Last Updated: April 18, 2020 (Refresh Now)

Roku Express Easy High Definition HD Streaming Media Player 2018

Last Updated: April 18, 2020 (Refresh Now)
8.8
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
997
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
45
Spam Test
WARN
Yes
HDMI

Review Analysis - 952 recent, verified reviews

Detailed Mode
Software Platform
 254
netflix, apps, hulu, roku express, streaming
+81%
-19%
comment
" ...  after reading many reviews I decided to go with the roku.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Needed to get YouTube TV Ap.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I got this to replace me amazon fire stick (if there are different versions of that I had the older cheapest version), which is pretty good especially if you have prime (I did and then didn’t). ... Anyway, this Roku is faster and better quality and it has YouTube so I can screen mirror from my phone to my tv (you couldn’t with the fire stick I had) which I really like as I watch a lot of YouTube. ... The roku app is neat as well, you can use your phone as a remote if you happen to loose the actual one (which is also better than the fire stick).  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works great with Spectrum TV App.  ...  "
comment
" ...  We couldn’t be more pleased with our Roku!!  ...  "
comment
" ...  We love our Roku.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I use it now instead of my google chrome. ... It allows you to download the app from your tv provider.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love all the pre-installed apps.  ...  "
Ease of Use
 166
easy to use, easy to install, easy to set, set, setup
+98%
-2%
comment
" ...  Nobody will even answer this very straightforward question.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Hook up is easy.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Super easy to setup and use.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to install and relatively easy to use.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to ise  ...  "
comment
" ...  This is so easy to use I am sorry I did not have this sooner.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Simple to navigate, super easy set up, 3 plugs and your done.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to set up and connect.  ...  "
Setup
 114
easy to install, setup, set, easy to set, roku
+96%
-4%
comment
" ...  Very easy set up.  ...  "
comment
" ...  easy to install works perfectly was surprised at all the new stuff have always like roku from my first one way back in 2004 will diffidently recommend this product  ...  "
comment
" ...  the setup was a breeze everything connected and I've been enjoying it since.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Out of the box this was incredibly easy to set up and get started. ... I followed the on-screen instructions, and am impressed by how the interface is just so easy, simple and intuitive.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy setup, not breaking up during streaming, a wide variety of channels as well.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to install, includes lots of channels and is also easy to add other applications so you can get additional channels.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Very easy set up  ...  "
comment
" ...  Super easy to setup and use.  ...  "
Device Compatibility
 76
device, smart tv, roku, devices, connect
+75%
-25%
comment
" ...  It's an approved amd supported device of Netflix, one of the reasons to buy it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I can even download the app on my iPhone and iPad, it’s so much cheaper than other streaming devices and works just as well if not better. ... I highly recommend it if you’re in the market for a streaming device.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Just be sure to have a pc and your account info for Netflix or whatever handy.  ...  "
comment
" ...  i love that this thing could be able to turn my TV a Smart TV, previously i was projecting my pc screen with hdmi on the tv and it was a pain in the b*tt, now i can do it all laying on my bed with the roku control.  ...  "
comment
" ...  A great choice amongst the roku devices.  ...  "
comment
" ...  2nd one purchased - turns non smart tv into a smart tv with ease!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Definitely saved me from buying the smart tv!  ...  "
comment
" ...  My wife has an old projector, so we bought this to use as our bedroom streaming device.  ...  "
Apps
 62
app, roku, netflix, download, youtube
+82%
-18%
comment
" ...  I love Roku for one reason they have the most apps and streaming videos available than any other company out there.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love my Roku, It has a lot of free apps inside.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy for her to use, plays YouTube and Spotify even  ...  "
comment
" ...  Picture is great, apps are easy to download and use.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to set up and lots of apps to use. ... Works good with spectrum app  ...  "
comment
" ...  Now she has access to apps and streams all kinda shows.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Love the roku, it works great and has so many apps.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works perfect with the Spectrum app installed.  ...  "
Remote
 51
roku, control, button, stick, remotes
+67%
-33%
comment
" ...  I love the easy option to switch channels on the remote, although I don’t use sling.  ...  "
comment
" ...  They are so easy and intuitive to use and the only failure we have ever encountered is a dead remote - easily and inexpensively replaced.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Super easy to set up, has been 7 months of pretty regular use and no problems yet not even remote problems or dead batteries.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Would be nice to operate TV volume and on/off with the remote but .  ...  "
comment
" ...  no numbers on the remote .  ...  "
comment
" ...  The remote took a little getting used to, specifically the back function (I keep hitting the circular arrow), but it's pretty basic.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Just know that you can't have it hidden behind the TV or inside a cabinet and still have the included remote work. ... The remote is small and lightweight, and uses two included AAA batteries.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Mainly because of the remote.  ...  "
Cables
 50
tv, cut, cord, satellite, shows
+90%
-10%
comment
" ...  There's even an included velcro tie to keep any excess length in the power cable tidy.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Has all the stuff you need to get rid of cable.  ...  "
comment
" ...  There are tons of channels to choose from and it is a great savings when compared to cable or a smart tv.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I've finally cut the (cable) cord!  ...  "
comment
" ...  she doesn't have cable in her room and has an older smart tv.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Now we can finally axe cable.  ...  "
comment
" ...  My family doesnt have cable anymore. ... There are plenty of shows, and movies, at waaaaaay less cost than cable!  ...  "
comment
" ...  If you have more that one TV, pick up this device (use a Roku Ultra for your primary TV) and cut cable.  ...  "
Product Reliability
 42
months, year, stopped working, roku, month
+55%
-45%
comment
" ...  yet they continue to work without any problems.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I did and saved over $150.00 a month!  ...  "
comment
" ...  So handy, I have three of these now and they all work fine.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Working well so far no complaints  ...  "
comment
" ...  Have used about every day for several months and never had any problems.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Definitely a great value and a product I will be using for years  ...  "
comment
" ...  I’ve had this for about a month & I like it better than the other brand I’ve tried.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Owned this for over a year and works great.  ...  "
Price
 42
worth, money, product, waste, value
+88%
-12%
comment
" ...  Amazing product for the price.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This does the trick at a fraction of the cost!  ...  "
comment
" ...  For the cost i'm happy.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Love all the movies and no commercials and the price  ...  "
comment
" ...  If I could give it 4.5 stars, I would, especially given the price point, I'm not sure what else out there you could possibly get any better for.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Money well spent.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Priced at a very reasonable price.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The capabilities of this Roku for the price, well worth it.  ...  "
Resolution
 32
roku, hd, 4k, free channels, streaming
+91%
-9%
comment
" ...  Has better movies on than on satellite premium channels  ...  "
comment
" ...  The picture quality is 1080p and the internet speed is fast enough to prevent lagging while streaming.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I purchased multiple "Roku Express | Easy High Definition (HD) Streaming Media Players" as Christmas gifts. ... New channels continue to be added regularly.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It also comes with some frer streaming channels from roku that I have been checking out.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It is perfect if you have a a basic HD TV.  ...  "
comment
" ...  HD instead of digital .  ...  "
comment
" ...  streams content like Netflix, Amazon Prime movies, Hulu you name it and Roku has its own movie channel - FREE!  ...  "
comment
" ...  I now have the stick+ 4k version and it is working great.  ...  "
Capacity
 29
tv, family, bedroom, living room, house
+97%
-3%
comment
" ...  I get to steam my Comcast in my bedroom now.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great for the whole family .  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought it for my mom's room and my room.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have 3 of these in my house now.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Will order second set for bedroom  ...  "
comment
" ...  this is a fantastic streaming device that takes up little room.  ...  "
comment
" ...  We have an older Roku in our Living room, and was happy with it, so I bought him this one for his "Room".  ...  "
comment
" ...  I purchased two of these for 2 different rooms and they work great.  ...  "
Picture Quality
 28
quality, good, quality is great, clear, fast
+96%
-4%
comment
" ...  picture quality great!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Also got an Apple TV for another room, which is rock solid with a much better picture quality.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It's very fast compared to older units and puts out a beautiful picture. ... Although slower, the sound is back and the picture was always gorgeous.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Picture Quality is good and I haven't had to many issues.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love that I don't have to relog into any of my accounts, the picture quality is great.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The picture quality is amazing.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It was so simple to install, and the picture quality is great!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Picture is so clear  ...  "
Ports
 25
cable, tv, roku, usb, port
+60%
-40%
comment
" ...  After changing HDMI cables, roku worked perfectly  ...  "
comment
" ...  small and has HDMI connection.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It comes with an HDMI cable, which in my case, the small size is perfect, and the USB cable and power adapter to power it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It also uses a Micro USB port & USB power adapter for the power cable which I guess is good so the cable is easily replaceable if ever damaged.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Double bonus it's running off a usb 2.0 powered hub instead of taking up space on a powerstrip.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It comes with a two-prong USB wall power adapter, but most modern TVs, including mine, have a USB port that can power the Roku directly from the TV.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought this to allow tv in a room with no cable to connect to spectrum.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Just plug it into your t.v., plug it into an outlet and it's ready to go.  ...  "
Video Playback
 24
video, watching, stream, netflix, tv shows
+96%
-4%
comment
" ...  I use the Roku Express for streaming movies and TV shows.  ...  "
comment
" ...  We just stream netflix, and amazon prime movies and music!  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love being able to use all my preferred video-watching apps on the old TV and it was so much less work than replacing it (especially since it's mounted and weighs about 40lbs).  ...  "
comment
" ...  We were always looking for british movies and and tv shows.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I got the simplest one but it works great and I am enjoying the videos.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Sometimes we babysit our nephew, who loves watching Netflix, so I bought this to get him off of my TV when he visits.  ...  "
comment
" ...  ), Netflix and Amazon video are all on this as well as Vudu and pandora.  ...  "
comment
" ...  good little device to stream video on our bedroom tv  ...  "
Wifi
 23
wi fi, wifi connection, router, roku, internet
+65%
-35%
comment
" ...  As long as the internet/WiFi is working properly, my Rokus all work like a charm.  ...  "
comment
" ...  But, following the setup instructions that came with it, I quickly got it connected to my wi-fi, linked my Hulu account and downloaded the apps I first wanted including the Spectrum app which was the reason I bought it in the first place.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to set up and works great over wifi.  ...  "
comment
" ...  it connects to wifi with good range.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It works great and comes with some other cool apps but, it loses my wifi connection about once a day. ... The only way to regain the connection is restart the router and the Roku, then it will connect.  ...  "
comment
" ...  All you need is WIFI .  ...  "
comment
" ...  It has had some difficulties picking up the WiFi where others have not. ... I run WiFi off two separate routers and I think the signals sometimes get crossed.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This was a much better option for us than getting the wifi adapter for our smart capable tv!  ...  "
Marketplace
 22
described, works, exactly, thank, shipping
+86%
-14%
comment
" ...  Favorite amazon product.  ...  "
comment
" ...  thank me later.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Exactly as described  ...  "
comment
" ...  Just as described.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Item as described  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great job Amazon!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Product exactly as pictured.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Fast shipping and item came in as described  ...  "
Network
 21
router, signal, connection, roku, network
+48%
-52%
comment
" ...  Connected to my wifi without a hitch, but will not connect to internet.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Express doesn't work on 5G network  ...  "
comment
" ...  We actually went through three Chromecasts - they would lose signal, turn off and on randomly, lose their connection, short out, etc.  ...  "
comment
" ...  At first I thought it was a problem with my router. ... Even when the Express was working, the performance on 2.4GHz was very poor.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The older unit still does not have a problem so it is not our connection or the router (two separate TV's).  ...  "
comment
" ...  The unit faild to recive WiFi signal after a few months of use.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I interchanged the poor signal Roku with an excellent signal Roku. ... Beware: poor signal strength is a very common complaint.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Mine always drops connection from the internet. ... However, it drops connection all the time .  ...  "
As Gift
 18
christmas, bought, purchased, gifts, son
+100%
comment
" ...  Now this is the item to have my daughter got her for Christmas and she's in love with it works really well thank you  ...  "
comment
" ...  I bought this for my husband for Christmas.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I gave this as a gift to my son and his woman.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Sister loved it for Christmas  ...  "
comment
" ...  Was a gift.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It was a gift.  ...  "
comment
" ...  and buy them as gifts for Christmas.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I bought it as a gift for my best friend.  ...  "
Returns
 17
returned, unit, replacement, replace, refund
+6%
-94%
comment
" ...  DIDNT NEED SO RETURNED, UNOPENED. ... I HAVE NOT RECD THIS REFUND!  ...  "
comment
" ...  I am sending these back .  ...  "
comment
" ...  We probably just got a lemon but knowing that and not being able to replace it does nothing for us.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Amazon refused to allow me to return this defective product.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Guess I'll send them back.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I returned the Express and upgraded to the Stick.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I am a senior and now I must find a ride to UPS store to return the old one and the new one still does not work .  ...  "
comment
" ...  They would not first send me a replacement.  ...  "
Overall performance
 16
job, super, speed, say, done
+94%
-6%
comment
" ...  It responds fast.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Is small and does the job.  ...  "
comment
" ...  this thing is great and fast.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It is simple to use, it is very fast at the system level.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Excellent fast transaction, works perfectly  ...  "
comment
" ...  I've never had issues with video buffering or not loading.  ...  "
comment
" ...  WOW, I can say this well exceeded my expectations, it's very fast and responsive. ... If you're on the fence about this unit due to speed, I can honestly say it works great.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Thanks to this device that got the job done and saveed me some $$$.  ...  "
For Kids
 15
daughter, bought, old, loves, love
+93%
-7%
comment
" ...  Got this for my mother , she loved it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Child can hook it up but this baby is easy and so simple to understand, an old woman as myself, can do it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great for kid’s TV  ...  "
comment
" ...  My daughters absolutely love this device  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought it for my son for Christmas and it works great.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Nice, my daughter loves it!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Kids love these, very impressed with all of the free channels offered!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought for my Son/Daughter in law.  ...  "
ISP
 12
comcast, router, xfinity, roku, problem
+58%
-42%
comment
" ...  Once my comcast contract ends, I plan on using sling as well.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Take that Comcast.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I upgraded my comcast service .  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works grear but depending on ur internet might shuffell .  ...  "
comment
" ...  I swear Comcast pushes it off the network because have not had any trouble using it with Spectrum.  ...  "
comment
" ...  You may want to call your ISP to make sure you have enough bandwidth.  ...  "
Display Clarity
 11
tv, roku, youtube, year, watch
+55%
-45%
comment
" ...  Love this Roku stick, but we have an older flat screen.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Would never go past the initial loading screen to get to the setup. ... Searched all over the roku site for info on how to get past this screen.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Anyway, this Roku is faster and better quality and it has YouTube so I can screen mirror from my phone to my tv (you couldn’t with the fire stick I had) which I really like as I watch a lot of YouTube.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I followed the on-screen instructions, and am impressed by how the interface is just so easy, simple and intuitive.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Very good product works fantastic the only problem is it does not have screen mirroring with the cellphone  ...  "
comment
" ...  My 11 year old is very happy he can watch youtube on his TV instead of his small phone screen.  ...  "
Battery Life
 11
speak, say, lasts, hours, durability
+64%
-36%
comment
" ...  Just got it so can’t say how long it lasts but great for now.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It just been 3 weeks and the battery better last longer than that  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great stuff for a one time charge under $40.00.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Yes we had batteries in correctly and even replaced them.  ...  "
comment
" ...  i can't speak to the durability or battery life yet but my hope is that it lasts me for at least a few years.  ...  "
Product As Described
 9
works, exactly, product, advertised
+100%
comment
" ...  Exactly as described  ...  "
comment
" ...  Item as described  ...  "
comment
" ...  Just as described.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works as advertised  ...  "
comment
" ...  Product as described  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works exactly as expected .  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works as described  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works as advertised.  ...  "
Controls
 8
volume, buttons, remote, menu, control
+50%
-50%
comment
" ...  My only complaint is my fault entirely because I didn’t buy the one that has the volume buttons on the remote.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The box is small, no turn off button, so the next day it get real hot, some comments here say it'll burn up.  ...  "
Delivery
 8
perfect, condition, box, arrived, shipping
+88%
-13%
comment
" ...  It arrived on time and in perfect condition.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Fast shipping and item came in as described  ...  "
comment
" ...  they offered a new package.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It arrived right on time and in perfect condition.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Quick delivery if that makes a difference to you.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Much better than paying $10 per month for a Set Top Box.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Opted for box since stick had less to offer.  ...  "
Fit
 7
double sided tape, tape, strip, roku, later
+100%
comment
" ...  Comes with strong black double sided tape.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I liked the fact that it fit in my hand, and it shows very well.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I chose the Roku Express fit my tight budget,so I bought it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  We’ll see how this one holds up.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I loved that it came with a special tape to hold it to my tv.  ...  "
comment
" ...  We'll thought-out design and includes double-sided tape to mount it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Love this new Roku I had a later version of it and was looking for a new one since my other roku is falling apart.  ...  "
Charging
 7
cable, works, one, charging, charges
+71%
-29%
comment
" ...  Works great just wondering when cable will get fed up and start charging for owners they are so nice I never want to watch cable at all  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great stuff for a one time charge under $40.00.  ...  "
comment
" ...  all channels without monthly charge AND .  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works great for xfinity, no more box charges  ...  "
comment
" ...  And if Comcast decides to charge me 7 dollars more, I'm actually okay with it.  ...  "
For Fun
 6
fun, use, easy
+100%
comment
" ...  Lots of fun, entertaining.  ...  "
comment
" ...  So much fun to use  ...  "
comment
" ...  Fun little bonus is you can mirror your screen from a laptop or cellphone.  ...  "
Size
 6
small, compact, user, friendly
+100%
comment
" ...  But I’m keeping all this money in my pocket so I guess it’s a fair trade.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Small, with a sleek design.  ...  "
Sound Quality
 4
would, picture, listen, like, always
+100%
comment
" ...  No lag, good sound.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Listen to the reviews on this model.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Would like sound command to control sound and channels  ...  "
comment
" ...  Although slower, the sound is back and the picture was always gorgeous.  ...  "
Lagging
 4
back, work, reboot, screen, plug
-100%
comment
" ...  It constantly turns off and freezes.  ...  "
comment
" ...  When it doesn't work, I reset it and it usually comes back on.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Second issue: it locks up (screen freezes) and goes back to home randomly.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I end up rebooting to get it to work.  ...  "
Cable Length
 4
cut, length, included, even, cord
+100%
comment
" ...  There's even an included velcro tie to keep any excess length in the power cable tidy.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Saved over 100.00 a month cutting the cable cord!!  ...  "
comment
" ...  I've finally cut the (cable) cord!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Best thing we did was cut cable.  ...  "
Features
 4
+100%
comment
" ...  Love the search feature  ...  "
comment
" ...  So many options.  ...  "
comment
" ...  gives you a lot of options.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It has enough features without having more than you actually.  ...  "
Comfort
 4
used, tv, remote, later, adhesive
+25%
-75%
comment
" ...  Pain in the butt.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The strip of sticky that comes with it wears out after one repositioning.  ...  "
comment
" ...  From my recliner I often have to hold the remote up over my head just to get it to work.  ...  "
Memory
 3
little, apps
-100%
comment
" ...  "Not connected" is burned into my memory now, it terrorizes me in my dreams.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Also assume little to no memory as apps have to keep loading.  ...  "
Hair
 3
cord, cable, hulu
+100%
comment
" ...  Cut the cord and this is perfect for my Hulu account.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I've finally cut the (cable) cord!  ...  "
Storage
 3
+33%
-67%
comment
" ...  Gives some lame excuse not enough space?  ...  "
comment
" ...  Not sure what to do besides toss it in the recycle bag and look for something else.  ...  "

Review Spam Test     WARN

In order to keep our review summaries as accurate as possible, we aggressively detect fake reviews. We use various signals to detect unnatural patterns and will gradually expose them here.

Specifications

Connectivity
HDMI:  Yes 
Yes
HDMI