What To Know Before You Buy A Roku Solve Your Tech

Leo Migdal

-Dec 10, 2025, 8:31 AM

what to know before you buy a roku solve your tech

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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Your TV might stream, but Roku could still offer faster performance, more apps, or fewer headaches M-Production / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Your smart TV may have a lot of valuable features, but sometimes a streaming stick like a Roku can do something a smart TV can’t. But do you need a Roku or another streaming device with a smart TV? This guide explains how to compare features and check alternative methods for watching content. Whether or not you need a Roku device depends on what features or functionality you want. I'm not somebody who is frequently looking to change my tech if I don't have to. I've written many times here about wanting to use things until they pretty much die.

It's why I still love my retro gaming setup and still use my Kindle Fire 7. Don't get me wrong: I do upgrade every once in a while. I love my AirPods Pro 2, which even now are outdated but work incredibly well. Sometimes, your hand is forced when a device breaks or the manufacturer stops providing software updates for it. You might be able to find a way to repurpose it, but chances are more likely that you're going to have to replace it. When your battery starts to go on your phone, you have to consider either getting a new battery or a new phone.

Seeing which one is a more cost-effective choice can be the deciding factor. I've been looking into getting a new Roku for the TV in my office. I have an older Samsung TV and I currently use a Roku Streaming Stick that I've had for about 10 years now to make it a smart TV. As I'm looking into a new Roku, I realized it might not be only the Roku that I need to consider changing. Here are some of the technical specs I'm considering when it comes to a new Roku or, maybe, a new TV. You should first start by looking at your TV.

What are its specs? What resolution does it have? How are the visuals and audio? These are all important things to consider. Even if you have a smart TV, or even a Roku TV, you can still use a streaming device to go along with it. It's just as valuable to use a streaming device with a smart TV.

What To Know Before You Buy A Roku Solve Your Tech

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