TLDR Review: Roku Ultra 2024
Pros
- •Consistently praised as the best Roku streaming device available, delivering excellent 4K HDR picture quality with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
- •Features a significantly faster quaore processor providing about 30% better performance and near-instant app loading, making streaming and menu navigation snappy and smooth.
- •Supports Wi 6 for reliable, high-speed wireless connectivity and includes an Ethernet port for stable wired networking.
- •Comes with the upgraded Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition) featuring US rechargeable battery, backlit buttons, voice control, customizable shortcut buttons, and a remote finder to prevent losing it.
- •User interface is straightforward, intuitive, and easy to navigate with a vast selection of apps and an expansive lineup of free and live TV options built into the Roku ecosystem.
- •Private listening through the remote works well, offering discreet audio experience without disturbing others.
- •Strong app compatibility with the Roku OS platform, including Apple AirPlay support for smooth integration with Apple devices.
- •The device’s sleek, compact design fits discreetly into most entertainment setups.
- •Excellent for corutters due to the broad range of free and ad-supported live TV channels accessible via the Roku Channel and Roku Live TV app.
- •Remote’s rechargeable battery charges quickly and can even charge while in use, reducing downtime.
Cons
- •The remote requires regular charging since it uses a rechargeable battery; some users find this inconvenient compared to traditional noechargeable remotes.
- •No optical audio output, which limits connectivity options for some advanced home theater setups.
- •Voice commands on the remote are effective for basic searches but lack the depth and smart assistant integration found in Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
- •The interface, while functional, is considered somewhat dated and less sleek compared to competitors like Apple TV or Google TV.
- •Content suggestions and live TV recommendations can be overly aggressive and not always well tailored, leading to some annoyance.
- •Lacks HDMI pashrough and smart home hub capabilities, so it can't replace multiple devices or control smart home gadgets.
- •Some minor issues with system updates causing occasional delays or mild bugs, though these are not widespread or severe.
- •Increased data consumption reported by some users, so monitoring bandwidth might be necessary.
- •Remote’s voice control can sometimes be less responsive than expected, and initial setup with eARC sound bars may require some troubleshooting.
- •Limited port variety with just one HDMI, one Ethernet, and one US port — suitable for most but might feel restrictive to power users.
Bottom Line
The Roku Ultra 2024 is the crème de la crème of Roku streaming players, perfect for users who demand ultra-smooth 4K HDR streaming, fast performance, and a premium, feature-packed remote. While the rechargeable remote and slightly dated interface might not wow everyone, the device’s robust streaming options, Wi-Fi 6 support, and excellent integration with free live TV make it a compelling choice for cord-cutters and tech enthusiasts alike. If you want a streaming player with more advanced voice assistant features or an optical audio output, you might want to explore alternatives, though for pure speed and streaming quality, Roku Ultra 2024 stands strong.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 5 retailers to give you the short version.
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