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Roku's streaming sticks and set-top boxes bring Netflix, YouTube, and more to your TV. But do you need the Roku Express, Premiere, Ultra, or Streaming Stick?
By Eric Ravenscraft
June 18, 2019
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In the vast world of devices that can stream movies and shows to your TV, Roku is unique in that it's not owned by a major tech company. Google has Chromecast ($35.00 at Walmart) , Apple has Apple TV, and Amazon has Fire TV. Roku, however, supports every platform with no pesky corporate wars getting in the way.
This makes the Roku an attractive option for anyone shopping for a streaming device. You can watch YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and soon, Apple TV+ all on a single device. But which single device? The company offers several competing models, all with slight variations, and many of them look nearly identical. Here's how to pick.
Roku Express
4.0
Roku Express Review
If you want the cheapest Roku you can get your hands on, the Roku Express is the way to go. For $30, you get a small box you can connect to your TV with an HDMI cable. It comes with a basic remote that has shortcut buttons for common streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Sling.
The Roku Express only works on 1080p televisions, and can only connect through HDMI. If you have an older TV that uses composite cables (the older-style red, white, and yellow plugs) or if you have a newer 4K TV, the Roku Express won't work for you.
$29.00 at Amazon See ItRoku Express+
4.0
The Roku Express+ is almost identical to its counterpart in every way. It comes with the same remote, the same HDMI port, and the same collection of streaming apps that you're used to on a Roku.
The only difference is that this one includes an option to connect with a composite cable. At $35, you're paying a small premium to be able to hook up to an older TV, but it's cheaper than upgrading your TV to be compatible with your streaming box.
$30.00 at Walmart Check StockRoku Premiere
3.5
For those with a 4K TV, the $40 Roku Premiere is the cheapest model that supports the full resolution capabilities of your TV. It's powerful enough to stream 4K and HDR video, provided your TV supports them. The box looks similar to the Roku Express and, likewise, can only connect to your television with an HDMI cable.
It also comes with the standard Roku remote with streaming app shortcut buttons. As a 4K streamer, this device is pretty barebones. Other Roku models come with Ethernet connections or improved Wi-Fi that can be a huge benefit when streaming the heavy bandwidth load that 4K video brings. However, if you're interested in keeping your 4K costs to a minimum, the Premiere is a solid option.
$23.00 at Amazon See ItRoku Premiere+
4.0
Editors' Choice
Roku Premiere+ Review
An extra $10 over the Premiere gets you the $50 Roku Premiere+, which offers an upgraded remote with a voice search button, letting you search for shows and movies without typing out their titles. It also comes with volume and power buttons for your TV, which helps reduce the number of remotes you need to fiddle with every time you want to watch something.
Other than the remote, the Premiere+ is functionally identical to the Premiere. It supports all the same apps, has all the same ports, and streams 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos just like its younger brother. If voice search and volume/power buttons are worth $10 to you, the Premiere+ may be up your alley; otherwise, you can save yourself a little cash.
$89.00 at Amazon See ItRoku Streaming Stick
Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI Version)
If saving space is your thing, the Roku Streaming Stick does away with a box altogether and opts for a slim gadget that plugs directly into your TV's HDMI port. Plug one end of the power cord into the small end of the Roku Streaming Stick and the other end into the TV's USB port or the included power adapter, which plugs into a wall.
The basic Roku Streaming Stick only supports 1080p video, so if you have a 4K or HDR TV, you won't be using your television to its full potential with this model. It does, however, come with the fancier voice remote. If you wanted a regular HD streaming device and like the idea of searching with your voice, you might want to buy this instead of the Roku Premiere.
See AlsoBest Roku devices 2025How to Pick the Right Roku for Your TVNewest Roku Models: List (2024) - thinglabsBest Roku to Buy for 2025: Tested and ReviewedRoku Streaming Stick+
4.0
Roku Streaming Stick+ Review
Once again, the "+" in a Roku product name implies a minor price bump for small but meaningful upgrades. In this case, the Roku Streaming Stick+ is virtually identical to the Streaming Stick, but this model supports 4K and HDR streaming. If you have a 4K TV and want a discreet stick that you can hide behind your TV, this is the only Roku for you.
The Streaming Stick+ also comes with an external wireless extender that sits in the middle of the power cable. This receiver greatly extends the range of your Roku and gives you a more reliable signal even if you're further away from your Wi-Fi router. Stronger Wi-Fi is good news for 4K streaming, which can be very demanding on your internet connection, so it's nice this is included.
$55.00 at Amazon Check StockRoku Ultra
4.0
Roku Ultra Review
The $100 Roku Ultra is the big granddaddy of the Roku product line. It more closely resembles a proper set-top box than any of the other boxes in Roku's lineup. It's designed for 4K HDR streaming and has the company's most powerful video processing. It even comes with an Ethernet port so you can connect directly to your router to make sure you always have a reliable signal.
The Ultra also includes a microSD card slot and USB port that let you expand the local storage on your box. You can load them up with your own media to play locally so you don't even need to stream. Like the Streaming Stick+, the Ultra has extra powerful Wi-Fi receivers, ensuring that you have a solid connection when you're streaming 4K video.
The Ultra's remote comes with a headphone jack so you can listen to your TV's audio without disturbing anyone else. It also has two NES-style gaming buttons. Turn your remote sideways and you can use it to play simple games that you can download from the Roku Games channels.
There's even a button on the player itself to locate your remote if you lose it in the couch cushions. Overall, the Roku Ultra is the most expensive Roku you can buy, but it's also the most feature-packed.
$92.00 at Amazon See It24 Hidden Roku Tricks for Streaming Success
Now you've picked the best Roku for you, there's more to know about these streaming devices beyond the basics of a Marvel marathon. Here are our top Roku tips.
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About Eric Ravenscraft
Eric Ravenscraft is a freelance writer and tech nerd working out of the geek capital of the world, Atlanta, Georgia. He watches way too many movies and definitely has one to recommend that you haven't seen. Follow him on Twitter or Instagram.
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