Roku Ultra 4k Review 2024

The Roku Ultra, particularly its 2020 iteration, has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the streaming device arena. However, when we checked out their latest and updated version of the Roku Ultra (2022) device, we found out that it was not really a new type of device as it was a new bundle. It comes equipped with the excellent Voice Remote Pro, a significant upgrade.

But is the Roku Ultra worth it? Spending more money than you would on a similar device like the Roku Streaming Stick 4k, which offers the same for less money. Nevertheless, if you have your heart set on a Roku TV box, the good news is that the price remains the same as its previous iteration. Let’s dive into our extensive Roku Ultra 4K review for all the details.

Roku Ultra 4k Review – Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Roku Ultra 4K, we were greeted with a neatly packaged device, boasting a sleek, black design. It is bigger than we expected it to be, but still compact enough to slide beneath your TV set. Design-wise, it is identical in both features and specs to its previous model.

It measures 1.0 by 5.0 by 4.9 inches (HWD). The front part has a small part for the LED indicator, the left edge features Roku’s signature tag, while the right edge has the remote controller finder button, probably one of our favorite features of the device.

In the back, slotted are the HDMI, USB, Ethernet ports, and a connector for the power adapter. If we are comparing sizes, the device is small enough, but compared to Roku’s Streaming Stick, it is obviously bigger and may cause clutter in your home entertainment setup.

What’s in the Box?

Inside the box, you get everything that you need to set up your device and get yourself ready to watch shows. A nice inclusion were the earbuds, which are basic at best. But we do appreciate their inclusion.

• Roku Ultra Streaming Device
• Roku Voice Remote Pro
• Earbuds
• HDMI Cable
• USB Charging Cable for Remote
• Power Adapter
• User Manual

The Roku Remote Controler

The design of the remote controller remains the same as before, while the Voice Remote Pro also stayed unchanged since its release in 2021. The remote has the same plastic finish and rubber buttons as the rest of Roku’s devices, which you will recognize with the volume and mute buttons positioned on the right side. On the left side, you will see a switch that disables the mic, while on the left there is a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

Something that we found largely useful is that the remote controller is rechargeable. This is an upgrade since most of Roku’s controllers tend to earth through batteries. However, the Micro-USB charger lacks backlighting. The main and only difference compared to the regular Voice Remote Pro here is that it now features Apple TV Plus and Paramount Plus instead of Hulu and Sling TV.

Interestingly, the remote now hosts two programmable shortcut buttons aside from Roku’s preloaded options like Netflix, Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, and Paramount Plus.  

However, the voice controller feature is not as cracked up as you expect it to be. It is not going to replace a smart speaker nor does it have the range to do so. You can direct the media streamer to search for movies and shows and can directly control your TV with it. However, it is still not as good as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can’t get Roku to give you general information like weather forecasts and so on.

Actually, if you already have Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, you can control the device without Roku’s remote voice assistance. The Voice Remote Pro is good for controlling your streaming device and media only. But anything beyond that is not in its range.

Technical Specifications and Features

The Roku Ultra works on Roku OS and stands out with its high-definition streaming capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and a very nice remote. The support for Roku Ultra HD 4k HDR 4K at 60fps ensures that your viewing experience is nothing short of cinematic. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos brings an immersive audio experience to your living room.

Setup and User Interface

As all Ultra Roku reviews suggest, setting up the device is a breeze. With a few simple steps, you’re ready to dive into a world of endless entertainment. Here is what needs to be done.

1. Connect the Roku Ultra to your TV via the HDMI cable.
2. Connect to the internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
3. Plug the power adapter into the device.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

The user interface of the Roku Ultra streaming player is intuitive and user-friendly. Navigating through menus is smooth, and the responsiveness of the device is impressive mainly thanks to the quad-core processor. Roku’s interface is well-organized, making it easy to find your favorite channels and apps. 

Roku Ultra 4k Review – Performance and Streaming Quality

Unlike the Roku Ultra LT (2023) the Roku Ultra truly shines when it comes to performance and streaming quality. Its claim as the “fastest, most powerful Roku player ever” isn’t just marketing speak; it’s a reality we experienced firsthand. 

Navigating through the Roku Ultra’s interface is exceptionally smooth. Channel launches are quick, and switching between different streaming services is seamless. The device handles a large number of apps with ease, showing no signs of lag even with 35-45 apps installed.

Plus, Roku’s interface allows access to many quality apps and services. They are calling them Channels, and it largely covers all the major streaming services you will need including Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV. The only noticeable omission is Twitch, but since we didn’t have it before we were not surprised that it wasn’t here this time as well.

What was also impressive was that HBO Max and YouTube, as they were missing from Roku Ultra 4k settings menu some time ago. The device also comes with a few in-house Channels or third-party services that don’t require a subscription, like Pluto TV and Tubi.

Streaming Quality

The Roku Ultra 4k HDR is where the device sets itself apart from others. The picture quality is stunning, with vibrant colors and sharp details that make for an immersive viewing experience. Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ enhances the visual feast, especially on compatible TVs. Dolby Atmos sound further elevates the experience, creating an audio environment that’s as close to a cinema experience as one can get at home.

The Roku Ultra supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, which are also accessible on other devices we’ve reviewed, such as the BuzzTV U5.

Gaming Experience

While the Roku Ultra is primarily a streaming device, it does offer some gaming capabilities. Although it can’t compete with dedicated gaming consoles or devices like the Fire Cube 3rd Gen in this aspect, it provides a satisfactory experience for casual gaming.

The Roku Ultra supports a variety of casual games available in its channel store. While it’s not designed for heavy gaming, it performs admirably with the games it supports, offering a fun diversion for users looking for a quick gaming fix.

Personal Experience

Our experience with the Roku Ultra has been overwhelmingly positive. From the hassle-free setup to the delight of streaming 4K content with incredible sound, it’s been a pleasure to use. The remote’s voice control feature added a layer of convenience, allowing us to effortlessly search for content.

However, we also think that you also get more of the same with other Roku devices. The difference between Roku Ultra and Roku Streaming Stick 4k are almost nonexistent. If you fancy having an Ethernet port, then the Roku Ultra is fine. If that is not important to you, then the Streaming Stick will offer you exactly the same but for a lesser price.

Comparison with Similar Products

In the competitive streaming device market, it’s crucial to see how the Roku Ultra stacks up against its peers. We compared it with the Fire Cube 3rd Gen, Apple TV 4K, and Google Chromecast 4K.

• Fire Cube 3rd Gen: Known for its superior speed and cloud gaming capabilities, the Fire Cube excels in areas where the Roku Ultra is limited, particularly in gaming and app flexibility. However, Roku Ultra offers a more intuitive and ad-free interface.
• Apple TV 4K: While Apple TV provides integration with other Apple products, its higher price point and ad-heavy interface make the Roku Ultra a more user-friendly and budget-friendly option.
• Google Chromecast 4K: Chromecast offers good value for its price and easy picture adjustment settings. However, it falls short in streaming quality and interface clarity compared to the Roku Ultra.

User Reviews and Feedback

When looking at what users had to say, they were mostly asking the question about which 4k Roku is best. With multiple products, it can get overwhelming and confusing, so the bottom line comes to picking based on personal needs. 

What most users were happy about was the streaming quality and how easy it was to use and set up the device. However, there were some who didn’t like the limitations concerned with gaming and a lot of them didn’t like how the remote looked.

Actually, this device isn’t meant for gaming, so users should start looking towards other products immediately. On the other hand, we do tend to agree with the uninspiring design of the remote. Roku hasn’t changed it for a while and we have expected to see a new look. Sadly, we will need to wait for a redesign to happen a bit more.

Best price for Roku Ultra 4K

Priced at a discounted $69.00, down from its original $99.99 (price can vary from time to time), the Roku Ultra 4K 2022 presents itself as an exceptional value-for-money proposition. Its performance and features rival those of higher-priced competitors, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a high-quality streaming experience.

The Roku Ultra’s price point, combined with its robust feature set, positions it as a cost-effective choice for a wide range of users. Its support for 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Vision, and Atmos, along with a user-friendly interface, makes it a compelling purchase.

Troubleshooting

In our use, the Roku Ultra has been largely trouble-free. However, we noticed that some users have run into some common issues. Therefore, if you are experiencing connectivity issues checking on your internet connection could improve the streaming quality.

An unresponsive TV remote usually means that it needs to be charged regularly. Or you can simply take out and reinsert the batteries back. If you want to ensure that the streaming quality is good make sure to determine if your TV set supports 4k HDR.

Final Verdict

The overall impression is that the device is an affordable option to upgrade your TV into a smart TV.  However, we do tend to agree that for the price they are selling it, there are other more suitable Roku products available. First of all, the difference between Roku Ultra and Roku Stick are minimal. While the difference in the price is noticeable.

So, is Roku Ultra worth the extra money? Our opinion is No. You have the same devices, only smaller and for a lesser price coming from Roku. Which 4k Roku is best is a whole different topic that deserves a separate review. But the Roku Streaming Stick 4k and 4k+ are alternatives that come to mind.

Purchasing Information

The Roku Ultra is available for purchase on Amazon. Be sure to check for any discounts or offers that might be available. The device also comes with a standard warranty, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase.

FAQs

To sum up our Roku Ultra 4k review up, here are some added answers to a few questions.