In an era where streaming has become the norm, finding the perfect streaming device is crucial for an enjoyable entertainment experience. Enter the Roku Ultra, a flagship offering from Roku promising top-notch performance and an extensive range of features. In this honest review, we’ll delve deep into the Roku Ultra to uncover its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it lives up to the hype.
Performance
At the heart of the Roku Ultra lies a powerful quad-core processor. This processing power ensures smooth and responsive navigation throughout the user interface, as well as seamless streaming of content without buffering or stuttering. Whether you’re launching apps, browsing menus, or streaming high-definition video, the Roku Ultra handles it all with remarkable efficiency.
The Roku Ultra supports streaming in stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution, coupled with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology. This combination delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and contrast for shows, movies, and sports events alike.
For cinephiles and audiophiles, the Roku Ultra offers support for Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio. Dolby Vision enhances the visual experience with expanded colour depth and dynamic metadata, resulting in breathtaking imagery with lifelike realism. Meanwhile, Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional audio environment, enveloping you in sound from every direction for a truly immersive listening experience.
Design
The Roku Ultra boasts a simple and clean design that blends seamlessly with any entertainment setup. Its compact form factor ensures it won’t clutter your media console. However, the glossy finish is prone to fingerprints, which might bother some users. Nevertheless, the build quality feels robust, exuding durability.
The design and build quality of the Roku Ultra reflects careful attention to detail and a commitment to craftsmanship. From its sleek aesthetics and premium materials to its compact form factor and thoughtful features, the Roku Ultra is a testament to Roku’s dedication to delivering a premium streaming experience. Whether it’s blending seamlessly into your entertainment setup or enhancing the visual appeal of your living room, the Roku Ultra is sure to impress with its impeccable design and build quality.
Remote Control
The included voice remote is a standout feature of the Roku Ultra. With built-in voice search, finding your favourite content is as simple as speaking into the remote. The remote’s layout is intuitive, with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Additionally, the remote features a headphone jack for private listening, perfect for late-night viewing sessions without disturbing others.
Content Selection and Channel Availability
Roku has always excelled in providing a vast array of streaming options, and the Roku Ultra is no exception. With access to thousands of channels, including popular ones like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, there’s no shortage of content to explore. Roku’s Channel Store makes it easy to discover new channels and add them to your lineup. However, it’s worth noting that some niche or region-specific channels may be missing from the platform.
Advanced Features
One standout feature of the Roku Ultra is its private listening capability. As previously mentioned by plugging headphones into the remote control, you can enjoy your favourite content without disturbing others. Private listening lets you enjoy crystal-clear audio without the need for additional accessories or cables.
In addition to wireless connectivity, the Roku Ultra offers Ethernet and USB ports for enhanced versatility. The Ethernet port allows for a wired internet connection, ideal for users who prefer the reliability and stability of a wired network. Meanwhile, the USB ports enable media playback from external storage devices or the connection of accessories such as keyboards or game controllers, expanding the Roku Ultra’s functionality beyond just streaming.
Another advanced feature of the Roku Ultra is its screen mirroring capability. Using technologies like Miracast or AirPlay, you can mirror the screen of your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to your TV. Whether you’re sharing photos with friends, giving a presentation, or playing mobile games on the big screen, screen mirroring adds an extra layer of convenience and versatility to the Roku Ultra.
Final Thoughts
The Roku Ultra is a flagship streaming device recognized for its design, performance, and advanced features. Its sleek design, robust build quality, and compact silhouette makes it an attractive addition to any entertainment setup, although its glossy finish is prone to fingerprints. Powered by a quad-core processor, the Roku Ultra delivers smooth navigation and seamless 4K HDR streaming, enhanced further by Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio support for immersive viewing and listening experiences. The included voice remote and advanced features like private listening, Ethernet and USB ports, and screen mirroring add convenience and versatility. Despite minor drawbacks such as its premium price and occasional software glitches, the Roku Ultra offers a stellar entertainment experience, making it a worthy investment for users seeking top-notch streaming performance.
