Roku is solidifying its presence in the streaming world with the 2024 Roku Ultra player, an upgrade that promises 30% more performance than the previous generation. Faced with increasingly fierce competition from Google TV Streamer 4K and other HDMI dongles, the manufacturer is banking on speed, an improved remote control, and an open ecosystem compatible with major voice assistants. This positioning seems solid on paper, but it also reveals certain limitations compared to current expectations.
Priced at €298, the Roku Ultra 2024 streaming box is aimed at users looking for a seamless streaming experience without compromising on compatibility. This new version addresses some of the flaws of the 2022 version, including the lack of Wi-Fi 6 and the remote's outdated charging port. However, does this streaming player have enough to justify its price compared to increasingly powerful alternatives? Our comprehensive review provides the answers.
Table of Contents
Design and construction: simplicity above all
The Roku Ultra 2024 streaming box continues the minimalist approach that has characterized the brand since its inception. The box maintains clean, understated lines, far from the stylistic experiments of its competitors. Whereas the Google TV Streamer streaming box sports a sloping ramp shape available in Hazel and Porcelain colors, the Roku player prefers the neutrality of a simple rectangular design that blends seamlessly into a TV stand.
The build quality leaves nothing to chance. The plastic used offers a neat finish, and the presence of a rubberized grip underneath ensures excellent stability. The device won't move, even when placed on a slightly inclined surface. This attention to detail is reflected throughout the product, including the remote control.
Connectivity and ports: between modernity and compromise
The Roku Ultra 2024 streaming player offers versatile connectivity with an HDMI 2.1b port, USB 3.0, and an RJ45 Ethernet port. The latter option is a real plus for those who prefer the stability of a wired connection to Wi-Fi. However, Ethernet speeds remain capped at 100 Mbps, a surprising choice in 2024 when the competition, notably the Google TV Streamer 4K, already offers more bandwidth.
On the wireless side, the Roku box is finally catching up with the integration of Wi-Fi 6, which was absent from the 2022 version. This improvement guarantees better stability and increased speeds for 4K HDR streaming. The device also supports Bluetooth for audio streaming, a handy feature for connecting headphones or a wireless speaker.
USB 3.0 allows you to connect an external storage device and turn the Roku streaming player into a local media server, a useful option for playing your own video files without using a streaming service.
Performance and speed: a notable leap forward
Roku claims a 30% performance improvement over the previous model, and this promise is borne out in practice. Navigating menus is remarkably smooth, without the micro-slowdowns that sometimes affect Chromecast or Amazon's Fire TV Stick. Apps launch instantly, and switching between content is seamless.
The Quick Media Switching feature deserves special mention. It allows for smoother transitions between content with different refresh rates, reducing black screens and lag times. In practice, switching from a 24p movie to a 60p series is almost imperceptible.
Compared to its direct competitors, the Roku Ultra 2024 streaming box stands out as one of the most responsive devices on the market. Users who have tested the latest Chromecast with remote control report occasional bugs and lower responsiveness. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max remains decent, but fails to match the Roku player's speed.
Interface and features: simplicity versus artificial intelligence
The Roku Ultra 2004 streaming player's interface is distinguished by its deliberate simplicity. The operating system displays a clear and organized grid of applications, complemented by the famous Roku City screensaver that attracts a loyal user base. This approach prioritizes efficiency over sophistication, allowing anyone to get started with the device in minutes.
The Roku Channel Store is the gateway to the app ecosystem. It houses most of the popular streaming services: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount+, YouTube, and many more. Notably absent is Twitch, which was removed from the platform following a dispute between Amazon and Roku. For fans of video game streaming, this gap represents a major drawback.
One of the Roku box's strengths lies in its openness. The device works equally well with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Roku's proprietary voice assistant. This neutrality allows everyone to integrate seamlessly into their existing ecosystem. The Roku mobile app completes the experience by transforming your smartphone into an additional remote control and offering advanced control features.
Compared to Google TV Streamer 4K, which relies on artificial intelligence to personalize recommendations and simplify content discovery, the Roku streaming player takes a more traditional approach. Google's interface learns from viewing habits and offers a constantly updated "For You" section, while Roku sticks to a static organization. For users looking for a predictive and modern experience, Google has the edge.
Voice Remote Pro: Comfort first
The Voice Remote Pro is one of the Roku Ultra 2024 streaming box's most compelling selling points. Rechargeable via USB-C (finally!), it ditches disposable batteries in favor of weeks of battery life. The backlit buttons are a welcome addition for late-night viewing sessions, allowing you to navigate without turning on the lights.
The built-in microphone allows for voice control in any room. Simply say "YouTube" to instantly launch the app, or search to explore the catalog of services. The remote supports three voice assistants to choose from, offering remarkable flexibility depending on individual preferences.
A unique feature: the ability to plug headphones directly into the remote control to enjoy the sound without disturbing those around you. This option is reminiscent of PlayStation or Xbox controllers and is particularly practical for watching with a partner or roommate. A dedicated button also lets you make the remote ring if it gets lost on the sofa or under a cushion.
Compared to the Google TV Streamer 4K remote control with its front-mounted volume controls but lack of backlighting and battery charging, the Roku player's Voice Remote Pro clearly stands out as the most accomplished and practical for everyday use.
Image and sound quality: high-end made accessible
The Roku Ultra 2024 streaming box supports all current HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. This comprehensive compatibility ensures optimal picture quality regardless of the TV you're using. The system automatically detects the capabilities of the connected display and adjusts settings accordingly, offering the best available options.
The settings interface allows you to manually force the desired format if necessary. In 4K 60p, the device delivers a smooth and detailed image, whether for movies, series, or documentaries. Refresh rate transitions, managed by the Quick Media Switching function, avoid unpleasant cuts when switching from one content to another.
On the audio side, Dolby Atmos support ensures immersive sound spatialization on compatible systems. The final quality will obviously depend on the audio configuration used, but the Roku streaming player is by no means a bottleneck for demanding home theater setups.
However, the device's limited storage (unspecified by Roku, likely around 4 to 8 GB) could become problematic in the long run for users who want to install many demanding apps. Google TV Streamer, with its 32 GB of storage, offers more leeway in this regard.
✔ Exceptional performance and responsiveness.
✔ Voice Remote Pro : rechargeable and backlit.
✔ Wi-Fi 6 is finally here.
✔ Universal compatibility : Google, Alexa, HomeKit, AirPlay.
✔ Ethernet port for stable connection.
✔ Full support for HDR and Dolby Atmos formats.
✔ Simple and efficient interface.
✔ Remote control location function .
✖ Prohibitive price (€298).
✖ Ethernet limited to 100 Mbps (not 1 Gbps).
✖ Limited internal storage.
✖ Absence of Twitch (app not available).
✖ Uninspiring design.
✖ No advanced home automation integration.
✖ Questionable value for money compared to the competition.
Verdict: An effective streaming player but difficult to justify
Roku Ultra 2024 streaming box delivers brilliantly on its promise: delivering a fast, stable streaming experience that's compatible with most available services. its responsive interface , clearly surpassing alternatives from Google and Amazon. The Voice Remote Pro USB-C charging , is also an example of smart, user-centric design.
However, some technical decisions raise questions. Capping Ethernet at 100 Mbps seems anachronistic in 2024, even if Wi-Fi 6 partially compensates for this limitation. Reduced storage could become a hindrance for some intensive uses. The continued absence of Twitch will frustrate video game streaming enthusiasts.
The €298 price tag, however, poses a serious positioning problem. At this price, it's close to that of some game consoles or entry-level TVs. Compared to the Google TV Streamer 4K, which sells for around €120 , or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which costs less than €80, the price-performance ratio becomes difficult to defend . Even with its superior performance and premium remote control, the price gap seems disproportionate.
Compared to the Google TV Streamer 4K, which relies on artificial intelligence, generous storage, and advanced home automation integration, the Roku Ultra 2024 streaming player takes a more conservative . It will be ideal for users looking for simplicity , speed, and universal compatibility with voice assistants, but only if they are willing to make a significant investment more modern and economical alternative .
Overall, the Roku Ultra 2024 streaming box deserves a 7/10. A technically excellent device , but hampered by an excessive price that deprives it of an unreserved recommendation. Definitely wait for a sale before buying.
Our best streaming box tests
Thomson is making its way into the living room with its Streaming Box 240G, a streaming solution under
Amazon strengthens its streaming offering with the Fire TV 4K Max stick, the latest
Google turns a page in its history with the Google TV Streamer streaming box
Apple is beefing up its living room offerings with the third-generation Apple TV 4K. This
Nvidia has ruled the high-end streaming box market for years
It's hard to navigate the jungle of 4K streaming boxes. Each brand promises