This guide was updated on October 12, 2022 to include the new Roku Express 2022 model.
Intro- Roku Buyer's Guide
Roku’s streaming media players are some of the most popular on the market. With several devices available, though, you might wonder which Roku player is right for you. This Roku Buyer’s Guide will break down the differences and help you decide which Roku player to get!
Shall I Stream It is a viewer-supported site that provides honest reviews. To support this work, some links may take you to affiliate partners where commission is earned if you make a purchase. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
What to Know Before You Buy a Roku
Streaming players from Roku make for an easy way to access all your favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount+ on your TV.
They offer a simple interface that’s great for cord cutters who have gotten rid of a cable subscription.
Roku devices are accessible to a wide range of people. Kids, adults, seniors, and the less tech-savvy among us can all use Roku players.
Deal Alert!
Promotional discounts are offered on Roku devices throughout the year. Check the retailer links on this page for the most up-to-date pricing info.
Roku TV vs Roku Streaming Players
Roku makes streaming players that hook up to your TV the same way you would connect a game console or DVD/Blu-Ray player. They also license their software for use in smart TVs.
Any TV that has built-in software to connect with apps like Netflix or Hulu is considered a “smart TV.” Smart TVs that use Roku's software refer to it as “Roku TV.”
A benefit to a Roku TV is that it gives you the convenience of a Roku built-in. A Roku streaming player, on the other hand, can be faster and have extra features.
It never hurts to have a standalone streaming player, even if you have a smart TV.
Interested in shopping for a Roku TV? Check them out here:
Roku Streaming Players Compared: Roku Buyer's Guide
Roku Express
The Roku Express devices can either sit atop or beside your TV. They connect via an HDMI cable.
These devices aren’t the fastest or most powerful in Roku’s lineup. They still provide a solid choice, though, if you’re looking to stream on a budget or to use with a secondary TV in your home.
The new 2022 Roku Express model makes two slight tweaks above its predecessor: faster Wi-Fi connectivity and more storage. Both of these upgrades will result in faster load times.
| Roku Express (2019 Model) | Roku Express 4K+ | Roku Express (2022 Model) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | HD (1080p) | 4K @ 60fps HDR10+ HD (1080p) | HD (1080p) |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Standard Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n single-band | Faster Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band | Faster Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band |
| Remote* | Simple Remote | Voice Remote | Simple Remote |
| Audio | Dolby Audio and DTS pass through via HDMI | Dolby Audio Audio Leveling Night Mode | Dolby Audio and DTS pass through via HDMI |
| Price | $29.99 | $39.99 | $29.99 |
| Buy Now | Roku.com Walmart Best Buy Amazon | Roku.com Walmart Best Buy Amazon | Roku.com Walmart Best Buy Amazon |
*See “Other Roku Products” section below for differences between Roku remote types.
Check latest pricing for the Roku Express & Roku Express 4K+ here:
Roku Streaming Stick
The Roku Streaming Stick plugs directly into your TV– no HDMI cord needed.
You'll get 4K video streaming and an overall faster device than the Roku Express. The Streaming Stick 4K+ comes with the nifty Voice Remote Pro as well.
This device balances out features with cost to provide a great choice for most people.
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | 4K @ 60fps Dolby Vision HDR10+ HD (1080p) | 4K @ 60fps Dolby Vision HDR10+ HD (1080p) |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Fast, Long-range Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi | Fast, Long-range Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi |
| Remote* | Voice Remote | Voice Remote Pro |
| Audio | Dolby Audio Volume Leveling Night Mode | Dolby Audio Volume Leveling Night Mode |
| Other Features | Fast Channel Launch | Fast Channel Launch |
| Price | $49.99 | $69.99 |
| Buy Now | Roku.com Walmart Amazon Best Buy | Roku.com Walmart Amazon Best Buy |
*See “Other Roku Products” section below for differences between Roku remote types.
Check latest pricing for Roku Streaming Sticks here:
Roku Ultra
If you’re looking for a fast, powerful device that has a robust set of features, look no further than the Roku Ultra.
Both the Ultra and the Ultra LT are significantly cheaper than other top-of-the-line streaming players like the Apple TV or the NVIDIA Shield. While it doesn’t have the gaming capabilities of either of those devices, if streaming video is your chief concern this is a great alternative.
The Roku Ultra plugs into your TV with an HDMI cable.
| Roku Ultra LT | Roku Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | 4K @ 60fps Dolby Vision HDR10+ HD (1080p) | 4K @ 60fps Dolby Vision HDR10+ HD (1080p) |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Best Wi-Fi & Ethernet 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi Ethernet Port | Best Wi-Fi & Ethernet 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi Ethernet Port |
| Remote* | Voice Remote w/ Headphone Jack | Voice Remote Pro |
| Audio | Dolby Audio Volume Leveling Night Mode | Dolby Atmos Dolby Audio Volume Leveling Night Mode |
| Other Features | Bluetooth Fast Channel Launch | USB Port Bluetooth Fast Channel Launch |
| Price | $79.00 | $99.99 |
| Buy Now | Walmart | Roku.com Walmart Amazon Best Buy |
*See “Other Roku Products” section below for differences between Roku remote types.
Check latest pricing here for Roku Ultra and Roku Ultra LT:
Roku Streambar
For those looking to upgrade your video AND sound, the Streambar combines a Roku streaming player with built-in speakers.
It’s simple to set up and fills your room with Dolby Audio. It makes dialogue more clear and automatically lowers the sound of loud commercials. Plus it's compatible with other Bluetooth devices for music streaming.
For a full surround sound experience, you can connect it with Roku Wireless Speakers or the Wireless Subwoofer (more on that below).
| Roku Streambar | Roku Streambar Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | 4K @ 60fps HDR10+ HD (1080p) | 4K @ 60fps HDR10+ HD (1080p) |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Best Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi | Best Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi |
| Remote* | Voice Remote | Voice Remote w/ Personal Shortcut Buttons Headphone Jack |
| Audio | Dolby Audio Volume Leveling Night Mode Speech Clarity Four 1.9″ Speakers | Dolby Audio Volume Leveling Night Mode Speech Clarity Four 2.5″ Speakers |
| Other Features | USB Port Bluetooth | USB Port Bluetooth |
| Price | $129.99 | $179.99 |
| Buy Now | Roku.com Walmart Amazon Best Buy | Roku.com Walmart Amazon Best Buy |
*See “Other Roku Products” section below for differences between Roku remote types.
Check latest pricing for the Roku Streambar and Roku Streambar Pro here:
Other Roku Products: Roku Buyer's Guide
Roku Audio
To help turn your living room into a home theater, Roku offers special audio equipment. This allows you to get surround sound, thunderous bass, and clear audio for both TV and music streaming.
Take not that the products mentioned require a Roku TV, Roku Streambar, or Roku Streambar Pro.
Roku Wireless Speakers
These premium speakers wirelessly sync with your TV or Streambar to upgrade your audio and give you surround sound.
If you really want to go all-out, you can even combine them with a second set of Wireless Speakers for a full surround sound system.
The Speakers also work with Bluetooth so you can stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device.
The normal price for the Roku Wireless Speakers is $149.99.
Buy it now and check latest pricing for Roku Wireless Speakers here:
Roku Wireless Subwoofer
Fill your room with powerful bass with the Roku Wireless Subwoofer. This will make you feel like you’re in a movie theater and help create an immersive experience.
Like the speakers, it syncs wirelessly with your Roku TV or Soundbar. The Subwoofer can be placed anywhere within 30 feet of your TV. It has 250W peak power/125W RMS.
The normal price for the Roku Wireless Subwoofer is $179.99.
Buy it now and check latest pricing for Roku Wireless Subwoofer here:
Roku Remotes
The Roku Remote is one of the best parts of the Roku product line. It might not look as sleek as the Apple TV’s remote, but it’s loaded with helpful features.
If you’re curious about the differences between remotes, or want to upgrade your remote, use this guide.
| Roku Simple Remote | Roku Voice Remote | Roku Voice Remote Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal to TV | Infrared (must be pointed directly at TV) | Wireless Network (does not need to be pointed directly at TV) | Wireless Network (does not need to be pointed directly at TV) |
| Power | 3 AAA Batteries | 2 AA Batteries | Rechargeable Battery |
| Features | -Works with most Roku Devices | -Push-to-talk voice commands -TV Controls (power volume, mute) | -Hands-free voice commands -Push-to-talk voice commands -TV Controls -Lost Remote Finder (beeps when you call for it) -Private listening (w/ headphone jack) |
| Channel Shortcut Buttons | 4 Pre-Set Buttons (can vary but examples are Netflix, Hulu, etc.) | 4 Pre-Set Buttons | -2 Customizable Shortcut Buttons -4 Pre-Set Buttons |
| Standard Price | $14.99 | $19.99 | $29.99 |
| Buy Now | Roku.com | Roku.com Walmart Amazon | Roku.com Walmart Best Buy Amazon |
Check out the latest pricing for Roku Remotes here:
Final Thoughts- Roku Buyer's Guide
Have you used any of these Roku players? What did you think? Let us know in the comment section below!
