4 reasons I prefer a streaming stick over a box

• Sticks are usually cheaper
• Sticks take up less space
• They are close enough for most people
• Portability is a big factor

Streaming sticks and streaming boxes continue to grow in popularity, and many companies have gotten in on the action. Whether it’s Apple, Google, Roku, or Onn, there’s something out there for you. If you’re like me, you want a streaming device like this because you’re sick of how slow your smart TV is. While your TV feels speedy when you first get it, in my experience, that’s not the case as time goes on. Instead of buying a new TV, all you need is an inexpensive stick to enhance your performance.

The real choice you have to make is whether you want a streaming box or a stick. In general, the boxes are more powerful, and you can typically do a bit more with them aside from just watching shows. I think there are many reasons you should consider going with a stick over a box, and maybe I can help point you toward what you need.

Sticks are usually cheaper

More bang for your buck

Money is a big concern for many people, and it’s an excellent reason to grab a stick over a box. Let’s just look at Roku as an example. The Roku Ultra costs $100, while the Roku Streaming Stick 4K costs half the price at $50. On top of that, you can usually grab both of them on sale, so there’s really no reason to pay full price if you can afford to be a little patient.

While the Roku Ultra is the more powerful device, you might not need the power that it offers. For basic streaming, a stick is perfectly fine. I use a Roku Streaming Stick in my basement that I have no issues with. I also have a Roku Ultra in my bedroom that I use nightly. I don’t think one is definitively better than the other because they both do what I want them to do.

Sticks take up less space

More room for other things

The nice thing about a streaming stick is that it plugs directly into your TV, and some of the newer sticks don’t have to be plugged into the wall either. If you can get power directly from your TV, then a stick is out of sight completely. A box, on the other hand, takes up space on your entertainment stand. They aren’t gigantic by any means, but you might have to move some stuff around to make it fit on your stand. It could be annoying if you have a soundbar, for example.

While your TV feels speedy when you first get it, in my experience, that’s not the case as time goes on. Instead of buying a new TV, all you need is an inexpensive stick to enhance your performance.

A lot of people value not having clutter, and that means a stick will usually be better than a box in that case. When you keep in mind that you largely get the same performance, it’s an easy decision to make. Not every streaming stick can be powered by your TV, so you might still need to make sure you have a spare spot on your outlet nearby.

They are close enough for most people

Streaming is great on both

Let’s be honest — most people are buying a streaming stick or box just to stream shows and movies. For that purpose, both devices largely work the same. The boxes might be faster and be able to do more outside of streaming, but the majority of people just wanting to watch things will be happy with a stick, if you ask me.

The only thing I notice about speed is when I’m navigating through the interface. Once something’s fired up on Netflix, it’s the same as anything for me. If you can get something for a fraction of the price just for the trade off of taking a few more seconds to get to a certain screen, wouldn’t you take it?

Portability is a big factor

I don’t like to be tied down

For whatever reason, I don’t like to keep things looking the same way for a long time. I’m constantly moving things around, and my streaming devices are no different. I’ve gone back and forth with my Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K. I finally settled on my Apple TV in the living room with the Roku Ultra in my bedroom. It was a hassle moving those back and forth since it meant I had to carry my power cord, HDMI cable, and the device up and down the stairs. On the other hand, a streaming stick is far more simple. My Roku Streaming Stick is just a tiny device that fits into my pocket.

Don’t forget a power source if you need it while traveling.

It’s even better when you’re going on a trip and have limited bag space. Instead of having to stuff your Roku Ultra and all its accessories into your bag that’s packed with things as it is, it’s much easier to squeeze a stick in there and call it a day. The downside of being small and portable is that it’s also easier to lose your stick. As long as you know where you placed everything, portability is a big selling point.