I test streaming devices for a living — and this Roku is my favorite Prime Day deal

Deals
By Henry T. Casey
published

Roku's 4K stick is the best Prime Day streaming deal so far

Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021) plugged into a TV, with a Tom's Guide Prime Day sticker in the corner of the image
(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

Trying to find great Prime Day deals for streaming devices is always a bit tricky, at least when you've tested the whole field and know what's great and what's worth passing on. You see, some deals — with extremely low prices — are too good to believe and for a good reason.

This is why my favorite Prime Day streaming deal so far is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is $34 @ Amazon, savings of $15. It's admittedly not the cheapest streaming deal, but it's still a significant markdown on the best streaming device.

We expect a ton of Prime Day deals in the streaming category, so keep it locked here for more as we find them.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $34 @ AmazonPrice check: $34 @ Best Buy | $34 @ Walmart

Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $34 @ Amazon
The best streaming device, the Roku we'd buy for ourselves and for family, is normally $49. Our Roku Streaming Stick 4K review explains why this is the best streaming device for most people, but we love it for its 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision, and put it above the Chromecast and Fire Sticks for its simpler user experience. 
Price check: $34 @ Best Buy | $34 @ Walmart

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This is the latest version of Roku's 4K streaming stick, and it features two solid upgrades from past versions. First is Dolby Vision, the premium HDR standard, for better colors and contrast. Second, you get an in-cord Wi-Fi range extender, which is huge for those in houses with networking concerns.

The $50 Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the kind of device you always expect sales on, but it's gone lower in the past. CamelCamelCamel notes that the stick hit its lowest price ever on November 25th, when it was $24. So, if you can wait, maybe stick around til Tuesday morning to see if it falls further for Prime Day's official beginning.

Of course, as I alluded to, there are other deals I'd nudge you away from.

Specifically, let's look at the Fire TV Stick 4K, down to just $22, its lowest price ever. But while it will give you comparable streaming audio and video, the Fire TV interface is too loaded with ads and stuff for me to recommend. That said, power users who know how to root their Fire Stick and turn it into something more user-friendly, who am I to stop you?

Fire TV Stick 4K: was $49 now $22 @ Amazon

Fire TV Stick 4K: was $49 now $22 @ Amazon
This is the cheapest we've ever seen the Fire TV Stick 4K at! The Fire TV Stick 4K is less powerful than the Max, but also has 4K Ultra HD streaming and includes an Alexa Voice Remote at a lower price. Our Fire TV Stick 4K review explains why it's such a popular device, with functionality that goes well beyond what you'd expect for $22.

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Also, consider spending $2 more. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max ups the performance from the standard 4K stick, to something more manageable. 

Fire TV Stick 4K Max: was $54 now $24 @ Amazon

Fire TV Stick 4K Max: was $54 now $24 @ Amazon
If you've wanted a cheap 4K streaming device, but always needed more speed, you should check out the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, one of the best streaming devices available. Our Fire TV Stick 4K Max review details its snappy performance, and it also offers 4K Ultra HD streaming at 60fps with HDR and WiFi 6 support.

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Henry T. Casey
Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.