BEST ROKU STREAMING MEDIA PLAYER UPGRADE
BEST ROKU STREAMING MEDIA PLAYER PRO

The Cube was always a bit more complex than the average streaming stick, and the third-generation model stretches the definition a bit further, adding HDMI pass-through (to allow Alexa integration with a separate source device) and Wi-Fi 6E compatibility to its already touted hands-free operation. In 2022, Amazon revamped its hands-free Fire TV Cube, and it continues to occupy an odd spot amongst the panoply of media streaming devices.

This is the best Apple TV device yet, but its flag is still firmly planted in Camp Apple, and our picks will serve the average buyer better at less expense. Even the more affordable $130 version is still significantly more expensive than our picks, and despite the slick appeal of the Apple TV interface and its interrelated services, the box is not abundantly more powerful (where streaming is concerned) than something like the Roku Ultra. As usual, the latest Apple TV 4K impressed us with its zippy processing and intuitive user interface, but it still puts Apple’s ecosystem of content at the forefront-which is a boon for hardcore Apple users, but less desirable for folks who aren’t subscribed to services like Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music. And both are powered by the same A15 bionic chip found in some of Apple’s phones and earbuds. Both boxes support 4K resolution, can handle Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos content, and include the newer Siri-based remote control with a standard directional keypad. Without improvements to the Ultra’s processing components, the more affordable Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+ are still more practical, and holistically we prefer the latest Chromecast experience to what Roku offers.Īpple released two third-generation Apple TV 4K boxes in 2022: A $130 WiFi-only version with 64 GB storage and a $150 version with 128 GB storage and an ethernet (LAN) port.

BEST ROKU STREAMING MEDIA PLAYER UPGRADE

Beyond that, the new Ultra doesn’t significantly upgrade or change the user experience, and we still think this box is overkill for most people-unless you really need features like an Ethernet (LAN) port and expandable storage.

BEST ROKU STREAMING MEDIA PLAYER PRO

The Voice Remote Pro complements the Roku Ultra handsomely: It has a built-in rechargeable battery (though it uses Micro-USB and not USB-C), a microphone that can be always-on or push-to-talk, two buttons you can program to be custom shortcuts, a remote finder, and a private listening mode with a headphone jack. However, the new Roku Ultra (which is a box, not an HDMI stick) comes bundled with Roku’s Voice Remote Pro for $100.

Our testing revealed that the device itself is just a refresh of the 2020 version, delivering essentially the same hardware and processing as the older model. In 2022, Roku released a new Roku Ultra-sort of.

Best roku streaming media player