Roku Ultra - Ultimate Streaming Player (4K HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos) with Voice Remote Pro
Quick take
Roku Ultra is a premium Roku streaming box for viewers who want quick navigation and a better remote experience, including backlit buttons, rechargeable power, and hands-free voice control. It supports 4K video with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, plus Dolby Atmos audio, and it includes both Wi‑Fi 6 and Ethernet for connectivity flexibility. The main catch is that if you already have a modern Roku streamer, the upgrade may feel incremental, and some buyers notice advertising within the Roku interface.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Speed-focused Roku performance: buyers repeatedly describe the interface as snappy, with quick app switching and fast setup.
- Big-format home theater support: 4K output with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, plus Dolby Atmos audio support.
- Rechargeable, backlit Voice Remote Pro: backlit buttons and voice control, plus a lost remote finder.
- Connectivity options: Wi‑Fi 6 and Ethernet (plus Bluetooth for certain audio uses).
Cons
- Not a dramatic leap for every household: if your current streaming device is already good, the “feel” of Roku may not be radically different.
- Interface advertising can be a dealbreaker for some: a recurring buyer theme mentions more ads than expected.
- Remote features still depend on your setup: voice search and audio features are helpful, but overall value depends on what apps and equipment you use.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence highlights a consistent theme: Roku Ultra is fast and easy to use. Multiple reviews describe responsive navigation, quick app loading, and smooth day-to-day streaming. Setup is also repeatedly characterized as straightforward once a Roku account is in place, with apps syncing after sign-in. The remote experience shows up as another standout. Reviews specifically call out the rechargeable design, backlit buttons for low-light viewing, and voice control for basic searches. Connectivity and picture quality are mentioned as strengths too, with buyers associating this model with clear 4K visuals and strong support for Dolby Vision and HDR. One recurring caveat is interface advertising. Some buyers say they would prefer Roku tone down the amount of ad content in the menus. Overall, the evidence supports Roku Ultra as a reliable, premium-feeling Roku box that is especially appealing when upgrading from an older Roku device or moving from a streaming stick to a dedicated box.
Roku Ultra review: what it does well
A faster Roku feel that’s noticeable in everyday use
Roku Ultra is designed for speed, and buyer feedback aligns with that goal. Reviews commonly point to snappy responsiveness, quick switching between apps, and minimal friction during setup. If your current streamer feels sluggish, this is the kind of upgrade that can make the user experience feel more “instant.”
4K HDR picture plus Dolby formats for the right TV
Roku Ultra targets the “home theater” tier of streaming. It supports 4K output at 3840 x 2160 pixels, with HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision video, plus Dolby Atmos audio support. In practice, this matters most if your TV and audio gear actually support those formats. If you do have the compatible display and audio system, Roku Ultra gives you a path to richer visuals and more immersive sound from supported apps.
A rechargeable Voice Remote Pro you can actually use at night
The included Roku Voice Remote Pro is built around convenience. It offers backlit buttons so you can see what you are pressing in the dark, hands-free voice control (useful for searches without typing), and USB-C charging for the remote. Reviews also suggest battery life is strong enough for regular use, reducing the “dead batteries” annoyance that comes with older remotes.
Connectivity flexibility, including Ethernet and Wi‑Fi 6
Roku Ultra supports Wi‑Fi 6 and also includes Ethernet connectivity for a wired option when you want maximum stability. It also offers Bluetooth, which can be useful depending on your audio setup and how you want to route sound or use compatible devices.
Roku Ultra specs that matter for buying
- Video: 4K streaming support, HDR10/10+, and Dolby Vision
- Audio: Dolby Atmos support
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB (box form factor)
- Remote: rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with backlit buttons and voice control, plus a lost remote finder
- Roku model: Roku Ultra 2024 (Model 4850R)
Roku Ultra pros and cons for different buyers
Best for
- Upgraders from older Roku devices or streaming sticks: buyers describe this as a meaningful responsiveness upgrade.
- People who want a premium remote experience: backlit buttons and rechargeable power are specifically praised.
- Households with a 4K TV that supports HDR10+ and/or Dolby Vision: you get the full benefit when the display can decode those formats.
- Buyers who want flexible networking: Wi‑Fi 6 and Ethernet cover more situations than Wi‑Fi-only streamers.
Who should think twice
- Anyone already happy with a modern streaming box: reviews note the experience can be “reliable” rather than dramatically different if you already have a decent device.
- Viewers who dislike menu ads: advertising in the Roku interface is a recurring point for some buyers.
- Buyers with unclear HDR compatibility: if your TV does not support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, you may not fully benefit from the flagship video features.
Is Roku Ultra worth it?
Roku Ultra is worth considering if you want a fast, easy Roku experience plus a more capable remote that removes the “batteries and fumbling in the dark” problems. Its video and audio feature set makes it a strong fit for newer 4K HDR TVs and compatible sound setups. If your current streamer is already quick and you are not using HDR or advanced audio features, the upgrade may feel more incremental than you expect, especially once you factor in that Roku’s interface includes some advertising.
Alternatives to consider (based on priorities)
- If your priority is lowest hassle and simple streaming: a different Roku model might be enough, especially if you do not need the same level of HDR support or the premium remote features.
- If your priority is wired stability above everything: look for streamers that emphasize Ethernet alongside Wi‑Fi, and verify your TV and audio gear support the formats you care about.
- If you want a different OS ecosystem: consider competitors only after confirming what matters to you (HDR formats, audio support, and remote usability), because menu ads and navigation style can vary widely between platforms.
How to choose the right Roku Ultra setup
- Check TV support: confirm whether your TV supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and whether you have an audio path that supports Dolby Atmos.
- Pick your connection: use Ethernet if you want maximum steadiness, or Wi‑Fi 6 if you are optimizing for convenience.
- Use the remote features you will actually use: backlit buttons and voice search are most valuable if you stream frequently and often browse without a lot of typing.
FAQ
Is roku ultra better than a roku express?
Roku Ultra is positioned as a faster, more premium model. Buyer feedback often describes it as snappier than older or simpler Roku devices, especially for responsiveness and app switching.
Does roku ultra support dolby vision and HDR10+?
Yes. Roku Ultra supports HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision video formats, plus Dolby Atmos audio support (for compatible content and audio setups).
Is the roku voice remote pro rechargeable?
Yes. The included Voice Remote Pro is designed to charge (USB-C charging is included), and buyers specifically mention reduced need for replacing batteries.
Does roku ultra support ethernet and wi‑fi 6?
Yes. Roku Ultra includes Wi‑Fi 6 and Ethernet connectivity, giving you the option to choose either wireless or wired networking.
Does the Roku interface have ads?
Some buyers mention that advertising appears within the interface. If you strongly prefer an ad-free menu experience, it is worth considering that this is part of the Roku experience for many users.
Will Roku Ultra feel different if I already own a Roku box?
It can feel more incremental than transformative if your current device already performs well. The bigger perceived gains tend to come from upgrading older hardware or moving from a stick to a dedicated box.
Bottom line
Roku Ultra is a strong pick for 4K HDR viewers who want fast, responsive Roku navigation and a rechargeable, backlit voice remote. If your TV supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and you value smooth everyday usability, it can be a worthwhile upgrade. Just be aware that the Roku interface includes advertising, and if you already have a modern streamer, the improvement may be more about comfort and polish than a completely new experience.
Specifications
| Product Title | Roku Ultra - Ultimate Streaming Player - 4K Streaming Device for TV with HDR10+, Dolby Vision & Atmos - Bluetooth & Wi-Fi 6 - Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with Backlit Buttons - Free & Live TV |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Television & Video > Streaming Media Players |
| Brand | Roku |
| Manufacturer | Roku |
| Model Name | Roku Ultra 2024 |
| Model Number | 4850R |
| Color | Ultra (with Wi-Fi 6) |
| Item Weight | 18 Grams |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Connector Type | HDMI |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Backlit, Parental Controls |
| Resolution | 4k |
| Supported Internet Services | Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video |
| Controller Type | App Control, Button Control, Remote Control, Voice Control |
| Form Factor | TV Box |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, Tablet, Television |
| Video Output Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Video Codec | H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, AV1, VP9, HDR10/10+, Dolby Vision |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 5"L x 4.9"W x 1"H |
| UPC | 829610006888 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00829610006888 |
| Mfr Part Number | 4850R |
| Built-In Media | HDMI Cable, Power adaptor, Roku Ultra streaming player, Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition), USB-C charging (for remote) |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
| Special Feature | Backlit, Parental Controls |
Available variants
Style
- Ultra
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