Roku Streaming Stick review: The $49 TV stick delivers a complete video and web streaming experience and despite it having slow boot-up, is still a valuable gadget to purchase. The Roku Streaming Stick contains over 1,200 apps including Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, MLB, Amazon Cloud Player, Vudu, and Showtime Anytime.

CNET says that one of “The Good” things about the Roku Streaming Stick is that it has a cross-platform search function that combs through several major TV and movie services to find content. Unlike its competing device, Chromecast, the device has a real remote and an onscreen interface, which tends to work better in the living room.

Some of the downsides of the Roku Streaming Stick includes, Netflix and YouTube taking too long to boot up. The included remote not having a neat headphone jack feature, which is available on the Roku 2 and Roku 3 is also deemed a downer for the device.

In the $50 or less category of streaming sticks, however, the new Roku Stick is mud better than the Chromecast for those who want to take advantage of the expanded content offerings or prefer a regular remote.

In terms of design, there’s not much else to the Roku Streaming Stick aside from a Micro-USB port, a small indicator light and a tiny button that you can use to reset the stick if it freezes up. The gadget is just over 3-inches long and easy to throw in a bag for traveling. CNET warns though that the hotel wi-fi may always play nice with media streamers, regardless of the brand.

Nonetheless, then Roku Streaming Stick still offers a lot of great apps, a real remote and a compact design for $50. But the slow boot up times, especially for famous video apps, keeps it from becoming the ultimate streamer it could have been.