Roku 4 vs. Roku ultra-Find out what makes these Roku devices different

Roku is a leading manufacturer of streaming devices that keeps on producing quality products that everyone can enjoy. Some of the streaming players that people choose from this company include Roku 4 and Roku ultra.

Both of these are great streaming devices that can help you fulfill your entertainment needs. Since Roku 4 and Roku Ultra have many similarities, many customers find it hard to choose between them. Our guide can help you out since it contains all the details you should know regarding these Roku models. Read on!

What are the differences between Roku 4 and Roku Ultra?

Roku 4 vs. Roku ultra- How do they compare?

Design

Roku Ultra and Roku 4 may have a similar appearance, but they have some differences. Roku 4 is a bit bigger than Roku Ultra. It is a thick and wide steamer that weighs 2lbs. Roku Ultra, on the other hand, has a streamlined design. This is a slim and compact media player that weighs 1lb. Choosing Roku Ultra can therefore help you save on space since it occupies a minimal surface area. Since many people dislike the bulky design of Roku 4, Roku Ultra is considered to have a better design.

HDR Support

Does your television support HDR? If yes, you should go for a Roku model that can support this feature. High Dynamic range technology can help you enjoy a better contrast range. It makes a device deliver more vibrant colors and detailed images. Though Roku 4 offers 4K support, it does not have HDR support. Roku Ultra, on the other hand, offers both HDR and 4K support. This means that you can enjoy better images and colors by choosing Roku Ultra compared to Roku 4.

Night listening mode

This is a feature that is present in Roku Ultra and absent in Roku 4. The mode can help you view content at night without waking up the whole house. This mode works by increasing the volume of sounds like footsteps and lowering loud sounds such as explosions or gunshots. It prevents you from constantly changing the volume when different things are happening in a movie. Thanks to the inclusion of the night listening mode in Roku Ultra, this streaming player can give you a better experience than Roku 4.

Noise level

Though Roku Ultra and Roku 4 feature quad-core processors, they don’t have the same noise level. Most users of Roku 4 don’t like the noise produced by the internal fans. This can be disrupting when you are trying to focus on a movie. On the other hand, Roku Ultra does not come with an internal fan and is, therefore, less noisy compared to Roku 4.

Roku 4 vs. Roku ultra – A comparison overview

Roku 4

Roku 4 | HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player with Enhanced Remote (Voice Search, Lost Remote Finder, and Headphone), Quad-Core Processor, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB Port

• Perfect for HD and 4K Ultra HD TVs, features fast quad core processor and 802.11AC dual band wireless
• 4k ultra HD with 4 times the resolution of 1080p HD, delivers crisp detail and brilliant, life like...

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If you want to enjoy 4K video streaming, you should consider choosing Roku 4. This is a powerful media player that has made streaming easier and better. It comes as a squared shaped device that has rounded corners. Instead of including the Roku logo on the top part of this device, it contains a 4 number that features a glossy finish.

Like most Roku devices, Roku 4 includes a useful remote as part of the package. It also comes with more features like a power connector, optical audio output, Ethernet port, and HDMI port. You can use the remote to access different streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Youtube. The remote also includes a headphone that allows you to watch without relying on your TV’s speakers. When you plug in the available earphones, this will mute the speakers automatically.

You can also conduct a voice search using the remote. Make use of your phone when you want to control this streaming player through the Roku apps. Other than using the remote, you have the option of using a mobile device to navigate through the menu and choose different options. Many people are also impressed with the high performance of Roku 4. It is not only user-friendly but also quite responsive.

Roku 4 makes use of the 7.0 operating system, which enables it to have some cool features. For instance, it contains the Hotel Connect feature that can help you enjoy streaming even when you are traveling. You will also appreciate the My Feed feature in Roku 4. This enables you to receive updates on upcoming and current movies that you should consider watching.

Pros

• The remote has a headphone jack feature
• User-friendly interface
• It supports 4K content

Cons

• Produces a lot of noise

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Roku 4 specs

Roku Ultra

Roku Ultra | Streaming Media Player 4K/HD/HDR with Premium JBL Headphones

• New! Disney+ and Apple TV are now streaming on all Roku devices
• Power, picture, performance: Roku Ultra lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet;...

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Access different streaming services and apps through the Roku Ultra device. This is a popular streamer that has numerous features to boost your streaming experience. It comes in flat design and glossy finish. You should notice the Roku logo on the top part of this streamer. The Roku device can help you access more than 100 channels, which can keep you entertained for hours.

Most people find it easy to control since it comes with a simple to use remote. You can even talk to the remote when you want to search for particular content easily. It contains not only regular buttons but also a built-in mic that encourages voice control. The mic on this remote not only helps you search for particular content but also lets you control playback and open apps.

Unlike other Roku devices, Roku Ultra features a headphone jack. Roku Ultra also comes with short cut buttons that you can easily program. This device contains a USB port that you can use to play media from an external storage device. Though it fails to include a power adapter, Roku Ultra contains an HDMI port, connector, and Ethernet port. Many users also like the fact that this Roku device supports 4K and HDR content.

Pros

• It contains a headphone jack for private listening
• Delivers an excellent performance
• Features programmable shortcut buttons
• Simple to use interface

Cons

• It does not support Dolby Vision

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Roku Ultra specs

Conclusion

Roku Ultra and Roku 4 have a lot of similarities. For instance, they offer the same connectivity options, come with quad-core processors, and deliver excellent speed. The remote controls of these two streaming players are also not very different. Despite these similarities, there are reasons why many people choose one of the options over the other. Comparing them is the only way one can tell them apart.

Verdict: So, which is better? Roku 4 or Roku Ultra

After focusing on each model separately, we discovered that Roku Ultra has more to offer compared to Roku 4. We were impressed by the slim design of Roku Ultra and its extra features, such as the nightlistening mode and access to YouTube TV. Since this streaming player offers 4K and HDR support, it has better quality content than what Roku 4 delivers. The lack of high noise levels is also an added advantage. All this made us choose Roku Ultra as the clear winner.

FAQs

Can Roku Ultra work on any TV?

Yes. This should work with any TV model as long as there is an HDMI connection.

How long should I expect the Roku 4 streaming device to last?

This is a durable streamer that can last for up to 5 years.