Last Updated: January 15, 2020 (Refresh Now)

Roku Express HD Streaming Media Player 2019

Last Updated: January 15, 2020 (Refresh Now)
9.1
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
946
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
30
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
HDMI

Review Analysis - 916 recent, verified reviews

Detailed Mode
Software Platform
 210
netflix, apps, streaming, app, hulu
+84%
-16%
comment
" ...  This works better than my Vizio apps on the TV plus it gets more.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I use my Roku to watch movies.  ...  "
comment
" ...  As always roku is the best for entertainment  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love my roku it has everything I need i don't even use my satellite no more.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Roku has found some apps my Firestick did not, I'm comparing the two to decide which to use in our house at many TVs. ... Easy to set up, easy to operate, tons of apps and many I could not find on other devices.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have another roku device and I bought this for someone else.  ...  "
comment
" ...  catch up on some tv series, explore what else is out there .  ...  "
comment
" ...  The Roku was super easy to set up.  ...  "
Ease of Use
 197
easy to use, easy to set, set, easy to install, setup
+99%
comment
" ...  So user-friendly and packed with free options!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Awesome, easy set up  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to use  ...  "
comment
" ...  Even easier to use than I expected , simple and easy to install too.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Plain amazing and easy to use and a breeze set up  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to set up, easy to operate, tons of apps and many I could not find on other devices.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It's so much easier to navigate as well.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Setup is just as easy as any roku device, alot of typing and passwords.  ...  "
Setup
 113
set, easy to install, setup, easy to set, super
+99%
comment
" ...  Easiest to figure out  ...  "
comment
" ...  easy to install  ...  "
comment
" ...  The setup took only 10 minutes and I just love the updates on the visuals.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Very easy to install or move to another tv.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to install.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I bought 2 and installed both myself.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to install, use is effective and efficient even for one with no technological skills.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It’s a scam, they will tell you you have to pay to install, when it clearly says it’s free.  ...  "
Device Compatibility
 83
smart tv, roku, device, apple tv, great streaming device
+84%
-16%
comment
" ...  Works like smart tv  ...  "
comment
" ...  It’s like having a smart tv!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Very easy to connect to my home wifi system.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It's a great little device.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I decided to cancel my Fios TV.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I am thrilled with the this small streaming device that allows me to get a few more years out of my tv and it only cost me $22.00!  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love it it works great for YouTube tv.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have 3 Roku Express devices and they all work great!  ...  "
Apps
 48
app, roku, netflix, youtube, spectrum app
+81%
-19%
comment
" ...  There’s great app support so you can easily control the device from your phone.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Roku has found some apps my Firestick did not, I'm comparing the two to decide which to use in our house at many TVs. ... Easy to set up, easy to operate, tons of apps and many I could not find on other devices.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Really impressed with all the apps it has!  ...  "
comment
" ...  I use the Roku for the Spectrum app. ... The app works quickly and I'm watching my channels in no time!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Purchased because our older TVs aren't able to get the Disney+ App via the native TV shop.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great selection of apps & love the addition of the Roku tips & tricks app.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to use and has everytging from Disney+ and some cable channels and many movie and tv show apps.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It’s very good if you have an old TV and you want to make it smart and be able to use your apps on your old tv but if you want a better resolution and speed get the Roku premiere or the Roku 4K stick.  ...  "
Cables
 44
cut, roku, pay, bill, rid of cable
+89%
-11%
comment
" ...  Great alternative to cable.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Cant wait to get rid of cable.  ...  "
comment
" ...  You will honestly never miss cable.  ...  "
comment
" ...  and I am impressed with the fact that I will never have to pay a cable bill ever again.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This saved me from calling the cable technician often.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Only wish the cord was a tiny bit longer because of how we have our tv set up- but it sits happily next to the tv for us.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Watch live TV without paying for an extra cable box  ...  "
comment
" ...  I bought this to eliminate cable box.  ...  "
Remote
 41
tv, roku, volume control, volume, wish
+68%
-32%
comment
" ...  We love this remote.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works good, only wish there it had the capability to program tv functions into the remote  ...  "
comment
" ...  The remotes are interchangeable and the system is easy to learn.  ...  "
comment
" ...  works well, good picture, but NO VOLUME CONTROL - Have to use the TV remote for volume.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works very well I get all the channels with a regular Roku but I wish the Roku remote had volume  ...  "
comment
" ...  Remote responsesiveness is the best part.  ...  "
comment
" ...  But the Roku interface + TV remote makes it much easier to use. ... The Roku physical remote being simpler always worked.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works well, love the remote clicks when you press it.  ...  "
Price
 35
money, worth the money, well worth, waste, worth every
+83%
-17%
comment
" ...  Great for the price!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Well worth $25.  ...  "
comment
" ...  For the price, you can't beat it!  ...  "
comment
" ...  It was at a great price and I am happy with it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works seamlessly and great price  ...  "
comment
" ...  This is a great product for the price, highly recommend.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Both work good, both are worth the money  ...  "
comment
" ...  The price was excellent would buy again.  ...  "
Network
 26
signal, router, roku, network, connected
+62%
-38%
comment
" ...  Bought a $16 Cudy wireless router for one that would sometimes lose signal with the door closed.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Allows Live streaming of major networks.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have had no problems connecting it to my tv or to my wifi.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Ended up getting three for different rooms of the house.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I finally gave up in exasperation and moved the new unit to the bedroom, and put the older Roku LT unit in the living room.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This product replaced an outdated Roku in our guest room.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Is even good at streaming in a somewhat dead zone of house.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The performance on this seems good though, and it holds a wifi signal well compared to some of the older roku sticks I've dealt with.  ...  "
Capacity
 25
bought, roku, bedroom, living room, house
+96%
-4%
comment
" ...  Bought it for my spare room and moved it into my room!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Excellent roku for spare bedroom.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love my Roku and can have a TV in every room now, even the bathroom!  ...  "
comment
" ...  I am buying a second one for another room in my house.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Ended up getting three for different rooms of the house.  ...  "
comment
" ...  and I bought this one for my parents bedroom.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have purchased one for multiple family members for Christmas  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought a $16 Cudy wireless router for one that would sometimes lose signal with the door closed.  ...  "
Resolution
 22
hd, channels, roku, streaming, roku express hd
+86%
-14%
comment
" ...  Love the Roku and this is no different makes my smart TV even better with all the available channels  ...  "
comment
" ...  Signal is strong have had no problems streaming my content in HD.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I am using an antenna for my local channels and Roku for my " cable".  ...  "
comment
" ...  For an inexpensive add on, you get a lot to enhance your TV viewing experience.  ...  "
comment
" ...  RCA HDMI 40' I have Uverse basic internet so the HD quality is the same as before using my blueray player .  ...  "
comment
" ...  I cut the cable cord and got Hulu+Live TV and the picture comes in so clear, much better than cable or satellite ever did.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Enter the Roku Express HD I bought for $29 on a Cyber Monday deal. ... Its less than that, but it is enough amps to drive the Roku Express HD, which needs very little power.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to set up, lots of choices both free and subscription, much quicker than my original Roku HD that was 10+ years old.  ...  "
Product Reliability
 21
working, roku, months, month, defective
+48%
-52%
comment
" ...  Do it twice, still dead.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Had an older Roku that finally stopped working so tried this one.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Over a week ago two of my channels stopped working.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Almost 2 weeks without a reply now.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This worked abt 1 mth & now i have so many problems .  ...  "
comment
" ...  I like to have my tv on while working and after a few hours it just stops working.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I hooked up this one on December 20th and it’s now January 4th and no longer working.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I just bought this product and when I attempted to activate it it came up as an error and informed me to call an 866 number from a company named IDA to activate my Roku.  ...  "
Picture Quality
 21
quality, easy, clear, amazing, tv
+81%
-19%
comment
" ...  The picture quality isn't perfect but this is a new model device hooked up to a 20 years+ old TV.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I’m very happy with this, the picture quality is the best I’ve gotten from my previous devices and it was easy to set up!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Picture is amazing it looks really nice I love the way that it works.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Picture is better, and tiling was no longer a problem.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The picture quality ia amazing and it works so much faster!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Good picture quality and easy to use through the many screens and apps.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I like the sure steady stream and fine picture.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Overall, picture is very clear.  ...  "
Marketplace
 21
works as advertised, described, works, well, shipping
+86%
-14%
comment
" ...  Works as advertised  ...  "
comment
" ...  works exactly as expected  ...  "
comment
" ...  This came in just as described.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Quick shipping arrives perfectly works well  ...  "
comment
" ...  I received today and so far .  ...  "
comment
" ...  Appears to be as described.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Amazon is number 1 for my go-to shopping needs!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Picture is amazing it looks really nice I love the way that it works.  ...  "
Wifi
 20
connected, reset, signal, roku, devices
+65%
-35%
comment
" ...  Worked perfectly on a slower internet WiFi.  ...  "
comment
" ...  And in an old building but this works fine with the complex's WiFi.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have had no problems connecting it to my tv or to my wifi.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easier to use and better wifi reception than Firestick.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy set up and great connection even with a weak wireless network  ...  "
comment
" ...  The performance on this seems good though, and it holds a wifi signal well compared to some of the older roku sticks I've dealt with.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Very easy to connect to my home wifi system.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought for a non smart TV and worked great off wifi.  ...  "
As Gift
 19
christmas, bought, son, christmas present, product
+100%
comment
" ...  Bought as a gift.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Christmas gift for my son!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Purchased as a gift.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Excellent product as a gift I also now have nyself 2 of these myself.  ...  "
comment
" ...  So good that I gave them as Christmas gifts to friends and family.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It was a gift, but no complaints from the recipient.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Christmas gift for my godson I had one that works geat and I thought this would work for his household since he don’t have cable tv  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought this as a gift for my husband.  ...  "
For Kids
 15
bought, son, loves, kids, christmas
+100%
comment
" ...  I ended up buying another one for my daughter at college!  ...  "
comment
" ...  my daughter is happy and streaming 😁  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought this for my 15 y/o son.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Its works great for my kid!  ...  "
comment
" ...  My daughter has been using it a lot!  ...  "
comment
" ...  When my son was sick we put it in his room.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought this for my daughter.  ...  "
comment
" ...  My daughter loves it.  ...  "
Controls
 14
control, button, wish, buttons, volume control
+14%
-86%
comment
" ...  Wish it had volume buttons  ...  "
comment
" ...  Very hard to navigate without hitting other buttons - last version had keys raised at a good height - the sleeker design looks good but doesn’t work well.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I like the Sling and Netflix shortcut buttons. ... I wish the remote had volume control.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Disappointed there’s no volume button or on off switch  ...  "
comment
" ...  Does not have the on off button on remote.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Can mute the TV every time on a menu and unmute to actually watch a movie, but it's really annoying.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The only reason I took a star off is because there is no volume control.  ...  "
Delivery
 14
arrived on time, works, price, well, quickly
+100%
comment
" ...  Just the delivery was beyond my expectations. ... I have always used my Prime delivery and gotten my stuff in 2 days, going to chk my settings.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Arrived on time.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Love this little box.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Received quickly and works great!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Came in great condition.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Prompt delivery, easy set up, love it!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Shipping was fast too !!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Arrived on time and package was in good shape.  ...  "
Ports
 14
hdmi cable, hdmi, roku, port, cable
+71%
-29%
comment
" ...  We also needed an RCA cable adapter and something with two USB ports so we used an old dual charger.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I use it to stream my Xfinity cable TV in my office.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The hdmi cable made it work with my tv.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought this for parents, super tiny, only HDMI HDCP 1.4, no AV or USB for mp4 like our old Roku.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have an older TV and this plugged right into the USB with no issues.  ...  "
comment
" ...  The option to plug into the tv instead of the power outlet is really nice.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I added 3 Roku Express for my TV’s to coordinate with my internet/cable provider without having to pay extra every month for cable boxes.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Love that it can be powered via a USB port too.  ...  "
Video Playback
 13
tv, watch, streaming, shows, watching
+92%
-8%
comment
" ...  When Netflix told me my Sharp TV would no longer support streaming movies ( and its not that old a TV) I had to choose to either get a new smart tv or go to Roku.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great device to watch your favorite movies and tv shows .  ...  "
comment
" ...  I like this product because I can watch streaming TV and movies of my choice.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This tool is amazing when it comes to watching movies, downloading apps and enjoying shows with my family.  ...  "
comment
" ...  TV series, movies, documentaries, anything you want to see!  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great way to get Prime and YouTube videos on the big screen and theater system with no monthly fees.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I use my Roku to watch movies.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Helps with not paying the high costs of watching movies for free.  ...  "
Returns
 13
back, one, model, sending, could
+23%
-77%
comment
" ...  I will have to return for a bigger unit.  ...  "
comment
" ...  WISH TO RETURN  ...  "
comment
" ...  Now, that things have slowed down a bit I wanted to return Product, but am unable.  ...  "
comment
" ...  We declined and returned it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  If it wasn’t exactly one day over my return this POS would be going back.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I wish I could return it and pay the difference on another Ultra model  ...  "
comment
" ...  Had to return  ...  "
comment
" ...  I am sending the other 2 back .  ...  "
Display Clarity
 12
tv, older, black, stayed, show
+67%
-33%
comment
" ...  This 866 number popped up on my screen during the activation process appearing to be legit.  ...  "
comment
" ...  And also you can screen mirror your phone which is really important to me, that was the main concern I had before buying it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I have a small flat screen in my bath and it works perfectly there including the size, sets on the stand like it was made for it!  ...  "
comment
" ...  mounted it on the top of my flat screen.  ...  "
comment
" ...  After it connected to the internet, it went to a bouncing logo screen and stayed there .  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to setup even on and older Sharp LCD TV.  ...  "
comment
" ...  It's a minimum-frills device, perfect for the budget-conscious or persons needing a streamer for an older, smaller 720 or 1080 TV screen.  ...  "
Size
 11
size, compact, portable, nice, love
+100%
comment
" ...  I love the small size of this device . ... easy to travel with & hook up in whatever hotel your travels take you to  ...  "
comment
" ...  It is small and compact, but does the same thing as the large one  ...  "
comment
" ...  The unit is small and unobtrusive.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I like the fact that this is smaller.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works great and sports an amazingly small footprint.  ...  "
comment
" ...  small and compactl  ...  "
comment
" ...  Small size is nice for taking it on the go.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I love that it is portable and free.  ...  "
Product As Described
 10
described, works, picture, nice, amazing
+100%
comment
" ...  Works as advertised.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Just as described.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Works as advertised  ...  "
comment
" ...  Does as advertised.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Picture is amazing it looks really nice I love the way that it works.  ...  "
comment
" ...  works exactly as expected  ...  "
comment
" ...  Appears to be as described.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This came in just as described.  ...  "
ISP
 6
xfinity, network, connection, comcast, cable
+67%
-33%
comment
" ...  I am now free of Dish Network and can change my provider any time I like.  ...  "
comment
" ...  These are great if you have Xfinity/Comcast cable.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Only thing that supports xfinity Comcast cable.  ...  "
Fit
 6
tape, sticky, stay, little, kept
+17%
-83%
comment
" ...  It kept disconnecting and falling behind.  ...  "
comment
" ...  I had to finagle the little box a bit to wedge it where it would stay pointed frontward. ... The cords kept trying to pull it off to the side and I refuse to add tape too that will eventually become a dust magnet when this unit dies.  ...  "
comment
" ...  One minus I can give this is that the double sided tape that it comes with does not seem to stick very well to the vertical surfaces I wanted ti to stick to. ... You might need something more heavy duty to get it to stay "stuck".  ...  "
For Running
 5
time, super, easy
+80%
-20%
comment
" ...  Running well with no problems so far  ...  "
comment
" ...  We had it up and running in a fairly short time and it works great.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Was up and running in just a few minutes.  ...  "
Call quality
 5
number, call, volume, device, activation
-100%
comment
" ...  If the 866 number comes up during activation do not call.  ...  "
comment
" ...  There's no one live to talk or chat with, therefore I had to search through countless Community discussion questions.  ...  "
comment
" ...  and since I'm a bit deaf, I end up having to turn up the volume to higher than i should just to hear conversations.  ...  "
comment
" ...  automated robot-type voice.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Bought a second one and the 844 908 0708 number I had to call to activate my device, told me that if I have more than one device then you have to pay $69.99 to activate it .  ...  "
For Travel
 4
hotel, smart tv, easy
+100%
comment
" ...  easy to travel with & hook up in whatever hotel your travels take you to  ...  "
comment
" ...  We ended up ordering another one to travel with.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Great for travel and staying in an Airbnb or even a hotel it’s not a smart TV.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Low price point is also great so I won’t feel cheated when I have to replace it down the road.  ...  "
Volume
 4
tv, wish, sure, sound, control
+25%
-75%
comment
" ...  It also messes up my sound bar about 3-4 times for each show that I watch which means I am constantly resetting my volume. ... The TV ads are much much louder than the actual shows which can be startling so make sure you mute the volume every time the ads are about to come on.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Hate there is no volume  ...  "
comment
" ...  and since I'm a bit deaf, I end up having to turn up the volume to higher than i should just to hear conversations.  ...  "
Overall performance
 4
quick, times, simple, easy
+100%
comment
" ...  Fast response times, loss quick.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Plenty fast & reliable  ...  "
comment
" ...  Fast quick and simple.  ...  "
Lagging
 4
rebooting, often
+25%
-75%
comment
" ...  Didn't show the home page, to do the reset.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Never did I have to reset back to factory to actually get the product to work after a reset.  ...  "
Device Stand
 4
wall, mounted, easy to install
+75%
-25%
comment
" ...  I mounted it underneath our tv.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Nice little device, have it attached to my wall  ...  "
comment
" ...  Easy to install and mount on TV.  ...  "
Cable Length
 4
short, cut, power, hdmi cable, cables
+75%
-25%
comment
" ...  Would recommend providing your own cables if you require distance.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This is an awesome way to cut the cord.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Cut the cable everybody.  ...  "
Battery Life
 4
batteries
+50%
-50%
comment
" ...  was on almost half an hour.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Did not work and was charged a restocking or done fee, did not receive back what I paid.  ...  "
Sound Quality
 3
tv, speakers, get, figure, audio
+33%
-67%
comment
" ...  When on a menu screen the roku outputs a buzzing noise over hdmi that comes out of the TV speakers.  ...  "
comment
" ...  This would be a great little device if the audio worked. ... I have done everything I can think of to troubleshoot it, but cannot get the audio to work.  ...  "
Defective Delivery
 3
device
+33%
-67%
comment
" ...  Warning: The first one I got was defective.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Most of the reviews on this device seem positive so I’ll just end by saying that I may have received a defective device but if you do experience these issues return the device right away and get your money back while you still can.  ...  "
Features
 3
definitely
+100%
comment
" ...  For the price it's definitely worth it, especially if you're like me and don't need a ton of features.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Lots of options!  ...  "
Screen Protection
 3
flat, black
+67%
-33%
comment
" ...  And also you can screen mirror your phone which is really important to me, that was the main concern I had before buying it.  ...  "
comment
" ...  mounted it on the top of my flat screen.  ...  "
Hair
 3
cable, bills, bill
+100%
comment
" ...  Best thing I could have bought cut the cost in my cable bill and I can stream all my favorite stuff  ...  "
comment
" ...  Have 4 of these - cut the cable cord and lowered bills.  ...  "
comment
" ...  Cut the cable everybody.  ...  "
Internet
 3
connection, get
+33%
-67%

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Specifications

Connectivity
HDMI:  Yes 
Yes
HDMI