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Roku TV and media-streaming devices

Melanie Huddart
Melanie Huddart
Last updated:  

Put streaming at the center of your entertainment.

With Roku offering a variety of streaming devices, you can have access to 3,500 streaming channels plus 350,000 TV episodes and movies.

Details

Service typeOn-demand streaming
Free trialNo
Pricing starts at$29.99
Lock-in contractNo

What's in this review?

Pros and cons

Pros

  • One-time charge for each Roku. There is no monthly subscription fee for the actual device.
  • Access to over 3,500 streaming channels, and over 350,000 TV episodes and movies.
  • A mobile app packed with features that lets you turn your phone into a streaming companion remote.

Cons

  • You still have to pay to subscribe to some channels.
  • Not all Roku remotes comes with headphones, or have the voice search feature.

What features do Roku devices offer?

Each Roku player offers different features — some offering more advanced technology and benefits than others. While each digital player is easy to use and provides access to tons of channels, you can choose the Roku that works best with your lifestyle. All devices are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.

You can decide between the Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Premiere, Roku Ultra, the Roku TV or an additional Roku Smart Soundbar with a built-in Roku player.

  • Roku Express.The Roku Express is the least expensive option that’s fast and includes an easy-to-use remote with channel shortcut buttons.
  • Roku Streaming Stick. The pocket-sized Roku Streaming Stick allows four times more wireless range than other devices, is portable and it’s great for 4K and HDR TVs. It comes with a voice remote with TV controls.
  • Roku Premiere. The Roku Premier has powerful streaming and 4K resolution. It also includes an easy-to-use remote with shortcut channel buttons. You can also connect with headphones for private listening.
  • Roku Ultra. The Roku Ultra is Roku’s high-end player. It has 4K and HDR picture quality, and advanced technology and features. With the Roku Ultra, you can enjoy a powerful quad-core processor, vibrant HD color, a lost remote finder, and a point-anywhere remote with voice search.
  • Roku TV. Roku TV is built for streaming, and can cast your smartphone’s music, photos and videos right on to the TV screen. It boasts a simple, responsive user interface that features thousands of apps and and constant upgrades. Choose from hundreds of models from top brand names.
  • Roku Smart Soundbar. Add powerful streaming with premium sound to any TV while streaming brilliant HD, 4K, and HDR entertainment. This system is great for simplifying your setup, and TV and music streaming.s

How much does Roku TV cost?

You can buy a Roku online or in-store from most major sellers, including Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Fry’s and Amazon. If you choose to purchase a product on Roku’s website, you’ll get free shipping on orders over $50.

Pricing for each device varies, and works with a one-time, upfront charge:

Product NamePricing
Roku Express$29.99
Roku Streaming Stick$49.99
Roku Premiere$39.99
Roku Ultra$99.99

Roku TVs differ in price and specifications.

Roku, Inc. Roku, Inc.

Roku Ultra

Streams HD, 4k, and HDR: free TV, live news, sports, music, and movies, on a quad-core processor with brilliant picture quality and USB, microSD, and Ethernet ports – plus lost remote finder.

Last verified

Get deal
Roku, Inc. Roku, Inc.

Roku Premiere

Streams HD, 4K and HDR: Stream free TV, live news, sports, music, movies, and comes with HDMI cable.

Last verified

Get deal
Roku, Inc. Roku, Inc.

Roku Express

Streams HD: Free TV, live news, sports, music, and movies. Comes with HDMI cable and simple setup.

Last verified

Get deal

What can I watch with Roku TV?

Each Roku is packed with over 350,000 movies and TV episodes to choose from. The most popular streaming channels include:

The most popular TV shows include:

  • Silicon Valley
  • Shades of Blue
  • The Mindy Project
  • Property Brothers
  • Mr. Robot
  • Archer
  • Ray Donovan
  • The Big Bang Theory
  • Mozart in the Jungle

Compare streaming services

Name Product Service type Pricing starts at Free trial 4K or UHD Number of devices Simultaneous streams
The Disney Bundle
The Disney Bundle
On-demand streaming, Sports
$12.99
No
Yes
10
4
Go to site
More Info
Hulu
Hulu
On-demand streaming
$5.99
30 days
Yes
99
1
Go to site
More Info
Disney+
Disney+
On-demand streaming
$6.99
No
Yes
10
4
Go to site
More Info
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
On-demand streaming
$8.99
30 days
Yes
99
2
Go to site
More Info
Starz
Starz
On-demand streaming
$8.99
7 days
No
4
Go to site
More Info
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Compare up to 4 providers

Case study: Dawn's experience

Dawn Daniels profile photo
Dawn Daniels
Associate Editor
I bought a Roku TV because I stream most of my TV shows and movies. The remote eliminates the need to mess with multiple remote controls, HDMI settings and third-party devices.

I like the simplicity of my Roku TV. The remote has a Netflix and a Hulu button, and I don’t have to worry about HDMI ports or settings to play my Nintendo Switch. Game console appears like another channel on my home screen.

I also like that I can use my phone as a remote, which is useful when the Roku remote is missing or my boyfriend has it and we disagree on what a reasonable volume level is.

The only downside is that the Wi-Fi can sometimes take a few minutes to connect, and I’ve had to reconnect it a few times.

Bottom line

Roku TV is a great way to access some of the most popular streaming platforms on one device, but if you already have a device to stream TV and movies on, it may not be necessary for your home.

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10 Comments

  1. Default Gravatar
    max
    January 13, 2019

    Can I stream Verizon Fios over Roku?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      Charisse
      January 14, 2019

      Hi Max,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      If you are referring to connecting your Roku to your Verizon Fios connection, the answer is yes. You can stream on your Roku using Verizon internet service.

      On all current generation Roku streaming devices, connection to your Verizon Fios internet network can be made wirelessly, and on Roku devices that also have an Ethernet port, it can be made via wired cable.

      I hope this helps. Please feel free to reach out to us again if you have additional questions.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    Corena
    December 24, 2018

    Can I stream USA NOW THRU MY ROKU TV With an internet service and not a cable or satellite provider

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      Jeni
      December 24, 2018

      Hi Corena,

      Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

      You don’t need any internet service provider to use Roku.

      I hope this helps.

      Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    Michael
    December 19, 2018

    A friend mentioned that they loaded a Hulu Live app into Roku so they could get their local channels. How does that work?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      nikkiangco
      December 20, 2018

      Hi Michael,

      Thanks for getting in touch! To access Hulu using Roku, simply download the HULU app. Create an account as well if you don’t have a subscription yet. Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    Nancy
    July 2, 2018

    I’m dog sitting for folks with Verizon Fios.Fios…how can I access my roku channels w/ a roku streaming stick? Nothing gets me to an open HDMI?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      nikkiangco
      July 3, 2018

      Hi Nancy!

      Thanks for leaving a message on finder.

      To get your Roku Stick up and running, you will need a broadband internet connection, a wireless router, a power source, and an HDTV. All you need to do is plug in your Roku Stick and it will show your Roku channels. It works well on Verizon Fios as well.

      You may try checking the HDMI ports of the tv if its working fine. You can also do other troubleshooting steps like resetting your Roku, the wireless router or other power sources.

      Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Nikki

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    Bo
    March 30, 2017

    Will any Roku device able to stream Pure Flix channel and movies? Even the cheap $29 Roku?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      Jason
      July 12, 2017

      Hi Bo,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      There are some Roku device that does not work or support Pure Flix. Roku 1, SE, XS, XD or HD models are not supported. Aside from the said models, other Roku models should be able to stream Pure Flix.

      Kind regards,
      Jason

      Reply
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