Since its inception over a decade ago, Roku has become a leading name in streaming devices, and for good reason. Roku streaming players consistently stand out for their extensive channel support, boasting more live TV options than competitors and access to a massive library of streaming content with hundreds of thousands of movies and TV shows. The Roku platform is also known for its user-friendly interface, making content discovery across various free, rental, and purchase options incredibly efficient.
Navigating the Roku lineup can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of available models, many of which share similar functionalities. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by providing a detailed Roku Compare Models overview. We’ll break down each current Roku player, analyze their features side-by-side, and offer clear recommendations to help you select the perfect device for your streaming needs. Crucially, remember that regardless of the model you choose, you’ll benefit from the same intuitive Roku user interface and access to the full spectrum of Roku channels.
Roku Model Comparison Chart
| Roku Express | Roku Express 4K+ | Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Roku Ultra (2024 model) | Roku Streambar SE | Roku Streambar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | $29.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 | $99.99 | $99.99 | $129.99 |
| Design | Stick-on receiver | Stick-on receiver | HDMI stick | Box | Soundbar | Soundbar |
| Video Resolution | Full HD 1080P | 4K with HDR 10/10+ | 4K with HDR 10/10+ | 4K with HDR 10/10+ and Dolby Vision | 4K with HDR, HDR 10/10+ | 4K with HDR 10 |
| Remote | Simple Remote | Voice Remote with TV controls | Voice Remote with TV controls | Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) Backlit, always listening, TV controls, personal shortcuts, rechargeable batteries | Simple Remote | Voice Remote with TV controls |
| WiFi Connectivity | WiFi 4 (802.11 b/g/n dual band) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band MIMO) Power cable with WiFi receiver | WiFi 6 (802.11ax dual-band MIMO) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band MIMO) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band MIMO) |
| Ports | HDMI | HDMI | HDMI 2.0b | HDMI 2.1b (ARC), USB-A 3.0, Ethernet | HDMI 2.0a (ARC), USB-A 2.0, Optical Audio | Ethernet (via optional adapter), HDMI 2.0a (ARC), USB-A 2.0, Optical Audio |
| Audio Capabilities | Dolby Audio | Dolby Audio (pass through), Volume leveling and night mode | Dolby Audio (pass through), DTS Surround (pass through), Volume leveling and night mode | Dolby Atmos (decode), DTS Surround (pass through), Volume leveling and night mode, speech clarity, Bluetooth Private Listening | Built-in stereo speakers with 2 drivers and bass port, Volume leveling, night mode, speech clarity, Bluetooth Private Listening | Built-in stereo speakers with 4 drivers, expandable with Roku Wireless Bass and Roku Wireless Speakers, Dolby Audio with volume leveling and night mode, speech clarity, Bluetooth Private Listening |
| Remote Finder Feature | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Direct HDMI Plug | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| HDMI Cable Included | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Top Pick for Premium Streaming: Roku Ultra (2024)
For users seeking the ultimate Roku streaming experience, the Roku Ultra (2024) stands out as the top-tier choice. While carrying the highest price tag in the current lineup at $99, the Roku Ultra justifies its cost by delivering a comprehensive suite of advanced features and top-of-the-line performance. This device is engineered for users who demand the best in video and audio quality and appreciate a seamless, responsive streaming experience.
The Roku Ultra (2024) distinguishes itself with its support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for stunning 4K HDR picture quality, ensuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. Audiophiles will appreciate Dolby Atmos decoding, providing immersive, three-dimensional sound. Furthermore, it’s the only Roku player to offer Bluetooth headphone pairing for private listening, a feature ideal for late-night viewing or shared living spaces.
Performance-wise, the Roku Ultra is in a class of its own. It’s the first Roku device to incorporate WiFi 6 (802.11ax MIMO), offering superior wireless performance with faster speeds, increased range, and greater stability, especially in households with numerous connected devices. Paired with its upgraded processor, the fastest in the Roku family, the Ultra delivers a noticeably snappier and more responsive user interface, faster channel loading times, and smoother overall navigation.
The included Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen) further elevates the user experience. This premium remote is backlit for easy use in dimly lit rooms and features a rechargeable battery (via USB-C) that can last up to a month on a single charge, eliminating the hassle of disposable batteries. It retains the convenient always-listening voice control for hands-free operation, allowing you to use voice commands to search for content, control playback, and even locate a misplaced remote with the “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” command. The addition of two customizable shortcut buttons provides quick access to frequently used features or voice commands, enhancing personalization and convenience.
While the box design of the Roku Ultra might not be as sleek as the stick form factor of some other models, its performance and feature set make it the clear choice for anyone wanting the best Roku player available. If you prioritize top-tier picture and sound, blazing-fast performance, and a premium remote experience, the Roku Ultra (2024) is unequivocally the best Roku streaming device for you.
Price: $99.99
Best Value Streaming on a Budget: Roku Express
For users who are not yet equipped with a 4K television or are seeking the most affordable entry point into the Roku ecosystem, the Roku Express represents an exceptional value proposition. Priced at just $29.99, the Roku Express provides access to the same user-friendly Roku interface and vast channel selection as its more expensive counterparts, ensuring a full Roku experience without breaking the bank.
The Roku Express is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It comes with everything you need to get started, including an HDMI cable and batteries for the remote, making setup a breeze. The included simple remote provides direct access buttons to popular streaming services, allowing for quick navigation to your favorite content. A thoughtful addition is the included adhesive strip, enabling you to discreetly mount the Roku Express to the back or bottom of your TV, minimizing cable clutter and maintaining a clean entertainment setup.
While the Roku Express streams in Full HD 1080p resolution and lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, it delivers reliable performance for standard HD TVs. It’s an ideal choice for bedrooms, guest rooms, or anyone looking to upgrade an older TV with smart streaming capabilities without investing in 4K technology. If you’re looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly streaming device that provides access to the Roku platform, the Roku Express is hard to beat.
Price: $29.99
Updated on 9/24/2024 with the latest pricing and model information
[Image credit: Roku, Techlicious]
For the past 20+ years, Techlicious founder Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Prior to Techlicious, Suzanne was the Technology Editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and the Senior Technology Editor for Popular Science. Suzanne has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC.
TopicsGuides & Reviews, Music and Video, Video Players & Recorders, Music & Video Services, Top Picks
