Roku has been the favorite streaming device for most people nowadays. It’s one of the best streaming player to stream video content which offers seamless features like Chromecast & voice assistant, which fairly competes with Google Assistant & Alexa. The Roku Express 4K Plus is one of the cheapest streaming sticks compared to other affordable streaming players like Google Chromecast TV & Amazon‘s Fire TV 4K. However, in this Roku Express 4K Plus review, you get to know how Roku player is the best in features and offers the best value for money compared to other streaming video sticks.
Roku offers all the necessary pieces of equipment and cables for the users’ to set it up quickly in one go. Right in the box, you get a high-speed certified HDMI cable, a Roku remote, a pair of AAA batteries, a Micro USB power cord with an AC adapter & a quick-start guide. Also, you get an adhesive strip for mounting the Roku Express 4K Plus to several surfaces.
The price of Roku Express 4K Plus starts at $37.79. However, at this price, it’s $10 cheaper than most streaming devices at this budget, like Google Chromecast, which costs $50.
However, the only downgrade that Roku Express 4K Plus gets at this price range is the absence of Dolby Atmos Support, which other streaming sticks like Chromecast & Fire Stick TV 4K offers at the price of $50. Also, Apple TV 4K, a premium streaming stick that costs way more than Roku, also offers Dolby Atmos & Dolby Vision.
Coming to the design in Roku Express 4K Plus review, it offers a simple and compact design, like a curved rectangular shape device. It comes in matte black color & a lustrous Roku logo on the front. Also, a light indicator shows the power status with purple color LED.
Roku Express 4K Plus is a very lightweight streaming device compared to other streaming sticks. Considering it’s lightweight, it gets misplaced by the force of the HDMI cable. To overcome this problem, Roku offers adhesive strips in the box to stick the Roku Express 4K Plus on the wall or on the back side of the TV.The other competition streaming devices like Google Chromecast & Fire TV Stick 4K offer more stability as they all are in dongle shape, which attaches to the back of your TV through the USB port.
Coming to the ports, Roku Express 4K Plus offers only two ports which are insufficient considering a streaming stick of this budget. You’ll also find a Micro USB jack for power and also an HDMI port to connect external displays. However, there’s a downside with all of the Roku streaming devices as they don’t work on non-HDMI TV. Therefore, if you’re considering buying Roku Express 4K Plus, your TV should have an HDMI port.
Roku Express 4K Plus doesn’t have an Ethernet Port either. However, it’s compatible with third-party MicroUSB ethernet adapters, so that internet speed won’t be an issue.
This time around, the Roku Express 4K Plus offers a Voice remote, unlike the last-gen Roku Premiere, which comes with an IR-Based remote. The advantage of a voice remote is that one can beam a signal from any direction, unlike the IR remote, in which you have to point the remote in the direction of the stick to beam a signal without any obstruction.
At this price, the Roku Express 4K Plus offers all the basic remote functions like navigation buttons, voice controls, and volume controls & power buttons. Also, it’s a very lightweight remote with a textured surface, ensuring it stays well placed in your hands. It weighs around 76 grams. Talking about the dedicated buttons, the Roku streaming stick’s remote offer four colorful buttons for channels like Netflix, Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus & Hulu. Therefore you can access your favorite channel in one click.
Coming to the performance in this Roku Express 4K Plus review, it comes with 1GB of RAM & an upgraded processor, which is a better upgrade from the last gen. Also, it offers a fast MIMO Wi-Fi AC for a better streaming & clutter-free web connection.
The UI of the Roku Express 4K Plus feels fast & snappy thanks to its new & upgraded processor. You won’t feel delays or lag while launching or switching between channels. It can easily handle the multitasking of apps with ease without any performance lag. The Express 4K Plus comes with a built-in voice remote, which means you don’t have to keep reaching for your smartphone or tablet when you want to control your TV. You can also use your voice to search through Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, HBO GO, Vudu, and more.
However, Roku’s UI hasn’t changed much over the years, which is usually a good thing. The basic, clear menu options make it easy to choose a favorite channel, modify device settings, or browse the Roku Channel Store for new channels.
Coming to the Audio & Video performance in Roku Express 4K Plus review, this is the only part where Roku Express 4K Plus gets a bit dull. The only downside of buying Roku Express 4K Plus is that it doesn’t offer Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos Audio. These A/V standards, which are available on the somewhat more costly Chromecast with Google TV & Fire TV Stick 4K, are hardly the type of thing you’d expect for the most basic 4K gadget.
However, the video & audio quality of the Express 4K Plus is superb, with razor-sharp details. The results are fascinating even while streaming HD material from sites such as Amazon Prime Video.
Roku also offers its native app to work as a remote for easy navigation of the channels without touching the remote. It also allows for private listening;. Therefore, you can pair your headphones while watching TV & listening through your phone’s headphones. Also, there’s the option to add & remove Roku channels even while your Roku device is switched off.
It also works as a mini version of Roku, which you see on the big display. Roku’s app is unmatched when compared to other leading streaming device apps like Fire TV 4K or Apple TV 4K.
Concluding the Roku Express 4K Plus, it’s an easy winner when talking about the value for money. Roku Express 4K Plus offers all the features & content which is offered by its competitors, like Apple TV 4K & Fire TV Stick 4K, which cost more than Roku. It’s small & compact and can easily hide behind your tv or shell. Also, it comes with a voice-based remote, so you don’t have to worry about pointing the remote in the direction of the Roku Streaming device while navigating. You can easily stick the device on the back of your TV with the adhesive strip which came right in the box.
However, in terms of Dolby Atmos & Vision functionality, the Roku Express 4K lags behind several somewhat more expensive streaming devices. Still, as the new best $40 streaming gadget, the Roku Express 4K is one of the top streaming devices. Therefore, you should definitely consider buying Roku Express 4K Plus if you’re searching for a budget streaming device with all the compact features and fast performance. However, if you’re a Dolby Atmos/Dolby Vision fan, you should consider buying Fire TV Stick 4K.
Roku Express 4K is compatible with any television that has an HDMI® connection. However, without a suitable TV, you will be unable to enjoy 4K Ultra HD quality, HDR/HDR10+, and other HDR formats.
A Roku TV is more than just a smart TV; it’s a better television. Roku TV models provide customers with an easy-to-use, customized home screen, a simple remote with everything they need to start shows and movies rapidly, and automatic software upgrades with new features and streaming channels.
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