Sight And Sound Tv On Roku


Sarah Tew/CNET
Device Overview
Roku Ultra | Roku Streaming Stick 4K |
---|---|
• $100 • Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth • Connect to Apple tree products with AirPlay |
• $50 • Vox-powered remote control • Easy to install (and hide) on wall-mounted TVs |
Roku players are amid some of the about pop streaming devices, and the visitor offers a variety of options to fit different streaming setups. Two of its most pop options are the Roku Ultra and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
The Roku Ultra is one of Roku's most powerful players, boasting Dolby Vision cinematic picture quality and Dolby Atmos sound with Roku's Phonation Remote Pro. For those who prefer a streaming device that stays out of sight, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers a slim profile and simpler voice remote while even so boasting cinematic Dolby Vision picture quality.
These two streaming devices both offer a lot for the coin, and both are priced reasonably compared to a lot of other options. At that place are some cardinal differences, though, so permit's look at Roku Ultra and Roku Streaming Stick 4K to see which one is the all-time Roku device for y'all.
Comparing Roku Ultra vs. Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Ultra | Roku Streaming Stick 4K | |
Price | $100 | $50 |
Streaming quality | Upwards to 1080p on Hard disk TVs, up to 2160p at 60fps on 4K TVs, and supports Dolby Vision at 60fps, HDR10/10+ and HLG on 4K HDR TVs | Upwardly to 1080p on HD TVs, up to 2160p at 60fps on 4K TVs, and supports Dolby Vision at 60fps, HDR10/x+ and HLG on 4K HDR TVs |
Voice-enabled remote | Yep, with Alexa, Siri, and Hey Google | Yes, with Alexa, Siri, and Hey Google |
Connect to Tv via | HDMI 2.0b | HDMI 2.0b |
Headphones for private listening | Yes | Yes, but not included |
Roku Ultra vs. Roku Streaming Stick 4K Pricing
Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra'due south sticker cost is $100. However, y'all tin can often find a deal on this device. Roku has run sales, dropping the price down to $seventy or even lower.
Non just tin you buy the Ultra directly from Roku, but yous can also detect it at popular retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The cost may fluctuate depending on the retailer, but it'south mostly around $100 unless there is a special deal happening.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K comes in at half the cost of the Roku Ultra. At $fifty, this is already one of the best values you can detect for a streaming device. Plus, Roku and other retailers, like Amazon, often offer deals and discounts on the Streaming Stick 4K, dropping it to every bit low as $xxx.
Roku Ultra vs. Roku Streaming Stick 4K Features
Roku Ultra
Out of all Roku's streaming devices that don't include soundbars, the Roku Ultra offers Roku'due south height-of-the-line streaming experience. It's capable of peak-notch picture quality on high-end TVs (including Dolby Vision at 60 frames per second), simply it will also offer slap-up streaming feel on Hd and regular 4K TVs. Like any Roku device, the Roku Ultra has an easy setup experience. Simply plug it into your Tv set, connect to the net, and follow the prompts on the screen for setup. Once you're logged into your Roku account, yous can customize your habitation screen with a range of apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
You lot can operate the pro Roku remote with standard buttons and vocalisation control, likewise as through the Roku app. It works with Alexa, Siri, and Hey Google to give you easy access to what you demand. And while both the Roku Ultra and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offer individual listening through your phone, only the Roku Ultra comes with a pair of headphones to do then.
The Roku Ultra is a bulkier blueprint than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but it's still small plenty to be unassuming. At only 1-inch by 4.nine-inches by v-inches, you can easily tuck it abroad in your entertainment center. It also pairs with Apple AirPlay to go far easier to sync upward your Apple tree products.
When compared to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, one of the Roku Ultra's biggest standout features is its sound quality. Unlike the Streaming Stick, it includes Dolby Atmos audio for a completely cinematic viewing feel.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is even easier to fix up than the Roku Ultra. All y'all have to do is plug the stick into your Television's HDMI port, turn your Tv on, and connect to the internet. The screen will prompt you through the simple steps to finish your setup.
The remote for the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is your standard Roku remote (they're all largely the same), and information technology includes a phonation-activated push button. Like the Roku Ultra, the Roku Streaming Stick works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Information technology includes all the control buttons yous need, in addition to shortcuts to favorite apps, but information technology doesn't include hands-free controls like the Pro remote for the Roku Ultra. You tin also control your stick via the Roku remote app.
The Roku Streaming Stick is all about simplicity, so it'south nothing more than a stick y'all plug into your Television receiver. The sleek design makes information technology ideal for hiding backside your wall-mounted TVs, so you never accept to see it. It's much smaller than some of the other streaming devices.
Surprisingly, the Streaming Stick 4K doesn't sacrifice picture quality with its size, either. Depending on your Television receiver, you tin can view shows and movies in up to 2160p, just as you can with the Roku Ultra. You only won't go the same audio quality with the Streaming Stick 4K. You will besides cede some speed and convenience as the Streaming Stick 4K has slightly lower Wi-Fi speed and range, and its remote is not rechargeable.
In terms of titles, the devices are a trade-off. With both the Roku Ultra and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, you'll get all the same movies and TV shows since both are within the Roku family unit. Roku is packed with plenty of streaming goodness, including your favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more.
With all these streaming apps, you have admission to Oscar-winning movies, Emmy-winning Tv set shows, documentaries, reality Tv set, and everything in betwixt. As long every bit you have a subscription to these services, you tin install the apps on your Roku and start streaming. You tin also download a diverseness of music apps, such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and more.
What makes Roku particularly unique is the Roku Channel, which is included on both devices. This is Roku'south hub for costless TV and movies, which ways there'due south plenty to stream at no accuse -- no rentals, no purchases, just on-demand viewing. This channel has a keen selection of classic Tv set and movies, also as family-friendly viewing. Much similar other streaming services, its lineup changes from fourth dimension to time.
Y'all can also notice other costless channels and apps on your Roku to view sports and news, as well every bit top TV and movies. Gratis channels include CBS Sports, Crepitation, The CW, NBC News, PBS, Pluto Goggle box, and more.
Our Final Accept
For string cutters looking for a simple device, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a fine option. You'll go the same titles and picture show quality as you would with the Roku Ultra at a lower cost point.
With that said, the Roku Ultra does offer a slightly better all-around viewing feel past calculation Dolby Atmos sound and better Wi-Fi speed and range. Its rechargeable, hands-free remote is a nice bonus, too. Ultimately, the Roku Ultra might not exist worth twice as much as the Streaming Stick 4K, simply information technology's a neat deal if you can observe 1 on sale.
Source: https://www.tvguide.com/news/roku-ultra-vs-roku-streaming-stick/