 | |
| Product type | Categories
|
|---|---|
| Owner | Roku, Inc. |
| Country | List of countries
|
| Introduced | 2008 |
| Related brands | |
| Markets |
|
| Tagline | Happy Streaming |
| Website | www.roku.com |
Roku (/ˈroʊkuː/ ⓘROH-koo) is a brand of consumer electronics that includesstreaming players,smart TVs (and their operating systems), as well as two streaming services (The Roku Channel andHowdy). The brand is owned byRoku, Inc., an American company.
As of 2024, Roku is the U.S. market leader instreaming video distribution, reaching nearly 145 million people.[1][2][3]
Roku was founded byAnthony Wood in 2002; he had previously foundedReplayTV, aDVR company that competed withTiVo.[4] After ReplayTV's failure, Wood worked for a while atNetflix. In 2007, Wood's company began working with Netflix on Project:Griffin, a set-top box to allow Netflix users to stream Netflix content to their TVs.[4] Only a few weeks before the project's launch, Netflix's founderReed Hastings decided it would hamper license arrangements with third parties, potentially keeping Netflix off other similar platforms, and killed the project.[5]Fast Company magazine cited the decision to kill the project as "one of Netflix's riskiest moves".[5]
Netflix then decided instead to spin off the company, and Roku released their first set-top box in 2008.[6] In 2010 they began offering models with various capabilities, which eventually became their standard business model.[6] In 2014, Roku partnered withsmart TV manufacturers to produce TVs with built-in Roku functionality.[4] In 2015, Roku won the inauguralEmmy for Television Enhancement Devices.
In January 2018,CNET reported that Roku was debuting a new licensing program for smart audio devices such as smart speakers, sound bars and whole-home audio, while noting the "ease of use" and "superb streaming options" offered by Roku TVs.[7]
According toCNBC in 2021, Roku was the U.S. market leader in streaming video distribution.[2] Later in 2023,Variety called Roku "the top connected TV platform" in the U.S.[1] In December 2023, aPopular Mechanics review cited Roku TVs to be affordable and easy to use, while also noting that the Roku-integrated TVs lacked "the premium brand badging of big players like Sony or Samsung".[8]
According toThe Verge in July 2024, a Roku OS update in June 2024 had "ruined" the Roku TV experience. This update added "motion smoothing", and was reportedly irreversible. This followed another identical issue reported in 2020 for Roku TVs made by TCL.[9]
In August 2024, aWired review noted that ease of use was one of the main reasons to buy any Roku product.[10]
In February 2025, Roku said it reached more than 90 million streaming households. The Roku Channel reportedly reached households with nearly 145 million people.[3]
 | This section'sfactual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(January 2026) |
The first Roku model, the Roku DVP N1000, was unveiled on May 20, 2008. It was developed in partnership withNetflix to serve as a standaloneset-top box for its recently introduced "Watch Instantly" service. The goal was to produce a device with a small footprint that could be sold at low cost compared to largerdigital video recorders andvideo game consoles. It features anNXP PNX8935 video decoder supporting bothstandard andhigh definition formats up to720p;HDMI output; and automatic software updates, including the addition of new channels for other video services.[11][12][13]
Roku launched two new models in October 2009: the Roku SD (a simplified version of the DVP, with only analog AV outputs); and the Roku HD-XR, an updated version with802.11n Wi-Fi and aUSB port for future functionality. The Roku DVP was retroactively renamed the Roku HD. By then, Roku had added support for other services. The next month, they introduced the Channel Store, where users could download third-party apps for other content services (including the possibility of private services for specific uses).[14][15]
Netflix support was initially dependent on a PC, requiring users to add content to their "Instant Queue" from the service's web interface before it could be accessed via Roku. In May 2010, the channel was updated to allow users to search the Netflix library directly from the device.[16]
In August 2010, Roku announced plans to add1080p video support to the HD-XR.[17] The next month, they released an updated lineup with thinner form factors: a new HD; the XD, with 1080p support; and the XDS, with optical audio, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a USB port. The XD and XDS also included an updated remote.[18]
Support for the first-generation Roku models ended in September 2015.[19]
In July 2011, Roku unveiled its second generation of players, branded as Roku 2 HD, XD, and XS. All three models include 802.11n, and also addmicroSD slots andBluetooth. The XD and XS support 1080p, and only the XS model includes anEthernet connector and USB port. They also support the "Roku Game Remote"—a Bluetooth remote withmotion controller support for games, which was bundled with the XS and sold separately for other models.[20] The Roku LT was unveiled in October, as an entry-level model with no Bluetooth or microSD support.[21]
In January 2012, Roku unveiled the Streaming Stick - a new model condensed into adongle form factor usingMobile High-Definition Link (MHL).[22][23] Later in October, Roku introduced a new search feature to the second-generation models, aggregating content from services usable on the device.[24]
Roku unveiled its third-generation models in March 2013, the Roku 3 and Roku 2. The Roku 3 contains an upgraded CPU over the 2 XS, and aWi-Fi Direct remote with an integrated headphone jack. The Roku 2 features only the faster CPU.[25][26] A software update in October 2014 added support for peer-to-peerMiracast wireless.[27]
In October 2015, Roku introduced the Roku 4; the device contains upgraded hardware with support for4K resolution video, as well as802.11ac wireless.[28]
In September 2016, Roku revamped their entire streaming player line-up with five new models (low end Roku Express, Roku Express+, high end Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, and top-of-the-line Roku Ultra), while the Streaming Stick (3600) was held over from the previous generation (having been released the previous April) as a sixth option.[29] The Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra supportHDR video using HDR10.[30]
In October 2017, Roku introduced its sixth generation of products. The Premiere and Premiere+ models were discontinued, the Streaming Stick+ (with an enhanced Wi-Fi antenna device) was introduced, as well as new processors for the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express, and Roku Express+.[31]
In September 2018, Roku introduced the seventh generation of products. Carrying over from the 2017 sixth-generation without any changes were the Express (3900), Express+ (3910), Streaming Stick (3800), and Streaming Stick+ (3810). The Ultra is the same hardware device from 2017, but it comes with JBL premium headphones and is repackaged with the new model number 4661. Roku has resurrected the Premiere and Premiere+ names, but these two new models bear little resemblance to the 2016 fifth-generation Premiere (4620) and Premiere+ (4630) models. The new Premiere (3920) and Premiere+ (3921) are essentially based on the Express (3900) model with 4K support added, it also includes Roku Streaming Stick+ Headphone Edition (3811) for improving Wifi signal strength and private listening.[32]
In September 2019, Roku introduced the eighth generation of products.[33]
The same year,Netflix announced that it would stop supporting older generations of Roku, including the Roku HD, HD-XR, SD, XD, and XDS, as well as the NetGear-branded XD and XDS beginning on December 1, 2019. Roku had warned in 2015 that it would stop updating players made in May 2011 or earlier, and these vintage boxes were among them.[34]
On September 28, 2020, Roku introduced the ninth generation of products.[35] An updated Roku Ultra was released along with the addition of the Roku Streambar, a 2-in-1 Roku and Soundbar device. The microSD slot was removed from the new Ultra 4800, making it the first top-tier Roku device since the first generation to lack this feature. On April 14, 2021, Roku announced the Roku Express 4K+, replacing the 8th generation Roku Express devices, the Voice Remote Pro as an optional upgrade for existing Roku players, and Roku OS 10 for all modern Roku devices.[36]
On September 20, 2021, Roku introduced the tenth generation of products.[37] The Roku Streaming Stick 4K[38] was announced along with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ which includes an upgraded rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro with lost remote finder.[39] Roku announced an updated Roku Ultra LT with a faster processor, stronger Wi-Fi and Dolby Vision as well as Bluetooth audio streaming and built-in Ethernet support.[40] Roku also announced Roku OS 10.5 with several new and improved features.[41]
On November 15, 2021, Roku announced a budget model Roku LE (3930S3) to be sold atWalmart, while supplies last.[42] It lacks 4K and HDR10 support, making its features similar to those of the 2019 Roku Express (3930). It has the same form factor as the 2019 Roku Express, except the plastic shell is white rather than black.
On April 23, 2025, Roku introduced the eleventh generation of products.[43] Two new streaming players, Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus were added to the lineup, along with hardware innovations to Roku TV and a reference design for a Roku TV Smart Projector. The new streaming sticks are more power efficient than their predecessors and can be powered by a TV USB port.[44]
This generation of Streaming Sticks have replaced the MicroUSB ports with USB-C ports and have dropped both Dolby Vision HDR and the long range Wi-Fi connectivity.[45]
| Model | Introduced | Video outputs | Video resolutions | Audio output | Network | USB | Remote | Processor | Memory | Channel storage[note 1] | micro SD slot | Netflix with Profiles | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite, S-Video | Component, HDMI | 480i, 480p | 720p, 1080p (HD) | 2160p (4K) | Analog | Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | 802.11 wireless | |||||||||
| Roku DVP (N1000) | May 2008 | Both | Both | Both | 720p | No | Yes | Both | Yes | b/g | No | IR | PNX8935 400 MHz[46][47][48] | 256 MB | 64 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku SD (N1050) | Oct 2009 | Composite | Neither | 480i | Neither | No | Yes | Neither | Yes | b/g | No | IR | PNX8935 400 MHz[49][50] | 256 MB | 64 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku HD (N1100) | Nov 2009 | Both | Both | Both | 720p | No | Yes | Both | Yes | b/g | No | IR | PNX8935 400 MHz[49][50] | 256 MB | 64 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku HD-XR (N1101) | Oct 2009 | Both | Both | Both | Both[note 2] | No | Yes | Both | Yes | a/b/g/n dual-band | Yes | IR | PNX8935 400 MHz[49][50] | 256 MB | 256 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku HD (2000) | Sep 2010 | Composite | HDMI | Both | 720p | No | Yes | HDMI | Yes | b/g | No | IR | PNX8935 400 MHz[49] | 256 MB | 64 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku XD (2050) | Sep 2010 | Composite | HDMI | Both | Both[note 2] | No | Yes | HDMI | Yes | b/g/n | No | IR | PNX8935 400 MHz[49][51] | 256 MB | 64 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku XDS (2100) | Sep 2010 | Composite | Both[note 3] | Both | Both[note 2] | No | Yes | Both | Yes | a/b/g/n dual-band | Yes | IR | PNX8935 400 MHz[48][53] | 256 MB | 256 MB[49] | No | No |
| Model | Introduced | Video outputs | Video resolutions | Audio output | Network | USB | Remote | Processor | Memory | Channel storage[note 1] | micro SD slot | Netflix with Profiles | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite, S-Video | Component, HDMI | 480i, 480p | 720p, 1080p (HD) | 2160p (4K) | Analog | Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | 802.11 wireless | |||||||||
| Roku LT (2400) | Nov 2011 | Composite | HDMI | Both | 720p | No | Yes | HDMI | No | b/g/n | No | IR | BCM2835 600 MHz[49][54] | 256 MB | 256 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku LT (2450) | Apr 2012 | Composite | HDMI | Both | 720p | No | Yes | HDMI | No | b/g/n | No | IR | BCM7208 405 MHz[49] | 256 MB | 256 MB[49] | No | No |
| Roku HD (2500) | Apr 2012 | Composite | HDMI | Both | 720p | No | Yes | HDMI | No | b/g/n | No | IR | BCM7208 405 MHz[55] | 256 MB[55] | 256 MB[55] | No | No |
| Roku 2 HD (3000) | Jul 2011 | Composite | HDMI | Both | 720p | No | Yes | HDMI | No | b/g/n | No | IR[note 4] | BCM2835 600 MHz[49][56] | 256 MB | 256 MB[49] | Yes | No |
| Roku 2 XD (3050) | Jul 2011 | Composite | HDMI | Both | Both[note 5] | No | Yes | HDMI | No | b/g/n | No | IR[note 4] | BCM2835 600 MHz[49][56] | 256 MB | 256 MB[49] | Yes | No |
| Roku 2 XS (3100) | Jul 2011 | Composite | HDMI | Both | Both[note 5] | No | Yes | HDMI | Yes | b/g/n | No | IR, Bluetooth | BCM2835 600 MHz[56][57] | 256 MB | 256 MB[49] | Yes | No |
| Roku Streaming Stick, MHL (3400, 3420) | Oct 2012 | Neither | MHL only | 480p | Both[note 6] | No | No | HDMI | No | b/g/n dual-band[58] | Mini 2.0: Power | Wi-Fi Direct | BCM2835 600 MHz[49] | 256 MB[59] | 512 MB | No | No |
| Roku Streaming Stick, HDMI (3500) | Mar 2014[60] | Neither | HDMI | Neither | 720p | No | No | HDMI | No | a/b/g/n dual-band | Mini 2.0: Power | Wi-Fi Direct | BCM2835 600 MHz | 512 MB | 256 MB | No | Yes |
| Model | Introduced | Video outputs | Video resolutions | Audio output | Network | USB | Remote | Processor | Memory | Channel storage[note 1] | micro SD slot | Netflix with Profiles[61] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite, S-Video | Component, HDMI | 480i, 480p | 720p, 1080p (HD) | 2160p (4K) | Analog | Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | 802.11 wireless | |||||||||
| Roku LT (2700) | Sep 2013 | Composite | HDMI | Both | 720p | No | Yes | HDMI | No | b/g/n | No | IR | BCM7218 600 MHz | 512 MB | 256 MB | No | No |
| Roku 1, SE (2710) | Sep 2013 | Composite | HDMI | Both | Both | No | Yes | HDMI | No | b/g/n | No | IR | BCM7218 600 MHz | 512 MB | 256 MB | No | No |
| Roku 2 (2720) | Sep 2013 | Composite | HDMI | Both | Both | No | Yes & Remote | HDMI | No | a/b/g/n dual-band | No | IR, Wi-Fi Direct | BCM7218 600 MHz | 512 MB | 256 MB | No | No |
| Roku 3 (4200) | Mar 2013 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | No | Remote[note 7] | HDMI | Yes | a/b/g/n dual-band | USB-A 2.0: Mass Storage | IR, Wi-Fi Direct | BCM11130 900 MHz | 512 MB | 256 MB | Yes | Yes |
| Roku 2 (4210) | Apr 2015 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | No | No | HDMI | Yes | a/b/g/n dual-band | USB-A 2.0 Mass Storage | IR[note 8] | BCM11130 900 MHz | 512 MB | 256 MB | Yes | Yes |
| Roku 3 (4230) | Apr 2015 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | No | Remote[note 7] | HDMI | Yes | a/b/g/n dual-band | USB-A 2.0 Mass Storage | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | BCM11130 900 MHz | 512 MB | 256 MB | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Introduced | Video outputs | Video resolutions | Audio output | Network | USB | Remote | Processor | Memory | Channel storage[note 1] | micro SD slot | Netflix with Profiles[61] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite, S-Video | Component, HDMI | 480i, 480p | 720p, 1080p (HD) | 2160p (4K) | Analog | Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | 802.11 wireless | |||||||||
| Roku Streaming Stick (3600)[62] | Apr 2016 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | No | Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | a/b/g/n dual-band | Mini 2.0: Power | Wi-Fi Direct | BCM2836 900 MHz[63][64] | 512 MB | 256 MB | No | Yes |
| Roku 4 (4400)[65] | Oct 2015 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | Yes | Remote[note 7] | Optical & HDMI | 10/100 Mbps | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | USB-A 2.0: Mass Storage | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | STV7723A01[66] | 1.5 GB | 512 MB | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Introduced | Video outputs | Video resolutions | HDR format | Audio output | Network | USB | Remote | Processor[67] | Memory | Channel storage[note 1] | micro SD slot | Netflix with Profiles[61] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite, S-Video | Component, HDMI | 480i, 480p | 720p60, 1080p60 (HD) | 2160p60 (4K) | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/ HDR10/HLG | Analog | Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | 802.11 wireless | |||||||||
| Roku Express (3700) | Oct 2016 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | No | No | Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | b/g/n | Micro 2.0: Power | IR | MStar C2 (MSA3Z177Z1 900 Mhz)[68] | 512 MB | 256 MB | No | Yes |
| Roku Express+ (3710) | Oct 2016 | Composite | HDMI | 480i | Both | No | No | Yes & Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | b/g/n | Micro 2.0: Power | IR | MStar C2 (MSA3Z177Z1 900 MHz) | 512 MB | 256 MB | No | Yes |
| Roku Premiere (4620) | Oct 2016 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | No | IR | MStar C2 (MSO9380 1.2GHz) | 1 GB | 512 MB | No | Yes |
| Roku Premiere+ (4630) | Oct 2016 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Remote[note 7] & Stream to smartphone | HDMI | 10/100 Mbps | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | No | IR, Wi-Fi Direct | MStar C2 (MSO9380 1.2GHz) | 1 GB | 512 MB | Yes | Yes |
| Roku Ultra (4640) | Oct 2016 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Remote[note 7] & Stream to smartphone | Optical & HDMI | 10/100 Mbps | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | USB-A 2.0: Mass Storage | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 (MSO9380 1.2GHz) | 1 GB | 1 GB | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Introduced | Video outputs | Video resolutions | HDR format | Audio output | Network | USB | Remote | Processor[69] | Memory | Channel storage[note 1] | micro SD slot | Netflix with Profiles[61] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite, S-Video | Component, HDMI | 480i, 480p | 720p60, 1080p60 (HD) | 2160p60 (4K) | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/ HDR10/HLG | Analog | Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | 802.11 wireless | |||||||||
| Roku Express (3900)[70] | Oct 2017 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | No | No | Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | b/g/n | Micro 2.0: Power | IR | MStar C2 | 512MB | 256MB | No | Yes |
| Roku Express+ (3910)[71] | Oct 2017 | Composite | HDMI | 480i | Both | No | No | Yes & Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | b/g/n | Micro 2.0: Power | IR | MStar C2 | 512MB | 256MB | No | Yes |
| Roku Streaming Stick (3800)[72] | Oct 2017 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | No | No | Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | Mini 2.0: Power | Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 512MB | 256MB | No | Yes |
| Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810)[73] | Oct 2017 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Stream to smartphone | HDMI | No | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | Mini 2.0: Power, Long Range Wireless Receiver | Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB | No | Yes |
| Roku Ultra (4660)[74] | Oct 2017 | Neither | HDMI | Neither | Both | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Remote[note 7] & Stream to smartphone | HDMI | 10/100 Mbps | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | USB-A 2.0: Mass Storage | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Introduced | Ports | Video output | Audio output | Wireless 802.11 | Remote | Processor | Memory | Storage[note 1] | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | USB | micro SD | HD | 4K | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/ HDR10/HLG | Analog | DTS | Dolby Atmos | |||||||
| Roku Premiere (3920) | Sep 2018 | HDMI | No | Micro 2.0: Power | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | b/g/n | IR | MStar C2 | 1GB[58] | 512MB |
| Roku Premiere+ (3921) | Sep 2018 | HDMI | No | Micro 2.0: Power | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | b/g/n | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 1GB[75] | 512MB[75] |
| Roku Ultra (4661) | Sep 2018 | HDMI | 10/100 Mbps | USB-A 2.0: Mass Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Remote[note 7] & stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB |
| Model | Introduced | Ports | Video output | Audio output | Wireless 802.11 | Remote | Processor | Memory | Storage[note 1] | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | USB | micro SD | HD | 4K | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/ HDR10/HLG | Analog | DTS | Dolby Atmos | |||||||
| Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810) | Sep 2019 | HDMI 2.0a | No | Mini 2.0: Power, Long Range Wireless Receiver | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB |
| Roku Express, SE, LE (3930) | Sep 2019 | HDMI 1.4b | No | Micro 2.0: Power | No | Yes | No | No | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | b/g/n | IR | MStar C2 | 512MB | 256MB |
| Roku Express+ (3931) | Sep 2019 | HDMI 1.4b | No | Micro 2.0: Power | No | Yes | No | No | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | b/g/n | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 512MB | 256MB |
| Roku Premiere (3920) | Sep 2019 | HDMI 2.0a | No | Micro 2.0: Power | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | b/g/n | IR | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB[75] |
| Roku Ultra LT (4662) | Sep 2019 | HDMI 2.0a | 10/100 Mbps | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB |
| Roku Ultra (4670) | Sep 2019 | HDMI 2.0a | 10/100 Mbps | USB-A 2.0: Mass Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | IR, Wi-Fi Direct, Voice Search | MStar C2 | 2GB | 512MB |
| Model | Introduced | Ports | Video output | Audio output | Wireless | Remote | Processor | Memory | Storage[note 1] | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | USB | micro SD | HD | 4K | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/ HDR10/HLG | QMS/VRR | Analog | DTS | Dolby Atmos | 802.11 | Bluetooth | ||||||
| Roku Express 4K (3940) | May 2021 | HDMI 2.0b | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | Micro USB 2.0: Power, Ethernet, Mass Storage (requires OTG adapter) | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Yes | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | No | IR | Realtek 1315PR | 1GB | 4GB |
| Roku Express 4K+ (3941) | May 2021 | HDMI 2.0b | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | Micro USB 2.0: Power, Ethernet, Mass Storage (requires OTG adapter) | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Yes | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band | No | Voice | Realtek 1315PR | 1GB | 4GB |
| Roku Ultra (4800) | Oct 2020 | HDMI 2.0b | 10/100 Mbps | USB-A 3.0: Mass Storage | No | Yes | Yes | All | Yes | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Decoder, AC4, MAT 2.0 | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | Yes | Voice, Headphone Jack, Lost Remote | Realtek 1319VR | 2GB | 4GB |
| Roku Streambar (9102) | Oct 2020 | Optical, HDMI 2.0a (ARC) | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | USB-A 2.0: Ethernet, Mass Storage | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | No | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | Yes | Voice | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB |
| Model | Introduced | Ports | Video output | Audio output | Wireless | Remote | Processor | Memory | Storage[note 1] | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | USB | micro SD | HD | 4K | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/ HDR10/HLG | QMS/VRR | Analog | DTS | Dolby Atmos | 802.11 | Bluetooth | ||||||
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K (3820) | Sep 2021 | HDMI 2.0b | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter - no LRWR requires app remote | Micro USB 2.0: Power, Long Range Wireless Receiver, Ethernet, Mass Storage (requires OTG adapter) | No | Yes | Yes | All | Yes | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | No | Voice | Realtek 1315NR | 1GB | 4GB |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ (3821) | Sep 2021 | HDMI 2.0b | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter - no LRWR requires app remote | Micro USB 2.0: Power, Long Range Wireless Receiver, Ethernet, Mass Storage (requires OTG adapter) | No | Yes | Yes | All | Yes | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | No | Voice, Headphone Jack, Lost Remote, Rechargeable | Realtek 1315NR | 1GB | 4GB |
| Roku Ultra LT (4801) | Sep 2021 | HDMI 2.0b | 10/100 Mbps | No | No | Yes | Yes | All | Yes | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | Yes | Voice, Headphone Jack | Realtek 1319VR | 2GB | 4GB |
| Roku Ultra (4802) | May 2022 | HDMI 2.0b | 10/100 Mbps | USB-A 3.0: Mass Storage | No | Yes | Yes | All | Yes | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Decoder, AC4, MAT 2.0 | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | Yes | Voice, Headphone Jack, Lost Remote, Rechargeable | Realtek 1319VR | 2GB | 4GB |
| Roku Express (3960) | Sep 2022 | HDMI 1.4b | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | Micro USB 2.0: Power, Ethernet, Mass Storage (requires OTG adapter) | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n dual-band | No | IR | Realtek 1312CRB | 512MB | 512MB |
| Roku Streambar Pro (9101) | May 2021 | Optical, HDMI 2.0a (ARC) | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | USB-A 2.0: Ethernet, Mass Storage | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10, HLG | No | Remote & Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | Yes | Voice, Headphone Jack | MStar C2 | 1GB | 512MB |
| Model | Introduced | Ports | Video output | Audio output | Wireless | Remote | Processor | Memory | Storage[note 1] | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical, HDMI | Ethernet | USB | micro SD | HD | 4K | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/ HDR10/HLG | QMS/VRR | Analog | DTS | Dolby Atmos | 802.11 | Bluetooth | ||||||
| Roku Ultra (4850) | Sep 2024 | HDMI 2.1b | 10/100 Mbps | USB-A 3.0: Mass Storage | No | Yes | Yes | All | Yes | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Decoder, AC4, MAT 2.0 | a/b/g/n/ac/ax dual-band MIMO | Yes | Voice, Lost Remote, Rechargeable | Realtek 1619BRV | 2GB | 4GB |
| Roku Streaming Stick HD (3840) | May 2025 | HDMI 1.4b | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | USB-C 2.0: Power, Ethernet, Mass Storage (requires OTG adapter) | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n dual-band | OS15+ | Voice | Realtek 1312CRB | 512MB | 512MB |
| Roku Streaming Stick Plus (3830) | May 2025 | HDMI 2.1b | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | USB-C 2.0: Power, Ethernet, Mass Storage (requires OTG adapter) | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Yes | Stream to smartphone | Yes | Yes | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | OS15+ | Voice | Amlogic S905Y5R | 1GB | 4GB |
| Roku Streambar SE (9104) | Sep 2024 | Optical, HDMI 2.0a (ARC) | Requirescompatible USB Ethernet adapter | USB-A 2.0: Ethernet, Mass Storage | No | Yes | Yes | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Yes | Stream to Smartphone | No | No | a/b/g/n/ac dual-band MIMO | Yes | IR | Realtek 1315CRB | 1GB | 4GB |
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Roku announced its first brandedsmart TV and it was released in late 2014. These TVs are manufactured by companies likeTCL,LG,Westinghouse,Panasonic,Philips,Haier,Hitachi,Toshiba, andHisense, and use the Roku user interface as the "brain" of the TV. Roku TVs are updated just like the streaming devices.[76] More recent[vague] models also integrate a set of features for use with over-the-air TV signals, including a program guide that provides information for shows and movies available on local antenna broadcast TV, as well as where that content is available to stream, and the ability to pause live TV (although the feature requires a USB hard drive with at least 16GB storage).
On November 14, 2019,Walmart and Roku announced that they would be selling Roku TVs under the Onn brand exclusively at Walmart stores, starting November 29.[77]
In January 2020, Roku created a badge to certify devices as working with a Roku TV model. The first certified brands were TCL North America, Sound United,Polk Audio,Marantz,Definitive Technology, andClassé.[78]
In January 2021, a Roku executive said one out of three smart TVs sold in the United States and Canada came with Roku's operating system built-in.[79]
In May 2022, Roku and Element Electronics announced the first ever outdoor Roku TV, sold in 55 inch size. The television offers minimal reflection, an anti-glare display, 4K streaming, and can be used in bright outdoor environments.[80]
In March 2023, Roku announced a partnership withBest Buy in which the retailer will exclusively sell the Roku Select and Plus Series TVs manufactured by Roku.[81]
Roku provides video services from a number ofInternet-basedvideo on demand providers.
Content on Roku devices is provided by Roku partners and is identified using the termchannel. Users can add or remove different channels using the Roku Channel Store or the search feature. Roku's website does not specify which channels are free to its users.
The Roku is an open-platform device with a freely availablesoftware development kit that enables anyone to create new channels.[82] The channels are written in a Roku-specific language called BrightScript, a scripting language the company describes as 'unique', but "similar toVisual Basic" and "similar toJavaScript".[83]
Developers who wish to test their channels before a general release, or who wish to limit viewership, can create "private" channels that require a code be entered by the user in the account page of the Roku website. These private channels, which are not part of the official Roku Channel Store, are not reviewed or certified by Roku.[84][85]
There is an NDK (Native Developer Kit) available, though it has added restrictions.[83]
Roku launched its own streaming channel on its devices in October 2017. It is ad-supported, but free. Its licensed content includes movies and TV shows from studios such asLionsgate, MGM, Paramount,Sony Pictures Entertainment,Warner Bros.,Disney, andUniversal as well as Roku channel content publishers American Classics, FilmRise, Nosey, OVGuide, Popcornflix,Vidmark, and YuYu. It is implementing an ad revenue sharing model with content providers. On August 8, 2018, the Roku Channel became available on the web as well.[86] Roku also added the "Featured Free" section as the top section of its main menu from which users can get access to direct streaming of shows and movies from its partners.[87]
In January 2019, premium subscription options from select content providers were added to the Roku Channel.[citation needed] Originally only available in the U.S.,[88] it launched in the UK on April 7, 2020, with a different selection of movies and TV shows, and without premium subscription add-ons.[89]
On January 8, 2021, Roku announced that it had acquired the original content library of the defunct mobile video serviceQuibi for an undisclosed amount, reported to be around $100 million.[90][91] The content is being rebranded as Roku Originals.[92]
On August 5, 2025, Roku launched Howdy, an ad free, subscription streaming service. The streaming service will cost subscribers $2.99 per month and will include nearly 10,000 hours of content.[93][94]
In May of 2025, Roku acquired Frndly TV for $185 million. Frndly TV had already been available on Roku devices prior to the acquisition announcement. The acquisition gives Roku a greater presence in live television streaming.[95]
The Daily Beast alleged that non-certified channels on Roku eased access to materials promotingconspiracy theories andterrorism content.[96]
In June 2017, a Mexico City court banned the sale of Roku products in Mexico, following claims byTelevisa (via itsIzzi cable subsidiary) that the devices were being used for subscription-based streaming services that illegally stream television content without permission from copyright holders. The devices used Roku's private channels feature to install the services, which were all against theterms of service Roku applies for official channels available in its store. Roku defended itself against the allegations as such, stating that these channels were not officially certified and that the company takes active measures to stop illegal streaming services.[97] The11th Collegiate Court in Mexico City overturned the decision in October 2018, with Roku returning to the Mexican market soon after; Televisa's streaming serviceBlim TV (nowVix) would also launch on the platform.[98]
In August 2017 Roku began to display a prominent disclaimer when non-certified channels are added, warning that channels enabling piracy may be removed "without prior notice".[99][85][100] In mid-May 2018, a software glitch caused some users to see copyright takedown notices on legitimate services such as Netflix and YouTube. Roku acknowledged and patched the glitch.[101][102]
In March 2022, the private channel system was deprecated due to abuse and replaced with a more limited and strict beta channels platform which only allows twenty users to test a channel for up to four months.[103]
Pay television-styledcarriage disputes emerged on the Roku platform in 2020, as the company requires providers to agree torevenue sharing for subscription services that are billed through the platform, and to hold 30% of advertising inventory.[104] On September 18 of that same year, Roku announced thatNBCUniversalTV Everywhere services would be removed from its devices "as early as this weekend", due to its refusal to carry the company's streaming servicePeacock (which had been unavailable on Roku since its launch in July 2020) under terms it deemed "unreasonable".[104] It reached an agreement with NBCUniversal later that day, which allowed Peacock to become available on Roku.[105]HBO Max, which launched in May 2020, was unavailable on Roku until December 2020 due to similar disputes over revenue sharing, particularly in regards to an upcoming ad-supported tier.[106][107] On December 17, 2020, HBO Max began streaming on Roku, afterWarnerMedia and Roku reached a deal the previous day (and also after media speculation that WarnerMedia movingWonder Woman 1984 and Warner Bros' 2021 theatrical slate to a hybrid theatrical/HBO Max release model were an attempt to get Roku to agree to their terms).[108]
Another dispute, starting mid-December 2020, causedSpectrum customers to be unable to download the Spectrum TV streaming app to their Roku devices; existing customers could retain the app, but would lose it upon deletion, even to fix software bugs. This dispute was resolved on August 17, 2021.[109][110]
On April 30, 2021, Roku removed theover-the-top television serviceYouTube TV from its Channels Store, preventing it from being downloaded. The company accused operatorGoogle LLC of making demands regarding its YouTube app that it considered "predatory, anti-competitive and discriminatory", including enhanced access to customer data, giving YouTube greater prominence in Roku's search interface, and requiring that Roku implement specific hardware standards that could increase the cost of its devices. Roku accused Google of "leveraging its YouTube monopoly to force an independent company into an agreement that is both bad for consumers and bad for fair competition."[111][112] Google claimed that Roku had "terminated our deal in bad faith amidst our negotiation", stating that it wanted to renew the "existing reasonable terms" under which Roku offered YouTube TV. Google denied Roku's claims regarding customer data and prominence of the YouTube app, and stated that its carriage of a YouTube app was under a separate agreement, and unnecessarily brought into negotiations.[113] As a partial workaround, YouTube began to deploy an update to its main app on Roku and other platforms, which integrates the YouTube TV service.[112][114] On December 8, 2021 (a day before the agreement for the main YouTube app expired), Roku and Google announced that they had settled their dispute and reached a multi-year agreement to keep the YouTube app on Roku and to restore the YouTube TV app on Roku.[115]
The Roku digital video player, powered by the PNX8935 multi-format source decoder from NXP
the original Roku and XDS, which both use Nexperia's PNX8935 multi-format source decoder. It's obvious that a newer version of the PNX8935 is used in the XDS, given the device's smaller size.
Roku HD-XR Digital Video Player ... Roku SD Digital Video Player ... Roku HD Digital Video Player ... Licensee Chip Used: PNX8935
Looking inside, I discovered the NXP PNX8935 SoC.
XDS uses a Trident Microsystems / NXP Semiconductors PNX8935 multi-format source decoder.
Inside is the same Broadcom 2835 SOC that powers the Roku 2 XD, XS, and HD
Inside that tiny case is a new Broadcom 2835 SOC
The new design twist on the 3100R is the use of a Broadcom (BCM2835) A/V Processor. ... BCM2835MIPPG, TE1119 P31, 136664 B3 W (Die Marking: Logo, BCM2708, 2010)
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