Roku reveals two new Fire Stick rivals that are cheaper and loaded with hundreds of free TV channels to watch instantly
ROKU has unveiled a brand new duo of streaming devices - and they're cheaper than their Amazon Fire Stick rival.
Both of Roku's fresh Streaming Sticks provide access to the biggest apps around, as well as some hidden gems packed with free TV and channels to watch instantly.
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Roku says it has improved the Wi-Fi connectivity on its new sticks
Credit: Roku
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New sticks are also slimmer
Credit: Roku
The Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus replace the existing Roku Express and Roku Express 4K gadgets, promising "more features at the same affordable price points".
Cheapest of the bunch is the Roku Streaming Stick at £29.99 / $29.99, costing less than Amazon's equivalent, the Fire TV Stick HD which currently retails for £39.99 / $34.99.
This entry-level HD model has some key changes, such as improved Wi-Fi connectivity so you're less likely to have buffering issues that interrupt your favourite shows.
And for the first time at this price point for Roku you'll get a voice-enabled remote control too so you can easily find content faster, as well as change the volume and power on the TV.
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For those who want the best picture quality, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus brings you 4K and vivid HDR colour.
It costs £10 / $10 more, totalling £39.99 / $39.99.
The streaming gadget giant also claims that its sticks are among the most compact around, coming in at 35 per cent smaller than rivals "without compromising performance or speed".
Both devices are powered directly by the TV so you will have less annoying cables hanging around too.
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These new products will offer access to the same selection of content, which includes a load of free services.
Roku has its own offering called The Roku Channel, which includes a number of originals and "premium entertainment".
Others worth checking out include Pluto TV, Plex and Tubi.
Tubi Lands in the UK: Free Streaming with 20,000+ Titles
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is owned by Paramount and with it comes the company's wealth of films and TV shows.
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In the UK, you can watch hits such as South Park, Catfish and Most Haunted with dedicated channels showing back-to-back episodes.
In the US, Pluto TV has a range of channels too showing movies, much-loved comedy including Cheers and Frasier, Daria, as well as early episodes of Brit classic Doctor Who.
Plex
Plex also offers a number of free channels to watch instantly.
In the UK, the channels include Tennis, Mystery TV, Ghost Hunters Channel, Mr Bean and Homes Under The Hammer.
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In the US, you can watch NFL, MythBusters, movies from Miramax, Real Housewives and WWE on CW.
Tubi
Tubi is home to big name Hollywood movies - and you don't need to sign up to watch.
Hits in the UK, include Anger Management, Robin Hood, In Time, The Cabin in the Wood and Pineapple Express.
In the US, you can watch Sausage Party, Rush Hour, Scary Movie and The Lego Movie.
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New devices are available in June
Credit: Roku
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