7 Things to Know Before You Buy a New Roku Device!

[@MichaelSaves]

Remember, there will always be another sale! The Roku Black Friday sale is a good one, but they have good sales multiple times a year. I'll keep you updated on MichaelSavesDeals.com.

[@bearpawz_]

My streaming player bit the dust a couple of days ago.. Thankfully I remembered @MichaelSaves put this video up.. 🤗 I thought the new remote was going to be a learning curve, but it's easier (and far better) than the one I had! Thanks Michael~~👍

[@omgchrism]

The Best Buy tip is a great one... for all those extra perks!

[@rosemoore5364]

Hi. Thank you for this video. I have watched this video a few times now and already commented. You took the stress out of which Roku to buy. I bought the ultra for the living room and the express 4K plus for the bedroom at best buy. Love your channel.

[@MichaelSaves]

Thanks! I hope you enjoy. I have setup guides on the channel for both if you need them, but the on screen guidance is very good once you plug it in.

[@teslarocks7345]

Our dog chewed up the remote for the Roku stick 4K. Finding out there is no replacement for the remote. Think I’ll just pick up a new Express 4k + on sale right now.

[@eriklarsen9942]

Good call on the best buy! I forgot that I had purchased a Best Buy membership to get a discount on an appliance we purchased a couple years ago, so I also get free extended warranty on all purchases. You might want to point out that those free trials are for new subscribers only (with a few exceptions for returning subscribers), so you might not be able to take advantage of any or even all of them because you already use them.

[@MichaelSaves]

That is true. Good point! They are for new customers, though some people may be able to get around that with a different email and/or payment method.

[@TheGamerNerd025]

I love Roku devices as well! I feel its much simpler than amazon firestick or even google tv/onn devices. I bought the Roku remote pro 2 and Roku 4K streaming stick and I couldn't be happier I love the backlit buttons and hands free voice activation. :)

[@HappyOne3]

I second that!

[@down813]

My first streaming device was a Chromecast (not the one with Google TV). After 1 year, I moved on to using a Roku device. Had it for about 3 years now and it still works fine. I don't intend to switch to another alternative.

[@gtsuby]

A quirk as of Fall 2024 unique to the Roku Ultra 4850 (2024) versus the previous version is when using the KZbin TV app it always picks up where left off when reopening the app. The previous version of the Ultra would relaunch the app when selected. Some may find this annoying as the show presented is exactly where you left off - even on "Live TV". I’ve noticed this for both KZbin TV and the regular KZbin app. Haven’t noticed it for any other apps. I’m assuming it’s an intentional new feature that comes from the upgraded processor of the newest Ultra. Perhaps a patch will address this allowing for a choice to enable/disable this feature.

[@lpj1263]

I attached an OTG cable to mine with a 2TB external hard drive to watch movies and shows through the Roku media player app.

[@starpartyguy5605]

I have the streambar pro. Love it. Added 2 side speakers as well.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I have an Apple TV 4K on my largest TV because it is such a great streaming box. However, I have Roku everywhere else throughout my house. I have the 2022 Roku ultra and love it! It is a fantastic streamer! I would say it’s nearly identical to the Apple TV 4K.

[@TheGamerNerd025]

Thanks for the video as always Michael!!! 😎

[@VPR2B]

I have an Apple TV 4K as well as A Roku Ultra - gotta say that I much prefer the Apple TV for one main reason: No ads on the home screen. It’s also much easier to rearrange apps, and doesn’t require you to answer a question when closing most apps (“Do you want to exit KZbin?”) - when you exit an app it simply closes.

[@MichaelSaves]

Great points, especially about the ads. I am not too thrilled with the new video ads on Roku. My problem with Apple TV is the remote.

[@VPR2B]

@ The remote isn’t ideal, but neither is the Roku’s in my experience, especially if you want to shuttle back and forth through a particular video. With the Apple remote, it’s fairly easy due to the touchpad. I have to admit to using an old Harmony remote most of the time though.

[@rosemoore5364]

Hi, Sir. I am looking to buy a new 43 inch TV. Is the Roku TV from best buy any good? I search on your channel but a Roku TV video was not available (unless I missed it). Thank you. Have a nice day.

[@MichaelSaves]

I have not tested a Roku TV, but the current 43 inch TV deal is a good one. If you are near a store, I recommend going in and looking at the 43 inch TVs that are on display to compare the picture quality. In the past, I have had my mind made up and then going to the store and seeing the TV in person changed my mind.

[@rosemoore5364]

@ Thank you , Sir.

[@jeffrandolf5673]

WOW... KZbin is deleting my comments here too? I just thanked Michael for all his help...

[@MichaelSaves]

I see this comment!

[@raykane7459]

I am a ROKU fan as well. Recently purchased the backlit remote for my ancient roku box. I was thinking about buying one of the ROKU speakers with streaming device built in. Any comments on those units?

[@MichaelSaves]

Unfortunately, I have not tested the Streambar.

[@troytinsley148]

As usual, you provide the best advice. Now that I've just taken delivery of a.Hisense 4k 65" smart tv, do I still need a Roku?

[@MichaelSaves]

Not necessarily -- and probably not! Since it's a smart TV, you should be able to download your apps from the TV's interface. Only get a Roku (or other brand) if you don't like the Hisense interface or can't find all of your apps on it.

[@MickF04]

We've been using a Roku Ultra LT and a Streaming Stick 4K since cutting the cord in March 2023. Definitely prefer the Ultra LT for speed, but I miss not having the USB port that is in the regular Ultra models. That would simplify the use of a USB drive.

[@jonahlers1026]

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ was the best because it comes with Roku Voice Remote Pro but it was discontinued because it came with the old Roku Voice Remote Pro do you think Roku will bring it back when the ones with the old Roku Voice Remote Pro remote sell out

[@MichaelSaves]

I think Roku is due for a refresh of the more budget options soon, so I would expect some sort of change in 2025. This year was about the Ultra and updated remote - and that’s probably most profitable for them anyway.

[@wayneclu91]

I have 2 Roku devices 1 4k & other is the older 1 I think it was called Pro ? Both are getting long in the tooth so I think I am going to get my Mrs a new & maybe a new tv as well Best buy is right down the street from me was there the other day looking at their open box buys wow saw a 55 inch LG for about $350 UHD.

[@apeel2008]

I have an older Gen 3 AppleTV HD that is getting long in the tooth so thinking of upgrading. I use almost exclusively to stream content over my home network (wired Ethernet) to my iMac that has a large library of music and videos. Does Roku support streaming from the libraries of Apples TV App (not the AppleTV+ service which I do not use)?

[@videobandit]

I do like the Roku Ultra and it had been my go to streaming device for years. However they had a HDCP handshake issue for months that required me to restart the Ultra daily or even multiple times each day. It got to be really annoying and if you google the problem it went on for months and months with no resolution. Hopefully the latest OS has resolved the issue but I have yet to start reusing the Ultra , and now using the apps within my smart tv instead.

[@bobsmith2335]

I had the same problem and couldn't figure out why. One day, I decided to go into settings and adjust my Hdmi settings, which would adjust to give me the best picture regardless of the format. The errors stopped immediately ( even though when the picture flickers, I still expect the error), it stopped. If you can find out that adjustment on your tv, it will probably fix the issue. Hope this helps.

[@7JANEWAY]

I don’t understand why channels like yours focus on Roku. I bought a Roku Ultra a few years ago and compared it to the Apple TV. In comparison, the picture on the Roku was crap in comparison with the Apple TV. After just a couple days with the Roku, I went right back to the Apple TV. There was simply no comparison as far as the picture quality was concerned (and I didn’t find the remote any easier, either). I haven’t gone back since! Yes, the Apple TV costs more-quite a bit more. But quality always does. In addition to the Apple TV, I also have iPads (and I still listen to an iPod, if you can believe it). I think all of these devices are top notch (just like everything Apple makes). I don’t mind paying more, for I know that they will last me years. Can you say that about Roku? And even if you have had a Roku for a few years, I can promise you that an Apple TV will last longer-thus the higher price. So who saves in the long run-having one device or replacing devices several times over the years? I am curious about why you prefer the Roku over the Apple TV. The Apple TV is a superior device in my experience, and deserves more respect than it gets. Channels like yours focus on the Roku, which I think is unfair to other streaming players out there. Yes, I’m an Apple TV user. But I would be happy just to hear about the Amazon Fire Stick or the Nvidia Shield (that’s one you don’t hear about very often, either). I’m not an Apple snob by any stretch!!! Just please focus on other devices, which would serve your viewers better than just focusing on the Roku so often!!!

[@MichaelSaves]

Hi! I’ve tested/reviewed the major brands. I mentioned that in my video. Apple TV is great and I’m glad you’re happy with it. My biggest issue with Apple TV is the remote, but I do like the device and interface. I use it for my Apple Fitness workouts. It is also much more expensive as I noted in the video. Hope this is helpful!

[@7JANEWAY]

@ I also made the comment that I’d like to hear more about other devices more often as well, not just the Apple TV. You didn’t address that in your response, so no, your response wasn’t helpful in that regard.

[@MichaelSaves]

​@@7JANEWAY I have plenty of coverage of other devices on this channel and on MichaelSaves.com. This is a good place to start: kzbin.info/aero/PLSK8DXzp7Y48JW9Gzeybjp9n1IrYIBjsp&si=dSctnVWyLd9zmGtZ

[@kennethlee7764]

Do you know which Roku devices work with T-Mobile 5g internet? Thanks.

[@MichaelSaves]

They all should. I use them daily.

[@kmart0017]

The Walmart exclusive ROKU Premiere does have 4K for $18. Despite the low-end remote, It’s a cheap alternative for a lesser watched TV.

[@MichaelSaves]

Yes, that is true. 4K with the Roku Premiere but not the Roku Express. Simple remote with both.

[@shanamccoy4177]

I like the headphone jack on my remote. Can I use the new 2024 Ultra with the old remote?

[@MichaelSaves]

Should be able to but I haven’t tested this myself.

[@shanamccoy4177]

@ thank you for the reply

[@DiChitty]

I'm curious if you have any videos for built-in Roku TV recommendations or if you have any other tv's and then add the ultra?

[@MichaelSaves]

I don't have any Roku TVs -- I only add Roku devices to other brands. I might get a Roku TV in the future. I'm just happy with the TV sets that I already have.

[@sirveyer]

Question about the volume of Directv Stream, through Roku. Is it low? I bought the genie and it's much lower than any other apps on my Smart TV. Even app on TV is much lower. Very annoying.

[@MichaelSaves]

I have not noticed this and I've used DTV Stream on Roku a lot. I just loaded up the new free version of DIRECTV and don't notice that issue.

[@QamilMemedi]

If you want a good remote get the Logitech harmony remotes will definitely get rid of the clutter

[@jmdennis1967]

I have not used Apple TV and not a fan of Fire Stick or FireTV for that matter. I just do not like navigating as for me it is harder to remember how to get around. I started with Roku so I have issues with other streaming devices. If I buy another TV it will not be FireTV again. I might just buy a dumb TV and add streaming device.

[@skannal]

Can I use a Roku Streaming Device on my 7 year old TCL Roku Tv?

[@MichaelSaves]

Should be able to. The device connects to an HDMI port for your TV.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Every Roku stick I’ve ever purchased run so hot it sends an overheating message. Not good.

[@JohnnyReno71]

Wish you could turn off updates. Roku did one that stopped loading content from my 4th generation Tablo, now I can’t watch anything off my antenna. Amazon has a deal on firestick so I just picked it up, hopefully I can watch my Antenna again. Roku will go the trash. Customer support is also useless

[@saraibucciarelli1821]

they need to update Talkback. 3rd party apps are not accessible with screen reader like on Apple. Apple beats google out of the park for accessibility.

[@christiansequentialartwork8202]

I should get a PS5 Slim and Apple Pencil USB-C for my 21st Birthday.

[@QamilMemedi]

Anything new for KZbin tv??

[@MichaelSaves]

As far as deals? No just the same one they've had, plus a further discount on NFL Sunday Ticket like they did last year around this time.

[@hectorfelix818]

I get stutter when watching movies and tv very disappointed because the device is very fast and works well. Iv searched a fix but iv read this is a issue its had for years unfortunately its a deal breaker for me.

[@nancybrown9706]

They are really not that great I just purchased the new ultra and it’s ok and it’s the 2024 compared to my NVIDIA shields and apple 4K and the formula z mini but I still say Roku is for people that want Roku too control everything and like devices that I can make my own third party apps and storage

[@MichaelSaves]

Absolutely, good points

[@bigbadjohnpesek9894]

Sorry but roku is too locked down. Cant install the programs i want. So i'll stick with my android boxes. But they are hooked to my roku tv's so i have the best of both worlds.