Roku Express 4k + and how it compares to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2021 Review)
- allaboutfiretv
- Jun 4, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 14, 2021
Roku has been an extremely good option for many in the world as having one of the best streaming devices you can have at home. They have a range of Streaming Devices ranging from the Roku Streaming Stick Plus to more powerful (and more pricey) versions like the Roku Ultra 2020. Just this year in 2021, Roku released their Roku Express 4k +. How does this new product fare against Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4k?
We already have a Fire TV Stick 4K review updated regularly!
Hence, in this article we will be highlighting more features of the Goku Express 4k Plus and thoughts on how it compares to the Fire Stick 4K!
Being relatively new, there are fewer reviews to compare the product with. Currently with 160 reviews on Amazon, 84% of buyers have rated the Roku Express 4k+ 5-Stars, with less than 7% with poor ratings. It is a little hard to compare it to Amazon's Firestick 4k, which was released in 2018, with 84% of 600,000 reviews giving 5-stars. Well, only time will tell, but for now, history leans towards the Amazon Firestick!
Roku Express Plus: Price
The Roku Express is very much an amazing streaming device that rivals the Fire TV Sticks. This 2021 release is a budget-friendly version of their product series, and honestly, it is a fairly decent buy if you want to save that 10 bucks on a cup of coffee or maybe a month's subscription on Netflix. It is currently going for $39.99, a direct competitor in terms of price to the Fire TV Stick 4k. Do check out for discounts and sales for streaming device here!
What we love about the Roku Express 4k+
1) Platform Neutral
While there are differences in terms of available services and applications, what we love about Roku is that they are more publicly platform-neutral. That is, at least compared to Amazon Firesticks, they do not push their own paid services for you to consider. That being said, they do have paid advertisements that are usually placed at the side of the screen, not directly in the middle of your selections. Furthermore, they have a feature called "Featured Free", which shows you a collection of free streaming services available, making it very easy for you to find free content.
2) Cool functions on the Roku Express Remote App
They also do have a remote control app just like the Fire Stick Remote App. The exciting feature which we think provides the Roku streaming device an edge over Amazon's Fire Stick is Private Listening mode. Basically, by selecting this option on your remote, you can stream content on your TV and stream the audio out of your phone app. That way, you can watch TV on your big screen, while using earphones connected to your phone app! Current reviews suggest that Roku has been able to synch the audio and video quite well! Really cool function here.
3) Synchronisation
Finally, the Roku Express 4k+ also boasts of Airplay and Apple Home Kit compatibility, allowing you to easily pair your TV with your apple devices. As well as Chromecast functions that work on Youtube and Netflix!
Where the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k wins
To be really honest and fair, Roku streaming devices are really great and they all stand at the top with Amazon Fire TV devices as the best streaming devices in the market. However, there are some factors which may lead some to prefer the Fire TV Stick 4K. Doesn't mean one is better than the other, but it would be good to know these things Amazon fans would go after.
1) Amazon Ecosystem
Firstly, while some reviews commented on the fact that Fire Sticks are very Amazon-centric, it's hard to fault them. After all, their goal is to create a massive ecosystem that can extend and connect all functionalities in your homes. In short, the Fire TV is just one of the many products that Amazon is building for their vision of an Alexa Smart Home. Definitely, the Fire TV Stick would be a much better choice to integrate all other Smart Home technology from Amazon.
2) Side Load Apps
This could be a double-edged sword. By being able to download third-party apps (not available on your Amazon App Store), you would be accessing a whole array of features that Roku may not have. However, the other side of the coin, could be that foreign applications may expose you to risks like online viruses.
3) Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision HDR
For those with newer Smart TVs, this maybe a point you want to take note. While the Fire Stick 4k supports Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision HDR, the Roku Express 4k does not.
Conclusion
We don't want to come across as hard-selling the Amazon Fire TV Sticks (after all, we are called AllAboutFireStick). The Goku Express 4k Plus is definitely a better buy for some people, especially for those who do not currently own Amazon products that would work great in the Amazon Smart Home integrations. There are really some great points about the Roku user interface such as their platform-neutrality and also their Private Listening Mode.
Do feel free to check out the products yourself below. In terms of price points, both are currently on par, so it really comes down to the personal preferences for your streaming experiences.
Comentários