Roku has more streamers than most companies combined when you factor in older models. The Roku 4K Express+ vs. Roku Premiere are two of the more affordable options, and both are widely available to consumers today.
On paper, these streaming boxes have a lot in common, although one device becomes a clear winner once you take a closer look. We’ll tell you which one is the better option as we compare these two budget-friendly media steamers from Roku.
Roku 4K Express+ vs. Roku Premiere: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Roku 4K Express+ | Roku Premiere | |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | Yes | Yes |
| HDR | HDR10, HDR 10+, HLG | HDR10 |
| Dolby Vision | No | No |
| Connectivity | Dual-Band Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Voice Remote | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 0.8”H x 3.4”W x 1.5”D | 0.7”H x 3.3”W x 1.4”D |
| MSRP | $29.99 | $34.99 |
- Stream content in 4K with HDR to any TV in your home
- Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi ensures a steady connection
- Access to more than 20,000 downloadable apps
- Voice Remote control
Roku 4K Express+ vs. Roku Premiere: What’s the Difference?
Roku produced almost a dozen generations of media streamers, but the Roku Express 4K+ didn’t arrive until the 9th generation in 2021. It’s a slick upgrade over the previous version and debuted with Roku 10 OS out of the box. It’s also three years newer than the Roku Premiere, which is based on the company’s Express streaming box.
While both of these streaming media boxes deliver the same type of content with similar price points, they have different designs. The newer Express 4K+ can also do a few things the older model cannot, which may be the tipping point if you’re on the fence.
The Design
Roku has always designed its media streamers to leave a small footprint behind. You can mount or place these small boxes almost anywhere, and there’s not a significant difference in size between the Roku 4K Express+ vs. Roku Premiere.
The newer Roku Express 4K+ is slightly larger than the Premiere. It’s negligible with only a few mm difference and the streamer is around 10 grams heavier. Both devices have the same options on the back as well with HDMI and USB ports along with a reset button.
Remote controls for these devices are nearly identical, but their general design is different. The Roku Express 4K+ has rounded edges and a smooth look compared to the classy, yet boxy Roku Premiere. Design shouldn’t be a deciding factor between these media streamers from Roku, but one of the few differences that stand out.
Audio and Video
The main reason people buy a Roku is to make their TV smarter or stream content from providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. One of the perks of a Roku is the channel selection, which provides users with hundreds of options compared to the dozen or so you’ll get with other devices.
While there’s no difference in the channel lineup between the Roku Express 4K+ and Roku Premiere, one change is significant with 4K content. The Roku Premiere supports HDR10, which adds new life to 4K content through high dynamic range. It doesn’t support Dolby Vision like the Roku Ultra, but neither does the 4K Express+.
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What the Roku 4K Express+ does have are two extra formats with HDR10+ and HLG. You’ll also need a TV with HDCP 2.2 support on one input to take advantage of 4K content at 60 frames per second on the Premiere. That’s true for HD10 content as well. You don’t need 2.2 support for 60fps with the Roku 4K Express+, although you will need it for HDR10, 10+, or HLG content.
Audio is the same on both models. Roku provides pass-through of Dolby encoded signals through HDMI cables along with DTS digital surround sound.
Hardware
It doesn’t require a great deal of power to shoot a signal from Netflix to your TV. That’s why you don’t see media streaming boxes with high-end specs like smartphones and slates. They don’t need a next-gen Snapdragon processor or 8GB of RAM, although power does make a difference in performance.
Roku went with an ARM Cortex A53 processor in the latest version of the Premiere. That chip is backed by 1GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. There’s no Ethernet support and the USB port is power only. By comparison, the port on the 4K Express+ provides a bit more access and it has a faster processor than the Realtek 1315.
You’ll also get more onboard storage with the Express. The streamer has 4GB of internal storage but still comes with 1GB of RAM. Hardware specifications are close between the streamers, but we feel the 4K Express+ has an advantage in this area.
Connectivity
The newer Roku 4K Express+ may have a more modern design than the Premier, but they are largely the same until you get connectivity. It’s the one area where the Roku Express+ pulls ahead and something that can have an impact on consumers.
The Roku Premiere and 4K Express+ are connected devices that rely on the internet for streaming. Without a connection, they are essentially paperweights and both can connect to the 2.4GHz band on a Wi-Fi router. The Express 4K+ has dual-band capabilities with 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels, giving it a significant edge in connected households.
Roku also sells a USB adapter for wired Ethernet access for use with the Express 4K+ if you want to bolster your connection. Both let users connect to their favorite content with a wireless remote or the Roku app. The Express 4K+ has a voice-enabled remote, however, for a truly hands-free experience at home.
- Stream in HD or 4K with HDR
- Access to more than 300 TV channels
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Compatible with Alexa and products from Google and Apple
Roku 4K Express+ vs. Roku Premier: 4 Must-Know Facts
- The Roku DVP N1000 was the first streaming media player released by the company.
- Roku introduced a microSD slot to its lineup with the Roku 2 HD in 2011.
- The Roku Ultra 4800 has 2GB of RAM and 4GB of storage.
- Roku released its first branded smart TV with built-in streaming capabilities in 2014.
Roku 4K Express+ vs. Roku Premiere: Which One is Better?
Often when you compared older tech against newer models, there’s a gap in pricing or features that make consumers pause. Giving up a few features to get something half-price is worth consideration, but that isn’t the case with the Roku 4K Express+ vs. Roku Premiere.
The Roku Express 4K+ is still sold by Roku compared to the Premier which is out of stock and more expensive. Even refurbished models of the Premiere are a few dollars cheaper than a new Express 4K+, which should make anyone’s buying decision simple.
Unless you can pick up the Premiere at a steep discount, the Roku Express 4K+ is the superior choice. It’s newer, has dual-band Wi-Fi, and comes with a voice remote. It also provides more onboard storage and memory, which gives it a longer lifespan than the Roku Premiere as well.
- Roku Premiere 4K Streaming Media Player
- Stream in HD or 4K with HDR
- Access to more than 300 TV channels
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Compatible with Alexa and products from Google and Apple
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