How is Roku Express working? | Roku Express Review

Kaya
Updated on 2022-02-10
The Roku Express streaming device is a decent, affordable entry-level device to turn your old TV into a smart TV and gain instant access to lots of streaming services. It is easy to set up and use with any TV that supports HDMI connections.

Roku streaming devices are among the most popular options in the market, and that's because they are reliable and flexible. The Roku Express streaming device is the cheapest among Roku streaming devices and it is a "Punch!" It is one of the most affordable streaming hardware that grants you instant access to the thousands of streaming services channels on the Roku Channel Store.

At an unbelievable cheap price, Roku Express lets you stream in HD and it is much more flexible than Chromecast and Amazon Firestick. Here's a review of the Roku Express streaming device and how it works on all TVs.

Roku Express Review

What to Like:

  • Unbeatable price
  • Simple and intuitive design
  • Easy to set up and use
  • HD Streaming
  • Flexible

What You May Not Like:

  • Very basic
  • Limited functionality

Sold below $30, Roku Express is the most affordable Roku streaming device, and it supports HD streaming. It is easy to set up and activate once you have high-speed internet. Once activated, you can stream your favorite movies from Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and many other streaming services in HD quality.

This Roku device comes with a dedicated remote controller that makes it easier to operate. You can quickly launch certain streaming services by simply pressing a button on the remote. Roku Express is a mix of affordability and easiness - an ideal streaming device for any streamer on a budget.

More so, this device would turn any old TV into a smart TV by allowing you to access various streaming services. Roku Express offers the best value for your $20 - $30; it's a better option to choose over Amazon Firestick and Google Chromecast.

Well, if you’re looking for 4K streaming, you won’t get that with Roku Express, you need to get at least Roku Premiere+ or any other higher-end streaming device from Roku.

Functions of Roku Express

  • Cast music and media from your phone to your TV
  • Access to HD streaming from hundreds of streaming services, including Paramount Plus, Discovery+, Disney+, Netflix, and many others.
  • Supports voice commands
  • Allows you to watch Live TV programs via Live TV streaming channels
  • Works with the Roku mobile app for iOS and Android devices

Roku Express also offers the free "Roku Channel" where you can stream a wide collection of popular movies and TV shows for free. Unlike some channels that require activation before they start working on Roku devices, the Roku Channel does not require activation.

How is Roku Express working?

It works in a very simple way. First, you need to buy the device from Amazon or any other store where it is available. Inside the box are your Roku Express device with the remote control, a connection cable, and a pair of AA batteries.

Once you remove the Roku Express, connect it to your TV using the cable and perform the initial setup, which is almost automatic. The design of this device is minimalistic - you can through it into your pocket or bag if you need to move with it - maybe while getting on the go.

One thing you may not like about this device is that you need to place it at a place where it’d be in “Line of Sight” with the remote control. After you have finished setting up your Roku Express, you’d notice a “Featured Free” section on the home screen where you can quickly view what's available for free on different services.

Roku Express features a USB port and HDMI port - those are the only two connections supported by the device. Definitely, you’d be needing to connect the device to your home WiFi network for the initial setup and regular streaming.

Roku Express Specifications

Video features

1080p - upscaling from 720p  

Audio features

Digital stereo, DTS, Dolby Audio, and Dolby Atmos 

Streaming services

Netflix, Prime Video, Google Play TV & Play Movies, BBC iPlayer, Now TV, ITV Hub, and many others.

Ports

micro USB, HDMI 1.4

Networking

802.11bgn single-band Wi-Fi

Weight

0.31kg

Where to Buy Roku Express

You’d get the best deals on Amazon and Very online stores. However, you can still get this device on local and international online stores available in your country. Alternative Roku devices to consider are:

  • Roku Premiere
  • Roku Soundbar
  • Roku Express 4k

What More? You Can Download Stream From Your Roku Device

You can download videos from the streaming services available on your Roku Express device. You can use the Y2Mate DRM Downloader for this purpose. The downloader can grab videos from Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount Plus, and many other services, including the Roku Channel.

Using Y2Mate DRM Downloader

Y2Mate DRM Downloader lets you grab Roku videos in 720p or 1080p quality. It supports MP4 format and allows you to either save subtitles as separate SRT files or remux them into the videos.

This downloader removes ads from the downloaded videos and runs on all Windows OS editions. Interestingly, it does not cause your PC to slow down in performance. It is the best downloader to use in downloading your favorite shows from a Roku channel.

Guide

Y2Mate Downloader

First Step:

Download and install Y2Mate DRM Downloader on your PC; launch the program after installation and click the “VIP Services” option on the left pane. Look out for the streaming service you want to download from and double-click on the card. For example, if you want to download from HBO Max, click on the HBO Max card to launch Y2Mate HBO Max Downloader.

Second Step:

Sign in to your account on the streaming service and search for the movie or TV show you want to download. When you find the movie/show, click the "Play" button to start streaming; a download button would pop up, click on it to download the playing video.

Third Step:

If you need to download more movies, find the movies, play them, and click on the download button to add them to the download queue. All videos in your download queue would download simultaneously; however, you can pause and stop some of them if you wish.

Summary

The Roku Express streaming device is a decent, affordable entry-level device to turn your old TV into a smart TV and gain instant access to lots of streaming services. It is easy to set up and use with any TV that supports HDMI connections.