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 |
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.
“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.
