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Upgrade to a compatible Roku voice remote if you want push-to-talk search, TV power or volume controls, or a specific extra such as hands-free voice. If your Simple Remote works for you and you do not need those features, the documented benefits do not give you a clear reason to replace it.
What changes when you upgrade?
The quickest way to tell the remotes apart is the button: Roku says a Simple Remote has no voice button, while a voice remote has one. Pressing the voice button lets you speak commands to a compatible Roku device, such as searching for comedies or opening The Roku Channel. A voice remote does not necessarily include every feature found on other voice-remote models.
Some voice remotes can also control TV power and volume. That capability depends on the remote edition and how it works with your television, so check the specific model rather than assuming every voice remote has TV controls.
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Push-to-talk voice
A standard voice remote lets you speak a command after pressing its voice button. It is most useful if you often search for something to watch or prefer speaking a request to navigating menus. If you are comfortable using the directional pad, the button may not change your routine.
#1 Best Overall
- Easy voice search & control: Quickly search across thousands of top channels, play entertainment, control your streaming, and more with your voice
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, control your Roku device, switch inputs on your Roku TV, and more—all in a tap
- Pre-set channel shortcuts: Pre-set channel shortcuts let you launch popular streaming channels with the push of a button, all without having to scroll
- Simple setup: Simply turn on your Roku device and pull the battery tab on the back of the remote and it should pair automatically
- Works with your Roku device: Roku Voice Remote works with all Roku TV models, Roku audio products, and most Roku players*
TV power and volume
When supported, a voice remote can reduce the need to switch between the Roku remote and your TV remote. Roku’s setup procedure tests the TV and asks you to confirm whether you can hear test audio. Roku cautions that some TVs allow volume control but not power control; HDMI-CEC may also need to be enabled. Test the remote with your own TV before relying on it for both functions. Roku’s TV-control setup instructions explain the process.
Voice Remote Pro extras
Voice Remote Pro models add features that are not standard across all voice remotes. Depending on the specific generation, documented features include hands-free voice, a rechargeable battery, personal shortcuts, a lost remote finder, and Headphone Mode. Check the exact model’s feature list before choosing it.
Rank #2
- The information below is per-pack only
- Easy voice search & control: Quickly search across thousands of top channels, play entertainment, control your streaming, and more with your voice
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, control your Roku device, switch inputs on your Roku TV, and more—all in a tap
- Pre-set channel shortcuts: Pre-set channel shortcuts let you launch popular streaming channels with the push of a button, all without having to scroll
- Simple setup: Simply turn on your Roku device and pull the battery tab on the back of the remote and it should pair automatically
Headphone Mode works with a compatible remote and headphones, muting the TV speakers while private listening is active. Roku also documents its mobile app as another Headphone Mode option in supported setups. A lost remote finder needs a compatible remote with a built-in speaker; a low battery or being outside wireless range can prevent it from making a sound.
Check compatibility before buying
Do not assume a voice remote works with every Roku player or TV. Identify your device at Settings > System > About, then compare its model with Roku’s current compatibility information for the remote you are considering. Roku’s compatibility guidance addresses the question, “Can I use a voice remote with my Roku streaming device?”
Rank #3
- Stay powered for months: Keep your remote running for three months on a single charge. With 50% more battery life and USB-C charging, Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) is the ultimate TV companion.
- Built for movie nights: No more fumbling in the dark to find the pause button or turn up the volume. Always know what you’re about to press with easy-to-see backlit buttons.
- Just talk to it: Got popcorn fingers? Leave the remote in the other room? Just say “Hey Roku” from across the couch and control your streaming with your voice.
- Find your lost remote: Don't break a sweat tearing apart the couch. Just say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” or find it using the free Roku Mobile app.
- One that does it all: No more juggling remotes. Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) powers up your TV, adjusts the volume, and controls your Roku device.
Roku says Voice Remote Pro is compatible with Roku players, Streambars, and Roku TVs shipped since 2017, as well as some older devices. Because compatibility and features depend on the generation, confirm the exact remote and device pairing before purchase.
Set up TV controls on a compatible voice remote
- On your Roku device, open Settings > Remotes & devices > Remotes.
- Select your voice remote, then choose Set up remote for TV control.
- Follow the prompts, listen for the test audio, and confirm whether you hear it so Roku can assess TV control.
- If your Roku player is connected through a soundbar or receiver, connect it directly to the TV temporarily during setup so Roku can identify the TV brand.
If volume works but power does not, that can be a TV or setup limitation rather than evidence that the remote is defective. Roku notes that some TVs support volume control only, and HDMI-CEC may need to be enabled. See Roku’s instructions for setting up TV controls.
Rank #4
- Convenient Voice Controls
- TV Power, Volume, And Mute Buttons
- Pre-Set Channel Shortcut Buttons
Is the upgrade worth it for you?
- Choose a compatible voice remote if push-to-talk search would make navigation easier or you want one remote to handle TV power and volume—and the TV-control setup works with your television.
- Consider Voice Remote Pro if you specifically want a Pro feature such as hands-free voice or a rechargeable battery. Verify the exact generation’s features and compatibility before buying.
- Keep your Simple Remote if it works for your routine and voice, TV controls, and premium extras would not solve a problem for you.
Roku’s feature descriptions establish what the remotes can do, but they do not quantify time saved, user satisfaction, or a price threshold that makes an upgrade worthwhile. Check current pricing for the exact compatible remote and weigh it against the feature you expect to use.
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How to identify a Roku voice remote
Look for a voice button. Roku’s support guidance describes a Simple Remote as having no voice button, while a voice remote has one. That identifies the voice-control distinction, but it does not tell you whether the remote also has TV controls, hands-free voice, rechargeable power, Headphone Mode, or a finder. Check the model’s feature list for those details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- No Setup Required: the remote control replacement for Roku TV which can solve your home backup remote control needs. Simply Insert 2 AAA batteries (Not included) , then turn on your device and it will automatically pair, perfectly replacing your original remote control
- Upgrade Material: our remote replacement is made of high quality ABS and silicone, ABS improves durability, can be used for a long time, and also keeps you and your children away from harm
- Completely Compatible: the replacement remote controls only for roku series TVs, compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs
- Notice: Only for roku tv, not for roku stick/roku box 1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD), not for roku ultra/roku express/roku premiere and roku player
- Key Features: Get to favorite apps quickly with 8 shortcut buttons for Disney, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Primevideo sling, Apple TV+ and VUDU. Strongest signal by mature infrared technology, farther transmitting distance, stable performance, following the movement of the tv page without obvious delay
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
