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Both the Roku Express and Roku Streaming Stick 4K are powered by the same Roku OS and stream from identical apps – but they diverge in terms of design, Wi-Fi strength, HDR support and connectivity. Ideal for budget users who want 4K HDR without Dolby Vision and favor Ethernet-friendly. The Streaming Stick 4K brings Dolby Vision, more powerful long-range Wi-Fi and a fancy plug-in design. If you prioritize wireless performance and image quality, opt for the Stick. The Express 4K+ is still shining for value and its wired stability. Roku is still one of the most trusted names in streaming, with inexpensive devices that are no-fuss and easy to use. Two of the more popular models in the lineup are the Roku Express and Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but making a comparison between them is difficult. They’re both capable of feeding you thousands of streaming channels, they both have intuitive interfaces and easy setup — if all your gear is lined up in exactly the right way. We’ll break down everything – specs, Wi-Fi, picture quality and features, so you can decide which Roku is for you. Roku Express vs Roku Streaming Stick 4K: The (Very) Basic Differences Feature Roku Express (HD / 4K+) Roku Streaming Stick 4K Price (2025) $25 to $40 $39.99 to $49.99 Resolution 1080p (HD), 4K HDR on 4K+ 4K HDR + Dolby Vision HDR HDR10/HLG (4K+) HDR10/HDR10+/HLG/Dolby Vision WiFi Dual-band (4K+) / standard (HD) Long-range dual-band WiFi 5 Ethernet Supports USB to Ethernet adapter Wi-Fi only Key Notes • The Voice Remote: Included only with a 4K+ model. One of the things you can still get done only on a much boxier Express was the Voice Remote. It also powers down your TV for you, automatically, most of the time. • Design: Small box requiring an HDMI cable. Prefer a small box to having it all built into an HDMI plug? The Express was the best choice for you! • Best for: The Roku Express was perfect for budget users who played it old school and keep it wired. Roku Express: Small Box, Big Value Roku’s budget-friendly entry-level player has always been the Express. The Express is tiny, inexpensive, and unbloated. It connects to your TV with an HDMI cable and is powered by USB. The base Express supports up to 1080p HD and ships with a regular IR remote. The Express 4K+ adds 4K streaming and HDR, a Roku Voice Remote, and optional USB adapter compatibility for Ethernet. It’s the best performer for the price; the Express 4K+ makes a great second TV or the best option for anyone who wants a crunchy, solid wired connection. However, it doesn’t support Dolby Vision, and it doesn’t include the Stick’s enhanced Wi-Fi antenna. Roku Streaming Stick 4K: Compact Powerhouse The Streaming Stick 4K was totally the greatest and peppiest Roku in the group. Not as small as the Express and more than the streaming power of even the Ultra. If you want to twist something in the 4K stream, The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is for you! The Stick will see how many TV setups run entirely on Wi-Fi or you consume much 4K or Dolby Vision content. 2025 Update: Roku Simplifies Its Lineup Roku’s 2025 refresh will consolidate and streamline its offerings, akin to its rivals. Stick-made sticks are gradually replacing older Express boxes. According to The Verge, Roku is simplifying its lineup; new Stick models will essentially replace the Express 4K+ for most people. That said, the Express 4K+ is the current option and widely sold, making it one of our top picks for folks who want a cheap streamer with an Ethernet port. But if you buy new in 2025 or later, expect the Stick 4K (or hopefully a more recent version of it) to be Roku’s workhorse. Which One Should You Choose? Pick Roku Express 4K+ if you: Choose Roku Streaming Stick 4K if you: Expert Verdict For many people, that would make the Roku Streaming Stick 4K the wiser long-term buy – its Dolby Vision support and generally stronger wireless signal justify the slightly higher cost. But, the Roku Express 4K+ is still untouchable for bargain hunters who simply want reliable 4K HDR streaming without fancy extras. If you’re using an Ethernet connection or adding a second TV, it’s the better match. Bottom line: Both devices provide Roku’s familiar simplicity and wealth of apps, though the Stick has an upper hand on performance and it’s the direction Roku is going with its upcoming lineup. Final Thoughts The Roku Express 4K+ and Streaming Stick 4K are excellent streaming values. If you’re looking for a budget and wire-friendly solution, the Express 4K+ is still great. Assuming you care only about Dolby Vision picture quality and faster Wi-Fi performance, the Stick 4K is the top dog. Whichever you choose, you’ll get Roku’s signature: a simple, instinctual streaming experience from one of the most bulletproof platforms in the business. FAQs Q1: Can Roku Express do 4K? Only the Express 4K+ does it’s capable of streaming 4K HDR, while the regular Express (HD) tops out at 1080p. Q2: Is Dolby Vision available on the Roku Express? No. Only the Streaming Stick 4K is compatible with Dolby Vision and HLG for even richer color and contrast. Q3: Can Roku Stick work with Ethernet? No. The Stick is Wi-Fi only. Express 4K+ does have USB ports and it could use a USB to ethernet adapter. Q4: Which one has better Wi-Fi? The Stick 4K wins here. It features a long-range dual-band receiver for a faster, more consistent connection. Q5: Do they produce the same image quality? Both play 4K HDR footage (even if the quality of those streams is another matter), but only the Stick supports Dolby Vision, which can result in a visibly superior picture on compatible TVs. Q6: Which is best for travel? The Streaming Stick 4K is much more portable – it plugs into a hotel TV’s HDMI port and there are no additional