Best Roku Streaming Players

TL;DR: For $17.99, the Roku Streaming Stick HD offers a tiny 60 g design, voice remote and 1080p HD streaming, but lacks 4K/HDR and has modest storage, making it a solid budget pick.

The stick measures just 12.7 mm in height, 20.32 mm wide and 93.98 mm long, and weighs 0.1322773572 lb (60 g), so it slides neatly behind most TVs without blocking adjacent HDMI ports. It draws up to 3.5 W while streaming and runs on a 5 V USB power input, so you don't need an extra wall adapter.

Compared with the six other Roku players in this roundup, the Streaming Stick HD is heavier than the ultra‑light Roku 2 XS, Roku Ultra, Roku Ultra LT, Roku Premiere, Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku SE, but it is still lighter than the bulkier box‑style Roku Ultra LT. Its price of $17.99 positions it as the most affordable option, undercutting the higher‑priced Ultra and Ultra LT models.

Reviewers consistently praise the ultra‑compact form factor and the voice remote that controls TV power, volume and mute, while noting the lack of 4K or HDR support as a limitation. The device runs an ARM Cortex A55 processor with 0.51 GB RAM and 512 MB of internal storage, delivering 1080 p maximum video and a 720 p UI. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 headphone mode, Apple HomeKit integration, and gives access to more than 500 free HD channels.

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

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The Roku Ultra delivers a 30% speed boost, 2 GB RAM, and full‑stack 4K 60 fps Dolby Vision HDR with a premium rechargeable remote for a smooth, cinema‑like streaming experience.

The standout spec offers a 30% faster interface backed by 2 GB of system RAM and 4 GB of internal storage, letting apps launch instantly. It also supports 4K UHD at 60 fps with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and Dolby Atmos, all through an HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.2) connection.

Compared with the other six Roku players, the Ultra is deeper than the Roku SE (127 mm vs 119 mm) and the Roku 2 XS (84 mm), but it’s markedly shorter than the Ultra LT (25.4 mm vs 124.4 mm). At 18 g it’s lighter than the SE (31 g), the Ultra LT (167 g), and the Streaming Stick HD (60 g), though a bit heavier than the 2 XS (8.5 g). Its 2 GB RAM outpaces the SE’s 0 GB and the Streaming Stick 4K’s 1 GB, while its 4 GB storage matches the Stick 4K and dwarfs the 2 XS’s 500 MB and the Stick HD’s 512 MB.

Reviewers love the ultra‑fast app launches and the convenience of the Voice Remote Pro, which includes backlit buttons, a headphone jack, and a remote‑finder feature. Professionals highlight the “lightning‑fast performance” and vivid HDR playback. The main complaints focus on the lack of Apple AirPlay 2/HomeKit integration and the barrel‑style power connector, which some users find less convenient than a standard USB‑C wall adapter.

Power consumption stays modest at 3‑4 W during 1080p streaming, and the device can draw 12 V – 1.5 A via USB‑C or a barrel connector. Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Gigabit Ethernet give you a solid network backbone, while Bluetooth headphone mode lets you listen privately.

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 Premiere delivers 4K HDR10 streaming with a quad‑core 1.2 GHz processor in a tiny 84 mm × 17 mm × 36 mm, 0.08 lb body for under $30.

The standout spec is its native 3840 × 2160 resolution at 60 Hz, backed by a quad‑core 1.2 GHz ARM processor. HDR10 support and 4K upscaling let even 720p or 1080p sources look sharper on a compatible TV, while the HDMI 2.0 output ensures a smooth 60 Hz signal.

Compared with its peers, the Premiere is lighter than the Roku Streaming Stick HD (0.13 lb vs 0.08 lb) and slimmer than the Roku Ultra LT (127 mm depth vs 84 mm). It's a bit heavier than the Streaming Stick 4K (≈0.06 lb) but still far more compact than the Ultra models, which weigh 167 g and 18 g respectively. Unlike the Ultra LT and Ultra, it lacks an Ethernet port, and its micro‑USB power input is older than the USB‑C‑style connectors on newer sticks.

Professional reviewers praise the device’s “excellent value as an entry‑level 4K streamer” and note the “snappy performance” of its quad‑core CPU. Users love the plug‑and‑play setup, voice‑controlled remote and the crisp HDR picture, but many report occasional Wi‑Fi drops in weak‑signal areas and miss the option for a wired network connection.

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 Ultra LT delivers 4K HDR streaming with a quad‑core 1.5 GHz CPU, 2 GB RAM, and Dolby Vision support for $49.75, making it a solid mid‑range choice with a compact design.

At the heart of the Ultra LT is a quad‑core 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex A55/A53 processor paired with 2 GB of RAM, which the specs say enables fast navigation and quick app launches. It pushes a native 3840 × 2160 resolution at 60 fps and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, so you’ll see vibrant colors on any 4K TV.

Compared with the other six Roku models, the Ultra LT sits heavier at 167 g, while the Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Premiere and the full‑size Ultra all weigh under 40 g. It also carries more RAM than the Streaming Stick 4K’s 1 GB, putting it on par with the Ultra’s 2 GB. Price‑wise, it lands above the Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Premiere but below the full Ultra, offering a middle ground in the lineup.

Users consistently praise the sharp 4K picture and the responsive UI, noting the voice remote’s built‑in headphones for private listening. Professional reviewers point out the solid quad‑core CPU and Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) as strong technical foundations. The most common complaints focus on the lack of a USB port and the limited storage of only a microSD slot, as well as occasional Wi‑Fi connectivity hiccups.

Additional technical details include an HDMI 2.0 output, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, Bluetooth streaming, and Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio. The remote runs on a single lithium‑polymer battery, though the manufacturer doesn’t list exact battery life. The manufacturer includes a one‑year limited warranty.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Avoid if: You rely heavily on USB storage or need extensive local media playback

TL;DR: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K streams 4K HDR video with Dolby Vision and a voice‑controlled remote in a 26 g stick for $39.88, though its 1 GB RAM can feel modest during heavy multitasking.

The stick tops out at 2160p (3840 × 2160) at 60 fps and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, giving you vivid color and contrast on any 4K TV. Under the hood sits an ARM Cortex A55 processor, OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics, 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage, while power draw stays up to 3.5 W during typical streaming. Its dimensions are 3.7 × 0.8 × 0.45 inches and it weighs just 26.0 g (0.05625 lb).

At 26.0 g, the stick is lighter than the bulkier Roku Ultra LT (167 g) and the Roku Streaming Stick HD (60 g), yet a touch heavier than the ultra‑compact Roku 2 XS (8.5 g). With 1 GB RAM it sits between the low‑end Roku SE, which lists 0 GB, and the higher‑end Ultra LT and Roku Ultra, both offering 2 GB. Its 4 GB storage matches the Ultra’s capacity and far exceeds the 512 MB found in the Streaming Stick HD and the 500 MB in the 2 XS.

Users rave about the effortless setup and the crisp 4K picture, especially the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ boost that professional reviewers describe as “breathtaking.” Reviewers praise the dual‑band Wi‑Fi 5 antenna for maintaining a steady connection even in hard‑to‑reach spots. On the downside, the lack of an Ethernet port means you can’t fall back to a wired link, and the 1 GB of RAM sometimes leads to UI lag when many apps run simultaneously. The voice remote, which runs on two AAA batteries, also draws complaints for frequent battery swaps.

Beyond video, the device passes digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround and Dolby‑encoded audio through HDMI, and the included voice remote lets you power the TV on/off, adjust volume and mute without reaching for another controller. All of this runs on a USB‑type A power input (5 V – 1 A), keeping the stick tidy and easy to hide behind the TV.

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 delivers compact 1080p HD streaming with a motion‑sensing Bluetooth remote, dual Wi‑Fi/Ethernet connectivity, and expandable storage, but its older feature set and premium price may limit appeal.

The standout spec of the Roku 2 XS is its ultra‑small chassis – 84 mm × 23 mm × 84 mm – and a weight of just 0.02 lb (8.5 g), making it fit in the palm of your hand. Its Bluetooth 3.0 game remote adds motion sensing and even comes pre‑loaded with Angry Birds, turning a typical streaming box into a casual gaming device.

When you compare it with the six other Roku models in this roundup, the 2 XS weighs just 0.02 lb—lighter than the Ultra (0.04 lb), Streaming Stick 4K (0.06 lb), Premiere (0.08 lb) and Streaming Stick HD (0.13 lb)—and its 84 mm depth keeps it more compact than the Ultra, SE and Ultra LT, which measure 119 mm–127 mm. However, it lacks the newer hardware found in those peers – no 4K support, no Dolby Atmos, and a smaller internal storage footprint.

Reviewers consistently praise how easy the device is to set up and how the tiny form factor slips behind any TV without crowding the cabinet. Users also like the dual connectivity: 802.11n Wi‑Fi and a 10/100 Base‑T Ethernet port give flexible network options, and the power draw stays up to 2 W during HD streaming. On the downside, the 500 MB internal storage feels restrictive, especially compared with the 4 GB or 5 GB found in newer Roku boxes, and the lack of 4K/HDR means it may feel dated for viewers who have upgraded their displays.

The device runs on a 5.2 V / 1.5 A power supply and offers expandable storage via microSD or USB, which can mitigate the modest 500 MB built‑in capacity. Audio output includes analog stereo via a mini‑jack and digital HDMI 5.1 surround pass‑through, supporting AAC and MP3 formats. Minimum internet speed of 1.2 Mbps (recommended 5 Mbps) ensures smooth 1080p playback, and the included remote’s motion sensing adds a playful twist to everyday streaming.

Best for: Users who prioritize a tiny form factor and a motion‑sensing remote for straightforward HD streaming.

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

TL;DR: The Roku SE streams 1080p HD via a compact 31 g player for $70.24, offering over 2,000 channels but no 4K or HDR, making it a solid budget choice for non‑4K TVs.

At just 31 g and measuring 119 mm deep, 72 mm high and 39 mm wide, the Roku SE is one of the smallest full‑size streaming players you can find. It delivers 1080p video at 60 fps on a 60 Hz refresh‑rate panel, and it’s priced at $70.24 with a 4.5‑star rating from 1,356 reviewers.

When you line it up against the other six Roku options, the SE sits in the middle of the pack. The Roku Ultra lists a weight of 0.04 lb, which is lighter than the SE’s 31 g, but the Ultra also adds 2 GB of RAM and a gigabit Ethernet port that the SE lacks. The Ultra LT is noticeably heavier at 167 g and taller at 124.4 mm, while the Streaming Stick 4K weighs only 26 g and includes a voice‑controlled remote—features the SE’s basic remote with a headphone jack, which doesn't provide.

Users consistently praise the SE’s plug‑and‑play simplicity and its library of more than 2,000 channels and 250,000+ movies and TV episodes. Professional reviewers note the lack of 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision as a clear drawback for modern TVs, and some users mention occasional app lag, which they attribute to the older 2019 hardware and the lack of RAM.

Beyond the core specs, the SE supports dual‑band Wi‑Fi (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) and ships with a high‑speed HDMI cable and a remote that offers four quick‑access buttons and a headphone jack for private listening. There’s no external storage or Bluetooth listed, and the device runs the Roku OS (SE variant) with 0 GB of RAM.

Best for: Budget‑conscious households with HD (non‑4K) TVs who want a straightforward way to access a huge channel lineup.

Avoid if: You need 4K/HDR video, Dolby Vision, or a voice‑controlled remote for premium viewing.