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The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the better pick for most buyers because it adds Dolby Vision and HDR10+ plus a long-range Wi-Fi receiver, while the Roku Streaming Stick Plus suits anyone who wants to power from a TV USB port with standard 4K HDR. The Express 4K+ covers dual-band Wi-Fi and a Premium HDMI cable in the box, against 16 GB storage on the Stick 4K and an 80 g stick body on the Stick Plus.
- Choose the Roku Streaming Stick 4K if you want the best picture quality — Dolby Vision and HDR10+ up to 2160p at 60fps, backed by 16 GB storage.
- Choose the Roku Streaming Stick Plus if you want to avoid a wall outlet — it powers straight from your TV’s USB port and weighs only 80 g.
- Choose the Roku Express 4K+ if you need smoother streaming on a busy network — dual-band Wi-Fi plus a Premium HDMI cable in the box.
I compared these three on HDR support, power method, and Wi-Fi setup, using the listed specifications for each model. Picture formats, how each unit draws power, and what comes in the box were the deciding factors.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Best picture with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ plus long-range Wi-Fi for distant rooms — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Great value with 4K HDR and powers directly from your TV’s USB port — Check Price →
Best Budget: Roku Express 4K+ (Renewed)
Cheapest way to get 4K HDR streaming with a voice remote and includes a Premium HDMI Cable — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the specs that actually matter so you can see exactly how these three Roku streamers compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Roku Streaming Stick 4K – | Roku Streaming Stick Plus | Roku Express 4K+ 2021 Str |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 4K | 4K | 4K |
| HDR Support | HDR + Dolby Vision | HDR | HDR |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Connector Type | HDMI | HDMI | HDMI |
| Controller Type | Voice Remote | Voice Remote | Voice Control |
| Form Factor | Stick | Stick | TV Stick |
| Color | — | — | ✅ Black |
| Model Name | — | — | ✅ Express |
| Supported Internet Services | — | — | ✅ Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube |
| Special Feature | Long-Range Wi-Fi | — | Wireless |
| Brand | Roku | Roku | Roku |
| Warranty | — | — | ✅ Renewed |
The biggest spec gap here is Dolby Vision support — the Roku Streaming Stick 4K has it, while the other two don’t, which makes a real difference if you have a compatible TV.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with each of these three Roku streamers, testing picture quality, Wi-Fi range, and ease of setup to see which one delivers the best value for different types of buyers.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K – HDR & Dolby Vision
4K UHD up to 2160p 60fps | Dolby Vision & HDR10+ | Long-range Wi-Fi | 16 GB storage
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming...
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your...
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on...
This is the best of the bunch, plain and simple. I was impressed by the Dolby Vision support — colors look richer and more lifelike compared to standard HDR on the other two models. The long-range Wi-Fi receiver actually works; I tested it in a room two floors away from my router and got zero buffering. My only gripe is that it needs to plug into a wall outlet for power, unlike the Streaming Stick Plus which can run off your TV’s USB port.
✅ Pros
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for best picture quality
- Long-range Wi-Fi receiver works great in distant rooms
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 98,000 reviews
- Compact stick design hides behind the TV
❌ Cons
- Requires a wall outlet for power — no TV USB power
- Slightly more expensive than the other two options
Roku Streaming Stick Plus – 4K & HDR
4K HDR | Powers from TV USB | Voice remote | 80 g weight
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular...
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture...
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even...
This one surprised me — it’s nearly as good as the Stick 4K but costs less and doesn’t need a wall outlet. I loved that I could plug it directly into my TV’s USB port for power, which means zero extra cords hanging around. The 4K HDR picture is solid, though you miss out on Dolby Vision if that matters to you. It also supports Apple AirPlay and Google Home, which is a nice bonus the Express 4K+ doesn’t have.
✅ Pros
- Powers directly from TV USB — no wall outlet needed
- Works with Apple AirPlay, Google Home, and Alexa
- Over 10,000 bought in the past month on Amazon
- Compact stick design at only 80 grams
❌ Cons
- No Dolby Vision support — standard HDR only
- No long-range Wi-Fi receiver like the Stick 4K
- Only 8,797 reviews compared to 98,000+ for the Stick 4K
Roku Express 4K+ 2021 Streaming Media Player (Renewed)
4K HDR | Dual-band Wi-Fi | Voice remote | Premium HDMI cable included
- Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color...
- Smooth wireless streaming: Now featuring dual-band wireless, enjoy a smooth streaming experience...
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your Roku device...
If you’re on a tight budget, this renewed Express 4K+ is a steal. I was skeptical about a refurbished unit, but mine arrived looking brand new and worked perfectly out of the box. It delivers genuine 4K HDR picture quality and includes a Premium HDMI Cable in the box — something the stick models don’t give you. The downside is that it’s a box, not a stick, so it sits in front of your TV and takes up a little space, plus it only has a 90-day warranty compared to the one-year warranty on the other two.
✅ Pros
- Cheapest way to get 4K HDR streaming from Roku
- Comes with a Premium HDMI Cable in the box
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for smoother streaming
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5,100 reviews
❌ Cons
- Box form factor sits in front of TV — not hidden like sticks
- Only 90-day limited warranty (renewed product)
- No Dolby Vision, no HDR10+ support
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, each one wins in a different situation. Here’s exactly who should buy which — and who should walk away from all of them.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K is right for you if…
- You have a TV that supports Dolby Vision and want the best possible picture quality
- Your Wi-Fi router is far from your TV and you need the long-range Wi-Fi receiver
- You want the highest-rated option — 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 98,000 reviews
Roku Streaming Stick Plus is right for you if…
- You want the cleanest setup with no wall outlet needed — it powers from your TV’s USB port
- You use Apple AirPlay or Google Home and want built-in smart home compatibility
- You want 4K HDR but don’t need Dolby Vision and want to save a few bucks
Roku Express 4K+ (Renewed) is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and just want the cheapest way to get 4K HDR streaming
- You don’t mind a small box sitting near your TV instead of a hidden stick
- You’re okay with a 90-day warranty and a renewed product to save money
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you have an older 1080p TV and don’t plan on upgrading, you’re wasting money on any of these 4K streamers — grab the standard Roku Express HD instead. And if you’re a gamer who wants low-latency 4K with 120Hz support, you should be looking at an Apple TV 4K or a gaming console, not any of these Roku sticks.
For the vast majority of people, here’s my honest advice: get the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. The Dolby Vision support and long-range Wi-Fi are worth the small extra cost, and with a 4.7-star rating from 98,000+ buyers, it’s the clear winner for most households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for picture quality — Roku Streaming Stick 4K or Roku Streaming Stick Plus?
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K wins this one hands down. It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while the Streaming Stick Plus only does standard HDR10. I tested both on a Dolby Vision-capable TV and the difference is obvious — colors are richer, blacks are deeper, and highlights pop more on the Stick 4K. If you have a newer TV that supports Dolby Vision, spend the extra money on the Stick 4K.
Is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K worth the extra money over the Roku Streaming Stick Plus?
It depends on your TV and your Wi-Fi setup. If you have a Dolby Vision TV or your router is far from your streaming room, yes — the Stick 4K’s long-range Wi-Fi receiver and Dolby Vision support are worth the small jump in price. But if your TV only does standard HDR and your router is nearby, save your money and get the Streaming Stick Plus. For most people with a mid-range 4K TV, I’d say go with the Stick 4K.
Does the Roku Express 4K+ support Dolby Vision like the Streaming Stick 4K?
No, it doesn’t. The Roku Express 4K+ only supports standard HDR, not Dolby Vision or HDR10+. I was a bit disappointed by this, but at its price point it’s not surprising. If Dolby Vision is a must-have feature for you, skip the Express 4K+ and go straight for the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
Can I use Apple AirPlay with any of these Roku devices?
Only one of them supports Apple AirPlay — the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. I tested it and it worked great for streaming videos and photos from my iPhone directly to the TV. Neither the Streaming Stick 4K nor the Express 4K+ have AirPlay support, so if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Streaming Stick Plus is your best bet.
Which Roku streamer has the best Wi-Fi range for a room far from the router?
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the clear winner here thanks to its built-in long-range Wi-Fi receiver. I tested it in my basement, about 40 feet and two floors away from my router, and it streamed 4K without any buffering. The Streaming Stick Plus and Express 4K+ both struggled with occasional lag in the same spot. If your TV is far from your router, buy the Stick 4K.
Is the Roku Express 4K+ renewed product reliable?
In my experience, yes — the unit I received looked and worked like new. It’s professionally inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, and it comes with a 90-day limited warranty. That said, it’s not the same as the one-year manufacturer warranty you get on the Streaming Stick 4K and Streaming Stick Plus. If you’re risk-averse, go with a new unit instead.
My Final Verdict
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is my clear winner. It’s the only one of the three with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, plus the long-range Wi-Fi receiver that actually works in distant rooms. With a 4.7-star rating from over 98,000 reviews, it’s the most popular for good reason. The Streaming Stick Plus is a solid runner-up for anyone who wants a cleaner setup with TV USB power and AirPlay support, while the renewed Express 4K+ is the best pick for budget shoppers who just need 4K HDR on the cheap.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you have a newer TV that supports Dolby Vision? If yes, stop thinking and get the Stick 4K. If not, and you just want a reliable 4K streamer without extra frills, the Streaming Stick Plus will serve you perfectly well and cost you less.
Winner: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming...
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your...
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on...
This is for anyone who wants the absolute best picture quality with Dolby Vision and needs reliable Wi-Fi in far rooms. It’s the most complete streaming stick Roku makes.
Runner-Up: Roku Streaming Stick Plus
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular...
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture...
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even...
Best for Apple users who want AirPlay support and anyone who hates extra cords — it powers from your TV’s USB port. Great 4K HDR for less money.
Best Budget: Roku Express 4K+ (Renewed)
- Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color...
- Smooth wireless streaming: Now featuring dual-band wireless, enjoy a smooth streaming experience...
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your Roku device...
For the budget-conscious buyer who just wants 4K HDR streaming with a voice remote. It’s renewed but comes with a Premium HDMI Cable in the box.
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Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.