![]() ![]() But, the benefit to its small form factor is that you can throw it in a bag or store it on your media shelf without it taking up too much real estate. Long story short? Roku makes great products but its product lineup is getting a bit hard to follow – even for someone whose job is to cover streaming devices.ĭespite the potential to cause some confusion, it makes sense why Roku named it the Roku Express 4K+ – it looks exactly like the Roku Express.Īt 0.7 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches (H x W x D) it’s nearly the same size as the original Roku Streaming Stick and, funny enough, it’s even smaller than the remote that comes inside the box. That’s not even mentioning the soundbar-streaming player hybrids, the Roku Streambar and Roku Streambar Pro (formerly called the Roku Smart Soundbar) or TVs that come with Roku built-in that can sometimes be found for around $150 like the TCL 3-Series TVs. It starts with the basic HD-only Roku Express ($29.99) that’s followed by the new Express 4K+ ($39.99), but then there’s the Roku Streaming Stick+ ($49.99) that also streams in 4K and often only costs $39.99 when it’s on sale and the Roku Ultra that also streams 4K content – but can do Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision as well. Where things become slightly more confusing is when you talk about the new Roku lineup. For an extra $5 it’s definitely worth buying the Bluetooth remote that can control the TV. ![]() The key difference between the two models is that the Roku Express 4K+ (reviewed here) uses a Bluetooth remote while the standard Express 4K uses an IR remote. You can get the Roku Express 4K in the UK too for £39.99. The Roku Express 4K+ dropped in mid-May in the US for $39.99, with a cheaper $35 version called the Roku Express 4K available exclusively at Walmart for $35. Both are more expensive, however, so if you just want the cheapest 4K streaming device, well, look no further. The former offers new experiences like Amazon's Luna game-streaming service while Chromecast with Google TV has a content-first approach with solid recommendations. ★ More Streaming Sticks: The Streaming Stick 4K is a little cheaper, and its remote doesn't have hands-free voice control, if you aren't interested in that.That being said, we still really like the Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast with Google TV a bit more than the new Roku Express 4K+. There are also two buttons that you can program to whatever shortcuts work best for you. If you don't want Roku listening, there's a slider button on the side. So while lounging on the couch, just say “Hey Roku, play You on Netflix.” You can even ask where a lost remote is to activate a beep. ![]() ![]() Others have a mic button you can press and hold for speech, but this has a hands-free option. The most obvious difference is the new voice remote. Like the other sticks, it plugs directly into your TV's HDMI port, and another cable plugs into a USB port for power, or into the wall. This 4K Plus version allows you to stream in Dolby Vision, and is 30 percent faster with a longer-range wireless receiver (for what it's worth, I've never found any Rokus to be slow). If you can spend around $70, Roku's Streaming Sticks are the ones we recommend most. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. This includes unlimited access to and our print magazine (if you'd like). Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). Updated April 2023: Roku's lineup is the same, but we've updated prices and links throughout. We've broken down the features on the ones we think you'll actually want to own, starting with the most basic model. If you’re like us, you want the best Roku for the least amount of money. Rokus tend to have similar names and look nearly identical, with small changes happening every year or so, and it can be difficult to suss out the differences. There are five Roku streaming devices available (not including TVs and soundbars), and you'll find a ton of older models on Amazon and other sellers. However, figuring out which one to buy is not so easy. Their displays aren't fancy, but they offer just what someone needs: quick, direct access to their favorite streaming services. They're super easy to use and offer a wide array of streaming channels. Rokus continue to remain our favorite TV streaming devices. ![]()
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