Even if you’re a casual TV watcher, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Roku – particularly its streaming devices that give you access to TV streaming services like Max, Paramount+, and Sling TV, all from one location on your TV. Roku has easily become the most widely used streaming player in the United States, which is why multiple TV manufacturers have built the Roku platform directly into their TV models.
Roku has a strong lineup of streaming devices for homeowners that caters to various streaming needs and personal budgets.
Roku: Company Overview
Roku was founded in 2002, originally with high-definition video players as its primary product. However, after a large investment from Netflix a few years later, Roku created a TV streaming device that allowed people to stream Netflix TV shows and movies from their TVs.
Roku continued to grow as a result, producing more streaming devices to support additional apps, including popular streaming networks like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Disney+.
Pros
- Highly affordable streaming players, starting as low as $29.99
- Roku devices support many of the most popular streaming platforms, like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
- Little to no learning curve with the Roku OS, accessible to non-techie users
- No contracts or monthly fees to use Roku
Cons
- Some older Roku devices have limited storage for apps
- Many Roku devices require a stable internet connection to function properly
- Roku collects user data to gauge user behavior and show targeted ads
Since its founding, Roku has also expanded into other products, like TVs with the Roku operating system built in, smart home devices, security cameras with professional home monitoring, and home audio equipment. Roku has even created its own streaming platform with original TV shows and movies catering to a broad audience of viewers.
As of the start of 2025, Roku boasts a customer base of more than 90 million streaming households, remaining the top-selling TV operating system in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Currently, more than 500 live channels and thousands of free on-demand options are available to watch on Roku devices.
Why Is Roku So Popular?
Whether you want to watch ABC live with Roku to catch the nightly news or stream a movie from Max, Roku offers TV and movie enthusiasts plenty of ways to watch everything they want to watch. And it’s all at your fingertips with an easy-to-use interface that you can add, remove, and organize channels to your liking. Unlike cable services that might give you access to lots of channels but don’t offer any customization over how you view and organize those channels, the entire Roku interface is yours to personalize.
For example, if you have 20 channels installed but want to put your favorites, like Netflix or Hulu, at the top for quick access, you can move around the apps to do so. And if you ever want to remove a channel from your screen, you can do that at any time.
Roku users also like that Roku’s streaming devices are small and portable, so you can bring them with you wherever you want to stream — as long as you have an internet connection, of course. So if you’re staying the night at a hotel, bring along your Roku streaming device to plug into your hotel TV as long as it’s compatible with Roku (many modern TVs are). You’ll have instant access to everything you watch at home on your Roku.
👉 Related reading: Onn vs Hisense: Which TV Is Better?
With that said, Roku isn’t the top choice for everyone. Some people prefer Fire TV, Google TV, or Apple TV, for example, especially if they have other Amazon, Google, or Apple devices. These streaming devices have unique features that make them blend more seamlessly with other devices within their brands’ ecosystems. For example, Apple TV offers AirPlay so users can stream and share content from their iPhones. Roku supports AirPlay, but Apple TV is built for Apple devices, so it can offer a more straightforward and optimized way to screenshare.
Roku Streaming: How Does It Work?
Roku has several streaming devices, but they generally work the same to bring your favorite content to your TV. Here’s what to expect.
Channels
Roku channels are the apps you add to your home screen as shortcuts for each streaming platform you want to watch. For example, the Netflix “channel” is the Netflix app that brings you to all your content on Netflix. You can add channels to Roku for free, but keep in mind that paid streaming platforms will require subscriptions for a set cost.
The Roku Channel Store has thousands of channels, including Starz, AMC+, Apple TV, Sling TV, and Lifetime. As you can see, it supports streaming platforms as well as movie subscriptions and single TV channels. You can also find other types of channels, like music streaming with Spotify, live radio and podcasting with TuneIn, and home workout routines with Peloton.
👉 Recommended: What Is the Best Music Streaming Service in 2025?
Channels are searchable and addable from your Roku device by visiting the Store. Roku checks for updates and updates your channels automatically, so you’ll always have the latest version.
Live TV
Roku devices give you access to The Roku Channel, where you’ll find over 500 free live TV channels that you don’t need a subscription for. When you visit the app from your Roku device, you can use the TV guide to see what’s on, browse through categories to find something new, and view any shows you’ve favorited to your account. The Roku Channel also lists recommended shows based on what you’ve watched previously. A few live channels available through The Roku Channel include:
- MTV Block Party
- ABC News Live
- Love Nature
- FilmRise Free Movies
- Doctor Who Classic
- The Wiggles Channel
- Supermarket Sweep
If you have a Roku TV, you can also connect an HDTV antenna to get your live local stations for free through The Roku Channel.
Roku Experience
When you have a Roku streaming device or Roku TV, you can take advantage of the Roku Experience, or the interface that allows you to customize your viewing experience. Add and remove channels to your home screen, change the background and screensaver, and move around your channels so you can access your favorites more easily.
With a Roku streaming device, the Roku Experience can follow you on any TV you connect your device to, giving you everything you want to watch at your fingertips.
Pricing
Once you pay for a Roku streaming device or TV, there are no additional charges, like a monthly or annual subscription, to worry about. The only other costs you’ll have are the premium streaming services that you choose to subscribe to, like Disney+ or Max. But there’s also plenty of free content available between The Roku Channel and other free apps you can download from the Roku Channel Store.
However, you will be asked to add a payment method to your account when you activate a Roku device. This lets you add and manage subscriptions to streaming services directly through your Roku account. But if you choose to subscribe through each streaming platform, you’ll pay directly to them rather than Roku. You can update or remove your Roku payment method at any time.
Roku Streaming Devices
Roku’s streaming devices are its primary offering. The lineup includes straightforward devices to view your favorite channels and streambars that combine TV, movies, and audio, all controlled by one remote.
| Product | Estimated Price | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Express | $29.99 | HD streaming, quick setup, broad channel selection, standard remote | Budget-friendly streaming |
| Roku Express 4K+ | $39.99 | 4K HDR streaming, fast wireless, voice remote with TV controls | Affordable 4K streaming |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | $49.99 | Plug-in stick design, Dolby Vision, long-range Wi-Fi, voice control | Portable streaming |
| Roku Ultra (2024) | $99.99 | 4K, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, fastest performance, Voice Remote Pro | High-performance streaming |
| Roku Streambar SE | $99.99 | 4K HDR streaming, compact design, enhanced audio, auto volume leveling | Budget audio and streaming |
| Roku Streambar | $129.99 | 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Audio, four speakers, smart volume control | Premium sound and streaming |
Roku Express
- HD streaming, quick setup, broad channel selection
- Remote with essential buttons and popular shortcuts
- Free live TV channels, premium options available
- Automatic updates ensure latest channels and features
Roku Express is Roku’s introductory streaming device priced at $29.99. This device is best for anyone who’s a casual TV and movie watcher who doesn’t need fancy sound or visuals beyond the basics. It has everything you’d expect from a simple streaming device, including HD streaming, access to the full library of Roku’s channels, a guided setup to get you started quickly, and a customizable home screen.
Unlike some of Roku’s higher-end streaming devices, Roku Express comes with a standard remote, meaning it doesn’t include voice control to search for things to watch and direct your Roku using your voice rather than the remote. Otherwise, it offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy Roku and get all your streaming platforms in one place.
Specifications:
- Compatible with HDTVs
- 802.11b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- HDMI and Micro USB ports
- .75 x 3.0 x 1.5 inches
Roku Express 4K+
- 4K HDR streaming
- Fast wireless connection
- Single remote control
- Voice search & control
- Custom home screen, easy setup
For a few dollars more than the Roku Express, Roku Express 4K+ offers better streaming quality with support for HDR and 4K visuals. It also launches apps quicker than Roku Express, so you can save time when switching between your favorite streaming platforms. You’ll also get the upgraded remote, which includes buttons to power on and off your TV and control its volume, plus voice control and search features.
Otherwise, Roku Express 4K+ looks and functions similarly to Roku Express, although it’s slightly wider. But for $39.99, it’s an affordable option if you want upgraded visuals and a faster performance.
Specifications:
- Compatible with HDTVs, 4K TVs, and 4K HDR TVs, with support for HDR10/10+ and HLG
- 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- HDMI and Micro USB ports
- 0.8 x 3.4 x 1.5 inches
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
- Plug-in stick design
- Fast streaming startup
- Strong Wi-Fi connection
- Voice remote control
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR10+
- Voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a more portable version of other Roku streaming devices. It’s similar in size to a USB flash drive, and easy to tuck inside a laptop bag or your purse when traveling. It offers a simple plug-and-go connection once you insert it into your TV’s HDMI slot. Unlike the Express and Express 4K+, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K supports Dolby Vision as well as 4K and HDR and comes with long-range Wi-Fi with up to two times faster speeds.
This Roku streaming device is $49.99 and includes the upgraded remote with voice control. It’s a great option if you want to take Roku with you wherever you go or want to avoid extra wires running from your TV.
Specifications:
- Compatible with HDTVs, 4K TVs, and 4K HDR TVs, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, and HLG
- 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- HDMI 2.0b, USB, and long-range Wi-Fi receiver ports
- 3.7 x 0.80 x .45 inches
Roku Ultra (2024)
- Faster streaming, 4K & Dolby Atmos support
- Voice Remote Pro with backlit buttons
- Rechargeable remote with hands-free voice control
- Easy access to apps and entertainment
If you’re looking for the fastest and most feature-filled Roku streaming device, Roku Ultra (2024 edition) is it. It’s $99.99 — $50 more than the next in line, the Roku Streaming Stick — but if you’re a frequent app switcher, its ability to perform 30% faster than other Roku devices might steer you to its side.
It’s not just speed that makes this one outshine others in the lineup, though. It also comes with the most sophisticated remote, which includes backlit buttons for nighttime movie watching, a lost remote finder, and a rechargeable battery. There’s also a customizable quick-launch button and a live TV guide button for quick access to the things you want to watch.
With support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio, this Roku gives the best overall streaming experience out of the brand’s regular streaming devices for those who want cinematic viewing at home.
Specifications:
- Compatible with HDTVs, 4K TVs, and 4K HDR TVs, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, and HLG
- 802.11ax dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi® 6 (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz); 10/100 Base-T Ethernet
- USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1b, and Ethernet 10/100 ports
- 4.9 x 5.0 x 1.0 inches
Roku Streambar SE
- 4K HDR streaming
- Compact 2-in-1 design
- Clear speech, auto volume
- Premium speakers, bass port
- Easy plug-and-play setup
While Roku’s primary streaming devices enhance what you can do with your TV, they don’t do much for audio quality, aside from the Roku Ultra, which supports Dolby Atmos audio — but only if your TV offers it, of course. On the other hand, the Roku Streambar SE gives you all the streaming features you know and love from Roku while boosting audio.
So if you have a TV with lackluster audio, this device can help you get more cinematic audio quality with enhanced speech clarity and crisp sound. It also quiets loud commercials automatically, upping the volume when your show or movie comes back on. It also includes a mode for Bluetooth headphone streaming.
For $99.99, you’ll get streaming features similar to the Roku Express 4K+ except for HLG support, but with two-speaker audio and the option to expand your audio experience by adding a bass.
Specifications:
- Compatible with HDTVs, 4K UHD TVs, and 4K UHD HDR TVs, with support for HDR10/10+; TV must have HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2
- 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz); Wired Ethernet requires separate USB adaptor
- Ports for bass, USB 2.0, HDMI® 2.0a (ARC), optical input (S/PDIF Digital Audio)
- 2.4 x 9.6 x 3.5 inches
Roku Streambar
- 4K HDR streaming
- 300+ live TV channels
- Dolby Audio, four speakers
- Customizable home screen
- Smart volume control
The Roku Streambar could be a better option for you than the Streambar SE if you’re prioritizing audio. It supports Dolby Audio with compatible TVs, which can be great for a family room or entertainment room. The trade-off is that it doesn’t support HDR10+ visuals like the Streambar SE, but you’ll still access 4K and HDR10 on compatible TVs.
Otherwise, these two are nearly identical, although the Streambar is a few inches wider and comes with a price tag of $129.99.
Specifications:
- Compatible with HDTVs, 4K UHD TVs, and 4K UHD HDR TVs, with support for HDR10; TV must have HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2
- 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz); Wired Ethernet requires separate USB adaptor
- Ports for bass, USB 2.0, HDMI® 2.0a (ARC), optical input (S/PDIF Digital Audio)
- 2.4 x 14 x 4.2 inches
Roku Televisions
| Series | Starting Price | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Select Series | from $228 | 4K HDR10+, multiple sizes, automatic color adjustment | Budget-friendly TV |
| Roku Plus Series | from $499 | QLED display, Dolby Vision, optional Dolby Atmos | Mid-range TV with better visuals |
| Roku Pro Series | from $899 | 120Hz refresh rate, sleek wall-mounted design, Backdrops app | Premium viewing experience |
Roku sells its own TVs that include the Roku Experience without the need to buy a separate device. The company also partners with other TV brands that make TVs with Roku built into them.
TVs Made by Roku
Roku-made TVs blend traditional TVs with the Roku Experience, so you can add, modify, and use your favorite streaming apps all from your TV’s home screen. Roku TVs come in three Series, each with different features and price points.
Roku Select Series TV – from $228
The Select Series is Roku’s most budget-friendly option, starting at just $228. With multiple screen sizes ranging from 43” to 75”, you can match your TV to your room size, whether you want a smaller bedroom TV or a larger screen for an entertainment room. These TVs include 4K HDR10+ resolution with automatic color brightening to adapt your visuals to whatever room you place the TV in. When you buy a Select Series, you’ll enjoy Roku’s voice control remote, which also includes the lost remote finder feature.
Roku Plus Series TV – from $499
Roku’s Plus Series TVs start at $499.99 and have three sizes to choose from: 55”, 65”, and 75”. This Series upgrades visuals with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and a QLED display that adds crispness to every show and movie. You can also get an audio upgrade from a Plus Series TV, with optional expandability for Dolby Atmos and up to 4.1 surround sound.
Roku Pro Series TV – from $899
The Pro Series starts at $899 and is available in 75”, 65”, and 55” sizes. These TVs sit flat against the wall, which is a more aesthetic option, especially when you use the Backdrops app, which can turn your TV into a piece of art when you’re not using it. Pro Series TVs also offer smoother performance with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Roku Built-in
You don’t have to go directly through Roku to get the Roku Experience on your TV. Several TV brands make TVs with Roku built in so you can stick with your favorite brand and enjoy its exclusive features while still benefiting from using Roku without an extra streaming device. Sharp, JVC, and Philips are a few popular TV manufacturers that sell TVs with built-in Roku. Hisense and TCL Roku TVs are also available through multiple retailers, while Onn TVs with Roku are only sold at Walmart but are popular for their affordability.
Here are a couple of top-rated TVs with built-in Roku:
TCL 32-Inch Class S3
- 1080P HD resolution
- Direct LED backlight
- Low-latency Game Mode
- Roku TV Smart OS
- Three HDMI with ARC
The TCL 32-Inch Class S3 TV has an LED screen for crisp picture quality and a bezel-less design that allows the picture to stretch from end to end. It also has support for voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa so you can control the TV from wherever you are in your home. It’s available on Amazon for $149.99.
Hisense 40-Inch Class H4 Series
- 1080p, motion rate 120
- Roku TV, built-in Wi-Fi
- Easy navigation remote
- App and voice control
- Remote, cable, 1-year warranty
Priced at $182.99 on Amazon, the Hisense 40-Inch Class H4 Series offers 120 motion rate image processing paired with an LED screen for high-quality pictures and integrated DTS TruSurround for a home theater audio boost. It’s compatible with Alexa Echo devices and Google Assistant for voice control.
Other Roku Product Lines
Roku’s primary product lines are its streaming devices and TVs, but the company also has a few secondary product lines that are worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade the technology in your home.
Smart Home
To keep in line with other top home tech companies, Roku has expanded into the smart home space, offering convenient products like smart plugs, lights, video doorbells, and security cameras. While they haven’t caught up to competitors in terms of popularity, Roku’s cameras and video doorbells have the unique ability to stream video directly to your Roku player so you can always keep an eye on your home and front door.
Roku Audio
Aside from the audio-focused Roku Streambars, Roku sells speakers and basses to improve surround sound in your home. They range from $129.99 to $149.99 and offer a simple setup via a wireless connection so you won’t have to run extra wires throughout your space.
Roku Accessories
Roku’s accessories lineup includes conversion cables to make older TVs compatible with your Roku streaming device; Roku remote controls; power adaptors; and stands and mounts for TVs, streaming devices, and speakers. Roku remotes are among the most common buys from this category, with replacement remotes for as low as $9.99.
You can also buy the Voice Remote Pro for $29.99 if you don’t have a streaming device that comes with one. While you can use a universal remote with Roku (if it’s a compatible one, of course), using a Roku remote is the most straightforward way to control your device.
Roku Mobile App
Once you have a Roku device, you can use the free Roku app for iOS or Android devices to enhance your viewing experience. The app lets you organize channel content, search for TV and movies to watch, connect headphones to stream audio directly to your device, and even watch your content on the go.
But one of the best features is the app’s remote, which controls your Roku from your mobile device — perfect if you lost your remote or don’t have a fresh set of batteries handy to reinstall in a battery-operated Roku remote. And, if you don’t have a voice control remote, simply use the app to control your Roku with voice commands.
Roku Support
Find help for common questions and issues on Roku’s online help database or ask a question in the free Roku Community. If you need more tailored support for a specific issue, contact the Roku support team:
- Log into your Roku account.
- Click the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the page.
- Tap “Roku Support.”
- Scroll down to “Agent Support” and click “Check support options.”
- Tap the category for your support needs, followed by the closest subcategory.
- Roku will recommend the best way(s) to contact the company for support based on your issue.
Is Roku Worth It?
If you’ve cut cable from your life in favor of streaming TV and movie content a la Netflix and other similar services, you may find Roku a worthy addition to your TV setup, especially considering that its streaming devices cost no more than $130 — less than what you’d likely pay for cable for just one month of service. But if you want to stick with cable TV and don’t typically use streaming services, Roku won’t do much for you, although you could still put its other products, like speakers and security cameras, to use.
Keep in mind that if you’re in the market for a new TV, plenty of models come with built-in Roku included. TVs with Roku are very similar in price to comparable TVs without Roku’s OS, so you’re not necessarily paying more to have it there. Even if you don’t have an immediate need for Roku, it can help to have it already on your TV if you decide to switch from cable to streaming services in the future. Until then, hook up your cable as usual and know that Roku’s there if you need it.
Continue reading:
