If you want to turn your regular flat screen into a smart TV, it’s easy with the Roku Express. This small streaming device connects to any TV with an HDMI port and can be set up in minutes. The Roku Express is the entry-level streamer in Roku’s new lineup and sits below the Premiere and the older Streaming Stick+. The Premiere outputs 4K resolution with HDR10 support, but both it and the Express output 1080p video and upscale from 720p, while delivering stereo, DTS surround, Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos sound over HDMI.
Both also have the same 802.11n single-band Wi-Fi, while the Streaming Stick+ has dual-band 802.11ac. These differences are crucial if you’re looking to replace integrated smart TV services on a 4K TV, but not really an issue if you’re looking for something to stream to an older HD TV or a simple kitchen or bedroom set.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]The main advantage of the Roku variant is that you get a full range of apps, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Now TV, Amazon Prime Video, All 4, ITV Hub, YouTube, and Google Play Movies & TV, not to mention a wide range of additional channels available by subscription or for free. And as with the more expensive Roku devices, you can download the Roku app for easier text input, voice control, and wireless listening through headphones.
In most respects, the Roku Express is identical to the Roku Premiere and comes with the same remote and form factor. Although compact, it is a bit chunkier than previous Roku streaming stick devices. The device itself is a curved module that is placed near or on top of the TV and attached with the included adhesive pad. Unlike the streaming sticks, it also requires line-of-sight contact with the remote, so it has to be placed in front. This isn’t a huge drawback since it’s so small, but if you stick it on the TV, you can’t move it to another location, and if you don’t, it tends to get tangled in the cables.
There’s a microUSB input on the back, which is powered by your TV’s USB port, or by an AC adapter if your TV doesn’t have one. It’s a bit odd that Roku doesn’t include an adapter with the Express, while the more expensive Premier does. Finally, it’s a challenge to find a 4K TV without a USB port, while many older HD and Full HD sets can get by without one. Roku’s big advantage is that it doesn’t compete in the hardware market with any of the major streaming services. You get them all: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV and Google Play, all united under one interface with universal search.
As for performance, it’s as good as can be expected from an HD system. On a Samsung 4K TV, it delivered sharp picture quality, vivid colors, and minimal artifacts. Comparing 1080p Netflix on the Roku to 1080p Netflix on the TV’s built-in app, there’s virtually no difference. On a smaller 24-inch 1080p monitor, the video quality is hard to fault, and anything that could be detected is usually due to the stream itself and not the player.