New Roku Ultra is faster with better Wi-Fi – how it compares with Google TV Streamer

Roku just launched a new generation of its Roku Ultra, the company’s flagship streaming device. You can now buy a new Roku Ultra with 30% faster processing power, Wi-Fi 6 support, and the Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition) for $100.

In contrast to the Roku Streaming Stick, the Roku Ultra is a tabletop device. First launched nine years ago, the latest version looks similar, if not identical, to the 2015 Roku Ultra, with updates reserved for the internal features. 

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“At the heart of Roku Ultra is an all-new quad core processor purpose-built for cinematic streaming,” Roku’s Paul Nangeroni, senior director of product management, shared in a blog post. “This chip supports all the latest in streaming video, including 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for immersive theater-quality picture and audio, turning any night into the ultimate movie night.”

Nangeroni also said the Roku Ultra is 30% faster than other Roku players and can load content and apps quickly. It uses machine learning to predict the next app you’ll open and begin loading it in the background.

Aside from delivering snappier content, the latest Roku Ultra also supports Quick Media Switching (QMS), eliminating the black screen and stuttering when switching between different frame rates. This technology lets you switch frame rates instantly, said Roku, so the image adjusts seamlessly to the media being played, from live TV or streaming to gaming or sports.

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The new Roku Ultra includes the Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition), one of the best remotes I’ve tested on a streaming device. This high-end remote has backlit buttons, USB-C charging, and a hands-free voice control feature that makes it easy to find your remote or have Roku queue up a movie or show. 

The Roku Ultra goes on sale on the same day as the Google TV Streamer, another tabletop streaming device available now for the same price. Though the Roku Ultra includes Wi-Fi 6, other streaming devices go up to Wi-Fi 6E, like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The Google TV Streamer, in comparison, only supports Wi-Fi 5.