Sony NWE394
Score: 74/100
Roku Express
Score: 63/100Rankings
The Sony NW-E394/B is a pocket-sized MP3 player offering 35 hours of playback, ClearAudio+ sound tuning, and an FM radio. Its limitations include the absence of Bluetooth, a tiny low-resolution screen, and minimal storage without expansion. Ideal for runners, commuters, or anyone seeking a simple, long-lasting music player without smart features.
The Roku Express HD is an ultra-compact 1080p streaming stick praised for its quick app launches and tiny footprint. It is limited by its lack of HDR and single-band Wi-Fi, which can affect streaming stability. Ideal for budget-conscious households with HD TVs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
35 hoursbest | — | |
1.77 inchesbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 39 g | 31 gbest |
8 GBbest | — | |
— | 60 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2 hoursbest | — |
1best | 0 | |
— | 1best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Display(1) | ||
Display Resolution | 128x160 | 1920x1080 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | MP3,WMA,AAC,Linear PCM | Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround |
Ports(1) | ||
USB Ports | 1 | 0 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 39 g | 31 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 6.68x1.81x3.12 mm | 20x71x38 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the NW-E394 for its retro simplicity, ultra-lightweight build, and reliable 35-hour battery, noting ClearAudio+ sound tuning and the handy FM radio as standout features, while criticizing the lack of Bluetooth, low-resolution display, and absence of streaming capabilities.
Everyday users love the long battery life, pocketable size, and drag-and-drop ease, often calling it refreshingly uncomplicated, but they repeatedly mention the missing Bluetooth, small dated screen, and limited storage as drawbacks.
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.
“simply so fun in 2024”
“refreshingly uncomplicated”
“perfect for new users yet powerful for pros”
