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Start with Roku’s privacy controls, Bandwidth Saver, captions, and update settings—not picture adjustments. These choices affect what advertising you see, whether unattended playback stops, how you use captions, and how the device maintains its software. The exact menus vary by Roku model, software version, app, and country, so a label may differ or be unavailable on your device.
Review privacy and advertising controls
Limit certain Home Screen and screensaver ads
On supported devices, go to Settings > Privacy > Advertising > Sensitive ad content and select the categories you want to limit. Roku says this preference applies to non-video display ads on Roku menus and screensavers, and across streaming devices associated with your Roku account. It is not a universal ad blocker: video ads, ads inside partner apps, and some ads shown to all users may not follow the preference. The control is available when Personalized Ads is enabled. Roku explains which sensitive-ad preferences apply.
Check Automatic Content Recognition on a Roku TV
Roku’s Smart TV Experience guidance describes Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) as off by default. When enabled, ACR lets Roku collect information about watched shows and movies. The setting is documented under Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience on applicable Roku TVs; availability and labels can vary by model and generation. Turning ACR off later does not delete data collected or used while it was enabled. Roku describes ACR and Smart TV Experience.
Choose whether Bandwidth Saver should interrupt playback
Roku’s Bandwidth Saver treats four hours without a command from the Roku remote or mobile app as inactivity. It then prompts you to continue; if you do nothing, playback stops and the device returns to Home. Roku gives this interval as support guidance; it is not an independently measured threshold, and the support page does not state a publication year.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
To change the global setting, go to Settings > Network > Bandwidth saver and turn it off if you do not want this behavior. When the prompt appears, you can also choose Don’t ask again for this app. Leaving the feature on can reduce unattended streaming; turning it off can prevent a stop during a long background session. Roku’s Bandwidth Saver instructions explain the behavior and controls.
Set up captions and screen reading for how you watch
Enable or adjust captions
Look under Settings > Accessibility; some Roku menus instead call the section Captions. Where offered, caption modes include always on, on replay, or on mute. Captions also have to be available for the show or service. Some apps use their own caption settings and may not follow the Roku device setting, so check the app’s playback controls if changing the Roku setting has no effect. Roku’s caption guidance covers device and app controls.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Use the screen reader if spoken menus help
Roku’s screen reader reads menus and other on-screen items aloud. Roku documents a shortcut of pressing the remote’s Options button four times quickly. Its stated support covers current Roku TVs and players sold in the United States and Canada running Roku OS 7.5 or later; do not assume the same support on every legacy or international device. Check Roku’s screen-reader availability and instructions.
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Check software updates and connection basics
Let the device check for updates
Roku says devices check for software updates when turned on and then every 24–36 hours, and updates usually install automatically. Roku does not state a publication year for that interval. If an update fails, confirm the network connection and internet access, restart the Roku and router, then manually check for an update in the system settings. Roku’s update troubleshooting steps provide the current guidance.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Use speed guidance as a starting point, not a guarantee
Roku Support UK lists typical download speeds of 3 Mbps for SD, 5 Mbps for HD, and 25 Mbps or more for 4K UHD. These are indicative thresholds, not guarantees; Roku notes that streaming can still stutter when other devices use bandwidth, and individual apps may have their own requirements. The support page does not state a publication year. See Roku UK’s connection-speed guidance.
If Wi-Fi is unreliable, a wired Ethernet connection may help—but only Roku devices with an Ethernet port can use one. Roku also recommends checking for software updates, restarting the device, and considering Wi-Fi changes when troubleshooting. Roku’s connection troubleshooting guidance covers these options.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Adjust refresh-rate matching only if you notice a display issue
This is an optional playback tradeoff, not a prerequisite for a well-set-up Roku. Roku says current-generation players output at 60 fps by default. On compatible players, Auto-adjust display refresh rate can switch the output to a title’s native format. Some apps do not support the setting, and the TV may flash black while the display mode changes. Consider it if you notice motion judder or want native-format output; leave it alone if the mode-change flash is more disruptive. Roku does not state a publication year for the 60 fps figure. Roku explains refresh-rate matching and black flashes.
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Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
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.
