Head-to-head · Best Streaming Devices

Roku Streaming Stick (2025) vs Roku Ultra (2024)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Roku Ultra (2024) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 3.9). Roku Ultra (2024) is best for: Audiophiles and home theater users demanding high-fidelity wireless performance. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Streaming Devices

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

3.9

3 sources

The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) is Roku's least expensive player, a 1080p stick that plugs directly into an HDMI port and can run off a TV USB port. PCMag found it loaded apps and streamed video quickly and praised the simple interface and Apple AirPlay support. PCWorld highlighted that its voice remote controls TV volume and power, an upgrade over the old Roku Express remote. However, it does not support 4K or HDR, TechRadar noted a little lag when navigating the interface, and PCWorld measured weak Wi-Fi performance at long range.

Strengths

— Voice remote controls TV power and volume, which PCWorld called a big upgrade over the old Roku Express remote
— Can be powered from a TV USB port; PCMag measured power draw at just 2.2W
— Simple, accessible Roku interface with Apple AirPlay support

Watch-outs

— Limited to 1080p with no HDR support
— TechRadar noted a little lag when navigating the interface
— No Twitch app on the Roku platform, according to PCMag

Buy at roku.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Streaming Devices

Roku Ultra (2024)

4.2

2 sources

The 2024 Roku Ultra adds Wi-Fi 6 and a backlit, USB-C rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Ed), and CNET noted that it caches the most-used apps to cut loading times. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, and Soundandvision praised its excellent video quality and Dolby Atmos sound separation. However, the new remote has no headphone jack, and CNET found no apparent IR output on it, although Roku told the outlet the remote is IR compatible. Soundandvision also noted that search results favor Roku Channel offerings, which may frustrate users looking for a title on another service.

Strengths

— Includes Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, which CNET had criticized the previous Ultra for lacking.
— Features a backlit Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Ed) with USB-C charging and hands-free voice activation.
— Supports advanced cinematic formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio playback.

Watch-outs

— The new remote lacks a dedicated headphone jack for private listening.
— Search results in the interface tend to favor Roku Channel offerings over other services.

Buy at roku.com Full review →

How they stack up

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) tops out at 1080p without HDR, while the Roku Streaming Stick Plus adds 4K and HDR10+. Both sticks can be powered from a TV USB port.

Roku Ultra (2024)

The Roku Ultra (2024) has Wi-Fi 6, while the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and the Google TV Streamer 4K use Wi-Fi 5. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, both of which the Roku Streaming Stick Plus lacks.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Roku Streaming Stick (2025)	Roku Ultra (2024)
Resolution	1080p	—
HDR Support	None	Dolby Vision, HDR10+
Audio Support	DTS Digital Surround and Dolby-encoded audio pass-through over HDMI	Dolby Atmos
Connectivity	Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
OS	Roku OS	Roku OS
Power	USB-C, approx. 2.2W when streaming	—
Size	3.7 x 0.80 x 0.45 inches	—
Model	3840R	—
Processor	—	Quad-core

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