It supports all the necessary HDR formats, most notably Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and is quite speedy.
I am a fan.
Its still worth it, not to mention its ultimately not that expensive either.
Roku Ultra (2024) home screen interface
The performance is speedy and the remote is about as good a remote as Ive personally used.
All its missing is a passthrough HDMI that might be a benefit in certain setups.
The port selection is pretty streamlined, as is to be expected.
The Roku Ultra (2024) comes with a backlit remote control
Theres a single HDMI, an Ethernet port Wi-Fi 6 is also available and a USB-A port.
Regarding the HDMI, I would have liked a pass-through HDMI port.
Now, lets discuss the remote.
Ports on the Roku Ultra (2024) include HDMI, USB-A, and Ethernet
I was a fan of the remote when I reviewed theRoku Pro Series TVand Im a fan now.
Its only different than Rokus other remotes on close inspection as it keeps the general shape and layout.
It has a toggle on one side for hands-free voice support (more on that later).
The rechargeable remote features a toggle button that lets you select the streamer’s hands-free voice command option
The Roku Voice Remote Pro also has a couple of extra buttons on it.
And the Roku hands-free functionality is nice.
I can just say Hey Roku, launch Netflix to launch Netflix.
Luna gaming on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)
I was able to compare the Roku Ultra (2024) to the Roku Streambar for a baseline.
Loading the Roku Channel on the Streambar took seven seconds and loading a movie took four.
Even navigating through Rokus interface is almost immediate.
What you do get is Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HLG and HDR10/10+.
None of the other Roku streaming players support all those formats.
The next most expensive one in Rokus lineup is missing Dolby Atmos, for instance.
Lastly, we need to discuss the interface.
To start, setup is easy like it always is with Roku.
Creating a new account or resetting a password (like I had to do) is easy as well.
Just double-check to have access to your email for doing so.
Getting through those is also intuitive.
Everything makes sense in where theyre listed.
Theres also plenty of Roku-related and free content available for those of us hurting from the ever-increasing app prices.
Should you buy the Roku Ultra (2024)?
You wont have to wait for your favorite apps, shows, or movies to load.
You want support for all formatsMost streaming players support 4K at 60Hz these days.
But only the more premium ones support HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
And many dont support all three, but the Roku Ultra (2024) does.
Youre looking to save moneyThe cost of the Roku Ultra (2024) is really not that high.
It is, however, still on the higher end when it comes to streaming players.
you might find capable options at less than half the price.
Its recommended mainly for Apple fans and offers multiple features that work seamlessly with the companys other products.
It doesnt have support for WiFi 6E, unfortunately.
Read more about how we test
First reviewed November 2024
