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The best Roku devices continue to offer the best streaming experience, especially for those who do not want to break the bank. At Reviewed, we take TV viewing seriously, and we’ve been testing streaming devices since the days when Roku was the only option. After evaluating dozens of devices, Roku has consistently topped our list. From simple streaming, to theater room decorating, or all-in-one streaming TVs, we’ve found the best Roku devices.
And whether you’re looking to put a streaming app in your existing TV or upgrade the flimsy sound coming from the LCD’s lackluster speakers, there’s a Roku device guaranteed to solve your problem. If you’ve been thinking about maybe jumping into this world with a Roku stick or Roku box but don’t know where to start, we have put together this roundup of the best Roku devices for every home and budget to help you get started.
Here is the list of Best Roku Devices
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Easily one of the best Roku Devices available on the market, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the streaming device, so it is no surprise that it is also the best Roku device, the Streaming Stick+. It’s not a huge leap forward from that model, but it retains everything we liked and fixes one of the previous model’s biggest flaws by adding Dolby Vision. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K also adds a new quad-core processor, which we’re told speeds up app launch times by 30%.
While this is a bit difficult to measure, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K felt snappy and fast enough. Major apps opened within 11 seconds. If at some point you notice that the Roku isn’t working, don’t worry, as it can be easily fixed. The stick’s support for Dolby Vision (along with HDR10/+) allows you to stream all your shows and movies as beautifully as anything else.
Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra remote continues to be the best of the best. It is the easiest to use, having dedicated buttons that go directly to the services you probably use most, and programmable buttons that can point to other apps and functions. It also has TV volume and power buttons, so if you don’t use cable TV, you may only need one remote control. The remote control is also powered by a rechargeable battery and has voice control to perform certain functions. And if you happen to lose the remote control, you can still find it by using the “remote finder” button on the unit or app to sound it out.
And best of all, the remote control has a headphone jack so you can spend some private time with it. Plug in any headphones and you get wireless audio through the remote, whatever you are streaming. You can also use the Roku app to route audio through your smartphone. Unless you have a limited budget or special needs, the Roku Ultra is the best Roku device and the best streaming device for many people. Overall, this is one of the best Roku devices that you can buy right now.
Roku Streambar
Easily one of the best Roku devices available on the market, the Roku Streambar successfully combines the features of devices such as Streaming Stick+ and Ultra to create a one-box solution for most of today’s media needs. To connect with a single cable, simply connect the Streambar to the HDMI ARC port on your TV. However, if your TV does not have HDMI ARC, you can use an HDMI cable to send video to the TV and receive audio from the TV via the Streambar’s optical port.
From there, you can access the same great streaming apps, channels, and services in the same easy-to-use Roku interface as you would on any other Roku device. 4K resolution is also supported, and HDR10 and HLG HDR The RF remote control provides voice-activated commands and searches, and can also control the TV’s power. Volume and mute buttons control the Streambar’s sound, and the bar’s built-in EQ system provides plenty of ways to adjust the audio.
Roku Express 4K Plus
The new Roku Express 4K Plus solves one of the major drawbacks of the Roku Premiere and provides a better remote control. This remote control does not require a direct line of sight, so you can point it in any direction you like. This upgrade, plus faster performance and UHD streaming make the Roku Express 4K Plus a great option for those looking to get a 4K Roku at the lowest price.
However, there are two reasons why it could be a bit more expensive. Its design is a bit too lightweight, and you may have to fiddle around for a minute or so to get it on a flat surface – the Streaming Stick Plus easy-to-use design is even better by comparison. It also doesn’t have Dolby Vision or Atmos Audio, but some may not think this is enough to justify the higher price. Currently, this is one of the best Roku Devices that you can buy right now.
Roku Premiere
Roku Premiere is essentially a Roku Express, but with better performance: instead of sticking to 1080p, it runs up to 4K resolution and supports HDR. Like the Roku Express, Premiere is a small set-top box that requires a small USB cable for power and an HDMI cable for connection to a TV (both included). Currently, this is one of the best Roku devices that you can buy right now.
Like the Roku Express, the Premiere is a small set-top box that requires a Micro-USB for power and an HDMI cable for connection to a TV (both included). Also included is double-sided adhesive tape to attach the Roku Premiere to the edge or bottom of your TV to keep it neat and tidy.
Roku Express
If you’re new to cord cutting and don’t want anything fancy, Roku Express is a great beginner option; for $30, you get access to Roku’s library, which includes a wide selection of video and audio files, including a large selection of video and audio files, as well as a large selection of video and audio files. Streaming quality is up to 1080p HD, upscaled from 720p, so it’s perfect for smaller TVs. The device is small, but it’s not a stick, so you won’t see it unless you stick it to the back of your TV.
The biggest perk of the Roku Express is that it comes with an HDMI cord. However, while the remote control does not have voice activation, it does work with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. It is also possible to pair the unit with the Roku app and use your phone as the remote control, and take advantage of private listening that way.
Final Words
There are a lot of different best Roku devices out there these days, so we’ve taken a focused approach when researching the best Roku models. We looked at the number of channels available and the features each Roku has to offer. We also look at price to make sure there’s an option to suit all different types of budgets.