Roku Ultra 2024 Review: 8.7/10 - The Best Streaming Box Gets Better
Overview
The Roku Ultra 2024 is Roku’s top-tier streaming player, offering the most complete feature set in the company’s lineup at $99. It supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos passthrough, includes a more powerful quad-core processor for snappier UI navigation, and adds Wi-Fi 6 for improved streaming reliability over the previous generation. The included Premium Remote features a backlit design, a headphone jack for private listening, and hands-free voice control via far-field microphones.
Design and Hardware
The Roku Ultra 2024 retains the same compact black box design as its predecessor, measuring just 5 inches square and 0.8 inches thick. The front panel now includes a USB-A port for local media playback alongside the microSD card slot for channel storage expansion. The rear offers HDMI 2.0b output, an optical audio port, and an Ethernet jack, making it equally suitable for setups without wired internet.
Performance
The upgraded quad-core processor delivers noticeably faster boot times, quicker channel loading, and more responsive menu navigation compared to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. The interface remains clean, simple, and ad-free by default, with no algorithmic clutter or promotional content overwhelming the main screen. Wi-Fi 6 support ensures stable 4K streaming even in busy wireless environments, though the wired Ethernet port remains the most reliable option for consistent bandwidth.
Streaming Quality
The Roku Ultra supports Dolby Vision up to 4K 60 fps with 12-bit color depth and Dolby Atmos passthrough over HDMI eARC for immersive object-based audio. Support for all major streaming services includes Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max with full HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compatibility where available. The Roku platform handles 4K HDR content flawlessly with consistent bitrate negotiation and no stuttering in our testing.
Remote and Voice
The Premium Remote is Roku’s best controller, featuring a backlit keypad that activates when picked up, a built-in headphone jack for private listening, and two programmable shortcut buttons. The far-field microphones let you search for content, launch channels, and control playback hands-free by saying “Hey Roku” followed by your command. Voice search spans across all installed channels simultaneously, making it easy to find where a specific title is available to stream.
Roku Platform
Roku’s operating system remains one of the most straightforward streaming platforms available, with a simple grid layout of channels that you can rearrange and remove. The cross-platform search function searches across all your subscribed services and displays pricing and availability clearly. The Roku mobile app adds private listening, voice search, and the ability to cast personal photos and music to the TV.
Verdict
The Roku Ultra 2024 earns an 8.7 out of 10, solidifying its position as the best dedicated streaming box for most people. The combination of Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6, and an excellent remote makes it a complete package at a fair price. The HDMI 2.0b port caps 4K at 60 fps rather than the 120 fps possible on Apple TV 4K, and the interface lacks the visual polish of tvOS, but as a straightforward, reliable streaming machine, the Ultra is hard to beat.
Where to Buy
Looking for the best deal on a Roku Ultra 2024? Check current prices and available listings on eBay to find new, open-box, and certified refurbished units at competitive prices.
How We Rate Products
Every product on ComfyTechCheck is scored on a 1 to 10 scale based on a structured evaluation framework. We assess products across five core criteria:
- Performance (30% weight): Speed, responsiveness, and real-world capability in its category.
- Build & Design (20% weight): Material quality, ergonomics, and aesthetic appeal.
- Features (20% weight): Breadth and usefulness of included functionality.
- Value (20% weight): Price-to-performance ratio relative to direct competitors.
- Battery Life or Reliability (10% weight): Endurance testing for portable devices, or long-term dependability for stationary gear.
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