Enjoyed Roku, and now you want it on every TV in your house?
If you have, this question will naturally come up, “Do I need a Roku for each TV?”
As technology advances, we’re all striving to simplify our entertainment systems.
Let me be straightforward and answer the question.
The answer is yes—you will need a separate Roku device for each TV in your home.
Roku devices are designed to connect to a single television but not exclusively.
If you only watch one TV at a time, you could always unplug the Roku player from one TV and plug it into another.
However, this method can be cumbersome, especially for those with multiple TV users in the household.
Let me tell you more about the Roku devices.
Multiple Roku devices vs one Roku for multiple TVs: A comparison
Multiple Roku devices
Having multiple Roku devices offers the benefits of individualized streaming experiences, customized homescreen, and simultaneous viewing on multiple TVs.
In a nutshell, buy a Roku device for each TV if you want to use Roku at the same time, like you want to watch different shows or movies simultaneously.
This can be especially useful for families with diverse viewing preferences or for hosting watch parties.
With each TV connected to its own Roku, everyone can enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and events without having to compromise on selection or quality.
However, it also presents drawbacks in terms of cost, and Wi-Fi bandwidth consumption.
Purchasing multiple devices can be costly, especially if you have multiple TVs throughout your home.
Moreover, all Roku devices require a stable internet connection to deliver the best streaming experience.
Setting up multiple Roku devices on a single Wi-Fi network can consume a significant amount of bandwidth, potentially causing slower internet speeds for the rest of your devices.
A strong Wi-Fi connection is essential for seamless streaming, especially for content in HD (High Definition) and 4K quality.
Some Roku models also offer Ethernet connectivity options, allowing you to directly plug in an Ethernet cable for a more stable, wired connection.
This can be advantageous if you’re experiencing Wi-Fi interference or if your Wi-Fi network is unable to deliver the bandwidth necessary for high-quality streaming.
Speaking of bandwidth, different streaming qualities require different amounts of internet speed.
Let’s break it down:
- For standard definition content, it’s advisable to have an internet speed of at least 3 Mbps.
- For HD (720p) content, a minimum of 5 Mbps is recommended.
- For Full-HD (1080p) content with HDR capabilities, aim for a consistent 10-15 Mbps connection.
- And for 4K streaming, an impressive 25 Mbps is the suggested minimum speed.
Keep in mind that if you’re using multiple devices on the same Wi-Fi network at the same time, the overall internet speed may be divided among them, affecting the streaming experience.
In such cases, I recommend using a wired Ethernet connection or upgrading your home internet plan to support higher speeds.
One Roku for multiple TVs
Are you secretly praying that a single Roku device could serve all your TVs?
Here’s some good news: if you’re watching your spending right now, switching a single Roku device between TVs is a feasible alternative.
If you don’t mind the hassles of disconnecting and reconnecting your Roku to different TVs as needed, then this could work for you.
This can be a great solution if you’re not usually utilizing multiple TVs at the same time.
It could be a viable option if you’re planning to move the Roku device only on specific occasions, like when you have a guest staying over and you want to offer them quality entertainment in the guest room.
Plus, employing a single Roku device rather than several can reduce the load on your Wi-Fi network.
One more perk of moving one Roku from one TV to another is it retains its current settings and apps. It will appear and operate just like it did where you first set it up.
Although it’s a more budget-friendly solution, do bear in mind the potential risk of harming the device or your TV’s HDMI port due to frequent plugging and unplugging – which is something you shouldn’t overlook.
The cost of owning multiple Roku devices
As you ponder over improving your home streaming system, the expense associated with owning multiple Roku devices becomes a key factor.
I often point out that having multiple Roku devices isn’t exactly cheap, but how much exactly are we talking about?
Let’s dissect the costs associated with having several Roku devices and glance at some alternative options.
There’s a variety to pick from, such as the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express, Roku Premiere, and Roku Ultra. Each brings its own unique features to the table, like voice-controlled remote or 4K HDR support.
The costs for these devices fluctuate between $30 and $100, depending on the features and capabilities provided.
I’d suggest checking out the Roku website for precise pricing.
Consider the needs of your household and the TVs you’ll be using the devices with before deciding on specific models.
When you factor in the costs of adding multiple devices to your setup, it can add up quickly. Still, the convenience and entertainment value are worth considering.
Luckily, there’s no extra monthly fee for using several Roku devices on the same account.
So, aside from the initial investment in the devices themselves, you won’t need to worry about recurring charges.
However, apart from the upfront cost of each Roku device, you also need to consider the recurring costs tied to streaming service subscriptions.
Platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus come with a monthly fee, so keep these expenditures in mind while setting your budget.
Another cost-saving tip is to use the Roku app as a backup remote.
Consider this: if your Roku app is already synced with your Roku device, there’s no need to panic and buy a new remote straight away if your current one breaks down.
This could save you from an unexpected expense.
Instead, you can rely on your Roku app for the time being, until you’re ready to invest in a replacement.
Managing subscriptions on multiple Roku devices
Managing multiple Roku devices can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to channels and subscriptions – that’s a myth!
You can easily manage your Roku channels and subscriptions using your Roku account and remote.
When you find a channel you want on the Channel Store, you just need to click on Add channel and it will be added to your Roku account and available on all your Roku devices.
Now, you might have multiple subscriptions to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+.
To make sure you have access to these services on each of your Roku devices, you need to sign in with your Roku account.
This way, all your subscriptions will be synced across your Roku streaming players and Roku TV, making it easy to enjoy your favorite content on any TV in your home.
If you ever need to tweak your subscriptions, you can simply visit your Roku account.
From there, updating your payment method, modifying subscriptions, or even canceling a subscription you no longer want is straightforward.
You can also keep tabs on the channels you’ve subscribed to, like The Roku Channel or other streaming services.
With your trusty Roku remote, accessing your preferred channels and streaming services becomes a snap.
Plus, with the help of the search function on the Roku device, you can find specific content across multiple channels and apps.
This makes your quest to find exactly what you’re in the mood to watch a whole lot easier, without having to sift through each app individually.
Tips for Better Roku Streaming
With these tips, you’re on your way to enjoying the best streaming experience that Roku has to offer, and making the most out of your connected TVs.
1. Ensure a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection
Roku devices are designed to be user-friendly, but streaming performance is heavily impacted by the quality of your Wi-Fi network.
To avoid buffering and lag, make sure your Wi-Fi network has enough bandwidth to support streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, especially if you’re using multiple Rokus on different TVs.
2. Connect it to the right type of HDMI port
Some Roku devices, like the Roku Streaming Stick+ and Roku Ultra, support 4K HDR streaming, so it’s essential to connect them to an HDMI port that can handle the higher-quality video signals.
3. Install the Roku app
Now, let’s talk about the remote.
A single Roku remote is designed to control only one Roku device at a time.
If it gets lost, what will you use then?
To have an always-ready alternative remote, install the Roku app on your phone.
Aside from using it as a backup remote, the Roku app allows you to switch between controlling different Roku devices within your household.
With the app, you can also add voice control for easier navigation.
Voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa can help you launch apps, control playback, and search for content hands-free.
Added bonus – some Roku remotes come with a headphone jack for private listening; the app also supports this feature, allowing you to listen to movies and music without disturbing others.
4. Organize your favorite channels
When it comes to entertainment, Roku devices offer a wide range of channels and apps to choose from. From watching movies to streaming music or YouTube videos, there’s no shortage of content.
To stay organized, explore the Roku interface for easy access to your favorite channels.
Move the most frequently used channels to the top of your Roku home screen for quicker navigation.
5. Add a Roku streambar or soundbar (optional)
If you’re looking to upgrade your home theater setup with a Roku device, consider adding a Roku Streambar or Roku soundbar with a wireless subwoofer.
This way, you’ll not only amp up your streaming experience but also boost your audio for a more immersive movie or music time.
Wrapping up
I believe that investing in a separate Roku device for every TV will make your content-viewing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
It’ll cut down on the time spent moving the device between TVs, reduce wear and tear on your HDMI ports, and let household members with varying content tastes enjoy their shows without any quarrels.
However, the ultimate call of whether to equip each of your TVs with a Roku device is yours.
After all, you can certainly use a single Roku on multiple TVs if moving it from one TV to another isn’t a hassle for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Roku devices should I get?
If you have multiple TVs that you intend to use at the same time for streaming, you should get one Roku for each. However, if you only have one TV or if you’re comfortable with moving the device from one TV to another as needed, a single Roku device would suffice.
How many devices can be added on a single Roku account?
A single Roku account supports up to 20 devices. Just make sure your home internet has the bandwidth to seamlessly stream on multiple devices.
Can I use an HDMI splitter to connect a single Roku device to multiple TVs?
While this is technically possible, it has its drawbacks. An HDMI splitter will let you display the same content on multiple TVs at once, but you can’t watch different shows on each TV with this setup. So, if you want varied content on each TV, this approach won’t work.
Do I need a Roku Device if I own a smart TV?
If your smart TV is already equipped with all the streaming services you want, including 4K and HDR support, you probably don’t need a Roku. However, if you aim for a smoother user interface, and access to apps your smart TV doesn’t support, getting a Roku device could be beneficial.