Not everyone wants to share their TV audio. Whether you’re watching a late-night thriller or enjoying music alone, Roku Ultra’s private listening feature offers a flexible and powerful way to keep sound personal — without disturbing others.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Roku Ultra handles private listening, compare it to other devices, and offer the best setup tips for a seamless, quiet streaming experience.
What Is Private Listening on Roku Ultra?
Private Listening lets you stream TV audio directly to your headphones — either via:
Roku Voice Remote Pro (3.5mm headphone jack)
Roku Mobile App (streams wirelessly to your phone, which then connects to Bluetooth/plugged-in headphones)
How It Works
Method 1: Using the Roku Remote Headphone Jack
Plug wired headphones into the Roku remote
Audio instantly switches from TV to headphones
Volume can be controlled separately via the remote
Method 2: Using the Roku App
Open Roku App on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
Tap the headphone icon to start private listening
Connect Bluetooth headphones to your phone — audio syncs wirelessly
Why Roku Ultra Stands Out for Private Listening
| Feature | Roku Ultra | Fire TV Cube | Apple TV 4K |
| Wired Headphone Support | ✅ via remote | ❌ | ❌ |
| Bluetooth Headphone Support | ✅ via mobile app | ✅ (limited) | ✅ (AirPods only optimal) |
| Multi-user audio streaming | ✅ with app | ❌ | ❌ |
| Remote with volume + mute | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
✅ Best for night watchers, shared apartments, dorm rooms, and parents
Setup Tips for Flawless Private Listening
Ensure your Roku remote is charged (if using Pro model)
Keep your phone and Roku on the same Wi-Fi network for smooth app sync
If you experience lag with Bluetooth, use wired headphones via the remote
Set up volume leveling under Settings > Audio to avoid loud jumps
Additional Use Cases
Multi-room audio control – Switch between TV sound and headphones without interrupting playback
Private music streaming – Use Roku app for music platforms like Spotify while others sleep
Kids content audio – Keep Peppa Pig or cartoons private to avoid disturbing other rooms
Final Thoughts – Is Roku Ultra the Best for Private Listening?
Yes — thanks to its dual private listening options, Roku Ultra stands out as one of the most versatile streaming devices in 2025 for quiet, personal entertainment.
You don’t need extra hardware or complicated Bluetooth setups. Whether you prefer physical headphones or wireless ones through the app, Roku makes personal audio simple and reliable.