Get more from a Roku you already own with voice commands, private listening, media sharing, Guest Mode, and a way to play audio with a Roku TV’s display off. The options depend on your Roku model, remote, Roku OS version, and region, so check the matching settings and compatibility before troubleshooting or buying accessories.
Use voice commands for more than searches
A paired Roku voice remote can search and control supported features without being pointed at the player or TV. With a push-to-talk remote, hold the voice button while speaking; hands-free commands require a compatible Roku Voice Remote Pro model and hands-free voice enabled. Roku lists voice search and control in English, German, Portuguese, French, and Spanish in supported countries. Finding movies, shows, and actors is listed as US English only, so commands and results can vary by region and device.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Try commands such as searching for comedies, opening The Roku Channel, turning captions on, showing news, or playing music. These are examples, not guarantees that every command or service is available on every Roku.
Recommended Free Tools
See Roku’s voice remote guide and voice search and control instructions for pairing and supported commands.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Find a misplaced remote
Lost Remote Finder works only with compatible voice remotes that have a built-in speaker. Roku says speaker holes on the back can help identify supported remotes. When triggered by a supported method, the remote can play a sound for up to 60 seconds.
Depending on the setup, you may be able to start the sound with a hands-free voice command, in the Roku mobile app, or with a physical finder button on some players, including certain Roku Ultra models. The sound will not play if the remote’s batteries are dead or too low, or if it is outside wireless-network range. If your remote does not have the feature, check compatibility before purchasing an upgraded remote.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Roku explains supported remotes and recovery options in its Lost Remote Finder guide and lost-remote guidance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Listen privately through a supported Roku route
Private listening is available through some Roku voice remotes with a headphone jack or through the Roku mobile app for iOS and Android on supported devices. The app route is not universal: if the headphone icon is missing, your Roku setup may not support mobile Headphone Mode. Roku’s private-listening troubleshooting guide covers this issue.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
For a smoother start, connect headphones and activate private listening before starting a movie or show. If you switch it on during playback, Roku says the video may stop and restart while audio synchronizes. Do not assume any Bluetooth headphones can pair directly with any Roku; use a supported remote or app path for your device.
Choose the right way to share phone or computer media
Roku supports several ways to put content on a TV, but they do different jobs. Play on Roku and Photo Streams are for personal media; AirPlay works with compatible Apple devices; screen mirroring replicates a supported source screen; and casting sends supported movies or shows from a compatible app. Choose based on what you want to show, the source device, and your Roku’s compatibility.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
| Method | Best suited to | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Play on Roku or Photo Streams | Personal media such as photos or videos | Roku app and device support; consult Roku’s ways to share phone media. |
| AirPlay | Compatible Apple devices | Compatible Roku model and software, plus a shared wireless network. Roku lists certain device families and notes that some require Roku OS 10.0 or later; check its AirPlay and HomeKit compatibility guide. |
| Screen mirroring | Showing a supported phone, tablet, or computer screen | Android and Windows setup begins on the source device, and you must allow the connection request on the Roku. See Roku’s screen-mirroring guide. |
| Casting | Continuing a supported movie or show from a compatible app | Support depends on the app, source device, and Roku; casting does not necessarily mirror the entire screen. Roku’s media-sharing guide outlines the options. |
AirPlay and mirroring are not interchangeable: the former is for compatible Apple devices, while supported Android and Windows devices can initiate screen mirroring. If a Roku TV or Streambar needs to stay connected while powered off, Fast TV Start on Roku TVs or Fast start on Streambars can keep the network connection active. Roku warns these options use significantly more power than normal standby.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Set up Guest Mode before visitors arrive
Guest Mode lets visitors sign in to their own apps and services on your Roku rather than use your accounts. The owner enables it from Settings on the Roku device or through a Roku account and must enter the owner’s Roku PIN. Menu names can vary; some Roku OS versions call the feature Auto Sign Out. Availability also varies by region.
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Guests select an automatic sign-out date. Roku says they cannot access the owner’s apps or make purchases billed to the host account, and the owner can sign them out remotely. On sign-out, added apps and account information are removed. Follow Roku’s owner setup guide or guest instructions for the relevant steps.
Play audio with a Roku TV’s display off
This is a Roku TV feature, not a general streaming-player setting. While content is playing, press Star on the Roku TV remote and choose Options > Picture off (which may be labeled Turn off display), then press OK. Audio continues; press OK again to restore the picture. Roku says it works with apps and inputs, and describes Fast TV Start as a way to start audio or use voice commands with the screen off.
Roku streaming players—including Express, Streaming Stick, and Ultra—do not support this screen-off feature. See Roku’s Roku TV screen-off audio guide for details.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
