Which Roku streaming device to buy comes down to picture quality

Roku, the US company that makes TV streaming devices, offers five different products. According to a buying guide from the tech site Engadget, choosing is easier if you focus on picture quality, since that is the biggest difference between the models. Roku streaming sticks remain popular, even after a recent price increase.

4K support

The most important picture-quality question is whether a device can stream in 4K resolution. Only the lowest-priced stick, at $40, cannot. Every other Roku product supports 4K. Although the name Streaming Stick 4K might suggest it is required for higher resolution, the Streaming Stick Plus also delivers it and costs $20 less than the $80 4K model.

What the higher-end models add

Moving from the Streaming Stick Plus to the Streaming Stick 4K adds Dolby Vision support and a longer Wi-Fi range. Dolby Vision is a type of high dynamic range (HDR) that is supposedly better than standard HDR, but users are divided on whether the difference is noticeable, and for most people the upgrade is likely not worth it. The longer Wi-Fi range may help if the TV is far from the router.

The Roku Ultra and the Streambar SE each cost $150. Only the Ultra supports Dolby Vision. The Ultra is a small set-top box that, besides Wi-Fi 6, also has an Ethernet port, so it can offer a more stable connection and therefore better picture quality if you have a Wi-Fi 6 network or poor wireless coverage.

The Streambar SE is a soundbar that doubles as a streaming device. It is the only Roku model with built-in speakers, but it lacks the Dolby Atmos surround sound support found on the Ultra. It can suit buyers who want a soundbar and a streaming device in one, but otherwise offers no advantage over the Ultra. Using the Ultra's Dolby Atmos capabilities requires a compatible audio system.