Sarah Tew / CNET
It’s no secret that we love Roku – the user interface and choice of streaming channels are second to none and there is a version of Roku for every need and budget. Surprisingly, one of the best Roku models is also one of the oldest in the series: The Roku Streaming Stick Plus, which has been awarded five stars and a CNET Editors’ Choice Award when CNET checked it last fall. In fact, there were few nits and probably no complaints that would interest most people. So I’m thrilled to have found it for sale. Usually priced at $ 50 at the moment The Roku Streaming Stick Plus currently costs $ 40 at Amazon.
Here are the basics: The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a 4K UHD model, so you can get the most out of it if you have a 4K TV to connect. The slim little stick plugs out of sight to a free HDMI port behind your TV and can be powered either from a USB port on the TV or from an AC adapter (although the route of the AC adapter is better because the Roku doesn’t have to Boot from scratch every time you turn on your TV.
Roku has a wide selection of 4K and 4K HDR content. Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Vudu, Apple TV and Fandango Now all support 4K HDR on Roku. Apps with 4K (but not HDR) include Plex, UltraFlix, Toon Goggles, 4K Universe and Smithsonian, and a few others. Nobody, not even Amazon Fire TV, can match that.
And it’s hard to beat the clean, simple, platform-independent interface that makes browsing and searching easier and doesn’t favor or transfer certain content or apps to you.
I’ve been using a Roku Streaming Stick Plus for a few years now and never wanted to change, although I am often allowed to test other streaming players. So my advice is to grab this stick now or, if you miss the deal, keep your eyes open the next time it rolls around (which probably won’t take too long).
Look at that:
Roku Streaming Stick Plus transfers 4K and HDR for less money
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