Debating between getting the Roku Streaming Stick 4K or the Roku Express 4K for all your cord-cutting needs?
Surprisingly, the two devices may be more similar than you think. They both run on the same operating system, both support 4K and HDR resolution, and both are great for accessing a stream of content, including movies, TV shows, live sports, and more, from various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
All that being said, they still have a couple of key differences when it comes to design, performance, voice control, and price.
In this article, we’ll do a comparison of the two Roku devices to help you decide which one better suits your needs.
Top 4 differences between the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Express 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K and the Roku Express 4K are similar, but they still have a few key differences that could sway you in either direction when choosing which is best for you.
Let’s start with the main similarities between the two:
- Customizable home screen: Roku is notorious for its user-friendly interface and easy navigation. Both devices allow you to customize your home screen to your liking and easily search for content across different channels and streaming services using the search bar.
- Supports 4K and HDR resolution: Both devices allow you to stream certain movies, shows, and live events in vivid 4K and HDR resolution.
- Private listening on your phone: By downloading the Roku app, you can set up private listening using headphones, so you can enjoy content on your TV even if the family is already asleep.
Now, let’s break down the main differences between the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and the Roku Express 4K.
1. Size and design
One arena in which the two streaming players differ is when it comes to size and design.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a small, stick-shaped device that plugs directly into the HDMI port of your TV, generally located on the back of the television. This means that it’s always tucked away, hidden from sight.
On the other hand, the Roku Express 4K is a slightly larger box-shaped device that connects to your TV via an HDMI cable. While it still has a nice sleek, black design, it’s a bit clunkier than a traditional streaming stick.
2. Performance
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K and the Roku Express 4K vary slightly when it comes to performance.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is overall a more powerful device than the Roku Express 4K. First off, it comes with a faster processor, meaning that it can handle more demanding content, such as 4K resolution video and high dynamic range (HDR) content, more smoothly than the Roku Express 4K.
But that’s not all—it also has a long-range Wi-Fi antenna that allows it to connect to Wi-Fi networks from a greater distance than some other streaming devices. This is especially useful for viewers who want to place their streaming stick in a location that is farther away from their router, like for example a backyard TV set-up.
This isn’t to say that the Roku Express 4K won’t offer a fast and smooth experience, too. It should! But the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is simply better equipped for performance.
3. Voice control
Both devices have a remote control included, but the type of Roku remote differs between the two.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K comes with a voice control remote that you can use to turn on your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming player. By clicking the microphone button and using your voice, you can even search channels, play your favorites, and more, making the process of finding titles to watch a lot easier and faster. You also have the option of using voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant if you have a compatible smart speaker.
The Roku Express 4K only comes with a simple remote without any voice control features. It’s still a great remote which lets you do everything that the Roku Streaming Stick 4K’s remote does, minus the voice control.
4. Price
When it comes to price, the Roku Express 4K is $20 cheaper than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K when both devices are selling at full price. That being said, Roku does generally run promotions on its streaming players, so the price difference can be smaller if the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is on sale—such as right now.
So if you feel like you want to take advantage of all the features that come with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, the slight price difference may not matter much. Especially considering it’s only a one-time purchase.
How do the two devices prices compare?
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K regularly costs $49.99. The Roku Express 4K is cheaper at $39.99 regular price, but it’s also usually heavily discounted.
Considering that the Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers more features, the price difference makes sense. Whether it’s worth the extra few dollars for the one-time purchase depends on your budget and what you're looking for in a streaming device.
Which device has the better remote?
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers the better remote, since it comes with voice control capabilities. Simply by clicking the microphone button and using your voice, you can search channels, play a movie or show, adjust the volume, turn on the TV, and more.
The Roku Express 4K comes with a simple remote that gets the job done, but doesn’t offer voice control.
What is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K best for?
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is fast, powerful, and easy to use. It offers more features than the Roku Express 4K, including long-range Wi-Fi, a handy voice control remote, and a faster processor. All of this, and it’s small enough to tuck away behind your TV.
You’ll experience fast and smooth streaming in breathtaking 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ resolution. However, it is slightly more expensive than the Roku Express 4K.
Overall, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is better for wall-mounted TVs, for TVs located further from your router, and for a more feature-packed streaming player.
What is the Roku Express 4K best for?
The Roku Express 4K is affordable, reliable, and lets you enjoy channels like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube TV, right on your TV and in stunning 4K and UHD picture quality. The Roku Express 4K also features dual-band Wi-Fi, so streaming stays smooth even if you have more than one device connected to your network.
Overall, the Roku Express 4K is great for first-time streamers, for secondary TVs, or if you just want a solid 4K streaming stick at the most affordable price you can find.
Our takeaway: Both are great options, depends on your budget
Overall, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a more advanced and feature-rich device than the Roku Express 4K, but it may be more expensive and may not be necessary for everyone's needs. It really depends on what you're looking for in a streaming device and how much you're willing to spend.
Here are some key differences between the two devices:
- Size and design: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a small, stick-shaped device that plugs directly into the HDMI port of your TV, while the Roku Express 4K is a slightly larger box-shaped device that connects to your TV via an HDMI cable.
- Performance: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a more powerful device than the Roku Express 4K, with a faster processor, better overall performance, and a long range Wi-Fi support. This means that it can handle more demanding content, such as 4K resolution video and high dynamic range (HDR) content, more smoothly than the Roku Express 4K, and it’s better for TVs located further away from the router.
- Voice control: Both devices have a remote control included, but the Roku Streaming Stick 4K also has the option of using voice control. The Roku Express 4K only comes with a simple remote without any voice control features.
- Price: The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is generally more expensive than the Roku Express 4K.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is better for wall-mounted TVs, for TVs located further from your router, and for a more feature-packed streaming player. The Roku Express 4K is better for first-time streamers, for secondary TVs, or if you just want a solid 4K streaming stick at the most affordable price you can find.
Tara Khudairi • Author
Tara Khudairi is a freelance content writer and copywriter based in Toronto. Since 2014, she has contributed to brands and blogs alike to tackle popular topics relating to technology, personal finance, entertainment, travel and lifestyle. Whether it’s the latest streaming service or cryptocurrency, she’s passionate about making the complex simple. When she’s not busy typing away, you’ll find Tara watching Netflix’s latest true crime doc or a classic 90’s horror flick.
Desiree Wu • Editor
Desiree is a full-time Honours Business Administration student at Ivey Business School at Western University. She also served as an Editorial Intern at Flixed. Desiree is based in London, Ontario.
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