Roku’s new streaming sticks are smaller, smarter, and still ridiculously cheap

Summary

Roku releases new Streaming Sticks to replace Roku Express and Express 4K.
New Roku OS features include “Coming Soon to Theaters” and scroll-able short-form content.
Smart Picture Max and mini-LED backlighting coming to more affordable Roku TV models.

Say goodbye to the Roku Express, the time for the Streaming Stick is here.

Earlier today, Roku revealed its new Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus, which are brand-new models designed to replace the Roku Express and Roku Express 4K. According to the streaming giant, these models are “sleeker, more intuitive, and even more delightful to use” and are also the most compact on the market, measuring 35 percent smaller than other comparable devices. Both devices feature personalized recommendations, access to thousands of

streaming channels
, a voice remote and the

Backdrops wallpaper
feature, which can turn your TV into

a literal work of art
.

But of course, the price is the most important factor with Roku devices and these new Streaming Sticks are still pretty cheap, with the base model coming in at $30 and the Plus model (which includes 4k and HDR support) costing $40. Both devices are available today for pre-order and will be available to ship on May 6.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025)

A slim plug and play streaming stick that includes 4K/HDR support and includes a voice remote.
Roku Streaming Stick

The Roku Streaming Stick is a slim plug and play device that allows users to easily stream content in HD. It includes a Roku Voice Remote

Icons on a yellow background of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Paramount+

Streaming service algorithms don’t actually do what you think

Netflix is in the business of keeping you hooked, promoting content that matches your viewing habits.

Roku OS gets more content discovery options

Track upcoming films and discover scroll-able short form content

Marvel

In addition to its new Streaming Sticks, Roku has announced several upgrades coming to its OS. First up is a brand new “Coming Soon to Theaters” row that allows users to add movies that haven’t even been released yet to their Save List. Once the film is available to buy, rent or stream, users will then get a notification. So, for instance, even though Marvel’s newest film Thunderbolts* isn’t out yet, users could feasibly add it to their Save List now, and then receive updates when it hits digital platforms as well as Disney+.

If you’re looking for something a bit more scroll-able, Roku has also added new short-form content rows in the All Things Food and All Things Home sections that include short, curated clips, similar to what you might find on YouTube Shorts or TikTok.

Graphic design image of a person in a secretive hat within a magnifying glass on a blue TV screen to indicate suspicion.

LG’s new emotionally reactive AI ad tech is a Black Mirror episode come to life

LG has announced plans to add so-called Large Emotion Model tech to its webOS TVs, paving the way for targeted ads powered by AI.

Smart Picture Max rolling out to more Roku TVs

Roku’s Plus series is getting some serious upgrades

Roku

Roku’s Smart Picture Max feature, which automatically enhances and optimizes picture quality on a scene-by-scene basis, is officially coming to the Roku Plus Series, making it more affordable for those looking for a mid-range TV. In addition, The Roku Plus Series also will now feature mini-LED backlighting, enhanced by QLED, which will give these sets better dynamic contrast, deeper blacks, and a wider color range. You can browse Roku’s currently available Plus models here.