How to Pick the Right Roku for Your TV?

Pick the Right Roku for Your TV

Our favourite TV streaming devices are still ROKUS. They have many streaming channels and are incredibly simple to use. Their screens aren't exquisite, but they provide what users require: instantaneous, direct access to their preferred streaming services. It is more complicated to decide which one to purchase, though.

There are five Roku streaming devices available right now, in addition to TVs, soundbars, and ones that can only be purchased from specific retailers (older models are still available on sites like Amazon). With minor changes occurring roughly every year, Rokus have similar names and looks, making it challenging to distinguish between them. We can assist you.

If you're anything like us, you want the best Roku at the lowest possible cost. Starting with the most basic model, we've broken down the features of the ones to pick the right roku for your TV. 

Best for Most

The Roku Streaming Sticks are the ones we suggest most if you have about $70 to spare. In addition to being 30 per cent faster with a longer-range wireless receiver, the 4K Plus version supports Dolby Vision streaming. In all honesty, I've never found a Roku to be slow. Similar to other sticks, it connects straight to the HDMI port on your TV, while an additional cable can be plugged into the wall or a USB port to provide power.

The new voice remote is the most noticeable change. While some have a microphone button you can press and hold to speak, this one allows you to speak hands-free. So say, "Hey Roku, play You on Netflix," while relaxing on the couch. You can even ask where a misplaced remote is to make a beep. There's a slider button on the side if you want Roku to stop listening. Additionally, you can program two buttons to perform any shortcut combinations that you find most efficient.

Better Wi-Fi and Earbuds

With the strongest dual-band Wi-Fi, Roku's posh Ultra also has an Ethernet port for wired connections if needed. In addition to supporting HDR10+, a feature we pointed out was absent from the 2022 version, it can stream in Dolby Vision.

Comparable to the Streaming Stick mentioned above, the voice remote also features hands-free voice search functionality for locating misplaced remotes and locating a particular TV show to binge-watch.

Additionally, it has a headphone jack so you can watch TV shows privately while others sleep. The headphones are branded Roku and come with a couple of ear tips. This remote has two programmable favourites buttons, but it also has a Paramount+ button, which seems unnecessary.

A Bare-Bones Roku

Consider the Roku Express similar to the grocery store's express checkout line: simple but constrained if you have a large order. It is intended for users of HDTVs that are not 4K Ultra HD.

It lacks features like voice search and remote TV volume control but still has the same Roku menus and channels as the other boxes. Since the remote control communicates via infrared (IR) rather than a different wireless protocol, it must be within the Roku box's line of sight to function.

This Roku is a Soundbar

Either of Roku's Streambars is an excellent all-in-one option to improve your TV's audio quality and streaming capacity instantly. Because it's only 14 inches long, it's perfect for smaller spaces with TVs or if you want something more superior to the speakers on your TV.

Having never used a soundbar before, the Streambar is impressive to me, Medea. This tiny device's Dolby audio enhanced the TV's volume and improved the clarity of conversations. The Roku Ultra also has the same Night Listening mode to prevent you from waking up the entire house. 

A Roku TV

We've always loved TCL TVs with Roku integrated, but as of late, the streaming service is producing its TVs, and we're partial to the Plus Series. It has superb colours and deep blacks thanks to the Quantum Dot-enabled (QLED) panel and a full array of local dimming. TLDR: Roku's straightforward UI makes it easy to find content to watch and looks great. It is also compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Homekit.

Although most consoles can run the Plus Series at 60 frames per second, more severe gamers prefer a TV with a higher refresh rate. The legs of this TV are vast, as noted by Parker Hall, senior editor at WIRED. Depending on where you're placing it, you may need to use an aftermarket pedestal mount or wall mount.