Best Roku OS Streaming Players

TL;DR: The Roku Ultra delivers 30% faster performance, 4K 60 fps Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos, 2 GB RAM, and a premium rechargeable Voice Remote Pro, all for $79.

The standout spec is the 30% performance boost over prior Roku models, backed by 2 GB of system RAM and 4 GB of internal storage. It streams 3840 × 2160 video at 60 fps and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Atmos, giving you cinema‑grade picture and sound without a separate receiver.

Compared with the other six players, the Ultra sits at the higher end of the price range and offers more RAM than the Roku SE (0 GB) and the Streaming Stick 4K (1 GB). It matches the Ultra LT’s 2 GB RAM but is far lighter than the Ultra LT’s 167 g, while still heavier than the ultra‑light Roku 2 XS at 8.5 g. Its rechargeable Voice Remote Pro, complete with backlit buttons, headphone jack, remote finder and hands‑free voice, out‑features the SE’s basic remote with just a headphone jack and quick‑access buttons.

Users consistently praise the ultra‑fast app launches and smooth 4K streaming over Wi‑Fi 6, noting the convenience of the remote finder and headphone jack for late‑night viewing. Professional reviewers highlight the “lightning‑fast performance” and vivid HDR playback. The main complaints revolve around the lack of Apple AirPlay 2/HomeKit integration, the barrel‑style power connector, and occasional shipping limits to PO boxes or certain U.S. territories.

From a technical standpoint, the Ultra includes Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) and a Gigabit Ethernet port for rock‑solid connectivity, while drawing just 3‑4 W during 1080p streaming. It draws power from a 12 V, 1.5 A USB‑C input (or barrel connector) and measures 127 mm × 25.4 mm × 124.5 mm, weighing just 18 g (≈0.04 lb).

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Roku Streaming Stick HD offers 1080p streaming, a voice‑enabled remote and a tiny 12.7 mm profile for under $18, making it a solid budget pick for HD‑only TVs.

At just 12.7 mm tall, 93.98 mm long and 20.32 mm wide, the stick measures only a few centimeters and weighs 60 g (0.13 lb), so it slips behind the TV without blocking neighboring HDMI ports. It runs on an ARM Cortex A55 processor, 0.51 GB of RAM and 512 MB of internal storage, and draws less than 3.5 W while streaming, which keeps the TV’s USB power supply happy.

Compared with the other six Roku models in this roundup, the Streaming Stick HD sits at the lower end of the price spectrum and carries a lighter hardware package. It's heavier than the Roku Premiere (0.08 lb) but lighter than the Roku Ultra LT (167 g). Its 1080p maximum resolution is a step down from the 4K‑capable Roku Streaming Stick 4K, yet it matches the entry‑level resolution ceiling of the Roku SE. The device also includes a Roku Voice Remote with TV power, volume and mute controls—a feature that many higher‑priced models share, but it does so at a fraction of the cost.

Professional reviewers highlight the ultra‑compact design and the convenience of a voice remote that can control the TV itself. Users appreciate the ability to access over 500 free HD channels, but they also note the lack of 4K or HDR support and the modest 512 MB storage, which can feel tight when installing larger apps. The UI runs at 720p, which some find less crisp than the full‑HD video output.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Roku Ultra LT streams 4K HDR at 60 fps with a quad‑core 1.5 GHz CPU, 2 GB RAM and Dolby Vision support, all for $49.75, though it lacks a USB port.

The standout hardware is the quad‑core 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex A55/A53 processor paired with 2 GB of RAM, which the platform’s reviewers say makes navigation feel snappy and app launches quick. It delivers 3840 × 2160 resolution at 60 fps and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, giving a vibrant picture on any 4K TV.

At 167 g and measuring 127 mm × 124.4 mm × 25.4 mm, the Ultra LT is noticeably larger and heavier than the stick‑style Roku Streaming Stick 4K (about 26 g) and Roku SE (31 g). However, it matches the full‑size Roku Ultra’s 2 GB RAM while offering more memory than the Streaming Stick 4K’s 1 GB and the SE’s 0 GB. Its microSD slot adds local playback capability that the Streaming Stick 4K doesn’t list.

Users praise the sharp 4K picture and the voice remote with private‑listening headphones, noting the remote runs on a single lithium‑polymer battery. Common complaints focus on the absence of a USB port, which limits direct connection of external drives, and occasional Wi‑Fi hiccups despite the 802.11ac dual‑band Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth streaming support.

Best for: Budget‑conscious 4K TV owners who want premium streaming quality, Dolby Vision HDR, and a compact yet fully featured device.

Avoid if: You rely heavily on USB storage, need an ultra‑light portable streamer, or expect a device with extensive local media ports.

TL;DR: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K streams 4K HDR with Dolby Vision for $39.88, offering 1 GB RAM, 4 GB storage, and a 26 g, hide‑away design that fits behind any TV.

The stick measures just 3.7 × 0.8 × 0.45 inches and weighs 26.0 g (0.056 lb), making it one of the lightest devices in the lineup. It supports 2160p (3840 × 2160) at 60 fps and all major HDR formats—Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG—so you’ll see vivid colors and deep contrast on any 4K TV.

Compared with its peers, the Streaming Stick 4K offers more RAM than the Roku Streaming Stick HD’s 0.51 GB and a larger 4 GB internal storage versus that model’s 512 MB. At 26 g it’s considerably lighter than the Roku Ultra LT’s 167 g chassis, and its $39.88 price point sits below the Ultra LT’s listed price. The device also outpaces the Roku Premiere’s 0.08 lb weight, while still providing comparable HDR performance.

Users consistently praise the easy setup, the crisp 4K picture and the long‑range Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) connection that keeps streaming smooth even in hard‑to‑reach spots. Professional reviewers note the “breathtaking” Dolby Vision rendering and the convenience of a voice remote that controls TV power, volume and mute. The only recurring gripe is the lack of an Ethernet port, which some users feel limits network stability, and the 1 GB RAM can lead to occasional UI lag when juggling many apps.

Under the hood, the stick runs on an ARM Cortex A55 processor with OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics, drawing less than 3.5 W during typical 4K streaming. Audio passes through as digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround or Dolby‑encoded streams over HDMI, ensuring cinema‑like sound without extra cables. The included voice remote uses two AAA batteries and adds TV power and volume shortcuts, a handy feature for wall‑mounted or secondary screens.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Roku Premiere packs a quad‑core 1.2 GHz processor, 4K HDR10 video and a voice‑remote into a 0.08‑pound, 84 mm‑deep box for under $30, making it a solid entry‑level streamer.

What sets the Premiere apart is its 1.2 GHz quad‑core ARM processor paired with native 4K 3840 × 2160 resolution at 60 Hz and HDR10 support. The unit measures just 84 mm deep, 17 mm high and 36 mm wide, and weighs 0.08 pounds (36 g), so it slides behind most TVs without crowding the shelf.

Compared with the other six Roku models, the Premiere sits in the middle of the weight range: it’s heavier than the ultra‑compact Roku Ultra (about 0.04 pounds) and the tiny Roku 2 XS (0.02 pounds), but lighter than the Streaming Stick HD (around 0.13 pounds) and the Streaming Stick 4K (about 0.06 pounds). Its dimensions are larger than the stick‑style devices, yet far smaller than the bulkier Roku Ultra LT, which measures 127 mm deep and weighs 167 g.

Users consistently praise the quick plug‑and‑play setup, the included premium HDMI cable and the voice‑enabled remote that works without a separate power source. Professional reviewers note the “snappy performance” of the quad‑core CPU and the crisp HDR picture. The main complaints revolve around the lack of an Ethernet port and the older micro‑USB power connector, which can make Wi‑Fi reliability a concern in weak‑signal homes.

On the connectivity side, the Premiere offers HDMI 2.0 output, Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) dual‑band, and audio support for Dolby Digital and DTS passthrough. The simple IR remote includes voice control and shortcut buttons, and the package ships with two AAA batteries, a power adapter/USB cable and a user manual.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Roku 2 XS packs a 1080p HD player, motion‑sensing remote and Ethernet port into a 84 mm square that weighs just 8.5 g, but it costs $92.08 and lacks 4K support.

The standout dimension is its ultra‑compact footprint – 84 mm deep, 84 mm wide and only 23 mm tall – which lets it sit in the palm of your hand or slip behind any TV. It also comes with a Bluetooth game remote that senses motion, letting you play the pre‑installed Angry Birds without an extra controller.

Compared with the six other Roku players in this roundup, the 2 XS is the lightest (8.5 g versus 18 g for the Ultra and 26 g or more for the sticks) and the smallest (its 84 mm depth is shorter than the Ultra’s 127 mm and the SE’s 119 mm). However, it offers less internal storage – 500 MB versus the 4 GB found in the Ultra, Ultra LT and Streaming Stick 4K – and the spec sheet doesn't list any RAM, whereas several peers note 1 GB or 2 GB. It does include a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, a feature the stick‑style devices lack, giving you a wired‑network option for steadier HD streams.

User sentiment praises the plug‑and‑play setup, the tiny size and the motion‑sensing remote for casual gaming. Professional reviewers highlight the dual Wi‑Fi (802.11n) and Ethernet connectivity as “unbeatable speed” for HD content. The downside noted by both users and experts is that the device is an older generation – it doesn't list 4K or HDR support and its 500 MB storage can feel restrictive for many apps. Power consumption stays low at under 2 W during typical HD streaming, and the 5.2 V / 1.5 A power adapter keeps the unit energy‑efficient.

Best for: Budget‑conscious cord‑cutters who need a simple HD streaming box that fits anywhere and offers wired networking.

Avoid if: You require 4K/HDR video, large internal storage, or the latest streaming features.

TL;DR: The Roku SE streams 1080p HD at 60 fps from a tiny 119 mm‑deep, 31 g box for $70.24, offering a solid channel lineup but no 4K or voice remote.

The standout spec is its 1080p @ 60 fps video output paired with a 60 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth HD playback on any non‑4K TV. Its compact chassis—119 mm deep, 39 mm wide, and 72 mm tall—means it slides easily behind the screen, and at just 31 g it’s lighter than most plug‑in players.

Compared with the six other Roku models, the SE sits in the middle of the size and weight spectrum: it’s shallower than the Roku Ultra’s 127 mm depth and lighter than the Ultra LT’s 167 g chassis, yet heavier than the ultra‑light 2 XS (8.5 g) and Streaming Stick 4K (26.0 g). The SE’s 0 GB trails the Ultra’s 2 GB and the Streaming Stick 4K’s 1 GB, leading reviewers to note occasional app lag. Unlike the Streaming Stick 4K and Premiere, the SE lacks 4K/HDR support and a voice‑enabled remote.

Users consistently praise the plug‑and‑play experience: the included high‑speed HDMI cable and remote with a headphone jack make setup a breeze, and the Roku OS gives access to over 2,000 channels. Professional reviewers highlight the breadth of content as a major plus, but they also flag the missing 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision as drawbacks for modern TV owners. The dual‑band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) Wi‑Fi helps maintain a steady stream, though the older 2019 hardware can feel slower than newer Roku Ultra models.

Best for: Budget‑conscious households with HD (non‑4K) TVs that want a simple, reliable streaming solution.

Avoid if: You require 4K/HDR video, Dolby Vision, or a voice‑enabled remote.