Remember the excitement of getting your first TV? That thrill of endless entertainment possibilities is back, but this time it’s pocket-sized and budget-friendly. Enter the Roku Express 4K+, a tiny powerhouse that’s shaking up the streaming scene in New Zealand. As a Kiwi tech enthusiast, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this affordable streaming device and put it through its paces.
Priced at just $39.99, the Roku Express 4K+ promises to deliver stunning 4K streaming and HDR content without breaking the bank. It’s a tempting proposition for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup without splurging on pricier options. But does this budget-friendly streamer live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out if the Roku Express 4K+ is truly the best value for money in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
With its compact design and powerful features, including a voice remote and support for popular smart home ecosystems, the Roku Express 4K+ seems poised to become a favorite among New Zealand streaming enthusiasts. Stay tuned as we explore whether this little device can hold its own against the big players in the 4K streaming market. 
Introduction to Roku Express 4K+
The Roku Express 4K+ is a budget-friendly streaming player that delivers impressive performance. At just $40, it’s an affordable upgrade for your TV’s smart features. This compact device enables 4K streaming, enhancing your living room experience without a hefty price tag.
This player supports HD, 4K, and HDR content, ensuring stunning picture quality. It can handle 4K UHD at 60fps, matching the quality of premium smart TVs. Additionally, it supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats, boosting your viewing experience on compatible TVs.
Roku’s interface is user-friendly, allowing easy access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube TV. The device comes with a voice-enabled remote, featuring TV controls and shortcut buttons for quick app access.
It offers dual-band Wi-Fi for smooth streaming and an optional Ethernet adapter for a wired connection. The Express 4K+ also supports screen mirroring and Apple AirPlay, enabling content casting from mobile devices.
For those aiming to cut the cord or enhance their smart TV setup, the Roku Express 4K+ is a prime choice. It balances features with affordability. Regular updates ensure you have the latest streaming technology at your fingertips.
Roku Express 4K+ Review: Unboxing and First Impressions
The Roku unboxing experience is both straightforward and exciting. The compact package contains everything necessary for immediate streaming. Let’s explore what’s inside and the setup process for this device.
What’s in the box
Upon opening the Roku Express 4K+ box, you’ll find:
- Streaming player
- Voice remote with TV controls
- Two AAA batteries
- USB power cable
- Power adapter
- Premium HDMI cable
- Adhesive strip for mounting
Design and build quality
The Roku’s design is sleek and minimalist. It stands at a mere 0.8 inches tall, 3.4 inches wide, and 1.5 inches deep, weighing just 1.6 ounces. Its compact size ensures it can be discreetly placed near your TV.
Initial setup process
Setting up the Roku Express 4K+ is straightforward. Just plug it in, connect it to your TV via HDMI, and follow the on-screen instructions. The interface is user-friendly, guiding you through Wi-Fi connection and account creation. In no time, you’ll be ready to enjoy a world of entertainment in stunning 4K quality.
At $39.99, the Roku Express 4K+ is a remarkable value. It supports 4K streaming at 60 fps and comes with a voice remote featuring TV power and volume controls. This budget-friendly option is ideal for those looking for an entry-level device without sacrificing features or performance.
Picture Quality and Performance
The Roku Express 4K+ excels in delivering top-notch picture quality and streaming performance. It supports 4K HDR streaming, providing crisp visuals with vibrant colors. This ensures smooth playback of high-resolution videos at 2160p and 60 frames per second.
Although it doesn’t have Dolby Vision, the Roku Express 4K+ supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats. This variety of HDR options significantly enhances the viewing experience on compatible TVs. Moreover, it upscales 720p and 1080p content, enhancing the appearance of lower-resolution streams.
The device is powered by a quad-core processor, ensuring smooth navigation and rapid app loading times. Its streaming performance is strong, capable of handling 4K HDR content over a 5GHz Wi-Fi network up to 25 feet from the router. Additionally, it is energy-efficient, consuming about 2.5W when streaming 4K UHD video.
- Supports 4K streaming at 60fps
- HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG compatibility
- Upscales 720p and 1080p content
- Smooth performance with quad-core processor
- Energy-efficient operation
At a price of $39.99, the Roku Express 4K+ provides outstanding value. It matches the quality and performance of pricier devices, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget who want 4K HDR streaming capabilities.
Streaming Capabilities and Content Selection
The Roku Express 4K+ excels in streaming, offering a vast array of content options. This budget-friendly device brings 4K content right to your living room, supporting resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 frames per second.
Supported Streaming Services
It provides access to over 920 streaming apps in the Film & TV category, catering to diverse viewing preferences. Popular platforms include:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
- Spotify
4K HDR Streaming Experience
The device supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, enhancing picture quality for compatible content. Although it lacks Dolby Vision, the Roku Express 4K+ still delivers impressive visuals for its price. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Audio pass-through via HDMI.
Free Content Options
Budget-conscious viewers will find the free streaming options appealing. The Roku Channel offers a variety of movies, TV shows, and live TV channels at no cost. With over 400 free live TV channels, there’s always something to watch without spending a lot.
For $40, the Roku Express 4K+ delivers a robust streaming experience. Its user-friendly interface, extensive app selection, and quality 4K HDR playback make it a strong contender in the budget streaming device market.
User Interface and Navigation
The Roku Express 4K+ boasts a user-friendly interface, making navigation straightforward. The home screen highlights your favorite apps, simplifying content discovery. Its 4.8 out of 5-star rating for ease of use underscores user satisfaction with the intuitive layout.
Roku’s interface remains consistent, which might seem outdated to some. However, this consistency ensures you won’t face difficulties navigating through it. The OS features voice search, allowing you to swiftly locate shows across numerous apps. Just speak your query into the remote, and you’re set.
Roku OS 10 introduces new features to enhance the user experience:
- Instant Resume for faster app launching
- Improved channel customization
- Quick access buttons for popular streaming services
While the interface is celebrated for its simplicity, some users find the home screen marred by ads. Yet, 96% of users would recommend the Roku Express 4K+ to a friend. This high recommendation underscores the device’s strong user experience, despite minor drawbacks.
Remote Control Features
The Roku Express 4K+ boasts a voice remote that significantly enhances your streaming experience. This remote is equipped with various features designed to make your viewing more enjoyable and convenient.
Voice Control Functionality
The Roku voice remote enables you to search for content and manage your device with simple voice commands. You can effortlessly find your favorite shows, launch apps, and control playback without needing to physically interact with the remote.
TV Controls
Now, you can eliminate the hassle of using multiple remotes. The Roku remote includes TV controls for power, volume, and mute. This integration simplifies your setup, allowing you to manage both your TV and streaming device with just one hand.
Remote Shortcuts
The remote features customizable shortcut buttons for quick access to popular streaming services. These shortcuts save time and make it easier to jump straight into your favorite content.
This remote uses network-based control, unlike previous models. This means you don’t need direct line-of-sight to operate your Roku device, offering more flexibility in where you place it. With a 4.8 out of 5 stars ease of use rating from over 5,000 reviews, users find the remote intuitive and user-friendly.
Although the Roku Express 4K+ remote lacks a headphone jack, you can still enjoy private listening through the Roku mobile app. At $40, this streaming device offers excellent value with its remote features, making it a top choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for quality and convenience.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Roku Express 4K+ excels in Wi-Fi connectivity, featuring 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi. It effortlessly switches between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for reliable streaming. This ensures a smooth viewing experience, even in areas with numerous Wi-Fi connections.
When it comes to HDMI compatibility, the Roku Express 4K+ supports HDCP 2.2, making it compatible with HD and 4K TVs. It automatically detects your TV’s maximum display capabilities, making setup straightforward. Although it doesn’t support Dolby Vision, it does offer HDR10+ for superior picture quality on compatible TVs.
Smart home integration is a key feature. The Roku Express 4K+ is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This allows for effortless control within your smart home setup.
Connectivity options include:
- HDMI port for TV connection
- Micro USB port for power
- Optional wired Ethernet via a separate USB adapter
At $39.99, the Roku Express 4K+ provides exceptional value. It surpasses more expensive alternatives in terms of connectivity and compatibility. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious streamers in New Zealand.
Value for Money in the New Zealand Market
The Roku Express 4K+ is a standout in the New Zealand market as a budget 4K streamer. It’s priced competitively, making it an attractive option for those looking for affordable streaming solutions.
Price comparison with competitors
When examining streaming device prices in NZ, the Roku Express 4K+ clearly leads:
- Roku Express 4K+: NZ$39.99
- Chromecast with Google TV: NZ$50
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: NZ$50
This price disparity positions the Roku Express 4K+ as a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers aiming to enhance their streaming to 4K quality.
Features vs cost analysis
The Roku Express 4K+ provides outstanding value for its cost:
- 4K HDR streaming capabilities
- User-friendly interface
- Wide range of streaming services
Although it doesn’t support Dolby Vision or Atmos, it still offers high-quality streaming at a lower price. For those focusing on affordability without giving up essential 4K streaming features, the Roku Express 4K+ is a prime choice in New Zealand.
Pros and Cons of Roku Express 4K+
The Roku Express 4K+ presents a blend of Roku’s strengths and limitations at a budget-friendly $39.99. It surpasses its predecessor with enhanced WiFi connectivity and an intuitive interface.
Its advantages include affordable 4K streaming with HDR10 and HDR10+ support. The quad-core processor guarantees smooth performance, and the voice-enabled remote adds to user convenience. Additionally, it offers a broad selection of free and paid content.
However, the device has its drawbacks. The absence of Dolby Vision support may disappoint some viewers. Its lightweight design can pose challenges in positioning. Unlike the Roku Ultra, it does not feature an Ethernet port for wired connections.
When evaluating 4K streaming pros and cons, the Express 4K+ emerges as a valuable option. It provides 4K HDR streaming at a lower cost than rivals like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast with Google TV. Yet, those desiring Dolby Vision or Atmos support will need to explore other alternatives.
- Pros: Affordable 4K streaming, HDR10+ support, voice remote
- Cons: No Dolby Vision, lacks Ethernet port, lightweight design
In speed tests, the Express 4K+ recorded an average of 40 Mbps on Netflix’s 5 GHz band, slightly below the Streaming Stick+. For budget-conscious consumers seeking 4K features, the Roku Express 4K+ presents a strong value proposition, despite its limitations.
Comparison with Other Streaming Devices
The streaming device market is filled with various 4K streamer alternatives. Let’s examine how the Roku Express 4K+ compares with its Roku competitors.
Roku Express 4K+ vs Chromecast with Google TV
Both devices provide 4K streaming at comparable prices. The Roku Express 4K+ ($39.99) is more affordable than the Chromecast ($49.98). Chromecast has over 10,000 apps, but Roku offers 26,000+ apps. Roku’s interface is simpler, whereas Google TV integrates well with live TV services.
Roku Express 4K+ vs Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
The Fire TV Stick 4K costs $49.99, slightly more than the Express 4K+. Both support 4K HDR streaming, but the Fire TV includes Dolby Vision. The Fire TV is more tailored to Amazon users, whereas Roku provides a broader app selection.
Roku Express 4K+ vs Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K ($128.49) is much pricier than the Express 4K+. It boasts the A15 Bionic chip for enhanced performance and supports Dolby Vision and Atmos. Yet, for those on a budget, the Roku Express 4K+ offers great value with its 4K HDR and user-friendly interface.
In this comparison, the Roku Express 4K+ emerges as a top choice among 4K streamer alternatives. Its affordability, extensive app support, and easy-to-use interface make it an attractive option for users looking for quality streaming without a high cost.
Conclusion
The Roku Express 4K+ review summary highlights a budget 4K streamer that delivers substantial value. It strikes a perfect balance between performance and cost, ideal for those aiming to enhance their streaming setup economically. This device is a prime choice for those seeking to elevate their viewing experience without significant expense.
Despite the Roku Express’s basic model remaining unchanged since 2016, the Roku Express 4K+ introduces notable enhancements. It supports 4K HDR streaming, a leap forward from the 1080p resolution of its predecessor. This advancement positions it competitively alongside more expensive alternatives like the Chromecast with Google TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
In New Zealand, the Roku Express 4K+ emerges as a standout budget 4K streamer. It provides extensive streaming service access, a user-friendly interface, and enhanced remote capabilities. Although it may not rival the premium features of more advanced models, its blend of affordability and functionality solidifies its position in the streaming device landscape.
