Roku says it has reaffirmed its place as the most popular streaming box after announcing that it has sold over 10 million devices since launching in 2008.

The US-based company, which competes against Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire TV and Google’s Chromecast, said the figure is an increase of two million from early this year, when it sold more than eight million Rokus.

The "over-the-top" purple box, which gives viewers access to streaming services, such as Netflix, via their television sets, has more than 1,800 channels and has streamed more than five billion hours since its launch.

The company claims the device aggregates 37 million hours of video streamed per week compared to Apple TV at 15 million hours, Chromecast at 12 million hours and Amazon Fire TV at six million hours.

The company added that it’s on track to stream 2.7 billion hours this year, up from 1.7 billion in 2013.

"We’re thrilled that Roku is recognized for making America’s favourite streaming players," said Anthony Wood, Roku founder and CEO.

"Our goal is make TV better for everyone and that single focus guides us to create better ways for consumers to easily and instantly enjoy the best streaming entertainment. With the recent launch of Roku TV, we’re offering even more ways to stream."

The announcement comes after Apple said it sold more than 20m units of Apple TV in April this year, up from 13 million in May 2013.

In June, Roku partnered with ITV to make the broadcaster’s ITV Player catch-up service available on Roku’s internet boxes in the UK.