Roku revamped its whole lineup recently , replacing its old numbered models with new branded ones. Among the new models is the Wi-Fi-only Roku Express, which replaces the old Roku 1 and targets “budget-conscious” consumers. But wait, doesn't that sound at a lot like the Roku Streaming Stick? Here's our guide to the Roku Express vs. Roku Streaming Stick showdown. Roku Express vs. Roku Streaming Stick The Roku Express and Roku Streaming Stick are both relatively low-cost streaming solutions. Both rely on Wi-Fi to stream content, and both use Roku's popular operating system. So just what is the difference between the two? Let's take a look at how the devices differ in a few major categories. Below, we'll look at the hardware in the device, the form factors, the remotes (which are different, believe it or not), and, of course, the prices. Hardware Under the hood, the Roku Streaming Stick is the more powerful of these two devices. The Roku Streaming Stick has a quad-core processor, which the Roku Express lacks, and that's the main hardware difference between the two. Both devices have 802.11 (b/g/n) wireless. Neither device supports 4K video – you'll have to step up to the Premiere, Premiere+, or Ultra for that. Both the Roku Streaming Stick and the Roku Express top out at 1080p. In practice, we haven't found much of a difference between the two in terms of streaming performance. The Roku Streaming Stick, however, is the more powerful device. Form factor Roku Express Both of these devices are very, very small. The Roku Express is probably a bit better looking, though that's a matter of taste – and it's important to note that the Roku Streaming Stick's design makes it nearly certain that you won't be able to see it when you're facing your TV. The Roku Streaming Stick plugs directly into an HDMI port, so you'll have to look at the back of your TV to even see the thing. Roku Streaming Stick We'll talk more about this in a minute, but because of the Roku Express' remote, the device needs to be visible from wherever you're sitting and watching. The Express can sit on your entertainment center or can be stuck to the side or top of your TV with the included double-stick adhesive strip. It's not an eyesore by any means, but it's obviously more noticeable than the hidden Roku Streaming Stick. The last thing to note here is that the Roku Streaming Stick is a little more portable. Because it plugs directly into the HDMI port, it has one less cord to worry about. Remotes One difference between the Roku Express and Roku Streaming Stick? The remote control. While both remotes look pretty much the same, the Roku Streaming Stick's remote is a “point anywhere” remote – in other words, it doesn't have to be aimed at the device to control it. That's a good thing, since the Roku Streaming Stick is designed to hide behind your TV. With the Roku Express, though, you'll have to aim at the device. That sounds like a small thing, but as we noted in our review, it's a little annoying when you're used to the point-anywhere remote. Other than this, both remotes are pretty much the same. They both have headphone jacks for private listening, and they both have shortcut buttons for popular streaming services. Price The Roku Express is the more affordable of the two devices. The Roku Express is priced at $29.99, while the Roku Streaming Stick costs $49.99. Our reviews We liked both of these products when we reviewed them. Check out our review of the Roku Streaming Stick here, and our review of the Roku Express here. Should you get a Roku Streaming Stick or a Roku Express? If cost is your main concern, get the Roku Express. The differences in performance are pretty minimal, and the Express is 40% cheaper. If you're concerned at all about aesthetics or portability, the Roku Streaming Stick may be the better choice because of its form factor. 12 thoughts on “Roku Express vs. Roku Streaming Stick” Major mistake in the Hardware section. The Roku Stick is a “dual band Wi-Fi”, also operating at 5 GHz. That is a major differentiator and puts the Stick in a different league. Reply I have both Stick and Express. Speed of UI is noticeably different with the Stick winning out. Also, the Express has trouble remaining on and even with the provided power supply keeps requiring a reboot when it thinks it’s not getting enough power. Reply I just purchased a Roku Express and the remote doesn’t have a headphone jack. I knew that when I bought it, the Roku website states that on it’s product comparison table. I had a question about your experience with the Express vs the Streaming Stick. Did you have any problems with the Express networking? It was stubborn in connecting to my network, it seems like my Wi-Fi password was too complex for it. I had to change the password to not include symbols for it to finally connect. Also, I’m having trouble finding it with my Android using the Roku app. I haven’t been able to get it working yet. Another thing, sort of annoying, is that the home button on the remote turns my fan off and on. It was sort of funny at first but it got annoying pretty fast. Did you have any problems with the Express networking that you didn’t have with the Streaming Stick? I’m considering exchanging the Express for a Streaming Stick, if it would solve the problem I have with the Express. I know it would solve the problem of operating my fan at least since the Stick remote is RF instead of IR like the Express. I was wondering if you noticed any difference in speed between the two devices when using the OS, like when navigating the streaming channel menu? Reply I have two Roku express. I had no trouble with set up or ongoing use. I did buy an inexpensive Wi-Fi repeater and everything is great. Reply I have the Roku Express and have had no problems whatsoever. I haven’t tried the streaming stick yet to compare the two but the Express works just fine. Reply The Roku Streaming Stick remote also supports voice commands which is one of my favorite options for the remote. Much easier than using the remote to select each character with the arrows. The Express remote does not support voice commands. Reply I believe the article is mistaken, neither remote has a headphone jack, that is on the ultra. Reply I have a question…Just bought the Roku Express to take on a trip to Mexico with me, so we can watch english programs. Any suggestions? Thxxx Reply I have had two of the Streaming Firesticks and both have overheated. Both times the Streaming sticks got so hot ,I got a warning that I had to shut off the Roku and I couldn’t touch the firestick because it was to got to handle. I was so shocked. Sue Reply Stupid question but… Do you have to plug the streaming stick into power source? (i.e. is there a cord that you have to plug into an outlet?). Looks like you do have to plug in the Express to power source. Reply Yes, they both require power supplies! Reply I think you can plug the stick directly into the USB port on the back of your TV for the power source. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Name * Email * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Major mistake in the Hardware section. The Roku Stick is a “dual band Wi-Fi”, also operating at 5 GHz. That is a major differentiator and puts the Stick in a different league. Reply
I have both Stick and Express. Speed of UI is noticeably different with the Stick winning out. Also, the Express has trouble remaining on and even with the provided power supply keeps requiring a reboot when it thinks it’s not getting enough power. Reply
I just purchased a Roku Express and the remote doesn’t have a headphone jack. I knew that when I bought it, the Roku website states that on it’s product comparison table. I had a question about your experience with the Express vs the Streaming Stick. Did you have any problems with the Express networking? It was stubborn in connecting to my network, it seems like my Wi-Fi password was too complex for it. I had to change the password to not include symbols for it to finally connect. Also, I’m having trouble finding it with my Android using the Roku app. I haven’t been able to get it working yet. Another thing, sort of annoying, is that the home button on the remote turns my fan off and on. It was sort of funny at first but it got annoying pretty fast. Did you have any problems with the Express networking that you didn’t have with the Streaming Stick? I’m considering exchanging the Express for a Streaming Stick, if it would solve the problem I have with the Express. I know it would solve the problem of operating my fan at least since the Stick remote is RF instead of IR like the Express. I was wondering if you noticed any difference in speed between the two devices when using the OS, like when navigating the streaming channel menu? Reply
I have two Roku express. I had no trouble with set up or ongoing use. I did buy an inexpensive Wi-Fi repeater and everything is great. Reply
I have the Roku Express and have had no problems whatsoever. I haven’t tried the streaming stick yet to compare the two but the Express works just fine. Reply
The Roku Streaming Stick remote also supports voice commands which is one of my favorite options for the remote. Much easier than using the remote to select each character with the arrows. The Express remote does not support voice commands. Reply
I have a question…Just bought the Roku Express to take on a trip to Mexico with me, so we can watch english programs. Any suggestions? Thxxx Reply
I have had two of the Streaming Firesticks and both have overheated. Both times the Streaming sticks got so hot ,I got a warning that I had to shut off the Roku and I couldn’t touch the firestick because it was to got to handle. I was so shocked. Sue Reply
Stupid question but… Do you have to plug the streaming stick into power source? (i.e. is there a cord that you have to plug into an outlet?). Looks like you do have to plug in the Express to power source. Reply
I think you can plug the stick directly into the USB port on the back of your TV for the power source. Reply
