If you’re trying to decide which Roku device to buy, the answer depends on your TV and your budget: for most people with a 4K TV, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the best all-around choice, while the Roku Express 4K+ is the best budget option, and the Roku Ultra is worth the extra money if you want the fastest performance, Ethernet, and a remote with a headphone jack. This guide breaks down the current lineup, what each model does differently, and how to match a device to your TV, your Wi-Fi, and the way you actually watch.
How Roku Devices Differ
Roku sells several streaming players, and they all run the same operating system with the same apps and the same simple remote. The differences come down to four things: video resolution (HD vs. 4K), Wi-Fi capability (dual-band vs. single-band), processing speed, and extra features like Ethernet ports or voice remotes. Every current model supports HDR10 and most support HDR10+, but only the higher-end models handle Dolby Vision, which is a specific HDR format used by Netflix, Disney+, and other services. If your TV supports Dolby Vision, you’ll want a device that can pass it through.
The Current Roku Lineup (as of 2024)
- Roku Express (HD): The cheapest model. It streams in 1080p, uses single-band 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and has no voice remote. It’s fine for an older 1080p TV in a room close to your router, but it can struggle with 4K content or busy networks.
- Roku Express 4K+: The best value. It streams in 4K, supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, has dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), and includes a voice remote. It’s the least expensive way to get 4K streaming, but it doesn’t have a headphone jack on the remote and the Wi-Fi antenna is not as strong as the higher-end models.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K: The most popular model. It’s a small stick that plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI port, so there’s no separate box. It supports 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and has a faster processor than the Express 4K+. It also has a voice remote, and it’s the lightest and easiest to hide behind your TV.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K+: The same as the Stick 4K but with a longer Wi-Fi range and a voice remote with a headphone jack for private listening. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. If you have a large house or a TV far from your router, this is a good upgrade.
- Roku Ultra: The top-tier model. It’s a box (not a stick), so it has a larger heatsink and can run hotter without throttling. It includes an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, a USB port for playing local media files, a voice remote with a headphone jack, and a faster processor. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and it’s the only model with a “find my remote” feature.
How to Choose Based on Your TV
The most important question is: does your TV support 4K? If you have a 1080p TV, you don’t need a 4K device—the Roku Express (HD) is enough, and you’ll save money. If you have a 4K TV, you need a 4K device, but you also need to check whether your TV supports Dolby Vision. If it does, you should get a model that supports it (Express 4K+, Stick 4K, Stick 4K+, or Ultra). If your TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision, you can still use any 4K Roku, but you won’t get the Dolby Vision picture quality—it will fall back to standard HDR10.
Another factor is your TV’s HDMI port. All current Rokus use HDMI, but the Stick models are powered by a USB cable that plugs into a wall adapter or a USB port on your TV. If your TV’s USB port doesn’t provide enough power, the stick may reboot randomly—so it’s safer to use the included wall adapter. The Express and Ultra are boxes that plug into a power outlet directly.
How to Choose Based on Your Wi-Fi and Internet
Streaming 4K video requires a stable internet connection—Roku recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K. If your Wi-Fi is weak or congested, a dual-band device (which can use the 5 GHz band) will give you a better signal than a single-band one. The Stick 4K+ and Ultra have the best Wi-Fi antennas, so they’re better for larger homes or rooms far from the router. If you can’t get a good Wi-Fi signal no matter what, the Ultra is the only option with an Ethernet port, so you can plug in a cable for a wired connection.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Buffering or low-quality video: Check your internet speed, move your router closer, or switch to a dual-band device. Also, make sure your TV’s HDMI port is set to “enhanced” mode in the TV’s settings to get the best picture.
- Remote not working: Try re-pairing the remote by holding the pairing button for 5 seconds. If you have a voice remote, make sure it’s charged.
- Device overheating: The Stick models can get warm if they’re tucked behind a TV with poor airflow. If you notice random reboots, try using the HDMI extender cable that comes in the box, or consider a box-style device like the Ultra.
- Not getting 4K or HDR: Make sure your TV’s HDMI port supports HDCP 2.2 (most 4K TVs do), and that you’re using a high-speed HDMI cable. Also, check that the streaming app is actually delivering 4K—some apps require a premium subscription for 4K content.
Roku vs. Other Streaming Devices
Roku’s main competitors are Amazon Fire TV, Google TV (Chromecast), and Apple TV. Roku’s advantage is simplicity: the interface is clean, there’s no bloatware, and it works with all major streaming services. Fire TV is more integrated with Amazon Prime and Alexa, and it has a more cluttered home screen. Google TV does a great job of aggregating content from different apps, but it can be more complicated. Apple TV is the most premium, with the best performance and integration with Apple services, but it’s also the most expensive. Roku is the best choice if you want a straightforward, no-nonsense streaming experience without a lot of extra features you won’t use.
Cost and Value
As of 2024, the Roku Express (HD) is around $25, the Express 4K+ is around $35, the Streaming Stick 4K is around $40, the Stick 4K+ is around $50, and the Ultra is around $80. Prices fluctuate during sales events, but the value proposition is clear: the Express 4K+ gives you 4K for less than $40, which is the best deal in streaming. The Ultra is worth the premium only if you need Ethernet, a USB port, or the fastest possible performance. For most people, the Stick 4K is the sweet spot—it’s fast, small, and has all the features you’ll actually use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4K Roku if my TV is 1080p? No. A 1080p TV can’t display 4K, so you’d be wasting money. The Roku Express (HD) is perfect for a 1080p TV.
Can I use a Roku without a smart TV? Yes, that’s the whole point. A Roku plugs into any TV with an HDMI port and turns it into a smart TV. If your TV is very old and only has composite (RCA) inputs, you’ll need an HDMI-to-composite converter, but that’s rare.
Does Roku work with Alexa or Google Home? Yes, you can control some Roku functions with Alexa or Google Assistant if you have a compatible Echo or Google Nest speaker. You can say things like “Launch Netflix on Roku” or “Pause on Roku.”
How long do Roku devices last? Most Roku devices last 3-5 years, but the software is updated regularly, so older models may eventually lose support for new apps. The Ultra tends to last longer because it has more processing power.
Can I watch live TV on Roku? Yes, Roku has a free live TV channel with over 350 channels, and you can also install apps like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. You don’t need an antenna, but you can also connect a Tablo or HDHomeRun to watch over-the-air channels through Roku.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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