TLDR Review: Roku Ultra
Verdict
The Roku Ultra shines with superb 4K streaming quality, a lightning-fast interface, and a remote packed with thoughtful features that make streaming a breeze. It’s perfect for users craving top-tier performance and convenience, but if you rely heavily on UK-specific apps like BBC iPlayer or want full Disney+/Prime Video support, this might leave you wanting. Also, if your current Roku is holding strong, consider whether the extras are worth the upgrade price. For a user who values fast streaming, solid app choices, and premium remote functionality, *Roku Ultra* is a smart pick.
- Top pro:
- Picture quality is clear and noticeably better than older Roku models, offering excellent 4K streaming with automatic detection and helpful prompts for optimal settings.
- Top con:
- Some software bugs remain, including issues with closed captioning and resuming shows, with customer support aware but no full fix yet.
Pros
- •Picture quality is clear and noticeably better than older Roku models, offering excellent 4K streaming with automatic detection and helpful prompts for optimal settings.
- •Extremely fast and responsive performance with no lag or loading issues, making streaming seamless.
- •Remote is a standout feature: backlit buttons for easy use in the dark, rechargeable battery lasting months, headphone jack for private listening, and a remote-finder beep button that works for all Roku remotes.
- •Easy and quick setup process, including automatic app syncing, simple sign-ins via QR codes, and fast TV recognition and pairing.
- •Includes useful ports like Ethernet and USB for wired internet connections and external media.
- •Remote controls TV power and volume, reducing the need for multiple remotes and simplifying navigation.
- •Supports a wide range of popular streaming apps including Sling, Disney/Hulu, Amazon Prime, ITV X, STV, and Now TV.
- •Compact and minimalistic design that blends well with any entertainment setup.
- •Consumes very little electricity compared to smart TV features, making it cost-effective over time.
Cons
- •Some software bugs remain, including issues with closed captioning and resuming shows, with customer support aware but no full fix yet.
- •Ads appear on the home screen, though they’re generally unobtrusive but might annoy some users.
- •UK app support is incomplete: while Channel 4 and Channel 5 apps are now supported, BBC iPlayer and U are still missing, which is a downside for full UK platform users.
- •Disney+ and Prime Video apps cannot be installed or used properly despite dedicated remote buttons, limiting experience for fans of those services.
- •No integrated search function, making content discovery less convenient.
- •Optical audio connections may require managing multiple remotes due to limited support in audio control.
- •If you already have a working Roku device, the upgrade might not be worth it given the price and the availability of cheaper options.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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