Roku Streaming Stick HD vs Plus vs Fire TV Stick 4K: Which to Buy (and Current Prices)

Updated October 6, 2026

Roku's two newest sticks and Amazon's new Fire TV Stick 4K all cost less than $35 right now, and they look a lot alike. They aren't the same, though. One is HD only, one is Roku's simple 4K pick, and one runs Amazon's new operating system. Here's how the Roku Streaming Stick (HD), Roku Streaming Stick Plus and Fire TV Stick 4K (2026 model) compare, model by model.

Quick verdict

• Buy the Roku Streaming Stick (HD) if your TV is HD (720p or 1080p). It's the cheapest of the three, and a 4K stick won't improve an HD picture.
• Buy the Fire TV Stick 4K if you have a 4K TV and want the most hardware for the money: 4K with HDR10+, Wi-Fi 6 and a new remote, all for $29.99. Check that your apps are available on Amazon's Vega OS first.
• Buy the Roku Streaming Stick Plus if you have a 4K TV and want Roku's simple home screen and mature app catalog for a few dollars more.

Side-by-side specs

Picture: HD vs 4K and HDR

The Roku Streaming Stick (HD) outputs up to 1080p and upscales 720p. It's the right stick for smaller bedroom and kitchen TVs that aren't 4K. The Streaming Stick Plus and Fire TV Stick 4K both output 4K at up to 60 frames per second and support the same HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. On picture specs, those two are basically a tie.

Neither 4K stick supports Dolby Vision. If your TV supports Dolby Vision and you care about it, step up to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Both are $44.99 right now.

Remote and voice control

All three remotes can turn your TV on and off and adjust the volume on most TVs, so you can put the TV remote away. Roku's Voice Remote is simple and familiar, with Roku Voice search and app shortcut buttons. Amazon's new Fire TV Remote is redesigned, with a navigation ring, a dedicated Live TV button, a Shortcut Panel button and Alexa voice search. If you mostly watch live channels, the Live TV button is a nice touch.

Wi-Fi and setup

The Fire TV Stick 4K is the only one of the three with Wi-Fi 6, which can help if your router supports it. Roku's HD and Plus sticks use dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). All three plug straight into an HDMI port and can run on power from the TV's USB port, so you don't need a wall outlet. If the TV is far from the router, Roku's Streaming Stick 4K adds a long-range Wi-Fi receiver.

Live TV apps and DIRECTV

This is the biggest real difference. Both Roku sticks run Roku OS, which has a large, established app catalog. DIRECTV supports Roku devices on the latest Roku OS.

The new Fire TV Stick 4K runs Vega OS, Amazon's newer operating system. DIRECTV lists Fire TV devices on Vega OS 1.1 or later as compatible with the DIRECTV app. But the Vega app catalog is smaller than on older Fire OS sticks, and you can't sideload apps. If you depend on one particular live TV service, confirm it's in the Amazon Appstore before you buy. DIRECTV and Amazon are also adding DIRECTV channels to the Fire TV Live TV guide (here's how that works).

Setting up DIRECTV on a new stick, or comparing TV service at your address? Check DIRECTV availability or call American TV at 1-855-690-9884.

Price and value

At today's prices, the Fire TV Stick 4K is the best hardware value. It costs $4 to $5 less than the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and adds Wi-Fi 6. The Roku Streaming Stick (HD) is the cheapest option for HD TVs at $19.99. The Streaming Stick Plus makes sense if you'd rather pay a little more for Roku's interface and app catalog. Whichever you choose, you can call 1-855-690-9884 to see DIRECTV options for your home.

One buying tip: make sure the Fire TV listing says "newest model." The 2026 Fire TV Stick 4K has a $59.99 regular price. Older Fire OS Fire TV Stick 4K models had a $49.99 regular price and may still be listed.

Roku vs Fire TV in general

This page compares three specific sticks. For a broader look at the Roku and Fire TV platforms, including menus, ads and ecosystems, see Roku vs Fire Stick: I compared both streaming devices. Shopping for a whole new TV instead? See TVs on sale this month.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Roku Streaming Stick HD 4K?

No. The Roku Streaming Stick (HD) outputs up to 1080p. For 4K, choose the Roku Streaming Stick Plus or the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

What's the difference between the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and the Fire TV Stick 4K?

Both stream 4K with HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG and can be powered by the TV. The Fire TV Stick 4K adds Wi-Fi 6 and a new remote and runs Amazon's Vega OS. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus runs Roku OS, which has a larger established app catalog.

Which is cheaper right now?

As of October 6, 2026: Roku Streaming Stick (HD) $19.99, Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99, and Roku Streaming Stick Plus $34.00 at Amazon or $34.99 at Roku.com.

Do these sticks support Dolby Vision?

No. None of the three supports Dolby Vision. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max do.

Can I watch DIRECTV on these sticks?

DIRECTV lists Roku devices on the latest Roku OS and Fire TV devices on Vega OS 1.1 or later as compatible with the DIRECTV app. Check DIRECTV's device list for the latest support.

Questions about DIRECTV on Roku or Fire TV? Call 1-855-690-9884.

Specs and prices checked October 6, 2026, on Roku.com and Amazon. Prices and availability are set by retailers and may change or sell out. Device and app compatibility can change. Roku, Amazon, Fire TV, Alexa, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site and is not affiliated with Roku or Amazon.