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The best Roku device for every home and every budget

The 2024 Roku Ultra.
Roku

One of the most popular streaming platforms on the market is Roku. As one of the O.G. streaming device brands, Roku has been delivering reliable plug-and-play hardware and software for well over a decade. Roku streamers are everywhere, and its Roku TV OS can also be found as the backbone of TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as in its own TVs. So, yeah, there’s certainly no shortage of options.

But what are the best Roku devices and which is the best one for you? We thought we’d put together this roundup to help you hone in on the Roku gear that best suits your budget, wants, and needs.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The best Roku player overall
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Roku Express
Roku Express
The best Roku device for those on a budget
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Roku Pro Series 65-inch
Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED
The best TV made by Roku
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roku streaming stick 4k review 2021 2
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Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use
  • All the features you want
Cons
  • Roku's advertising scheme means tracking

Across the board, Roku's user interface is about as friendly and customizable as it gets for a smart streaming platform. And when it comes to delivering big picture tech through a bite-sized device, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the best $50 hookups you're going to find.

Delivering a 30% boost in speed when compared to traditional Roku hardware, the Streaming Stick 4K allows you to experience movies and TV shows in UHD quality from some of the top streaming services on the market, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

The Streaming Stick 4K also handles Dolby Vision and HDR10 picture standards, and Dolby Atmos support for the ultimate surround sound experience. While you'll need an HDR-capable TV and compatible Atmos peripherals to experience these impressive picture and sound deliverables, we can't think of a better Roku for the price to unleash the power of 4K than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

And if you're looking for the best remote Roku has to offer, the Streaming Stick 4K+ comes with Roku's Voice Remote Pro, featuring an onboard rechargeable battery and a handy "find my remote" function for locating your misplaced Roku controller the next time it gets wedged between the couch cushions. Just a note, though: while the Streaming Stick 4K+ is technically discontinued form Roku, you can still find it at some online retailers like Amazon.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The best Roku player overall
roku express 2019 review 1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Roku Express

Pros
  • Price
  • Performance
  • Fantastic Search
  • Tiny size
Cons
  • No voice remote
  • No Ethernet

It really doesn't get any simpler, easier, or cheaper to get going with a great streaming experience than the Roku Express. As long as your TV has an available HDMI port, this $30 device gives you access to the entire Roku platform of streaming apps and services, in Full HD.

Granted, it doesn't do 4K resolution, and it doesn't offer support for high-dynamic range (HDR), but that's sort of the point: By cutting some bells and whistles you can save on the cost of a capable media streamer.

What you do get is a streaming device that comes with everything you need: an infrared remote, the Roku Express, an HDMI cable, and a USB power cable and adapter. Simply plug everything in, fire up your TV, switch it to the right input, and you're on your way. It only takes a few minutes to set up the Roku Express on your home Wi-Fi.

What's clever about the Express is that even though it's Roku's least-expensive streamer, it still packs many of the same features you'll find in the company's top-of-the-line devices, thanks to the free Roku app.

It lets you control the Express from a smartphone with your voice and cast your photos and videos to your TV. The app also lets you turn on private listening, so you can use your phone or tablet to hear what your Roku Express is playing without disturbing anyone else.

You also get access to the Roku Channel, which has a huge collection of free on-demand and livestreaming, ad-supported content, with more than 350 free live TV streaming channels.

Finally, the Roku Express is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it with your voice if you have a compatible smart speaker at home.

Roku Express
Roku Express
The best Roku device for those on a budget
The 2024 Roku Ultra.
Roku

Roku Ultra (2024)

Pros
  • Fastest, most powerful Roku device on the market
  • Has an Ethernet port
  • Remote is rechargeable and has backlit buttons
Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Might be overkill for some folks

The latest and greatest version of the Roku Ultra brings a few exciting improvements to the table; mainly when it comes to processing power, load times, and Roku ecosystem capabilities. The 2024 Roku Ultra uses a quad-core CPU that Roku claims will deliver up to 30% faster performance than any other Roku player. Expect next to no buffering, quick download times, and a very responsive UI.

The new Ultra supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard and is compatible with a number of Bluetooth devices, too. If you end up placing this bad boy near your router, we highly recommend hardwiring via Ethernet for the best internet speeds. Oh, and speaking of Bluetooth support: because the Ultra itself supports Bluetooth (only the Roku Mobile app supported Bluetooth before this release), you’ll be able to connect your favorite pair of wireless headphones or earbuds to this Roku player.

Other great features include a lost remote button right on the player and Customizable Quick Launch commands for the included Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen) which also happens to be rechargeable via USB-C. HDMI 2.1 connectivity, an upstream USB port, and class-leading HDR support for formats like Dolby Vision are some other Ultra 2024 laurels to write home about.

roku pro series tv review
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED

Pros
  • Impressive contrast
  • High brightness
  • Shockingly good sound quality
  • Easy to live with
Cons
  • Some odd picture-processing bugs
  • Occasionally slugglish backlight

It was only a matter of time before Roku started making its own TVs, instead of just licensing Roku TV OS to manufacturers like Hisense and TCL. Sold exclusively through Best Buy (in stores and online), the Roku Pro Series QLED is the company’s flagship model, and when it comes to picture quality, streaming capabilities, and fair pricing, it’s definitely worth considering.

This premium Roku TV comes in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, and we had the chance to review the 65-inch model. Our own editor at large Caleb Denison was impressed by the Pro Series QLED’s contrast levels and peak brightness, and even thought the TV sounded good (which isn’t something we normally get to say about TVs).

And with picture tech like mini-LED lighting, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and 4K gaming at up to 120Hz with VRR and ALLM support, it’s clear that Roku wanted to compete with some of the best budget-friendly LEDs on the market. It’s also loaded up with the latest version of Roku TV OS, giving you access to thousands of movies and shows to stream, along with screen mirroring via AirPlay 2 or Miracast.

You’ll even be able to see live views from any Roku smart home cams you have set up. Are there better TVs out there? Absolutely. But when it comes to overall value, the Roku Pro Series QLED delivers a terrific experience, and the most you’ll spend on it is $1,500 for the 75-inch!

Roku Pro Series 65-inch
Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED
The best TV made by Roku
The Roku Streambar on a media console.
Roku

Roku Streambar

Pros
  • All-in-one soundbar and streaming device
  • Supports HDR10 and HLG HDR formats
  • Uses HDMI ARC
  • Great sound
Cons
  • Not the most powerful soundbar

The Roku Streambar sits comfortably on our list of the best soundbars under $500 for a reason: it incorporates a nice mix of the features found in devices like the Streaming Stick 4K and the Roku Ultra to create a one-box solution for most of our modern media needs — and it won't bankrupt you.

For a single-cable connection, simply connect the Streambar to an available HDMI ARC port on your TV. But if your TV doesn't have HDMI ARC, you can use the HDMI cable to send video to your TV and use the Streambar's optical port to receive audio from the TV.

From there, it's the same easy-to-use Roku interface as Roku's other devices, with access to all of the same great streaming apps, channels, and services. It can do 4K resolution (or just HD if that's what your TV supports), and it also handles HDR10 and HLG HDR formats.

The RF remote lets you use your voice for commands and search and can control your TV's power, too. The volume and mute buttons control the Streambar's sound, and there are a wealth of ways to adjust the audio through the bar's built-in EQ system.

With four full-range drivers angled to bounce sound around a room, the Streambar should sound pretty good on its own. But if you decide to move it to a bigger room (or you just want a more immersive experience), you can expand it with the $180 Roku Wireless Subwoofer and the $200 Roku TV Wireless Speakers.

With built-in Bluetooth, the Streambar can also act as a standalone wireless speaker for your phone, tablet, or laptop's music collection. And if you’re dealing with a lack of space or would prefer a smaller soundbar overall, Roku also makes the Roku Streambar SE. Less wide than the standard Streambar, the SE model drops Dolby Audio support and the Ethernet port, but adds HDR10+ decoding.

Michael Bizzaco

Michael Bizzaco has been selling, installing, and talking about TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, and all things smart home for the better part of 15 years. He even knows a thing or two about how to fix this stuff when it starts misbehaving (because no tech is perfect!).

Mike has been writing for Digital Trends and several other publications since 2020. Fortunately, he’s still able to write after he got his index finger stuck in a vending machine at the Ramada Inn the summer before fourth grade! From hands-on reviews to best-of roundups, Mike does his best to share his expertise in a friendly and informative way with all readers, and loves staying on top of the latest AV and smart home trends.

When he’s not thanking his father for dislodging his finger from that vile vending machine in New Jersey, Mike enjoys playing guitar, reading, and indulging in horror films with his girlfriend.

Simon Cohen

Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and all manner of related devices and technologies. Whether it's a review of a new Bluetooth speaker or a deep dive into the benefits of hi-res audio, his approach remains the same: speak as plainly as possible so that readers can learn and discover which products are worth buying.

Simon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film & English from Western University, which meant he was ill-prepared for a career in either field. Instead, he became a freelance teleprompter operator, with gigs working on commercials, industrial videos, corporate meetings, political speeches, and one very weird TV special with Buffy Sainte-Marie. However, when he discovered the web in 1993, he knew he had found his calling and began a journey that continues to this day.

Along the way, he became the ninth employee at AOL Canada, wrote about technology for Ozy.comMobilesyrupDriving.ca, and VentureBeat, put in 15 years at what was once Canada's biggest website, Sympatico.ca, and appeared as a guest tech expert on international TV and radio programs, including BBC Radio, CTV News Channel, and CBC Radio.

The most common question Simon gets is, "are you related to Leonard Cohen?" The second most common question is "which wireless earbuds are the best?" (Answers: no and, it depends).

Simon in based in Toronto, where he works from a home office with no door, at the top of a set of stairs. It's as bad as you're probably imagining. He lives with three cats, one goldfish, a few dozen snails, and his wife, who wishes his job involved fewer large boxes. Sometimes his two adult children live there as well, but the less said about that, the better.

When he's not writing, he enjoys motorcycles, scuba diving, skiing, and reading sci-fi. He once met Douglas Adams.

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