Roku Ultra LT Review: Is the ‘Lite’ version worth it?

In this detailed Roku Ultra LT Review, we delve into the stunning services, features, and functionalities of one of Roku’s leading streaming devices.

Tailored for streaming enthusiasts seeking to elevate their home theater experience, this thorough evaluation intends to cover every aspect of the acclaimed device.

See: Roku Ultra Review: Is the Fastest Roku device worth $100+?

From its impressive processing speed to flawless 4K video quality, and from diverse streaming options to user-friendly navigations, we aim to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the coveted Roku Ultra LT.

By the end of our review of the Roku Ultra LT, you will find yourself well-informed and confident about the capacitive prowess of the Roku Ultra LT, and whether it aligns with your entertainment demands.

Key Takeaways:

• The Roku Ultra LT, priced at $79.99, is a powerful streaming device equipped with a high-performance quad-core processor offering seamless and fast streaming services.
• It boasts top-tier media capabilities, allowing users to access several streaming services and view content in up to 4K video quality, but it does lack Dolby Atmos support (the standard Ultra model supports this).
• The device comes with a Roku Voice Remote Pro that facilitates hands-free voice control, a feature not commonly found in many rival streaming devices.
• Roku Ultra LT offers private listening via a headphone jack and pairs it with a complimentary pair of earbuds.
• It supports various popular voice assistants like Alexa, Apple Home Kit, and Google Assistant.

What’s the difference between the Roku ultra in the Roku ultra LT models

When it comes to Roku Ultra LT, everybody asks me Whats the difference is between the two. I created this table to show the difference between the Ultra and LT Roku device models – you can also see our full post on this: Roku Ultra vs Roku Ultra LT):

Features	Roku Ultra	Roku Ultra LT
Price	$99.99	$79.00
HD, 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision	Yes	Yes
Dolby Atmos Support	Yes	No (Dolby Audio only)
Remote	Voice Remote Pro	Standard Voice Remote
Lost Remote Finder	Yes	No
Private Listening	Yes (Bluetooth)	Yes (Bluetooth)
USB Port	Yes	No
MicroSD Slot	No	Yes (model 4662 only)
Size	Slightly Larger	Slightly Smaller

The Roku Ultra and Roku Ultra LT are both high-performing streaming devices but they do have some key differences. Here’s a comparative breakdown:

• Dolby Atmos Support: The Roku Ultra supports Dolby Atmos, an advanced sound technology that provides a more immersive audio experience. The Ultra LT, on the other hand, only supports Dolby Audio.
• Remote Control: The Roku Ultra comes with a Voice Remote Pro that allows hands-free voice commands from across the room. It also has a lost remote finder feature and supports private listening through Bluetooth streaming. The remote for the Ultra LT is simpler and lacks the hands-free voice command feature.
• Connectivity: The Roku Ultra has a USB port for local playback, which is not available on the Ultra LT. However, some Ultra LT models (specifically, model number 4662) do come with a MicroSD slot.
• Price: The Roku Ultra is priced at $99.99, whereas the Ultra LT is slightly more affordable at $79.00.
• Size: The Roku Ultra is slightly larger than the Ultra LT, which could be a consideration if space is an issue for you.

In the grand scheme of Roku’s model line-up, the Ultra is comparable to the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, Amazon Fire TV Cube, and Apple TV 4K.

Explore the pros and cons of Roku ultra vs Apple TV 4K for streaming in our detailed comparison review.

It is a high-performance streaming box rather than a streaming stick, designed for those seeking the ultimate streaming experience – it provides higher specs than the likes of the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express, and Roku Streambar.

Despite being more budget-friendly than the Roku Ultra, it manages to deliver a comparable, high-quality streaming experience.

If you are keen to understand more about the various Roku devices, consider reading the post on the difference between Roku devices.

Detailed Review of the Roku Ultra LT

Diving into the realm of Roku is like embarking on a journey of endless entertainment possibilities, and much of this can be attributed to one of their crowning jewels, the Roku Ultra LT.

We are going to delve into some specifics of this marvel, shedding light on those little details that make this device an investment worth considering for any entertainment lover.

After going through this detailed review, you might want to check out the Roku Ultra review for a comparative understanding.

Features and Specifications

Roku Ultra LT, more than just an average streaming device, is the embodiment of superb technology and user-friendly streaming capabilities combined. At first glance, one may observe its ability to support HD, 4K, and HDR streaming, instantly painting a vivid picture of an unparalleled viewing experience. But does just having 4K and HDR support make it special? Probably not!

Side note: what truly matters here is the combo of both – the synchrony creates an immersive visual delicacy that elevates your viewing pleasure. The delivery of high resolution 4K visuals with the broader color spectrum of HDR is what breathes life into your favorite movies and shows.

But that’s not all… One advantage that comes with it is Dolby Vision support – an immersive audio treat, known to pull you deeper into the story with 3D audio that flows all around you. Now, can life get any better than having a mini theatre at your home’s comfort?

Curious about more Roku features? We’ve got you covered. Dive into our Roku tips and tricks.

Design and Build Quality

Commitment to excellent quality is evident in Roku’s design of the Ultra LT, and it’s built to be more compact yet robust. Its square structure with rounded edges gives off a minimalist yet chic vibe, ideal for any home entertainment setup.

But does the beauty of this device lie only in its aesthetics? Deceptively simple, the robustness of the Ultra LT is manifested in its quality and longevity, becoming a reliable partner for your long-awaited movie nights.

Have you noticed that the Roku Ultra LT meshes well in any setup and doesn’t dominate your living room decor? Its black exterior and minimalistic design ensure it effortlessly blends with your other devices. It’s almost like the designers kept this real-world situation in mind, striking a balance between functionality and eye-pleasing design.

For a broader context on Roku’s design quality, you can read our Roku streaming stick review.

Compatibility & Connectivity Options

Digging deeper into the Roku Ultra LT, its compatibility and connectivity options bring a broad smile to any tech-enthusiast’s face. Wondering why? The answer is simple. It’s built with a forward-thinking approach to be as inclusive as possible, wooing users with varied devices across different platforms. Most importantly, being an HDMI-based device, it comfortably connects with any HDMI-supported display. So rest assured, whether you have an HD TV, 4K UHD TV, or 4K UHD HDR TV, Roku Ultra LT is there for you.

One thing to keep in mind, the compatibility doesn’t end at televisions. Think about it, isn’t it amazing that it can sync with almost any iOS or Android device? Be it a smartphone or a tablet, the Roku Ultra LT seamlessly unifies multiple devices under one umbrella. Now that’s a level of compatibility we all need in our lives, right?

Related: Looking for a way to get a web browser on Roku? After and extended period of research, we found that you can get a Roku Web Browser through many different methods.

Setup and Installation

Finally, let’s discuss the last piece of this puzzle: Setup and Installation. Contrary to what one might expect, setting up the Roku Ultra LT is as easy as pie. Straight out of the box, it asks nothing more than an HDMI cable and a power outlet. But is the process really as uncomplicated as it sounds?

Well, once you’ve connected the device to your television using the HDMI cable and powered it up, it boots into a user-friendly interface. The screen shows you an in-depth guide to set up the language, pair the remote, and access the home screen. After this initial setup, it lets you add your personal touch by letting you manually add your favorite channels. What’s more impressive is that this all can be done in just about half an hour. Now isn’t that worth a pat on the back?

If you’re finding the setup and installation of your Roku Ultra LT difficult, you might find our guide on how to set Roku up for installation useful.

Performance

Let’s start with a question: What is a streaming device without top-notch performance? Well, in my opinion, it’s just a worthless piece of plastic. Luckily, the Roku Ultra LT isn’t just a piece of plastic, it’s a device that’s chock-full of high-octane performance. Streaming videos on Roku Ultra LT has been an absolute joy. Not only does it deliver 4K HDR content, but it does so with virtually no buffering.

See our post on Roku Hacks: Jailbreak Roku for Unlocked Streaming

A major strength of the Roku Ultra LT is its audio quality. It is equipped with Dolby Audio, which offers a premium, immersive sound experience. Movies, series, and music have never sounded better. Didn’t catch that crucial line in the movie?

Or perhaps you want to enjoy your favorite album without any disturbances? The voice-controlled remote’s resounding efficiency has got you covered! That’s right, you can beef up the audio, rewind 15 seconds, or even put on captions – all without lifting a finger. Isn’t that the ultimate luxury?

Comparison with Similar Products

Living in a world of choices, it’s only fair to know where your product stacks up against its counterparts. Against other Roku products, like the more economical Roku Express and the Roku Streaming Stick+, the Roku Ultra LT demonstrates an impressive performance. It offers 4K streaming and voice-controlled features, much like its siblings, alongside ethernet connectivity which its cheaper equivalents lack.

But how does it fare against external competitors? Well, the Roku Ultra LT bravely stands its ground. Take the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, for example. While both can stream in 4K HDR, the Roku Ultra LT takes the edge with its Ethernet port, which can be a life-saver when Wi-Fi isn’t reliable. Against the Nvidia Shield TV, the Roku Ultra LT might not boast the AI upscaling technology, but it certainly wins on accessibility and affordability.

To help understand how the Roku Ultra LT compares with other brands, read our posts on Roku vs Firestick and Roku Ultra vs Apple TV 4k.

Value for Money

Who doesn’t like getting the best value for their hard-earned money? At $79.99, the Roku Ultra LT provides you access to 4k HDR streaming, Dolby Audio, voice controls, and thousands of apps – without burning a hole in your pocket. This is what I’d call value for money.

One advantage of the Roku Ultra LT over pricier counterparts is the cost-free Roku Channel with regular additions of free movies and TV shows. A nice gesture from the folks at Roku, right? Plus, the wide compatibility and user-friendly interface make it worth more than its price tag in gold.

Pros and Cons

As with any product, we all love to scrutinize its high points and low points, don’t we? On the sunny side, the Roku Ultra LT has a fair share of high points. I’ve already mentioned the 4K HDR streaming, but I cannot stress enough how much this adds to a streaming session. Other standout points include the voice-control feature and Dolby Audio, both of which take your viewing experience several notches higher.

On the flip side, there are a few things that could make you raise an eyebrow. The absence of the USB port can be a slight downer if you’re looking to play local content. And while they’ve made a grand effort with the voice-controlled remote, it doesn’t quite match the accuracy and capability of similar devices by its competitors. But are these deal-breakers? Certainly not for me.

My experience using the Roku Ultra LT

The first time I powered up the Roku Ultra LT, I remember thinking “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.” And boy, it did not disappoint. After a quick and seamless setup, the Roku Ultra LT swooped me into a world of impressive streaming performance. From the extensive content options to the most refined details of picture quality, this Roku device was at the top of its game.

That voice-controlled remote? Absolute magic! I felt like the maestro of my own world. But the charm doesn’t end there. The compact design, while discreet on my console, quietly delivers top-tier performance. Now, with several months of usage, the Roku Ultra LT remains a steadfast part of my entertainment unit.

In a nutshell, the Roku Ultra LT turned out to be a gadget I can rely on. Its performance, coupled with the dollar value, exceeds expectations. Was it worth it? Every single penny! Safe to say, my leaps of joy haven’t dwindled one bit since the day I brought it home. How about getting one yourself, what do you say?

Does Roku Ultra LT come with Roku voice remote pro?

Let’s not beat around the bush, straight to the point – the Roku Ultra LT does not include the Roku Voice Remote Pro. Instead, the device comes equipped with its own Roku Enhanced Voice Remote. “So, what’s the difference?” you might ask. Well, one thing to note is that while both remotes provide voice functionality, the Roku Voice Remote Pro offers hands-free voice control. This allows you to utter your commands into the open air, without the need to touch the remote. Quite a perk for those who appreciate a hands-off approach!

However, fear not, with the Roku enhanced voice remote included with Ultra LT, you still get to navigate swiftly through your favorite shows and movies. All you have to do is press the microphone button on the remote to relay your commands. The voice control feature can be a game-changer, especially when you want to channel surf without abandoning your comfy sofa.

What does Roku Ultra LT lack that the regular Roku ultra model has?

The Roku Ultra LT, although a powerful streaming device in its own right, does miss out on certain features that the regular Roku Ultra proudly flaunts. For instance, the Roku Ultra includes a USB port – a feature that’s noticeably missing from the Ultra LT. You might be thinking, “Why the fuss over a USB port?” Well, with a USB port, you can watch your personal videos, view photos, or listen to music files directly from your thumb drive, which brings an added dimension of versatility to your binge-watching sessions, right?

That’s not all, folks! In terms of audio, the regular Roku Ultra supports Dolby Atmos, while the Ultra LT supports only Dolby Audio. For sound aficionados, this can mean a difference in the immersive sound experience. It’s small differences like these that set the Roku Ultra apart from the Ultra LT.

Our post on Roku Ultra vs Ultra LT will give you a detailed comparison between the two models.

Can you use Kodi or Plex on Roku Ultra LT?

If you’re a fan of Kodi or Plex, I’ve got some news for you. While Roku Ultra LT doesn’t directly support Kodi, you can still stream content from Kodi to your Roku device by mirroring it from a mobile device or computer that does support it. It’s not the most straightforward process, but hey, where there’s a will, there’s a way! However, keep in mind that this requires making sure your devices are compatible with screen mirroring.

See more about How you can cast to any Roku device

On the flip side, the Plex media server plays well with the Roku Ultra LT. Aha! This means you can organize and stream your personal collection of movies, TV shows, music, and more from your computer directly to your Roku device. Now, that sounds like a win-win situation, doesn’t it?

To know more about how to use Plex on Roku Ultra LT, consider reading How to Install Plex on Roku.

Conclusion

With a bag full of features and a user-friendly interface, the Roku Ultra LT undeniably makes for a substantial media streaming companion. It might lack a couple of fancy add-ons that the regular Roku Ultra possesses, but its compatibility with a wide variety of applications and channels, along with a reasonably competitive price tag, certainly make it worth a look. Whether you’re a hardcore streaming fan or just dipping your toes into the streaming world, remember, it’s all about prioritizing your needs and making a choice that suits you best. After all, in the world of streaming, one size doesn’t fit all. So, does the Roku Ultra LT pique your interest?

To wrap up, if you’re interested in exploring more options beyond the Roku Ultra LT, you can read the review of the Best streaming devices.