Roku Express 4k+ vs Roku Ultra: Which Roku Reigns?
Tired of endless scrolling and buffering? You’re in the right place. Choosing the right streaming device can transform your entertainment experience, and Roku is a frontrunner in the market. This comparison dives deep into two popular Roku models to help you make the best choice for your needs.
We’re putting the Roku Express 4K+ head-to-head with the Roku Ultra. Both offer access to a massive library of streaming content, but they come with different features and price points. Understanding these differences is key to maximizing your streaming enjoyment.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a top-of-the-line experience, this guide will break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore performance, features, and value to help you decide if the Roku Express 4K+ or the Roku Ultra is the perfect fit for your home entertainment setup.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | roku express 4k+ | roku ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K HDR | 4K HDR |
| Processor | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Storage | Limited | Limited |
| Remote | Voice Remote | Voice Remote with TV Controls & Headphone Jack |
| Streaming Channels | 10,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Wireless Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet Port | No | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| HDR Support | HDR10/10+ | HDR10/10+ |
| Lost Remote Finder | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Video Resolution
- Roku Express 4k+: Supports 4K HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It’s a great option for enjoying high-quality video on compatible TVs, but may experience occasional buffering with demanding content.
- Roku Ultra: Also supports 4K HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, with enhanced processing power for smoother playback, especially with demanding content. It provides a more reliable 4K experience.
- Winner: Ultra
Processing Power
- Roku Express 4k+: Features a quad-core processor. It offers decent performance for navigating menus and streaming content, but can feel slightly less responsive compared to the Ultra.
- Roku Ultra: Boasts a more powerful processor. This results in snappier navigation, faster app loading times, and a generally more fluid user experience.
- Winner: Ultra
Remote Control
- Roku Express 4k+: Comes with a standard Roku remote. It lacks advanced features like voice control or a headphone jack.
- Roku Ultra: Includes an enhanced remote with voice control, a headphone jack for private listening, and remote finder.
- Winner: Ultra
Storage
- Roku Express 4k+: Offers a standard amount of storage for apps and channels. It may require occasional management if you install many apps.
- Roku Ultra: Includes more storage space. This allows for more app installations and potentially faster loading times.
- Winner: Ultra
Ethernet Port
- Roku Express 4k+: Does not have an Ethernet port. Relies solely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity.
- Roku Ultra: Includes an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. This provides a more stable and reliable connection, especially for 4K streaming.
- Winner: Ultra
Audio Support
- Roku Express 4k+: Supports Dolby Audio and passes through Dolby Atmos. Provides good audio quality, but lacks the advanced audio features of the Ultra.
- Roku Ultra: Supports Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos. It has a better audio processing and passthrough, and offers a private listening experience via the headphone jack on the remote.
- Winner: Ultra
Price
- Roku Express 4k+: Typically more affordable, making it a great value for those looking for a basic 4K streaming experience.
- Roku Ultra: Pricier than the Express 4K+, but offers a more premium experience with its enhanced features and performance.
- Winner: Express 4K+
HDR Support
- Roku Express 4k+: Supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, delivering vibrant colors and improved contrast on compatible TVs.
- Roku Ultra: Also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring a great viewing experience on HDR-enabled TVs.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value | roku express 4k+ |
| Features | roku ultra |
| Performance | roku ultra |
| Remote | roku ultra |
| Connectivity | roku ultra |
What They Have in Common:
- 4K Hdr Streaming: Both devices support 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) for stunning picture quality. This ensures a vibrant and detailed viewing experience on compatible TVs.
- Extensive Channel Selection: Both Roku devices offer access to thousands of streaming channels, providing a vast library of movies, TV shows, and live content. Users can easily find their favorite content.
- Voice Control: Both come with voice remote functionality, allowing users to search for content, control playback, and launch channels with simple voice commands. This makes navigation easier and more convenient.
- User-Friendly Interface: Both devices share the same intuitive Roku operating system, offering a simple and easy-to-navigate interface for all users. Customization options are also available.
- Regular Updates: Both Roku models receive regular software updates, ensuring access to the latest features, performance improvements, and channel additions. This keeps the devices up-to-date.
Roku Express 4K+ Vs Roku Ultra Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Roku Express 4K+ and Roku Ultra both deliver excellent streaming performance, but they differ in processing power. The Roku Ultra boasts a more powerful processor, leading to faster channel loading times and a more responsive overall experience. This is especially noticeable when navigating menus or launching demanding streaming apps. The Express 4K+ is still snappy for everyday use, but the Ultra’s superior processing makes a difference for users who value speed and minimal lag. The Ultra excels at handling complex content.
Video and Audio Quality
Both devices support 4K resolution and HDR, ensuring a vibrant and detailed picture on compatible TVs. However, the Roku Ultra often provides a slight edge in video processing, potentially resulting in better upscaling of lower-resolution content. The Ultra also supports Dolby Atmos audio, providing a more immersive sound experience if you have a compatible sound system. The Express 4K+ supports Dolby Audio, which is still good. Consider your audio setup; the Ultra’s advanced audio capabilities may be important.
Remote Control Features
The Roku Ultra comes with a premium remote that includes a headphone jack for private listening and a lost remote finder. The remote also features programmable buttons for quick access to your favorite channels. The Roku Express 4K+ features a standard remote without these extras. The Express 4K+ remote is functional and easy to use, but the Ultra’s remote adds convenience. Think about whether these advanced remote features would enhance your viewing experience.
Storage and Expandability
The Roku Ultra includes a USB port for connecting external storage devices, allowing you to play your own media files. The Express 4K+ does not have a USB port. This difference significantly impacts your ability to store and play local media files. If you have a collection of movies, music, or photos you want to access, the Ultra is the better choice. Consider the importance of local media playback when making your decision.
Connectivity and Ports
Both devices offer standard connectivity options, including HDMI. The Roku Ultra typically includes an Ethernet port for a more stable and reliable wired internet connection, which can be beneficial in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals. The Express 4K+ relies solely on Wi-Fi. The Ultra’s Ethernet port provides a fallback option. Consider your home network setup and whether a wired connection is necessary for optimal streaming performance.
Price and Value
The Roku Express 4K+ is the more affordable option, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers. It still offers a fantastic streaming experience for the price. The Roku Ultra is more expensive, but it justifies its higher price with its enhanced performance, premium features, and expandability. The value proposition depends on your needs and budget. Weigh the added features of the Ultra against the lower cost of the Express 4K+.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy roku express 4k+ If…
- You’re on a budget and want a cost-effective 4K streaming solution.
- You don’t need advanced features like an Ethernet port or a lost remote finder.
- You prefer a compact design that easily hides behind your TV.
Buy roku ultra If…
- You want the most feature-rich Roku experience with the best performance.
- You need an Ethernet port for a more stable internet connection.
- You value the convenience of a lost remote finder and a remote with TV controls.
- You want the best possible audio experience with a headphone jack on the remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Roku Express 4K+ and Roku Ultra?
The Roku Ultra offers a more powerful processor, a premium remote with a headphone jack and lost remote finder, an Ethernet port for wired internet, and a USB port for external media storage. The Express 4K+ is more basic but still provides excellent 4K streaming. The Ultra offers a more feature-rich experience, while the Express 4K+ focuses on affordability. The price difference reflects these feature disparities.
Does Roku Ultra have better picture quality than Roku Express 4K+?
Both devices support 4K HDR, delivering excellent picture quality. The Roku Ultra may have a slight advantage in video processing, potentially resulting in slightly better upscaling of lower-resolution content. However, the difference is often subtle. Both deliver a great viewing experience on compatible TVs. The key difference is the Ultra’s ability to handle complex streams.
Which Roku is best for gaming?
Neither Roku device is designed primarily for gaming. Roku devices are built for streaming. However, the Roku Ultra, with its more powerful processor, may provide a slightly smoother experience with the limited games available on the Roku platform. If gaming is a priority, consider a dedicated gaming console or streaming device designed for that purpose rather than a Roku player. The Ultra does handle fast-paced menus better.
Can I connect a USB drive to the Roku Express 4K+?
No, the Roku Express 4K+ does not have a USB port. This means you cannot connect external storage devices to play your own media files. The Roku Ultra includes a USB port for this purpose. If you plan to play local media from a USB drive, the Roku Ultra is the only option. Consider your media consumption habits before making a choice.
Does the Roku Ultra have a headphone jack on the remote?
Yes, the Roku Ultra comes with a remote that features a headphone jack for private listening. This is a convenient feature that allows you to enjoy your shows or movies without disturbing others. The Roku Express 4K+ remote does not have a headphone jack. This feature adds a layer of convenience and personal listening options. The jack is a useful feature.
Is the Roku Ultra worth the extra cost?
Whether the Roku Ultra is worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you value a faster experience, premium features like the headphone jack and lost remote finder, and the ability to play local media, then the Ultra is a good investment. The Express 4K+ is an excellent value if you prioritize affordability and basic streaming functionality. It’s a case of weighing features vs. cost.
Which Roku has the best remote control?
The Roku Ultra has the better remote. It includes a headphone jack for private listening, a lost remote finder, and programmable shortcut buttons. The Express 4K+ has a standard remote. The Ultra’s remote is more feature-rich and adds convenience. The Ultra remote offers added value. The Ultra remote is a superior choice.
Final Verdict
The Roku Ultra offers a superior streaming experience with its faster processor, premium remote, Ethernet port, and USB connectivity. While the Roku Express 4K+ provides excellent value and a great viewing experience, the Roku Ultra’s enhanced features and performance make it the better overall choice for users who want the best possible experience.
Winner: Roku Ultra