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 |
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”
