Released in October 2017, the Roku Streaming Stick+ boasts all of the channels and apps (apart from iTunes and Apple Music), excellent 4K HDR video and encases sound audio at an affordable price.
Roku Streaming Stick+ Review
Design & Build
The Roku stick measures 3.7 x 0.8 x 0.47 inches and weighs 0.9 ounces. On the top, the word “Roku” is written. On the bottom side, it contains the serial number and other manufacturer information. The connector at the end is HDMI while on the other end it has a mini USB port and a reset button. However, this mini USB only works with the Wi-Fi dongle.
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Packaging box contains male-female USB extension cable, a USB power adapter for powering the device from the wall if your TV doesn’t have a free USB port. There’s also the remote and three AAA batteries to power it. The remote lacks the 3.5mm headphone jack and video game control buttons are also missing. There is a PlayStation Vue button. There is no option to hard-wire via Ethernet.
Hardware & Performance
The device runs on the Roku OS 8 that is packed with a few new streaming services and apps, including Roku’s free streaming channel, Roku TV. Setting up the Roku Streaming Stick+ is simple and intuitive. It features a clean and simple layout. Clean and clear interface boasts a handful of menu choices. The home screen displays your chosen apps. Its robust search platform is a main appealing part. Along with standard search and settings options, there is also a ‘Channel Store’ and ‘My Feed’ option.
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The open offering of 3,000+ streaming channels is one of the main highlights of Roku OS. Via Roku, you can get access to the big names, like BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4, and Demand 5, plus Sky content from the Sky Store and Now TV. Roku Streaming Stick+ is an excellent device in terms of performance.
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On the connectivity front, it has 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless. There is some downside, for example, the device displays ads while you surf between channels and apps. There is no way to stop these ads. One other thing which I dislike is that Roku follows the user’s personal data to display ads based on the activities. However, you can stop it in the privacy settings. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Support and 3.5mm audio jack are also missing.
Roku Streaming Stick+ Tech Specifications:-
- Functionality: Internet radio playback, Internet video playback, digital photo playback
- Processor: Quad Core CPU
- Color: Black
- Supported Video Resolution: 1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080
- Included Accessories: 2 AAA batteries, USB cable, USB power adapter, remote control with channel shortcut buttons
- Internet Streaming Services: Amazon Prime Instant Video, Google Play, Netflix, PBS KIDS, Pluto.TV, Showtime Anytime, SlingPlayer, Spotify, TuneIn, Vudu, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Google Play Movies, HBO GO, HBO NOW, Hulu, MLB.tv, NBA, NFL Now, NHL
Verdict
What makes the Roku most popular streamers are the affordability and a simple design with more valuable features, functions and a large selection of apps than the competition. In every way, Roku is a slim, powerful and affordable streaming device.