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Roku Ultra 2024 vs Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

Buy the Ultra 2024 if you have a 4K HDR TV and want the best picture and sound Roku makes, plus Ethernet and a rechargeable hands-free remote. Buy the Streaming Stick 2025 if your TV is 1080p or you want a cheap, hidden, travel-friendly player. Owners rate both highly; the Ultra's faster chip and wired networking show up in snappier menus and steadier streaming, while the Stick's small size and TV-powered design make it the easier fit anywhere.

  • Choose the Roku Ultra 2024 if you have a 4K TV with Dolby Vision or HDR10+ and want Ethernet, Dolby Atmos, and a rechargeable remote with a lost-remote finder.
  • Choose the Roku Streaming Stick 2025 if your TV tops out at 1080p, you want the player hidden behind the TV, or you need something that packs for travel.

Prices

  • Roku Ultra 2024: $99.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Roku Streaming Stick (2025): $24.00 at The Home Depot (checked today)
  • Difference: the Roku Streaming Stick (2025) is $75.99 cheaper than the Roku Ultra 2024 today
Roku
Roku Ultra 2024

Roku Ultra 2024

4.7(1,187 ratings)
$99.99at WalmartChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
  • Dolby Atmos sound
  • Ethernet for a stable wired connection
  • Rechargeable backlit remote with hands-free voice and a finder
  • USB port for local music files
Cons
  • Needs a wall outlet
  • Box is visible near the TV
  • Overkill on a 1080p set
Roku
Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

4.6(17,992 ratings)
$24.00at The Home DepotChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit The Home Depot
Pros
  • Tiny and hidden behind the TV
  • Powered by the TV, no outlet needed
  • Works with any HDMI TV
  • Bluetooth headphone mode for private listening
  • Very widely owned and well rated
Cons
  • Capped at 1080p, no HDR
  • No Ethernet
  • No local media playback
  • Basic remote without backlight or finder

What separates them

Roku Ultra 2024Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
Max resolution4K Ultra HD1080p HD
HDRDolby Vision and HDR10+No HDR
AudioDolby AtmosDolby Digital surround passthrough
NetworkingWi-Fi plus EthernetDual-band Wi-Fi only
RemoteVoice Remote Pro: USB-C charging, backlit keys, hands-free voice, lost-remote finderVoice remote with voice control
Form factorSet-top box, 5.9 ozStick, 0.8 oz, hides behind TV
PowerWall outlet requiredPowers from the TV's USB port
Local playbackUSB port and music file playback (MP3, WAV, FLAC)No local media playback

Price history

$99.99$24.00
Nov 2Nov 10
  • Roku Ultra 2024: lowest $99.99 on Nov 2 at Roku; $99.99 on Nov 10.
  • Roku Streaming Stick (2025): lowest $24.00 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $24.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Roku Ultra 2024

  • RokuNew

    In stock

    $99.99Free shippingChecked 59 min ago
    Visit Roku
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $99.99Free shippingChecked 59 min ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $99.99Free shippingChecked 59 min ago
    Visit Target
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Electronic ExpressReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $99.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Walmart
All 18 stores and price history →

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $24.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit The Home Depot
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $24.99+ $5.99 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Target
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $24.99+ $15.73 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $24.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 13 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRoku Ultra 2024Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
colorBlackBlack
HD TypeUltra HD (4K)HD
Wi-FiYesWi-Fi
size5.90 oz—
ConnectivityEthernet, Wi-Fi—
With Remote IncludedYes—
With Local PlaybackYes—
With Bluetooth Device SupportYes—
BluetoothYes—
Built-in SSDNo—
Area of UseTV, Music—
Audio File FormatsMP3, WAV (PCM), FLAC—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRoku Ultra 2024Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
Depth (")5.0—
Surround Sound FormatsDolby Atmos—
Hard Drive Built-InNo—
Wi-Fi Dual Band5.0 GHz—
HDMIYes—
FeaturesRemote Control—
Connection InputsUSB—
No. of HDMI Out (pcs)1—
Supported ServicesHulu, Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu—
Assistant Support

What reviewers say

Roku Ultra 2024

  • 4.7 / 51,187 ratings

Owners rate it highly, at 4.7 out of 5 from 1,187 ratings. They praise the fast interface, the picture quality and the Voice Remote Pro. Some question whether it is worth the premium over cheaper Roku models.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedOwners say the interface and app loading feel fast.
  • Picture qualityPraisedReviewers praise 4K HDR and Dolby Vision output on capable TVs.
  • RemotePraisedThe Voice Remote Pro's backlit buttons, USB-C charging and finder get positive mentions.
  • ValueMixedSome buyers question whether it is worth the premium over cheaper Roku models.

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

  • 4.6 / 517,992 ratings

With 4.6 out of 5 from about 18,000 ratings, owners mostly treat the Streaming Stick as a reliable, low-cost way to smarten an older TV. Praise centers on easy setup, the voice remote and the free channel lineup; complaints tend to be about the HD-only picture and the occasional app hiccup.

What people mention
  • Picture qualityMixedOwners find 1080p fine on older sets but notice it can't match a 4K TV's resolution or HDR.
  • SetupPraisedBuyers say it plugs in and is streaming within minutes.
  • Voice remotePraisedThe remote's voice search and volume buttons are called handy and responsive.
  • SpeedMixed
Reviews
  • Media Streaming Device Reviews From Our Experts - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2026

Questions and answers

Is the Ultra worth stepping up to over the Streaming Stick?
Yes if you have a 4K HDR TV. The Ultra adds 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Ethernet, and a better remote. On a 1080p TV you would not see most of that.
Which is better for a 1080p TV?
The Streaming Stick 2025. It matches a 1080p set and costs far less, and the Ultra's 4K and HDR go unused.
Which has the better remote?
The Ultra. Its Voice Remote Pro recharges over USB-C, has backlit buttons, hands-free voice, and a lost-remote finder. The Stick's remote does voice control but lacks those extras.
Does the Streaming Stick need a wall outlet?
No. It draws power from the TV's USB port with the included cable. The Ultra needs its own outlet.
Which is better for wired internet?
The Ultra. It has an Ethernet port for a steady wired connection. The Stick is Wi-Fi only.
Can either play music files from a USB drive?
Only the Ultra. It has a USB port and plays MP3, WAV, and FLAC. The Stick's USB port is for power only.

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More comparisons

  • Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Player vs Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Roku streaming players and sticks
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
—
Model number—3840X
CPU—ARM Cortex A55
Graphics API—OpenGL ES 2.0
RAM—512 MB
Max UI resolution—720p
Max playback resolution—1080p
HDR support—No
Year released—2025
Power requirement—5VDC/1A
WiFi connectivity—dual-band WiFi
Included cable—USB-C to USB-A cable
Audio pass-through—DTS Digital Surround Dolby-encoded audio
Smart Home Platforms—Roku Smart Home, Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google H…
Display Output Resolution—HD
Ports And Interfaces—HDMI
Ethernet—No
Bluetooth Device Support—Yes, Yes (Bluetooth Headphone Mode)
Remote Included—Yes
Some owners report menus and app loading that lag behind faster players.