For the sake of performance, the Roku Ultra uses a quad-core processor and fast dual-band Wi-Fi AC radios with 2x2 MIMO for maximum bandwidth. There’s also an ethernet port onboard, and you can play external media with its microSD and USB ports. Sadly, like many Roku products, there’s no Dolby Vision and HDR10+ in video apps, but Dolby Atmos is present to enhance the cinematic soundstage. The Ultra ships with Roku’s standard TV interface, which is clean and very simple to use, as well as the new remote. The latter supports voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant devices, has a remote finder feature, features two extra programmable buttons, and a 3.5mm jack for private listening, perfect for the complementary JBL headphones Roku includes. With over 1,000 apps available in the Channel Store, you’ll never run out of content, and using the Roku app for iOS or Android makes everything simple to find. With it, you can use your voice to search for movies and shows by title, actor, or director. The app’s private listening feature lets you enjoy audio through your headphones while the house is sleeping, and cast media to the TV when you want to watch something Roku doesn’t have. Happy owners of 4K TVs need not apply, but for everyone else, the Roku Express is all you need. You’ll also note this is the only way to enjoy Dolby Vision’s director-envisioned enhancements on Roku, as Roku’s streaming sticks only support HDR10 and HLG. Roku sells a pair of wireless speakers specifically for TVs like this, and you can even add an optional wireless subwoofer, though you’re looking at upwards of $300 for those upgrades alone. If you’re looking to get your first 4K or smart TV and you love Roku, the TCL R625 — available in 55-inch or 65-inch flavors — is where you should start. Unfortunately, Roku passes on both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the latter of which is strange considering all its latest streaming sticks and boxes have them. But there are plenty of other reasons the Smart Soundbar should be on your radar. It supports up to 4K HDR10, has multiple sound modes that can improve bass response or speech clarity, Bluetooth 4.2 for music playback from your smartphone, and includes a voice remote for interacting with voice assistants, finding fresh content, or controlling your home. You also get HDMI ARC, which allows the TV to send any audio playing back to the soundbar over one cable and lets you control all connected ARC devices with a single remote. You can even pair the Roku Smart Soundbar with one of the company’s wireless subwoofers for an even more immersive experience.
