Roku Express 4k+ Review - It supports Ethernet and USB!

[@LonSeidman]

ERRATA: I incorrectly stated HDMI CEC is required for the remote to control a TV. That is not the case if using the remote's buttons but it is required for operating the TV with voice commands.

[@davemuenzhuber2562]

@@samuelruiz2603 p

[@Letmetellu4842]

Thank you so much for your advanced knowledge and sharing it!!! I really appreciate it

[@trippster1]

gets

[@normang.827]

I've been a fan of the Roku for several years!

[@normang.827]

@Weenie Hut Jr's I got tired of the satellite provider rising prices, so I dropped them and got a Roku back in 2014 time frame.

[@japzone]

Small correction, Roku does not support Chromecasting, that is exclusive to Google powered products. KZbin and Netflix have their own seperate casting standard called DIAL which they use, and it's supported on basically anything that runs their apps. Some other apps like Spotify also have their own casting standards which work with Roku as well.

[@LonSeidman]

Most consumers will be confused by bringing up some other obscure standard so I chose the words "some degree of chromecasting"

[@japzone]

@@LonSeidman I can understand wanting to make things simple for the normal consumer. The problem is that "Chromecasting" is a specific brand term which implies certain functionality(ie: compatibility with Chromecast supporting apps) which the Roku does not have. As someone who hangs out in the support forums and subreddits for Rokus, there's already enough people confused why they can only cast from apps like Netflix and KZbin, and not others. I just don't want people to be given false expectations. You do briefly specify that only some apps work, but the way you explain it while explaining in depth about Chromecast functionality can be confusing to normal consumers as well. If you are dinning things down for normal consumers it's probably best to approach the Roku's casting abilities with something like, "Some phone apps, like KZbin and Netflix, are able to send videos to the Roku. But not all phone apps support Roku." and just not use any special terms at all.

[@LonSeidman]

​@@japzone It looks like you didn't watch my entire explanation where I said some apps work with it like netflix, and other apps do not like Prime Video. Additionally I stated that a real chromecast is better if that's the primary use case they're after. Appreciate the feedback here but I think I made it pretty clear that this is not a fully functional Chromecast.

[@japzone]

@@LonSeidman As I said in my second post, I acknowledged that you mentioned that only some apps worked. I watched the segment repeatedly and still think that mentioning Chromecasting like you did would be visiting to normal consumers. But it's your channel, so I may be wrong. I'm glad you at least took the time to read my feedback.

[@SCscoutguy]

I like that Roku is finally allowing you to use an external ethernet adapter. What I would really like if they would integrate an external TV tuner either by direct USB connection or over the network like a HDHomerun and have it add the channels into the Live TV app like they do on the Roku TV's that has a guide with your local stations and all of the Roku channel programs integrated into one guide.

[@WhoIsThis505]

I got the Ultra 4k Roku for $50 during one of their sales, which happen relatively frequently, so the price point for this one is high. Plus with the Ultra everything is already built in and I don't need a cumbersome dongle (no Apple fanboi here). Plus with a new device, I can't believe they are still using micro USB and not USB-C

[@WhoIsThis505]

@Scott Luther Same, I wire everything I can. 10/100 vs. gigabit really doesn't make a difference on a device like this, the processor can only handle so much throughput, streaming services don't stream more than 20-25Mbps and even locally played content (ie. Plex), is not streaming at gigabit bit rate, not yet anyway, so 10/100 is more than sufficient for many years to come.

[@NKBobcat]

You can access KZbin TV through the standard KZbin app.

[@dbrakowski]

Thanks Lon...Google added a "Go To KZbin TV" button to the bottom of the standard YT app, knowing that Roku wouldn't dare remove KZbin from their service.

[@joemontana4370]

Thanks Lon - have had a TCL Roku TV forever and didn't know about the Roku app's feature to broadcast the sound to my phone. Very cool and very handy! Thanks!

[@daveschmarder-1950]

I've had Roku boxes since 2015. I've saved many times over what the mafiaxxxxx (I mean the cable company) was charging me to rent. But right now they are in that feud (either way, the customer loses), so no more new Roku for me. I have a couple of the Ultra and a cheaper one on my bedroom tv. You do the best reviews on this stuff, Lon. Thanks.

[@tigercatartist]

Thanks for the information, YIKES those Apple Macintosh's in the background sure took me down memory lane, I used those in 1992, Yep I'm old!!!

[@ergosteur]

Thanks for the tip about the USB OTG hub! Also hello fellow Hoovies Garage viewer.

[@dmurr3666]

The audio on the roku ultra was extremely low. The Roku express 4k+ was much louder.

[@scottashley8251]

Can you have a media library via Plex stored on use hard drive connected to ROKU and add files over computer network to it?

[@bbgarnettTotallyNotABot]

Keep up the great work

[@camerontyler5565]

All web audiences would consider central channel entrepreneur's as well needed for access to the purpose of course which needs better finding of preference but we are all allowed by the TV and Ethernet cable that builds a Lego effect.

[@camerontyler5565]

All the the same timeless features from computer track are as necessary broad board of featureless inclusion for of certain leasure's that would applause definition of video lab.

[@camerontyler5565]

Allowed search by the TV and software could be helpful as well as better finding of preference but probably the same stuff as well lit for a camera up with overstock.

[@Private61UK]

HI, late viewer of this Roku unit. I have a question. When on Ethernet and with a USB device, stick or hard disk connected, can you get access to the USB via the LAN to drop or remove files from the USB device? Thanks for the video, hope you can help.

[@jamiey5779]

Is this worth the upgrading from a Roku premiere 4k box, does it have faster processing, and can it still support older Roku Infrared remotes as well?

[@juangaby]

Can I connect this to a hotspot thru my phone. It says it's connected and that signal is good but it's not letting me get in any apps. I thought I saw on amazing that it did accept hot spot.

[@jmal]

With this, a USB/Ethernet adapter hub, and the Voice Remote Pro, you can have nearly all the features of the Roku Ultra at a fraction of the cost. However, if the Roku Ultra is on sale, obviously go for that one instead.

[@itz.l4e_bray-low376]

Do you think they will remove the KZbin app?

[@MoeMuzic13]

Hey Lon, quick question, can you tell me the Ethernet adapter you were featured in this video, please? I had a Roku last set up in the next room from my router, but it was very inconsistent over the WiFi, so I think I will buy a 50-foot ethernet cable and connect the Roku via this adapter you spoke about, Thank You!

[@Deltax5]

Thinking in getting one of these sticks for the parents. Mostly for there language programing. I know firestick has kodi for sure. I don't like setting it up and the apps tend to not stay very long, plus trying to explain to them how to use it. ill prob end up putting something there. I own a roku tv at the moment and noticed some apps they may like, it would be actually cheaper then the cable box international channels. There currently using a 720p tv. IDK if they plan on getting a 4k in the future. They keep saying they will. i doubt they notice much and i don't think those channels that they watch do the newer resolutions. Well not on the cable box, i think there are some on the app probably. Maybe i can get them both IDK. there not to expensive for what there using it for.

[@gaylagold5751]

Just wanted to know about the "Roku Express" unit. and how to set it up, need a simplified version of support. No fancy TVs and never had cable TV. I rented Netflix DVDs up until now but like all good things they are going away, shame. Have a Basic TV older set Sharp 32" do not want those cinema size tvs. Do have Wi-Fi so don't need an ethernet cable I hope. I like New Tech stuff but can never get it set up So I try to keep it simple, what happened to "open box, plug in and turn on!

[@joeweatlu5169]

I have 3 Roku Express 4k+ connected to 3 tv's. If I use the Roku remote I need to press the power button twice in order to turn the tv on. Do you know why that would be? Thanks for your knowledgeable videos.

[@KeithRetorick]

Fantastic video! Thank you.

[@bader51500]

They added support for youtube tv in the regular youtube app

[@dreamwithinadreamfilms]

Can you still watch regular TV? Say, if you have an antenna set up? I like to watch my local news channels. Thanks in advance!

[@vincecota8622]

I brought one of this with a one of those box and when I got to play it which my tv was on it did not have a place to turn on the Roku or volume was all mess up I had to look for another romote.

[@howardanthony1443]

Lon did you test speeds for wireless vs ethernet. Just curious.

[@billschomburg6853]

This looks like a much better option than spending $100+ per month on cable TV.

[@JuanAntonio-os9ve]

I have a Roku express 3930 and I wanted to put an Ethernet adapter on it and it doesn't work, the remote control freezes and it only works with the remote control of the application on the cell phone and it doesn't connect the adapter device with Ethernet... why does it happen? The adapter is ugreen brand.

[@si4632]

because you need the express 4k to work with ethenet

[@Codemantic]

Is that remote an IR remote or an anywhere remote?

[@richardhmartin2338]

Roku says it is or rather than rf.

[@cheryl7829]

We have a Motorhome we have wi fi. Would this one or the one with the stick be better. Gosh it can be so confusing 😮.

[@LonSeidman]

I think you’ll be happy with the Roku - a little easier to navigate

[@raycosman824]

I have three of these but two of the remotes quit working after putting in new batteries. They both stopped doing anything. Basically junk.

[@robnavarro9405]

Love Roku

[@Housestationlive]

hd version is very cheap. 34 euros. our isp provide tv device for 5 euros per month fee. so if you keep it 7 months or more, it's cheaper than usual television provider fees.

[@tomlavin1603]

Does it have Bluetooth audio for use with just a monitor?

[@michaellanman4440]

My Ruku remote quit workings what do I do I have only had one week

[@WhilzNuas]

Can you please share the link on what Ethernet adapter you had used?

[@LonSeidman]

It’s in the description

[@bertmurillo1535]

I just bought this Roku 4nt, I am not to convbince is so0 great. Im will tell later my opinion

[@debbieturner7809]

Would have been nice if you would have shown where each connector go!!!!!!!!!

[@Housestationlive]

if it's realiable i really feel duped with the shield, whitch tons of annoyings bug and crashes... and shield is so expensive.

[@kp4akb]

My Roku Express just got a firmware update and the ethernet feature went away

[@sisco0304]

Hi does it stream the apps in 4khdr because I was wondering for $50 bucks might upgrade roku stick express 4k even doe we have Samsung Qled & HD crystal tv

[@carlosjunior4323]

Roku Express HD it works?

[@faithbokros2622]

can you put HBO MAx on there I didn't see it and want it to be on my t.v.?? Thanks

[@mmallette468]

Hello there. Does this Roku play the HD Homerun app without any problems. Looking to replace my Roku 3. The audio doesn’t work for me with the HD Homerun app on the R3

[@LonSeidman]

It works pretty well, better with Ethernet if you are streaming OTA channels.

[@allstaralien]

Can you give a link to where to get that ethernet device or the name of it please.

[@LonSeidman]

It's in the video description

[@RealDracoYoutube4404]

This is Draco’s mama Candi.what about Netgear modem . Can you connect with the Roku 4 k empress? I am trying to get rid of my cable

[@chrisclark239]

Do you have a link for the Ethernet USB power adaptor please?

[@LonSeidman]

In the description

[@eddiegray793]

Power button turns on tv but won't turn tv off

[@SeldimSeen1]

Did not work on my older model Samsung T.V. at all. Extremely disappointed.

[@plasma77777]

Hi. Does it have google playstore or can you sideload apk via downloader app? Thank you.

[@ikkuranus]

Unless something has changed recently, Roku isn't based on android.

[@alfmeister13]

My Amazon fire tv stick 4k can turn on my TV and my home theater receiver at the same time. Can the Roku do that? No.

[@Zoyx]

I just bought a TCL 4k TV with Roku built-in. Curious how many updates it will get with time.

[@joemontana4370]

I have a TCL Roku 1080p tv (55FS370) that's probably 5-6 years old and as far as I can tell its receiving updates yet. I've never heard of this phenomenon that TVs won't get updated over time - maybe a Roku TV wouldn't have this issue.

[@CantankerousDave]

I have a TCL 4-series 4K set that I bought back in 2017 and it still gets regular updates. Admittedly, I use an Nvidia Shield TV for Plex and streaming, so it’s really just a front end.

[@knaudi86]

4 year old TCL Roku tv owner here. Still getting updates. I think Roku tvs don't suffer from this same rate as the programming isn't made in house by the tv manufacturer, but instead with Roku.

[@slj7779]

4-year-old TCL 1080p tv owner here, it still gets updates, etc. I use a firestick mostly though with just because that's what I'm used to using.

[@chriss2295]

Roku seems to treat the built in Roku in TVs the same as the stand alone units. My tcl roku seems to get updates faster than my stand alone too.

[@zakr72]

Finally had to stop using xbox as streaming device because there are no new apps coming out

[@pietossing]

Where's the DISCORD SERVER?

[@odhiambo0]

Can someone sideload apps onto it?

[@LonSeidman]

Negative it's not running Android.

[@larryphillips1392]

Hi from Brooklyn,Does it support Kodi?

[@tanstonbriant8344]

hey mate. can you do a review of the Mecool KM2 Android box. the first fully google certified devicefor Mecool. Netflix/Disney/Prime all in 4K running Android TV OS Version 10. looks quality

[@trippster1]

Roku

[@geraldtait2578]

Roku is poor minekeeps asking me to re insert HDMI and USB cables . Bloody nuisance would not recommend this product

[@DarthVader1977]

I like to click buttons.

[@joeyortiz484]

Don't like Roku. Fire tv or google tv (Android TV) is for me!!

[@completelymindfucked]

Ah, my wonderful dumb smart TV!

[@tropicaltanklover2160]

Great video. I have 5 Roku devices with 3 connected to cheap computer monitors. Never knew about the ethernet usb adapter and have just purchased one on Amazon to try it on my Express 4K.

[@bobriemersma]

It's a crime how few "non-smart" TVs you can buy any more. I recently wanted to replace a small TV with something larger, and I ended up with a TCL Roku TV because it was so much cheaper than the other decent alternatives.

[@magiwebdesign3849]

Aside from the "planned obsolescence" angle, some TV manufactures were caught spying on customers through the built-in microphone and selling private user data to 3rd parties. TV manufacturers are certainly motivated one way or another to force you down the "smart" route. =P

[@completelymindfucked]

@@magiwebdesign3849 It is getting worse every day. People need to stand up against this shit

[@clydekimsey7503]

Why would a person not want a smart tv?

[@erichanson3356]

We recently bought one of these to use on an older secondary tv set that we have in the house as well as to take with us to watch content whenever we travel. Similar to what you expressed in you review, I was also very pleasantly surprised at how well thing thing performs considering the very low price we paid.

[@IMDABROWN]

i never cared for a Roku until now.

[@nodakpsks]

can some one just give me the correct steps on how to attach the Ethernet Adapter to my roku express 4. i have the Ethernet Adapter/Micro USB to Rj45 Ethernet Adapter, USB to Rj45. also can i attach the usb to the tv for power instead of a wall outlet?

[@triforce2022]

Does anyone else find the Roku lineup somewhat confusing

[@jasonl.1171]

Oh, So main difference between Express 4k+ and Streaming stick is ethernet option vs better wifi. (Assuming Streaming stick is on sale for $40)

[@ChirantanMandal]

The device is shaped in a way to suggest that the adhesive tape can be used to stick to the TV upside down. Could you review a "dumb" TV of 65-75" that would be of good quality. Always felt like a lot like me would love to buy one and then stick a nice Roku 4K on that

[@almaveronicagutierrezdevel7973]

How do you know which one to pick and what kind of tv you have. I don't know still which one I need to get. Yes I'm that slow.

[@louisd95714]

Thank you for your excellent presentation.

[@joelegere6656]

Great review very thorough. Great job thanks from a non tech savvy guy. 👍

[@averysbragbook]

Will usb drive work if maybe it's not 4k+ but just Roku express 4k ?

[@pepethepatriot7524]

That looks perfect for hotel use / travelers! I travel for business and I love how small it is, can stick it in my carry-on and use it at the hotel in the evenings when I'm bored!

[@jlresende1]

Hi, everyone. Does it make any difference if I connect the Roku Express 4k+ directly to the TV or the home theater receiver? Can I still control the TV sound?

[@troytinsley148]

Will the Roku Express 4k+ work with my non 4k Samsung TV 2015?

[@x24actor]

Yes

[@FreethoughtsOnline]

I would rather like to plug in the ethernet cable i have ready to use, instead of having to rely on my routers wifi..Why no ethernet socket?

[@TheArea51]

No USB-C ???? Why? This is ridiculous!

[@michaelfrancis1493]

What about the device heating up?

[@GadgetAddict]

I was also thinking "who buys Roku now" Not because of smart TVs but because of the Google TV dongle.

[@Mt1200z]

Mine won't accept remote controller commands when I use the Smays adapter, any advice?

[@slappymcphee]

Big note is that 58Mbps really isn't fast enough for REAL 4k streams from Plex so that is a GREAT bit that you made sure to share.

[@rakitakhan]

True. My Roku Ultra won't play my high bitrate 4k movies, but my Firestick 4k plays them flawlessly. My Ultra is a few yrs old so I bought the new version and I got the same results. I sent it back the same day. Very disappointing.

[@zingwilder9989]

@@rakitakhan True, the 4K Firestick does have the lead at this point.

[@felipeandresdp]

Can you be more specific about when you connect the Ethernet to the ROKU? Like what type of connector do you need regarding the power supply that is needed to supply power yo the ROKU?

[@LonSeidman]

The ethernet adapter covered in the video connects to the Roku power supply.

[@Housestationlive]

seriously ? smart tv stop getting updates at some point ? whaou ! disgusting ! glad i don't purchased one of theses tv. unfortunately i'm here cause nvidia shield has stopped working 3 weeks ago. litterally. looks like french servers were shutted down.

[@aantony]

HDMI CEC is not required for power and volume controls. It may be if you want the input to change automatically. The Roku device control is not perfect, it didn't support projectors that I tried. Also it only lets you configure it for a TV, not a separate audio receiver. FireTV stick handles that use case though. Disappointing that Roku hasn't got that yet years later.

[@aantony]

@@upload15613 oh man. What model of Epson? The brand wasn't even in the list when I checked weeks ago

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

I have a Roku box I watch the History channel. I like to watch American Pickers.

[@JuanAntonio-os9ve]

Tengo un Roku express 3930 y eh querido colocarle un adaptador Ethernet y no funciona se congela el control remoto y solo funciona con el control remoto de la app en el celular y no conecta con Ethernet el dispositivo adaptador..por que sucede ?? El adaptador es de marca ugreen..

[@kentuckywildcatgobigblue7190]

Bought one today for my dad. It's an update from the old Amazon fire stick I gave him a few years back.

[@ceasergert2780]

I need advice I have Samsung tv. I hooked up roku. It works. But now I have to watch spectrum through the roku. How can I have roku separate on when I want an off when I want. I don’t want it controlling the tv all the time

[@hoboqueen4453]

Thanks. I learned a lot from this. I just ordered the Roku Express 4K+, after returning their streambar. I have a brand new Insignia TV to connect it to. I've been searching everywhere for the best way to hook it up to that TV and to a separate soundbar. I haven't bought a soundbar yet, I just know I didn't care for the Roku soundbar's sound. I'd like to stay under $200, and would just like to know how to connect the three things so I don't ruin anything, and maybe don't have to use all the remotes. TV has plenty of HDMIs. I really would appreciate some advice.

[@cheryln9950]

I could not figure out how to get sound from my Denon S750 receiver. Finally, I plugged the Roku 4K directly into the Media Player HDMI input on the Denon, then connected an HDMI cord from the MONITOR on the Denon to the HDMI in on the TV. Now the Roku shows up as a selection on my receiver and I can control the receiver, TV and Roku through the Roku remote. Finally!

[@hoboqueen4453]

Thank You.@@cheryln9950

[@jerryh2954]

Great units BUT the remotes do not work! I bought 4 and all of them did the same even after repairing. No Go

[@y2bogus]

Does otg work on any of the other Expresses?

[@chyanneraine]

Hi , will this work with my 2014 Samsung TV?

[@corarice7545]

Ad breaks are no big deal. I grew up with commercials on TV.

[@joseluisrodriguez5140]

This device if it is used for a long time display a message that is overheating. After two hours or more.

[@meandmyEV]

I bought one of these. I have an Apple TV 4K and various Fire TVs but this is my first Roku in many years. I like to use headphones to watch TV so at first I was disappointed because it didn’t have Bluetooth connectivity like the other devices but then I remembered you mentioned you could use the app to connect headphones. That is a game changer! It is much better than connecting headphones to the device directly because I have a couple of headphones that are BT 4.1 and do not have very good range.

[@LonSeidman]

It's a great feature!