One of the most popular streaming platforms on the market is Roku. As one of the O.G. streaming device brands, Roku has been delivering reliable plug-and-play hardware and software for well over a decade. Roku streamers are everywhere, and its Roku TV OS can also be found as the backbone of TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as in its own TVs. So, yeah, there’s certainly no shortage of options.
But what are the best Roku devices and which is the best one for you? We thought we’d put together this roundup to help you hone in on the Roku gear that best suits your budget, wants, and needs.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The best Roku player overall
Pros
Affordable
Easy to use
All the features you want
Cons
Roku’s advertising scheme means tracking
Across the board, Roku’s user interface is about as friendly and customizable as it gets for a smart streaming platform. And when it comes to delivering big picture tech through a bite-sized device, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the best $50 hookups you’re going to find.
Delivering a 30% boost in speed when compared to traditional Roku hardware, the Streaming Stick 4K allows you to experience movies and TV shows in UHD quality from some of the top streaming services on the market, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
The Streaming Stick 4K also handles Dolby Vision and HDR10 picture standards, and Dolby Atmos support for the ultimate surround sound experience. While you’ll need an HDR-capable TV and compatible Atmos peripherals to experience these impressive picture and sound deliverables, we can’t think of a better Roku for the price to unleash the power of 4K than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
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And if you’re looking for the best remote Roku has to offer, the Streaming Stick 4K+ comes with Roku’s Voice Remote Pro, featuring an onboard rechargeable battery and a handy “find my remote” function for locating your misplaced Roku controller the next time it gets wedged between the couch cushions. Just a note, though: while the Streaming Stick 4K+ is technically discontinued form Roku, you can still find it at some online retailers like Amazon.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The best Roku player overall
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Roku Express
The best Roku device for those on a budget
Pros
Price
Performance
Fantastic Search
Tiny size
Cons
No voice remote
No Ethernet
It really doesn’t get any simpler, easier, or cheaper to get going with a great streaming experience than the Roku Express. As long as your TV has an available HDMI port, this $30 device gives you access to the entire Roku platform of streaming apps and services, in Full HD.
Granted, it doesn’t do 4K resolution, and it doesn’t offer support for high-dynamic range (HDR), but that’s sort of the point: By cutting some bells and whistles you can save on the cost of a capable media streamer.
What you do get is a streaming device that comes with everything you need: an infrared remote, the Roku Express, an HDMI cable, and a USB power cable and adapter. Simply plug everything in, fire up your TV, switch it to the right input, and you’re on your way. It only takes a few minutes to set up the Roku Express on your home Wi-Fi.
What’s clever about the Express is that even though it’s Roku’s least-expensive streamer, it still packs many of the same features you’ll find in the company’s top-of-the-line devices, thanks to the free Roku app.
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It lets you control the Express from a smartphone with your voice and cast your photos and videos to your TV. The app also lets you turn on private listening, so you can use your phone or tablet to hear what your Roku Express is playing without disturbing anyone else.
You also get access to the Roku Channel, which has a huge collection of free on-demand and livestreaming, ad-supported content, with more than 350 free live TV streaming channels.
Finally, the Roku Express is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it with your voice if you have a compatible smart speaker at home.
Roku Express
The best Roku device for those on a budget
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Roku Ultra (2024)
The best Roku player for home theaters
Pros
Fastest, most powerful Roku device on the market
Has an Ethernet port
Remote is rechargeable and has backlit buttons
Cons
On the expensive side
Might be overkill for some folks
The latest and greatest version of the Roku Ultra brings a few exciting improvements to the table; mainly when it comes to processing power, load times, and Roku ecosystem capabilities. The 2024 Roku Ultra uses a quad-core CPU that Roku claims will deliver up to 30% faster performance than any other Roku player. Expect next to no buffering, quick download times, and a very responsive UI.
The new Ultra supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard and is compatible with a number of Bluetooth devices, too. If you end up placing this bad boy near your router, we highly recommend hardwiring via Ethernet for the best internet speeds. Oh, and speaking of Bluetooth support: because the Ultra itself supports Bluetooth (only the Roku Mobile app supported Bluetooth before this release), you’ll be able to connect your favorite pair of wireless headphonesor earbuds to this Roku player.
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Other great features include a lost remote button right on the player and Customizable Quick Launch commands for the included Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen) which also happens to be rechargeable via USB-C. HDMI 2.1 connectivity, an upstream USB port, and class-leading HDR support for formats like Dolby Vision are some other Ultra 2024 laurels to write home about.
Roku Ultra (2024)
The best Roku player for home theaters
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Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED
The best TV made by Roku
Pros
Impressive contrast
High brightness
Shockingly good sound quality
Easy to live with
Cons
Some odd picture-processing bugs
Occasionally slugglish backlight
It was only a matter of time before Roku started making its own TVs, instead of just licensing Roku TV OS to manufacturers like Hisense and TCL. Sold exclusively through Best Buy (in stores and online), the Roku Pro Series QLED is the company’s flagship model, and when it comes to picture quality, streaming capabilities, and fair pricing, it’s definitely worth considering.
This premium Roku TV comes in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, and we had the chance to review the 65-inch model. Our own editor at large Caleb Denison was impressed by the Pro Series QLED’s contrast levels and peak brightness, and even thought the TV sounded good (which isn’t something we normally get to say about TVs).
And with picture tech like mini-LED lighting, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and 4K gaming at up to 120Hz with VRR and ALLM support, it’s clear that Roku wanted to compete with some of the best budget-friendly LEDs on the market. It’s also loaded up with the latest version of Roku TV OS, giving you access to thousands of movies and shows to stream, along with screen mirroring via AirPlay 2 or Miracast.
You’ll even be able to see live views from any Roku smart home cams you have set up. Are there better TVs out there? Absolutely. But when it comes to overall value, the Roku Pro Series QLED delivers a terrific experience, and the most you’ll spend on it is $1,500 for the 75-inch!
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Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED
The best TV made by Roku
Roku Streambar
The best Roku player for enhanced sound
Pros
All-in-one soundbar and streaming device
Supports HDR10 and HLG HDR formats
Uses HDMI ARC
Great sound
Cons
Not the most powerful soundbar
The Roku Streambar sits comfortably on our list of the best soundbars under $500 for a reason: it incorporates a nice mix of the features found in devices like the Streaming Stick 4K and the Roku Ultra to create a one-box solution for most of our modern media needs — and it won’t bankrupt you.
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For a single-cable connection, simply connect the Streambar to an available HDMI ARC port on your TV. But if your TV doesn’t have HDMI ARC, you can use the HDMI cable to send video to your TV and use the Streambar’s optical port to receive audio from the TV.
From there, it’s the same easy-to-use Roku interface as Roku’s other devices, with access to all of the same great streaming apps, channels, and services. It can do 4K resolution (or just HD if that’s what your TV supports), and it also handles HDR10 and HLG HDR formats.
The RF remote lets you use your voice for commands and search and can control your TV’s power, too. The volume and mute buttons control the Streambar’s sound, and there are a wealth of ways to adjust the audio through the bar’s built-in EQ system.
With four full-range drivers angled to bounce sound around a room, the Streambar should sound pretty good on its own. But if you decide to move it to a bigger room (or you just want a more immersive experience), you can expand it with the $180 Roku Wireless Subwoofer and the $200 Roku TV Wireless Speakers.
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With built-in Bluetooth, the Streambar can also act as a standalone wireless speaker for your phone, tablet, or laptop’s music collection. And if you’re dealing with a lack of space or would prefer a smaller soundbar overall, Roku also makes the Roku Streambar SE. Less wide than the standard Streambar, the SE model drops Dolby Audio support and the Ethernet port, but adds HDR10+ decoding.
Yesterday, Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.0.1, iPadOS 18.0.1, and watchOS 11.0.1. All these software updates bring some key bug fixes for Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch, respectively. Let’s discuss all of those in detail.
Apple rolls out macOS Sequoia 15.0.1 and iPadOS 18.0.1 with multiple bug fixes
To catch you up, Apple initially released macOS Sequoia 15 on September 16. However, many Mac users worldwide reported that the initial update was messing up with the Messages app. Many users found that the Messages app unexpectedly quit when replying to messages with a shared Apple Watch face. Besides, some complained that the macOS Sequoia 15 update also affected third-party security software.
Now, Apple has addressed all those issues with the latest macOS Sequoia 15.0.1 update. The company says that the latest macOS update “provides important bug fixes for your Mac.” The latest update carries build number 24A348 and you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Besides macOS Sequoia 15.0.1, Apple has also released iPadOS 18.0.1 for the iPad. Notably, the latest update also brings back the iPadOS 18 to the M4 iPad Pro models. Earlier, Apple pulled the iPadOS 18 update from the M4 iPad Pro model as it bricked some of the devices. If you missed out on updating your iPad Pro earlier, you can do so now by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
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Currently, the iPadOS 18.0.1 is available for all the iPad models that can run iPadOS 18. The latest iPadOS 18.0.1 update fixes the bug that caused the Messages app to unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face in it. In addition, this update also fixes performance on some iPad models which were earlier affected due to an issue with memory allocation.
watchOS 11.0.1 is also here to fix issues related to battery life, touch screen, and more
Alongside macOS Sequoia 15.0.1 and iPadOS 18.0.1, Apple has also rolled out watchOS 11.0.1 for Apple Watch users. The latest update comes with build number 22R361 and fixes issues related to the Music app, Messages app, touch screen, battery life, and more.
For example, the watchOS 11.0.1 fixes issues like random rebooting of Apple Watch, battery drain problems, and touchscreen issues on some specified models. In addition, the latest update also patches a bug that caused the Music app to unexpectedly quit when loading media. Besides, the new update also fixes the infamous Messages app bug.
You can update the Apple Watch from its settings or using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. The update will start when the Apple Watch is charged at least 50% or it is placed on the charger. Besides all the above updates, the Cupertino tech giant is also rolling out iOS 18.0.1 and visionOS 2.0.1 to fix some known issues on iPhones and Apple Vision Pro.
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Meta just announced several updates coming to Facebook during the company’s IRL event in Austin. It’s testing an Explore tab and adding a new video tab.
Let’s start with the Explore tab. If you’ve ever perused Instagram, you likely know how exactly this will work. This tab will house “a variety of content tailored to your interests.”
Meta says that the algorithm has been designed to serve up “content that doesn’t just entertain, but helps you dive deeper into your interests.” Here’s hoping I get nothing but content about wild traversal strategies in . In any event, the new Explore tab is still in the testing phase so it could be a bit before a wide rollout.
The video tab is also getting a major update to accommodate Reels. All of the video content on Facebook will now be housed behind this tab. The content will stream on a full-screen video player that lets users “seamlessly watch the best short-form, long-form and live videos in a single experience.”
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The updated video tab starts rolling out to users in the “coming weeks.” This is definitely an attempt by Meta to capture , as the announcement was accompanied by statistics indicating that young adults on Facebook spend around 60 percent of their time watching videos and Reels.
I got news for you, Meta. My dad, who is not a young adult, also spends all of his time on Facebook watching videos and Reels. So we’ll all benefit from this expanded video tab.
Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
Your Strands expert
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Your Strands expert
Marc McLaren
NYT Strands today (game #218) – hint #1 – today’s theme
What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?
• Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Most excellent
NYT Strands today (game #218) – hint #2 – clue words
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
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SALE
STALE
BLAND
SHOT
SCOT
SLEW
NYT Strands today (game #218) – hint #3 – spangram
What is a hint for today’s spangram?
• Good words
NYT Strands today (game #218) – hint #4 – spangram position
What are two sides of the board that today’s spangram touches?
First: left, 5th row
Last: right, 7th row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #218) – the answers
The answers to today’s Strands, game #218, are…
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CHOICE
GROOVY
SWELL
DANDY
BOSS
RIGHTEOUS
HYPE
SPANGRAM: THATSCOOL
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
Who knew there were so many words that essentially mean THAT’S COOL? I guess I did, because I found them all – though I’ll admit that I’ve never used the terms HYPE, RIGHTEOUS, SWELL, GROOVY, CHOICE, BOSS or DANDY myself to describe something that’s good. Always just cool.
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Anyway, this is a pretty easy Strands puzzle, beyond RIGHTEOUS being annoyingly difficult to spell (that might just be me).
Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Sunday 6 October, game #217)
BACON
CHICKEN
TOMATO
VINAIGRETTE
GREENS
EGGS
SPANGRAM: COBBSALAD
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT’s games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day.
SpaceX and NASA have called off Thursday’s planned launch of the Europa Clipper mission due to Hurricane Milton, which is heading east toward Florida, home of the Kennedy Space Center.
“Once the storm passes, recovery teams will assess the safety of the spaceport and the launch processing facilities for damage before personnel return to work,” NASA said in a post on social media on Sunday, adding in another message: “Teams have secured the spacecraft in SpaceX’s hangar at NASA Kennedy.”
— NASA Europa Clipper (@EuropaClipper) October 6, 2024
The spaceflight company has a launch window with daily opportunities until October 30, though hopefully the rocket will be able to get away next weekend or early next week rather than toward the end of the month.
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The Europa Clipper mission will head toward Jupiter to study the icy world of the Europa moon after arriving there in 2030. Scientists hope that data gathered during the mission will help determine whether its subsurface ocean could support some form of life.
A triple-booster Falcon Heavy rocket, on only its 11th flight, will launch the mission from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Multiple cameras on the ground and on the rocket itself will offer dramatic views of the Falcon Heavy’s ascent. The Falcon Heavy uses three Falcon 9 rockets whose total of 27 Merlin engines generate more than 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, equal to around eighteen 747 aircraft. The Heavy is one of the world’s most powerful operational rockets and can lift nearly 64 metric tons (141,000 pounds) to orbit.
SpaceX is also developing an even more powerful rocket, the Starship, which is capable of a colossal 17 million pounds of thrust at launch. SpaceX is currently awaiting for permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to carry out the fifth test flight of the rocket, with late November currently looking like a possibility for launch.
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