So, you've decided you want to invest in a streaming box, established Roku is the right choice for you, and now you're in the shop looking at rows and rows of different Roku products. But how do you know which one to buy?
It's not easy; since launching back in 2008, Roku has released an eye-watering 42 different set-top boxes and streaming sticks. Some of them added major improvements, while some only offered incremental upgrades.
Today, Roku offers six streaming devices (not include retailer exclusives and smart TVs with the Roku OS built-in). We're going to explore which of the options is the best for your needs.
The Roku Smart Soundbar is the premium soundbar in the Roku range and marks a step up in quality from the Streambar. It will bring upgrades to any TV, with high-quality sound and crisp streaming helping to breathe new life into older models.
Both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are supported, reducing your reliance on remotes. There's also a full-featured TV remote with personalizable shortcut buttons and the ability to control your Roku and your TV.
As you would expect for a premium product, all the usual apps---for VOD, live TV, and music---are available. These include Plex, Sling, CBS All Access, Fubo TV, Netflix, and many more.
- Expanded frequency range and dynamic bass
- Speech clarity
- Voice remote with TV controls
- Brand: Roku
- Operating System: Roku OS
- Downloadable Apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and more.
- Resolution: 4K
- Ports: USB, Optical
- Supported Audio Codecs: PCM, Dolby Audio
- High-speed HDMI cable included
- Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi supported
- Stylish design
- No microSD port
- Needs additional hardware to maximize benefit
- Only one USB port
The Roku Streambar was released in 2019 and marked its first foray into devices outside of TVs and streaming sticks. As the name suggests, the Roku Streambar, refreshed in 2020, is a soundbar and a streaming device rolled into one.
It supports 4K, HDR, 1080p HD video, long-range Wi-Fi connectivity, and local playback via USB. Wi-Fi is provided via an 802.11ac dual-band, MIMO receiver.
The setup can be expanded with a Roku Wireless subwoofer and/or Roku TV wireless speakers (both sold separately). Sadly, the remote does not have personal shortcut buttons or a headphone jack for private listening.
- Four internal speakers
- Advanced audio engineering for louder sound
- All-in-one 4K streaming device
- Brand: Roku
- Operating System: Roku OS
- Downloadable Apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and more.
- Resolution: 4K
- Ports: USB
- Quad-core processor
- 802.11ac dual-band, MIMO wireless
- Voice remote with TV controls
- Ethernet port only available with adaptor
- No microSD port
- Dolby Atmos not supported
The Roku Ultra is Roku's most expensive traditional streaming box---the other two premium products are both soundbars. It offers the most impressive performance from a visual standpoint, with 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR, and 1080p HD all supported.
But it's not just the video quality. The higher price will also bag you a voice remote with TV controls and personal shortcut buttons, a headphone jack for private listening, connectivity via 802.11ac dual-band, MIMO wireless receiver, or an ethernet port, and Dolby Atmos sound.
- Bluetooth streaming
- Lost remote finder
- Support for HDR 10
- Brand: Roku
- Operating System: Roku OS
- Downloadable Apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and more.
- Resolution: 4K
- Ports: USB, Ethernet
- Supported Audio Codecs: Dolby Atmos
- Headphone jack for private listening
- Long-range wireless support
- Personal shortcut buttons
- No fast launch channel
- No microSD port
The Roku Streaming Stick + is one of the most popular Roku models. Like the Roku Premiere, it offers 4K video via HDCP 2.2 HDMI, support for Alexa and Google Assistant, a night mode, and volume leveling.
However, there are some crucial differences.
For example, the Streaming Stick + is the cheapest Roku model to offer 802.11ac dual-band, MIMO wireless connectivity; both the Roku Premiere and the Roku Express only have 802.11 b/g/n single-band. The long-range wireless connectivity is also a boon to people who live in a large house or whose router is a long way from their TV.
- Streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR
- Long-range wireless receiver
- Voice remote with TV controls
- Brand: Roku
- Operating System: Roku OS
- Downloadable Apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and more.
- Resolution: 4K
- Ports: None
- Supported Audio Codecs: Dolby Audio and DTS pass through via HDMI
- Compatible with voice-enabled devices
- Up to 2160p at 60 FPS
- Volume leveling
- No premium HDMI cable included
- No Bluetooth support
- No private listening via the remote
The Roku Premiere is the cheapest Roku device to offer 4K video streaming. It also supports regular high definition video and HDR playback.
The device comes with a high-speed HDMI cable (rather than the regular one issued with the Roku Express). This cable is ideal for better video playback quality.
Once again, all the usual apps are available, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and ESPN. The Roku Premiere uses a micro-USB port for power, and the remote control relies on IR.
- Volume leveling
- Screen mirroring for Android and Windows
- HDR support
- Brand: Roku
- Operating System: Roku OS
- Downloadable Apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and more.
- Resolution: 4K
- Ports: None
- Supported Audio Codecs: Dolby Audio and DTS pass through via HDMI
- Cheapest Roku device to support 4K
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Supports HDCP 2.2 HDMI
- Only has a simple remote
- No ethernet port
- No USB port
The Roku Express HD streaming stick is the entry-level Roku product. As such, the device has fewer features than all the other Roku alternatives. Nonetheless, it is a reliable option if you're not a big TV watcher or if you're looking for a device to run on a second TV or in a kid's room.
Some of the missing features you will find elsewhere in the Roku range include Bluetooth support, remote control with a headphone jack for private listening, 4K video, and Dolby Vision.
However, you will get access to exactly the same number of apps, and you can still install private channels, meaning that your access to content will not suffer even though you've spent less on the device itself. Under the hood, there's 512 MB of RAM and a MIPS 900 MHz CPU, so don't expect it to be the snappiest streaming stick out there.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Night mode
- HDMI-only connectivity
- Brand: Roku
- Operating System: Roku OS
- Downloadable Apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and more.
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Ports: None
- Supported Audio Codecs: Dolby Audio and DTS pass through via HDMI
- Entry-level price
- Access to all major streaming apps
- Free iOS and Android remote control
- No HDR support
- No 4K playback
- No Bluetooth
FAQ
Q: How Much Does Roku Cost per Month?
Nothing. Roku does not offer a subscription service. Although you will need to pay for premium apps like Netflix, Roku's only content app---The Roku Channel---is also free (though it is ad-supported).
Q: What Channels Are Free on Roku?
Some of the channels on Roku with free content include PBS Kids, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, ABC News Live, TCL Channel, and Crunchyroll.
Q: Can You Watch Normal TV on a Roku?
Roku devices do not support cable, satellite, or analog signals. However, it is possible to buy a Roku TV (a smart TV with Roku built-in), and then you will be able to manage regular TV content through the Roku interface.
