Roku Unveils New Streaming Sticks, TVs, and Software Updates: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Lineup
Roku is gearing up for 2025 with a comprehensive refresh of its streaming devices, TVs, and software. The company announced two new streaming sticks, an updated TV lineup, and a host of software features designed to enhance content discovery and overall user experience. Let’s break down the key announcements and what they mean for consumers.
The headlining announcement is the arrival of two new, budget-friendly streaming sticks. The standard Streaming Stick offers HD resolution at $30, while the upgraded Streaming Stick Plus delivers 4K resolution and HDR capabilities for $40. Roku claims these new sticks are significantly smaller than competitors like Amazon's Fire TV sticks, aiming for a more compact and seamless streaming experience. Both are available for preorder now and will ship from May 6th.
Beyond the sticks, Roku has also unveiled its 2025 TV lineup, featuring three new series: the Roku Select, Roku Plus, and Roku Pro. The Pro and Plus models boast mini-LED backlights for improved brightness and contrast. The Roku Select series expands the range of available sizes, now offering models from 32 to 85 inches. Pricing and availability are expected to be announced in the coming months. Notably, the updated Roku Pro promises twice the contrast of its predecessor and features an enhanced version of Roku's Smart Picture technology.
However, it is worth mentioning the Roku Pro's picture quality wasn't as good as the Hisense U8 and the TCL QM6 in reviews. The Roku Plus' big improvement is an upgraded backlight that uses mini-LED technology, which improves brightness and is also featured in the Pro and other competing midrange TVs.
But the changes aren't just skin deep. A significant software update is headed to all Roku devices, focusing on improved content discovery. Roku's own survey revealed that 57% of viewers abandon their search and do something else after struggling to find something to watch. To combat this “scroll fatigue”, Roku is introducing features like a “Coming Soon to Theaters” row, short-form video content within the All Things Food and All Things Home tabs, and new badges for quality content, including an “Award Winner” badge. The software update also includes Personalized sports highlights and sports zone expansion. A new Roku City tile will soon allow you to jump into the side-scrolling Roku City with a press of a button.
Roku is also enhancing its mobile app, transforming it into a robust second-screen companion. Users will be able to explore content, use the app as a remote, and access in-depth details about movies and shows, including cast and crew information, IMDb ratings, and trailers. Furthermore, a daily trivia feature and an updated Roku City tile add elements of engagement and entertainment to the platform.
Simplified Choice: The two new sticks will replace the current Roku Express and Roku Express 4K Plus at the same price, and Roku says the outgoing devices will be available at select retailers while supplies last.
Roku's 2025 lineup represents a concerted effort to offer both affordable hardware and a more user-friendly software experience. Will these changes be enough to maintain Roku's position in the competitive streaming landscape? What features are you most excited about? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
