Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Roku Express 4K+: 9 Key Differences and Which Is Best For You

Key Points

• The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has a quad-core processor, making it more powerful than the Roku Express 4K+
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K supports Dolby Vision, while the Express 4K+ does not
• The Roku Express 4K+ is more affordable at $39.99, compared to the Streaming Stick 4K at $49

Roku makes it simple and affordable to watch from a laptop or television. It produces and sells different products, including streaming players and streaming soundbars. These devices offer fun and convenience to ensure your entertainment needs are met. Whether you want to streamline your setup, replace or upgrade your equipment or watch what you like, Roku has you covered. The choice of what to watch or pay for entirely depends on your terms. The Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Express 4K+ are great for your streaming needs. They both depend on Wi-Fi to stream content and feature Roku’s operating system. They support voice commands, have their own 802.11(b/g/n) wireless, top out at 1080p resolution, and are economical. Both have headphone jacks for private and uninterrupted listening, remotes that are pretty much the same and shortcut buttons for popular streaming services. 

The two devices feature exceptional search functionality and a simple setup process to assist you in propelling Roku devices ahead of their competitors like Caavo, Apple, and Google. You must create an account to download and stream channels, then activate your device. You only need a rapid internet connection, a power supply, and a smart device like a computer or smartphone. As for the set-up, power up your Roku device and plug it into your television using an HDMI cable, then connect your Roku device to the internet.

So, what differentiates the two streaming devices from each other? Let us find out. 

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Roku Express 4K+: Side-by-Side Comparison 

Best for Roku Fans

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

$29.98

• Hides behind your TV
• Start streaming channels like Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV+, and more quickly
• Long-range Wi-Fi
• Voice search & control

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11/27/2023 03:16 pm GMT

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Roku Express 4K+: What’s the Difference 

As smart televisions advance in performance and functionality, streaming devices like Roku have become more popular. These devices are fast, convenient, and support an extensive collection of channels, and Roku’s Express 4K+ and Streaming Stick 4K are no exception. These devices have some similarities and also distinct differences. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the differences between the two streaming devices. 

Design 

You can fix Roku’s Express 4K+ small box to any spot near your television, like a wall behind it. For the Roku Streaming Stick, you can connect the box to the internet through a USB port for Ethernet support. The device is perfect for wall-mounted televisions and might also suit individuals who opt for a stick design.  

Visibility

Roku’s Express 4K+ has to be visible from where you are sitting and watching. It could sit at the center of your entertainment or the top or side of your television. It is more noticeable than Roku’s Streaming Stick, which is quite hidden. You have to look at the back of your television to see the Streaming Stick.

Form Factor

The two devices are small, but the Roku Express 4K+ is considered more attractive. Note that this depends on individual taste. Roku’s Streaming Stick has a design that makes it more miniature that the Express 4K+. 

Portability 

The Roku Streaming Stick is more flexible than the Roku Express 4K+, as it plugs directly into the HDMI port of your device. In contrast, the Express 4K+ requires a cable.

Hardware 

Of the two streaming devices, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is more powerful since it has a quad-core processor, unlike the Roku Express 4K+.

Remote 

Both the Roku Express 4K+ and Roku Streaming Stick remotes are similar, with the exception of their remote control system. The remote for the Roku streaming stick can point anywhere. You don’t have to aim at the device to control it, which is ideal because it’s designed to hide behind the television. As for Roku’s Express 4K+, you have to aim it at the Roku device. Sounds like quite a hurdle and might be annoying if you are used to the point anywhere remote. Roku’s Express remote also has a voice search feature, which enables users to search channels and turn captions on using a speech command. 

Technology

The Express 4k+ Plus supports HDR streaming media. It features Airplay updates, which allows you to connect an iPhone or other Apple device to your television. The Express 4K+ does not support Dolby Vision.

On the other hand, Roku’s Streaming Stick supports Dolby Vision, which is advantageous if you have a television that supports the technology and you need to stream Dolby Vision content. 

Broadband Connectivity 

All Roku streaming devices require Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. Both the Roku Streaming Stick and the Roku Express 4K+ support dual-band. However, the Express 4K+ is more handy with an internet connection option as long as you purchase a mini USB adapter. The Streaming Stick has a Wi-Fi booster attached to the USB cable to increase the range of its Wi-Fi reception. 

Price 

Lately, there has been aggressive pricing in streaming devices. The Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Express 4K+ are relatively cost-effective. However, the Roku Express 4K+ is more affordable, priced at $39.99, while its counterpart costs $49. 

Excellent Value

Roku Express 4K+

$24.97

• Stream content in 4K with HDR to any TV in your home
• Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi ensures a steady connection
• Access to more than 20,000 downloadable apps
• Voice Remote control

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11/26/2023 06:21 pm GMT

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Roku Express 4K+: Must-Know Facts 

The following are some must-know facts when considering the Roku Express 4K+ and the Roku Streaming Stick. 

• Roku’s Express 4K+ and Streaming Stick work smoothly with Alexa, Siri, and Hey Google, and come with the same HDMI port, remote, streaming apps, and Roku channels.
• Both the Express 4K+ and Streaming Stick are compatible with the Roku mobile app, which lets your mobile device function as an alternative remote.
• Roku designed their Streaming Stick for simplicity and its perfect for streaming enthusiasts who do not have a lot of demands. 
• The Express 4K+ and Streaming Stick offer a fantastic streaming experience, with the Express 4K Plus being a small streaming box and the Streaming Stick being an HDMI dongle. 
• The first Roku model was developed in May 2008 in collaboration with Netflix.
• In 2019, Roku bought an advertisement technology company, Detaxu, for $150 million.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Roku Express 4K+: Which One is Better? Which One Should I Use?

If you have never used any streaming device before, you should not worry because finding the best streaming device is not difficult. The Express 4K+ and the Streaming Stick have many more similarities than differences. Thus, either of these devices would be an excellent fit for your home, depending on your needs, budget, taste, and preferences. But how do you choose the best for you from these two streaming devices?

If you prefer a wired Ethernet connection, then go for the Express 4K+. If the price is a concern for you, the Express 4K+ would also be the better option as it is cheaper than the Streaming Stick. However, if you prefer Dolby Vision or a stick design and a long-range Wi-Fi receiver for seamless streaming, then the Streaming Stick is a good choice for you.