On November 27, 2025, tech deal tracker Michael, founder of michaelsafedealss.com, dropped a bombshell in a YouTube video: the Roku Ultra was slashed to $69.99—a $30 discount off its regular $99.99 price. That’s not just a sale. That’s a rarity. Michael, who’s tracked Roku pricing for years, called it his "number one pick," noting that $30 off happens maybe once every two years. For context, the Ultra typically sees $20 off during holiday sales, but never this deep. If you’re shopping for a streaming stick this year, this is the one to grab—before it’s gone.
Why the Roku Ultra Is a Game-Changer
The Roku Ultra isn’t just another streaming box. It’s Roku’s flagship device, packed with features most competitors don’t even offer. There’s the backlit remote—yes, the actual remote glows in the dark—which Michael highlighted as a game-changer for late-night binge sessions. It supports 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, and even has a headphone jack for private listening. Plus, it includes a USB port for local media playback and Ethernet for rock-solid Wi-Fi alternatives. At $69.99, you’re getting premium hardware at a budget price. Michael didn’t mince words: "If it’s in your budget, it’s Roku’s most powerful and feature-packed device. And I really like the backlit remote."
Other Roku Deals: Stick Plus and 4K at Half Price
For those who don’t need the Ultra’s bells and whistles, Roku’s entry-level sticks are having their own moment. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is down to $19.99, nearly half its normal $39.99 price. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is also on sale, though exact pricing wasn’t specified—only that both models support 4K streaming and are among Michael’s top two recommended budget picks. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re fully functional, reliable devices that outperform far pricier competitors.
Amazon Fire TV Gets a Major Cut Too
Don’t think Amazon’s sitting this one out. Michael tested and confirmed the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K Plus are both discounted 40% to 50%. That puts them in the same price range as the cheaper Rokus. The catch? They’re tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. If you’re already deep into Alexa, Prime Video, or Audible, this might be the better fit. But for pure streaming flexibility, Roku still wins. Michael’s verdict: "They’re priced about the same as the affordable Rokus—but Roku’s interface is cleaner, and the ad load is lighter."
Streaming Services: Friendly TV, Peacock, Paramount Plus, and Sling TV
The real bonus? The deals extend beyond hardware. Roku, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is pushing its own service: Friendly TV. For the first three months, its premium plan is just 99 cents per month—through Cyber Monday (December 1, 2025). Michael confirmed it’s the full-tier plan, not a stripped-down version. That’s a steal for a service that normally costs $11.99/month.
And here’s the twist: you can now choose between Peacock (owned by NBCUniversal Media, LLC) and Paramount Plus (owned by Paramount Global), and switch every 90 days. That’s a new perk, and it’s better than ever. Meanwhile, Sling TV, operated by Dish Network L.L.C. in Englewood, Colorado, is offering day passes for just $1. Perfect for one-off events like a playoff game or a concert stream.
Why This Deal Won’t Last
Michael stressed one thing repeatedly: this $30 discount on the Roku Ultra is "way less common." He’s watched it drop to $20 off four or five times a year. But $30? That’s a Black Friday anomaly. Historically, Roku’s top-tier device doesn’t see discounts this steep outside of rare holiday events—like the 2021 holiday season, when it briefly hit $79.99. This is deeper. And with demand expected to spike, inventory will vanish fast. "Don’t wait," he warned. "If you’re thinking about it tomorrow, it might already be gone."
There’s no price prediction beyond December 1. No promise of restocks. Just a narrow window: Black Friday 2025 (November 28) through Cyber Monday (December 1). And if you’re not buying now, you’re paying full price later.
What’s Next? Don’t Miss Cyber Monday
Michael’s site, michaelsafedealss.com, is updating deals in real time. He’s tracking price drops, restocks, and even bundle offers. His advice? Set a reminder for December 1. Some services, like Friendly TV’s 99-cent trial, expire that day. And if you missed the Ultra, there’s always a chance Fire TV deals get deeper—or Roku releases a surprise discount on the Express 4K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roku Ultra worth $69.99 compared to cheaper Roku sticks?
Absolutely—if you want the best experience. The Ultra has a backlit remote, Ethernet port, and superior processing power for 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos. The Streaming Stick Plus at $19.99 is great for basic use, but the Ultra handles multitasking, voice search, and app loading faster. For households with multiple streams or smart home integration, the Ultra’s advantages are noticeable.
Can I really switch between Peacock and Paramount Plus every 90 days?
Yes. Roku’s new perk system lets you pick either Peacock (NBCUniversal) or Paramount Plus (Paramount Global) as your included service, and you can swap them every 90 days. This gives you flexibility to follow seasonal content—like NFL games on Peacock or Yellowstone on Paramount Plus—without paying twice. It’s a rare, user-friendly benefit that’s better than most cable bundles.
Are Amazon Fire TV devices better than Roku for voice control?
If you use Alexa daily, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a natural fit. But Roku’s voice search is more accurate for finding content across apps, and its interface is cleaner with fewer ads. Amazon’s ecosystem pulls you deeper into Prime, Audible, and shopping. Roku keeps it simple: just watch. For most users, Roku wins on usability. For Amazon loyalists, Fire TV makes sense.
Why is Friendly TV only 99 cents for three months?
Roku, Inc. acquired Friendly TV to expand its ad-supported content library and compete with Netflix and Hulu. The 99-cent trial is a customer acquisition play—get you hooked on the premium tier, then upsell you at $11.99/month. It’s a common strategy in streaming, but the discount here is unusually aggressive. Don’t expect this deal to return.
What happens after Cyber Monday? Will these deals come back?
The Roku Ultra’s $69.99 price won’t return until next Black Friday—or possibly never. Michael’s data shows it’s dropped to $79.99 only twice since 2022. Friendly TV’s 99-cent offer is time-limited and likely won’t be repeated. Fire TV discounts may return in January or during Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale, but the current 40–50% off is the deepest of the year. If you need a new streaming device, now is the time.
Is Sling TV’s $1 day pass worth it?
If you only need one day of live TV—say, for a playoff game, concert, or special event—it’s a no-brainer. Sling TV’s day pass gives you access to 30+ live channels, including ESPN, TNT, and local news. Normally $10, this $1 offer is a promotional gimmick, but it’s real. Just make sure to cancel before the 24 hours are up if you don’t want a subscription.
