Roku products have been around for a long time. And for the most part the basics have not changed. Its product line always offers a number of price points and feature sets depending on the needs of the user. So to save the need to explain certain features in every product description let’s get a few things out of the way first. All Roku’s support a mobile controller app with built in private listening, and the ability to launch video and pictures stored on the mobile device for playback on the TV. Roku also offers a great universal search for content, actors and directors. They offer thousands of streaming channels and typically support all of the major streaming services. Where the products differ is in performance and features. We list the top products in each category for you to see what they are like before you add one.
Roku Express $29.99
The Roku Express is the least expensive Roku model on the market. It is also the least powerful. That does not mean that it cannot fit the bill for a new user. The problem with the device is that going in, you have to understand that you are getting no bells and whistles. First of all its max resolution is 1080 HD. That means users will not get the most from a 4k TV with this device. The remote requires users to be able to see the product in order to use it. This means it must be mounted somewhere that allows for this. Because of that need the device comes with an adhesive strip that is used to hold the small box in place. The item makes a great door prize, gift to someone looking into streaming or a backup device for a non primary TV.
Roku Express+ $39.99
The Roku Express+ is the same product as the Roku Express but ships with the addition of a remote that can control the TV volume and power. That may actually be worth the extra $10.00. Because it means you no longer have to keep up with two remotes to use the TV. Otherwise everything said about the cheaper model holds true. The item is hardly Roku’s most advanced model but will support most channels that Roku offers. The thing about lower end models though is that they are usually the first to loose support for channels as they upgrade. But still as a secondary device or something to try out as a you did your toes in streaming it is a good way to go.
Roku Premier $39.99
If you were looking to spend $39.00 on a Roku anyway why not jump in with the Roku Premier. The Roku Premier provides 4k High Dynamic Range video. The item like the Express models comes with an adhesive strip so that the unit can be held in place for the remote to be effective. An HDMI cord is included with the product so that you don’t have to sorry about getting the best level of video performance. It should be noted though, that there have been a number of reports of the product becoming hot while in use. So maybe do not mount it directly to a TV.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ $49.99
The Streaming Stick+ has its name because it was an upgrade from a previous less powerful streaming stick model. The Streaming Stick + packs a lot of power into a device not much bigger than a ring finger. The item for one has a remote that allows the user to control a TV’t power and volume. As mentioned earlier, the convenience of this cannot be over stated. The Streaming Stick+ also has a Wi-Fi amplification attachment that gives the device a much more stable connection throughout the home. The Streaming Stick+ supports 4k video playback so users can get the most from their TV’s and a voice powered TV remote that does not need to be pointed directly at the device in order to respond. Overall it is a good bang for your buck, and probably the best value in the lineup because of its durability, video quality and features.
Roku Ultra $99.99
The Roku Ultra is the most expensive model on the list but it brings the most to the table as well. The top of the product lineup boast strong Wi-Fi performance but as well, the product can support wired Ethernet connectivity. Wired internet is always going to provide the most stable and best performing internet connections. Another very unique feature of the Roku Ultra is that it’s remote not only controls the TV volume and power, it also has a private listening jack built into the remote. It comes with earbuds to take advantage of that feature that allows a user to enjoy content whether music or a movie without disturbing others. If even allows a user to use the Roku as a portable music player around the house. Roku Ultra supports 4k HDR playback and even has support for USB drives for users who want to access their own stored media whether it be movies, pictures or music. The most unique feature of the device though may well be the lost remote finder. The lost remote finder button is built into the device and pressing it will make the remote beep until you turn over the right cushion or look under the right table. It is a great and underrated feature.
