Roku Express Review, News & Update: $30 ‘Rock Bottom Price’ For A Streaming Device

Roku Express streaming device is a tiny video box that has twice the processing power of the older Roku. Roku Express has a remote and on-screen display. Aside from that, it has other great applications as well including Netflix, Sling TV, Hulu, YouTube, and more. It also features an app for Amazon video which other streaming devices do not. However, according to a review by CNet, "the Roku Express is simply not as good as Roku's own $50 Streaming Stick, our favorite streamer ever." Adding that the Roku Express is slower, particularly when airing Netflix. The remote has to be directed towards the TV, and the box is not as polished as the cable-less Streaming Stick.

"It's priced aggressively, too, at $29.99, which makes it a compelling choice for those considering shopping for a stick like Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick, simply because of price point," writes Tech Crunch. On the other hand, Roku Express supports 1080p HD streaming, and boosted the software player. Roku Express is also easy to setup. Tech Radar writes, "Every cable you need comes inside the box, and the time it takes between opening the package and watching your next favorite show on Netflix is 10 minutes or less."

The Roku Express device is a full version of the brand's platform packed with functionalities of previous Roku devices. However, be heeded, as it is not as fast as the leading streaming video players in the market. As a matter of fact, it might even be slower than Roku's own streaming stick. Which is probably the reason why other users are eyeing other choices like the Amazon Fire TV stick and Google Chromecast, or even the Roku Streaming Stick. These other alternatives provide smoother experience if you are willing to cash out a few dollars more.