Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Stream quality: 4K UHD | Voice control: Yes | USB features: HDMI and USB
Best for: Getting the best overall features in a Roku device without spending a ton.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K earns our top billing for its balance of affordability and features. The device streams in 4K UHD resolution at a max of 60 frames per second so you can enjoy high-quality, detailed streaming for your TV, desktop monitor and more. It supports Dolby Vision and has long-range Wi-Fi—double that of the Roku Express—so you can plug it into your TV and enjoy a stable connection even if your Wi-Fi router is across the house.
Listen through your headphones with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K if you live in a small apartment and don’t want to bother your WFH partner on your day off. Plus, you can also use the voice commands to pull up your favorite shows and films—or even live TV with Roku’s live channels.
What our editors say: Tech editor Rebecca Isaacs tested the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and says, “I purchased this stick for my parents, so when I’m at their home, I’m using it to catch up on my casual TV viewing. It’s easy to navigate, and I appreciate that it brings a 4K picture onto the screen. The programmable shortcut buttons are a perk, too.”
Pros:
- Great balance of affordability and features
- Voice control included
- 4K UHD resolution with Dolby Vision
Cons:
- No built-in rechargeable batteries
Best Value Roku Device
Stream For Less Than $30
Roku Express
Stream quality: Full HD | Voice control: No | USB features: HDMI and Micro-USB
Best for: Adding a budget-friendly streaming device to your TV or monitor.
For those who want to enjoy the Roku ecosystem without the expensive price tag of some of the higher-end options, the Roku Express is the best choice. For around $25, it can stream in Full HD. It won’t have the high-end option of 4K streaming, but it will still give you a great picture. Plus, it upscales older content from 720p to Full HD.
You’ll still also get the DTS Surround Sound and programmable channel shortcut buttons for your favorite streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+ and more. And it’s compatible with all of the major smart home devices, such as Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
What our editors say: Tech editor Rebecca Isaacs says, “For those who just need a bedroom streaming stick, this is the one you should choose. I use this stick for my own bedroom where I just want to watch content but don’t get caught up in the high-quality streaming. It displays a detailed picture on my 32-inch TV and, like other Roku devices, it’s easy to use. I also liked its affordability for my needs.”
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compatibility with all major smart-home assistants
Cons:
- No power button
- Only streams in Full HD, not 4K
Best Roku Device For Streaming
Get A 4K Picture For $50
Roku Express 4K+
Stream quality: 4K | Voice control: Yes | USB features: Micro-USB
Best for: Getting the best streaming value for your dollar.
For a solid balance of features for streaming, the Roku Express 4K+ is a great option. It’s similar in scope to what the Roku Express offers, but instead of a Full HD picture, you get that 4K picture for your streaming. Meaning, your picture will be clearer and more detailed compared to the standard Roku Express’ Full HD picture.
This device is a great way to get 4K without spending a fortune on extras, like hands-free voice control, that you may not want or need. Unlike the Express, this remote adds a TV power button, volume control buttons and a voice control button so you can have all of your basic needs—power, volume and streaming—on one remote.
Pros:
- 4K picture
- TV, volume and voice control buttons on the remote
Cons:
- No Dolby Vision
Best Soundbar Roku Device
A Two-In-One Option
Roku Streambar
Stream quality: Full HD | Voice control: No | USB features: HDMI and Micro-USB
Best for: Adding quality audio to your streaming in an all-in-one device.
If you’re low on space and need to combine your soundbar with your streaming system, the Roku Streambar is a worthy contender for your space. It doubles as a streaming device and a soundbar so you can save space while getting a more robust home entertainment experience. Like the other devices on this list, the Roku Streambar plugs into your system and works in minutes. It features voice controls so you can use voice commands by saying, “Hey Roku.” It’s also a great way to pare down your remotes to one device, as you can control navigation and audio from just one remote, even adjusting your settings to get the audio that you want for your streaming. If you’re watching content with commercials, the Roku Streambar recognizes and automatically lowers the audio during them. A pro tip: If you have a little more available space, you can pair the Roku Wireless Bass subwoofer and the Roku Wireless Speakers to get a surround-sound system at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Intuitive all-in-one audio and entertainment system
- Dolby Audio
- Can connect other Roku speakers to create a home theater
Cons:
- No Dolby Vision
- Need the Wireless Bass subwoofer for deep bass tones
Best Roku Splurge Device
All The Features You Could Want
Roku Ultra
Stream quality: 4K | Voice control: Yes | USB features: HDMI and USB
Best for: Getting premium features for your streaming.
If you’re seeking the best of the best for Roku devices, the Roku Ultra is the way to go. Unlike other devices on my top picks, the Ultra offers a built-in USB and ethernet port so you can plug into your home directly. The design is also a little different; the hub is slightly larger and sleeker so you can place it on your TV stand and it won’t look out of place. In addition to voice controls, the Ultra’s remote is rechargeable via micro-USB, so you don’t have to worry about swapping batteries. It will tell you in advance when your battery is low so you won’t have any streaming interruptions.
It’s got Dolby Atmos for audio, and offers Dolby Vision and the ability to connect your headphones via Bluetooth so you can enjoy your TV shows when your environment needs to be quiet. You also get personal shortcuts and a remote-finder feature for when you accidentally lose the remote in your couch cushions. It’s a little pricier compared to other Roku devices, but it’s worth every penny.
What our editors say: Tech editor Rebecca Isaacs used the Roku Ultra for over a year and says, “The Roku Ultra is one of my favorite Roku devices. The rechargeable remote lasts for a long time before it needs recharging, and the software provided a great picture during streaming. Plus, I have to praise Roku for adding the remote-finder feature. Thanks to my rambunctious kitten thinking the remote is a toy, that feature has been a lifesaver plenty of times, and would be great for families who have kids.”
Pros:
- Best features of all the Roku lineup
- Dolby Vision included
- Rechargeable remote
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Alternative Roku Device
More Alexa In Your Home
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Stream quality: 4K | Voice control: Yes | USB features: Micro-USB
Best for: Enjoying your streaming with an equally intuitive device that doesn’t have the Roku operating system.
Perhaps you’re not 100% keen on adding another Roku device into your home—and if you’re looking for something else similar, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a great option. It features an intuitive streaming service layout to pull up all your favorite streaming apps. But the big difference here is that because it’s Amazon’s in-house design, it features more enhancements to your Amazon Alexa ecosystem if you have one. You can check your camera feeds, pull up missed notifications and dim the lights all by using the included remote.
Plus, because at its heart it’s a streaming stick, you get a 4K picture that’s compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos. Connect your soundbar and your TV to the system and you can enjoy a crisp, clear picture. And, it runs on Wi-Fi 6 for fast, seamless streaming—just make sure your Wi-Fi router is up-to-date to get those speeds.
What our editors say: Tech editor Rebecca Isaacs tested the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, and says, “It’s a really easy, intuitive device for your streaming.” She also notes, “For those who already have the Alexa smart-home system in their home, it’s a great way to connect your TV to the ecosystem to check your camera feeds, stream your favorite shows and more. It’s easy to set up, and I like that the remote is simple and easy to use. Plus, it comes with Alexa voice commands.”
Pros:
- Enhanced Amazon Alexa integrations
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos compatibility included
Cons:
- Remote uses AAA batteries instead of USB charging
Rebecca Isaacs is the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted and has been leading coverage for almost a year. She’s a huge TV and streaming fan and has tested some of the best gaming TVs on the market firsthand, including the Samsung S95C and the LG G3 panels. And, because when she’s at home she’s always streaming her favorite shows, she’s tested almost every Roku device on this list. Her experience has been across many publications from ZDNET to Digital Trends and many more.
How To Choose The Best Roku Device
Choosing the best Roku device can be tricky. After all, the devices have enough small differences that when I was testing them, I had to be extra-careful in my research—and that’s even with testing almost every single of my picks. So, I interviewed Chris Larson, vice president of retail strategy at Roku, to get a better understanding of what those considering a Roku should look for when adding one to their home. In short, you will get a great device, no matter what you ultimately choose.
“All of Roku devices are crafted with user delight in mind, and we have purposely made devices for all different types of streamers,” Larson said. “Whether somebody is new to streaming or well-experienced, we strive to make sure our device lineup has something to fit everyone’s needs.”
For the experienced streamer who is looking for the best of the best, Larson recommended opting for the premiere Roku device, the Roku Ultra. “For the experienced streamer, our Roku Ultra is the fastest and most powerful player and offers accessories like the Roku Voice Remote Pro for simple voice control and a lost-remote finder.” Additionally, Larson mentioned that your TV’s age plays a factor into what device you should get for your home, especially if you’re using one that may not have great audio. “If somebody has an older TV and wants an upgrade—I would recommend our Roku Streambar. It comes at an affordable price and allows you to upgrade any TV to be a ‘smart TV’ with excellent HD and 4K picture quality, plus more immersive sound.”
If you’re looking for the best all-in-one package, you can skip the Roku device entirely and swap your home entertainment setup for a Roku TV. “For larger screen sizes, the Roku Plus Series offers a QLED screen, 4.1 wireless expandability and other consumer favorite features like Headphone Mode,” Larson said. Based on my own personal testing, the Roku Plus Series TV is a great choice for those that are looking for the Roku ecosystem in a TV and want to replace their entire home entertainment system.
The great news is that no matter what device you choose, you’ll still be getting an intuitive streaming device so you can enjoy your TV shows and movies. After all, “Roku houses tons of free and subscription-based content, including free access to 400+ live channels, local news stations and hit movies. Also, we are proud that Roku is always up-to-date through our behind-the-scenes updates, no matter how old your device is. This allows seamless streaming and access to new content without any extra friction,” according to Larson.
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