23 Verified Hands-On Reviews
To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.
Expert reviews [23]
- with a score: 14
- without a score: 9
| Highest score by techadvisor |
90
|
| Average score based on 23 reviews |
73
|
| Lowest score by CNET |
40
|
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
- The Roku Express is the least expensive streamer on the market, making it a great value for those on a budget.
- The performance of the Roku Express is excellent, with quick app loading and a responsive interface.
- The Roku Express offers access to Roku's superb operating system, which is considered the favorite overall smart TV streaming system.
- The Fire TV Stick offers more features and speed, including Alexa integration, but its interface pushes users towards Amazon's own video content.
- The Express Plus and Fire TV Stick offer voice remotes that can control TV functions, which may be worth the extra $10 for some users.
- The Roku Express only streams in 1080p, so users looking for 4K HDR streaming will need to upgrade to a different model.
Expert consensus
The Roku Express is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, good picture and sound quality, and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for casual streaming users.
The Roku Express is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, making it suitable for various user needs and preferences. It provides access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube TV, as well as regional and international streaming services.
Users can also access live TV streaming services, making it a viable alternative to cable TV.
In terms of picture and sound quality, the Roku Express performs well for streaming high-quality content in 1080p resolution. It supports HDR with HDR10 and HDR10+ formats, providing enhanced picture quality. However, it does not support Dolby Vision. The device is responsive and quick to switch between apps, with rapid video streaming load times.
It's important to note that the Roku Express does not support 4K or HDR content, so it may not be suitable for those with newer TVs that have 4K support.
The setup process for the Roku Express is simple and user-friendly, with an intuitive interface for easy navigation and customization. It offers two connection options - a mini-USB port for power and an HDMI port for connecting to the TV. The remote control allows for navigation, playback control, and access to popular streaming services, but it does not have TV controls or voice input.
While the Roku Express does offer some gaming options, its gaming capabilities are limited compared to other streaming devices. Most of the available games are trivia-based or rudimentary single-player games. If gaming is a priority, it is recommended to consider other streaming devices that offer a wider range of gaming apps.
The Roku Express does not have specific gaming capabilities or support for high-resolution gaming, and its gaming performance may not match that of dedicated gaming consoles or devices. However, it can connect to external gaming controllers for a better gaming experience.
Overall, the Roku Express is a reliable streaming device for those who primarily watch content in 1080p resolution and do not require 4K or Dolby Vision support. It offers a comprehensive selection of streaming services, a user-friendly interface, and good picture and sound quality.
While it may not be the best choice for gaming enthusiasts, it is suitable for casual gamers who are primarily interested in streaming TV shows and movies.
Content availability
The Roku Express is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of streaming services, including popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube TV, as well as regional and international options, making it a suitable replacement for cable TV.
The Roku Express offers a wide range of streaming services, making it a versatile streaming device for users. It provides access to popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube TV. Additionally, it supports regional and international streaming services, allowing users to access content from different networks, genres, regions, and subjects.
Whether users are looking for regional content or international streaming services, the Roku Express can provide access to a wide range of options. Furthermore, users can also access live TV streaming services on the Roku Express, making it a suitable replacement for cable TV.
Overall, the Roku Express offers a comprehensive selection of streaming services, catering to various user needs and preferences.
Picture and sound quality
The Roku Express is a reliable streaming device that offers a maximum resolution of 1080p, supports HDR10 and HDR10+ formats, and provides a smooth streaming experience for those who do not require 4K or Dolby Vision support.
The Roku Express offers a maximum resolution of 1080p and can stream video at up to 60 frames per second. It supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) with HDR10 and HDR10+ formats, allowing for enhanced picture quality. However, it does not support Dolby Vision.
According to expert reviews, the Roku Express performs well when it comes to streaming high-quality content. It can handle streaming up to 1080p video with support for upscaling from 720p. Users have reported that the device is responsive and quick to switch between apps, and the video streams load rapidly.
However, it's important to note that the Roku Express does not support 4K or HDR content. If you have a newer TV with 4K support and want to stream in higher resolutions, you might want to consider a higher-end Roku model like the Roku Streaming Stick+ or Roku Ultra, which offer 4K streaming capabilities.
Overall, the Roku Express is a reliable streaming device for those who primarily watch content in 1080p resolution and do not require 4K or Dolby Vision support. It provides a smooth streaming experience with good picture and sound quality.
Setup
The Roku Express is a user-friendly streaming player that offers a simple and intuitive interface, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a remote control for navigation and playback control.
The Roku Express does not come with WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) capability and requires a wireless network for connectivity. It has been praised for its user interface intuitiveness, with a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows for easy navigation and customization. The Roku Express offers two connection options: a mini-USB port for power and an HDMI port for connecting to the TV.
It also comes with dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing for slightly faster loading times. The remote control for the Roku Express allows for navigation, playback control, and access to popular streaming services. However, it does not have TV controls or voice input. Overall, the Roku Express is a user-friendly streaming player that is suitable for those looking for a simple and intuitive streaming experience.
Gaming capabilities
The Roku Express is primarily focused on TV and video streaming apps rather than gaming apps, offering limited gaming options and not supporting high-resolution gaming.
The Roku Express is primarily focused on TV and video streaming apps rather than gaming apps, according to expert reviews. While it does offer some gaming options, the selection is limited compared to other streaming devices. Most of the games available on Roku are trivia-based or rudimentary single-player games.
However, if you're looking for popular music apps, there are a few to be found.
If gaming is a priority for you, it is recommended to consider other streaming devices that offer a wider range of gaming options, such as the Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast. These devices have a larger selection of gaming apps available.
In terms of gaming capabilities, the Roku Express does not have specific gaming capabilities or support for high-resolution gaming. The maximum resolution and frame rate supported for streaming media is 1080p at up to 60fps. However, it is important to note that gaming performance on the Roku Express may vary and may not provide the same level of performance as dedicated gaming consoles or devices.
The Roku Express can connect to external gaming controllers, including the Roku Enhanced Gaming Remote, which is specifically designed for gaming on Roku devices. It is also compatible with other popular gaming controllers such as the Xbox One controller and the PlayStation DualShock controller. However, compatibility may vary depending on the specific model of the controller and the device's software version.
Overall, the Roku Express is more suitable for streaming media rather than gaming. It may be a good option for casual gamers who are primarily interested in streaming TV shows and movies, but for those looking for a dedicated gaming experience, other streaming devices or gaming consoles may be a better choice.
Position in ranking
We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all TV boxes and sticks.
| Rank | Change | Price | Streaming Player |
CNET
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Digital Trends
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Business Insider
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Reviewed
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The Verge
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PCMag
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IGN
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Tom's Guide
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TechRadar
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WIRED
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1
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- | Check price |
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K (2022) has received positive reviews for its content availability, picture and sound quality, setup, and gaming capabilities, making it a versatile streaming device suitable for users who want a comprehensive range of streaming services, impressive picture and sound quality, easy setup, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
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5
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1
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3
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4
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1
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6
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5
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4
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1
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3
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2
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- | $42 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, high-quality picture and sound, easy setup, and the option for casual gaming experiences.
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2
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2
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3
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3
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5
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7
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1
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9
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1
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3
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- | $73 |
Roku Ultra
The Roku Ultra 2022 is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, excellent picture and sound quality, easy setup, and some gaming capabilities, making it suitable for various streaming preferences.
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1
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1
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4
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1
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4
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4
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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content options, 4K resolution, HDR and Dolby Vision support, fast navigation, and gaming capabilities, making it a recommended choice for users seeking a user-friendly and high-quality streaming experience.
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4
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4
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4
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4
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