Skip to content

Comparison Streaming Devices

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) vs Roku Ultra (2024): which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) if you want the fastest, cleanest streaming experience. Buy the Roku Ultra (2024) instead if you want the best Roku with every format.

We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)
Buy

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)

Best for Ad-free, fastest

Typically $149

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Roku Ultra (2024)
Buy

Roku Ultra (2024)

Best for Best Roku

Typically $99

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureApple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)Roku Ultra (2024)
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$149$99
Best forAd-free, fastestBest Roku
Key featureFastest streamer with Ethernet, Thread and no adsFastest Roku with Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet and a backlit remote
Resolution4K4K
Dolby VisionYesYes
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Ads in menuNoYes
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Resolution

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet): 4K; Roku Ultra (2024): 4K.

Dolby Vision

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet): Yes; Roku Ultra (2024): Yes.

Wi-Fi

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet): Wi-Fi 6; Roku Ultra (2024): Wi-Fi 6.

Ads in menu

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet): No; Roku Ultra (2024): Yes.

Why buy it

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet): fastest streamer with Ethernet, Thread and no ads; Roku Ultra (2024): fastest Roku with Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet and a backlit remote.

Made for

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet): ad-free, fastest; Roku Ultra (2024): best Roku.

Usual price

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet): $149; Roku Ultra (2024): $99.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) if you

  • you want the fastest, cleanest streaming experience
  • value no ads
Check Price Paid link

Choose the Roku Ultra (2024) if you

  • you want the best Roku with every format
  • value fast
Check Price Paid link

If neither feels right

Neither is the only answer. See every model we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best streaming devices.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)

Apple · Streaming Devices

Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)

Buy it if you want the smoothest experience, especially with an iPhone.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
A clean, ad-free interface
Typical price
$119–$149

Pros

  • Very fast
  • Ad-free interface

Cons

  • Expensive
Google TV Streamer

Google · Streaming Devices

Google TV Streamer

Buy it if you use Google services and want a fast box with a findable remote.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Android homes
Typical price
$89–$99

Pros

  • Fast
  • Matter and Thread hub

Cons

  • Recommendations include ads

Frequently asked questions

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) or Roku Ultra (2024): which should I buy?

Buy the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) if you want the fastest, cleanest streaming experience. Buy the Roku Ultra (2024) instead if you want the best Roku with every format.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) usually costs $149 and the Roku Ultra (2024) $99. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) or Roku Ultra (2024): the full reasoning

Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) or Roku Ultra (2024)? Both are strong streaming devices, which is exactly why the choice is hard. Here is the short version first: buy the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) if you want the fastest, cleanest streaming experience, and buy the Roku Ultra (2024) if you want the best Roku with every format. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) wins on fastest streamer with Ethernet, Thread and no ads. The Roku Ultra (2024) answers with fastest Roku with Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet and a backlit remote. Resolution: 4K on the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), 4K on the Roku Ultra (2024). Dolby Vision: Yes on the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), Yes on the Roku Ultra (2024). Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 on the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), Wi-Fi 6 on the Roku Ultra (2024). Ads in menu: No on the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), Yes on the Roku Ultra (2024).

Reasons to buy the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)

No ads, Very fast, Thread hub. What to accept: expensive, remote is minimal. Usual price: $149. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) review.

Reasons to buy the Roku Ultra (2024)

Fast, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Backlit remote. What to accept: ads in menu, pricier than sticks. Usual price: $99. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Roku Ultra (2024) review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best streaming devices has every other model with its own call. Ecosystem: Apple TV suits iPhone homes; Google TV and Roku suit everyone; Fire TV suits Alexa homes.

Also consider the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) ($119–$149): the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads in the menus. Buy it if you want the smoothest experience, especially with an iPhone.

Also consider the Google TV Streamer ($89–$99): fast Google TV box with great recommendations and a smart home hub. Buy it if you use Google services and want a fast box with a findable remote.

US buyer tip

Fire TV and Roku sticks drop to very low prices on Prime Day and Black Friday, so time the purchase if you can.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.