Streaming Services.
Premium:
Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Hulu, Blockbuster, CinemaNow, M-Go, HBO Go, Google Play Movie and TV, HBO Now, Showtime, CBS All Access, Disney Movies Anywhere, MLB.TV, NHL, WWE Network, NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL, MLS, UFC.TV, Tennis Channel Everywhere, Sling TV
Other:
YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, Picasa, Flickr, Facebook, Watch Disney Channel, Watch Disney Junior, Watch Disney XD, Fox Now, FX Now, Watch ESPN, NBC, Starz Play, Nick, Crackle, Vimeo, Plex, Slingplayer, Showtime Anytime, TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Rdio,Vevo, Slacker, Epix, and more
Description. While this small, thumb-drive sized media player from Roku plugs unobtrusively into an HDMI port of your TV, its bright "look-at-me" purple color will make it highly noticeable if visible, such as when it's plugged into a side-mounted HDMI port. It has an HDMI jack at one end and a mini-USB jack--used for power only--at the other. You can power it by plugging the provided USB cable into a nearby USB port (presumably on the TV itself), or using the provided wall adapter. The Roku Streaming Stick comes with a relatively simple remote that operates via WiFi Direct rather than infrared (IR). It includes dedicated content buttons for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster, and M-Go.
Setup. This player is generally easy to set up thank to its onscreen setup guide, but it is one of the few models that require you to register the device separately using a computer or device with a Web browser. After registering the device, the player automatically scans for available WiFi networks, but it does not support an easier WPS connection, which doesn't require entering a password. We found updating the player's firmware was easy thanks to automatic prompts.
Ease of use. For everyday use the stick is generally easy to use:
Interface. The main home screen uses graphic tiles for all the available apps and content, which can be customized so favorite apps are easier to access. It also has a search function that will search the video streaming services for content.
Remote control. The provided remote is very simple, with few buttons. The buttons' size and labeling is good, with high enough contrast that they can still be seen in a room with low light conditions. However, some buttons use non-standard icons, so it may take a while to get used to their functions. The remote uses a WiFi Direct connection so it doesn't require line of sight to control the stick. You can download an iOS, Android, Windows, or Fire OS app that lets you use a phone or tablet to control the player, and use the device's QWERTY keyboard to enter text, making it easier to enter passwords. The app also lets you search for content and use the device's built in mic to do voice searches, access channels directly without navigating the player's menu, and beam photos and music stored on the device to the player via its "Play on Roku" feature.
Picture quality. This player supports 1080p output. In general we found the streaming picture quality to be very good, better than standard DVDs but not quite as sharp or detailed as from a Blu-ray disc. However, the quality of the video you'll get is largely dependent on the speed of your wired or wireless network. Since this player has no Ethernet port we had to test it using a wireless connection.
Audio. This player will output multichannel digital audio via its HDMI output, but it also requires that your TV will pass through the digital signal, or you can plug it into your A/V receiver.
Connections. Given its design, this player has a limited number of connections. It has an HDMI output, and has dual-band WiFi, but no Ethernet jack. It lacks a USB or memory card slot, but does support DLNA, so you can play pictures, videos or music stored on other DLNA enabled devices connected to the same network. It supports "casting," which allows you to load content from YouTube and Netflix onto the player and control the video from the app on your mobile device. It also supports Miracast, so you can mirror the screen of any Android, Fire OS, or Windows device on to your TV via the player.
Miscellaneous. This player does not have any form of a sleep or standby mode, so it always consumes the same amount of power (about 3 Watts).
Firmware Version. All players are evaluated using the latest firmware version available at the time of testing.
Firmware version for the Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI Version) is: 6.2 Build 6005
About Firmware Version. Our test results are valid for the version of firmware indicated above. If your player's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the players’s firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your player via a wired or wireless network, USB port, or memory card, depending on your player’s capability. You can check your player’s firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer’s website if further guidance is needed.
