Roku Express
Score: 67/100
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select offers a budget-friendly 4K experience with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Alexa voice control. Its trade-offs include only 1 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 5 connectivity and modest storage. Best suited for cost-conscious users who want solid 4K streaming without premium features.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 1 GBbest | |
— | 8 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.2 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 31 gbest | 42.5 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 | Vega OS 1.1 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11bgn | Wi-Fi 5 |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | IR Simple Remote | Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 31 g | 42.5 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 71x20x38 mm mm | 29.93×14.0×108.2 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.
“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”
“Fastest app launch for any in its price range... big, bright, crisp signal.”
Professional hands-on reviewers commend the Fire TV Stick 4K Select for delivering the fastest app launches and a bright, crisp 4K picture at an affordable price, emphasizing its Dolby Vision/Atmos support and AI search. However, they criticize its outdated 1 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 5 radio and overall lack of premium features, labeling it under-featured compared to newer sticks.
Everyday users appreciate the smooth 4K streaming, quick app loading, Alexa voice control and the inclusion of free ad-supported TV and cloud gaming. Recurring complaints focus on occasional UI lag, limited storage/RAM and occasional incompatibility with certain apps, as well as the older Wi-Fi standard.
