Streaming Devices / Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) vs Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) vs Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025)
4K HDR Roku that runs off the TV's USB port — the travel pick.
Wins overall by 0.6 points
Quick Verdict
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) takes this by a clear 0.6 points. 4K HDR Roku that runs off the TV's USB port — the travel pick. The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) only makes sense if it wins on a category you care about more than the total.
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) and Roku Streaming Stick (2025) are both current-generation streaming Device models, and the Roku Streaming Stick (2025) is $20 cheaper than the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) ($39.99 vs $59.99). On Video Quality, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) leads (6.5 vs 3.5/10) — maximum resolution and which HDR formats are supported. On Speed & Performance, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) leads (6.0 vs 5.0/10) — processor, RAM, and how quickly menus and apps respond. On Value, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) leads (6.5 vs 6.0/10) — features and performance relative to price. Overall, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores 6.1/10 across our 8 scoring categories versus 5.5/10 for the Roku Streaming Stick (2025). Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) | Roku Streaming Stick (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $39.99 |
| Release Year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Max Resolution | 4K (3840x2160) at 60fps | 1080p (upscales from 720p) |
| HDR Formats | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | None — this model has no HDR support |
| Dolby Vision | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos | No | No |
| Processor | ARM Cortex-A55 | ARM Cortex-A55 |
| RAM (GB) | 1✓ | 0.5 |
| Storage (GB) | Not published by Roku | Not published by Roku |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band; Roku does not publish the 802.11 standard for this model | Dual-band; Roku does not publish the 802.11 standard for this model |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Bluetooth | Yes — supports headphone mode | Yes — supports headphone mode |
| Operating System | Roku OS 15 | Roku OS 15 |
| Remote | Roku Voice Remote, AAA batteries, TV power and volume; no backlight; no remote finder | Roku Voice Remote, AAA batteries, TV power and volume; no backlight; no remote finder |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black | Black |
Category Scores
Speed & Performance
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) leads clearly here, 6.0 against 5.0 — a 1.0-point margin on processor, RAM, and how quickly menus and apps respond. If that is what you are buying for, the Roku Streaming Stick (2025) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Video Quality
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) leads clearly here, 6.5 against 3.5 — a 3.0-point margin on maximum resolution and which HDR formats are supported. If that is what you are buying for, the Roku Streaming Stick (2025) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Audio Support
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) and Roku Streaming Stick (2025) are level here, at 5.5/10 each. dolby Atmos and DTS handling, and whether audio is decoded or only passed through is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Platform & Apps
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) and Roku Streaming Stick (2025) are level here, at 8.5/10 each. operating system, app catalogue, and how advertising-led the interface is is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Connectivity
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) and Roku Streaming Stick (2025) are level here, at 5.5/10 each. Wi-Fi standard, ethernet, Bluetooth, and expansion ports is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Remote
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) and Roku Streaming Stick (2025) are level here, at 5.0/10 each. voice control, backlighting, rechargeability, and remote-finder features is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Smart Home
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) and Roku Streaming Stick (2025) are level here, at 5.0/10 each. matter, Thread, and built-in voice assistant capability is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Value
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) leads clearly here, 6.5 against 6.0 — a 0.5-point margin on features and performance relative to price. If that is what you are buying for, the Roku Streaming Stick (2025) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Best For
Choose the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) if…
- • Video Quality matters most to you — the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores 6.5/10 here (maximum resolution and which HDR formats are supported).
- • Speed & Performance matters most to you — the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores 6.0/10 here (processor, RAM, and how quickly menus and apps respond).
- • Value matters most to you — the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores 6.5/10 here (features and performance relative to price).
- • Your main use case is 4k-hdr.
Choose the Roku Streaming Stick (2025) if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $20 cheaper.
Pros & Cons
Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025)
Pros
- +4K HDR from a stick that needs no wall outlet — unusual and genuinely useful for travel
- +Roku OS remains the cleanest major streaming platform
- +Bluetooth headphone mode direct from the device
- +Same 0.9oz body as the HD stick
Cons
- −No Dolby Vision — HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG only
- −No Dolby Atmos
- −No ethernet option
- −Basic AAA remote with no backlight or finder
- −List price rose from $39.99 to $59.99 in July 2026
Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
Pros
- +Roku OS is the cleanest and least ad-driven of the major streaming platforms
- +Runs entirely off the TV's USB port
- +Bluetooth headphone mode works directly from the device
- +Tiny and genuinely travel-friendly
Cons
- −1080p only, and no HDR of any kind — the only current Roku with no HDR at all
- −512MB of RAM, the least of any device here
- −No ethernet option
- −Basic AAA remote with no backlight or finder
- −List price rose to $39.99 in July 2026, which is a lot for an HD, no-HDR stick
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) or Roku Streaming Stick (2025) better overall?+
Based on our 8-category scoring, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which is better for Video Quality, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) or the Roku Streaming Stick (2025)?+
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores higher on Video Quality (6.5/10 vs 3.5/10) — maximum resolution and which HDR formats are supported.
Which is better for Speed & Performance, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) or the Roku Streaming Stick (2025)?+
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores higher on Speed & Performance (6.0/10 vs 5.0/10) — processor, RAM, and how quickly menus and apps respond.
Which is better for Value, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) or the Roku Streaming Stick (2025)?+
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores higher on Value (6.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — features and performance relative to price.
Which is better for Audio Support, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) or the Roku Streaming Stick (2025)?+
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) scores higher on Audio Support (5.5/10 vs 5.5/10) — dolby Atmos and DTS handling, and whether audio is decoded or only passed through.
Is the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) worth the price difference over the Roku Streaming Stick (2025)?+
The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) is the cheaper option at $39.99 versus $59.99. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Video Quality.
Which is better suited to my use case?+
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) is the better fit if you mainly care about 4k-hdr. The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) is the better fit for budget or travel.
What's the warranty on the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) vs the Roku Streaming Stick (2025)?+
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025) ships with a 12-month warranty; the Roku Streaming Stick (2025) ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Cheaper Option
Fire TV Stick HD (2026) — $34.99
Premium Option
Roku Streaming Stick 4K — $79.99
Specifications and prices for both products last verified . Scores are calculated from published specifications — see how we compare products.