Roku streaming devices and smart TVs can be found just about anywhere this kind of tech is sold. For those unaware, Roku is one of the O.G. smart streamers, and close to 20 years later, these plug-and-play gadgets are still some of the best options on the market. Roku TV OS is simple to navigate, and a web-connected Roku device offers thousands of entertainment apps, including top services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. Not to mention the hundreds of free live TV stations it provides access to.
As you can guess, there are several Roku streaming devices and smart TVs to choose from, but this list includes the top Roku gear available.
Top Roku streaming devices and smart TVs
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
One of our favorite plug-and-play peripherals
Long-range internet, stellar HDR support, and a rechargeable remote are all reasons why we’re calling the Roku Streaming Stick 4K our favorite Roku device.
- Fast internet speeds
- Excellent user interface
- Supports leading HDR formats
- Great price
- No Dolby Atmos support
We think the Roku Streaming Stick 4K will be the best Roku device for most users. Not only has it won numerous awards throughout the consumer tech space, but there’s no beating the space-saving design. Whether your TV is wall-mounted or sitting on a stand, the Streaming Stick 4K plugs directly into an HDMI port, so once it’s connected, you’re not going to see it. Beyond the hideaway aesthetic though, there’s plenty more to love about the company’s flagship stick.
For starters, you’ll be able to enjoy every major HDR format, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Then there’s the near-unfathomable amount of streaming channels you’ll be able to access, including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+. The remote control even has a built-in mic for voice searches, so you won’t have to type in long search terms. That same mic is also nice for searching for movies, shows, and other content using things actor names, genres, and other umbrella terminology.
Read Our Review
Review: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is as close to perfection as streaming sticks get
Roku is at the top of its game
The Streaming Stick 4K also features revamped Wi-Fi performance, so you should have little in the way of buffering troubles, regardless of how far away your router is. If Dolby Atmos is important, you may want to consider the Roku Ultra, as none of the Streaming Stick models support the audio codec.
Roku Ultra (2024)
The best Roku streaming device just got even better
The new and improved Roku Ultra (2024) brings several advancements to the table, including a faster CPU, 32GB of storage, an Ethernet port, and terrific HDR and Dolby Atmos capabilities.
- Up to 30 percent faster than the previous model
- Excellent HDR support
- Has Ethernet and USB-A ports
- Stores up to 32GB
- Competitive devices have better voice controls
- On the pricey side for a streaming device
The Roku Ultra last received an upgrade in 2022, so while it was surprising that it received a revamp only two years later, there are several meaningful improvements to the 2024 version. Chief among these is up to 30% faster performance, thanks to an enhanced CPU. Expect fast load times and minimal UI lag. And thanks to its built-in Ethernet port, you can ditch Wi-Fi in favor of hardwired internet, which will give you even faster performance!
The Ultra (2024) features class-leading HDR support, covering formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. Atmos compatibility is standard, too, so you can experience immersive surround sound when watching certain movies and shows. We’re also glad to see the Voice Remote Pro bundled with the Ultra, which features a rechargeable battery and backlit buttons.
Read Our Review
Review: The updated Roku Ultra is still the best jack-of-all-trades streaming device
Speed bump and new voice remote? Yes, please.
Great picture and sound await you, along with access to an immense library of streaming apps, movies, shows, and Roku-powered smart home controls. The Roku Ultra (2024) may not be the cheapest streaming device Roku produces, but it’s the best Roku streamer money can buy.
Roku Express 4K+
If every dollar counts, trust in the Roku Express 4K+
4K, HDR10+, and AirPlay 2 are all available on the Roku Express 4K+, and it doesn’t cost as much as some of the company’s other products.
- 4K and HDR10+ support
- Great web performance
- Solid price
- Not as fast as the Streaming Stick 4K
- No Dolby Vision support
- Requires power and HDMI
The Roku Express 4K+ is pretty neck and neck with the lesser-priced Roku Express and the more expensive Roku Streaming Stick 4K. So wait a second, you may be saying: Why would we recommend the in-between model if this is our value pick?
This is because we thought a difference of a few dollars between both Express models wasn’t too egregious. And when you break it down, an extra five bucks gets you access to 4K and HDR10+, both of which are missing on the regular Express model.
Read Our Review
The Express 4K+ is also compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, and is AirPlay 2-ready. You’ll also have the option of connecting to either a 2.4GHz or 5GHz network band. If picture quality and web performance are top priorities though, you should spend an extra $10 on the Streaming Stick 4K.
Roku 55-inch Plus Series QLED
Quantum dots make the world more colorful
We wish that the Roku Plus Series QLED had a native 120Hz refresh rate, because that’s just about the only thing missing from this budget-friendly set that delivers big on picture quality and web performance.
- Great Roku TV OS experience
- Deep contrast levels
- Four HDMI ports
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- Lacks more advanced picture features
Did you know that Roku actually makes its very own TVs? There aren’t many models available, but we wanted to call attention to the brand’s top-shelf offering, the Roku 55-inch Plus Series QLED. Also available in 65 and 75-inch sizes, the Plus Series delivers an impressive picture, and supports leading HDR codecs like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. And in terms of smart content, everything we know and love about Roku’s streaming devices is on full display here.
One of the only drawbacks with the Plus Series is its native refresh rate, which tops out at just 60Hz. The TV also doesn’t have the greatest off-center performance either, which can result in colors being washed out. Sports fanatics, movie enthusiasts, and diehard gamers may want to look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for a solid TV that won’t break the bank, the Roku Plus Series shouldn’t be ignored.
Roku 65-inch Select Series 4K LED TV
Come for the Roku TV OS, stay for the great 4K picture
The Roku Select Series 4K LED is a great option for folks looking for a nice-looking smart TV that rocks one of the most reliable smart interfaces on the market. You’ll also get HDR10+ and HLG support when viewing compatible content. And you don’t have to break the bank for a 65-inch TV, considering that it can usually be found for less than $450.
- Great picture quality
- HDR10+ and HLG support
- Fast load times and smooth UI navigation
- Several sizes available
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- No HDMI 2.1 ports
- No VRR or ALLM support
If you’re in the market for a Roku-powered smart TV, but want to keep spending to a minimum, look no further than the Roku 65-inch Select Series 4K LED. Right off the bat, you’ll receive great picture quality, complete with stunning brightness levels, a wide color gamut, and solid contrast levels. The TV’s native 60Hz refresh rate may not be what gamers and sports fans are looking for, but this isn’t to say you can’t connect a PS5 or Nintendo Switch to this bad boy.
On top of HDR10+ and HLG support, Roku TV OS is ready to unlock a world of streaming content. It offers access to Netflix, Disney+, and other popular streaming services, along with Apple AirPlay capabilities and Roku smart home controls. Available in 43, 50, 55, 65, and 75-inch sizes, it’s hard to go wrong with a Roku-powered smart TV, especially one that’s designed and engineered by Roku from the ground-up (unlike Hisense and TCL’s smart TVs that are powered by Roku TV OS).
Hisense 43-inch R6 Series
Perfect for bedrooms, offices, and smaller living spaces
It may not be a flagship Samsung QD-OLED, but if you’re looking for a great Roku-powered TV that you can place in a brightly lit room, we recommend checking out the R6 Series.
- Excellent price
- Good picture quality
- Works with Google Assistant
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- Not as bright or colorful as more advanced models
Similar to TCL, Hisense is another brand that partners up with Roku for its user interface and smart platform. Such is the case with the Hisense 43-inch R6 Series, a great LED for a bedroom, office, or smaller living space. When it comes to brightness, colors, and contrast, the R6 may not deliver on the same level of our aforementioned TCL model, but one of the biggest wins here is 4K resolution on a screen that’s smaller than 55 inches.
The R6 Series is often on sale, but even the full retail price isn’t too shabby ($290). On top of Roku’s plethora of streaming apps and other UI elements, the R6 is also compatible with Google Assistant. The only drawback is you’ll need a separate device, like a smart speaker or smart display, to control the TV with voice commands.
Roku Streambar SE
Bigger, better sound and enhanced dialogue clarity
The Roku Streambar SE is equal parts soundbar and streaming device. Expect big improvements to dialogue clarity, as well as unbound access to all the streaming apps and web-connected features you’d normally get from a Roku streaming device.
- Great sound quality
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and optical connections
- Doubles as a Roku streaming device
- Small enough to fit under most flatscreen TVs
- Limited HDR support
- No wireless subwoofer
Modern TVs are phenomenal when it comes to picture quality but rather lackluster when it comes to audio. Fortunately, Roku’s Streambar SE solves that problem by replacing your TV speakers altogether. With its two premium speakers and bass port, you’ll get a bigger soundstage, along with a lovely balance of highs, mids, and lows. With its quick and easy HDMI connectivity, you can connect the soundbar to any HD TV, and the digital optical port lets you route all TV audio through the Streambar SE.
On top of Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming from your phone or tablet, the Roku Streambar SE also has an entire Roku TV OS-powered streaming device built in. This means you’ll can use the Streambar SE to watch Netflix, use AirPlay, and more.
Roku Express
Barebones is as barebones does
While it doesn’t reach the 4K heights of its many siblings, the Roku Express is the most competitively-priced Roku device you’re going to find. It’s also no straggler when it comes to web performance.
- Best price
- Solid web performance
- Simple setup
- Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- HD-only
- Lacks many features found on other Roku devices
We’ve made mention of the Roku Express in this roundup, and while we’re more likely to recommend models like the Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Express 4K+, there’s still a place in our hearts for the standard Express model. If money is of the utmost concern, it’s by far the cheapest Roku peripheral you can get your hands on, and it’s not too bad in the picture quality department either.
Our big suggestion with this item is to buy it for a small TV. Why? Because the Roku Express only supports HD signals up to 1080p. If you have a 40-inch or smaller 4K TV, you probably won’t notice much of a difference in the resolution, but you may with a bigger screen. The Express remote also doesn’t have any TV controls, which is a nice perk you’ll find with any other Roku model.
Roku shows no signs of stopping
Whether you’re looking for an advanced streamer with state-of-the-art HDR capabilities and lightning-fast internet speeds or a basic plug-and-play device you can take on the go, Roku has you covered. But most folks will be delighted with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. With its long-range Wi-Fi capabilities, top-notch HDR support, and a conveniently rechargeable remote, the Streaming Stick 4K is usually less than $50 and can be ordered through several major retailers.
If money is no object, and you simply want the best Roku streamer ever made, we urge you to consider the Roku Ultra (2024). The latest version of this flagship tech features a revamped processor, up to 32GB of storage, and Ethernet connectivity should you decide to connect the Ultra directly to your router.
The budget-friendly Roku Express 4K+ is another excellent Roku option that delivers a brilliant 4K picture and fast internet performance. The device even comes with an HDMI cable.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
One of our favorite plug-and-play peripherals
Long-range internet, stellar HDR support, and a rechargeable remote are all reasons why we’re calling the Roku Streaming Stick 4K our favorite Roku device.
