Roku Ultra 2024 Review: 30% Faster Quad-Core, Wi-Fi 6 & Backlit Remote Pro

While modern smart TVs all come equipped with built-in streaming operating systems, they notoriously slow down after a couple of years, freezing on home screens and dropping wireless connections during high-bitrate 4K movie playback. Budget streaming dongles also struggle with sluggish app launches and cramped thermal limits.

The Roku Ultra (2024 edition) is Roku’s flagship response. Upgraded with a 30% faster quad-core processor, high-speed Wi-Fi 6 networking, full Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, and the acclaimed Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen) with motion-sensing backlit keys, does the $99 set-top box represent the smartest streaming upgrade for your home theater? We tested it side-by-side against Google TV and Apple TV 4K to find out.

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1. Speed & Navigation: The 30% Processor Boost in Action

The biggest complaint about older streaming hardware is the laggy 3-second delay between clicking an icon and having the app actually open.

The 2024 Roku Ultra features a refreshed next-generation quad-core CPU:

• Instantaneous App Launches: Heavy, content-dense apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube launch almost instantaneously. Navigating through 4K movie catalogs feels silky smooth with zero stutter.
• Quick Switching: Switching back and forth between live sports on Peacock and a streaming series on Max happens without reloading memory buffers or crashing to the home screen.

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2. Wi-Fi 6 & Ethernet Stability: Zero 4K Buffering

High-bitrate 4K HDR movies push wireless home networks to their limits.

• Wi-Fi 6 Architecture: The Ultra 2024 introduces a high-gain Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) antenna array. In our testing three rooms away from the main router, the Roku maintained consistent 340 Mbps throughput, allowing 4K Dolby Vision streams to begin playing in under 2 seconds without resolution drop-down.
• Wired Ethernet Port: For home theater enthusiasts with Ethernet wall jacks, the integrated RJ45 LAN port offers bulletproof interference-free streaming, ensuring sports broadcasts and live events never drop frames.

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3. The Best Remote in the Game: Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen)

The bundled remote control is where the Roku Ultra leaves every streaming competitor behind:

1. Motion-Activated Backlit Buttons: Pick up the remote in a dark home theater, and gentle white backlighting automatically illuminates the buttons so you never press the wrong key mid-movie.
2. USB-C Rechargeable: Say goodbye to digging around drawers for AAA batteries. A quick USB-C charge powers the remote for over 3 months of heavy daily use.
3. Lost Remote Finder: If the remote falls between couch cushions, simply say “Hey Roku, find my remote” or press the physical locator button on the Ultra box itself, and the remote plays a loud chiming tone until found.
4. Private Listening: Plug any wired headphones directly into the 3.5mm jack on the remote, and TV audio instantly reroutes to your ears for late-night movie watching without waking family members.

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Pros & Cons: Should You Buy?

What We Loved:

• Snappy Responsiveness: 30% faster processor delivers immediate app loading and smooth 60fps menu navigation.
• Wi-Fi 6 & Wired Ethernet: Rock-solid buffer-free streaming on demanding 4K Dolby Vision content.
• Peerless Remote Control: Motion-activated backlighting, USB-C recharging, and audio headphone jack.
• Lost Remote Beeper: Eliminates couch-cushion remote hunting forever.
• Platform Agnostic: Unbiased universal search and native support for both Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast.

What Could Be Improved:

• Ethernet Port is 10/100: While sufficient for 4K streaming (which requires 25-50 Mbps), a Gigabit port would be welcomed for local Plex streaming.
• UI Sponsored Ads: The right side of the main menu features occasional movie sponsorship banners.

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Final Verdict

The Roku Ultra (2024) is the gold standard for straightforward, premium 4K television entertainment. By bundling ultra-stable Wi-Fi 6 networking, a blazing-fast processor, and arguably the most user-friendly backlit rechargeable remote control on the market, it offers the ultimate stress-free living room experience. For under $100, there is no better streaming player you can buy.