What to know
- Both the Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus have access to the same extensive catalog, so you won’t miss out on any of your favorite shows or movies.
- The Roku Premiere and Streaming Stick Plus come with remotes that feature dedicated buttons for popular streaming services, making it easy to access your favorite content with a single click.
- However, if you value raw power, a headphone jack on the remote, and a slightly lower price tag, the Roku Premiere is the way to go.
In the realm of streaming devices, Roku has carved a niche for itself with its user-friendly interface, vast content library, and affordable price tags. Among its offerings, the Roku Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus stand out as two of the most popular options. But which one is the better choice for your streaming needs? This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.
Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Design and Build Quality
The Roku Premiere boasts a compact and sleek design, featuring a squarish form factor with rounded edges. Its matte black finish gives it a premium look and feel. The Streaming Stick Plus, on the other hand, is even more compact, resembling a USB drive. It plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI port, making it a discreet addition to your entertainment setup. Both devices come with a remote control, with the Premiere’s remote featuring dedicated buttons for popular streaming services.
2. Streaming Performance
When it comes to streaming performance, both the Roku Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus deliver smooth and reliable playback. They support 4K streaming at 60fps, ensuring crisp and detailed visuals. The Premiere has a slight edge in terms of raw power, thanks to its quad-core processor, which enables faster app loading and navigation. However, the Streaming Stick Plus also holds its own, providing a lag-free streaming experience.
3. Content Library and Apps
Roku’s strength lies in its vast content library, offering a wide variety of streaming channels, including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Both the Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus have access to the same extensive catalog, so you won’t miss out on any of your favorite shows or movies. Additionally, both devices support a wide range of apps, including games, music, and fitness apps, making them versatile entertainment hubs.
4. Remote Control and Voice Control
The Roku Premiere and Streaming Stick Plus come with remotes that feature dedicated buttons for popular streaming services, making it easy to access your favorite content with a single click. Both remotes also have voice control capabilities, allowing you to search for content, launch apps, and control playback using your voice. The Premiere’s remote has a headphone jack, enabling private listening, while the Streaming Stick Plus’s remote has a built-in Roku TV power button, allowing you to control your TV’s power and volume.
5. Connectivity and Ports
The Roku Premiere offers a wider range of connectivity options compared to the Streaming Stick Plus. It has an Ethernet port for wired internet connection, ensuring a stable and fast connection. It also has a USB port, which allows you to connect external storage devices like USB drives or portable hard drives to play your own media files. The Streaming Stick Plus, on the other hand, relies solely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity.
6. Price and Value
The Roku Premiere typically retails for around $40, while the Streaming Stick Plus is slightly more expensive at around $50. Both devices offer excellent value for money, considering their features and performance. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Premiere is the more affordable option.
7. Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Roku Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a compact design, easy setup, and a wide range of connectivity options, the Streaming Stick Plus is the better choice. However, if you value raw power, a headphone jack on the remote, and a slightly lower price tag, the Roku Premiere is the way to go.
The Verdict: Roku Premiere vs. Streaming Stick Plus
Both the Roku Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus are excellent streaming devices that offer a wealth of content, smooth performance, and user-friendly interfaces. The Premiere stands out with its Ethernet port, USB port, and more powerful processor, while the Streaming Stick Plus impresses with its compact size and built-in Roku TV power button. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Can I stream 4K content with both devices?
Yes, both the Roku Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus support 4K streaming at 60fps, ensuring crisp and detailed visuals.
2. Do both devices have voice control capabilities?
Yes, both the Roku Premiere and the Streaming Stick Plus come with remotes that feature voice control, allowing you to search for content, launch apps, and control playback using your voice.
3. Which device has a wider range of connectivity options?
The Roku Premiere has a wider range of connectivity options compared to the Streaming Stick Plus. It has an Ethernet port for wired internet connection and a USB port for connecting external storage devices.