4 DEVICE TYPES · STREAMING PLAYER vs ROKU TV

Roku Devices

Simple, affordable streaming for any TV — Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, and Roku TV compared.

Roku

Roku is one of the simplest ways to start streaming — a straightforward interface, a huge channel library, and devices for almost any budget. Whether you want a plug-in stick, a premium box with voice search, or a TV with Roku built right in, there’s a Roku option for it. Check us out on YouTube for setup walkthroughs and device reviews.

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Streaming Devices

Types of Roku Devices

Roku sells streaming in a few different forms, each aimed at a different budget and use case:

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

Roku’s entry-level 4K stick with HDR10+ support. The easiest, most affordable way to add Roku to any TV.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

A step up from the Plus, with 4K HDR10+ picture and longer-range Wi-Fi for a stronger signal from farther away.

Roku Ultra

Roku’s flagship box. Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6E plus Ethernet, and the Voice Remote Pro with hands-free voice control.

Roku TV

Roku built directly into the television by brands like TCL and Hisense — no separate device or extra remote needed.

Roku Streaming Player vs. Roku TV

A Roku streaming player is a compact add-on — a stick or box that plugs into an HDMI port on any TV you already own and turns it into a Roku. It’s the cheaper, more flexible option, and it’s easy to move between rooms or take with you.

A Roku TV is a smart TV, made by brands like TCL and Hisense, with the Roku software built directly into the hardware. There’s no separate box and only one remote to deal with, but you’re committing to a full TV purchase rather than a small, swappable device.

Do Roku TVs get the same features as Roku streaming players?

Mostly, yes — Roku TVs run the same Roku OS and channel library. Higher-end streaming players like the Roku Ultra do add extras like Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6E that only show up on premium Roku TV models.

How to Choose the Right Roku Device

If you just want Roku running on your current TV as cheaply as possible, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus covers the basics with 4K and HDR10+. Want a stronger Wi-Fi connection or plan to stream in a room farther from your router? Step up to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. If you want the best picture quality, Dolby Vision, and a faster remote with hands-free voice control, the Roku Ultra is worth the extra cost. And if you’re shopping for a new TV anyway, a Roku TV from TCL, Hisense, or another partner brand bakes all of it in from the start.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Roku streaming player and a Roku TV?

A Roku streaming player is a stick or box that plugs into any TV’s HDMI port. A Roku TV is a smart TV, made by brands like TCL and Hisense, with Roku software built directly into the hardware.

Which Roku device should I buy?

For most people, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus offers the best value. Choose the Streaming Stick 4K for a stronger Wi-Fi connection, or the Roku Ultra for Dolby Vision and a faster voice remote.

Is the Roku Express still available?

Roku retired the Express line in its 2025 lineup refresh, replacing it with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus as the new entry-level 4K option.

Do all Roku devices support 4K and HDR?

All current Roku streaming players support 4K. HDR support varies: the Streaming Stick Plus and Streaming Stick 4K support HDR10+, while the Roku Ultra adds Dolby Vision on top.

What’s included with the Roku Ultra?

The Roku Ultra ships with the Voice Remote Pro, supports Wi-Fi 6E plus a wired Ethernet port for a more reliable connection, and includes a USB port for local media playback.