Another improvement is somewhat more important: higher energy efficiency. You can now power the device via your TV’s USB port instead of a wall adapter. Plus doesn’t even come with an adapter, making it easier to use. Older Roku devices allowed this (as did the 4K model). Sweets Uses USB power some TV), but this is the first 4K-capable device that Roku recommends you use without a power adapter. Since you don’t need an open outlet nearby, the dongle is more flexible. This would certainly come in handy on a recent trip where the TV in my hotel room was about 10 feet from the nearest available power outlet.
Both devices are compatible with Apple AirPlay and Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant. They come with the same remote control, packed with features such as voice input and the ability to control the TV’s power and volume. They both have the same operating system, with Roku’s fancy purple interface, which I like especially for free live programming, as I described in our streaming device guide.
Performance
The Streaming Stick Plus is pretty fast for a $40 device. I connected a Roku Ultra to another TV in my house and when I performed the same actions on both, the Streaming Stick Plus was slightly slower than the Ultra. For example, Disney+ took a second or two longer to launch on Ultra and just half a second longer on Plus. Yes, there was a time zone difference, but the Streaming Stick Plus was never so slow and frustrating.
I don’t think anyone seriously expects a streaming device to work the way many of the new smart TVs do. My device is relatively new and direct comparisons showed little difference between a dongle and a larger integrated processor. Take the Netflix menu as an example. It’s crisp, clear, and vivid through my TV’s native Netflix app, but the same page was noticeably blurrier and grainier when I opened it on the Roku device.
But I only noticed a slight difference in quality between the two when streaming a show. Amazing pictures of the beautiful but bloody interior of the White House. The residence they were a bit grainier on the Roku. True video fans might notice the difference, but those who are just there to watch Detective Cupp destroy all the suspects probably won’t.
Should You Buy Roku Streaming Stick Plus?
Something the size of a broken lipstick tube is no match for a good smart TV. But if you have an older screen or a cheaper device with a bulky interface, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus can make your TV time more enjoyable. Similar streaming devices include , which costs $10 more at full price (though it’s often on sale). Between the two, I would choose the Roku Streaming Stick Plus because the Roku interface is much more useful. This is also the stick I want to take with me on my next trip. I can connect it to Airbnb and instead of going to TV apps I can watch more Doctor Who. I don’t have to worry about where the nearest power outlet is or enter my ridiculously long Disney+ password.
Whether you’re going to buy this or another 4K-capable streaming device from Roku, I’d go with this one. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus costs $10 less and is four years older. The fact that it is powered by the TV means that the dongle and USB power cable are not visible. So if, like me, you feel like there are cords everywhere, you’re in for a treat. If you have a Dolby Vision compatible TV or your WiFi router is too far from the TV, you can of course choose the 4K Streaming Stick; In fact, that is the only major advantage of this model. Otherwise, the Streaming Stick Plus is a good choice for an affordable but modern streaming player.
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