5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive performance

E. · June 16, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } After using streaming sticks for many years, with the amount of use they got we decided to upgrade to a more premium version when we started having problems with our last one. When I did a bit of product research I was surprised to find that a Roku device came more recommended than a Fire TV or Apple device, as Roku was not a brand that I mentally associated with product quality, but I decided to try it out anyway and I'm very impressed. I can't say how it performs as compared to other devices in this size and price range, but the performance difference between the Roku Ultra and our old streaming stick is quite significant. I do think that the position our TV is in is a bit rough on the sticks, as in plugging directly into the TV they have to be in a space that is both poorly ventilated and still exposed to harsh desert sunlight. The less compact design is therefore actually a benefit in our case, as the cord lets us set it in front of the TV where it's both exposed to less heat and sunlight, and given a less obstructed wifi signal. I know this could be done for a stick with an extender, but having to deal with that does take away a bit from a stick's appeal both as a dirt cheap option and as a minimal setup plug and play device, whereas with a larger set top box style device it's expected.Aside from performance, the user experience is a bit better in general, navigation is easier and the UI is more attractive and less peppered with ads. As best I can tell all major streaming services support both Roku and Fire TV, so other than the unavoidable process of having to log into everything on a new device, there were no issues picking up right where we left off on our previous device.I think I would still recommend a cheap stick device for people who only stream on their TV occasionally and want something quick and easy, but with the amount of use ours gets, I think paying extra for a device with better performance was a great investment. It's undergone heavy use in the month since we bought it and we've had zero issues with it in that time. Playback is smooth, loading is fast, there's no hanging or freezing, and the remote connected very easy to the TV. The only issue we've had at all is with volume getting stuck in place on a bluetooth speaker, and I'm not sure if that's the fault of the Roku or the speaker, not to mention that bluetooth tends not to be the most reliable technology in the first place, but the way the Roku handles volume management might make it somewhat more prone to this sort of issue than a Fire TV Stick.That very minor issue aside, the Roku Ultra works impressively well and in my opinion is more than worth it if you stream video frequently and your TV doesn't have the function built-in. For the price (100 dollars at time of review) it feels like a very premium and well-made product, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade from the a streaming stick to something nicer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Roku Ultra

M. · June 7, 2025

I have had Roku's most of my life, starting with Roku1 up till now. Then my son gave me a firestick. I had been using them for many years. Then I got tired of all the problems with my firestick, constantly having to reboot it only fixed the problem for a short time. So I decided to buy another Roku.I wish I could say that pairing my Roku remote was easy, but it was not. Without being able to pair the remote, I was unable to access the menu. I was beginning to get so frustrated with the inability to pair my remote. I was ready to pack up my new Roku and return it to Bolo! I looked all over for help. Then I finally came across a suggestion on Google where I should reboot my Roku (once again) and try pairing during boot up. That worked!! I finally got the remote paired. I am currently watching live TV (Miramax). After the pairing problem was resolved, it was easy to finish set up. I even downloaded the remote app from Google Play. The response speed is the best I've ever seen. It's like lightning fast! Also I have Hulu live and I have alot recorded on my account. As each recording has been viewed, I delete the recording. On my firestick I often need to try 4 or more times to delete the same recording over and over. With my new Roku, 1 attempt and it's gone!!! And FAST!!! Getting familiarized with the remote has been familiar but updated. No Roku remote that I've ever had, has had a power, volume or mute button. These are features that spoiled me on my firesticks, well the latest ones anyway. I've got more models of both Roku and Firestick. I need to learn the new software for this Roku. I don't think I'll ever buy another streaming stick again, unless it's another Roku for my living room. Now to look for another replacement remote, just in case this one gets lost or breaks, after all, I have concrete tiled floors.So, remember, folks, if you can't pair your remote, try booting up your Roku and before it gets to the menu, hit the 2 buttons to pair and it should be good to go!! GOOD LUCK!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Roku— Ever!

T.S. · June 8, 2025

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!