Roku Express
Score: 67/100
Roku Express 4K+
Score: 68/100Rankings
Roku Express 4K+ provides compact 4K/HDR streaming with a voice remote that also controls TV power, volume, and mute, making setup effortless. Its drawbacks include the absence of Ethernet, limited 1 GB RAM and 16 GB storage, and lack of Dolby Vision or Atmos support. Best suited for users who want an affordable, easy-to-use 4K streamer for secondary rooms.
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 | |
— | 16 GBbest | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.2 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 31 gbest | 45.4 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 UHD |
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Version | HDMI 1.4b | HDMI 2.0 |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11bgn | 802.11ac |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | IR Simple Remote | Voice remote with TV power, volume, mute |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 31 g | 45.4 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 71x20x38 mm mm | 40.64×21.08×76.2 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.
Professional reviewers praise the Roku Express 4K+ for its brilliant 4K picture quality, smooth dual-band Wi-Fi streaming, and convenient voice remote, while noting the lack of Ethernet, limited RAM/storage, and absence of Dolby Vision/Atmos.
Everyday users praise the device's effortless setup, reliable 4K/HDR streaming, and handy voice remote, but complain about occasional Wi-Fi buffering, limited storage, and lack of Ethernet or premium HDR/audio formats.
“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”
