This week Roku announced a new Roku all-in-one soundbar and Roku player. This new soundbar streaming player joins Roku’s lineup of 7 existing streaming players. With so many options it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. So today we are going to break down all 8 streaming player options. (Not counting all the Roku TV options out there.)
Here are all 8 Roku Players currently for sale:
Roku Express ($29.99)
If you or your gift recipient is new to the world of cord cutting, a Roku Express is a good place to start. The device is simple to connect and to use. Once you’re plugged in, Roku’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up channels and find content, making it perfect for those just getting started with cord cutting.
For those who are looking for higher image quality or who want an upgrade for their current setup, the Express might not be the best option. The Express also doesn’t come with newer voice-activated remote.
The Roku Express is a great gift if you have a gift exchange budget to stick to.
Roku Express+ ($35.00 at Walmart)
With included composite cables, you can use the Roku Express+ to stream content on virtually any TV. Those who may not be comfortable with using new technology will find the device and the included remote easy to use.
If you want to pick up the Express+, you’ll need to visit Walmart, either in person or online, as this device is exclusively available there. The Express+ also doesn’t come with the new voice remote.
The Roku Express+ is a good gift option if you want to help someone with an older TV make the leap to newer technology.
Roku Premiere ($39.99)
The Roku Premiere makes the step up to offering streaming in HD, 4K, and HDR. That jump in image quality is the biggest difference between this version and the Express.
Like the Express and Express+, this device comes with the more basic remote. To get the voice activated version, you’ll need to move up to Premiere+.
The Roku Premiere makes a great gift for those who are ready to upgrade their more basic device.
Roku Premiere+ ($49.99 at Walmart)
When you upgrade to the Roku Premiere+, you’ll get the same excellent image quality, along with a more powerful streaming experience. The Premiere+ also comes with the voice remote that lets you change the volume, open apps, and find your content with voice commands.
This is another Walmart exclusive product, so you’ll need to go into the store or visit the Walmart website to purchase.
Pick up the Roku Premiere+ if you want to treat yourself to a new device that makes streaming content even more convenient.
Roku Streaming Stick ($49.99)
The portable and powerful Roku Streaming Stick can be used at home or on the go. Just plug the stick into your TV and you’ll be ready to start streaming. You’ll also get the voice remote with this device. HD streaming doesn’t get much more convenient.
If you’re using a streaming service that offers content in 4K and HDR, you’ll want to upgrade to the Streaming Stick+.
The smaller size of the Roku Streaming Stick makes it a perfect stocking-stuffer for your favorite college student who can use it in their dorm and while they’re home on break.
Roku Streaming Stick+ ($49.99 on sale until 12/29/19)
The Roku Streaming Stick+ keeps the portable design of the Streaming Stick and makes it even better by upgrading to 4x the wireless range. That means you can use the Streaming Stick+ on TVs in other rooms, farther away from your router. The Streaming Stick+ also comes with the voice remote.
While one major benefit of upgrading to the Streaming Stick+ is the ability to watch 4K and HDR content, keep in mind that not all streaming services offer content with that of high quality.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ is a great gift for those who love to travel and want to take their streaming device along.
This is the top of the top when it comes to Roku players and has all of the features you’ll want in a streaming device, including 4K and HDR capability, night listening mode, and the voice remote with headphones. The Roku Ultra is the device you’ll want for the main TV in your home, especially if you do a lot of content streaming.
If you’re looking for a portable device that you’ll want to take with you from room to room or when you’re traveling, this isn’t the best option for you. If you want to upgrade your device and choose the best option for anchoring your cord cutting set up, this is it.
The Roku Ultra is the gift for the person you want to want to spend a little extra money on to give them the best content streaming experience (and yes, that includes yourself.)
Roku Soundbar: ($179.99)
The newest Roku Player is the new all-in-one Roku player and soundbar. With this new soundbar, you will find a 4K HDR Roku Ultra Player built-in that will let you enjoy great sound and your Roku all in a single device for your TV. No longer will you need a Roku player and a soundbar for your TV—you can now get both in a single device with the Roku Smart Soundbar.
The Roku Soundbar is perfect for anyone who knows they want a soundbar and a Roku. Now instead of having two devices, you can have one with everything built into it.
So which Roku did you pick? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think.
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