Roku Streaming Stick Review

By John Velasco

Updated: Jul 09, 2015, 3:31 AM

3comments

Accessories

Introduction

Streaming boxes serve their purpose in being complementary to cable boxes as home, and in some cases, the sole option for watching movies and video at home – they’re great if you intend on going the no-cable route, obviously. Very recently, however, streaming media sticks have shown us that they can be as equally versatile. One of them in particular, the Roku Streaming Stick, seems to be an attractive option for those who don’t have the budget to pick up the Roku 3, but want something that offers nearly the same core experiences.

The package contains:

Roku Streaming Stick
Enhanced remote
Two AA batteries
microUSB cable
Wall adapter
Get started guide

Design

We’ll just go ahead and say it, the design is as boring and dull as streaming sticks can be. Considering that it’s going to be tuck away from prying eyes most of the time, we’re forgiving about the cutthroat design – one that looks like a chunky sized flash drive. Still, there could’ve been just a little bit more emphasis placed on its design, especially when the Google Chromecast manages to boast a sleek and clean aesthetic.

On one end, there’s an HDMI connection to plug it directly to a port – though, you might want to pick up an extender if the HDMI port on your TV set isn’t as accessible. While on the other, a microUSB port supplies power to it. If there’s no USB port in close proximity to the location of the Roku Stick, you’ll need to use the included wall charger as an alternative source.

Remote

Checking out the included enhanced remote, it follows in the same boring and dull design of the Roku Stick itself. Nevertheless, it’s the primary way we’re able to interact with the streaming stick, as it boasts a navigational pad, media functions, and buttons that launch dedicated apps. Operating it is a breeze, so there’s barely any learning curve using it initially.

Unlike the remote that comes with the Roku 3, this one lacks the voice search function, it doesn’t double as a gaming pad, and nor is there a headphone jack for that private listening experience. Again, we’re not totally dissuaded from using it, seeing that the Roku Streaming Stick isn’t meant to offer the same diversified set of features as its big brother.

Interface

It’s all about the streaming with the Roku Streaming Stick, which impressively wins us over with its diversified selection of ‘channels’ and no hassle navigation. While the visuals aren’t slick per se, navigating around the menu/list driven system is a breeze. However, what’s painful to endure is just how much slower its performance is in comparison to the Roku 3 – there’s just a huge disparity between them. While navigating around isn’t too troublesome, launching apps and loading content can sometimes be excruciatingly long. Therefore, you’ll need to remind yourself to be patient.

What’s great about it, though, is that you have the three most popular streaming services available – that consists of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video. Deepening its portfolio, too, are the various cable television network apps that solidifies its reputation for having such diversity. And it’s the only notable streaming box that offers live TV streaming if you happen to be a Time Warner Cable subscriber.

In addition to the popular streaming services, the Roku 3 has its own movie/TV store where we can purchase content. From new releases to the classics, it’s yet another portal to think about if you’re really craving to see something in particular. Ultimately, there’s nothing that really differentiates the core experience here from the Roku 3 – they’re identical, in fact. It’s just a matter of tolerating its slower performance.

Roku app

There’s also a mobile app that works with the Roku Streaming Stick, which is available for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. Essentially, it’s a utility app that transforms your smartphone to the ultimate control center. For example, there’s a virtual remote that has all of the same functions as the standard, physical remote – though, we extremely adore how inputting searches is made easier using our phone’s on-screen keyboard, as opposed to using the navigational pad to select each letter individually with the remote.

Secondly, there’s an option to stream photos, videos, and music stored on our smartphone directly to the Roku 3 (think Chromecasting something). And just like the Chromecast, we can do things like search for videos with the YouTube app on our phone – and then proceed to stream it to the box.

Connectivity

This one solely relies on Wi-Fi connectivity, so its reliability will mainly hinge on the strength of the signal coming from your hotspot. Placing it roughly 20 feet away from a router, the Roku Streaming Stick manages to retain a fair amount of connection.

Performance

Like we said already, the core experience is identical to the Roku 3. That’s fantastic news because we’re engulfed in an ecosystem that’s incredibly diversified, while the simple approach of the interface helps to get in-and-out of things without too much fluff. Streaming lovers will no doubt appreciate what this streaming stick brings to the table, giving them access to not only the usual, popular set of streaming services, but also ones that come from being a cable subscriber as well.

Throw in the local streaming access from a smartphone, it helps to round out the Roku Stick’s versatility in the space. In that regard, it’s on the same level as many of its rivals – including the Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick. And finally, the mobile smartphone app tie-in adds to enough depth to ensure it’s still close to achieving the same level of experience with its more premium sibling in the Roku 3.

Conclusion

For all of its acclaims, the one thing that makes us cautious about recommending it is the $50 sticker price attached to it. Even though it costs half as much to pick up compared to the Roku 3, the $50 cost is still higher than that of its main rivals. Specifically, the $30 and $39 cost of the Chromecast and Fire Stick respectively. Frankly, it’s tough to say whether or not the difference in cost is justifiable for the Roku Stick, seeing that on the surface, they all offer pretty much the same functionality – and that’s streaming content.

The only difference, though, is that the Roku 3 can be used independently, which means that there’s no smartphone necessary to use it. All in all, it’s a good option in terms of what’s out there, but you can still be exposed to nearly the same experience for cheaper by going with any of the aforementioned models.