Roku Player Models Complete Guide To All Streaming Devices

Leo Migdal

-Dec 10, 2025, 9:20 AM

roku player models complete guide to all streaming devices

Roku offers a diverse lineup of streaming devices to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an older TV with basic streaming capabilities or seeking premium features like Dolby Vision and voice control, there’s a Roku player model designed for you. This comprehensive guide breaks down every current Roku device, comparing features, specifications, and value to help you find your perfect streaming companion. Roku has evolved from a single Netflix streaming box to offering a comprehensive range of streaming players at various price points. Today’s lineup includes everything from budget-friendly HD sticks to premium 4K players with advanced features. All Roku devices share the same intuitive interface and access to thousands of streaming channels, but differ in resolution support, processing power, remote capabilities, and special features.

Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand that all Roku devices provide access to the same content library and user interface. The differences lie in hardware capabilities, performance, and extra features. Let’s explore the current Roku player models to help you make an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison table highlights the key differences between current Roku player models to help you quickly identify which device best meets your needs and budget. The Roku Express is the most affordable entry point into the Roku ecosystem, designed for users who want basic streaming capabilities at the lowest possible price. This compact device connects to your TV via HDMI and delivers content in up to 1080p Full HD resolution.

Rokus continue to remain our favorite TV streaming devices. They're super easy to use and offer a wide array of streaming channels. Their displays aren't fancy, but they offer just what someone needs: quick, direct access to their favorite streaming services. The only hard part is figuring out which one to buy. There are currently four Roku streaming devices available, plus TVs, soundbars, and ones sold exclusively at certain retailers (not to mention older models still floating around places like Amazon). Rokus tend to have similar names and look nearly identical, with small changes happening every year or so, and it can be difficult to suss out the differences.

We're here to help. If you're like us, you want the best Roku for the least amount of money. We've broken down the features on the ones we think you'll actually want to own, starting with the most basic model. Even the best smart TVs benefit from a separate streaming device to accommodate all the apps you want in an easy-to-navigate interface. Roku is not the sleekest, but it's reliable and the easiest to set up and use. It includes Peacock and Max, which it was previously lacking, so it now connects to all the major streaming services.

Because so many people use Roku, it typically gets quick app updates. My biggest gripe with Roku is that its search is not always accurate in pinpointing exactly which streaming services carry a particular title, especially whether it's free or not. If you have trouble using the built-in search, you can always use Google on your phone to find whether something is streaming somewhere you subscribe, but that's annoying. There are other options that we break down more in our Best Streaming Devices guide. We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

posted by Suzanne Kantra on October 15, 2025 I've been a big fan since Roku launched more than 10 years ago, and although I've tested all the players on the market, I always come back to Roku for my personal use. That's because Roku streaming players support more live TV channels than any other and offers thousands of streaming channels and more than half a million movies and TV shows to watch. In my experience, Roku's software is the most efficient when it comes to finding what you want to watch, no matter where it's streaming, allowing you to discover free, rental, and purchase options wherever... If you're considering buying a Roku player, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the variety of models available – many of which are very similar. To help you make the right decision, I'll break down all the models, compare their features, and give you my recommendations.

What's important to know is that every Roku model has the same user interface and access to the same channels, so the core functionality will be identical across devices. Having used all of the Roku players, I can confidently recommend the Ultra 2024 to most people. While it's the most expensive at $99, it offers the best of everything that's important – 4K streaming with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, WiFi 6 (802.11ax MIMO) wireless, and the most advanced... 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: We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more here. Roku’s naming conventions make telling their streaming devices apart a bit challenging. Here’s the breakdown.

I’m rather fond of Roku’s TV streaming devices. Of the three awards I gave in my guide to the best streaming devices, I plopped Rokus onto the podium twice. Their performance is solid, but it’s the easy-to-navigate Roku user interface and remotes that win the day for Roku. The Roku home screen is the most playful of all, too. There are seasonal changes to “Roku city” as Roku calls the scrolling cityscape that serves as both a screensaver and the background to the Roku’s home screen. You can select user-submitted screensavers and backgrounds, although I like the official Roku scrolling cityscape and have rarely removed it in the past eight years that I’ve been streaming on various Rokus.

Home | Knowledge Base | Media Streaming Devices Streaming devices have become essential for accessing digital content at home. Roku is a leading brand in this space, offering various products to match different user needs. The Roku Express, Streaming Stick 4K, Ultra, and Streambar each have unique features and prices. Understanding the differences between these models is important for making the right choice. Based on the search results about Roku’s 2025 lineup, here’s a comprehensive comparison of the current models:

According to the search results, Roku introduced two streaming players in 2025: the Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus (source: Dignited). The 2025 Roku Streaming Stick (1080p) is positioned as a cheap way to bring Roku’s smarts to any television, though it requires accepting some trade-offs for the low price point (source: PC World). The first Roku device was introduced in the late 2000s. If you’ve just started showing interest in Roku, you might be curious: what is Roku, and how does it work? This beginner’s guide will answer all your questions about streaming on Roku devices. Roku is designed to stream TV shows and movies.

It’s one of the easiest ways to watch Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Paramount+, and other streaming services on your TV. In the US, it offers over 350 live TV channels, including NBC, ABC, and CBS. This makes Roku a top choice for budget TVs and a close second for media streaming devices. However, Roku is not intended for professional use. It has fewer features for looping slides or running business software on TVs. It’s more suitable for home use than office use.

In this guide, we’ll learn about Roku and the different device options. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of Roku. You might even want to buy one! Roku’s story began with an idea for a Netflix-branded product. Initially, the Roku team developed a TV recording platform to rival TiVo. They then teamed up with Netflix to create a set-top box for Netflix’s new streaming service.

In today’s digital age, streaming players have become essential devices for accessing a vast array of entertainment options. Roku, one of the leading brands in this space, offers a range of streaming players designed to meet various needs and preferences. This guide will take you through the different Roku models available, their features, and how to choose the right one for your viewing habits. Roku streaming players allow users to access thousands of channels and services, including popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. The brand’s products are known for their user-friendly interface and ability to stream content in high quality. Roku devices connect easily to your TV via HDMI and can be powered through USB or an adapter.

They come with a remote control that features shortcut buttons for quick access to favorite channels. Roku offers a variety of streaming players catering to different needs and budgets. The most entry-level option is the Roku Express, providing an affordable way to stream in HD quality. For those seeking 4K capabilities with enhanced audio options, the Roku Ultra is an excellent choice that also comes with advanced features like voice search and customizable shortcuts on its remote. In between these two extremes lies the Roku Streaming Stick+, which provides portability along with 4K HDR streaming. When choosing a Roku player, several key features should influence your decision-making process.

Firstly, consider your TV’s resolution; if you own a 4K TV but opt for an HD-only device like the Express, you won’t maximize your viewing experience. Secondly, check for additional functionalities such as voice search capabilities or private listening options—especially useful if you’re watching late at night without disturbing others. Lastly, evaluate whether you need advanced functions like gaming support or compatibility with smart home devices. Setting up your new Roku player is typically straightforward. After connecting it via HDMI cable to your television set and plugging it into power, you’ll need to follow onscreen prompts for initial setup including connecting it to Wi-Fi and linking it to your... Once set up is complete, you’ll have access instantly—complete with personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits.

Roku Player Models Complete Guide To All Streaming Devices

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