Streaming players have become a huge hit, and Roku is among the leaders in the market. These devices are small but powerful. You can use them to watch an impressive range of streaming services, from DirectTV Stream and Sling TV to HBO Max and Hulu.
Roku even offers free and premium channels loaded with different content for all ages and interests. That excellent performance is the main reason why this streaming device is the users’ favorite.
But what is the best Roku streaming device? It’s hard to single out just one, which is why we reviewed the top options below!
Our pick: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Streaming Stick 4K packs a lot of power in a small unit. You can use it to access the entire library, including the best 100 Roku channels for all ages and interests.
There’s also the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ available. The difference is the remote is rechargeable, and you get a lost remote finder. You ask, “Roku remote, where are you?” and the device will play a sound to help you find it. Considering how often we lose our remotes, this is a great feature.
However, it’s worth noting that the cost of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ is a lot higher than for the regular unit.
Now, let’s check out what you get with these two devices.
Top features of Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The first thing you’ll notice is the device’s compact design. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is as small as it could get, with dimensions set at 3.7 x 0.8 x 0.5 inches, and it has an HDMI plug to insert directly into the port on your TV.
After you set everything up, load the device, and you’ll notice its speed immediately. With the Roku Streaming Stick 4K’s quad-core processor, you can access 300+ live TV channels. Here’s a guide to the 37 best private Roku channels to try.
HDR10+ and 4K support are all there to deliver impressive picture quality. But the strongest suit is the Dolby Vision. It’s the new addition to this series, and it’s worth getting the stick immediately.
The remote is also compatible with Alexa and Google Home. It reacts excellent to your voice, and it’s an all-in-one package. You can control Roku as well as your TV settings, like adjusting the volume.
Roku secures automatic software updates, ensuring maintenance comes without a hassle. The device has a compatible mobile app for Android and iOS. These apps offer some unique features, such as private listening with headphones.
Reasons to buy
- Excellent value for the money
- It supports 4K and Dolby Vision
- Incredibly fast, thanks to the quad-core processor
- Compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple AirPlay
- Designed to not be visible on smart TVs
Reasons to avoid
- The 4K+ version has a higher price tag compared to the additions it delivers
- Screen mirroring is only available on some Roku TV models
Roku Express offers high quality at a fair price
If you plan on watching live TV without cable or streaming TV shows and movies, it helps to know different resolutions. There are differences between HD, UHD, and 4K, but higher resolutions don’t need to be the crucial contribution to the viewing experience. Roku Express is intended for those who believe HD is more than enough for their picture quality.
Its affordability is its main advantage, though, coming in at half the price of the Roku Express 4K+.
Roku Express performs well, and its compatibility is great across devices and services. Apart from access to the Roku Channel, you can subscribe to HBO Max, fuboTV, or any other streaming platform.
Reasons to buy
- An affordable price, especially compared to premium models
- Excellent selection of apps and access to the Roku channel
- Surprisingly fast with the quad-core processor
- All Roku OS and mobile app functions are available
Reasons to avoid
- Positioning the cable to achieve optimal aesthetics might be tricky
- You get a simple remote without the option to control the TV
Roku Ultra has an excellent Wi-Fi range and extra features
Roku promises to deliver its best Wi-Fi with the Ultra models. If your router is far from the device and TV, this product is the way to go. For the best VPN for Roku, our experts have you covered.
You can pick between Roku Ultra and Roku Ultra LT models. They both come with essential features like Dolby Vision and 4K support. The former has a better remote – the one that comes with the private jack for listening.
Dolby Atmos is another neat feature in the standard model. The fast channel launch feature is convenient, and personal shortcut buttons ensure you don’t waste a second more than necessary navigating the menus.
Reasons to buy
- HDR and 4K support for the ultimate picture quality
- Top-quality remote with personal shortcut buttons
- Lightning-fast interface secures seamless browsing
- Impressive Wi-Fi range and the option to use an Ethernet port
Reasons to avoid
- Private listening via remote is not available in the LT version
- The price tag is high compared to Roku stick units
Roku Streambar Pro takes the audio quality to the highest level
Roku Streambar Pro is perfect for those who want their device to deliver premium video as well as audio. The player has everything you expect to achieve excellent picture quality. That includes 4K, HDR10, and HD support.
But it’s the audio where Roku Streambar Pro dominates. It’s expandable with Roku wireless speakers and subwoofers and comes with Dolby Audio and speech clarity features. You don’t need any sound system once you run this setup, which is convenient and saves space.
The remote comes with full features, including a headphone jack for private listening. You can track it via the mobile app, and it even comes with personal shortcut buttons.
Reasons to buy
- Everything you’ll need for excellent video and audio quality
- Private listening is available via remote, Bluetooth, or the app
- Supports local playback via USB
- Fast performance and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity
Reasons to avoid
- It doesn’t come with Dolby Vision
- Quite expensive for a media player
Our takeaway: Roku is a valuable investment for all who need a streaming media player
Roku has been around for over two decades and has only perfected its digital media players with time. Today, you have solutions that fit any preference.
It’s hard to beat the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. You can plug this device into your tv’s HDMI port and start watching the Roku Channel in seconds. The excellent compatibility ensures support for all major live TV and VOD services, such as Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video.
If you prefer classic models instead of sticks, Roku Ultra is a fine choice. Some premium options in the audio department come with the Roku Streambar Pro. But regardless of the unit you select, Roku is an excellent choice for a streaming device. It has excellent value for money and impressive compatibility with streaming services and other apps!
Aneeca Younas • Author
Aneeca Younas is a graduated journalist with years of experience writing in different niches based in Oakland, CA. She is a huge movie fan that also enjoys watching sports. That's why she spends hours daily using various streaming services. Over the years, Aneeca profiled herself as an expert in cable-free and VOD platforms.
Davan Hamilton • Editor
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.