Roku has been a leading name in streaming for over a decade, and for good reason. With support for more live TV channels than competitors and access to a massive library of streaming channels offering hundreds of thousands of movies and TV shows, Roku devices are a powerhouse of entertainment. What sets Roku apart is its user-friendly interface, efficiently aggregating content across various streaming services, making it easy to discover free, rental, and purchase options.
Choosing the right Roku device can be confusing given the range of available models, many with overlapping features. This guide breaks down the current Roku lineup, comparing key features to help you decide which device best fits your streaming needs. Importantly, all Roku devices share the same intuitive user interface and access to the Roku Channel Store, ensuring a consistent core experience across the board.
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 | 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 | WiFi 4 (802.11 b/g/n dual band) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band MIMO) power cable includes WiFi receiver | WiFi 6 (802.11ax dual-band MIMO) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band MIMO) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac dual band MIMO) |
| Jacks | 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 (with optional adapter), HDMI 2.0a (ARC), USB-A 2.0, Optical Audio |
| Audio | 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 |
| Lost Remote Finder | X | X | X | ✓ | X | X |
| No Separate Box | X | X | ✓ | X | X | X |
| HDMI Cable Included | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Best Overall Roku Streaming Device: Roku Ultra (2024)
For most users seeking the ultimate streaming experience, the Roku Ultra (2024) stands out as the top recommendation. While it carries the highest price tag in the standard Roku player lineup at $99, the Ultra justifies the cost with a comprehensive suite of premium features. It delivers stunning 4K streaming with both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, ensuring vibrant colors and exceptional contrast for compatible TVs. The inclusion of WiFi 6 (802.11ax MIMO) provides a robust and fast wireless connection, minimizing buffering and ensuring smooth streaming, even with demanding 4K content. Powering the Ultra is Roku’s fastest processor yet, resulting in a noticeably snappier and more responsive user interface compared to other Roku players.
The Roku Ultra (2024) truly shines with its bundled Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen). This advanced remote is a significant upgrade, featuring backlit buttons for easy navigation in dark rooms and a rechargeable battery (via USB-C) that eliminates the hassle of disposable batteries. A single charge lasts approximately a month. Retaining the popular always-listening voice control, the Voice Remote Pro allows for hands-free operation. Simply say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” to activate the remote finder, or use voice commands to search for content, control playback, and more. Furthermore, the remote includes two customizable shortcut buttons, programmable for quick access to favorite channels or voice commands.
As Roku’s flagship streaming player, the Ultra offers unparalleled format support. Beyond HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision for video, it also decodes Dolby Atmos audio, delivering immersive, three-dimensional sound when connected to compatible audio systems. Uniquely, the Roku Ultra is the only model that supports Bluetooth headphone pairing for private listening, a valuable feature for late-night viewing or shared living spaces.
While the box design of the Ultra might not be as sleek as the stick form factor of the Streaming Stick 4K, its performance and feature set make it the best Roku device for users who prioritize top-tier streaming quality and advanced features.
Price: $99.99
Best Budget-Friendly Roku: Roku Express
For those who don’t own a 4K television or are streaming on a budget, the Roku Express provides exceptional value. Despite its affordable price point, the Roku Express delivers the same user-friendly Roku interface found on higher-end models. The included simple remote, while not as feature-rich as voice remotes, still offers dedicated shortcut buttons for popular streaming services, providing quick access to your favorite content. Setting up the Roku Express is incredibly straightforward, with Roku including an HDMI cable and batteries for the remote in the box, ensuring you have everything you need to get started immediately. A thoughtful addition is the included adhesive strip, allowing you to discreetly mount the Roku Express to the back or bottom of your TV, minimizing cable clutter.
If you are looking for a basic and reliable streaming device without breaking the bank, the Roku Express is an excellent entry point into the Roku ecosystem. It provides access to the vast Roku channel library and a seamless streaming experience for standard HD televisions.
Price: $29.99
[
[
Updated on 09/24/2024 with the latest pricing and model information
[Image credit: Roku, Techlicious]
For over 20 years, Suzanne Kantra, the founder of Techlicious, has been deeply involved in the technology world, exploring and reporting on the most impactful science and tech advancements. Before Techlicious, Suzanne held prominent positions as Technology Editor at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Senior Technology Editor at Popular Science. Her expert insights have been featured on major news outlets including CNN, CBS, and NBC.
Topics: Guides & Reviews, Music and Video, Video Players & Recorders, Music & Video Services, Top Picks
