Roku Ultra 2024, 4K Streaming Player Review

The Roku Ultra 2024 is the flagship of the Roku family, aimed at people who stream constantly and want the fastest, most capable box Roku makes. It is the device to reach for when a basic stick is not enough and you want premium picture, premium sound, and rock-steady connectivity.

Speed and streaming performance

Speed is the Ultra's calling card. Apps launch quickly, menus stay responsive, and 4K HDR streams hold steady without the stutter or buffering you might see on older or cheaper Roku hardware. For anyone upgrading from an Express or a stick, the jump in snappiness is the first thing they notice.

Backing that up is serious connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 keeps wireless streams fast and reliable, and a wired Ethernet option is there for the most stable connection possible. The result is a box that feels consistently quick day after day, not just when it is new.

Picture and sound quality

On the picture side, the Ultra covers the full premium spread: 4K resolution with both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, so high-end content looks its best on a capable TV. Colors, contrast, and highlight detail all benefit, and the device automatically serves the best format your TV supports.

For sound, Dolby Atmos support brings immersive, three-dimensional audio when paired with an Atmos-capable soundbar or receiver. Many owners say the combination of sharper picture and richer sound is a clear step up from older devices, whether they route audio through their TV or a dedicated sound system.

The Voice Remote Pro and connectivity

The bundled Voice Remote Pro is a genuine highlight rather than an afterthought. It is rechargeable over USB-C, so no more swapping batteries, and the backlit buttons make it easy to use in a dark room. Hands-free "Hey Roku" voice control lets you search and launch content without even picking it up, and the lost remote finder is one of those small features you end up using more than you expect.

Connectivity rounds out the package with Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth audio is handy for private listening, USB adds local media playback, and the wired options give you flexibility most streaming sticks simply do not offer.

What owners are saying

Many customers upgrading from Express or stick models say the Ultra 2024 feels like a big step up, praising the clearer picture, louder and crisper sound through their TVs or receivers, and much faster app loading. Reviewers frequently single out the new Voice Remote Pro as a standout, noting how convenient the USB-C charging, backlit buttons, and lost remote finder are, along with reliable Bluetooth and Ethernet options for rock-steady streaming. Critical voices mention occasional software quirks like caption behavior or resume issues, and some feel the price premium over cheaper Rokus is hard to justify if an older device still works, though most agree the Ultra delivers top-tier performance and features overall.

Editor notes

Using the Roku Ultra feels noticeably snappier than older Roku boxes and sticks in my setup, with apps loading fast and streams staying rock-solid in 4K. The rechargeable, backlit remote and lost-remote button are the kind of small quality-of-life upgrades I appreciate every day, even if I could do without some of the extra ads on the home screen.

Who it's for

This is the right device for streaming-first households that want a fast, premium 4K HDR10+ and Dolby Vision player with strong Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and an upgraded rechargeable voice remote for everyday use. It is less essential if your current Roku still works well and you do not need the extra speed, premium formats, or remote upgrades.