Now, the Roku Streaming Stick is a whole different beast. It looks like a giant USB drive and plugs directly into the HDMI port on the back of your TV. It literally disappears.
No box, no power brick hanging off your shelf—just a tiny device that hangs off the back of your TV. This is the invisible choice, perfect for minimalist setups or wall-mounted screens.
Roku Streaming Stick 4k Vs Roku Express 4k+ | Detroit Chinatown
And here’s the big upgrade: the remote uses Wi-Fi instead of infrared. You don’t need to point it at the TV; just press a button from anywhere in the room.
The Stick also includes a feature called TV power and volume controls built into the remote. Seriously, you can turn your TV on and adjust the volume without a separate remote. It feels like magic.
But is it really better?
Not necessarily “better”—just smarter. The Stick is also a bit faster than the Express, with a slightly snappier processor for navigating menus.
If you binge-watch a lot of shows and want the cleanest setup possible, the Stick is addictively convenient. It costs a bit more—around $40—but that convenience fee is easy to swallow.
