support
- No Dolby Vision
What is new about the Streaming Stick Plus?
Roku positions the current Streaming Stick Plus as its newer 4K stick for buyers who want a compact design without a separate set-top box. Roku says it can draw power directly from the television, reducing cable clutter compared with streamers that require a wall adapter.
The device is also physically slimmer than older puck-style Roku hardware and is designed not to block neighbouring HDMI ports.
Picture quality: 4K HDR without Dolby Vision
Roku lists 4K output up to 60fps with HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. That covers the most common open HDR formats, but Dolby Vision is the obvious omission.
If your TV supports Dolby Vision and you actively use Dolby Vision services, the older Roku Streaming Stick 4K may still make more sense. If you mainly want a straightforward 4K upgrade, the newer Stick Plus keeps the decision simpler.
Performance and memory
Roku’s developer hardware information lists 1GB RAM for the Streaming Stick Plus. That number looks modest next to Android- and Fire-based devices, but RAM figures cannot be compared in isolation across different operating systems. Roku OS is lighter and more tightly controlled than many general-purpose TV platforms.
If you are comparing memory numbers, our 2GB vs 4GB RAM guide explains why more RAM does not automatically mean proportionally faster streaming.
The interface is the main selling point
Roku’s biggest strength remains the home screen. It is built around apps rather than a dense recommendation feed. That makes it easy to understand and a good fit for households that want a streaming device to feel more like a simple appliance than another content platform.
The downside is that Roku is less flexible than Google TV or Fire TV if you want a browser, deeper smart-home integration or a more open app environment.
Remote and everyday use
The included voice remote can control the Roku interface and, on compatible TVs, handle power, volume and mute. That reduces the need to keep the television remote beside you for basic viewing.
Roku also supports Bluetooth Headphone Mode through its ecosystem, which can be useful for late-night viewing.
Who should buy it?
- People upgrading an older 4K TV with slow built-in apps
- Anyone who values a simple interface
- Wall-mounted TV owners who want minimal cable clutter
- Households that mainly use mainstream streaming services
- Buyers who do not need Dolby Vision
Who should look elsewhere?
- Dolby Vision users — consider Roku Streaming Stick 4K or another Dolby Vision streamer
- Power users who want 16GB+ app storage — Fire TV Stick 4K Max or a box may suit better
- Google ecosystem users who prefer Google TV — consider Xiaomi or Google TV Streamer
- Buyers who want built-in Ethernet — look at a box rather than a stick
Roku Streaming Stick Plus vs Fire TV Stick 4K Max
The Roku is simpler; the Fire TV is more feature-heavy. Amazon gives you 16GB storage, 2GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6E and Dolby Vision, while Roku focuses on a cleaner interface and tidier physical setup. See our full Roku Streaming Stick Plus vs Fire TV Stick 4K Max UK comparison.
ViewHarbour verdict
Roku Streaming Stick Plus is compelling because it does not try to win every specification battle. It is a focused 4K streamer with a simple interface, useful TV-control remote and very clean installation. For buyers who want the least complicated route to modern streaming apps, that focus is a strength.
See where it fits in our Best Streaming Sticks UK 2026 guide, or use the Device Finder if you want a recommendation based on your own setup.
