What we like
- Fastest Roku ever — apps open instantly
- Voice Remote Pro included: rechargeable, backlit, remote finder
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Hands-free 'Hey Roku' voice control
What gives us pause
- Costs double the Streaming Stick 4K for gains casual viewers won't feel
- Same promotional home-screen tiles as cheaper Rokus
- No smart-home hub features
- The box needs shelf space; it doesn't hide like a stick
Who it's for
Roku fans with a wired network near the TV, heavy streamers who'll feel the speed daily, and anyone who wants the Voice Remote Pro without buying it separately — it's bundled here.
Speed
The new quad-core chip makes the Ultra feel like a different platform compared to the sticks: apps launch immediately, and scrolling through long lists never stutters. In side-by-side app launches it matched the Apple TV 4K more often than not.
The remote
The Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition) is in the box: USB-C charging, backlit buttons, two customizable shortcuts, hands-free 'Hey Roku', and a finder beep triggered from the Ultra itself. It's the remote every platform should ship.
Connectivity
Ethernet delivers the stable 4K stream Wi-Fi can't promise, and Wi-Fi 6 future-proofs wireless setups. The USB port plays local media files — a rarity among streamers.
Versus the stick
If your TV is within good Wi-Fi range and you watch a few hours a week, the Streaming Stick 4K is 90% of this experience for half the money. The Ultra is for people who'll feel the difference every day.
Key specifications
| Resolution | 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, USB |
| Remote | Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with backlit buttons |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos |
| Extras | Lost-remote finder, hands-free voice |