Roku offers a variety of different digital media players that let you stream the hottest channels and TV shows.
Each Roku player comes with over 350,000 thousand movies and TV episodes to choose from, right at your fingertips. Roku, Inc. is based in Saratoga, California, and produced its first generation Roku player back in 2008.
The different types of Rokus
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. You can decide between the Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Premiere, Roku Premier+, or the Roku Ultra. Additionally, Roku, Inc. has a Roku TV. Roku, Inc. previously offered its devices by generation, i.e. Roku, Roku 2, Roku 3, and Roku 4. The company has since changed its available devices.
- Roku Express. The Roku Express streams in 1080p HD. It is fast, affordable, and includes an easy-to-use remote with channel shortcut buttons.
- Roku Express+. This device lets you turn your old TV into a smart TV. It can work with either HDMI or composite, and includes a remote with channel shortcut buttons.
- Roku Streaming Stick. The pocket-sized Roku Streaming Stick has a quad-core processor, is portable, and is great for wall-mounted TVs. This device also includes a point-anywhere remote.
- 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 enjoy smooth streaming with a fast quad-core processor, and 802.11ac dual-band wireless.
- Roku Premier+. This powerful streaming device has 4K and HDR picture quality. The enhanced remote includes headphones for private listening, and is point-anywhere.
- Roku Ultra. The Roku Ultra is Roku, Inc.’s ultimate 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. The remote also includes headphones and gaming buttons.
- 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 has HD and 4K picture quality, and an enhanced remote with select models. The point-anywhere remote has voice search, and includes headphones. For Roku TV, you can choose from a variety of TV brands and screen sizes (24’’ to 65’’).
What are the benefits of Roku?
- Warranty. Every Roku device includes a 1 year warranty.
- No extra charges. You won’t have to worry about paying any monthly equipment rental fees, or monthly charges for owning a Roku. Each digital media player just requires a one-time, upfront cost that varies by the device.
- Easy steps to stream. You can start streaming in just a few steps. First, plug in the device. From there, you need to connect it to an HDTV with an HDMI cable, and then connect it to the internet. Lastly, create a Roku account, and start streaming.
- Options. With Roku, you can choose the device that best fits your needs. Once you decide on a device, you can choose what you want to watch from the thousands of media options. You can stream just about anything.
Pricing and packaging
You can buy a Roku online or in-store from most major sellers, including: Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Fry’s, Amazon, etc. If you choose to purchase a product on Roku, Inc.’s website, you can enjoy free shipping on orders over $50.
Pricing for each device varies, and works with a one-time, upfront charge:
| Product Name | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Roku Express | $29.99 |
| Roku Express+ | $39.99 |
| Roku Streaming Stick | $49.99 |
| Roku Premiere | $79.99 |
| Roku Premier+ | $99.99 |
| Roku Ultra | $129.99 |
Roku TVs differ in price and specifications
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.
- Mobile app that is packed with features, and 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.
Top Streamable Channels
Each Roku is packed with over 350,000 movies and TV episodes to choose from.
| The most popular streaming channels include: | |
|---|---|
| Amazon Video | Netflix |
| FXNOW | USA Now |
| HGTV | HULU |
| HBO Go | STARZ |
| VUDU |
The most popular TV shows include:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Roku work with my TV?
The answer to this question depends on the device you choose.
The Roku Express works with most every TV with HDMI connection. All you have to do is connect the device into your TV or receiver with an HDMI cable.
If you have an older TV without HDMI ports, you can use the Roku Express+ to turn your TV into a smart TV. The Roku Express+ works with TVs with an HDMI port, and also comes with a connector with a composite cable for your red, white and yellow TV inputs.
The Roku Premiere, Premiere+, and Ultra are all designed for HD and 4K Ultra HD TVs. However, these devices will also work with any TV with an HDMI connection. You can plug any of these devices into your TV or receiver using a High Speed HDMI Cable. It is important to note that a 4K video streaming experience requires a 4K TV, and HDR requires a compatible HDR TV.
Do I need a cable subscription?
No, you don’t need a cable subscription or provider to use your Roku. It is worth noting that though the Rokus do come with thousands of TV shows and movies, select channels may require additional on-demand/subscription fees.
Can I surf the internet with my Roku?
Rokus do not have a browser that lets you surf the internet from your TV. You can, however, stream your favorite content from your downloaded applications.
Will my Roku have commercials or ads?
While Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand do not have commercials, there are a few Roku channels that are supported by video ads or banner ads.
What if I have more than one Roku player at my house?
You can link multiple Roku players to your Roku account if you have more than one device. Doing this will sync your installed channels to all of the house’s Roku players.
However, each Roku player can only be connected to one Roku account at a time.
Can I use more than one Roku on a TV at a time?
No, Each Roku device is designed to only work with one TV at a time.
Can I record with my Roku?
The player does not download or record TV shows, movies, videos, or songs. Rokus are streaming devices that have internal flash storage.
Will any Roku device able to stream Pure Flix channel and movies? Even the cheap $29 Roku?
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