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 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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”
