Roku’s streaming video product portfolio has never been more extensive as it is currently. Roku has a broad range of streaming sticks, boxes, and speakers, including the super-affordable Roku Express and the Streambar Pro, which mixes a best-in-class streaming performance with a high-quality sound bar.
In this article, we’ll review the many options in Roku’s lineup to help you pick which streaming gear is ideal, whether you’re bingeing a new Netflix series or playing Star Wars for the tenth time.
The Roku World
Roku has a large device selection, so think about what TV you’ll be watching on and how much you’d like to pay. The Roku devices range in price from $30 to $180, and pricier models are better suited for newer 4K TVs with capabilities like Dolby Vision.
Once you’ve determined whether you want a device that supports basic HD or higher-resolution 4K, keep in mind that every Roku device runs Roku OS, which gives you exposure to thousands of streaming platforms. We appreciate the interface since it’s simple to use, supports industry standards, and is separate from your smart home services — plus, each device comes with a remote and can be controlled via the mobile app.
Roku’s complete portfolio has intelligent home compatibility, letting you utilize Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s HomeKit to automate your house.
Now that you know more about Roku let’s get to it!
The King: Roku Ultra
Roku’s Ultra set-top box is the company’s most advanced and powerful streaming device and is our favorite streaming gadget. It supports 4K HDR and Cinematic Dolby Vision playback and Dolby Atmos for any suitable audio system – in other words, the most recent visual standards.
The Ultra excels in performance, such as fast loading channels, moving between shows, and, most crucially, streaming video.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box: an HDMI cord, a Voice Remote with headphones, batteries, and charging brick. When combined with the Ultra, this Voice Remote provides a useful locating feature in case you lose it.
The Queen: Roku Streambar Pro
The Streambar Pro from Roku combines a good soundbar and a powerful streaming device. You’ll receive full 4K playback of your special programs and movies and an easy-to-install soundbar. Because of its audio performance, it is our primary recommendation for a soundbar.
We like how it sounds much better than other TV speakers. It delivers simulated surround sound for about $200, effectively imitating directional sound even without additional home theater speakers. Its four 2.5-inch full-range speakers offer a broad spectrum of sound, making it ideal for watching action movies like “Iron Man” or listening to crisp conversations on the news every night.
Because it is also a streaming player, the Streambar Pro accommodates all essential visual standards (like HDR and Dolby Vision). It comes with everything you need, a voice remote with TV buttons, a power cable, an HDMI cord, corded headphones, and an optical cable. For a more private listening experience, you have the option to connect the headphones to the remote.
Other Roku devices
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K resembles a large thumb drive that connects to an empty HDMI port on your TV. You only need to attach the power cable to get started. If you’ve not yet replaced your TV, the $50 Roku Streaming Stick 4K is an efficient and inexpensive method to future-proof your home.
On a compatible TV, the Streaming Stick 4K provides full 4K resolution and HDR and Dolby Vision for enhanced color. The Streaming Stick 4K, like the Ultra, provides dual-band Wi-Fi for a more stable link to your wireless router. As a result, there should be reduced buffering and more stable streaming. You’ll also receive the Roku Voice Remote, which features buttons for controlling the volume and power of your TV.
The Streaming Stick 4K+ is $20 extra and provides a similar experience with the Voice Remote Pro (also offered separately for $29.99 to link with any Roku device). This remote not only charges by USB rather than AA batteries, but it also has a remote location capability. Say, “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” and it will begin beeping to assist with retrieval.
Roku Express
The Roku Express is the least expensive and most basic streaming device in Roku’s portfolio, making it ideal for older TVs, sadly missing 4K resolution and those on a low budget. The gadget can stream 1080p HD video from HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix, among other services.
Although the Express has some rare slowdowns when toggling between channels, you won’t notice anything once you’re streaming a show at this (low) pricing point. Like other Roku devices, the Express will receive software upgrades, so even at this low price, you’ll have access to new features and functionality.
The Express includes an HDMI cable, a power brick, and cord, a standard Roku remote, and batteries.
Consider buying the Roku Express 4K+ if you want a 4K video quality at a low cost. It features improved speed and quicker Wi-Fi and allows up to a full 4K video with HDR for $10 extra. A Voice Remote is also included, allowing you to control playback and browse the content without getting up from the sofa.
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