June, 2025 - Organizer

After testing the cheapest Roku streaming stick, I’ve found one of the best values in streaming

10:04 pm | June 12, 2025

Roku Streaming Stick: Two-minute review

Roku TV interface shown on TV screen — The Roku TV interface is easy to navigate, but we experienced some lag when making selections during our testing of the Roku Streaming Stick (Image credit: Future)

The Roku Streaming Stick is cheap, compact, and easy to use. As the cheaper of Roku’s two newest streaming sticks, the other being the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, it has its limitations – specifically, no 4K or HDR support – but the value proposition here is very good. If you’re trying to save money, it might be among the best streaming devices out there.

As far as competition goes at this price point, there’s really only the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, which is slightly more expensive. Of course, if you care about getting the best performance and features and are willing to pay for it, I suggest going for the Roku Ultra (2024) instead.

The Roku Streaming Stick is literally just a stick with an HDMI port on the end, and is small even by streaming stick standards. When I reviewed the Amazon Fire TV Sticks that came out in 2023 ( still current models), I had trouble fitting their bulky bodies into the HDMI slots behind my TV, so the svelte design of the Roku Streaming Stick is welcome.

The only visual difference between this and the Streaming Stick Plus version is that the Roku logo is purple as opposed to an etched design, making it look just a bit cheaper than its big brother. Otherwise, it’s identical, with the same somewhat convex case, with the HDMI male jack on one end, and the USB-C charging port on the other. There’s also a reset button, and that’s it.

It’s worth noting that Roku only provides a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging – there’s no power supply or adapter. When I first saw this on the Roku Streaming Stick Plus (again, they’re identical in this regard), I was a little upset that I was expected to pay extra for an adapter. But then I realized there was a good reason for the lack of an adapter, since you’re expected to use the USB port on your TV to power the streaming stick.

Because you’re powering the stick from the TV’s USB port, which is usually just a few slots over from the HDMI connections, there are no hanging cables from the device. This means you’ll end up with a cleaner-looking setup using the Roku Streaming Stick.

Roku Streaming Stick and included accessories — The Roku Streaming Stick comes with a USB cable and a remote with a voice control option (Image credit: Future)

The included remote control is Roku’s voice remote. It has a slightly bulky body with a little bit of weight that makes it nice to handle while still being fairly compact. The buttons include dedicated play/pause buttons – a feature I appreciate over the navigation wheel layout that most remotes have. And there’s also a voice assistant button, which lets you make voice commands when holding it down. It’s not Roku’s best remote – that would be the one included with the Roku Ultra – but it’s good enough and about what one would expect at this price point.

The Roku Streaming Stick is intended to be an entry-level HD device, so there’s no 4K or HDR support. I tested it on a 65-inch TV, and the picture quality was still pretty good. If you’re getting this for a guestroom TV, it’s probably worth saving the few extra bucks.

The Roku Streaming Stick’s biggest sticking point is its performance. Given the stick’s low price, you shouldn’t expect the world, but it’s still worth noting. The actual streaming experience is fine and without interruption, but the Roku Streaming Stick has a slight delay when interacting with it, with the onscreen cursor moving just a fraction of a second after a button press, so you feel like it’s catching up.

It’s worth noting that the Roku Streaming Stick uses the old 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi standard, which is even slower than the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) one used by the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. You probably don’t need the latest Wi-Fi standard for a streaming device, but the Streaming Stick’s slower and older WiFi standard is a potential reason why it runs a little slower.

The Streaming Stick’s interface is the usual intuitive one I expect from Roku. There are a few watch suggestions at the top, but the home screen is otherwise just a series of tiles for different apps. I appreciate its simplicity compared to the more congested interfaces used by Google TV, Fire TV, and other smart TV platforms. If you prefer that type of layout, Roku has a similar setup when you click on the “What To Watch” tab on the homescreen.

There’s a good amount of free content available to stream directly through the Roku interface. There’s also a Sports tab, but you still need a subscription to whichever service has the rights to your favorite sport. Otherwise, Roku’s interface here is its usual rock-solid self.

Roku Streaming Stick: Price and release date

Roku Streaming Stick plugged into TV's HDMI port — The super-compact Roku Streaming Stick is powered by your TV's USB port (Image credit: Future)

$29.99 / £29.99 (about AU$50)
Released April 2025

Thirty bucks or quid for a streaming device is impossible to beat. The closest to that is probably the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD that I mentioned earlier at $34.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.

The question you need to ask yourself is whether it’s worth saving ten bucks for this version over the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, which goes for $39.99 / £39.99 (about AU$70). The design of both sticks is the same, and so are the limitations in performance. If you’re trying to just get the cheapest streaming stick with 4K and HDR support (but not Dolby Vision), the Plus version is the one you’ll want. But if you have an older TV that doesn’t support those features, the basic Roku Streaming Stick will be ideal.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) is also a good streamer to look at as it’s regularly discounted to the same price as the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. And unlike Roku products, that model is available for purchase in Australia.

Roku Streaming Stick remote held in hand — Roku's remote control sits nicely in the hand and features a mic button for voice search commands (Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Roku Streaming Stick?

Roku Streaming Stick
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	HD streaming with Dolby Atmos but no 4K or HDR support	3/ 5
Performance	It’s fine when streaming, but it lags when interacting with the interface and menus, possibly due to using an older Wi-Fi standard	3.5 / 5
Design	It’s slim and is designed to get power from the TV it’s connected to, helping provide a cleaner, more tangle-free look	4.5 / 5
Value	Streaming doesn’t get cheaper than this. You just have to decide if you can forgo 4K and HDR support	5 / 5

Buy it if...

You’re on a strict budget
Getting the Roku Streaming Stick is on par, pricewise, with dinner for two from a fast food chain. You can’t really get cheaper than this

You want to hide the cables
The ability to draw power from a TV’s USB port is a nice touch that allows for a cleaner-looking setup, especially if you plan on wall-mounting your TV.

You want a Roku device
There are other almost as cheap options. But if you like the Roku smart interface, then this is the perfect entry-level device for it.

Don't buy it if...

You want top performance
The slight lag while navigating is a performance-related concern, as it can be frustrating to feel like you’re always a quarter step behind.

You want 4K and HDR
The Roku Streaming Stick does have features like Dolby Atmos, but you’re missing out on the 4K resolution and HDR support that pricier models have.

Roku Streaming Stick review: Also consider

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023)

If you’re an Amazon Prime Video subscriber and/or own Alexa smart home products, then the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) is the way to go. It has faster Wi-Fi6 support, not to mention 16GB of onboard storage and Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support. It is very Prime-centric, however, and shows ads for Prime content every time it’s idle.

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) review

Roku Ultra (2024)

If you want both speedy performance and the Roku ecosystem, The Roku Ultra (2024) is your best bet. Sure, it can’t tuck behind the TV discreetly like the Streaming Stick or Streaming Stick Plus, but the Ultra is the company’s best and most robust streaming device. It supports just about every feature, including 4K and Dolby Vision HDR, and it comes with Roku’s best remote.

Read more about the Roku Ultra (2024)

Roku Streaming Stick on table — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Roku Streaming Stick

Used regularly for a week
Tested with various apps
Tested the remote

I used the Roku Streaming Stick regularly for a few days to evaluate everything it can do. I used it to stream Roku content and movies and shows from apps like Max. I also spent time using the remote and testing its various functions.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro: one-minute review

The Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro is a wireless mechanical keyboard with numerous connectivity options for great flexibility. It has a rather restrained aesthetic, although the vibrant RGB lighting and various colorways help make it stand out. It lacks the pomp of many gaming keyboards, and it’s all the better for it in my view.

In terms of build quality, the Rainy 75 Pro is dense and very heavy, while the aluminum casing makes it near impossible to dent or damage. The double-shot PBT keycaps also feel premium, with their smooth texture and subtle indentations.

The board is also quite thick, especially at the back, and there are no adjustable feet. Thankfully, the stock angle allows for a good typing position, although I still would’ve welcomed some form of wrist support, since I did find the Rainy 75 Pro uncomfortable after long periods.

Customizations are available courtesy of the VIA web app. Here you’ll find a macro creator and RGB lighting adjustments, with plenty of effects to choose from. There are also myriad shortcuts available for remapping, rivaling many of the best keyboard options around, although the interface doesn’t do a great job of presenting them in the cleanest manner.

There are other issues with this web app: it requires you to download JSON files to work, while profiles have to be saved as files on your PC, both of which feel outdated and clunky. What’s more, there aren’t any performance-related tweaks, and sometimes it would lose connection to the keyboard altogether.

Thankfully, in action, the Rainy 75 Pro provides a mostly enjoyable experience. The linear Cocoa switches in my unit were snappy and responsive, with a light actuation and a very satisfying feel, which made for fast typing. However, beware that they are quite loud.

Connectivity is mostly great, and switching between Bluetooth and 2.4.GHz devices is easy. However, I did experience momentary lagging in one particular instance when connected via the latter method to my PC, which is obviously disappointing, but thankfully only occurred once.

Despite how solid and pleasurable it is to use, the Rainy 75 Pro is still an expensive keyboard and it faces some stiff competition, such as the Razer Pro Type Ultra and the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra, the latter of which is cheaper but performs equally well. If you’re looking for the sturdiest board around with effortless typing, the Rainy 75 Pro is hard to beat on these fronts. But all things considered, it's hard to justify its expense in a market full of great value alternatives.

Close-up of side of Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro review: price and availability

$139 / £159 / AU$239
Available now in multiple variants
High-end of the market

The Rainy 75 Pro costs $139 / £159 / AU$239 and is available in multiple colorways and switch types. Wired and non-RGB versions are also available with lower prices. It comes with a keycap puller, USB cable, 2.4GHz USB dongle, and three spare switches.

This places it at the premium end of the space, although when you consider its high build quality, mechanical switches and multiple connectivity modes, it makes a little more sense. It’s close to the same price as the Razer Pro Type Ultra, although that board is full-size, making it a better choice for productivity purposes.

However, the Rainy 75 Pro is more expensive than the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra. That board has analog switches, which allow for various actuation adjustments to be made, an aspect shared by some of the best gaming keyboard options. It also features multiple wireless modes, although it has a 60% layout, which means it lacks quite a few useful keys present on the Rainy 75 Pro.

Value: 3 / 5

Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro review: specs

Layout	75%
Switch	Mechanical
Programmable keys	Yes
Dimensions	12.6 x 5.4 x 1.8 inches (32 x 13.7 x 4.6cm)
RGB or backlighting	Yes (customizable)

Back of Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro with USB cable attached, on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro review: design and features

Exceptionally heavy
Well made
Not the most convenient software

The Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro has a somewhat muted appearance, especially in the white colorway I had on my review unit. It looks modern enough, and the lack of gamer touches is something I welcome, while the RGB lighting does enough to add vibrancy.

It’s also one of the heaviest keyboards I’ve ever used. It feels extremely dense and sturdy as a result, and if you’re prone to gamer rage, be careful of venting your frustrations out on this one. The aluminum casing feels very premium and hard wearing too.

The Rainy 75 Pro is also quite thick, although mercifully it has a fairly steep tilt angle, so the front end is lower to the ground than the back. This makes getting a comfortable position easier, although I found that my wrists still had to bend noticeably to reach the keys.

The double-shot PBT keycaps have a smooth texture and feel high quality, as you would expect. They also have minimal indentation, but it’s enough to secure your finger tips in place.

There are some useful default shortcuts on the Rainy 75 Pro, including the ability to hot-switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz devices using the Fn and Tab keys. However, it’s a shame that none of the keys have their Fn shortcuts labelled on them.

Close-up of Cocoa switch underneath keycap on Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro, with RGB lighting on — (Image credit: Future)

However, what’s more inconvenient is the switch for activating the wireless capability, since it’s located underneath the Caps Lock key, meaning you have to remove it to access it – a baffling design choice and one I’ve seen before on the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra.

Thankfully, it’s rarely needed as it can be left in the on position, even when using the board with a wired connection. The only time I needed to switch it to the off position was when installing a firmware update.

The Rainy 75 Pro makes use of the VIA web app for its customization abilities. This provides the usual tinkering options, with macro creation, RGB settings, and plenty of remapping options.

However, the web app isn’t the most user-friendly interface, requiring you to download and then upload JSON files manually to get working. You also have to save your custom settings as files to your computer, which is also inconvenient and outdated.

I encountered other usability issues, too. There were occasions where the key remapping function wouldn't work, and sometimes the board lost connection to the web app, requiring me to refresh the page to remedy.

The layout of this web app also leaves a lot to be desired, as the scattergun approach to listing all the remaps isn’t the best presented, making it hard at times to find the shortcuts you need.

Design & features: 3.5 / 5

Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro review: performance

Light and snappy
Great for typing
Can get uncomfortable

The performance of the Rainy 75 Pro is excellent, whether you’re gaming or typing. The linear Cocoa switches in my unit had a very light and snappy actuation, with plenty of rebound and a relatively short travel, all of which made for quick taps and fast typing. Their lubed yet clicky feel also provided plenty of feedback, resulting in a tactile feel to match the best mechanical keyboards.

However, typing is quite loud, and while the Rainy 75 Pro is comfortable to use for the most part, that aforementioned thickness and the wrist bend required to access the keys did cause me some discomfort after a while. This is yet another keyboard where I would’ve appreciated a wrist pad.

Connectivity is seamless in the main, and I found switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz quick and easy. Battery life also seems reasonable, if not exceptional, dropping to 80% after several days of varied use between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz.

However, I did experience some serious lag on one occasion when playing a game, causing a severe delay to my inputs. My mouse inputs were unaffected, so I don’t believe it was an issue with the game.

This is obviously concerning, but I should stress this only happened once during my several days with the Rainy 75 Pro, and what’s more, it was fleeting. Still, it’s worth mentioning all the same.

Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro with keycap puller, USB 2.4GHz dongle, and three spare switches on desk with pink background — (Image credit: Future)

Performance: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro?

Gamakay TK75HE V2 Scorecard
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	The Rainy 75 Pro is quite expensive, and although it offers a lot, there are plenty of competitors at this price point – and below.	3 / 5
Design and features	The Rainy 75 Pro is exceptionally solid and heavy, and it uses double-shot PBT keycaps. The customization web app isn’t the best, though, and it’s a little too thick for long-term comfort.	3.5 / 5
Performance	Light and snappy, the Rainy 75 Pro is great for typing and gaming, with a satisfying feel. I did experience a brief connection issue on one occasion, though.	4 / 5
Overall	The Rainy 75 Pro is very enjoyable to use, and the build quality is very impressive. However, the lack of wrist support, awkward software, and high price hold it back somewhat.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if…

You want easy typing
The snappy actuation and fast rebound make this a very tactile and easy board to type fast on.

You a sturdy unit
The sheer weight of the Rainy 75 Pro alone is testament enough to its build quality, but the aluminum material further consolidates this.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best software
The VIA web app isn’t the easiest or most convenient to use, and there are no performance-based tweaks available for hardcore gamers.

You want to save money
The Rainy 75 Pro isn’t exactly cheap, and there are plenty of keen competitors around at this price.

Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro review: also consider

	Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro	MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra	Razer Pro Type Ultra
Layout	75%	60%	Full size
Switch	Mechanical	Analog (TMR magnetic)	Mechanical
Programmable keys	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	12.6 x 5.4 x 1.8 inches (320 x 137 x 46mm)	Not stated	17.28 x 5.16 x 1.57 inches (439 x 131 x 40mm)
RGB or backlighting	Yes (customizable)	Yes (customizable)	Yes (customizable)

Razer Pro Type Ultra
If you’re looking for a similarly premium experience, the Razer Pro Type Ultra is a great alternative, especially if you plan on doing a lot of typing. It’s about the same price as the Rainy 75 Pro, but has a full-size layout. However, like the Rainy 75 Pro, we found its angle a little steep for optimum comfort levels, but in all other regards, it’s an excellent keyboard for work and play. Read our full Razer Pro Type Ultra review.

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra
Another formidable slab of a keyboard, the FUN60 Ultra has a 60% layout, so it lacks some keys useful for productivity and certain games. However, it’s great for typing with, and its TMR analog switches make it a boon for gamers. What’s more, it’s remarkably cheap considering its premium feel and performance, so it’s certainly a board worth considering if you can live with the compromised layout. Read our full MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review.

How I tested the Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro

Tested for several days
Used for gaming and typing
Plentiful keyboard experience

I tested the Rainy 75 Pro for several days, during which time I used it for gaming and typing. I used all of its connectivity modes on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems. I played Counter-Strike 2, a good test for keyboards since it requires fast and accurate inputs.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade and have plenty of experience with keyboards of all kinds. I have also reviewed a large number of them, with different connectivity methods, switch types, layouts, and price points.

First reviewed: May 2025
Read more about how we test

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