We all want a streaming stick that disappears behind your TV and just works. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus 2025 model was built for exactly that.
Its compact hardware, Roku’s familiar OS, and smart features make upgrading any 4K TV a painless and affordable process.
Below are 7 features that make the Roku Streaming Stick Plus a must-have.
1. True 4K HDR playback
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus gives you a max of 2160p at 60 frames per second. Integrated with its HDR support, this improves visible dynamic range and color.
The stick also supports 4K at 60fps plus HDR10/10+ and HLG. You’ll see more profound highlights and richer color in HDR-enabled films and shows when the source supports it.
HDR alters the perception of highlights and midtones. The new HDR10+ with dynamic metadata adapts tone mapping scene by scene on compatible content and TVs.
Not every TV set handles HDR the same way. If yours supports Dolby Vision, you should be aware that the Streaming Stick Plus (this model) concentrates on HDR10/10+ and HLG.
Dolby Vision is only available on Roku’s higher-end 4K variant, specifically the Ultra model in Roku’s lineup.
2. Travel-friendly form factor with USB-C power
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is literally designed to disappear. It’s a slim HDMI stick you can plug directly into the back of a TV. Power is provided by a USB-C cable that the stick ships with, and you can power it from your TV’s USB port or a wall adapter.
That design keeps wires to a minimum, and it makes the Stick Plus genuinely portable. You could toss it in a bag and plug it into a hotel TV without extra adapters. Roku explicitly markets portability as a feature, and the Amazon listing emphasizes powering from the TV as an option.
There are, however, a few real-world challenges. If your TV’s USB port shuts power when the TV is off, the stick will boot more slowly because it powers down with the TV.
Also, some tight TV cabinets or crowded HDMI blocks might still force you to use a short HDMI extender. The Roku design minimizes this, but can’t eliminate every physical constraint.
TIP: As you traverse, carry a small, high-quality USB-C power bank. It avoids depending on unknown TV USB ports and gives you faster boot times and steadier performance.
3. Solid wireless performance and long-range reception
Under the hood, the latest Roku Streaming Stick Plus features 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Its 802.11ac’s 5 GHz gives you the throughput and lower interference you need for reliable 4K HDR streaming.
The gadget is also tuned for a range-focused antenna design. So you should get good performance even when your router isn’t right next to the stick. A properly configured 802.11ac network, with optimal placement, will deliver consistent 4K streams.
If you have a congested network with many clients or the TV is far from your router, consider investing in a mesh or wired adapter.
4. Voice remote that actually reduces friction
The included voice remote gives you more than play/pause. It controls TV power and volume, includes a push-to-talk voice button for searches, and maps app shortcuts, all designed so you can honestly stop hunting for multiple remotes.
If you want dedicated advanced features like a headphone jack on the remote, a rechargeable battery, lost-remote finder, Roku also sells the Voice Remote Pro as an upgrade. However, the standard voice remote covers the essentials for most users.
If you only want headphones, you don’t strictly need the Remote Pro’s built-in jack. You can activate Private Listening through the Roku mobile app and pipe audio to your phone’s wired or Bluetooth headphones.
You can use the Roku app’s Private Listening to route audio to up to four mobile devices simultaneously. This is useful late at night or when someone else is watching different content.
As for voice search, you can say things like “play this [show] from episode [Number].” You could also prompt it to “show me movies with [actor]” and Roku’s universal search aggregates results across channels (apps) and services. That is not only faster than typing but also helps you discover which service streams the content for the cheapest price.
5. Powered by Roku OS and content ecosystem
Roku’s platform provides fast access to major streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and more. You also get the Roku Channel app. This has hundreds or thousands of free live channels and an on-demand catalogue.
Where other platforms sometimes push their own content or overly promote storefront tiles, Roku keeps navigation simple. There is a left-hand menu, a grid of apps, and rows like “Free” and “Top 10.” Recent updates have added personalization and trending rows, making it easier for you to quickly find what’s popular.
Roku also pushes regular software updates, so capability improvements for UI refinements, search coverage, and new rows arrive on older devices, too.
6. Simple setup, low power draw, and reliable everyday performance
Roku Streaming Stick Plus setup is simple: plug in, power, connect to Wi-Fi, and then sign in to your Roku account. The process is brief and primarily consists of sign-in and app updates. You won’t have to troubleshoot streaming quirks every time you use it.
Roku lists the approximate power consumption in the low single-digit watts, which is relevant if you keep the device powered from the TV. That means it will have nearly zero effect on your electricity bill.
Apps launch promptly, home navigation is snappy, and playback controls feel tight. That matters because responsiveness influences perceived quality more than tiny image differences. If your device doesn’t respond, you’ll feel it every time you try to skip an ad or switch episodes.
7. Serious price-to-performance value without painful compromises
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus sits in a very sweet spot. It offers real 4K HDR capability, a voice remote with TV controls, and a polished OS, all at a price point that undercuts many set-top boxes.
If you want premium extras like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Ethernet port, or Bluetooth out of the box, you’d look up the ladder to Roku’s 4K or Ultra models.
However, if you’re looking for a clean 4K HDR experience, fast navigation, and a reliable streaming experience for under $30, the Stick Plus is hard to beat.
In head-to-head comparisons with budget Fire TV sticks or Chromecast boxes, Roku wins on UI simplicity and content search neutrality.