The best streaming devices you can buy in 2023
From dongles to set top boxes, there’s an option for every budget.
Roku Ultra (2019)
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Roku
Ultra
Engadget - Not yet scored
0
Critics
8 reviews81
AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE
Users
7 reviews93
AVERAGE USER SCORE
View All Critic & User Reviews
Roku Ultra (2019)
- Critic Reviews (8)
- User Reviews (7)
- 81AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE8 ReviewsPC Mag70Roku Ultra (2019)Besides the shortcut buttons, it doesn't really offer anything new except a minor speed boost in launching apps, so you don't need to worry about replacing your existing Roku Ultra if you have the previous model. The only thing really missing is Dolby Vision HDR compatibility, which Roku doesn't offer in its dedicated media streamers.CNET80Ultra convenience extras but not the ultimate high-end streamerAt $100, the Roku Ultra is the most expensive player in Roku's lineup, so what does it offer that the $60 Streaming Stick Plus...doesn't? Its extra features are mostly remote-orientated, and include a remote finder, a headphone jack and a pair of keys that let you program your own shortcuts. It's also a hair faster at launching apps.Tom's Guide80Roku Ultra (2019) ReviewThe Roku Ultra has had a good thing going for the last two years, so there's nothing it really needed to change. At the same time, Roku hasn't done anything innovative with the model during that time.TechHive70It's all about the buttonsThe software remains easy to use, it supports a wide range of apps, and its selection of free videos via The Roku Channel and the "Featured Free" home screen section is nice to have. But if you're spending upwards of $100 on a streaming player, you might want a device that doesn't feel as stodgy, like the Apple TV 4K or the new Amazon Fire TV Cube. That is, unless you really care about those buttons.CNN90Roku's Ultra is an affordable streaming box amid a sea of streaming servicesThe $99 Roku Ultra is the most expensive 4K streaming device it offers, but it's also the fastest and includes a more capable remote. Even at that price, the Roku Ultra is less expensive than the Apple TV 4K and offers the same basic experience, but in a different package.TechRadar80Roku's top-tier player handles 4K HDR with aplomb, but doesn't deliver Dolby VisionThe new Roku Ultra launches channels 17% faster than its predecessor and comes with a programmable remote, but it doesn't support Dolby Vision, has slower buffering speeds than the competition and doesn't always make HDR content look its best. It's still simple to use and setup, sure, but it's starting to feel a bit underpowered compared to its rivals.HD Guru100New Roku Ultra makes streaming fasterThe Roku Ultra continues to be the most satisfying and responsive media player we’ve tested. We even prefer it to most of the built-in streaming TV platforms on the market.Digital Trends80Fast, flexible, funRoku's OS 9.2 software takes full advantage of the Ultra's speed, offering up new ways to find the content you want — from what remains the largest selection of streaming sources of any platform. You may not remember what you programmed the customizable remote buttons to do, but changing their actions is as easy as talking.
- 93AVERAGE USER SCORE7 ReviewsMike100March 2, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I was coming from using a Playstation 3 as a media center. The Roku Ultra was easy to setup. The UI is fast and easy to use. I like using the remote to do voice search. I wish it labeled search results as free or $. The remote feels nice and buttons are crisp. I wish the mute button was in a different spot, I touch that on accident frequently. I wish you could program the service buttons on the remote I got it on sale for half price and couldn't be happier. I chose the Ultra over other versions because of the wired internet connection.jeff.reid90February 28, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!One of the best streaming boxes I've ever had. I've used Roku boxes since the first one they released. This one ticks all the boxes for most people needing 4K/HDR and Atmos. My only gripe is the silly remote that Roku has been using practically forever. It's too small.Robert90February 27, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I picked up an Ultra over the 2019 holidays looking to upgrade from an older Roku stick that wouldn't support Apple TV+.I like the Roku platform in general because it's not part of a specific ecosystem (like Fire TV or Apple TV) and seems less restrictive. I run the ultra off a mesh configuration and I have no issue with stream quality (granted only 1080p feeds at this time).The Roku OS lacks in polish compared to Amazon or Apple offerings, but it's competent in doing the job and the interface is logically laid out. The platform may feel barebone compared to similar products, but has performed without hiccups.One annoyance is that Roku regularly prompts me to consider using an SD card for channels I don't use frequently. These are basically not stored in memory and are downloaded every time I use them (as sporadically as I do), even though the operation only takes a few seconds.The AUX port on the remote is a clever way to watch TV without bothering others, although it would be nicer if the Roku simply supported bluetooth (similar to Amazon Fire TV).JustTheLetterH100February 27, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's not much to love, though the UI is beginning to feel a little bit dated. I wish they let people opt out of monetization and drove revenue solely through product sales.Tim100February 27, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!If you want the most access to VOD content through a high quality device with simple but efficient UI, it's hard to look past the Roku Ultra. Fast, reliable, easy to control via the included remote, the app, or a 3rd party remote (works great with Harmony hub). Its always on and ready to go (worth upgrading from a stick for that reason alone). But to be honest all of those features are tablestakes for high-end streaming devices, so it's more a question of ecosystem. If you're deep into Apple, Google, or Amazon's ecosystem you may prefer the native integrations their respective devices have. Given the proliferation of streaming services and fragmentation of content I feel it's more important to be able to access every service seamlessly, and only Roku can do that. It's the only neutral platform in that respect. I can rent/buy movies from Amazon, Google, Vudu, etc, or any of the ad-supported services. Roku Channel is constantly building out. Content isn't great but as a place to manage all of your subscriptions it's excellent.Quality of apps has grown along with Roku's market share, so you have a full roster of OTT services (Sling, YouTube TV, etc) as well as all of the standalone network apps. Oh and Apple TV+. Rarely have issues with any.Only real gripe is on the audio side. The newer Ultras only output audio via HDMI and don't decode Dolby digital + (used by vast majority of apps) down to Dolby digital 5.1. That's only an issue if you have an old receiver which needs 5.1 input (or a Sonos playbar!), and your TV also won't do the conversion. That's the position I'm in and I ended up getting an older Roku Ultra (4640) off eBay as it has optical out and does the DD+ to DD conversion - only way I could get surround sound on my Sonos setup. It will be interesting to see how well Roku can maintain it's "neutral" position going forward, but assuming they can there really isn't a better way to ensure you have access to as much content as possible, at the max quality available.KingEdward80February 27, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This device is quite nice. I like the separate box since I plug it into my AV receiver. That way its easy to change source from Roku to Blueray player, and so forth. Also it then handles the audio. It's painful if it either plugged into tv or on the smart TV to deal with source changing that involves more then the number of HDMI inputs on your TV.What's lacking for me:- A REAL browser- Where's 7.1 or 7.2?- Better remote that has just a bit more to control the receiver. I like the enclosed remote feel, but it doesn't do enough.David90February 27, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The ROKU Ultra was easy to setup with the exception of the volume/power control for older TVs. It was worth the extra steps to get that working. It worked well out of the box and made my old "dumb" LCD TV smarter! I liked it so much, I purchased another.
Key Specs
TYPE
Audio / video player
VIDEO SERVICES
Netflix, Amazon, Youtube
AUDIO SERVICES
Pandora, Spotify
VIDEO CODEC SUPPORT
H264, Mpeg4
AUDIO CODEC SUPPORT
Aac, Flac, Mp3, Wav, Wma
VIDEO OUTPUTS
HDMI
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Via HDMI
WIFI
Yes
ETHERNET
10/100/1000 [Gigabit]
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