NOTE: The information below relates to the Roku models available in the U.S. as of November 2020. Models available in other locations may differ in price, features, and supported content providers.
Here are some other features that are common to all the models:
This section explains what the main differences are between the various Roku models. Each model includes all the features of the less expensive ones unless otherwise stated. Roku lets you compare up to three models on their website and you can also find most of them at amazon.com/roku.
Roku Express: List Price $29.99
This is the most basic of the models, so it doesn’t have as high tech specs or most of the advanced features of the others.
Roku Express: List Price $39.99
Here are the main benefits of the Premiere over the Express model.
Roku Streaming Stick+: List Price $49.99
Here are the main benefits of the Streaming Stick+ over the Express and Premiere models.
The Ultra is Roku’s top-of-the-line model and includes the following benefits over the other models:
Roku also offers two soundbar/streaming video combo devices. I’m not an audiophile so I haven’t really looked at these, but you can find out more on the Roku website or at Amazon’s Roku store.
NOTE: In addition to the standalone Roku players, you can also get Roku televisions, manufactured by TCL and Hisense in multiple sizes, that have Roku capabilities built into them. Their on-screen interface is basically the same as the players’, with a few extra boxes for the various inputs (HDMI, A/V, cable, antenna). The available features may vary based on the model.
The main advantage of a Roku TV is that it eliminates one remote from your home entertainment setup. The main disadvantage is that it’s more expensive than any of the separate players. So they can be a great option if you’re already looking to buy a new set but, if you’re not, you’re probably better off getting the specific player you want.
Watch Streaming Videos
Roku’s biggest differentiator is the sheer number of channels it offers. (“Channels” is the term Roku uses for what some other streaming players call “apps.”) They no longer give a specific number of channels in their public directory, but it’s well into the thousands, including the top ones for movies and TV programming: Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+,HBO MAX, Google Play, PBS, Lifetime, YouTube, WatchESPN, WWE Network, etc. They also have channels for popular children’s, news, educational, comedy, fitness, food, and other categories of videos as well as niche content providers like ACORN TV (British series), JW Broadcasting (Christian), Crunchyroll (anime), and Pokémon TV (umm… do I really need to spell this one out? 🙂 )
Listen to Streaming Audio
The Roku supports lots of music and other audio services as well, including Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Sirius XM.
Play Games
There are many free and paid games available to play on the Roku, including highly popular ones like Angry Birds Toons, Sudoku, and Jeopardy. Note that if you want to play a lot of games, you may need the extra storage capacity that comes with the Roku Ultra model that has a slot for a Micro SD card.
Additional Notes about Roku Channels
I’ve mentioned the various premium channels a lot because that’s probably the number one reason people buy a Roku. But there are also many free channels available to use with the player, including advertising-supported services like Crackle. Others include highly popular services like Pandora for music and Facebook to view your photos and videos on your TV. There are also specialty channels, like Allrecipes.com and TEDTalks and some channels associated with broadcast and cable networks that make portions of their programming available for free through the Roku, such as CNN, PBS, and SyFy. And there are lots of non-video, audio, and games apps available including ones for social media, photo sharing, personal media serving, shopping, and weather info.
Browse through the channels and you may be surprised at all the additional services you can get. It took me a couple of years before I discovered that there’s an Amazon Music channel where I can play all the music I have uploaded there!
And if all those public channels aren’t enough for you, there’s a whole slew of private channels available that provide access to even more content, including iTunes Podcasts, CNN International, and NASA TV. You can find more info in this T4L post about Roku private channels.
Mirror a Mobile Device’s Screen
All of Roku’s models support screen mirroring for compatible Windows PCs and Android devices. This has a couple of benefits:
Learn more about mirroring screens to a Roku including compatible devices. >>
Learn more about screen mirroring in this T4L post. >>
The Roku was the first streaming media player I bought (back in 2013/14 maybe?) and I didn’t even really know what it was when I got it. But I quickly learned to love it and it was what got me to start writing about streaming media on T4L.
There have been so many changes in the streaming world since then, both for devices and content, and these days I use my Fire TV Stick almost exclusively. Having said that, the Roku is an excellent product and is still probably the one you want if you’re interested in some of the more niche content providers. But even if you’re not, you can’t go wrong with this brand.
The process for setting up the Roku models is basically the same as it is for any streaming media player, with one addition:
Congratulations. You’re now ready to enjoy your Fire TV!
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Roku Private Channels: What Are They and How Do You Get Them?
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View Comments
If an HDMI cable is required for the Roku to be usable then it should be supplied, otherwise the Roku is not fit for purpose under British Sale of Goods law.
I have no knowledge of British law, so I'll have to take your word for it John. :)
- Elizabeth
Hello:
Thanks so much for your well thought out article. I appreciate it!
I am struggling to find a way to get rid of cable---it is too expensive.
I am not much of a movie watcher, but I like HGTV,Discovery,USA and LMN.
I cannot find a reliable place that will list channels available from providers like HULU.
Do you know anywhere I can find this info?
Thanks so much. Taylor
Hi Taylor.
Unfortunately, it's very difficult to put together a list like that because there are so many variables are involved. You can learn more in my Cutting the Cable Cord section.
- Elizabeth
Is Roku a 1 time price to use,other than the pay channels like Amazon prime, Netflix and so on.or is it subscription. And if so is it yearly, monthly. I'm looking to buy a TV with Roku already on it ,but I'm trying to get as much information as I can before I buy.
Hi Steven.
Yes, the Roku is a one-time purchase, although you are required to keep a credit card on file with them. That's because they have a partnership with a content provider called M-GO so if you rent or buy a video from them, the amount will be charged to your Roku account. Roku also has some games and apps they sell as well. But you won't be charged for anything unless you specifically order it.
Otherwise, you just pay for the content you watch through the Roku.
I hope that clarifies things.
- Elizabeth
I have roqu connected but do not know how to access from remote on my tv. Help
Hi Gwen.
Your TV remote should have a button for Input. If you press that, it will let you pick the port that your Roku is connected to.
- Elizabeth
Hi. To save money I want to get rid of xfinity entirely and Riki was suggested for tv watching. Will I need a box and subscription for each tv in the house. Also. Do I need to keep my xfinity Internet to use the Riki. I am hoping no. For $$ sake thanks
Hi Katie.
Both of these questions (and many others) are answered in this post:
Streaming Media Players: Frequently Asked Questions
thank you for your information it was very helpful in choosing the right roku for my home. more so than the roku website. again thanks
Oh, that's so nice of you to say, Carolyn! I'm glad you found the right Roku for you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed mine.
Thanks for taking the time to leave the comment!
- Elizabeth
What is the lowest cost internet provider that can be used with Roku?
Thanks,
Fred Thomas
Hi Fred.
Unfortunately there's no way for me to answer that question as service offerings vary greatly from city to city. What you'll have to do is find the companies that offer Internet services in your area and then compare the packages they have to offer.
- Elizabeth
Can Roku be used with Comcast? Do I use the app Xfinity TV Go and is it pre loaded on a Roku stick when you set it up on the TV?
Hi Dennis.
Roku doesn't have an Xfinity Channel. Depending on what type of computer or mobile device you have, you may be able to mirror the Xfinity TV Go app to your Roku.
Mirroring Your Computer or Mobile Device Screen on Your TV
Having said that, I'm not entirely clear on what your situation is. Do you have a Comcast Xfinity account? If so, why do you need the Roku to watch it?
- Elizabeth
Hi my question is... I just got a 4K suhd smart Samsung tv and I was wondering if buying the roku 4 would make any difference this tv provides almost everything I see in all this comments but I would like to know those the roku 4 do anything else am not aware about? Also I do not have a cable provider. Does it give me more channels?
Hi Elizabeth.
It's really hard for me to answer this because it depends what you want to watch on TV and also what other devices you have whether or not a Roku 4, or any streaming player, makes sense for you.
For example, if you primarily want to watch movies and TV shows that you can get through Netflix or Hulu, and your TV has those apps, then you don't need another player. But the Roku has thousands of channels that you may not get with your Smart TV, especially since you don't have cable.
Also, if your TV supports display mirroring and you have a phone, tablet, or computer that does as well and uses the same technology as your TV, then you can find content on your device and send it to your TV.
One thing to note is that if you don't have a cable provider, most networks will only make a limited number of shows available to watch or they'll only let you watch clips instead of full episodes. Even if you have apps for them, they'll ask you to log in with a cable provider's username and password to give you full access.
You might actually find an antenna more valuable to you than a streaming player, because it will give you access to live programming from your local broadcast stations. You can find more information about antennas in this post:
Watching Live Broadcast TV with an Antenna
I'm sorry I can't give you a straight Yes or No answer, because it really depends on a lot of factors.
- Elizabeth
If I'm using my roku box (live stream from my cable provider) on my tv that's not hooked up to a cable box (by the way I have a cable box on one of my other tv) how can I select a specific channel without scrolling through all the channels? If I want to watch channel 11 I shouldn't have to scroll through all the channels until I reach channel 11.
Hi Tashi.
I'm not sure how you've got your Roku box set up, but it doesn't share live streams from your cable provider. It takes content from the Internet instead, so you won't see channels the same way you would through a cable box.
I hope that makes sense.
- Elizabeth