While smart TVs have become the standard for households across the U.S., some people prefer to stick to regular models, or “dumb” TVs. But there are ways to turn an old dumb TV into a smart TV and one of the most popular solutions is the Roku streaming stick. Because there are so many streaming options out there, it’s worth looking at what Roku offers and if it still stands out among the rest.

Roku streaming players start at a very affordable $29.99, making it an appealing option if you want to upgrade without having to replace your existing TV. Roku is also easy to set up, along with thousands of apps that cover everything from sports to news and more, including the best TV streaming apps. Certain models also have handy features like voice search, customizable recommendations, and support for casting from other devices. Independent testing and reviews continue to place Roku among the top streaming devices available in 2026.

But Roku is changing how the platform works, with a bigger focus on advertising and personalized recommendations. While Roku says these changes make it easier for viewers to find content, the increased ad presence has negatively impacted the streaming experience for some consumers. Roku owners have complained about hardware reliability and customer service as well, creating frustration for some long-time users. In the end, Roku is still worth buying for its value and capability, but it’s important to understand the trade-offs before making that purchase.

The future of Roku streaming may look very different after Fox’s $22 billion acquisition of the company. The deal was announced in June of 2026, and it’s expected to bring together Fox’s live sports, news, and entertainment content with the Roku streaming platform, the Roku Channel, and connected TV technology. Both companies state their merger will create a larger media platform, with access to over 100 million global streaming households. Advertising and content distribution opportunities are both expected to expand as a result.

The acquisition could also change how Roku users interact with the platform moving forward. While Roku and Fox have both said the service will remain open to other partners, the deal gives Fox control over both produced content and the platform itself. This could possibly lead to deeper integration between the two companies, including changes to content recommendations or app placement. However, the full impact of this merger will likely not be felt until everything is finalized.

In terms of what Roku users should expect in the short-term, the deal is not expected to close until 2027. This means that current devices should continue to operate normally, at least for now. But once the merger is finalized, the most obvious way to know if changes have been implemented is through the home screen. If Fox takes more real estate on the screen, or if advertising expands beyond what it is now, it could be due to the new deal.