Choosing the right 4K streaming device in 2025 often comes down to Roku Ultra (2022) vs the latest Fire TV Cube. While both offer premium streaming, their strengths cater to different user needs — Roku focuses on simplicity and wide platform compatibility, while Fire TV Cube leans into Alexa integration and smart home control.
In this comparison, we break down key features, interface differences, and smart home capabilities.
Design & Hardware Overview
Roku Ultra (2022)
Compact set-top box form
USB port + Ethernet + microSD slot
Remote with headphone jack, personal shortcuts
Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Cube-shaped design with built-in Alexa mic array
Ethernet adapter included in box
IR blaster for controlling TVs, soundbars, cable boxes
✅ Best for: Those needing IR control or hands-free Alexa ✅ Roku Ultra for: More media port flexibility and direct USB playback
Interface & Ease of Use
| Feature | Roku Ultra | Fire TV Cube |
| Home UI | Simple, ad-lite | Busy, Amazon-focused |
| App availability | Broad, platform-agnostic | Full support + Alexa bias |
| Voice assistant | Roku Voice, Siri via AirPlay | Alexa built-in |
| Setup simplicity | Very user-friendly | Slightly more complex |
✅ Winner for Clean UI: Roku Ultra ✅ Winner for Smart Home Voice Control: Fire TV Cube
Audio & Video Support
| Format/Feature | Roku Ultra (2022) | Fire TV Cube |
| Dolby Vision | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| HDR10+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| HDMI passthrough | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Performance & Speed
Roku Ultra: Fast boot-up, minimal lag, stable performance with wired Ethernet
Fire TV Cube: Excellent speed and multitasking, especially with Alexa queries and picture-in-picture
✅ Winner for multitasking and voice AI: Fire TV Cube ✅ Winner for stability and simplicity: Roku Ultra
Smart Home Features
Fire TV Cube:
Native Alexa integration
Supports routines, smart lights, thermostat, and camera views
Roku Ultra:
Works with Apple AirPlay, Google Assistant, Alexa (limited)
No built-in voice mic — voice via remote only
✅ Best for Smart Home Control: Fire TV Cube
Price & Value
Roku Ultra (2022): ~$99
Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen): ~$139
✅ Roku wins on price-to-feature ratio for users who don’t need voice-first Alexa ✅ Fire TV Cube justifies premium with Alexa integration and IR blaster features
Final Recommendation
| Best For… | Recommended Device |
| Simpler UI + Fast Navigation | Roku Ultra (2022) |
| Alexa integration + smart control | Fire TV Cube |
| USB media playback + private audio | Roku Ultra (2022) |
| Whole-home Alexa use | Fire TV Cube |