Despite various companies in the streaming device market, such as Google and Amazon, Roku is still one of the leading players. Its products stand out from the crowd due to their solid performance and affordable prices. There are numerous Roku players available, which can make it hard to choose the right one for you. This guide will help you navigate these new and old options to find the one that best fits your needs.
Newest Roku Devices
Roku was one of the first companies to create a streaming player. More than a decade later, they have established themselves as industry leaders, and their new lineup of products doesn’t disappoint. Let’s check out the latest Roku devices.
Roku Express 4K Plus
The new Roku Express 4K Plus is one of the most affordable 4K streaming devices. It borrows the basic design of the company’s previous model, the Roku Express. However, as the name suggests, the 4K Plus supports 4K content.
The Express 4K Plus is a simple device. It features a rectangular design that will sit unobtrusively in your entertainment center. Unlike other streaming devices like the Amazon Firestick or Chromecast, the 4K plus isn’t a dongle that slots into the back of the TV.
This newest Roku entry offers a great way to watch high-quality videos. The colors are vibrant, and the images are clear and crisp. Night scenes are cleanly reproduced; you don’t have to strain to figure out what’s playing on your screen. Unfortunately, the Express 4K Plus doesn’t support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos audio.
In addition, the device is incredibly fast. Streaming services like Netflix load quickly, and there isn’t much buffering. You can watch your shows without being interrupted by these annoying pauses. The dual-band wireless modem allows you to download apps quickly when setting up the device.
Unfortunately, the Express 4K Plus doesn’t support an Ethernet port. You should consider getting a third-party adapter if that’s something you require.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
In 2021, Roku released the Streaming Stick 4k to replace their older model, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus.
The new model features a set of specs designed to allow users to enjoy their favorite streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime. One of the most significant additions to the device is Dolby Vision HDR support.
The Streaming Stick 4k has a built-in voice remote and supports all the services available through the company’s platform. It also comes with long-range Wi-Fi and doesn’t require line of sight to control.
This Roku device runs on the company’s 10.5 software, making it a faster machine. It loads apps quickly and responds to commands without lag.
The Streaming Stick has a matte finish instead of the glossy plastic in the previous model. It also comes with a longer, thicker power and Wi-Fi cable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, which shouldn’t be a big deal for most people.
The interface of the Streaming Stick is easy to navigate, with apps displayed in a grid format. It feels clean and clutter-free because movie and show posters won’t appear until you click on an app. However, you can’t continue watching a show directly from the homepage.
Moreover, the Streaming Stick 4K software allows users to enjoy their favorite subscription services. This includes Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, HBO Max, and more. Unfortunately, the company still doesn’t support game streaming services such as Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia.
Older Roku Models
While Roku has developed new devices to keep up with technological advancements, their old models are still pretty good. They are solid, reliable products that allow you to enjoy the best streaming services available. We’ll look at some of them here.
Roku Express
Roku Express was designed to cater to full HD resolution, so, unfortunately, it doesn’t have 4k capabilities.
The small and affordable Roku Express might not plug directly into an HDMI port, but it’s still pretty unobtrusive. The box itself is simple to use. It has an HDMI cable and a micro USB port for the power cord. The device can also be powered using a USB output if that would be more convenient for you.
Few streaming devices can touch the interface of Roku. This is because it offers a simple yet elegant menu system. It doesn’t force you to watch the content you don’t want to see, and it doesn’t lock options you don’t use to the home screen.
The Roku Express remote is generally better than its predecessor, but it still lacks some of its competitors’ features. One of the main differences between the Express and other remotes is that it requires a direct line of sight to function. If you aren’t pointing the remote directly at the device, it will not respond. It’s not very forgiving in this department.
Since its inception, Roku has provided thousands of streaming apps. With the Express, you can quickly access a wide range of standard services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Spotify.
Roku Express is pretty fast with little lag when opening apps or browsing the homepage. However, the search function doesn’t always send users to the content they’re looking for.
While you can pair Express to your Roku mobile app, the audio can be a bit of an issue. There’s some lag when listening with headphones, meaning the audio and visuals might not sync.
Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra is a high-end device that provides a comprehensive viewing experience. It features thousands of channels, 4K resolution, and fast navigation. Unlike other Roku models, the Ultra comes with an Ethernet port for a steadier internet connection. It also has an improved streaming range.
The Roku Ultra is a slim, rounded device that measures 4.9 inches. Its top surface features a remote-finder button and a USB port, while its backside has power and Ethernet ports. However, in the newer version of the Ultra, Roku no longer provides a microSD slot.
Some exciting features of the Ultra are the hands-free voice control, programmable buttons, and headphone jack. It also doesn’t require batteries to operate.
The new version of the Roku Ultra features a powerful processor and better remote control. There’s also access to 5-GHz wireless networks and 4K HDR support.
The simple design of the Ultra is designed to fit in your entertainment center. If you get your hands on the older version of this device, you’ll find the microSD slot a little challenging to use. You’ll have to rotate the device to get the card in, which can get irritating if you utilize the slot often.
Take Your Pick
Roku has an expansive range of products. When deciding on the best one for you, it would help to consider your TV. Some Roku devices don’t support features like 4K or Dolby Vision, so they might not be compatible with your television. You might also want to think about your budget. With a price range that runs from about $30 to $180, Roku definitely has something for everyone.
With this guide, we hope that you have a clearer picture of the device that would be best for your home.
Do you have a Roku device? What do you like most about it? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
