Roku Express 4k+ Review - It supports Ethernet and USB!

VIDEO INDEX:
00:00 - Intro
00:39 - Price
01:20 - Ports
01:50 - Design
02:25 - Remote Control
03:10 - Comparing other 4k Rokus
03:17 - vs. Roku Express
03:55 - vs. Roku Streaming Stick+
05:36 - vs. Roku Ultra
06:32 - Hands-on Demo
06:58 - Channels / Apps
07:36 - Finding Free Content
08:47 - Voice Search
09:38 - Mobile App
10:55 - Airplay
11:40 - Chromecasting
12:40 - Miracasting
13:21 - Ethernet & USB
15:19 - Plex
16:51 - YouTube
17:13 - Conclusion

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[LonSeidman]

ERRATA: I incorrectly stated HDMI CEC is required for the remote to control a TV. That is not the case if using the remote's buttons but it is required for operating the TV with voice commands.

[normang.]

I've been a fan of the Roku for several years!

[ergosteur]

Thanks for the tip about the USB OTG hub!
Also hello fellow Hoovies Garage viewer.

[NKBobcat]

You can access YouTube TV through the standard YouTube app.

[japzone]

Small correction, Roku does not support Chromecasting, that is exclusive to Google powered products. YouTube and Netflix have their own seperate casting standard called DIAL which they use, and it's supported on basically anything that runs their apps. Some other apps like Spotify also have their own casting standards which work with Roku as well.

[erichanson]

We recently bought one of these to use on an older secondary tv set that we have in the house as well as to take with us to watch content whenever we travel. Similar to what you expressed in you review, I was also very pleasantly surprised at how well thing thing performs considering the very low price we paid.

[WhoIsThis]

I got the Ultra 4k Roku for $50 during one of their sales, which happen relatively frequently, so the price point for this one is high. Plus with the Ultra everything is already built in and I don't need a cumbersome dongle (no Apple fanboi here). Plus with a new device, I can't believe they are still using micro USB and not USB-C

[SCscoutguy]

I like that Roku is finally allowing you to use an external ethernet adapter. What I would really like if they would integrate an external TV tuner either by direct USB connection or over the network like a HDHomerun and have it add the channels into the Live TV app like they do on the Roku TV's that has a guide with your local stations and all of the Roku channel programs integrated into one guide.

[thomashultgren]

A dock is the best way to go to upgrade a Roku. I have 2 Roku Express 4K devices. Both had the same dock that you show in your video. One of the docks developed power problems and I replaced it with an ORICO USB C Docking Station, 6 in 1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 3 USB-A 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 100W PD. It is big upgrade from the one I replaced. It's not real cheap but it is affordable. It does add more features on par with the Ultra Roku model without the expense. Basically I'm saying Roku Express owners, get a dock. You won't regret it. Just make sure it is powered. The Roku has to get power from it.

[nodakpsks]

can some one just give me the correct steps on how to attach the Ethernet Adapter to my roku express 4. i have the Ethernet Adapter/Micro USB to Rj45 Ethernet Adapter, USB to Rj45. also can i attach the usb to the tv for power instead of a wall outlet?

[jasonl.]

Oh, So main difference between Express 4k+ and Streaming stick is ethernet option vs better wifi. (Assuming Streaming stick is on sale for $40)

[kentuckywildcatgobigblue]

Bought one today for my dad. It's an update from the old Amazon fire stick I gave him a few years back.

[almaveronicagutierrezdevel]

How do you know which one to pick and what kind of tv you have. I don't know still which one I need to get. Yes I'm that slow.

[tropicaltanklover]

Great video. I have 5 Roku devices with 3 connected to cheap computer monitors. Never knew about the ethernet usb adapter and have just purchased one on Amazon to try it on my Express 4K.

[pepethepatriot]

That looks perfect for hotel use / travelers! I travel for business and I love how small it is, can stick it in my carry-on and use it at the hotel in the evenings when I'm bored!

[TerryPullen]

If you keep your phone in your pocket you can wander around the house and still hear the sound. The Roku connects to your phone via WIFI so as long as you stay in range of your WIFI your good. I sometimes turn on Lon in the living room and go in to the kitchen and make breakfast, I don't have to crank up the sound or miss anything.

[bobriemersma]

It's a crime how few "non-smart" TVs you can buy any more. I recently wanted to replace a small TV with something larger, and I ended up with a TCL Roku TV because it was so much cheaper than the other decent alternatives.

[meandmyEV]

I bought one of these. I have an Apple TV 4K and various Fire TVs but this is my first Roku in many years. I like to use headphones to watch TV so at first I was disappointed because it didn’t have Bluetooth connectivity like the other devices but then I remembered you mentioned you could use the app to connect headphones. That is a game changer! It is much better than connecting headphones to the device directly because I have a couple of headphones that are BT 4.1 and do not have very good range.

[Mtz]

Mine won't accept remote controller commands when I use the Smays adapter, any advice?

[rogeryoung]

OK how do I get a keyboard and mouse connected to my Ruki?