Roku just shook up the budget streaming world. Honestly, it was about time. While everyone was busy looking at high-end OLEDs and expensive soundbars at the start of 2026, Roku quietly dropped two new devices that basically kill off the old "Express" line.
If you’ve ever tried to hide a Roku Express behind a wall-mounted TV, you know the struggle. Those little sticky pads never stay put. Well, the news is that Roku has announced two new streaming sticks that fix that specific headache. We’re looking at the new Roku Streaming Stick (the HD one) and the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (the 4K one).
They aren't just minor refreshes. They’re a complete rethink of what "entry-level" should look like.
Goodbye Express, Hello Stealth
For years, the Roku Express was the "cheap" option. It was a little plastic box that sat on your TV stand and required a line-of-sight for the remote. It felt a bit dated.
These new sticks change the game by disappearing entirely. They’re about 35% smaller than the competition—looking at you, Amazon—and they plug directly into your HDMI port. No more double-sided tape. No more clutter.
The coolest part? They are designed to run off the power from your TV’s USB port. You might not even need to run a power cable to a wall outlet. That’s a massive win for anyone trying to keep their living room looking clean.
💡 You might also like: The F-15 Eagle Afterburner: Why It’s Still the King of the Night Sky
The Breakdown: HD vs. 4K
Roku is keeping it simple with the naming this time, though it might still be a little confusing if you aren't paying attention.
- The Roku Streaming Stick ($29.99): This is the new base model. It’s strictly 1080p HD. It doesn’t do HDR, which is a bummer, but for a kitchen TV or a guest room, it’s plenty. It finally includes a voice remote as standard, so you can stop pecking at an on-screen keyboard like it's 2012.
- The Roku Streaming Stick Plus ($39.99): For ten bucks more, you get 4K and HDR10 support. It’s the "sweet spot" for most people. If you have a 4K TV but hate the built-in software (which is usually slow and full of ads), this is the easiest fix.
One thing to watch out for: the "Plus" model does not support Dolby Vision. If you’re a stickler for the absolute best picture quality and own a high-end TV, you’ll still want to look at the older Roku Streaming Stick 4K (the $50 one) or the Roku Ultra. Those aren't going anywhere and remain the "pro" choices.
Why This Matters Right Now
Streaming is getting weird. In late 2025 and moving into 2026, we’ve seen prices for everything go up. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu—they all want more of your money. Roku’s strategy seems to be the opposite: make the hardware so cheap and easy that you can’t say no.
They’re also leaning hard into AI-driven discovery. With Roku OS 14.5 rolling out, these sticks are getting better at telling you what to watch before you even know you want to watch it. The new "Sports Zone" and "Continue Watching" rows are actually helpful rather than just being more ad space.
Also, can we talk about Bluetooth Headphone Mode? It’s finally built into these sticks. You can pair your AirPods or Bose directly to the stick without messing with the mobile app. If you’ve ever tried to watch a movie at 11 PM while someone is sleeping in the next room, you know this is a godsend.
Under the Hood
It’s not just about the size. These sticks have a new quad-core processor.
Roku claims app launch times are faster. In real-world terms, that means when you click Netflix, it doesn't do that annoying "loading..." spinny wheel for ten seconds. It just opens.
The Wi-Fi has been beefed up, too. The "Plus" model uses a dual-band MIMO setup. Basically, it’s better at grabbing a signal through a wall if your router is in the hallway.
Is It Time to Upgrade?
If you’re still using a Roku Express from three or four years ago, yes. Absolutely. The speed difference alone will make you wonder why you waited so long.
However, if you already have the 2021/2022 Roku Streaming Stick 4K, you can probably sit this one out. You already have Dolby Vision, which these new budget sticks lack.
What to do next:
Check the back of your TV. If you have an open USB port and an HDMI port side-by-side, these sticks will work perfectly with zero extra wires. If you’re in the US, you can grab them now. For those in the UK or Latin America, expect to see them hit shelves in the coming months as Roku expands the rollout.
Stop fighting with your slow Smart TV menu. For thirty or forty bucks, it's just not worth the stress anymore.
Actionable Insight: Before buying, verify your TV's USB port output. Most modern sets provide the 5V/1A needed to power these sticks directly, but older sets might still require the included wall adapter for stable 4K streaming.