90.4
Best for smart home enthusiasts who want premium sound without the bulk of a full-sized speaker
- 3x Bass vs 2022 Echo Dot
- Wifi 6E & eero Built-in
- Matter & Zigbee Smart Hub
$100
Head to head · Electronics
Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player vs Echo Dot (newest model)
Ravvy scores Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player at 93.5 and Echo Dot (newest model) at 93.48. Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player takes the overall pick, best for home theater enthusiasts and power users who prefer a physical ethernet connection.
Ravvy pick
93.5
$91
The Roku Ultra is the best choice for users who want the most responsive interface possible and a rechargeable remote, even if it carries a premium price tag.
Amazon
Echo Dot (newest model)
93.5
$50
This is the definitive choice for those starting a smart home who want clear audio and automation sensors in a small footprint, provided they do not need to wire it to external speakers.
How they score
| Factor | Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player | Echo Dot (newest model) |
|---|---|---|
| Value | 82 | – |
| Ease of use | 96.5 | – |
| Performance | 98 | – |
| Connectivity | 95 | – |
| Visual Quality | 92 | – |
| Wifi Utility | – | 85 |
| Audio Quality | – | 78.5 |
| Value for Money | – | 91.5 |
| Sensors and Automation | – | 89 |
| Smart Home Integration | – | 94 |
Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player
What owners praise
- Significantly faster interface and app loading
- Backlit remote is perfect for dark home theaters
- Rechargeable battery saves money on AAs
- Reliable Ethernet port for lag-free 4K
- Hands-free voice control works across the room
What to know first
- Larger footprint than discrete HDMI sticks
- Higher price point than most competitors
- Interface design remains somewhat dated
Skip it if budget-conscious viewers with older non-4k televisions
Echo Dot (newest model)
What owners praise
- Significantly improved bass and vocal clarity
- Built-in eero wifi extender functionality
- Integrated temperature and motion sensors for automation
- Responsive tap-to-snooze physical interaction
- Broad compatibility with Matter and major streaming services
What to know first
- No 3.5mm audio output for external speakers
- eero extension limited to 100 Mbps speeds
- Mono speaker configuration lacks true stereo separation
Skip it if audiophiles seeking stereo sound or physical audio output
Specs side by side
| Spec | Ultra, Ultimate Streaming Player | Echo Dot (newest model) |
|---|---|---|
| UPC | 829610006888 | – |
| ASIN | B0DF44RTTP | – |
| GTIN | 829610006888 | – |
| Brand | Roku | – |
| Color | Ultra (with Wi-Fi 6) | – |
| Model Name | Roku Ultra 2024 | – |
| Resolution | 4k | – |
| Form Factor | TV Box | – |
| Item Weight | 18 g | – |
| Video Codec | H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, AV1, VP9, HDR10/10+, Dolby Vision | – |
| Manufacturer | Roku | – |
| Model Number | 4850R | – |
Other options in this category
90.0
Amazon
Echo Dot (newest model)
Best for small to medium rooms needing a mix of smart control and background music.
- Custom full-range driver
- Integrated eero Mesh technology
- Ambient temperature sensing
$50
89.9
Best for budget conscious streamers and secondary bedroom tvs.
- 1080p Full HD playback
- Alexa Voice Remote included
- HDR10 and HLG support
$35