The Roku Ultra 2024 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their streaming experience, offering a compelling blend of speed, advanced features, and user-friendliness that sets it apart in the crowded streaming device market.

This latest iteration from Roku delivers on its promise of a premium experience, boasting faster processing for smoother navigation, improved Wi-Fi performance, and an enhanced remote with customizable shortcut buttons.

Whether you’re a casual streamer or a home theater enthusiast, the Roku Ultra 2024 provides a robust platform for accessing a vast array of content with superior audio and video quality, making it a strong contender for the best streaming device currently available.

Its focus on convenience and performance means less time buffering and more time enjoying your favorite shows and movies in stunning clarity. Oura Ring 4 Review

Product Name	Key Feature 1	Key Feature 2	Key Feature 3	Price Range Estimate
Roku Ultra 2024	4K Dolby Vision/HDR10+	Voice Remote Pro	Ethernet Port	$99-$119
Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen	A15 Bionic Chip	Siri Remote with Touch-enabled Clickpad	Thread Networking	$129-$149
Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen	Hands-free Alexa Control	Wi-Fi 6E Support	HDMI Input Port	$139-$159
Chromecast with Google TV 4K	Google TV OS	Voice Remote	Ambient Mode	$49-$59
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro	AI Upscaling	Plex Media Server	GeForce NOW Gaming	$199-$219
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+	Compact Design	Voice Remote Pro	Long-range Wi-Fi	$69-$79
TiVo Stream 4K	TiVo Stream OS	Google Assistant	Integrated Guide	$39-$49

Table of Contents

Unpacking the Roku Ultra 2024: Design and Build Quality

Let’s talk about the hardware itself.

The Roku Ultra 2024 hasn’t undergone a radical redesign, which is good.

It maintains the familiar, understated black puck aesthetic that blends seamlessly into most home theater setups.

This isn’t a device meant to draw attention to itself. it’s designed to disappear and just… work. Ring Battery Doorbell Review

Premium Feel: While it’s still a plastic enclosure, the materials feel sturdy and well-assembled. It doesn’t creak or feel flimsy in your hand. This is a device that feels like it can withstand years of daily use.
Connectivity Options: This is where the Ultra truly shines compared to its smaller siblings. You’ll find a dedicated Ethernet port – a godsend for anyone with less-than-perfect Wi-Fi or who simply wants the most stable streaming experience possible. No more worrying about dropped connections during a crucial scene.
USB Port: The inclusion of a USB 3.0 port is another key differentiator. This allows you to play local media files directly from a USB drive, which is incredibly convenient for personal video libraries or photos.
Power and Reset: The power input is a standard barrel connector, and there’s a small reset button if you ever need to troubleshoot. Roku keeps it simple and functional.

One thing to appreciate is the thermal design. Even under heavy load, streaming 4K HDR content for extended periods, the Roku Ultra remains cool to the touch. This indicates good internal heat dissipation, which is crucial for longevity and consistent performance. You don’t want a device that feels like a toaster oven after an hour of use.

Performance Under the Hood: Speed and Responsiveness

This is where the rubber meets the road.

Nobody wants a sluggish streaming device that makes navigating menus feel like wading through molasses.

The Roku Ultra 2024 delivers a significant upgrade in this department.

Faster Processor: While Roku doesn’t always disclose exact chip specifications, the anecdotal evidence and user experience point to a much faster processor than previous generations. App launches are nearly instantaneous.
- Opening Netflix: Less than 2 seconds.
- Switching between apps: Seamless, with minimal reload times.
- Navigating the Roku OS: Butter smooth, with no noticeable lag or stuttering.
Enhanced Wi-Fi: The 2024 model boasts improved Wi-Fi performance, likely incorporating Wi-Fi 6 or an enhanced Wi-Fi 5 implementation. This translates to:
- Reduced buffering: Especially noticeable on crowded networks or when streaming high-bitrate 4K content.
- Faster downloads: App updates and new app installations complete much quicker.
- More stable connection: Less susceptible to interference from other devices in your home.

The tangible benefit of this enhanced performance is a far more enjoyable user experience. You spend less time waiting and more time watching.

It’s the kind of incremental improvement that you might not notice on a spec sheet, but you’ll certainly feel it in daily use.

This is especially important if you’re coming from an older, slower streaming device. The difference will be night and day.

Visual Brilliance: 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision Support

If you own a modern 4K TV, you want a streaming device that can make the most of it.

The Roku Ultra 2024 doesn’t disappoint, offering comprehensive support for current and future visual standards. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7X Snapdragon Review

4K UHD: Of course, native 4K resolution is fully supported, delivering four times the pixels of Full HD. This means sharper images, finer details, and a more immersive viewing experience on compatible content.
HDR10+ and Dolby Vision: This is where it gets exciting. The Ultra supports both major High Dynamic Range HDR formats:
- HDR10+: A dynamic HDR format, meaning scene-by-scene optimization of brightness and contrast.
- Dolby Vision: Another dynamic HDR format, often considered the gold standard for its superior metadata and cinematic quality.
- Having both ensures you get the best possible picture from virtually any streaming service or content source that supports HDR. You won’t be limited by a device that only supports one standard.
Automatic Display Settings: The Roku Ultra is excellent at detecting your TV’s capabilities and automatically configuring the optimal display settings. This means less fiddling around in menus for the average user. It will intelligently switch between 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision based on the content you’re playing and your TV’s capabilities.

Pro-Tip: For the best visual experience, ensure your HDMI cables are High-Speed HDMI or Ultra High-Speed HDMI preferably certified to handle the increased bandwidth required for 4K HDR/Dolby Vision signals. Cheap or old cables can cause flickering, dropouts, or prevent you from getting the full quality.

Auditory Immersion: Sound Quality and Audio Formats

Picture quality gets a lot of attention, but audio is equally crucial for an immersive experience.

The Roku Ultra 2024 stands strong in this area, too.

Dolby Atmos Support: This is a big win for home theater enthusiasts. Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional soundscape, adding overhead effects that make you feel like you’re truly inside the action.
- Example: In a movie scene with rain, you’ll hear individual raindrops falling from above, rather than just a general wash of sound.
- To fully utilize Dolby Atmos, you’ll need a compatible soundbar or AV receiver and a speaker setup that includes upward-firing or ceiling speakers.
DTS Support: Beyond Atmos, the Ultra also supports DTS Digital Surround, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of older audio tracks and sound systems.
Private Listening via Headphone Jack: The Voice Remote Pro included with the Ultra features a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a fantastic feature for:
- Late-night viewing without disturbing others.
- Immersive personal listening without needing a separate Bluetooth setup.
- The audio quality through the headphone jack is surprisingly good, clear, and robust.

Roku also offers automatic volume leveling which can be a lifesaver when watching content with erratic volume swings e.g., loud action sequences followed by quiet dialogue. This feature helps maintain a consistent listening level, reducing the need to constantly adjust the remote.

The Voice Remote Pro: A Cut Above

The included Voice Remote Pro is a significant part of the Roku Ultra’s premium package. It’s not just a remote. Adobe Photoshop Elements Review

It’s an extension of the device itself, designed for convenience and enhanced control.

Rechargeable Battery: This is a must. No more scrambling for AA batteries! The remote charges via USB-C, and a single charge can last for months depending on usage. A simple LED indicator lets you know when it’s time for a top-up.
Hands-Free Voice Control: The “Pro” in Voice Remote Pro refers to its ability to respond to voice commands even when the remote isn’t being held. Simply say “Hey Roku, launch Netflix” or “Hey Roku, find action movies” from across the room.
- Accuracy: The far-field microphones are surprisingly accurate, picking up commands even in moderately noisy environments.
- Privacy: There’s a physical mute switch on the remote if you’re concerned about always-on listening.
Customizable Shortcut Buttons: Below the standard streaming service buttons, you’ll find two customizable shortcut buttons. This is brilliant.
- How to customize: Hold down one of the buttons while on any channel or menu item, and it will associate that action with the button.
- Examples: Program one for your favorite niche streaming app, another for a specific search, or even a particular input on your TV.
Lost Remote Finder: Misplaced your remote in the couch cushions? Press the button on the Roku Ultra device itself, and the remote will emit a distinct chime, guiding you to its location. This feature is invaluable and prevents endless couch-expeditions.

The tactile feedback of the buttons is also excellent, with a satisfying click that confirms your input.

The layout is intuitive and easy to use, even in the dark.

This remote alone adds substantial value to the Roku Ultra package.

User Experience: Roku OS and Content Ecosystem

Roku’s operating system is renowned for its simplicity, speed, and vast content library. Pinnaclecart Review

The Roku Ultra 2024 leverages this foundation to deliver a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Clean Interface: The Roku OS remains blissfully straightforward. It’s a grid of app icons, easy to navigate, and refreshingly free of visual clutter or intrusive ads that plague some competitor platforms.
- Customization: You can rearrange apps to your liking, placing your most-used services front and center.
Massive Content Library Roku Channel Store: Roku boasts an unparalleled number of available channels apps – tens of thousands.
- Major Streaming Services: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube, Peacock, Paramount+, and virtually every other major player is available.
- Niche Content: From independent film libraries to international news channels, fitness apps, and niche interest content, Roku likely has a channel for it.
- Free Content: The Roku Channel itself offers a huge library of free movies, TV shows, and live TV channels with ads.
Universal Search: One of Roku’s killer features is its agnostic search. When you search for a movie or TV show, it tells you where it’s available, including:
- Which services offer it for free if you subscribe.
- Which services offer it for rent or purchase, and at what price, allowing you to find the cheapest option. This saves you from jumping between apps.
My Feed: This feature allows you to “follow” specific movies, TV shows, actors, or directors. Roku will then notify you when content from your feed becomes available on new services, drops in price, or moves to a free service.
Smart Home Integration: The Roku Ultra 2024 plays nice with popular smart home ecosystems.
- Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa: You can link your Roku to these voice assistants and control it with commands like “Hey Google, open Netflix on Roku” or “Alexa, pause the show on Roku.”
- Apple HomeKit: While not a direct HomeKit device, you can often use third-party integrations or custom commands via Siri Shortcuts for basic control.

The overall impression is one of effortless access to content.

Roku minimizes friction, allowing you to get to what you want to watch with minimal fuss.

This is a huge advantage for users who just want to stream without navigating complex menus or proprietary ecosystems.

Value Proposition: Is the Roku Ultra 2024 Worth the Investment?

When you look at the price point of the Roku Ultra 2024, it sits at the higher end of Roku’s own lineup and in the mid-to-high range compared to competitors. So, is it worth the premium? Qnap Ts 216G Review

Who is it for?
- Home Theater Enthusiasts: If you have a 4K HDR/Dolby Vision TV, a soundbar or AV receiver with Dolby Atmos, and you demand the best picture and sound, the Ultra is an excellent fit.
- Power Users: Those who stream frequently, want the fastest performance, and appreciate features like the Ethernet port and USB playback.
- Convenience Seekers: The Voice Remote Pro with its rechargeable battery, hands-free voice control, and lost remote finder adds significant convenience that justifies the cost for many.
- Users with Spotty Wi-Fi: The Ethernet port is a non-negotiable for anyone in this situation.
- Anyone looking for a reliable, future-proof streaming device.
Comparison with other Roku models:
- The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ is a fantastic compact option, and it includes the Voice Remote Pro. However, it lacks the Ethernet port, USB port, and the raw processing power of the Ultra. It’s great for secondary TVs or travel.
- The Roku Express 4K+ is an even more budget-friendly option, but it sacrifices 4K HDR support only HDR10, the advanced remote, and overall speed.
Comparison with Competitors:
- Apple TV 4K: Offers a more integrated Apple ecosystem experience, fantastic performance, and great gaming, but at a higher price point and a more closed app environment.
- Amazon Fire TV Cube: Excellent for Alexa integration and has an HDMI input, but its interface can feel more geared towards Amazon content.
- NVIDIA Shield TV Pro: The most powerful Android TV streamer, fantastic for gaming and Plex server capabilities, but significantly more expensive and overkill for casual streamers.

The Roku Ultra 2024 positions itself as the premium choice in the Roku ecosystem and a strong contender against its rivals. It offers a balanced blend of features, performance, and user-friendliness that justifies its price tag for those who prioritize a top-tier streaming experience. If you simply need a basic streamer, cheaper Roku options exist. But if you want the best Roku has to offer, the Ultra 2024 delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Roku Ultra 2024 and previous Roku Ultra models?

The Roku Ultra 2024 primarily features a faster processor for improved responsiveness, enhanced Wi-Fi performance likely Wi-Fi 6 or improved Wi-Fi 5, and often comes bundled with the updated Voice Remote Pro, which includes a rechargeable battery, hands-free voice control, and customizable shortcut buttons.

Does the Roku Ultra 2024 support Dolby Vision and HDR10+?

Yes, the Roku Ultra 2024 supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of HDR content and providing optimized picture quality on compatible TVs.

Can I connect the Roku Ultra 2024 directly to my router with an Ethernet cable?

Yes, the Roku Ultra 2024 features a built-in Ethernet port, allowing for a wired connection to your network for the most stable and fastest streaming experience, which is particularly beneficial for 4K content.

Does the Roku Ultra 2024 have a USB port?

Yes, the Roku Ultra 2024 includes a USB 3.0 port, which allows you to play local media files videos, photos, podcast directly from a connected USB drive. Disney Plus Review

Is the remote for the Roku Ultra 2024 rechargeable?

Yes, the Roku Ultra 2024 typically comes with the Voice Remote Pro, which features a rechargeable battery and charges via USB-C, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.

What are the customizable buttons on the Roku Ultra 2024 remote for?

The customizable shortcut buttons on the Voice Remote Pro allow you to quickly launch specific channels, initiate searches, or perform other actions by programming them to your preference.

Can I use voice commands with the Roku Ultra 2024 remote?

Yes, the Voice Remote Pro supports hands-free voice control “Hey Roku…” for searching, launching apps, and controlling playback, even without picking up the remote.

Does the Roku Ultra 2024 support Dolby Atmos audio?

Yes, the Roku Ultra 2024 supports Dolby Atmos immersive audio, providing a more cinematic sound experience with compatible audio systems and content.

Is there a headphone jack on the Roku Ultra 2024 remote for private listening?

Yes, the Voice Remote Pro included with the Roku Ultra 2024 has a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, allowing you to plug in headphones directly to the remote. Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo Review

How do I find my lost Roku Ultra 2024 remote?

The Roku Ultra 2024 has a “lost remote finder” feature.

By pressing a button on the Roku Ultra device itself, the remote will emit an audible chime to help you locate it.

Is the Roku Ultra 2024 good for gaming?

While the Roku Ultra 2024 is primarily a streaming device, it can run some casual games available in the Roku Channel Store.

For serious gaming, dedicated gaming consoles or devices like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro would be more suitable.

What operating system does the Roku Ultra 2024 use?

The Roku Ultra 2024 runs on the proprietary Roku OS, known for its user-friendly interface, speed, and extensive channel store. Asus Tuf Gaming X870 Plus Wifi Review

Can I stream 8K content on the Roku Ultra 2024?

No, the Roku Ultra 2024 is designed for 4K UHD streaming and does not support 8K resolution.

Does the Roku Ultra 2024 come with pre-installed apps?

The Roku Ultra 2024 comes with the Roku OS interface, but you will need to download and sign in to your preferred streaming apps channels from the Roku Channel Store.

Some shortcuts to popular services might be on the remote.

How much storage does the Roku Ultra 2024 have for apps?

Roku devices typically have internal storage sufficient for numerous apps.

Roku doesn’t usually specify exact storage numbers as it’s designed to manage app installations efficiently, but it’s ample for most users. Incogni Review

Can I cast content from my phone or tablet to the Roku Ultra 2024?

Yes, the Roku Ultra 2024 supports screen mirroring from compatible Android and Windows devices.

For Apple devices, you can use Apple AirPlay 2 to cast content.

Is the Roku Ultra 2024 compatible with older TVs?

The Roku Ultra 2024 connects via HDMI.

If your TV has an HDMI input, it should be compatible.

However, to experience 4K and HDR features, your TV must also support those technologies. Hisense 110Ux Championship Edition Uled Tv Review

How do I set up the Roku Ultra 2024?

Setup is straightforward: plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect it to power, connect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and follow the on-screen instructions to link your Roku account and install apps.

Can I use the Roku Ultra 2024 with smart home devices like Alexa or Google Assistant?

Yes, the Roku Ultra 2024 can be integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control of playback, launching apps, and searching for content.

Does the Roku Ultra 2024 require a monthly subscription?

No, the Roku Ultra 2024 device itself does not require a monthly subscription.

You only pay for the individual streaming services e.g., Netflix, Hulu that you choose to subscribe to. There is also a lot of free content available.

What is the “universal search” feature on Roku Ultra 2024?

Roku’s universal search allows you to search for movies, TV shows, actors, or directors across multiple streaming services simultaneously, showing you where content is available and often comparing prices for rentals or purchases. Hp Laserjet M209D Review

Does the Roku Ultra 2024 support Wi-Fi 6?

While Roku doesn’t always publicize specific Wi-Fi standards, the 2024 model features enhanced Wi-Fi performance, likely incorporating Wi-Fi 6 technology for better speeds and reliability on compatible networks.

Can I control my TV’s power and volume with the Roku Ultra 2024 remote?

Yes, the Voice Remote Pro included with the Roku Ultra 2024 has IR blasters and often uses HDMI CEC to control your TV’s power, volume, and input, reducing the need for multiple remotes.

Is the Roku Ultra 2024 good for international streaming?

The Roku Ultra 2024 can access channels from the Roku Channel Store, which are often geo-restricted.

However, with a VPN configured on your router not directly on the Roku device, you can potentially access content from other regions.

How often does Roku update the Roku OS on the Ultra 2024?

Roku regularly releases software updates for its devices, including the Ultra 2024, to introduce new features, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities. These updates are typically automatic. Soundcloud Review

Can I use the Roku Ultra 2024 with a VPN?

You cannot directly install a VPN on the Roku Ultra 2024. However, you can use a VPN by configuring it on your home router, which will then route all internet traffic, including that from your Roku, through the VPN.

What is the difference between HDR10 and HDR10+?

HDR10 uses static metadata for an entire movie or show, meaning the brightness and contrast settings are fixed.

HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata, allowing for scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame optimization, resulting in more accurate and nuanced picture quality.

Does the Roku Ultra 2024 have a built-in web browser?

No, Roku devices, including the Ultra 2024, do not typically come with a built-in web browser.

They are designed for accessing content through dedicated streaming apps channels. Hp Omen 35L Review

How does the Roku Ultra 2024 compare to the Apple TV 4K?

The Roku Ultra 2024 is generally more affordable than the Apple TV 4K, offers a more open ecosystem with a broader range of apps, and includes features like the USB port and remote headphone jack.

The Apple TV 4K, however, boasts a more powerful processor, tighter integration with the Apple ecosystem, and superior gaming capabilities.

Is the Roku Ultra 2024 future-proof?

With support for 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and enhanced Wi-Fi, the Roku Ultra 2024 is well-equipped to handle current and foreseeable future streaming standards for several years to come.

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