The Breaker Times

One of the most popular streaming platforms on the market is Roku. As one of the O.G. streaming device brands, Roku has been delivering reliable plug-and-play hardware and software for well over a decade. Roku streamers are everywhere, and its Roku TV OS can also be found as the backbone of TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as in its own TVs. So, yeah, there’s certainly no shortage of options.

But what are the best Roku devices and which is the best one for you? We thought we’d put together this roundup to help you hone in on the Roku gear that best suits your budget, wants, and needs.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

The best Roku player overall

Across the board, Roku’s user interface is about as friendly and customizable as it gets for a smart streaming platform. And when it comes to delivering big picture tech through a bite-sized device, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the best $50 hookups you’re going to find.

Delivering a 30% boost in speed when compared to traditional Roku hardware, the Streaming Stick 4K allows you to experience movies and TV shows in UHD quality from some of the top streaming services on the market, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

The Streaming Stick 4K also handles Dolby Vision and HDR10 picture standards, and Dolby Atmos support for the ultimate surround sound experience. While you’ll need an HDR-capable TV and compatible Atmos peripherals to experience these impressive picture and sound deliverables, we can’t think of a better Roku for the price to unleash the power of 4K than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

And if you’re looking for the best remote Roku has to offer, the Streaming Stick 4K+ comes with Roku’s Voice Remote Pro, featuring an onboard rechargeable battery and a handy “find my remote” function for locating your misplaced Roku controller the next time it gets wedged between the couch cushions. Just a note, though: while the Streaming Stick 4K+ is technically discontinued form Roku, you can still find it at some online retailers like Amazon.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

The best Roku player overall

Roku Express

The best Roku device for those on a budget

It really doesn’t get any simpler, easier, or cheaper to get going with a great streaming experience than the Roku Express. As long as your TV has an available HDMI port, this $30 device gives you access to the entire Roku platform of streaming apps and services, in Full HD.

Granted, it doesn’t do 4K resolution, and it doesn’t offer support for high-dynamic range (HDR), but that’s sort of the point: By cutting some bells and whistles you can save on the cost of a capable media streamer.

What you do get is a streaming device that comes with everything you need: an infrared remote, the Roku Express, an HDMI cable, and a USB power cable and adapter. Simply plug everything in, fire up your TV, switch it to the right input, and you’re on your way. It only takes a few minutes to set up the Roku Express on your home Wi-Fi.

What’s clever about the Express is that even though it’s Roku’s least-expensive streamer, it still packs many of the same features you’ll find in the company’s top-of-the-line devices, thanks to the free Roku app.

It lets you control the Express from a smartphone with your voice and cast your photos and videos to your TV. The app also lets you turn on private listening, so you can use your phone or tablet to hear what your Roku Express is playing without disturbing anyone else.

You also get access to the Roku Channel, which has a huge collection of free on-demand and livestreaming, ad-supported content, with more than 350 free live TV streaming channels.

Finally, the Roku Express is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it with your voice if you have a compatible smart speaker at home.

Roku Express

The best Roku device for those on a budget

Roku Ultra (2024)

The best Roku player for home theaters

The latest and greatest version of the Roku Ultra brings a few exciting improvements to the table; mainly when it comes to processing power, load times, and Roku ecosystem capabilities. The 2024 Roku Ultra uses a quad-core CPU that Roku claims will deliver up to 30% faster performance than any other Roku player. Expect next to no buffering, quick download times, and a very responsive UI.

The new Ultra supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard and is compatible with a number of Bluetooth devices, too. If you end up placing this bad boy near your router, we highly recommend hardwiring via Ethernet for the best internet speeds. Oh, and speaking of Bluetooth support: because the Ultra itself supports Bluetooth (only the Roku Mobile app supported Bluetooth before this release), you’ll be able to connect your favorite pair of wireless headphones or earbuds to this Roku player.

Other great features include a lost remote button right on the player and Customizable Quick Launch commands for the included Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen) which also happens to be rechargeable via USB-C. HDMI 2.1 connectivity, an upstream USB port, and class-leading HDR support for formats like Dolby Vision are some other Ultra 2024 laurels to write home about.

Roku Ultra (2024)

The best Roku player for home theaters

Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED

The best TV made by Roku

It was only a matter of time before Roku started making its own TVs, instead of just licensing Roku TV OS to manufacturers like Hisense and TCL. Sold exclusively through Best Buy (in stores and online), the Roku Pro Series QLED is the company’s flagship model, and when it comes to picture quality, streaming capabilities, and fair pricing, it’s definitely worth considering.

This premium Roku TV comes in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, and we had the chance to review the 65-inch model. Our own editor at large Caleb Denison was impressed by the Pro Series QLED’s contrast levels and peak brightness, and even thought the TV sounded good (which isn’t something we normally get to say about TVs).

And with picture tech like mini-LED lighting, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and 4K gaming at up to 120Hz with VRR and ALLM support, it’s clear that Roku wanted to compete with some of the best budget-friendly LEDs on the market. It’s also loaded up with the latest version of Roku TV OS, giving you access to thousands of movies and shows to stream, along with screen mirroring via AirPlay 2 or Miracast.

You’ll even be able to see live views from any Roku smart home cams you have set up. Are there better TVs out there? Absolutely. But when it comes to overall value, the Roku Pro Series QLED delivers a terrific experience, and the most you’ll spend on it is $1,500 for the 75-inch!

Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED

The best TV made by Roku

Roku Streambar

The best Roku player for enhanced sound

The Roku Streambar sits comfortably on our list of the best soundbars under $500 for a reason: it incorporates a nice mix of the features found in devices like the Streaming Stick 4K and the Roku Ultra to create a one-box solution for most of our modern media needs — and it won’t bankrupt you.

For a single-cable connection, simply connect the Streambar to an available HDMI ARC port on your TV. But if your TV doesn’t have HDMI ARC, you can use the HDMI cable to send video to your TV and use the Streambar’s optical port to receive audio from the TV.

From there, it’s the same easy-to-use Roku interface as Roku’s other devices, with access to all of the same great streaming apps, channels, and services. It can do 4K resolution (or just HD if that’s what your TV supports), and it also handles HDR10 and HLG HDR formats.

The RF remote lets you use your voice for commands and search and can control your TV’s power, too. The volume and mute buttons control the Streambar’s sound, and there are a wealth of ways to adjust the audio through the bar’s built-in EQ system.

With four full-range drivers angled to bounce sound around a room, the Streambar should sound pretty good on its own. But if you decide to move it to a bigger room (or you just want a more immersive experience), you can expand it with the $180 Roku Wireless Subwoofer and the $200 Roku TV Wireless Speakers.

With built-in Bluetooth, the Streambar can also act as a standalone wireless speaker for your phone, tablet, or laptop’s music collection. And if you’re dealing with a lack of space or would prefer a smaller soundbar overall, Roku also makes the Roku Streambar SE. Less wide than the standard Streambar, the SE model drops Dolby Audio support and the Ethernet port, but adds HDR10+ decoding.

Roku Streambar

The best Roku player for enhanced sound