Roku Express
Score: 67/100
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a hands-free 4K streaming box with a powerful octa-core CPU and full HDR/Dolby Atmos support. Its bulkier form factor, lack of gaming-focused features and occasional ad-laden UI are trade-offs. Ideal for Alexa-centric homes that value HDMI switching and high-speed Wi-Fi 6E.
The Roku Express HD is an ultra-compact streaming stick delivering 1080p video with a simple IR remote and access to over 400 free channels. It lacks HDR and dual-band Wi-Fi, which can limit picture quality and network performance. Ideal for budget-conscious users with HD TVs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 2 GBbest | |
— | 16 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.2 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 31 gbest | 513 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Display(2) | ||
HDR Support | false | true |
Maximum Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Roku OS | Fire OS 7 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio/MAT, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3, FLAC, MP3, PCM/Wave, Vorbis |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 1.4b | 2.1 |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11bgn | Wi-Fi 6E |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | IR Simple Remote | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 31 g | 513 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 71x20x38 mm mm | 86×77×86 mm mm |
Professional reviewers commend the Roku Express HD for its upgraded storage, fast app launches, and the clean, intuitive Roku OS that gives access to a massive channel lineup. They also note the device's tiny footprint and broad smart-home integration as strong points. However, they criticize the lack of HDR, occasional app lag, and the reliance on single-band Wi-Fi, which can hinder performance in busy network environments.
Everyday users praise the device for its plug-and-play simplicity, reliable 1080p streaming, and the huge library of free channels, especially for secondary or guest TVs. Recurring complaints focus on slower app loads, the absence of 4K/HDR, and the basic IR remote that requires line-of-sight, with some noting Wi-Fi buffering in crowded homes.
Professional reviewers praise the Fire TV Cube for its powerful octa-core CPU, comprehensive HDR and Dolby Atmos support, and the unique hands-free Alexa with HDMI input that simplifies switching between streaming and live sources. However, they note the mediocre SDR upscaling, lack of gaming-focused features like VRR/ALLM, and a bulkier form factor compared to slimmer competitors.
Everyday users consistently highlight the convenience of hands-free Alexa, rapid app launches, and excellent 4K/Dolby Vision picture quality, while expressing frustration over intrusive ads, occasional voice-recognition hiccups, and sub-par upscaling of non-4K content.
“perfect for new users yet powerful for pros”
“Seamless HD streaming for beginners, quick setup, vast free/premium content access, and reliability for casual viewing”
