When comparing the Roku Ultra 2019 vs 2020, it is easy to see why the distinction causes confusion. Both devices represent the pinnacle of Roku's plug-and-play streaming player lineup, sharing the same core philosophy of delivering a premium viewing experience without the complexities of smart television interfaces. For the average consumer, the differences can seem negligible at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals meaningful updates that impact usability, performance, and future-proofing. This analysis breaks down the specific changes to help you determine which model aligns best with your needs.
At the hardware level, the most significant visual and tactile change in the Roku Ultra 2020 is the complete removal of the physical buttons found on the 2019 model. The 2019 unit featured dedicated buttons for play, back, and home, which provided a tactile response and allowed for basic navigation without relying on the remote exclusively. The 2020 version adopts a completely minimalist design, relying solely on the remote control for all interaction. While this gives the 2020 model a cleaner, more modern aesthetic, it introduces a potential frustration: if the remote fails, the player itself becomes entirely unresponsive, offering no manual override.
Remote Control Evolution
The remote control is the primary interface for the Roku Ultra, and comparing the 2019 and 2020 models highlights a shift toward greater convenience. The 2019 remote was a robust, high-end infrared (IR) unit with a physical headphone jack, USB-C port for charging, and a cradle that blocked the infrared sensor when not in use. The 2020 remote, however, is a true Radio Frequency (RF) remote. This change eliminates the need to point the remote directly at the player and removes the cradle entirely. The RF remote offers a longer range and works through obstacles, making it a more practical upgrade for entertainment centers where the player is often tucked away.
Voice Search and Connectivity
Both models utilize the same voice remote, which is a standout feature of the Roku ecosystem. This remote includes a physical button for activating Google Assistant or Alexa, allowing for hands-free searching of content, live sports scores, and smart home commands. In terms of connectivity, both the 2019 and 2020 support dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring a stable, high-speed connection for 4K streaming. The 2020 model, however, officially supports the 6GHz Wi-Fi band, which is less congested than the 5GHz band used by the 2019, potentially resulting in slightly more stable wireless performance in busy household environments.
| Feature | Roku Ultra 2019 | Roku Ultra 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Buttons | Yes (Play, Back, Home) | No |
| Remote Type | Infrared (IR) | Radio Frequency (RF) |
| Wi-Fi Bands | Dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) | Tri-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz) |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm (Located on remote) | 3.5mm (Located on remote) |
| Ethernet Port | Yes | Yes |
The internal specifications of the two players are nearly identical, which is reassuring for performance consistency. Both the Roku Ultra 2019 and 2020 are powered by a 64-bit quad-core processor, accompanied by 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. This hardware configuration ensures smooth navigation, quick app launching, and seamless 4K/HDR playback. Neither model is likely to experience performance degradation during standard streaming tasks, as the bottleneck for most users will be their internet connection speed rather than the player's capabilities.
HDR support is another area where both models excel, removing the need to deliberate over which supports high dynamic range. Both the 2019 and 2020 versions support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). This ensures that regardless of which you choose, you will be able to enjoy the widest color gamut and contrast ratios available from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. The inclusion of Dolby Vision is particularly significant, as it provides a superior picture quality experience on compatible TVs, making the Roku Ultra one of the best choices for HDR viewing in the streaming device market.
When deciding between the Roku Ultra 2019 vs 2020, the choice often comes down to availability and personal preference regarding the remote. If you prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons and the simplicity of an IR remote that does not rely on batteries, the 2019 model is still a fantastic option, especially if found at a lower price point. Conversely, if you value the streamlined design and the superior range and reliability of an RF remote that works without line-of-sight, the 2020 model represents the evolutionary step forward. Both devices deliver the same core promise of a simple, robust, and high-fidelity streaming experience, ensuring that your investment in either will be a satisfying one.
