Back in 2016, you might have tried watching The Martian, Moonlight, La La Land, The Handmaid’s Tale, Veep, or Big Little Lies as they were some of the biggest movies and TV series around that time. You probably were going to the theater to watch the movies or waiting for them to hit one of the streaming services (usually to rent because the windows for movies being in theaters were longer back then). You may have had cable to watch Veep and Big Little Lies, but The Handmaid’s Tale could only be watched on Hulu. Regardless, you were aware of what a big deal streaming was becoming.
Fast-forward 10 years and streaming is the biggest way that people consume TV series and movies. There are also about a million new streaming services that have popped up in that time period (don’t hold me to that number, but you get the idea). While many smart TVs give you the ability to stream without the need for an external device, there’s one device that premiered in 2016 that is still near the top in terms of a smart purchase. The Roku Ultra continues to be a standard-bearer for streaming devices.
Roku’s New Streaming Sticks Are Perfect for Any TV, Dumb or Smart
The steaming sticks can be powered directly from a TV.
The Roku Ultra has proven to be worth it
It’s been updated a few times since 2016
The Roku Ultra premiered in 2016 when Roku dropped several new products into its lineup. This included the Roku Express and the Roku Premiere. While the other devices, and other devices in Roku’s lineup, have been successful for years and the manufacturer has continued to upgrade them, the Roku Ultra has continued to stay near the top of the pack. Its most recent refresh was in 2024 and has continued to be a premium option.
The newest Roku Ultra has made some changes from its version from 2016, but the ease of use has remained the same. Unlike the Streaming Stick, which is a slender device that hides behind your TV in the HDMI ports, the Roku Ultra is a small console device that can sit alongside your TV.
Upgrading the processor was the biggest jump for the 2024 model, as it’s up to 30% faster than previous versions. I was a Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick+ user for many years and noticed a marked difference in how quickly the TV responds to remote clicks and voice commands.
Speaking of voice commands, the Roku Ultra comes with the Roku Voice Remote Pro, which has backlit buttons and a premier voice recognition capability. Those Rokus from the past either didn’t have voice recognition or didn’t have backlit buttons, making them feel ancient compared to this. There’s also a lost remote finder button on the Roku Ultra and via the Roku mobile app that helps you locate your missing controller. The remote is also rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries, and a single charge lasts about a month.
The visuals are punched up
The Roku Ultra helps you see content the way it’s meant to be seen
The Roku Ultra turns any “dumb” TV into a smart one and delivers your entertainment with specialized visuals. You can stream in 4K and the device also supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, delivering both the sights and sounds of movie theater-quality shows and films.
It’s important to know that the Roku Ultra will match whatever the highest resolution output that your TV supports is. So, if you’re using it with an older TV, it will recognize that and adjust accordingly. If your old TV only supports up to 1080P, that’s what Roku Ultra will show you.
I have one smart TV in my home that is a Samsung Frame TV and the other TVs I have are “dumb” TVs that benefit from a Roku device. I’ve stuck with the Roku lineup for years as my preferred streaming device, so I’ve seen the differences in how it has adapted to content. Even though my Samsung TV is a smart TV, I still plug in my Roku Ultra because the performance is faster than Samsung Tizen for me.
While there are features of the Frame that I love, I still like visiting Roku City and using the Roku platform. I also love that it provides Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, which delivers stronger performance over my congested Wi-Fi network. You can also use Ethernet with the Roku Ultra for a stable connection.
Roku Ultra is a standout amongst a crowded field
I can’t say enough good things
The Roku Ultra also lets you connect your headphones directly to it. You don’t need to connect your headphones to the TV itself, as the Roku allows for Bluetooth connectivity from headphones, so you can listen directly to what’s coming out of the Roku.
The Roku Ultra provides users with a top-tier streaming experience while being cheaper than competitors such as the Apple TV 4K. The Apple TV 4K retails for $130 while the Roku Ultra is frequently discounted to around $75. This has nothing to do with the quality of the device either, as it is a more affordable option.
It is slightly more expensive than the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, but it has a less cluttered interface. It is also ideal for people who aren’t specific to one brand and one main streaming service. If you use a Fire TV Stick, you’re stuck with focusing on what’s on Prime Video right off the bat when you turn on the TV.
Users get The Roku Channel as a built-in option, which offers a different look at streaming. You can watch live channels, as well as add-on subscriptions, all in one place. It’s easy to jump back and forth between your favorite kinds of content.
The Roku Ultra delivers even after 10 years
If you’re a fan of Roku, it makes sense to go with the best option from that company. The Roku Ultra is that, which is what makes it still the best option for streaming. It’s a device that users can come back to and have for a decade now. With top-notch streaming options and premium visuals, it’s a streaming device that people can use even if they have a smart TV.
