Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021, 2022)

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a stick rather than a box. It plugs directly into the HDMI port behind the television and draws power over USB, so nothing sits on the shelf and no extra cable shows. It supports AirPlay 2 and Apple Home.

What works in Apple Home

The player appears in the Home app as a television accessory, so you can turn it on and off, and use it in scenes and automations alongside your lights and blinds.

AirPlay 2

AirPlay 2 sends video and audio from an iPhone, an iPad or a Mac to the television, and lets the Roku join a multi-room audio group with your HomePods so the same music plays through the television speakers.

Before you buy

The Streaming Stick 4K carries a long-range aerial, which is the reason to choose it over the Roku Express 4K when the television is far from the router. It also ships with the voice remote.

Behind-the-television space is the usual catch. A recessed or wall-mounted set may not leave room for the stick in a side-facing HDMI port, so check the clearance or plan on the supplied extender.

AirPlay 2 and Apple Home need a recent version of Roku OS. Update the player first, then look for it in the Home app.

Specifications