![]() ![]() This is just like how things work with your computer, your iPhone, and loads of other devices you’re used to using. But Roku’s “channels” are just the apps and programs we can add to our device. Roku calls its apps “channels,” which can be a little confusing because it suggests that Roku comes with a bunch of TV channels we can flip through. Roku is the device and the platform, and it exists to help you access your favorite streaming apps. Roku wants users to have a really consistent experience on different Roku devices, so you can expect the Roku Express and Roku Ultra to run the same apps and have similar user experiences. (There are even fewer things to plug in when your product is a Roku TV!)Ī key part of how Roku works is the “platform” idea. At their most basic, they’re pretty much “plug and play:” You grab a Roku device, plug in the power cable, and then use another cable to connect your Roku to your TV. Roku devices are really simple and easy to use. For example, if you don’t have a 4K TV, then you may not have a good reason to pay extra for a 4K-capable Roku device! Roku Streaming Stick+ How a Roku Works “Many” isn’t the same as “all,” though, so don’t forget to consider your setup. We gave a rave review to the Roku Streaming Stick+, which the best streaming device for many people. Of the devices Roku makes to plug into your TV, the Roku Ultra is the “best” and the most expensive. Roku’s lineup has a pretty clear hierarchy. Read our Roku TV review.īut wait - which of these is the best Roku device? The Roku TV line comes in various models, sizes, and resolutions, from 720p all the way up to 4K. Roku has partnered with several TV manufacturers, including TCL, to create smart TVs with the Roku platform built right in. It also allows you to connect an Ethernet cable, which can be useful if you’re dealing with slow Wi-Fi. The swankiest external Roku device adds fancy features like the ability to connect headphones to the remote for private listening. Nearly as feature-laden as the Roku Ultra, the Streaming Stick+ is arguably the sweet spot in price and performance. The Premiere is 4K-capable, an impressive feat at this price. Roku’s entry-level device is an affordable way to get Roku’s wonderful user experience. The difference is in the specs: Just as it is with iPhones, some Roku devices are bigger, stronger, and faster than others. It’s a bit like it is with iPhones: You may have an iPhone 12, and I may have an iPhone 11, but we’ll still both go to the App Store to get our apps. Keep in mind that all Roku devices run the same Roku “platform.” They’ll support the same apps and have similar user experiences. You have lots of choices when it comes to Roku. Roku also now has its own smart TVs, which come with the Roku experience built right in - no “streaming stick” or “streaming box” required. Many of Roku’s devices still plug into existing TVs, just like the original Roku device did. It was basically a little computer that existed just to play Netflix (and other streaming services), and it plugged into the TV just like a DVR player or video game system would. Roku made a little device that would plug into your TV and play Netflix. They want to watch it on their TV!Įnter Roku. ![]() Netflix was letting its customers stream movies and TV shows online, but it had a problem: People don’t usually want to watch TV on their computer. Back in 2007, Netflix branched out from its “DVD rentals by mail” business and released its streaming service. The easiest way to think about Roku is to remember why it exists in the first place. We’ll cover it all below! What is Roku?įirst things first: What is a Roku, anyway? Roku keeps things simple, but there are still a few things you should know. Roku’s popular devices run the Roku “platform,” which makes it easy to keep streaming apps organized and stream the shows and movies you love on just about any TV. The second part of the equation - streaming devices - is where we’ll find Roku. Netflix, Hulu, and the rest of the streaming services have that first part covered pretty well. To enjoy streaming, you’ll need two things: A streaming service and something to watch it on. ![]()
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