***Quick note before reading numerous reviews! I research everything immensely before I buy it and one HUGE discrepancy I noticed when reading the top reviews for Roku devices is that they mostly date back to 2017-2018 and sometimes even before. Please take into account that THIS Roku is the 2019 release date and THAT is the device you will receive and the device that I purchased & reviewed :). I'm sure what other's wrote is valid for their particular Roku based on the release date but rest assured that a review from 2017 or 2018 can NOT cover a product released in 2019! Hope this proves helpful for anyone considering any streaming device (don't judge the newest model on old model reviews)!
A little back story, I do own both Rokus (5 now 😂- mostly different generations but my two most recent ones are this one and the Ultra) and Amazon Fire Sticks (2 - various generations) and although I enjoy them all for the fact that we were able to cut our cable about 6 years ago thanks to them, I would say I am thoroughly enjoying this one and the Ultra the most. The technology is the most recent release dates and they stream absolutely flawlessly!
I chose to purchase this particular Roku for my father because his bedroom is located on the top floor of our home while our modem is connected in our basement which is a concrete box of internet deadzone (the modem must be connected down there or the internet won't reach the entire house unfortunately, but we are in the process of getting booster Pods from Xfinity). We have the now 300 mb Xfinity internet (aka nerdy gaming speeds - was previously 250 mb) with our router/modem located in our basement for optimum connectivity and a WiFi range extender but our house still has connectivity issues with most devices. This Roku is not only 4K but it's supposed to be exceptionally good for connectivity which played a huge role in choosing this particular one.
As soon as I plugged this Roku in, it was love at first home screen just as I had experienced with the Ultra that I had purchased several weeks prior. It recognized all my accounts, downloaded everything quickly, was extremely user friendly and the streaming quality is AMAZING. My father had become all too familiar with the loading screens on various streaming devices and we are ecstatic to be able to say goodbye to them for good thanks to the long-range wireless receiver in this bad boy. The picture quality is always exceptional whether streaming HD, HDR or 4K. This particular Roku stick is also so user friendly that my 70 year father (who generally avoids computers and technology like the plague) can even use it! I also believe this to be the best Roku for it's price point. The Ultra is amazing, but is not necessary in my opinion for most users although it too is highly impressive. We are very pleased with this Roku device and would definitely recommend it.
***I took side by side photos of his new Roku (this one - the Roku Streaming Stick+) and his older model, the Roku 3. You can see based off the photos the difference in the remotes, particularly that the newer remote is much skinnier and more comfortable in your hand. The volume controls are the same with the exception of the mute button on the new remote. The Roku 3 remote is also shiny and has different channel buttons compared to the Roku Stick+ remote that is a matte black and features newer streaming channels. The new remote also has the on/off button that most Roku's feature and allows you to easily connect to your tv (it literally auto connects for you) and gives you the power to use your Roku remote on your TV as well. Last note, the picture quality is beautiful even on my Dad's older LG flat screen, but my phone only takes sub par pictures of it so don't mind that 😂.
| Brand Name | Roku |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 9 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.7 x 0.8 x 0.47 inches |
| Item model number | 3810R |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Model |
| Number of Component Outputs | hdmi |
| Special Features | Wireless |
