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The Roku Streaming Stick 4K (model 3820) is a compact HDMI player for viewers who want 4K and several HDR formats without placing a separate streaming box beside the TV. Its strongest case is a compatible 4K/HDR television, suitable Wi-Fi, and a preference for a small stick with basic TV controls on the remote. Its main trade-offs are reliance on Wi-Fi and USB power, plus the fact that 4K and HDR benefits depend on both the TV and the content.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K pros and cons at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports up to 4K at 60 fps and Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG on compatible equipment, according to Roku. | Those formats require a compatible TV and content; Roku specifies an HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2 for a compatible higher-resolution setup. |
| Small, lightweight stick connects directly to a TV’s HDMI port. | Needs USB power and enough room around the TV’s HDMI connection. |
| Dual-band 802.11ac MIMO Wi-Fi, with Roku’s long-range receiver built into the USB power cable. | Roku’s specifications list Wi-Fi but not Ethernet, so streaming depends on a wireless network. |
| Included voice remote has TV power, volume, and mute buttons. | Roku says those TV controls work with most TVs, not every television. |
What the Roku Streaming Stick 4K does well
Broad 4K and HDR format support
Roku’s US product specifications list output up to 2160p at 60 frames per second, along with Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. That range is useful if your TV supports the formats you want and the streaming service offers a program in the relevant resolution and HDR format. The player cannot add 4K or HDR to a TV that lacks the necessary hardware.
Compact, direct-to-TV design
Roku lists the stick at 3.7 × 0.80 × 0.45 inches and 0.90 ounces (26.0 g). It connects to the TV over HDMI, so it does not require a separate streaming box on a shelf. Check that the HDMI port is accessible and that there is room to connect the stick without obstructing adjacent ports.
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TV power and sound controls on the remote
The included Roku Voice Remote has buttons for TV power, volume, and mute. Roku says the controls work with most TVs, which can make switching between the TV remote and streaming remote less necessary. The voice feature is activated with a remote button; it is not hands-free wake-word control.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Dual-band Wi-Fi receiver in the power cable
Roku specifies dual-band 802.11ac MIMO Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The long-range Wi-Fi receiver is integrated into the USB power cable. “Long-range” is Roku’s product description, not an independent measurement of reception in a particular home; actual streaming depends on the wireless signal where the TV is installed.
What to consider before buying
4K and HDR depend on the whole setup
To use 4K, the TV and the HDMI input used for the player must support the required setup; Roku specifies an HDMI input supporting HDCP 2.2 for compatible higher-resolution use. HDR also requires a TV that supports the specific format, and the content must be available in it. If your TV is HD-only or does not support the HDR formats you care about, those specifications may not make a visible difference to your setup.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
There is no listed Ethernet connection
Roku’s published connections include HDMI and USB for power and the Wi-Fi receiver; Ethernet is not listed. The player therefore relies on wireless network access for streaming. If Wi-Fi is weak or unavailable where the TV sits, consider that limitation before choosing this stick.
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The stick must be powered. Roku lists USB power with a 5V–1A input, so installation requires access to an appropriate power connection as well as an available HDMI port. The stick and cable may affect placement when the TV is close to a wall or other devices.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Remote compatibility is not universal
Roku qualifies the remote’s TV power and volume controls as working with most TVs. If you need those buttons to operate a particular television, the published specification does not guarantee compatibility with that exact model.
Who should buy the Roku Streaming Stick 4K?
- Consider it if you want a small player that plugs into HDMI, have reliable Wi-Fi near the TV, and can use its 4K or HDR support with your television and the content you watch.
- Look carefully at alternatives if you need a wired network connection, additional ports, or a remote with features beyond the listed TV power, volume, mute, and button-activated voice control.
- Do not pay extra solely for 4K/HDR if your television cannot display those formats or your viewing setup does not use them.
How it compares with higher-tier Roku players
Roku’s comparison page identifies features on higher-tier players that include Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, USB, and an enhanced remote. Those options may better suit a setup that needs wired networking, additional connections, or different remote features. The right choice depends on the particular model’s specifications, your TV and network, and current prices; the feature list alone does not establish which is the better value.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Before choosing between Roku players, check the specific model’s supported HDR formats, wireless standard, Ethernet availability, ports, remote capabilities, and physical placement requirements. Model 3820 is identified by Roku Support as the Roku Streaming Stick 4K; bundles and availability may differ by country or retailer.
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| Specification | Roku-published detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 3820, identified by Roku Support |
| Video output | Up to 2160p at 60 fps |
| HDR formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG on compatible equipment |
| Wireless | Dual-band 802.11ac MIMO, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Power | USB; 5V–1A input; typical power consumption under 3.5 W while streaming 4K UHD |
| Dimensions and weight | 3.7 × 0.80 × 0.45 inches; 0.90 ounces (26.0 g) |
| Connections listed | HDMI and USB; Ethernet is not listed |
These are manufacturer specifications from Roku’s US product page; Roku does not display a publication date there. They are not independent measurements of picture quality, Wi-Fi speed, or performance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Sources
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K product specifications
- Roku Support: identify your Roku streaming player model
- Roku streaming player comparison
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
