Roku Express
Score: 62/100
Roku Premiere
Score: 72/100Rankings
The Roku Premiere delivers smooth 4K/HDR streaming with a responsive quad-core processor and a voice-enabled remote. It trades off Ethernet, USB data ports and modern power connectors, making it ideal for budget-conscious users who want 4K without wired networking.
The Roku Express is an entry-level HD streaming player praised for its tiny footprint and voice remote. Its trade-offs are the lack of 4K, HDR and dual-band Wi-Fi, making it best for budget-conscious beginners or secondary TVs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 31.18 gbest | 36 g |
0.5 GBbest | — | |
60 Hzbest | 60 Hzbest | |
2 | 6best | |
0best | 0best | |
1best | 1best | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Processor | MIPS 900 MHz | Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM |
Display(1) | ||
Display Resolution | 1080p | 3840x2160 |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11ac |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Audio, DTS, Dolby Atmos, DTS-X | Dolby Digital, DTS |
Audio Output Channels | 2 | 6 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 31.18 g | 36 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 35.6 x 25.4 x 83.8 mm mm | 36 x 17 x 84 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Roku Express HD for its unbeatable price, straightforward setup, and useful voice remote, positioning it as a solid entry-level streaming solution. However, they consistently point out its technical limitations-no 4K/HDR, single-band Wi-Fi, and lack of Ethernet-making it less suitable for power users or future-proofing.
Everyday users love how simple and portable the device is, often describing the setup as "easy even for beginners" and appreciating the pocket-size design for travel. Recurring complaints focus on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi instability, the missing 4K capability, and the remote's limited button set.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Roku Premiere for its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, easy setup, and crisp 4K/HDR picture quality. They appreciate the responsive quad-core processor and the extensive Roku channel library, while noting the trade-off of missing Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 and a premium remote.
Everyday users love how quickly they can get the device up and running and enjoy the sharp 4K picture and compact form factor. Common praise centers on the included accessories and voice remote, while recurring complaints focus on Wi-Fi reliability, the outdated micro-USB power connector and the lack of additional ports.
“A budget-friendly solution... hassle-free setup... solid choice for affordable, user-friendly option”
“easy setup even for beginners”
“fits in pocket, great for travel”
