The world of streaming devices has seen a significant surge in popularity over the years, with numerous brands vying for attention. Among them, Roku has established itself as a household name, offering a range of devices that cater to different needs and budgets. Two of the most popular Roku models are the Roku 4 and Roku Ultra, both of which have garnered a massive following. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between Roku 4 and Roku Ultra, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both Roku 4 and Roku Ultra share some similarities. Both devices boast a compact, rectangular shape that fits snugly into any entertainment setup. However, there are some subtle differences. The Roku 4 has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 5.5 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep, and 1.5 inches tall. In contrast, the Roku Ultra is marginally smaller, measuring 5.1 inches wide, 5.1 inches deep, and 1.4 inches tall.
One notable difference is the material used in their construction. The Roku 4 has a matte plastic finish, giving it a more budget-friendly feel. The Roku Ultra, on the other hand, features a sleek, glossy finish that exudes a premium feel. While this may seem like a minor difference, it’s worth noting that the Roku Ultra’s finish can be more prone to fingerprints and scratches.
Processing Power and Performance
Under the hood, both devices pack a punch when it comes to processing power. The Roku 4 is equipped with a quad-core processor, which provides a seamless streaming experience for most users. However, the Roku Ultra takes it up a notch with a more powerful quad-core processor that’s clocked at a higher speed. This means the Ultra can handle more demanding tasks, such as 4K streaming at 60fps, with ease.
In terms of memory, the Roku 4 comes with 2GB of RAM, while the Roku Ultra boasts 2.5GB of RAM. This additional memory allows the Ultra to multitask more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of buffering or lag when switching between apps.
4K and HDR Support
Both devices support 4K resolution at 30fps, which is sufficient for most streaming services. However, the Roku Ultra takes it to the next level by supporting 4K at 60fps, making it an ideal choice for users who want a more immersive viewing experience.
In addition to 4K support, both devices also offer HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. HDR enhances the color accuracy, contrast, and overall picture quality, providing a more cinematic experience. However, the Roku Ultra supports a wider range of HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
Remote Control and Voice Control
The remote control is an often-overlooked aspect of streaming devices, but it’s an essential component of the overall user experience. Both devices come with a remote control, but the Roku Ultra’s remote is more feature-rich.
The Roku Ultra’s remote features a headphone jack, allowing you to connect your headphones for private listening. It also has dedicated buttons for controlling your TV’s power and volume, making it a convenient option for those who want a single remote for all their entertainment needs.
In terms of voice control, both devices support Roku’s voice remote, which allows you to search for content, launch apps, and control playback using voice commands. However, the Roku Ultra takes it a step further with support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to integrate your Roku with your smart home setup.
Private Listening
As mentioned earlier, the Roku Ultra’s remote features a headphone jack, which enables private listening. This is a convenient feature for those who want to watch their favorite shows or movies without disturbing others in the household.
The Roku 4, on the other hand, requires you to use the Roku app on your mobile device to enable private listening. While this is still a viable option, it’s not as seamless as having a dedicated headphone jack on the remote control.
Wireless Connectivity and Storage
Both devices feature dual-band wireless connectivity (2.4GHz and 5GHz), ensuring a stable and lag-free streaming experience. However, the Roku Ultra has a more advanced wireless technology, featuring MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antennas that provide a stronger and more reliable connection.
In terms of storage, both devices have 256GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for storing apps and games. However, the Roku Ultra has a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand your storage capacity up to 256GB. This is a useful feature for users who want to store more content or apps on their device.
Gaming Performance
Gaming is becoming an increasingly important aspect of streaming devices, and both Roku 4 and Roku Ultra cater to gamers. However, the Roku Ultra is more geared towards serious gamers, offering a more responsive and lag-free gaming experience.
The Roku Ultra features a dedicated gaming button on its remote control, which allows you to launch games quickly. Additionally, the Ultra supports more complex games, such as NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA League Pass, which require more processing power.
Casual Gaming vs. Serious Gaming
While both devices can handle casual gaming, such as playing Angry Birds or solitaire, the Roku Ultra is better suited for serious gamers. If you’re a casual gamer who only plays occasional games, the Roku 4 might be sufficient. However, if you’re a serious gamer who wants to play more demanding games, the Roku Ultra is the better choice.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to pricing, the Roku 4 is generally more affordable than the Roku Ultra. The Roku 4 usually retails around $80-$100, while the Roku Ultra typically costs around $100-$130.
While the Roku 4 is the more budget-friendly option, it’s essential to consider the value you’re getting for your money. The Roku Ultra offers more advanced features, such as 4K at 60fps, HDR10+, and a more powerful processor, which may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re currently using a Roku 4 and are considering upgrading to a Roku Ultra, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the cost. If you value features like 4K at 60fps, HDR10+, and a more powerful processor, the upgrade might be worth it. However, if you’re happy with your current Roku 4 and don’t need the extra features, sticking with your current device might be the more cost-effective option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Roku 4 and Roku Ultra are excellent streaming devices, they cater to different needs and budgets. The Roku 4 is a more affordable option that still offers a great streaming experience, but it lacks some advanced features like 4K at 60fps and HDR10+.
The Roku Ultra, on the other hand, is a more premium device that offers a more comprehensive streaming experience. With its more powerful processor, advanced wireless technology, and support for HDR10+, it’s an excellent choice for users who want the best of the best.
Ultimately, the choice between Roku 4 and Roku Ultra depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re a casual streamer who wants a budget-friendly option, the Roku 4 might be the better choice. However, if you’re a serious streamer who wants the latest and greatest features, the Roku Ultra is the way to go.
What are the main differences between Roku 4 and Roku Ultra?
The Roku 4 and Roku Ultra are both high-end streaming devices, but they have some key differences. The Roku 4 is an older model that was released in 2015, while the Roku Ultra is a more recent model that was released in 2017. One of the main differences between the two devices is their processing power. The Roku Ultra has a more powerful processor than the Roku 4, which allows it to handle more demanding tasks like 4K video streaming.
Another difference is the amount of storage available on each device. The Roku Ultra has more storage capacity than the Roku 4, which means it can store more channels and apps. Additionally, the Roku Ultra has better wireless connectivity than the Roku 4, with support for dual-band wireless and 802.11ac networking. Overall, the Roku Ultra is a more advanced device that offers better performance and more features than the Roku 4.
Which device is better for 4K streaming?
The Roku Ultra is the better device for 4K streaming. It has a more powerful processor that can handle the demanding requirements of 4K video, and it also has support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision, which are both advanced video formats that offer better picture quality. The Roku 4, on the other hand, does not support 4K streaming, which makes it less suitable for users who want to stream high-resolution content.
In addition to its better processing power, the Roku Ultra also has a wider range of 4K-capable channels and apps than the Roku 4. This means that users have more options for streaming 4K content, including popular services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Overall, the Roku Ultra is the clear winner when it comes to 4K streaming.
Do both devices have voice control?
Yes, both the Roku 4 and Roku Ultra have voice control capabilities. The Roku 4 comes with a remote control that has a built-in microphone, which allows users to search for content and control their streaming experience using voice commands. The Roku Ultra also has voice control, but it takes it to the next level with the introduction of Roku’s Advanced Voice Remote. This remote has a more advanced microphone and additional features like voice control over TV power and volume.
The Roku Ultra’s Advanced Voice Remote also has additional features like a headphone jack, which allows users to listen to audio through headphones while using the remote. Additionally, the Roku Ultra’s remote has a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, which allows it to track motion and orientation. This enables features like voice control over TV volume and power, as well as motion control for games and other interactive content.
What about gaming on Roku devices?
Both the Roku 4 and Roku Ultra have gaming capabilities, but the Roku Ultra is the better device for gaming. The Roku Ultra has a more powerful processor than the Roku 4, which allows it to handle more demanding games and apps. Additionally, the Roku Ultra has more storage capacity than the Roku 4, which means it can store more games and apps.
The Roku Ultra also has better wireless connectivity than the Roku 4, which makes it better suited for online gaming. The Roku Ultra’s support for dual-band wireless and 802.11ac networking ensures a fast and reliable connection, which is essential for a good gaming experience. Additionally, the Roku Ultra’s Advanced Voice Remote has motion control capabilities, which can enhance the gaming experience.
Can I use both devices with my TV?
Yes, both the Roku 4 and Roku Ultra can be used with your TV, as long as your TV has an HDMI input. Both devices connect to your TV using an HDMI cable, and they can both output video at resolutions up to 4K (although, as mentioned earlier, the Roku 4 does not support 4K streaming). They also both have built-in Wi-Fi, which allows them to connect to your home network and stream content from the internet.
That being said, the Roku Ultra has a few additional features that make it better suited for use with newer TVs. For example, it supports HDMI 2.0a, which allows it to output video at higher resolutions and frame rates than the Roku 4. It also supports features like HDR and Dolby Vision, which can enhance the picture quality of your TV.
Which device is more affordable?
The Roku 4 is generally more affordable than the Roku Ultra. This is because the Roku 4 is an older model that has been discontinued by Roku, which means it can often be found for cheaper prices from third-party sellers. Additionally, the Roku 4 has fewer features and less advanced hardware than the Roku Ultra, which also helps to keep its cost down.
That being said, the Roku Ultra is still a relatively affordable device, especially considering its advanced features and capabilities. It’s a good option for users who want the latest and greatest in streaming technology, but are willing to pay a bit more for it. Ultimately, the choice between the Roku 4 and Roku Ultra will depend on your budget and your streaming needs.
Can I still use the Roku 4 if I don’t need 4K?
Yes, you can still use the Roku 4 even if you don’t need 4K streaming. The Roku 4 is still a capable streaming device that can handle most streaming tasks, including HD video streaming and music streaming. It also has access to the same library of channels and apps as the Roku Ultra, including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
That being said, the Roku 4 is an older device that is no longer supported by Roku, which means it will not receive software updates or security patches. This could leave it vulnerable to security risks and mean that it will eventually become incompatible with certain channels and apps. If you don’t need 4K streaming, it might be worth considering a newer Roku model that is still supported by the company.