Roku Ultra (2020): Feature-Filled Media Hub

Roku’s 2020 model of the Ultra media streamer is an iterative update to the line. The previous Ultra was already a powerful, feature-filled media hub, so the fact that the new model simply adds Dolby Vision support and faster processing isn’t a letdown. The Ultra can stream 4K HDR content, supports loads of apps and services, and its remote includes a headphone jack for privately listening to whatever you’re watching. It remains a top pick among high-end media streaming devices, but at $99.99, it feels a bit pricey compared with some other new models.

- WILL GREENWALD

THE SAME DESIGN

The 2020 Roku Ultra looks and feels very similar to the 2019 version, with a 4.9-by-5.0-inch (HW) rounded square design just 1 inch tall, all in matte-black plastic. The left side features the signature Roku purple fabric tag, while the right edge has a button for the remote-finder feature, which makes the remote beep when you press it. The front of the Ultra features a small window for the indicator LED, which glows white when the device is turned on. The back holds an HDMI port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, and a connector for the power adapter.

Roku’s included Voice Remote is a thin, chunky black wand with a purple Roku tag on the bottom and a big, purple, plus-shaped navigation pad near the top, along with a pinhole microphone. Power, Home, and Back buttons sit above the pad, while playback controls and dedicated service buttons for Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and Sling sit below it. The right edge of the remote holds a volume rocker and mute button, while the left edge features a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening.

Aside from the remote, the Roku Ultra comes with a pair of earphones, an HDMI cable, the power adapter, and batteries for the remote. You can plug the earphones into the remote to mute audio going to the TV and listen directly through the remote (you can also use your own headphones if you prefer).

ROKU FEATURES

As a Roku device, the Ultra can access thousands of different Roku channels (the company’s name for apps and services), including most major streaming services, including Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV, and YouTube. Twitch is currently missing from the Roku Channel Store.