This 4K Streaming Stick Is The Best-Value Roku Device After The Price Changes

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Roku's streaming device lineup is generally well-liked for its easy-to-use interface, access to all the popular streaming services, and helpful but hidden features. Its streaming devices have also traditionally been considered pretty affordable; however, the company hasn't been unaffected by the RAM shortage and storage price hike caused by the AI boom. This has resulted in it increasing the price of every single media streamer in its portfolio, from the base Roku Streaming Stick model to the premium Roku Ultra. Some Roku streamers have seen price increases of up to $50. This has changed the shopping math a bit, and if you're now on the market for a value-for-money Roku media streamer, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is the best option.

The Streaming Stick Plus is one of the newer additions to the company's lineup and has pretty much all the essentials most people need in a good media streamer. More importantly, although its current list price is $60, it's getting discounted to as low as $29. It's available for $40 or less now, at both Walmart and Amazon, making it pretty excellent value.

The Streaming Stick Plus has a conventional dongle-style form factor and comes with a built-in HDMI connector that plugs into your TV and remains out of sight. It supports up to 4K HDR streaming, which is what most people need. There is even support for HDR10+, which is a dynamic HDR format. Other features include the ability to control your TV's volume and power directly via the bundled Roku Voice Remote, which you can also use for voice search and controlling your Roku streamer. Moreover, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones directly to the device and enjoy private listening, plus it has support for Apple AirPlay.

Although it can't process Dolby or DTS audio by itself, it can pass the same to the connected TV or AV receiver for processing or further pass through to a soundbar. As a result, you don't miss out on higher quality audio as long as your TV or soundbar can handle it. Another highlight of the Roku device is its low power consumption of 2.5 watts, which means you can power it off the USB port on your TV, as most TV USB ports can deliver 2.5 watts.

The most notable omission is Dolby Vision support, which is a dynamic HDR format, like HDR10+; however, Dolby's offering is more common on streaming services. Still, as many streaming services often limit it to their most expensive plans, there is a good chance you won't get it anyway if you like to save money by opting for more affordable plans. 

While the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is the value pick, the base Roku Streaming Stick remains a solid choice for any non-4K TVs in your home. It costs $40 after the price hike and has most of the same features as other Roku streaming dongles, except for 4K HDR streaming and a lower 512 MB of RAM. It also features the same form factor and overall design. The Streaming Stick 4K sits above the Stick Plus, but it only makes sense if you want a longer Wi-Fi range or Dolby Vision support, as the rest of it is pretty much the same, including 1 GB of RAM. It will set you back $80 at list price.

The Roku Ultra is the most powerful model in the company's portfolio and costs $150. It has a different tabletop form factor and brings several extras that you don't get on the dongle-style Roku streamers. For example, it has 2 GB of RAM for more responsive performance, Wi-Fi 6 instead of Wi-Fi 5, an Ethernet port for wired networking, a USB port for connecting storage and other devices, and Dolby Atmos support. It also comes with a different, more powerful remote that, instead of replaceable AAA batteries, has a built-in rechargeable battery, features backlit buttons, and supports the lost remote finder function. The Roku Ultra is a good purchase for folks seeking the absolute best from Roku's stable.