Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Streaming Devices

Roku Streaming Stick Plus 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 narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.0). Roku Ultra (2024) is best for: Audiophiles and home theater users demanding high-fidelity wireless performance. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Ranked #3 in Best Streaming Devices
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
3 sources$34.99as of Oct 11

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus delivers native 4K resolution at 60Hz with HDR10+ and HLG support in an extremely compact form factor that avoids blocking adjacent HDMI ports. Expert Reviews found it to be a simple, effective entry-level streamer powered directly via USB-C without a separate wall adapter. However, the device lacks Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio formats, relying on older Wi-Fi 5 connectivity instead of modern standards. CNET reported significant software instability during initial setup, with frequent app crashes and buffering issues that require multiple system resets to stabilize. This model fits users seeking a clean interface for secondary TVs or travel who prioritize ease of use over premium features, while those requiring robust wireless performance or advanced audio-visual formats should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Extremely compact form factor that avoids blocking adjacent HDMI ports on most televisions
  • — Supports 4K resolution at up to 60Hz with HDR10+ and HLG compatibility
  • — Includes a dedicated voice remote with shortcut buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Prime Video
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks support for Dolby Vision HDR or Dolby Atmos audio formats
  • — Equipped with older Wi-Fi 5 dual-band connectivity instead of modern Wi-Fi 6 standards
Roku Ultra (2024)
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Streaming Devices
Roku Ultra (2024)
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.

How they stack up

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus adds 4K and HDR10+ over the 1080p Roku Streaming Stick (2025), and both can be powered from a TV USB port. Unlike the Roku Ultra (2024), it lacks Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and uses Wi-Fi 5 rather than Wi-Fi 6.

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

SpecRoku Streaming Stick PlusRoku Ultra (2024)
Resolution4K (2160p) at 60Hz—
HDR SupportHDR10+, HLGDolby Vision, HDR10+
Audio SupportDolby Digital, DTS Digital SurroundDolby Atmos
ConnectivityDual-band Wi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Processor—Quad-core
OS—Roku OS
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