Roku Ultra 2024 - Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV with HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos - Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 6- Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with Backlit Buttons - Free & Live TV

I’ve been using Rokus since their 2nd generation that I bought in 2010. They’ve had their issues here and there over the years, notably internal memory that caused buffering issues when loading streaming services. Other little idiosyncrasies like remote control issues and video quality didn’t stop me from buying successive units over the years; and, now, we have the latest Ultra. For me, Roku has finally ironed out all the wrinkles and added some new features that make this streaming device exceptional.Not all the features are new but, now, this version has a backlit remote that can also control your TV and, hey, no more batteries. It’s rechargeable via usb c and holds a charge for weeks despite daily use. Voice control is also now a feature that has matured and now very well. It saves lots of time “typing” in menu screens. Well done!I’m no audiophile but I use this Ultra with a higher end Samsung QLED with a fully wireless (that’s right, bluetooth) connectivity to a Samsung Q Symphony 3.1.1 slim soundbar/sub and the whole system works, looks and sound spectacular in a 14x20 great room with volume ceiling.The new Ultra also allows super easy connection to bluetooth headphones, the first Roku device other than their TVs and sound bars to have that capability. And this feature performs exceptionally well.All in all all the features are here and all of them work fast and very well. If I had just one critique it would be the size of the unit. Put all of it in a stick instead of a full size Roku and this would be a 11 out of 10 but I can hardly deduct a star for that. As it is, I have it mounted behind my TV screen, so neither the Roku nor cables are visible.So, in all. this latest Roku Ultra is an easy 5/5. Outstanding!

Where it shines:It is fast, responsive, and customizable in ways that my TV's native smart features were not. Roku really does have the market cornered where those factors are concerned.I don't have a ton to say about pros because, frankly, it works exactly like it should and is an improvement in every way over stock features, which I summed up above.Where it lacks/potential warning for future buyers:I really struggled to get it to work with my soundbar correctly. I tried every possible configuration, even went through lengthy troubleshooting with AI/reddit/etc., but no matter what, some device would not sync with sound and required the soundbar to be rebooted. Whether that was the roku's fault, the tv's fault, or the soundbar's fault, I'm unsure, but it had something to do with where the ARC hdmi signal was coming from. Basically, in one configuration, every Netflix show required the soundbar to be rebooted every single episode. In another configuration, the soundbar wouldn't work for our Nintendo Switch. In another configuration, Netflix worked but Disney+ didn't. It was super weird and so obnoxious that we made the choice to remove the soundbar entirely. Now, the roku works perfectly well, but we're stuck on our tv's horrendous speakers.One other thing that's a disappointment is that the wifi modem for the roku is actually stronger/faster than the ethernet jack. IDK why they didn't put the more standard 100/1000 port in, but I would have loved to do that rather than put more load on my home network's wifi.

I think the latest Roku Ultra is worth the purchase. The interface moves much faster and smoother than the one we had from 2021.I do like the 4K support it works magnificently.One criticism: The ethernet port being 10/100M is pretty weak for these times. If this is supposed to be a front-line product it really needs to be 2.5G. While Roku claims they can support 802.11ac, I believe they have some work to do to be ready for WiFi 6e and 7. I also think they are incorporating old multiplexing tech which is limiting their ability to process at higher speeds.All that said, it's a great purchase for $80-$100. The remote finder is very handy. The backlit keys are also pretty nice to have as well. The voice controls are very complimentary. I also find using the Roku Android App to be really responsive. Again, this Roku is WAY smoother and responsive than its ancestors.My critique of the interconnectivity should NOT take away from a decision to purchase. I have 2.5Gb Fiber Service and I haven't had any buffering even with the Roku being a choke point in the data stream.I have bought Rokus for years now and I don't want to see another brand come along take them out. I love the "agnostic" format and the ever-improving features for the user experience. Just please, Roku, attack the interconnectivity tech next.

I have already recommended the Roku Ultra to a friend that has an older Roku smart TV. She could not use the smart features of her TV. Her TV just did not work well as a streaming device. Now that she has the Roku ultra, she can now enjoy streaming on her Roku TV. I find that the device woks well. It was easy to set up and the networking works well. I use it on a 5 GHZ wireless network. I get no buffering with a very sharp picture just like using it with a network cable. I love the backlit remote and not needing batteries. It,s convenient to charge the remote when the charge gets low. If you,re in need of a streaming device, you can't go wrong with this one. Oh, did I forget to mention it has a remote finder feature, just in case your remote slips between your couch cushions, the Ultra has you covered. I,m very pleased with the purchase and I would do it again if I wanted another one. Well, that's all I have for you today. Have a great one.