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.
Full review
Wi-Fi 6 and quad-core processor upgrades
The Roku Ultra (2024) introduces a significant hardware overhaul centered on its internal processing power and wireless connectivity. The device now utilizes an all-new quad-core processor that the manufacturer claims delivers a 30% improvement in loading times compared to previous generations, though specific technical specifications for this silicon remain undisclosed by the company. This speed boost is further enhanced by machine learning algorithms designed to anticipate which applications users will open next, effectively caching frequently used apps to reduce wait times during navigation.
CNET noted that while Roku was unable to provide detailed specs regarding the processor architecture, they confirmed the device anticipates user behavior to cache popular apps. This caching mechanism allows for faster access to streaming services without requiring a complete app reload from scratch every time. The combination of hardware and software optimization aims to make navigating the interface feel noticeably more responsive than on older models.
Wireless performance has also been upgraded with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 support, addressing one of the primary criticisms of earlier Ultra models that relied on older dual-band standards. This connectivity improvement is intended to provide better range and throughput in congested home networks. For users relying on wireless streaming for high-bitrate content like 4K Dolby Vision media, this upgrade helps mitigate buffering issues that were occasionally reported with previous generations.
Roku Voice Remote Pro lacks headphone jack
The included Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) represents the most visible change to the Ultra package, featuring a backlit keypad that activates when lifted or triggered by hands-free voice commands. The remote utilizes USB-C charging via an included cable connected to the device's USB port, eliminating the need for disposable batteries. However, this redesign removes legacy features found on prior remotes, specifically the 3.5mm headphone jack and any apparent IR output ports.
Soundandvision highlighted that while the backlit hands-free voice remote is excellent for dark rooms, the absence of a dedicated headphone jack forces users to rely on Bluetooth audio pairing directly with headphones or speakers rather than plugging them into the controller. This shift requires users to pair their listening devices through the system settings menu rather than simply inserting plugs.
CNET observed that the new remote lacks both a headphone jack and an IR output, although Roku told the outlet the remote is IR compatible.
Dolby Vision and Atmos cinematic playback
As a flagship streaming device, the Roku Ultra supports the full suite of modern high-fidelity audio and video formats. It handles Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for dynamic metadata-based picture enhancement, ensuring that brightness and contrast levels adjust scene-by-scene to match the creator's intent. This support extends across major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, allowing users with compatible televisions to experience peak visual fidelity.
Audio playback includes Dolby Atmos support, enabling object-based spatial sound separation when connected to a compatible soundbar or home theater receiver. Soundandvision praised the device for delivering excellent video quality alongside superior audio separation capabilities.
The hardware maintains backward compatibility with standard High Dynamic Range (HDR) content while adding support for advanced cinematic streaming formats. This ensures that users do not miss out on high-quality media regardless of whether their source material utilizes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or standard SDR delivery methods. The consistent support across these standards makes the Ultra a reliable choice for home theater enthusiasts.
Roku City interface and search bias
The user interface retains the distinctive Roku aesthetic, featuring scrolling backgrounds of fictional cityscapes filled with pop culture easter eggs. Vice described this as a playful sense of personality that distinguishes it from more sterile interfaces offered by competitors like Apple or Google. The navigation structure remains intuitive, with a vertical menu on the left side for quick access to settings and recently added content.
A notable addition to the interface is the Continue Watching tab, which aggregates paused content across all installed channels into a single viewable list. This feature simplifies resuming media sessions without requiring users to navigate back into individual applications like Netflix or Hulu to find their place in a show or movie.
However, the search functionality has drawn criticism for its promotional bias. Soundandvision noted that search results tend to favor offerings from the Roku Channel over content available on other subscribed services. This prioritization can make it difficult for users to quickly locate specific titles hosted by third-party providers if they do not carefully filter through the initial recommended results.
Rocket shortcut and Backdrops screensaver
The remote features a new Rocket shortcut button that replaces the traditional A and B programmable keys. Pressing this button brings up an on-screen menu allowing users to assign four different shortcuts, such as direct access to specific apps, search functions, closed caption controls, or voice command triggers. This customization aims to streamline navigation for power users who frequently switch between applications.
The device also introduces a Backdrops feature within the Roku OS 14 update, which transforms the television into an art display when idle. Users can curate personalized favorites lists from various albums featuring artwork from famous museums and photographers. The system allows customization of how long each image is displayed before transitioning to the next.
This screensaver functionality operates similarly to Samsung Frame TV displays but relies entirely on streaming content rather than local storage. Soundandvision confirmed that while Backdrops is a new addition, it is currently limited to select high-end Roku devices including the Ultra.
Price positioning versus Apple and Google
CNET reviewed the Roku Ultra at $100 and wrote that at that price power users and gamers may look to the Apple TV 4K or the Google TV Streamer instead. The outlet added that Roku's stick-based streamers cost half as much as the Ultra and provide 90% of the gains.
The value proposition hinges on whether users prioritize raw processing speed and wireless connectivity over gaming capabilities or smart home integration.
For consumers who do not require the smart home integration of a Google TV device, the Roku Ultra provides a streamlined, ad-supported streaming experience. The decision often comes down to whether the user values the simplicity of the Roku interface over the deeper customization options found in more expensive competitors.
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.
- +Caches the most-used apps to load them faster; Roku claims a 30% improvement in loading times.
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 it compares
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.
Rating sources
Counts as 3.96/5 in our score — this publisher's 34 scores on the site average 4.21, so its scores are adjusted down to compare fairly with other publishers.
“The Roku Ultra 4K is still the queen of TV streaming devices.”
“The Roku Ultra 2024 uses the best video and audio formats for an excellent home theater streaming experience.”
Counts as 4.42/5 in our score — this publisher's 195 scores on the site average 4.25, so its scores are adjusted down to compare fairly with other publishers.
Our 4.2 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores; 4 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
