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Roku TV and Media Streaming Devices
Roku offers a variety of devices with over 350,000 thousand movies and TV episodes to choose from, right at your fingertips.
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What's in this guide?
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.
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.
Roku, Inc.
Roku Streaming Stick
Powerful & portable. It's the only pocket-sized streamer available with a quad-core processor.
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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 Streaming Stick | $49.99 |
| Roku Premiere | $39.99 |
| Roku Ultra | $99.99 |
Roku TVs differ in price and specifications
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Case study: Dawn's experience
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 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.
Top Streamable Channels
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:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ask an Expert
Can I stream Verizon Fios over Roku?
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
Can I stream USA NOW THRU MY ROKU TV With an internet service and not a cable or satellite provider
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
A friend mentioned that they loaded a Hulu Live app into Roku so they could get their local channels. How does that work?
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
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?
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
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