Roku TV buyer's guides, Roku Streaming Stick 4K review: Bringing that Dolby Vision goodness, Roku Express 4K review: A cheaper route to Ultra HD streaming, Roku Express review: An affordable and easy way to get video on-demand, Roku Premiere review: The cheapest route to 4K HDR TV, Roku Streaming Stick+ review: First-class streaming. That 4K Plus model, though, used to stand out by being the only Roku that packed in the excellent Roku Voice Remote Pro. Back then, the device was underpowered and inconveniently designed. That should translate to less buffering and more consistent streaming. It's relatively easy to navigate, and Roku makes it even easier with a voice remote control that includes dedicated buttons to four major streaming services (typically Netflix and some mix of Hulu, Disney+, and a few others). Michael is a senior staff writer who for the past six years has focused on technology. (Its still a step down from the Voice Remote Pro, however, with no rechargeable battery or hands-free voice control.). To add further confusion, some cheaper models have features that pricier options dont, and a couple of its streaming players even double as TV soundbars. That means you get full 4K streaming of your favorite shows or movies, plus an easy-to-install soundbar. Henry is a senior editor at Toms Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. The antenna is built into the USB power cable, a design Roku claims offers improved reception. For most people, its worth the extra money to jump up to the Streaming Stick+, but if youre on a tight budget or just dont mind the missing features, this is a viable alternative. And it comes with the excellent Voice Remote Pro. Rokus interface has become slightly more cluttered with ads than it used to be, though these are primarily for the Roku Channel, a free ad-supported streaming service that includes mostly basic cable-level movies and TV shows. Also, there's no Dolby Vision or Atmos Audio, but some might not see that as worthy of going higher up the price-chain. This in turn affects the color shading and vibrancy. For those with a small or second TV, or for that TV in a study or dorm room, it could be the ideal solution. Ive put together a flowchart that will walk you through the Roku device buying process. Maybe a bit too expensive for most, the Roku Ultra is my preferred streaming device these days, after I ditched my Apple TV 4K for the Roku Ultra. The Roku Streaming Stick+ is an affordable way to get 4K and HDR streaming to any TV in range of Wi-Fi. While 4K resolution is fairly simple, HDRor High Dynamic Rangeis much more complex. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. The Roku Ultra is expensive, but true to its name, it will give you the most comprehensive Roku experience that money can buy. Best iPhones in 2022: Which iPhone should you buy? While there are credible rivals from the likes of Amazon with the Fire TV Stick and the Google Chromecast, both those platforms have a lot of their own content to push, while Roku, for many, offers a cleaner approach, letting you dive into the streaming service you want directly. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The first outdoors Roku TV has arrived Speaking of those two devices, Roku finally has Apple Music while getting Apple Music on Chromecast with Google TV is still a convoluted process. Roku Streambar combines Roku's streaming platform with a compact soundbar, making this a one-box upgrade for your TV. And we at Tom's Guide not only test Roku devices rigorously, but some of us use them for our own personal streaming. When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. The picture plays in crisp UHD image quality. In most cases, you can opt-out of letting the box itself track and monetize your viewing habits, but youll still see ads and such. Oh, and it also has hands-free voice controls crucial if you can't find yours. There is a limitation however and that's resolution - it only supports up to full HD. Though you do get Rokus excellent, clicky remote, it does not support voice searching or wireless listening, and it doesnt have buttons to control your TVs power or volume. The Express comes with an HDMI cable, a power adapter and cable, a basic Roku remote and batteries. Just connect it to your TV via the included HDMI cord, plug it in and youre set. Get the best deals and the best advice dropped right in your inbox. New York, Rokus device lineup is expansive, so youll want to consider what TV youll be using it with and how much you want to spend. So when TV streaming devices entered the market, we took significant note. (Image credit: Tom's Guide/Henry T. Casey), Voice remote with TV volume and power controls, This Roku Ultra upgrade is overdue and great, Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV, I ditched my Apple TV 4K for the Roku Ultra. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K looks like a giant thumb drive that plugs directly into an open HDMI port on your TV. That said, we still have two reasons to consider paying a little more. Not only does it have comparable features (just missing Twitch on the app front), but its version of Netflix proves more stable when it comes to Dolby Atmos than my Apple TV 4K. Content is created by CNN Underscoreds team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. Email us and we'll compare notes. Nearly every device on this list supports 4K (and itll say so on the box and in the model name, typically). (You can also do this with the Roku app for your smartphone.). Rokus Streambar Pro is a full-size soundbar and advanced streaming player combination. Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. The new Roku Express 4K Plus fixes one of the big annoyances of the Roku Premiere it replaces, by giving you a better remote. The Ultra set-top box is Rokus most powerful and capable streaming product, and its our pick for a streaming device. The 6-Series 60 Hz panel doesnt handle motion as well as higher-end QLED TVs whose panels feature a native refresh rate of 120 Hz. The only big downside is the standard IR remote, which doesn't always always work as well as it should. Now that the stick supports Dolby Vision (along with HDR10/+), you can stream all your shows and movies just as beautifully as anything else. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. This Roku Ultra upgrade is overdue and great. Copyright 2022 IDG Communications, Inc. Snappy performance, 4K resolution, and a capable remote, Nice touches like private listening and closed-caption replay, No unified streaming guide to browse through, Fast, fluid performance with dependable Wi-Fi connectivity, Easy-to-operate interface with powerful voice control features, Full of nice touches that other cheap streamers lack, such as AirPlay and a Replay button, Discovering and tracking shows could be a lot easier, No Dolby Atmos support or IR control for external sound systems, Remote has a rechargeable battery, headphone jack, and "remote finder" function, Costs $20 more than the otherwise identical Streaming Stick 4K, USB port for playing media from local storage, The only current-gen Roku with an ethernet port in addition to dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, Not significantly faster than less-expensive models, A pretty good soundbar integrated with a very good media streamer, Can be upgraded with a wireless subwoofer and surround speakers, Can also stream content from a NAS box or USB drive, Not as good as a speaker as it is a streamer, Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and AirPlay 2 support, Expansion upgrades (subwoofer and surrounds) are pricey. All rights reserved. Rather than sticking to 1080p, it will run all the way up to 4K resolution and also supports HDR. The Roku Streaming Stick+ is the predecessor to the Streaming Stick 4K, offering much the same design, but now sitting on older hardware. That's a bit hard to measure, but the Roku Streaming Stick 4K felt snappy and fast enough. That upgrade, plus fast performance and UHD streaming makes the Roku Express 4K Plus a great option for those trying to get a 4K Roku (and all the apps that it comes with) at the lowest price. Not only can you recharge this remote via USB instead of AA batteries, but it includes a remote locator function. Writing by Rik Henderson. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ is exactly the same as the Streaming Stick 4K, except it bundles Rokus Voice Remote Pro for $20 extra. The Roku Ultra offers everything we want in a streaming box. The TCL 6-Series is our pick for the best overall Roku TV, due in part to its low, low price tag. Roku Premiere is essentially the Roku Express but offering better performance. Even if you dont have a 4K TV yet, youre likely to have one at some point and its not worth pinching pennies on a 1080p device just to have to replace it with a 4K-ready one later. 2022 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. In the US there's also the Roku Express 4K+, which comes with the Voice Remote Pro with a rechargable battery. As long as you pick one of the best Roku sticks or players, you will get snappy streaming at a competitive price. Interpretation of the news based on evidence, including data; projecting how events might unfold based on past events or how products and services compare against each other. The big addition to the set of specs on offer is support for Dolby Vision, which is widely available on streaming services like Netflix now. Outside of people on a tight budget and those with very specific technical needs, the Roku Ultra is your best bet. All rights reserved. Unless you have a TV with Dolby Vision support for scene-based color adjustments, you wont notice any difference in picture quality. 5DP. He is a Massachusetts native and has covered electronics, cameras, TVs, smartphones, parenting, and more for Reviewed. Those headphones can be plugged into the remote for a private listening experience. There's even a remote finder on the device. Its the easiest to use, it has dedicated buttons to go straight to the services you probably use most, and programmable buttons you can point to other apps. And while Roku makes our favorite streaming device, the runner-up comes close. Roku also houses the Wi-Fi radios a separate module built into the power cord, which helps facilitate a stronger connection overall. Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Of course, Roku isnt the only option if youre in the market for a streaming playertheres also Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Android TV devices to considerbut if you already enjoy Rokus straightforward interface and useful features, heres how to pick between models: Dont feel like reading through the differences between Roku models? TechHive helps you find your tech sweet spot. The box itself is quite small, so its a nice option for a second bedroom, den, or kitchen TV where you just want streaming support and dont care about the high-end options like 4K, HDR, and more. It has the advantage over the Express devices that it remains hidden, as it doesn't need line of sight to control it. Comparing the Roku Express 4K+, Streaming Stick 4K, Ultra, and more. Sure, there's a $99 Roku Ultra for those who want all the bells and whistles, but Roku's more-affordable sticks are some of the best options. Its also quick to start streaming and easily navigable using the handy voice-controlled remote. He's a film enthusiast and TV expert who takes picture quality very seriously. Getting crisp 4K streaming at under $40 is rare, and always comes with a caveat or two. The TCL 6-Series, available in 55- and 65-inch models, is a budget-friendly QLED TV that brings the benefits of quantum dot technology (namely better brightness and color production) to the masses. If youre trying to figure out which Roku player to buy, the answer can get complicated quickly. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus delivers all the ultra-HD streaming, video quality and speed that anyone could need, along with a wonderfully simple OS, and at a very reasonable price. To test Roku devices, we focused on its hardwarethe remote, the device itself, how it connects to your TV, how fast it is, and how it feels to use it. As always, I discourage folks from buying this model, whose remote lacks voice control, point anywhere RF connectivity, and TV volume and power buttons. Fortunately, problems are easy to fix! The $40 Roku Express 4K+ is a solid pick if you dont need Dolby Vision HDR, as it still supports 4K video, HDR10, and HDR10+. If youre after a 4K streaming experience at a budget price, consider upgrading to the Express 4K+. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here we're focusing on Roku's streaming devices to help you choose which is the best for you. Its design is a little too light, so you might spend a minute fiddling with it to have it lie flat on a surface making the Streaming Stick Plus' easy-to-use design even better by comparison. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the top of the range for Roku's compact streamers, building on the excellent Streaming Stick+. He's owned a Roku since the early days of the company and has since amassed streaming devices from every major manufacturer, too. (Roku will send you the latter for free upon request.). Editing by Chris Hall. You can opt-out of most of these settings by going to Roku's account or settings pages and navigating to the section on privacy. Read our full Roku Express 4K Plus review. published 8 July 22, Here are the five best Roku devices for your entertainment center, recommended based on functionality and price. Roku's elegant menu system puts apps (and not ads) first, and offer everything from inexpensive Full HD streaming, to premium 4K picture quality coming straight out of a soundbar. Just note that, unlike some earlier models of the Roku Express line, this model requires an HDMI port to connect. In short, yes. The product offerings in the UK and the US are slightly different, with the US often getting Roku devices that never launch in the UK - as well as Roku TVs and speakers that don't always travel internationally. Read our full Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus review. Streambar connects via HDMI to your TV, but also has an optical port so you can get all the audio from your TV, not just the content you stream. HBO's other streamer, HBO Now, is still supported by Roku and costs the same as HBO Max, but misses added content from Warner Bros., CNN, Comedy Central, and more. It can effortlessly fill a sizable room with sound and is fully integrated with the Roku platform. Best of all, the remote has a headphone jack so you can plug in any old pair of headphones and instantly have wireless audio for whatever you're streamingperfect for late-night binge-watching, especially if you share a living space with someone who goes to bed early. You also get a Voice Remote, which lets you control playback and navigate the experience without lifting a finger. There's also a piece of double-sided sticky tape you can use to attach the Roku Premiere to the edge or bottom of your TV to keep things tidy. While it's not a huge leap over that model, it keeps everything we loved and fixes one of the biggest flaws of its predecessor by adding Dolby Vision. Read our full Roku Streaming Stick 4K review. We tested the devices' software by evaluating things like ease of use, the presence of ads, the ability to use things like voice search to discover content, and any other relevant features like mobile apps. That means its better for travel, though might still want to bring a power cord and HDMI extender with you. This remote doesn't require a direct line of sight, so you can point it in whichever direction you please. There are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting a streaming box or a streaming stick. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. In our guide to the best streaming devices, the Roku Ultra (2020) (available at Amazon for $88.92) topped all the other brands out there. The Roku Ultra is both the best Roku player and our pick for a streaming device. Discovery Company. It supports 4K/HDR (including Dolby Vision), Dolby Atmos sound and an impressive selection of streaming services, including Apple's own TV app. The remote doesnt have a headphone jack, though you can still listen wirelessly with any Roku via your phone and the Roku app. The Ultra gives you access to thousands of streaming services playing at the highest-quality 4K possible. England and Wales company registration number 5237480. For example, we love the $50 Roku Streaming Stick 4K (and there's a 4K Plus model too), so much that we rank it as the best streaming device overall. Now that youve surveyed the Roku landscape, keep in mind that Roku devices frequently go on sale. It performs just like any other Roku player, serving up the same generous selection of channels and it comes with a remote control too, which some would say makes it more attractive than a Chromecast which relies on your smartphone to operate. This doesn't affect our editorial independence. Its our top pick for a soundbar, thanks to its performance in the audio space. Even if you havent yet upgraded your TV, its hard not to recommend the $50 Roku Streaming Stick 4K to everyone as a simple and affordable way to future-proof. The very entry-level model in Rokus lineup is the Express, and it offers a very barebones experience. For $10 more it delivers better performance, has faster Wi-Fi and supports up to a full 4K picture with HDR. (Pocket-lint) - There are plenty of media streamers around but few offer as extensive a range of apps and channels as Roku. Best Samsung phones 2022: Which Galaxy model should you buy? Roku has for a long time offered affordablility, offering access to things like 4K and HDR streaming at low prices, and while the market is changing, there's still a big price difference between something like the Roku Streaming Stick and the Apple TV. Almost nothing new from last year's model, The best Roku device packaged with the best remote, The best Roku device that's also a speaker, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. We also just reviewed Roku's new Express 4K Plus, which made it to this list as the best Roku device under $40. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? So while you'll get the full experience from the Streaming Stick+ there's no support for Dolby Vision and it's a little slower than the newer replacement. He also publishes two newsletters, Advisorator for straightforward tech advice and Cord Cutter Weekly for saving money on TV service. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is slightly faster and more powerful, is finally capable of playing high-quality Dolby Vision and comes with the excellent Voice Remote Pro. Its four 2.5-inch full-range drivers produce a full range of sound, fit for taking in action flicks like Captain America: Winter Soldier or listening to clear dialogue on the evening news. Its a Roku, so you are getting a great experience overall, but its only slightly cheaper than the Streaming Stick+ and wed prefer the better remote and faster WiFi speed in most situations. Read More, Access to the entire Roku platform, but this very entry-level model offers a very barebones experience with no 4k or HDR support. We appreciate that it sounds better than most TV speakers and for under $200 does an excellent job creating virtual surround sound, easily mimicking directional audio without the extra home theater speakers. HDR TVs also typically support wider color gamuts, meaning you get more vivid colors that are beyond what older TVs were capable of displaying. There is a lot of detail were skipping here, but in a nutshell, if you have an HDR TV youll want a box that supports HDR so you can get the most out of it. For less than $200, Rokus Streambar Pro is the best streaming soundbar, withclear, rich audio. Also, the 2020 Roku Ultra is a bit faster in places (though you might not notice it all the time) and offers improved wireless streaming range. With a broad portfolio of streamers available, you can choose the Roku device that matches your requirements, so you're not spending extra to get functions your TV doesn't support. The Roku Express is the smallest of the streamers, acting as a very small set-top box and coming with some tape to attach it to the underneath of your TV, with an HDMI cable connecting the two and a Micro-USB taking care of power. If you get a deal on the Streaming Stick 4K, you can always upgrade remotes later without penalty. Now, the Express is a worthwhile investment for 1080p TV owners who want the simplest streaming solution. From the super-affordable Roku Express to the Streambar Pro that combines a best-in-class streaming experience with a high-quality soundbar, Roku has a wide array of streaming sticks, boxes and speakers to choose from. Its also Rokus fastest streamer, though the difference in performance from other models isnt drastic. The Roku Ultra's remote continues to be the best around. Roku supports HDR with supported TVs. The Roku Express has come a long way since its first iteration in 2016. It was the first non-Apple device to fully support the app, letting you access your iTunes purchases and rent or buy movies from Apple just like you would on the Apple TV. Our favorite Roku TV right now looks fantastic and is offered at an enticingly low price. Check out the best Black Friday Roku deals. This Voice Remote in conjunction with the Ultra itself enables a handy locator function in case you misplace it. And this way, you can combine your streaming device and soundbar into the same package, and save more space. 2022 Cable News Network. MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 Plus benchmarks: Which laptop wins? send you the latter for free upon request, YouTube TV review: The streaming bundle sweet spot, Master your Android TV with these 25 tips.