Is the Ultra worth the extra over the Streaming Stick?

Only if your TV is 4K or supports Dolby Vision. On a 1080p TV the Ultra's main advantages, 4K and HDR, do nothing, and the Stick saves you about $56.

Which is better for a 1080p TV?

The Streaming Stick 2025. It outputs 1080p, costs $24.00 at The Home Depot as of November 5, 2026, and hides behind the TV.

Does the Ultra need a wired connection?

No. It has both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Use Ethernet only if your Wi-Fi is weak where the TV sits.

Which remote is better?

The Ultra's Voice Remote Pro has a rechargeable battery, so you stop buying AA batteries. The Stick's voice remote uses standard batteries but still handles voice search and volume.

Both are current Roku devices with no moving parts. The Ultra's rechargeable remote avoids battery swaps, but neither has a published lifespan, so treat them as similar.

Can I use either with Alexa or Google Assistant?

The Ultra lists Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Siri support. The Streaming Stick 2025 lists only its own voice remote, so check assistant support before buying it for that.

Roku Streaming Stick 2025 vs Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Player

Buy the Streaming Stick 2025 if you have a 1080p TV and want the cheapest way to add Roku. Buy the Ultra if you have a 4K or HDR TV and want Ethernet, Dolby Vision and a rechargeable remote. The gap is wide: the Stick is $24.00 at The Home Depot as of November 5, 2026, while the Ultra's only recorded price is $79.99 at Poshmark, dated November 2, 2026.

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