The Roku Streaming Stick 4K (model 3820) is a compact HDMI player for viewers who want 4K and a broad selection of HDR formats without a separate box. Its strongest case is a compatible 4K television, HDR content, and reliable Wi-Fi. It is a less suitable fit if you need wired Ethernet or your TV cannot use its higher-resolution formats.
What the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers
Model 3820 plugs directly into a television’s HDMI input and needs USB power. Roku’s US product specifications list playback up to 2160p at 60 frames per second, with Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG support on compatible equipment. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance-test results. Roku’s product specifications give the supported formats and connections.
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The included Roku Voice Remote provides voice control through a button on the remote, as well as TV power, volume, and mute buttons. Roku says the TV controls work with most televisions; that qualification means you should not assume they will work with every model.
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Broad 4K and HDR format support
Roku lists up to 4K (2160p) at 60 fps and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. This range can be useful if your television and the services or titles you watch support the formats. The specifications alone do not guarantee a particular picture improvement: both the display and the content have to support the relevant resolution or HDR format.
#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.
Small, 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 at the TV’s HDMI port rather than taking up shelf space like a separate streaming box. In practice, placement still depends on having enough clearance around that port and access to USB power.
TV controls on the included remote
Power, volume, and mute buttons can let many viewers use one remote for basic TV functions and streaming navigation. Roku’s specification says these controls work with most TVs, not all of them.
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.
Dual-band Wi-Fi receiver
Roku specifies 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It describes a long-range Wi-Fi receiver integrated into the USB power cable. “Long-range” is Roku’s product description; it is not a measured guarantee of reception in a particular home.
Cons and limits to consider
4K and HDR depend on your TV and content
The television must support the resolution or HDR format you intend to use, and the title must be available in that format. Roku also specifies an HDMI input supporting HDCP 2.2 for a compatible higher-resolution setup. If your TV is HD-only or lacks the HDR format you care about, some of the stick’s headline format support will not benefit you.
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
No Ethernet connection is listed
Roku’s published connections include HDMI and USB for power and the Wi-Fi receiver; Ethernet is not listed. Streaming therefore depends on wireless network access. If Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable where the television sits, account for that limitation before choosing this player.
It needs USB power and suitable placement
The stick is not powered through HDMI: Roku lists USB power with a 5V–1A input. The TV setup needs a usable power connection as well as an HDMI port, and a crowded TV area may make access or clearance awkward. Roku lists typical power consumption under 3.5 W while streaming 4K UHD; this is a manufacturer specification, not a measurement of every viewing situation.
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
Remote TV controls may not match every set
The included remote’s TV power and volume functions are convenient when compatible, but Roku’s “most TVs” qualification leaves exceptions. Do not count on those buttons as a replacement for your television’s remote until you know they work with your set.
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Who should buy the Roku Streaming Stick 4K?
- A good fit: You want a small HDMI streaming player, have a compatible 4K/HDR television, and can provide dependable Wi-Fi and USB power.
- Less compelling: Your TV is HD-only, you rarely watch 4K or HDR content, or you would not use the additional supported formats.
- Look for another configuration: You need Ethernet, have weak Wi-Fi at the TV, or require ports and remote features not listed for this stick.
Before buying, check the TV’s HDMI and HDCP 2.2 compatibility, the HDR formats it supports, the Wi-Fi signal at the intended location, and access to USB power. Roku identifies model 3820 on its model-number support page. Retail bundles, prices, and availability can vary by country and seller, so confirm the exact model in the listing.
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.
When a higher-tier Roku player may make more sense
Roku’s player comparison page identifies higher-tier options with features such as Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, USB, and an enhanced remote. Those features matter if they solve a specific need—such as a wired network connection or a port you require—but the comparison does not by itself establish which player is better value. Compare the current price and the exact features you would use; the Streaming Stick 4K’s compact design and listed HDR support may be sufficient if you do not need those additions.
Quick Recap
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.
