The Roku 4K Box is a compact streaming device that measures 3.7 x 1.2 x 0.8 inches.
It's designed to be small and discreet, making it easy to place on a TV stand or hide behind a TV.
The device weighs just 6.5 ounces, making it light enough to be easily moved or carried.
The compact design allows it to fit in a small space, taking up minimal room on your entertainment center.
For more insights, see: Roku Device
Design and Features
The Roku 4K box is a compact device with a plain, black plastic design, measuring 86 x 39 x 21mm (WDH). It's a small box that won't take up much space.
It has an HDMI output, a micro-USB port for power, and a reset button on the rear, while the front features an infrared receiver and a power LED. This setup is straightforward and easy to use.
You'll need to mount it somewhere, as the HDMI cable can pull it out of position if it's not secured. Fortunately, an adhesive strip on the underside makes it easy to attach it to your TV or a nearby surface.
What to Expect for New and Existing Buyers
If you're on the fence about which streaming box to buy, consider which hardware and media ecosystems you've spent the most on.
The Apple TV is worth recommending if you've invested in iTunes and want to use AirPlay, and the fourth-generation model is a good option.
If you just want a TV streamer for the lowest price possible, the new Chromecast is hard to beat.
Roku is a better option than the Fire TV and Android TV boxes, as it can access your Amazon Prime videos and Google Play movies and TV.
Roku delivers the best of both worlds without shunting Netflix, Hulu, HBO, or any other media provider off to the side.
If you already own a recent Roku box or stick, especially if you're getting the Roku OS 7 update, there aren't many reasons to upgrade yet.
The Roku 4 is a good option if you want a Roku but don't yet own one, as it's the most future-proof and offers a marginally crisper UI at 1080p than the Roku 3's.
Related reading: My Roku Tv Doesn't Have Bluetooth Option
The Internals
The Roku Express 4K has a sleek and simple user interface delivered by the Roku OS.
This interface is clean and easy to navigate, presenting you with five options: Home, My Feed, Search, Streaming Channels, and Settings.
Jumping between these options is lightning-quick, with very little delay between input on the remote and action on the screen.
There's no voice search facility provided on the remote control, but you can install Roku's excellent companion app and use voice search that way or type your queries using the onscreen keyboard.
Worth a look: Google Quick Search Box
Design and Setup
The Roku Express 4K has a sleek, plain design that's similar to other Roku models. It's a black plastic box with a curved top, measuring 86 x 39 x 21mm (WDH).
It has a compact size, which makes it easy to place on a nearby surface. The device has an HDMI output, a micro-USB port for power, and a reset button on the rear.
On the front, you'll find an infrared receiver and a power LED. The device also comes with an adhesive strip on the underside for mounting it to your TV or a nearby surface.
Setting up the Roku Express 4K is a breeze, thanks to the included mains adapter, USB cable, and a short 0.7m HDMI cable. You'll need to mount it somewhere to keep your HDMI cable in place.
Once you've located a spot, you can simply switch it on and follow the simple setup guide. After connecting to the internet and signing in with a Roku account, you'll be welcomed to the home screen.
OS 7
Roku OS 7 is a significant update that brings some exciting features to the table. It's available on older Roku 3 and Roku Streaming Stick units, so you don't have to buy a new box to get the latest and greatest.
The biggest new feature of Roku OS 7 is an improved feed that lets you track more than just movies. Now you can follow individual TV shows, actors and actresses, and directors.
The feed solves the problem of searching for specific content without knowing what deals the streaming services have cut. You get pricing information, too, which is handy. However, not all services seem to be compatible with the feed, and Netflix results are notably absent.
Roku's universal search is still the best in the business, and its results include Netflix, making it a great fallback option.
The feed is a step in the right direction, but it's not a complete solution. The interface is a bit more playful than its competitors, with an animated boot screen and a Halloween theme. However, some users might prefer a more straightforward, minimalist design.
The new features of Roku OS 7 are nice, but not all of them are universally useful. One is the ability to use Wi-Fi networks that have login pages, like those found in colleges and hotels. The other is a redesigned Roku Remote app that supports your feed and lets you sync your feed between your phone and every Roku device you're signed into.
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Performance
The Roku Express 4K Plus delivers solid 4K HDR streaming, making it a great option for those looking for a reliable streaming experience.
Apps load quickly and painlessly, with no issues opening shows or movies on popular services like Disney Plus, Netflix, and Apple TV Plus.
Playback of 4K HDR content is also smooth, with a baseball game on MLB.TV and a Champions League soccer match on YouTube TV opening and loading quickly.
The device even outperformed my Streaming Stick Plus in terms of app loading speed.
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Power Consumption
The power consumption of a set-top box is a crucial aspect to consider, especially if you're looking to save on your energy bills. The numbers can be a bit tricky to compare, but I'll break it down for you.
The Roku 4 is not as power-hungry as a PC or game console, but it does use more power than its predecessor, the Roku 3. The third-generation Apple TV, on the other hand, is a power sipper, using only 1.2W in idle mode.
Here's a comparison of the power consumption of the Roku 4 and other devices:
The Roku 4's new sleep mode feature is a welcome addition, allowing the box to go to sleep after half an hour of idle time, which can help reduce power consumption.
Solid HDR Streaming
The Roku Express 4K Plus delivers solid 4K HDR streaming performance, thanks to its ability to run on Roku's latest OS 10 software.
All the apps I tried on the Express 4K Plus opened and loaded quickly and painlessly, with no problems opening shows or movies on Disney Plus, Netflix, or Apple TV Plus.
Playback of a baseball game on MLB.TV and a Champions League soccer match on YouTube TV both opened and loaded quickly. I noticed it was also slightly zippier opening apps compared to my Streaming Stick Plus.
To get the most out of the Roku Express 4K Plus, you'll need to make sure your TV is set properly to HDMI UHD Color to enable 4K HDR.
The Express 4K Plus lacks Dolby Vision support, which is also missing from some rival streamers, and we don't consider it a major image quality upgrade over standard HDR.
Check this out: Comcast Xfinity 4k
Score Breakdown
The Roku Express 4K Plus has a simple Roku interface, which makes it easy to navigate and use.
It also supports 4K HDR streaming, so you can enjoy high-quality video on compatible devices.
Wired Ethernet support is available with an optional adapter, which is a nice feature for those who want a stable internet connection.
At $40, the Express 4K Plus is cheaper than Roku's own Streaming Stick 4K, which costs $50.
This device is so good that it even earned CNET's Editors' Choice award as the best streaming device for the money.
Discover more: Amazon Fire Stick 4k Max Wifi 6e
Warranty and Support
When you purchase a Roku 4K box, you're getting a product that's backed by a solid warranty. The limited warranty period for parts is 1 year, which means if your device breaks down due to a manufacturing defect, you're covered.
The warranty also covers labor for 1 year, so if you need to get your device repaired, you won't be stuck with a big bill.
Here's a quick rundown of the warranty details:
- Limited Warranty period (parts): 1 year
- Limited Warranty period (labor): 1 year
It's always a good idea to read the full details of the warranty, just to make sure you understand what's covered and what's not.
Comparison and Verdict
The Roku Express 4K is a great option for those on a budget who want to stream 4K content. It's a compact device that's easy to place on your TV stand.
One of the key benefits of the Roku Express 4K is its extensive catalogue of content, with apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video available. You'll also find a range of music streaming services, including Spotify.
In terms of video quality, the Roku Express 4K can handle up to 3,840 x 2,160 (4K/UHD) resolution at 60fps. It also supports HDR formats like HLG, HDR10, and HDR10+ (with an HDCP 2.2 HDMI input).
Here's a quick rundown of the key specs:
Overall, the Roku Express 4K is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly 4K streaming option.
Price and Competition
The Roku Express 4K is priced at £40, which is a competitive price point.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K costs £10 more, at £50, making the Roku Express 4K £10 cheaper.
The Chromecast with Google TV is £20 more expensive, at £60, and £10 more than the Roku Express 4K.
All these devices come with voice remotes, which the Roku Express 4K lacks, and connect directly to an HDMI port at the rear of your TV.
The Roku Express 4K connects via a longer HDMI cable to your TV and relies on an infrared remote control, so you need to keep it in sight.
The critical differences between these devices centre on HDR support, with the Roku Express 4K supporting HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but lacking Dolby Vision.
The Amazon Fire Stick 4K, on the other hand, covers all four main HDR standards.
Verdict
The Roku Express 4K is a solid choice for budget 4K streaming, with a simple and accessible interface that makes browsing a breeze.
It lacks Dolby Vision support, but this is a minor gripe considering the extensive catalogue of content available.
The Express 4K has a dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi connection, ensuring a stable and fast internet connection.
Roku Express 4K key specifications include:
The Express 4K is a compact device, measuring 86 x 21 x 39mm (WHD) and weighing just 45g.
If you don't mind finding a place for it on your TV stand, the Express 4K is a great option for budget 4K streaming.
Plus vs Stick
The main difference between the Roku Express 4K Plus and the Streaming Stick 4K is the price, with the Express 4K Plus costing $40 and the Streaming Stick 4K selling for $50.
The Express 4K Plus and Streaming Stick 4K have different designs, with the Streaming Stick 4K having a sleeker stick design that's good for wall-mounted TVs and long-range wireless.
The Streaming Stick 4K supports Dolby Vision, but this feature is only useful for those who own TVs that also support Dolby Vision, and even then, its improvement over standard HDR is usually minimal.
The Express 4K Plus is compatible with Ethernet adapters for wired connections if needed, and its Wi-Fi signal works fine, so the $10 price difference for the Streaming Stick 4K might not be worth it for everyone.
The Express 4K Plus can easily tuck under or behind a TV, making it a good choice for those who don't need the extra features of the Streaming Stick 4K.
Plus, in Pictures
The Roku Express 4K Plus comes with a remote that's similar to others, but with a few notable differences. It has TV volume controls on the right-hand side, which is super convenient.
You won't find a rechargeable battery or always-listening microphone on this remote, but it still works great. It paired instantly with my Express 4K Plus and controlled my TV's volume, mute, and power with ease.
One new feature on this remote is a shortcut key for Apple TV Plus, along with dedicated keys for Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu. This makes it easy to access your favorite streaming services.
Consider reading: How to Connect Wifi on Roku Tv without Remote
The Express 4K Plus is worth the extra $5 over the regular Express 4K, which only comes with a simple IR remote. The better remote on the Express 4K Plus is a major upgrade.
Streaming with Apple AirPlay is also a breeze on the Express 4K Plus. I was able to stream videos from YouTube, mirror my iPhone's screen, and even play games cast from my iPhone via Apple Arcade or Xbox Cloud Gaming.
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