Best Roku Device

There are loads of streaming platforms including Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple’s tvOS, but Roku remains one of the most user-friendly. With a wide selection of available apps plus a streamlined interface, the Roku operating system (OS) is a breeze to navigate. However, you’ll need the right hardware for your media consumption needs. And there are loads of Roku streaming boxes, sticks, televisions, and soundbars on the market. Check out the best Roku devices and discover which one is right for you!

Best Roku Device Overall – Roku Ultra

The Roku Ultra is the best Roku streaming box overall. It features 4K ultra high-definition (UHD) HDR (high dynamic range) video output with support for the Dolby Vision HDR standard. There’s Dolby Atmos audio output capabilities for sending immersive, multidimensional object-based surround sound. 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port ensure smooth streaming quality over a wired or wireless connection.

You’ll find an array of ports including an HDMI output, microSD card slot, USB port, and optical TOSLink digital audio port. The included voice remote sports a remote finder, headphone jack for private listening, and gaming buttons on the controller itself. For power users seeking an outstanding 4K streaming experience, the Roku Ultra with its quad-core processor delivers top-notch performance.

Its Ethernet port, microSD card expansion, USB host, and Dolby Vision 4K HDR compatibility make the Roku Ultra a fantastic choice. Whether you simply want to stream Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ or need a solid Plex client, the Roku Ultra is more than up to the task. Unfortunately, it’s pricier than many competing streaming devices like Roku’s own Streaming Stick, the Chromecast with Google TV, and the Amazon Fire TV 4K max. Still, the Roku Ultra can handle virtually any stream you throw at it like a champ, and is the most powerful Roku device available.

Pros:

• 4K video output with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR
• Dolby Atmos and DTS passthrough
• Excellent connectivity: HDMI port, USB port, microSD card slot, TOSLink optical audio out
• Rechargeable, point-anywhere voice remote with remote finder, headphone jack for private listening, and gaming buttons
• Great networking: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Powerful quad-core processor
• Massive app library
• Apple AirPlay support
• Includes wired earbuds in the box

Cons:

• More expensive than many streaming boxes and sticks

Best Roku for Most People – Roku Streaming Stick 4K+

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ is the best Roku for most people. It boasts most of the same features as the premium Roku Ultra. Namely, the Streaming Stick 4K+ sports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision HDR video output, and Dolby Atmos audio decoding. Additionally, you get Roku’s point-anywhere voice remote complete with a headphone jack for private listening, rechargeable battery, and lost remote finder.

802.11ac Wi-Fi provides buffer-free 4K UHD streaming quality, while its quad-core processor handles apps flawlessly. Disappointingly, the Streaming Stick 4K+ lacks a USB Type-A port for connecting hard drives or flash drives. Similarly, unlike the Roku Ultra, the Streaming Stick 4K+ nixes the Ethernet port. However, there is a microSD card slot for expanding app storage. Unless you’re a hardcore 4K streaming enthusiast, Plex buff, or Emby user, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ will work just fine.

Pros:

• 4K HDR with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR support
• Dolby Atmos and DTS audio output
• Rechargeable point-anywhere remote with voice search, lost remote finder, and headphone jack for private listening
• 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi
• microSD card slot
• Powerful quad-core processor
• Apple AirPlay support
• Massive app library

Cons:

• No Ethernet port
• Doesn’t include USB Type-A

Best Mid-range Roku – Roku Streaming Stick+

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is nearly identical to the Streaming Stick 4K+ with a few minor differences. Notably, the Streaming Stick+ doesn’t output in Dolby Vision and can’t decode Dolby Atmos audio tracks. But it maintains solid 4K HDR with HDR10+ streaming. Its 802.11ac Wi-Fi works buffer-free even placed far from your router. Its remote packs voice search, and there’s a built-in HDMI so you don’t need a separate cable.

Dolby Vision and Atmos capabilities would be nice for a better audiovisual experience. You won’t find Roku’s awesome rechargeable remote with lost remote finder and headphone jack, sadly. Of course, you can always upgrade to the Roku Remote Pro. Likewise, there’s no Ethernet jack. Yet, Wi-Fi works perfectly with impressive wireless range. Unless you’re a cinephile that needs Dolby Vision and Atmos, the Roku Streaming Stick+ tackles 4K HDR playback wonderfully.

Pros:

• 4K UHD with HDR (HDR10+) support
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi
• Voice remote
• Massive app library
• Built-in HDMI

Cons:

• No Apple AirPlay
• Can’t output Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos
• Basic voice search remote (not rechargeable, no headphone jack, lacks remote finder)
• Lacks Ethernet port

Best Budget Roku – Roku Express 4K+

With nearly all of the same capabilities as the Roku Streaming Stick+, the Roku Express 4K+ is an excellent value. It features 4K HDR with HDR10+ video output support and a remote with voice search. A bundled HDMI cable further makes the Express 4K Plus a phenomenal deal.

Unfortunately, to keep the price tag low, Roku skimped on a few areas. The included remote lacks a rechargeable battery, lost remote finder, and headphone jack for private listening. Its dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi range is limited compared to the Streaming Stick 4k+ and Roku Ultra. Furthermore, Dolby Vision and Atmos support is absent. As is expected for the cost, there’s no Ethernet jack.

Most folks seeking a budget-priced 4K streaming device won’t notice, although hardcore multimedia enthusiasts should stick to the Ultra and 4K Plus. Since the Streaming Stick+ touts 1GB of RAM versus the Express 4K+’s 512MB of RAM, the Stick+ has a slight edge. All in all, the Roku Express 4K+ is the best budget Roku streaming device.

Pros:

• 4K UHD with HDR10+ support
• Includes HDMI cable
• 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi
• Voice remote
• Apple AirPlay compatibility
• Massive app library

Cons:

• Basic voice search remote (not rechargeable, no headphone jack, lacks remote finder)
• No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support
• Lacks Ethernet port
• Can’t cast to Apple AirPlay
• Less RAM than Roku Stick 4K+ (1GB vs. 512MB)

Best 1080p Roku – Roku Express

Although 4K is the industry standard with 8K on the rise, 1080p high definition still looks great. If you don’t care about 4K, the Roku Express is a good, cheap streaming box. You’ll enjoy the same easy-to-use Roku OS with its enormous streaming app catalog. There’s an included HDMI cable in the box, and the Roku Express itself arrives with a small footprint to match its modest price tag.

Admittedly, Roku’s Express is pretty barebones. It’s limited to native 1080p HD and features a basic remote without voice controls, a rechargeable battery, or lost remote finder. Despite a few tradeoffs, it’s tough to complain about the Roku Express for the price. Especially if you’ve got a 1080p television or projector and need to add streaming functionality without breaking the bank, the Roku Express if a cost-effective option.

Pros:

• Includes HDMI cable
• Extremely cheap
• Massive app library
• Native 1080p HD video output

Cons:

• No 4K video out support
• Can’t handle Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, or HDR
• Basic remote (no voice search, headphone jack, remote finder, or rechargeable battery)

Best Roku Soundbar – Roku Streambar

Need a smart soundbar? Roku’s got you covered with its superb Streambar. Fusing a soundbar with a Roku streaming box, it’s a nifty all-in-one device that upgrades your TV’s audio while providing streaming capabilities. With 4K HDR support, the Streambar lets you experience lush visuals as well. There’s an HDMI output for piping a video signal to your television or projector, plus you’ll find Bluetooth and AirPlay 2.

While the Streambar is a 2.0 channel stereo soundbar, a modular setup lets you expand it to a full-fledged 5.1 surround sound. You can snag the Streambar standalone, as a surround set, with a subwoofer, or as a surround sound set with sub. For more volume, there’s even the Streambar Pro.

Despite its 4K HDR functionality, the Streambar can’t handle Dolby Vision. Likewise, there’s no Dolby Atmos audio decoding. And you won’t find an HDMI input for passthrough of other devices. Still, if all you need is better audio quality and a way to transform your “dumb” television into a smart TV, the Roku Streambar is a compelling pick.

Pros:

• 4K HDR support
• Streambar or Streambar Pro available
• Soundbar with Roku OS onboard
• HDMI output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2
• Includes Roku voice remote with headphone jack
• Good value
• Scalable – can add surround sound speakers and/or a subwoofer

Cons:

• Doesn’t output Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision
• No HDMI input for video passthrough

Best Roku TV – TCL 6-series

If you want a completely streamlined media center, a smart TV accomplishes that, and the TCL 6-series is the best Roku TV on the planet. The 4K variant comes in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch screen sizes. Alternatively, TCL offers an 8K version in a 65-inch or 75-inch panel.

TCL’s 6-series utilizes mini LED QLED technology. You’ll find a 120Hz refresh rate screen that’s great for gaming and a generous four HDMI ports. There’s a variable refresh rate (VRR) for advanced gaming with consoles and PCs alike. Its high brightness makes HDR and SDR (standard dynamic range) content really pop. Good local dimming performance benefits contrast ratio for a lifelike image.

Viewing angles are a bit narrow, leaving a bit to be desired. Despite its 120Hz refresh rate, some fast-paced content like sports looks occasionally blurry in spots. Nevertheless, if you want an outstanding television for movies and video games alike with Roku built-in, the TCL 6-series is hands-down your best choice.

Pros:

• Mini LED QLED panel
• 4K or 8K models available with HDR and Dolby Vision
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Excellent for gaming – 120Hz refresh rate, VRR
• High brightness for HDR and SDR
• Roku OS built-in
• Good local dimming

Cons:

• Middling viewing angles

Best Roku Device FAQs

Which Roku Player is Right for You – Final Thoughts

Ultimately, you’ve got a bevy of choices when it comes to Roku devices. There are streaming boxes, sticks, TVs, and even smart soundbars. We recommend the Roku Ultra as the best overall Roku media player. However, the Streaming Stick 4K+ is a close runner-up with a similar feature set. For an audio upgrade, check out the Streambar or Streambar Pro. And if you’d prefer a smart TV, we like the TCL 6-series in 4K or 8K. Alternately, you can find plenty of budget-priced Roku players that offer good bang-for-your-buck.

Your turn: What Roku devices are you using?