Roku’s player lineup is deceptively straightforward at first glance. It contains a handful of sticks, boxes, and soundbar hybrids. But behind that simplicity is a clear product strategy that matches price to performance and gives every TV an easy path to the Roku interface.
Here is every product in Roku’s current family.
1. Roku Express HD
Price: $15.99 to $29.99.
If you want to add Roku’s smart functionality to your digital or older analog TV, this is normally the cheapest and simplest solution we recommend. You just need to connect or insert the Express device into your TV’s USB and HDMI ports, then power it.
Once your stick is on, sign in to your Roku account or make an account; all these for free. When successful, you will have access to the Roku Channel Store.
Here you can download all major apps without paying. You will also access hundreds of channels depending on your location.
The trade-off is obvious. The gadget has no HDR and no advanced audio codecs. But for older HDTVs or basic streaming needs, the Express gets the job done for a fraction of the cost of high-end players.
Pros:
- The cheapest way to add Roku to any TV.
- Simple and very low-power.
- Great for guest rooms and secondary TVs.
- Fast setup and access to the Roku ecosystem.
Cons:
- Does not support 4K and also HDR.
- Not ideal if your setup is a modern 4K TV.
2. Roku Streambar SE
Price: $79.99
The Streambar is the best choice if your TV’s speakers are thin and you don’t want the complexity of an AV receiver. It’s less powerful than a multi-speaker system.
However, the audio uplift is meaningful for dialogue clarity and low-end support, and the on-bar streaming saves a spare port behind the TV.
Pros:
- Simple single-cable setup via HDMI ARC/eARC.
- Good dialogue clarity and usable bass for a small bar.
- Reduces cable clutter and device footprint.
- Full Roku OS experience built in.
Cons:
- Not a replacement for full surround sound systems.
- You will pay more compared to a simple streaming stick combined with a separate, cheap soundbar.
3. Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Price: $19.99 to $39.99
If you are the average, everyday streamer, this premium stick hits the best balance between price and performance. The gadget will deliver HDR, Dolby Vision on compatible models, and a responsive interface that’s only a step below the Ultra.
You’ll find the stick ideal for living rooms where you don’t need Ethernet or local media ports. It gives you fast 4K playback, good Wi-Fi range, and the convenience of a remote that controls power and volume on your TV.
Pros:
- Excellent 4K and also HDR value for the price.
- Small, unobtrusive form factor and a simple setup.
- Voice remote with TV control buttons.
- Often, the best sales-to-performance ratio.
Cons:
- No Ethernet or USB media ports.
- Slightly less tolerant of weak Wi-Fi than wired boxes.
4. Roku Ultra
Price: $69.99 to $99.99
The Ultra features speed and polish. Any apps you install launch faster, plus the interface feels very fast and snappy during navigation.
If you stream 4K content, the stick will handle it well. You will also have fewer buffering issues and app delays on congested Wi-Fi. This is thanks to Wi-Fi 6, an Ethernet jack, and a more capable processor.
What’s more, this top-of-the-line stick comes with a bundled Voice Remote Pro. It features hands-on buttons, a backlight, and rechargeability, which are genuinely handy during late-night viewing sessions.
It has a lost-remote finder, a welcome convenience you won’t know you needed until you lose the remote.
Pros:
- Fast interface and streaming performance on any Roku.
- USB media support and microSD storage option.
- Full Dolby Vision and Atmos pass-through.
- Premium rechargeable voice remote.
- Excellent codec support.
Cons:
- The highest price in the Roku player line.
- Some features are redundant if your TV already has a fast smart OS.
- Bigger footprint than stick models, so not ideal for tight behind-TV routing.