Roku Express Streaming Player: A Complete Review
Compact and sleek, Roku Express is the most affordable streaming player. Further, the streaming device is built on a sturdy platform. It contains user-friendly features like universal search and free content. While its not the best when its come to speed and power comparing with its competitors, it is a good value for money. Additionally, the market is overflowing with stronger products like Amazon Fire TVcube, but Roku Express continuous to provide HD streaming services for as low as $30. Let us take a look at some of its key features,
Performance
We don’t know what processor is used by Roku Express as the manufacturer refuses to disclose the same. We do know that it consumes lesser power than say, Android TV. Therefore, Roku can provide speedier services over a stable connection. However, we can only conduct a true competitor comparative analysis once we know the make of the processor used by Roku Express.
The Wi-fi antenna, on the other hand, has a much shorter range and lower bandwidth. Roku Express has a single-band wireless antenna that is older than what is sold by its competitors. The Roku team justifies this by claiming that the equipment streams only HD content. Therefore, it can work fine on the 802.11b/g/n single-band antenna. However, an upgraded antenna is likely to provide us with better speed and range.
Roku Express’s platform is light and minimal. It balances the shortfalls of the processor and the antenna and provides users with an experience that is worth much more than the cost of Roku Express. Further, the Roku Express does not support analog outputs. This means that it may not work on older TV sets.
Roku Express also offers an easy user interface making it a delight to use. The menus are candid and straightforward, and there is no superfluous content. Overall, it assists you in customizing a personal viewing experience rather than forcing material that you may not need.
Design
We all know that Roku Express is sold as a streaming video device. However, its size is similar to that of a streaming stick. The size makes it convenient to carry around and store when required. The good news is that you can power Roku Express through a USB port and cable. Roku also includes a USB-to-USB cable to connect directly to your television sets. The product box also consists of a remote, an HDMI cable, and tapes to install and stick the device. In other words, Roku Express comes as a full kit rather than a stand-alone product.
The one major flaw in its design is the fact that it requires a line of sight to function. Without this compulsion, Roku Express is an ideal candidate to be hidden behind the TV set. Secondly, the HDMI cable is not long enough to connect to most devices conveniently. Most customers will not complain as it is included in the product price, and there is no additional charge for it.
Remote Control
Like the device itself, the remote is also light in weight and sleek in looks. Depending on your geographical location, the four buttons at the bottom can differ. The rest remain the same, and all buttons are clear to read and use. Additionally, the remote includes specific buttons for services like Netflix, ESPN, Hulu, etc. this remote, however, does not contain a voice search facility or a headphone port. For these features, you can download the Roku Express app. With this app, you can enjoy features like faster search and private listening. You can also control your Roku feed better with the mobile app.
Pros & Cons of Roku Express Streaming Player
Let us summarize the good and the not-so-good features of Roku that can help buyers make more informed decisions.
 Pros |  Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordability | The remote has base-level IR functionality |
| Lightweight platform | HDMI cable can be longer |
| Comes bundled with a remote and an HDMI cable | The wireless antenna requires an upgrade |
Conclusion
Industry leaders like Amazon and Chromecast don’t come with perfect devices. Like Roku, they also fall short in certain aspects. Price is the most significant factor on which Roku Express scores excellent marks. It is nearly impossible to find another HD content streaming device that comes close to Roku in price. Additionally, Roku has consistently made improvements, enhancements, and progress with every new product and version.
It’s Designed to make your setup feel very smart instantly, and the Roku Express device has a high-value proposition. While other brands may offer you more features, they will undoubtedly cost more as well. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference. Roku Express covers all the basic functionality of an HD streaming device and can be a convenient device to install and use if that is what you are after.
