I Bought The Cheapest Roku I Could Find.... Was It Worth It?

I bought the cheapest Roku I could for under £20. Was it worth it & how does it perform? Here's a review of the Roku Express in 2022.
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(Express vpn is slightly more expensive but unlocks more apps/content)
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#Streaming #Roku #RokuExpress

[@FreeTech]

For those asking to explain the joke: 32nd Birthday - 30 second Birthday 🤷🏼‍♂️😂🍻 I’m in no way saying I would choose a Roku device. I think they are quite pointless for what I want in a streaming device. But there is a reason Roku sell so many devices and there must be a lot of people that are happy with them. What are your thoughts? Huge disappointment that you can’t sideload. 🍻

[@nev2k14]

I still prefer my fire club and my fire stick 4k all day great video as all way m8 keep good work up👍

[@stevemahoney5209]

Thanks for explaining the joke Adam. I couldn't work it out.. Doh! 🤣😂👍👍

[@nev2k14]

Adam they is a way to sildload app on the roku but a fanny on tho lol

[@randytenawisner6886]

You can side load. You just need to know how.

[@robtucker6303]

For me, I have a Roku tv with my fire stick attached to it. Best of both worlds. The Roku is fantastic for what a does. Daily simple tv watching... Netflix, KZbin, and all official apps. But I use my fire stick to watch third party apps to stream. This keeps my fire stick from having too many things downloaded on it .

[@nimbysep7602]

I have a Roku I bought 10 yrs ago or should I say I got "free" paying for 3 months of Sling TV. it holds up very good. it came with a power cord no HDMI cord but that is what is needed to connect to the TV. it has a USB port for connecting another device to import media and or use to charge another device. it is wifi capable and hard line port is available. I do need to clear the Cache on it about 1 time per week. it has told me I should install an SD card to speed up loading the different channels when changing from one streaming service to another. I love my Roku for my living room TV and company. in my bedroom i have my Fire stick 😉 oh for the "line of site" use of the remote if you have glossy paint you can use walls/ceiling to 'bounce' signals.

[@martinjjennings]

The Roku does have a way to side load applications I found some videos on here on hidden settings you can access via the remote to enable developer options and other advanced settings. It does have the advantage of running the official applications like Channel 4 and ITV that allow playing live tv that they do not have on for example Google Chromecast.

[@frmelroy53]

I have Roku and Firestick on every tv (6). I keep Hulu, Paramount+, Netflix, Discovery+, KZbin, Prime Video, Pluto (got rid of Disney+) on Roku while keeping only my IPTV services (2) on the Firestick. The freed-up space has helped with buffering, virtually eliminating it. I only get 25 mgb download speed, slightly under with my VPN. Thanks for all the info you give out… Love the videos, and your sense of humor.

[@Mandy-nt2cs]

What's IPTV service? Sorry I'm tech ignorant lol

[@robtucker6303]

I have a Roku TV and a fire stick attached. I use both regularly. I use the Roku for basic streaming and most of my time watching Netflix, KZbin, And major streaming channels. But it’s absolutely a must for me to have a fire stick to get the third party apps for streaming.

[@choochoochooseyou]

That's a proper haircut, Adam 🤣

[@stephenc6648]

I have a Roku and a Fire Stick. I prefer the Roku because of the simple layout that's not constantly pushing Amazon content at me. Apple owners will like the Roku's support for Airplay. I tried connecting my Mac Mini from another room. It worked fine with my wireless keyboard and mouse but after trying it out I couldn't think of a good reason for using it in that way. Despite all this, I use the Fire Stick far more because I can use it with Bluetooth headphones. To do the same with the Roku involves using a flaky mobile app with the phone acting as a go-between.

[@VT_RealBillP]

Nice hair ✂ cut! It makes you look like a 😎 cool dude! I had one of those cheap Roku devices. It constantly reset due to overheating. I gave up and just stayed with my Firestick4k and Dynalink systems! We love your videos! Thanks from Southwestern Virginia USA!

[@FreeTech]

Cheers Bill 🍻

[@dennisweichel9367]

If it's overheating contact Roku and they will send you an extension for the stick for free, I needed to do that with my first one.

[@paulhill1379]

Good video Free Tech never had a Roku device.👍

[@raymondsansom9060]

Used Roku, on my 4th as I have upgraded, like it for my use, more stuff than I have time to watch. Like you vids a lot dont bother with any body else, you are my go to guy.

[@mogain30]

@Free Tech sir hope you are doing well Quick question / assistance... I have a fire tv 4k stick with the latest version Now my tv is hard wired (hdmi arc) to a Sound bar. Recently I experience a green screen issue when ever I turn off the Sound bar with the. Sound bar remote Any thoughts or advise on how to fix it, please. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please please help me. TY

[@timwindsor03]

Awesome video brother ADAM. Thanks for sharing. Keep the content coming. Hope you have an incredible day. Much love and RESPECT brother

[@Roger-vc4lj]

I got the Roku way back when you could side load some decent channels, live cable TV etc.. I liked it, it worked well. Then they took the "Extra" channels away . I still have it but haven't used it in a few years. You hit the nail on the head if you don't sideload and only use paid services it's great I even had my Spectrum cable on there.

[@dsacton35]

You can get those channels back, look up hidden roku channels, input code n there ya go.

[@stevemahoney5209]

I think a lot of people don't realise what you can actually do with a Firestick (ie. Sideloading) and so buy a Roku as it gets good reviews in magazines. Great video Adam. Keep up the great work 👍👍🤩🤩

[@DamoVit]

Cheers dude, helpful and informative. I didn’t know anything about these devices and now I know that I don’t want or need one 😉😃

[@danshewell8746]

I never realised that the tag was to help pull the battery cover off 😂 I have a Roku, not a patch on my Amazon devices. I've given it the kids for their bedroom.

[@mikesprague252]

Bought my Roku Express for $9.99 for my second TV, way over on the other side of the house. Upgraded from an old Roku 2 so I could get KZbin again. Being so far from the router, noticed the signal not as strong as with the Roku 2. Had trouble with some videos not loading on 🍏 tv+ app, but there is a workaround involving audio settings (of all things). As for the line of sight remote, you can use your phone as a remote if this bothers you. I'm very happy with it for the price . 👍

[@dccavalier]

Andy, what happened to the old jingle to start the show? Was the music no longer allowed?

[@davez5941]

I have used Roku players for many years. Have 3 of them now in use. I have a firestick and it is nothing but problems for me usually when it comes trying to use side loaded app. Very frustrating.

[@jeffgreene1616]

Great video thanks

[@abiballinger3057]

Can you watch live tv through ITV/bbc without antenna or cable?

[@darrell4328]

Thanks Bud👍👍👍

[@helenring9424]

Can you tell me what to download to stream shows and movies unlinked not working thanks

[@gowenmedia]

i use the Roku express been using it for about 18 months mainly for the free streaming apps and had no problems so far- don't have a 4K TV so pointless buying a 4K so the express one so does the job for me

[@howardnoseworthy5716]

i use roku all the time for prime and netflix. it is so simple.

[@mojofilter2285]

I've just bought the express n the stick both 4k + n interested in learning how to change the home screen so on ,any video will be appreciated mate

[@johndigregorio5972]

I have 4 no issues sure it buffers sometimes but far and few between. And instead of getting 4 cable boxes that cost $8 a month for each box I have the rokus so that's basically a $400 savings.

[@venenareligioest410]

Adam, can a vpn be used(without flashing the router) with Roku? 👍

[@scotty2167]

great info and review as always 👍 think I'll give this one a miss ❤

[@FreeTech]

Cheers Scotty 🍻

[@michaelwright1602]

I have the three big ones, Apple, Amazon and Roku. Everyone in the house prefers the Roku for ease of use and pretty much issue free. For everything else, a SuperBox S3 Pro.

[@TheDuxun1977]

i just want a more snappy roku express for my mom because the older model express lags when moving around in the interface

[@flikchik2931]

thanks for the info 👍

[@FreeTech]

My pleasure 🍻

[@thebaldconvict]

Basically if you want something that runs official apps and runs them well then Roku is your friend. If you want something for not so official streaming and don't mind the odd oddity (Plex is a lot more stable on Roku for example) the a Firestick is probably for you. You can sideload by the way and some (not many) *cough* IPTV channels are there as channels you can add by code rather than in the actual store.

[@GenialHarryGrout]

If you go to your Roku account on a laptop or phone you can add/remove channels

[@derekvallem]

I think you’ve got it about right- Roku is great for those that only want to stream official apps. I would spend $5 more and get the Express+ as it lets you stream in 4k and gives you a better remote.

[@FreeTech]

Yeah I agree bud. I just went the cheapest possible to see how it performed. And if I’m honest, not all that bad. 🍻

[@darrell4328]

Can it support a VPN No, you cannot use a VPN directly on your Roku TV because VPNs cannot be installed directly on any Roku device. Your options are to install a VPN on your router, on your laptop to use as a hotspot, or use Smart DNS.

[@onlyzach1]

Good video! I'm about done with Roku after their spats with Amazon and KZbin TV. But at least they're not fighting with anyone at the moment, and could see this being used for kids/old people that want something simple.

[@FreeTech]

I agree bud.

[@alanh.7668]

@@FreeTech I am looking into roku for KZbin tv on my laptop and "dumb" tv. Will express work for that?

[@martinfarrell6092]

Good video Big man , shame about the hair never pick a fight with a lawnmower... cheers...

[@davidtappy2682]

Hi adam.any idea how to get fubo TV on firestick

[@patelparth]

Is any iptv for the uk ❤️‍🔥?

[@bobs8831]

I recently bought a Roku Ultra for $80 US. Granted this is almost an apples and oranges comparison, but I will never go back to Fire. What caused me to switch was the time it took to load Hulu. With Fire stick I would wait and wait and wait. Sometimes it would never load and I would have to unplug the fire stick for a reset and then reload. Roku's ad promised fast loading and I gave it a try. Am I happy! The other streaming channels load fast enough but Hulu was the most pronounced problem. Now it works to my satisfaction and there is no reason for me to go back.

[@dennisweichel9367]

I'm set to buy the Ultra as we speak, I've got the 4K one now but this will be better with my TV.

[@mariateso5424]

Can you tell me if Roku have a remote that bring with the power off and volume buttom?

[@AZZPAC]

It’s worth having one until it breaks down and wouldn’t work any more for my daughter’s tv with her hdmi port I ended up getting a now tv stick for her as she told me she was using only a few apps on it and that the Roku streaming stick was also a much better to use from the Roku media player that is £20 pound Adam but that’s my own point of few regarding this Roku device & if you have two devices it can be used with the same account.

[@wade196840]

Onn from Walmart has a 4k Google tv streaming box for 20 dollars in the United States. You might like that better since it's the same price as a roku but 4k instead of 1080p. I enjoy your videos and the jokes at the beginning always make me laugh

[@FreeTech]

I wish we could get the Onn devices here in the UK. Cheers Wade 🍻

[@wade196840]

@@FreeTech give me your address I'll send you a device

[@fatisfatis4712]

How to start iptv busness ?help me

[@stevemahoney5209]

The one conclusion that I've come to in this video Adam is that I need to get a hair cut 🤣🤣🤣 Looking good Adam 👍👍⛳

[@kingcollection9710]

Do this device have youtube

[@Dave04222]

You're 100% wrong about not being able to side load apps. You can sideload directly from the roku website in the account settings. There are websites you can get the unapproved app URLs, and then paste them into the aforementioned Roku settings page online.

[@davidheffner2677]

You can side load apps by adding a Plex channel with a Plex server first.

[@bigbadjohnpesek9894]

I have a roku TV. To me roku is too limited in what you can load on it. So I hooked an android box to it. Now I have the best of both worlds.

[@G-Cam1]

With Google chromecast TV now selling for £39.99.. have you reviewed one?? Ty

[@FreeTech]

I have yes. I will also be doing some comparisons in the future too 🍻

[@G-Cam1]

@@FreeTech oppppsss.. i must have missed it. I look forward to that. Have you seen how cheap the firesticks are next week... Insane price .

[@neilthomas6042]

It's the only streaming device I use. I have uninstalled my Fire Stick and the Google Chromecast. Having said that, I mainly use a Chromebook and iPad to surf and watch KZbin. I also use Bluray, DVD and CD machines as my main entertainment.

[@victormulvey5915]

Are H96Max+ 4k 64GB 3328 boxes good. Thank You Annie

[@FreeTech]

They can perform well with unofficial apps and additional storage etc. but it doesn’t support Netflix, Disney plus, Prime etc in full quality. Usually 480p as they run a mobile phone launcher. They can also be really fiddly to use.

[@victormulvey5915]

What Kodi boxes would you recommend Thank You Annie

[@josephcooter5763]

One thing that I like is that you don't have to load apps on separate devices. They are all connected to the same account.

[@FreeTech]

Oh really? I didn’t know this 🍻

[@josephcooter5763]

@@FreeTech yes I have an Ultra which I brought a couple of years ago, whcih I use for my premium apps and i have it hooked up to my fire tv. I also have a roku express, which I bought at the Home Depot this past February, hooked up to the TV in my bedroom. When I hooked it up and linked it to my account it already had all my apps on it. I didn't have to go to the App store or anything.

[@andromedaone3640]

My local Asda is charging £40 for the same one

[@craigwinfarrah]

I'd have one but there on par with firestick

[@RoyalBuffoon]

I Like My Roku for watching TV if I Need to do Anything Else I Use My PC, Laptop, Tablet, Phone, or Android TV Box etc... I have the StreamBar and I Love it it's Great for what it Does... My Only Complaint I wish there was a Way to Reprogram the Quick Start Buttons I have the Fancy Voice Remote with 2 Programmable Buttons but there's 3 Buttons I don't use if You hit one by Mistake it opens that app

[@FreeTech]

I was contemplating getting the sound at to test. Worth it? 🍻

[@RoyalBuffoon]

@@FreeTech I Thought so but wait Until it goes on Sale (it's Often on Sale for $89-$99 USD)

[@dazzle565]

Can't believe the remote is not bluetooth and no plug. I would definitely swerve this one.

[@FreeTech]

Yeah it’s a bit of a downfall. The Roku stick is Bluetooth but obviously more expensive. Then you get into better streaming devices so why Roku. The list goes on 😂

[@luxato5789]

That's actually strange, since the roku express I bought came with a plug.

[@An.Individual]

It would be good if you could load ker oh dee eye, but I don't think you can, so not for me. Unless someone knows different?

[@ric17476]

There is a Roku remote control app you can download to your phone and extremely useful when the kids lose the actual remote

[@MrGymCrazy]

We were on holiday in Tenerife and went out to a restaurant for dinner. The waiter asked if we wanted water, I said: "Yes please." "Still?" the waiter replied, "Yes," I said, "I haven't changed my mind."

[@kurtwetzel154]

My 65 inch ONN Tv has Roku built in.

[@Mr.X-Texas]

You try out the device and everything works fine and you rate it "Dogshit"? I use one outside on the back covered patio. The TV out there, a Samsung 40" is 1080 anyway so I wouldn't need 4k. Yes the remote is line-of-sight but I just stuck the device to the bottom of the set with the included double stick tape. TV is connevted to a soundbar and we use it for "Pandora" music while out back having barbecues.

[@howardnoseworthy5716]

it's a good product

[@andrewjudd1978]

I have this device the app is very good you can connect your headphones to phone and watch on TV at same time good when I watch a movie and don't want to wake anyone up

[@vader7474]

There used to be a way to load hidden channels

[@lolliedog363]

Like the do!😊

[@FreeTech]

Cheers Lollie 🍻

[@alanfox691]

Alan Shields Hamilton South Lanarkshire Scotland. Ruko devices are pointless for me if you cant side load on to then to me what is the point of buying one in the first place that is just a company or company's trying to tell you what you can & cant watch to hell with that. The point of streaming for me is to try & cut down on the household bills not to make them worse & that's all that will happen with a Ruko devices in my personal view. Perfectly happy with my Video Shield & Now T.V stick & if I need it my Firestick. The best tech buy I have made was a Stream Locater. Keep Safe.

[@ozzieone16]

I think Roku is good for people who don’t illegal stream and need something easy and basic My mum got one and has no problem using it

[@howardnoseworthy5716]

i agree

[@David-fj5lz]

I thought roku was being unsupported now

[@jimmybinns6733]

Q:What do we call a man who's life is in ruins A:an archaeologist.

[@Smokinroco]

I've heard there amazing as DOOR STOPS......

[@mdangelo120950]

they're platform is kind of obsolete

[@andrewbranthwaite1981]

If you cud got 3 party apps on it wood be ok

[@CHACALYAkA]

I don't like roku system it feels too limited and I have tried it before not worth it my time

[@desaint4952]

the thing I hate most about Roku and why I stopped buying their product years ago is they will stop supporting their devices. I've owned several roku's and after awhile you will get a message this device is no longer supported and then saying I need to buy a newer device. I think they are up to 17 devices now that they don't support

[@jamessultz1752]

I have both I got the stick I use now and both work great never a problem and thay are quick . And you can get other great TV and movie channels roku channel is great for both . It's fantastic. Many you should look into it more you just mite like it .

[@franklingoodwin]

I don't think get the fuss over Roku. It's a streaming device that doesnt have all the apps you'd want. The only thing unique feature is the headphones mode, but you can use Bluetooth headphones with Firesticks - so even that isn't that special

[@ks5397]

Huh I didn't know that, gonna have to use that with my firestick. Cheers

[@jeffgill9906]

there is only one thing a roku device is good for, using a small trash can, you could better your basketball skills

[@Razorbee757]

When you die what part of your body is the last to die? Your eyes ,they dilate🤣

[@patrickcadette]

Cracking on..lol..lol..😁😁😁👍👍👍

[@michaelhaney71]

If you can't side load it is of no value to me...a great grand dad with no little muffins in the house..lol

[@FreeTech]

Haha totally understandable bud 🍻

[@clarkpink1955]

i think they are ok good for the money . all down to budget. and as you say perfect for kids with early tv models 😊

[@franklingoodwin]

Pretty much the only thing going for Roku is that their streaming sticks are pretty much always in a sale somewhere. It just rotates between Amazon, Curry's and Argos pretty much all year

[@morfadave1947]

I'm on my third Roku device. An original Roku Stick, a Roku Express and now a 4K stick. I've never had any problems controlling the sticks with the remote even though they are tucked away behind my AV amp. One thing I do like about Rokus is the app which, when loaded on a phone or tablet will give you an on-screen replica of the remote, which is useful when the batteries die on the remote as a fill-in until you get the batteries changed. I didn't keep the Express, because every time I switched it on, it had forgotten how to connect to my Wi-Fi, not a problem I had with the original stick or with the 4K stick I use now. This fact and the fact that it apparently uses a different type of remote might explain why the Express is selling so cheaply. As for the side-loading issue, the biggest drawback for me with the Roku is that you can't install a VPN on it, so this reduces the need for side-loading as most official apps are available in the app store. What you also get with Roku is a plethora of weird special interest channels, I've downloaded channels that deal with trucks and railways. Also, I've bought, at a very low price (less than a quid) two series of vintage American TV programmes (Honey West and Man With a Camera). Having said all that, I still use my FireTV more than my Roku, but if you are just looking for a cheap easy-to-use streamer to make your dumb TV smart, then you could do a lot worse than to follow Adam's daughter's advice and go Roku.

[@cammy2100]

It will take something really special to beat the firestick.

[@TheDetroitman20]

Absolute dogshit is right. Thanks for sharing Adam!! 🍻👍🏾👊🏾✊🏾🙂💯

[@scotiajinker8392]

Is anyone watching ITVX on a Roku without any problems?

[@robertpeterwhite7581]

Adam you must have more money than sense. Not a fan of Ruku would give them a miss.

[@FreeTech]

It cost me £20. But it could save lots of people their money. So it’s worth buying to show you all 🍻

[@robertpeterwhite7581]

@@FreeTech Yeah I know that Thanks

[@elainemagee516]

@@FreeTech Thank You ! BIG help for us elderly that are not tech savy ❤️

[@jediknight2350]

have you set fire to your eyebrows lol.

[@masterliggett]

I'm just not a fan of Roku have worked on them for other people and set them up just not a personal fan

[@kingcthulhu1716]

Roku's aren't worth your time due to no web browser being available at all on the device or downloadable. Highly recommend getting the 20$ walmart streaming device for a proper experience on a streaming device

[@jaydee76]

Not bad for the money

[@tonypepper3885]

£20 for two batteries, that's it!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@pepperpot542]

What's happening with your eyebrows pal 🤣

[@joemadden4160]

Bought the Express. Lasted 6 months. Bought a Roku Premiere. Didn't even work out of the box. My first Roku, a Roku 2, lasted 7 years. 7 years. ROKU is officially junk. Junk.

[@nobblynoel]

Still waiting for a beer with you. or 2

[@timwood2284]

Why would anyone buy a roku peace of shit when you can buy a firestick and side load it to watch anything you want for nothing. Total waste of money roku

[@FreeTech]

I agree. For me a Firestick would be a much better choice. But Roku is huge and sells millions of devices. Not sure why, but there must be a lot of people who prefer it too. Like I said, my daughter loves hers and it’s ideal for her 🍻

[@timwood2284]

@@FreeTech god knows why it dosent make sense the firestick is a no brainer lol

[@fayknox2138]

Lol

[@jortiz5219ify]

A woman and her 10 year old son were riding in a taxi in New York. It was raining and all the prostitutes were standing under the awnings. “Mom,“ said the boy, “What are all these women doing?” “They are waiting for their husbands to get off work,” she replied. The taxi driver turned around and said “Geez, lady, why don’t you tell him the truth? They are hookers, kid! They have sex with men for money.” The little boy’s eyes got wide and he asked, “Is that true, mom?” His mother, glaring hard at the driver, answered in the affirmative. After a few minutes, the kid asked, “Mom, what happens to the babies those women have?” “Most of them become taxi drivers.” she said.

[@zubrman1493]

If you like Spotify don't buy the roki because you can't watch video on it

[@smithers139]

Don’t forget fire stick are on offer Amazon prime day offers 👍