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Best Roku to Buy in 2022 – CNET [CNET]
Though there are impressive streaming players from Amazon, Apple and Google, Roku products are unparalleled for their simplicity and value. Solid features, excellent performance and affordable pricing make Roku’s offerings stand out in our reviews against the competition.
The company offers a large selection of Roku TV players including a basic Express, the midrange Streaming Stick 4K and Express 4K Plus all the way to the top-tier Ultra — not to mention soundbars and speakers. Our guide to the best Roku will help you figure out how to pick the right model for your needs and budget.
For improving your Roku experience
Roku Voice Remote Pro
Sarah Tew/CNET
The Voice Remote Pro isn’t a streaming service player, but it can give your Roku streaming device a nice boost. Like the enhanced remote that comes with the Ultra it adds a few new features like a rechargeable battery and a 12-foot midfield microphone. The latter is particularly useful — you can say, “Hey Roku, find my remote,” and the device will beep so you can find it if it’s lost under the couch cushions.
How we test Roku devices
Every Roku we review receives hours of hands-on testing. Typically, this involves installing the device on multiple TVs, evaluating the setup process, adding popular streaming channels and using the product as if it were our own. We use all of the major features available and note how they stack up against other Roku models in the company’s lineup. To do this, we hook up multiple Roku streaming devices to the same TV so we can switch back and forth easily to compare the experiences.
Our metrics that we look at to rate a device include hardware design, distinctive features that differentiate models, remote capabilities and design, overall ease-of-use, effective layouts and design, search capabilities, privacy settings, the number of apps and their performance and the overall speed and reliability of the system.
FAQs
Aren’t all Rokus kind of the same?
Yes and no. All Roku devices run the same software and therefore have the same access to onscreen search, channels, settings and layouts.
Roku models differ when it comes to the physical shape of the device, its ability to offer playback at various resolutions and HDR formats — such as 4K and Dolby Vision — as well as the extra hardware features on the device itself along with the remote included in the package.
For example, the entry-level Roku Express is a small box that plugs into your TV, but sits beside it. The device can access all of Roku’s content, but it only offers playback in standard 1080p HD, not 4K. Additionally, the remote very basic and cannot turn your TV on and off. The remote also lacks other advanced features like voice control or remote finder capabilities. Those looking for 4K streaming, access to Dolby Vision, or a more powerful remote will have choose a more advanced Roku.
Do I need a separate Roku if I have a Roku TV?
No, you do not. Roku TVs come with the Roku operating system baked in to the system. This means that you’ll be presented with the Roku interface the second you hit the power button.
Roku TVs also come with Roku-branded remote controls. Depending on your TV model, you will either get a Simple Remote or a Voice remote. Both will allow you to fully navigate your TV, but Voice remotes have a microphone button for voice activation. If you feel like you want to upgrade your remote experience, you might want to check out the Voice Remote Pro listed above.
Will I be able to access all of my streaming services on my Roku?
Mostly likely, yes.
Roku is known for having a huge selection of streaming channels and has positioned itself as a service-agnostic platform. As a result, it offers all of the most popular streaming services, including Hulu, Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Showtime and Starz, among others. But it also has channels from smaller services and providers that are not available on every platform. For example, certain cable providers, such as Spectrum and Comcast Xfinity, tend to offer their apps only on select streaming platforms, and Roku is almost always one of them.
Chances are high that if you’re looking for a specific streaming app, Roku will have it.
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