Roku Express 4K+ Review: Roku's Latest Budget 4K Streamer Packs a Punch

ABOUT THIS VIDEO
We're coming to you a little early again this week to talk about Roku's latest streaming device, the Roku Express 4K+. The $39.99 streamer is set to ship this month and takes the place of the outgoing Premiere in the company's lineup. There's also a Walmart-exclusive variant that bundles a less-advanced remote for a lower $34.99 price tag.

But how does this new streaming device compare to Roku's other offerings and, beyond that, how does it stack up against some of the other budget-friendly 4K options also flirting with the $40 price point?

We tackle those questions and a lot more in this full review.

0:00 Intro
0:49 What's So Special About The Roku Express 4K+?
2:03 Hardware and Features
4:28 Setup and Performance
7:49 Benchmarking Results
9:50 Wrapping It All Up...

Shipping is expected to start around 5/16/2021.

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[likeafamilylife]

Definitely one of the most helpful and informative videos that I have seen on the topic of streaming devices! This makes me feel pretty confident in the Express 4K+, especially considering it is only $29.99 at the moment. Thanks!

[Richie]

On a spec comparison, the new express 4K+ is a smart pick for 4K output.

[bobbysgirls]

The Roku SE [standard 1080 edition] is now on sale at Walmart for 23.99 instead of the 29.99 listed if anyone is interested.

[annejusttryintobecreative]

How does it compare to the streaming stick+?

[macinman]

I usually go with the Roku Ultra for myself. It's the only Roku device currently with Ethernet. While this doesn't usually make a difference on good WiFi, for online streaming, it does matter for local streaming such as Plex, and watching full quality rips of Blu-ray and above. They are high bitrate files and usually are good at showing WiFi flaws resulting in stutter and poor playback.
As a secondary and third solution for this: I use InFuse on Apple TV, and DLNA (Serviio, or Plex) with my Sony 4k Blu-ray players. Overall, I prefer wired over wireless whenever possible. However, I know this isn't possible for everyone for different reasons.

[joeweatlu]

Why does the front sticker say to point the remote to the unit? I just bought one and it's sitting behind the tv and it works. Isn't it rf on the 4K+?

[KR-shrm]

Great info and review! Thank you very much!

[suttongriffin]

When will Roku update the streaming stick plus?

[cyhomer]

Will the 4k+ work okay on a non-smart tv?

[trevorbartram]

Hi Philip, does the Express 4K+ include the Auto-Adjust Display Refresh Rate advanced setting (from the Ultra) to enable 24fps playback?

[bobkinney]

Thanks for the great review, Philip. I was curious as how it compares to the previous Roku stick. No need to upgrade as of yet as I now have a 4k Roku. TV in the living room and a Roku stick and Fire Stick 4K on a Samsung wide screen in my bedroom. I was quite impressed with the 4K Roku TV, especially for the money. But I feel the best results are using a streaming device on a good set like Samsung or Sony.

[Al-oklj]

Still using my old Roku 2 lol!
However I’m looking to add another Roku device to another TV.
I’m going with the 4K+.
Thank you for a very informative video!

[KW_Lights]

how does this compare to the Roku 4k Stick?

[nateb]

Thanks for the update and awesome information 🙂

[GregorySoon]

Can I watch Paramount + on the Roku 4K+??

[TheBikemaster]

I had the Amazon 4k fire stick from 2019, should I expect any quality or sound improvement from the Roku express 4k+ .

They're both budget streamers

[la]

That was interesting to notice on this video that there's is a dedicated button for Apple TV on the remote. This will be perfect for a bedroom TV!

[kevind]

What if u already have a Roku tv but still put the express in it will one cancel the other?

[shiningwizard]

There's no CPU upgrade
The difference is in previous model they wrote A53 cortex and In new line up they mentioned that CPU name, Realtek 1315
Which is based on cortex a53.

[CheapShotzzz]

Does it support Dolby Atmos in Netflix?