I spend a lot of time testing streaming devices, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Google TV Streamer, Apple TV 4K, and the Roku Ultra. For a while, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max was my go-to streaming device because it was affordable, user-friendly, and offered the features I wanted, such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.
Earlier this year, though, I picked up a Roku Ultra to get back into the Roku streaming world. Since then, it’s become the streaming device I use every day, whether I’m watching free channels on The Roku Channel (aff) or binging shows and movies on HBO Max, Netflix, or Disney+.
That said, as I usually do with all my devices, I spent some time tinkering with the settings and features on my Roku Ultra to get the experience just right. Out of the box, the home screen can feel a bit cluttered, and over time, Roku devices can slow down, which can negatively affect the experience. Roku also includes several useful features that are somewhat hidden and often overlooked, even though they can noticeably improve the overall experience.
With that in mind, whether you have a Roku Ultra, a Roku Streaming Stick, or a Roku smart TV, here are four essential tweaks and features I recommend trying. They’ll help you access your favorite apps faster, keep your device running smoothly, and even improve your audio experience.
Clean up the home screen
Make it easier to jump into your favorite apps
