Crandi

7 Things To Know Before You Buy A New Roku Device Full Guide

Leo Migdal
-
7 things to know before you buy a new roku device full guide

I’ve tested a lot of streaming devices over the years — and Roku devices are my favorite. I put together this Roku Buying Guide to help you get the best deal on the best device for your household. This is not sponsored and I paid for all of the devices that I own. That’s how you know a Michael Saves review is a review that you can actually trust! My #1 pick is the Roku Ultra 2024. The Ultra is Roku’s best streaming player and the latest version has two main advantages over previous models.

The Roku Ultra is a premium device with a premium regular price of around $100. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you're looking for an upgraded viewing experience, the Roku Stick is one of the smartest ways to elevate your TV's capabilities. It runs on a custom Roku OS, which is liked for its simple interface, extensive app collection, consistent performance, and frequent updates. These are the same reasons why someone might consider upgrading to the Roku, even if they already own a smart TV. Additionally, TVs can become sluggish over time.

While there are multiple ways to fix a slow smart TV, upgrading it with a streaming device is a more promising solution. The Roku's interface also brings in freshness if your existing TV already feels boring. If you can buy an inexpensive streaming stick that delivers a top-quality experience, then why opt for an expensive new TV? Roku can bridge the gap, allowing you to install the apps that older TVs or a few TV OS may lack, as developers may not be keen on releasing them. Moreover, it's portable, allowing you to travel with it anywhere, such as a hotel room, and connect to a TV to enjoy the same streaming experience. Additionally, Roku offers several hidden features that many users are unaware of, including setting up a guest account and creating a watchlist.

While everything looks good, there are a few factors that can help you save a buck and ensure you get the right stick for your TV. Therefore, let's explore nine must-knows before you hit the buy button. The Roku Stick, which is roughly the size of a USB flash drive, can be plugged directly into your TV's HDMI port. Most TVs have at least a couple of HDMI ports. If they are in use by other devices, like a gaming console, then you need to make some space. If you can't and your TV has too many HDMI devices already connected, you'll need an adapter like the Anker HDMI switch to connect the Roku Stick without the need to remove other devices.

Also, if you have an older TV that doesn't have an HDMI slot and only features a composite RCA input, you'll need an HDMI to RCA converter to enjoy Roku OS. Simply plugging the Stick into your TV isn't enough. To power the Roku Stick, you can connect it directly to your TV. All you have to do is connect the USB cable to your Roku device and plug the other end into your TV's USB port. For this to work, your TV will have to provide enough power, usually 5V – 1A. Most modern TVs do this, but if you have an older TV, you may need to connect it to an external power source to operate.

In that case, you'll have to plug in the USB cable with an adapter and connect it to a wall outlet. Worry not, Roku packs everything that's needed (outside of the Anker or other converter product) in the box. Let’s say you want to buy a new Roku player, either to replace an old one or as an upgrade over your smart TV’s streaming features. You could read a bunch of reviews, or consult the comparison chart on Roku’s website. But that’s no fun. What you really need is a simple, visual way to pick a player from Roku’s lineup of a half-dozen streaming boxes and sticks (including one box that doubles as a soundbar).

That’s where my Roku decision flow chart comes in. This replaces one I made a few years ago, before Roku revamped its offerings with a couple of new cheap streaming sticks. Roku’s device lineup is more streamlined than it used to be. It no longer includes the Express or Express+, which were less portable than Roku’s streaming sticks, and all of its streaming remotes now include TV power, volume, and voice controls. (Thank goodness.) The result is a lineup that generally provides more features with each step up the model list:

When you are considering a device to connect to your TV so that you can stream video content, then then you’ve probably had some recommendations to buy Roku devices. They are among the best and most popular solutions for this problem, and have been offering a constantly-updated line of products that keep getting better and faster at streaming video to your TV. Video streaming is quickly becoming one of the most common ways to consume media, and Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime subscription levels all continue to rise. The ability to access a huge library of movies and TV shows is very convenient, and people are looking to new devices that allow them to watch this content on their TV. The Roku line of products is one of the best solutions for this situation, as they are affordable and they are very easy to use. But if you have been thinking about getting a Roku, there are a few important things to know before you make that purchase.

So continue reading below to find out more about what you should know before you buy a Roku. One of the first things you should do, however, is read our article about which Roku to buy. There are a number of different models of Rokus and they all have certain features that make them better in certain situations. Choosing the right Roku device can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is the perfect fit for your streaming needs? Don’t worry; I’m here to help you navigate the world of Roku and find the device that will have you binge-watching your favorite shows in no time.

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what you’ll accomplish. By following these steps, you’ll be able to pinpoint which Roku device suits your TV setup, budget, and streaming preferences. Make sure your TV has the right connection for a Roku device. Roku devices require an HDMI port to connect to your TV. If you have an older TV without an HDMI port, you’ll need a Roku that supports composite connections, like the Roku Express+. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on a Roku device.

Home » Tech Tips » When Should You Replace Your Roku? A Guide to Knowing When It’s Time to Upgrade In the constantly evolving world of streaming devices, knowing when to upgrade your Roku can be a tough decision. With new models and features being released regularly, it can be difficult to determine if your current device is still meeting your needs. This guide aims to help you navigate the signs that it may be time for an upgrade, ensuring that you make an informed decision on when to replace your Roku for a better streaming... As technology advances, it’s important to keep an eye on the performance of your Roku device.

One of the first signs that it may be time to replace your Roku is when you notice a sluggish performance. If you find that apps are taking longer to load, navigating through menus is laggy, or there is a significant delay when streaming content, it could be an indication that your device is no... Another sign of sluggish performance is frequent freezing or buffering issues while streaming content. If you’re experiencing these problems consistently, it might be time to upgrade to a newer Roku model that can handle high-resolution streaming and faster processing speeds. Additionally, if your current Roku device takes a long time to boot up or respond to commands, it could be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade. Newer Roku models often have faster processors and more memory, resulting in quicker load times and smoother overall performance.

April 29, 2025 by TinyGrab Team Leave a Comment So, you’re ready to cut the cord and embrace the glorious world of streaming? Excellent choice! Roku, with its intuitive interface, vast app library, and affordable price points, is a fantastic gateway. But with a surprisingly diverse lineup, picking the right Roku can feel overwhelming. Fear not!

Let’s cut through the marketing jargon and get you the perfect streaming companion. For most people, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the sweet spot. It’s a powerhouse performer that balances price and features perfectly. You get crisp 4K HDR streaming, a voice remote, and access to thousands of channels. Unless you have very specific needs (like super-advanced audio features or a need for local storage), this is the Roku to beat. However, the best Roku for you depends entirely on your needs and viewing habits.

Let’s explore the options and delve deeper. Before diving into specific models, it’s crucial to understand what unites them. All Roku devices offer:

People Also Search

I’ve Tested A Lot Of Streaming Devices Over The Years

I’ve tested a lot of streaming devices over the years — and Roku devices are my favorite. I put together this Roku Buying Guide to help you get the best deal on the best device for your household. This is not sponsored and I paid for all of the devices that I own. That’s how you know a Michael Saves review is a review that you can actually trust! My #1 pick is the Roku Ultra 2024. The Ultra is Rok...

The Roku Ultra Is A Premium Device With A Premium

The Roku Ultra is a premium device with a premium regular price of around $100. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you're looking for an upgraded viewing experience, the Roku Stick is one of the smartest ways to elevate your TV's capabilities. It runs on a custom Roku OS, which is liked for its simple interface, extensive app collection, consistent performance, and freque...

While There Are Multiple Ways To Fix A Slow Smart

While there are multiple ways to fix a slow smart TV, upgrading it with a streaming device is a more promising solution. The Roku's interface also brings in freshness if your existing TV already feels boring. If you can buy an inexpensive streaming stick that delivers a top-quality experience, then why opt for an expensive new TV? Roku can bridge the gap, allowing you to install the apps that olde...

While Everything Looks Good, There Are A Few Factors That

While everything looks good, there are a few factors that can help you save a buck and ensure you get the right stick for your TV. Therefore, let's explore nine must-knows before you hit the buy button. The Roku Stick, which is roughly the size of a USB flash drive, can be plugged directly into your TV's HDMI port. Most TVs have at least a couple of HDMI ports. If they are in use by other devices,...

Also, If You Have An Older TV That Doesn't Have

Also, if you have an older TV that doesn't have an HDMI slot and only features a composite RCA input, you'll need an HDMI to RCA converter to enjoy Roku OS. Simply plugging the Stick into your TV isn't enough. To power the Roku Stick, you can connect it directly to your TV. All you have to do is connect the USB cable to your Roku device and plug the other end into your TV's USB port. For this to w...