Could This Tiny Gadget Revolutionize How You Stream? Roku’s Smallest Sticks Yet Arrive!

Streaming has become the heart of home entertainment, and Roku has long been a major player, known for its simple interface and affordable devices. Now, the company is making waves again with the announcement of its smallest streaming sticks to date: the new Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus. These pint-sized powerhouses aim to change how and where you stream, packing essential features into incredibly compact designs. Unveiled on April 23, 2025, these new sticks aren’t just smaller; they represent a shift in Roku’s strategy, simplifying their lineup and focusing on core value and portability.

For years, streaming devices have gotten smaller, shrinking from set-top boxes to discreet sticks that plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port. Roku’s latest effort takes this trend further. The company states these new sticks are over 35% smaller than competing models, a claim that directly targets rivals like Amazon’s Fire TV sticks. Imagine a streaming device barely larger than a USB thumb drive, easily tucking away behind your television without blocking other ports. This tiny form factor is a game-changer, especially for wall-mounted TVs or displays with limited space around the HDMI inputs. No more struggling with bulky dongles or tangled cables.

But the small size isn’t just about aesthetics and convenience at home. Roku sees these new sticks as the perfect travel companions. Heading to a hotel? Renting an Airbnb? Simply unplug the Streaming Stick or Streaming Stick Plus, toss it in your bag, and take your entire streaming universe with you. Access all your subscriptions – Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and thousands more channels available on the Roku platform – wherever there’s a TV with an HDMI port. This portability factor taps into a growing desire for seamless entertainment experiences on the go.

Powering these small devices is also simpler. Roku designed them to be power-efficient, capable of drawing power directly from the USB port on most modern TVs using a single USB-C cable. This eliminates the need for an external power brick and an extra cable, further reducing clutter and making setup a breeze. While Roku might not always show the USB cable in promotional images, it is essential for power, though its TV-based power option is a neat trick for minimizing cords.

Roku is launching two versions to cater to different needs and budgets. The entry-level Roku Streaming Stick provides HD resolution (up to 1080p) and is priced at an accessible $29.99. This stick replaces the wedge-shaped Roku Express in the lineup, offering a more streamlined form factor at the same price point. For those with 4K TVs and a desire for higher picture quality, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus steps up to offer 4K resolution with HDR support (including HLG, HDR 10, and HDR 10+). This model is priced at $39.99 and takes the place of the Roku Express 4K+. Both new sticks come with a significant upgrade right in the box: a voice-enabled remote. This was previously missing from the base Express model and was a key feature of higher-end Roku devices. Now, even with the most affordable stick, you can use voice commands to search for content, launch channels, and control playback, making the user experience smoother and more intuitive.

It is worth noting that while the Streaming Stick Plus offers 4K and HDR, the existing Roku Streaming Stick 4K will remain available at $50. The Streaming Stick 4K includes Dolby Vision HDR support and a longer-range Wi-Fi radio, features not found on the new Plus model. This keeps a premium stick option for those who want the absolute best picture quality and connectivity. Similarly, if you need Dolby Atmos audio or other advanced features, the flagship Roku Ultra set-top box remains in the lineup. By introducing these two new sticks, Roku simplifies the lower end of their device offerings, making the choice clearer for consumers looking for a simple, affordable, or portable streaming solution.

The core Roku experience remains consistent across these new devices. Users get access to the familiar, easy-to-navigate Roku operating system, known for its vast selection of streaming channels and unbiased search results. Whether you are a longtime Roku fan or new to the platform, getting started is straightforward. The home screen displays your installed channels, and a simple search function helps you find movies, shows, and live TV across various services. Roku’s platform updates bring new features over time, ensuring the devices stay relevant.

Beyond the new sticks, Roku also made other announcements on April 23rd, hinting at the broader evolution of their ecosystem in 2025. They previewed new Roku TVs with “under-the-hood enhancements,” promising improved visuals, better audio, and faster app launches. This includes updated versions of the Roku Plus and Pro Series TVs, with the Plus Series gaining Mini-LED backlighting for better contrast – a feature previously limited to the higher-end Pro models. They also mentioned improvements to the Roku software experience, such as updates to the Sports Zone with personalized highlights and notifications, and the return of the popular Daily Trivia game. These broader ecosystem improvements show Roku’s commitment to enhancing the overall user experience, whether you use a Roku TV or a streaming stick.

The introduction of these smaller, more portable, and value-packed streaming sticks comes at a time when the streaming market is intensely competitive. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple constantly update their own streaming hardware. Roku’s move to simplify its lower-end lineup and emphasize portability and included features like the voice remote puts pressure on competitors to match the value offered at these price points. The $30 and $40 price tags make these new sticks highly attractive options for anyone looking to upgrade an older TV, add streaming to a secondary display, or simply have a convenient streaming device for travel.

While the focus is on the new sticks, it’s interesting to note some ongoing discussions around the Roku platform, such as the testing of auto-playing video ads before reaching the home screen, a move that has drawn some user feedback. Roku has indicated that decisions on such features are data and feedback driven. However, the primary story remains the hardware: these incredibly small streaming sticks that promise to make streaming more accessible and convenient than ever before.

Pre-orders for the Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus opened on April 23, 2025, with official availability from Roku and major retailers starting on May 6, 2025. If you’re in the market for a new streaming device and value compactness, portability, and a simple, affordable way to access your favorite entertainment, these new sticks from Roku are definitely worth considering. They might just be the tiny tech heroes your TV setup has been waiting for.