Roku’s 2020 model of the Ultra media streamer is an iterative update to the line. The previous Ultra was already a powerful, feature-filled media hub, so the fact that the new model simply adds Dolby Vision support and faster processing isn't a letdown. The Ultra can stream 4K HDR content, supports loads of apps and services, and its remote includes a headphone jack for privately listening to whatever you’re watching. It remains a top pick among high-end media streaming devices, but at $99.99, it feels a bit pricey compared with some other new models.

The Same Design

The 2020 Roku Ultra looks and feels very similar to the 2019 version, with a 4.9-by-5.0-inch (HW) rounded square design just one inch tall, all in matte black plastic. The left side features the signature Roku purple fabric tag, while the right edge has a button for the remote finder feature, which makes the remote beep when you press it. The front of the Ultra has a small window for the indicator LED, which glows white when the device is on. The back holds an HDMI port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, and a connector for the power adapter.

Roku's included Voice Remote is a thin, chunky black wand with a purple Roku tag on the bottom and a big, purple, plus-shaped navigation pad near the top, along with a pinhole microphone. Power, Home, and Back buttons sit above the pad, while playback controls and dedicated service buttons for Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and Sling sit below it. The right edge of the remote holds a volume rocker and mute button, while the left edge features a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening.

Aside from the remote, the Roku Ultra comes with a pair of earphones, an HDMI cable, the power adapter, and batteries for the remote. You can plug the earphones into the remote to mute audio going to the TV and listen directly through the remote (you can also use your own headphones if you prefer).

Roku Features

As a Roku device, the Ultra can access thousands of different Roku channels (the company’s name for apps and services), including most major streaming services like Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV, and YouTube. HBO Max is currently missing from the Roku Channel Store, as is Twitch.

Thanks to its AirPlay support, the Roku Ultra can effectively work effectively like an Apple TV 4K: You can directly stream the screen of your iOS device or Mac to the Ultra with just a few taps or clicks. It even comes with three free months of Apple TV+ for accessing the subscription video service and its exclusive shows and films. Combined with the Apple TV app, the Ultra offers basically the same features an Apple TV does, with one exception: Siri.

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You won’t find any smart assistant like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant on the Roku Ultra. The built-in microphone in the remote can be used to search for content, control playback, and open apps on the Ultra, but it doesn’t extend into features outside of these, like providing general information or controlling smart home devices. That said, if you have a smart speaker or smart display in the same room (or use your phone), you can control the Ultra itself with any of the three major voice assistants.

For streaming other content from your devices, you can use the Roku app for Android and iOS, which also enables remote control and private listening through your phone. The Ultra can also pair with your phone over Bluetooth, for streaming Bluetooth audio to your TV. 

Faster Performance

The 2020 Roku Ultra is a 4K media streamer, compatible with high dynamic range (HDR) content in HDR10, HLG, and a first for Roku, Dolby Vision. It's also compatible with Dolby Atmos.

Roku claims the Ultra is its fastest media streamer ever, and that assertion seems correct in testing. It easily jumps between apps within seconds, and its 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi maintained a strong signal with my Fios router across my apartment, ensuring that content was always fast to load. That's not to say other new media streamers feel slow in comparison, however—they're all pretty speedy across the board.

A Small Step Up

Is the 2020 Roku Ultra worth investing in if you have the previous model, or are upgrading from the Roku Streaming Stick+? Not really. The faster performance is nice, but the other models are hardly slouches, and AirPlay compatibility has been added to most existing Roku devices as part of an update. That leaves Dolby Vision as the standout feature here, which is welcome, but not necessarily vital when other 4K Roku streamers support HDR10. If you’re just setting out to get a new media streamer, though, the Roku Ultra is a strong choice.

Roku isn’t the only option out there, however, and Amazon and Google both offer 4K media streamers with more powerful voice assistants and Dolby Vision for half the price of the Ultra. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast With Google TV are both fast, powerful $50 media hubs, and while they don’t have AirPlay, the Chromecast supports Google Cast for streaming from Android devices and Chrome browser tabs. If you don’t mind spending more or can find it on sale, the $119.99 Amazon Fire TV Cube offers hands-free Alexa control, letting you use your voice to handle everything. None of these models offer the Roku Ultra's private listening feature through the remote, but if that isn’t a big selling point for you, it's worth exploring your options.