What Can You Do with a Roku Express? Streaming, Screen Sharing, and More 2022 / 2023 version

Buy one on Amazon: lon.tv/78gdb (compensated affiliate link) - The Roku Express is Roku's entry level player. In this video we'll look at its major features and some ways that you can extract more value out of this low cost streaming device. See more cord cutting: lon.tv/settopbox and subscribe! lon.tv/s
VIDEO INDEX:
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Price
01:02 - Remote - No TV Control
01:46 - Ports & Power
02:41 - Placement for Signal
03:20 - Interface
04:31 - Ads
04:56 - Free Section
05:45 - Streaming Channels
06:32 - Search
07:33 - Mobile App
07:50 - Remote Control App
08:31 - Voice Search
08:59 - Keyboard
09:40 - Private Listening
10:24 - Airplay
12:11 - Miracast
13:12 - Android Options
14:41 - Other Casting Functionality
15:57 - Conclusion
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[@michaelwyckoff7593]

I have this device and I think it's a good device for many people. It is not expensive and will give people the experience of how fun it is to do some streaming. I also have the 4K streaming stick that I simply love. It's fast and really reliable.

[@CommodoreFan64]

I been a Roku user for years since the old purple Hockey Puck days that could barely do 720p content, but Roku could do better with the Express models for $30 by including a power brick, along with a voice remote in the box, as Google includes a voice remote with volume controls on their HD Chromecast that was $20 for a short time, and why I've replaced some of my older Rokus that were past their prime with Chromecast, and Walmart ONN Android TV boxes.

[@mrmartywaring]

As usual, great content. I've been a Roku user for years & have two entry-level sticks & one 4k stick. They all work well for me & what I need

[@jaredhuang2225]

That seems like a super handy device, glad to see that Roku gives their lowest model good features. Great reviews, thanks Lon

[@stephenfarrell6794]

I bought 4 Roku LE's from Walmart a year ago when they were on sale for $15, definitely a great deal! Thanks for the tips, I had no idea it could do all of this other stuff.

[@ScreamingReel500]

I thought Roku LE cannot stream KZbin until today when I look up and found how to add KZbin on Roku. Then I go to search and type in youtube and add the app....lol. I always used my PS3 to stream KZbin and now the PSN (Playstation Network/ Sony) keeps signed me off their network. Yeah! I got the Roku LE for 15 too when my older Roku died when they updated the firmware and I cannot uninstall or go back to the old firmware.

[@TheRealBoehmy]

As always, awesome review, Lon. 👍🏻

[@danieloathout6528]

The headphone icon also works well for hearing impaired and streams directly to Bluetooth hearing aids. Unfortunately it turns off sound to speakers or the tv so cannot be used simultaneously with the speakers if someone else wants to watch tv.

[@cindydott452]

Mine is white, sold only at Walmart, and was the best $15 dollars I ever spent!

[@TheGadgetGuru]

Great segment!

[@joelegere6656]

Always thorough thank you very much

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I use my Roku Express hooked up to my monitor to do video editing on my iPad. I use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and the end result is a very useable desktop iPad!

[@lottyrerich1170]

Liked & Subscribed from background alone! Respect!!

[@LonSeidman]

Some people love it and others hate it! Welcome aboard!

[@jrdavis1992]

I have a Roku Express myself. Bought it at CVS. Better, and more snappy, than my aging Fire Stick. App also works as remote, and I used the strip they included to tape it to my HDMI switcher box.

[@shade_angel1445]

I'm disappointed that Lon didn't take a few seconds to explain what happens when you run a N wireless device on something like a AC/AX router.

[@JustAGuyYaKnow42]

I don't know if I should blame the Android KZbin app or the Roku, but it works great except the queue management. I'll have 20 videos queued up and it will just disconnect and I'll lose them all. Make door you add stuff to the "watch later"queue if you really want to see it.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@IraQNid]

There are button sequences you can press on the remote to enter the secret menus. Then you can turn off the ads shown on the Roku computers.

[@jmr]

@Roku The better remote and Bluetooth audio on the entry level Fire stick won my business last time I bought a streaming stick. I bought two.

[@bland9876]

My dad bought a fire stick and got 2 in the box

[@paulk468]

Disappointed he did not cover negatives and the things a Firestick can do (on/off, volume and bluetooth) make a Fire stick the much better buy

[@billyc9290]

Big fan of your videos on this video on your Roku you had a app that said update all channels how do I get that I cannot find it if you have time to answer me thank you👍🏻

[@DaltonMyWorld]

Thanks

[@RonnieRockafella]

I love Roku, I have 3 TCL Roku TVs one 6series that came with a voice remote and two 4series that did not but all of em can adjust the TVs volume & power. I haven't upgraded to the Pro remote cause they still are using MicroUSB to charge instead of USB-C. I can't believe and feel disappointed in Roku by them releasing a new box without a charging brick and powers using MicroUSB. Why is Roku still stuck on old MicroUSB? I'd rather have a battery powered Pro remote option til they release a USB-C version.

[@frankyvee1]

No side loading apps like on fire stick is a no go for me. But I do own a few 4k boxes just from a few years back and they do work fine.

[@Rondogardener]

I prefer the non-Roku tv that has USB ports as well as HDMI ports because Roku is still buggy and often experiences audio lag as well as muting even when going to Satellite mode or anything else. It is much easier just to have a plugin HDMI Roku module so that it does not affect the other inputs when navigating. I have both a Roku TV and an older LED TV and definitely prefer the older TV until Roku works out the "bugs." That way, if Roku is throwing a tantrum, I just flip off the switched plug and then turn it on again. Roku does not come with a power switch for the Roku module. I had to add one to my surge-protector plug-in. The separate unit also allows me to upgrade without having to purchase a complete TV set.

[@RoadGlider505]

In the last video, where you were setting up the Roku, I saw that one of the setup screens asked for a cable provider. Do you know what that is for? If so, could you demonstrate?

[@LonSeidman]

Some TV apps will automatically log you in with your cable subscription.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I use my Roku devices for Apple Music via airplay, and I have had reliability issues with all of them. Periodically, the audio will stop for about a second and then it will start back up and jump to where it should have been playing. I still do use my Rokus for airplay, but this bug is pretty annoying. I hope that Roku issues a firmware update eventually that will fix it

[@JESUSCHRYSLER5512]

replying to @TheFrugalAudiophile: **HOPING** WONT DO IT; YOU HAVE TO CALL OR EMAIL ROKU AND ASK THEM TO ISSUE AN UPDATE TO FIX YOUR ISSUE

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

@@JESUSCHRYSLER5512 I have contacted them about it. They said, "we are always working on bug fixes." Whatever that means!

[@Stache987]

My oldest Roku device requires its power brick which has been lost. I ended up throwing it away as some things were unavailable anymore. Since my TV went about 2 months ago, it just wouldn't power on, nothing in the house seems to have a power surge.. oddly, a smart TV must have a timer to self destruct the TV after the extended warranty has expired, forced obsolescence.

[@dannypoo3281]

These little devices would be great to use while traveling. Is there a web browser app on Roku to perform the mandatory "agreement" that many hotels require before you to click-through before using their internet?

[@LonSeidman]

Yes there’s a “hotel and dorm” feature - www.roku.com/blog/hotel-and-dorm-connect-for-your-roku-device

[@Scooter30FTW]

I didn't know you could do private headphone listening through the Roku app.

[@bettydavies8511]

I have an older Samsung Smart TV that no longer supports Netflix. Really annoying, because there is absolutely nothing wrong with my TV., and I am not prepared to toss it while it is still in perfect running order. This will solve the problem for me, so thank you.

[@Patrick2480]

2:30, my express awhile back came with a plug

[@CommodoreFan64]

As a long time Roku user since the purple Roku LT Hockey Puck days that barely did 720p, it feels like Roku is cheaping out to increase their profits, as I bought a couple of HD Google Chromecast while they were on sale for $20 not too long ago, and they came with a power brick, batteries, and voice remote w/Google assistant built in that blows the voice features of Roku out the water, but neither are perfect, which is why I have both a Roku 4K stick, and a 4K Google Chromecast on my main Sceptre 55in 4K dumb TV.

[@DaiAtlus79]

did you try using any CEC controls with the Express? that could possibly allow things like volume and power control access on nicer TVs, my Samsung could do CEC

[@LonSeidman]

I don’t see any options in the menu for that - it will turn the tv off and on, that’s about it

[@helces2476]

What is CEC? I want to use Roku express to turn my Samsung on/off

[@DaiAtlus79]

@@helces2476 i think your Samsung TV brands it as SmartLink but its where your HDMI cable can link the TV's remote and media controls to a device and vice versa.

[@GamerFromJump]

I actually have one of these, and some of the apps perform poorly enough that I switched to using my XSX.

[@MrMinecraftKid7854]

I got a Chromecast on sale and ended up getting a Roku tv and it's surprising how underwhelming the Chromecast's UI performance is. There's just so many ads and pictures. The Roku UI gets the job done faster and just as well 90% of the time

[@bland9876]

Samsung calls it smart view instead of mirror casting which is why I didn't know my phone could do that. I genuinely thought it was something to do with smart home devices which I dislike so I never touched it.

[@tyleradams5328]

Can I download KZbin app and Fibe app on to the Roku like I can on the Amazon fire stick?

[@nataclar]

It really is time that Roku added full casting support from Android. It is great that it works with the KZbin app but I like using KZbin from my browser and that doesn’t work.

[@CommodoreFan64]

Small things like this are why I have both an official 4K Chromecast, and a Roku 4K stick on my main 4K Sceptre dumb TV, as each does a few things better than the other. Also I think Roku could do better for $30 by including a voice remote, and a power brick that Google includes their 1080p Chromecast that for a short time where down to $20.

[@bland9876]

I tried casting from a Windows device to a smart stick that supported it and that sucked vs using the KZbin app.

[@gaylonrose6713]

Using the TV usb port allows the Roku to power down when the TV powers down

[@CommodoreFan64]

Yes, but then you don't get the automatic system updates that usually happen overnight.

[@paulk468]

when I connect to my TV USB (older Samsung flat screen) I get a message from the Roku that it is not enough power and had to connect to a wall outlet.

[@Gordon705]

Woo woo ! Noticed the TS1000 on the shelf.

[@LonSeidman]

My very first computer!

[@Gordon705]

@@LonSeidman it was mine too. I learned TTL wiring and machine language programming on it. Mine are stored in the attic.

[@chrislarimore4096]

i Got the Roku Ultra

[@luisorozco5302]

Just bought a Roku Express, can I manage the volume on my tv with the remote?

[@mdubb4855]

darn these little gizmos can do a lot, cheaply, if I could use it on the hotel tv and use earbuds to listen that would be a real win.

[@Eternal_Tech]

If the hotel TV has a HDMI port and the hotel offers Wi-Fi, then you should be able to use a Roku box with it.

[@RobertA-jp8lh]

As an old guy…when is enough enough? Thanks for the video

[@charlietuna9265]

Do I need wifi? There is no mention for that in the set up. I just get a no signal. Notihng comes up on the screen.

[@LonSeidman]

Yes it needs to be connected to the internet

[@charlesbrickner6006]

Did roku remove 4:3 display support?

[@nikosaek781]

windows on a ruku wow need to try that.

[@JustAGuyYaKnow42]

I know the Bluetooth roku remotes BURN through the batteries. Good thing this one is IR.

[@CommodoreFan64]

I have a few different Roku devices with the voice remotes, and have not found the battery life to be that bad, just use good quality batteries like Energizers, RayoVac, Eveready Gold, or even the Target Up&Up branded ones, and they will last, or get some rechargeable AA's.

[@davidslaton]

🖖🏻 Deep Space Nine 🤩

[@Captain_Yesterday]

Will this overheat like all the others?

[@CommodoreFan64]

I've not had any of my recent Rokus overheat as long as I keep them out n the open to get enough cool ambient air flow.

[@joltdude]

Purportedly the composite models will no longer support Disney+ according to Reddit and I’m guessing it may come to other services as well ;( know we were discussing this when someone asked about older device support on the stream

[@LonSeidman]

That’s so crazy they’re worried about drm on a composite signal

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@LonSeidman the Roku Express+ 3900X Is the last one with composite output that supports modern apps, and commands a high price on places like eBay, glad I got mine on sale, for use with the CRT in my game room that doubles as.a second display during football season.

[@JessicaFEREM]

It's sad to see that they're doing away with the AV jack models. Always super handy if you want to modernize an old TV and watch nostalgic movies on their TV without the hassle of getting physical media or adapters

[@altha-rf1et]

Does any ROKU have Bluetooth device

[@amyourpapi23]

Roku has a better interface then vizio

[@nvdsraemuna7833]

I use these cheap rokus as clients for hdhomerun and my jellyfin server.

[@timothyweers8054]

I can also use Airplay on my android device.

[@razz_tv1859]

How??!

[@timothyweers8054]

@@razz_tv1859 i downloaded the app from either goggle play or galaxy store

[@timothyweers8054]

@@razz_tv1859 it just works. Maybe has something to do with that I have a Samsung Galaxy Note9

[@Limousine08]

i just bought a 4k and it doesn't have that better remote, seems they downgraded it recently

[@rutkowsky1000]

GOODONE

[@lisacarver1128]

It is incompatible with my Samsung Smart TV

[@Eternal_Tech]

If your TV has an HDMI port, then the Roku box should work with it.

[@lisacarver1128]

@@Eternal_Tech mine has a few ports. The only thing I can think is I need more bandwidth. I have 2 rokus this will be 3. I am getting fiber optic soon.

[@meatwad74]

Roku is junk. I got the Roku 4k streaming box for $40. Everyday there would be the ‘hdcp’ error or the box would buffer or disconnect. No such issues with the Apple TV or the xfinity plex box I’m using now

[@bland9876]

This is so dumb that they can't just send the power down the HDMI. Thee definitely needs to be an upgrade to the HDMI standard.

[@razz_tv1859]

Exactly

[@gabakusa]

that cost $30 for $10 or 20$ you can get an used apple tv 3 gen that will be better with the same specs

[@RandomOctopusTV]

Ω

[@paulk468]

Interesting, you highlighted a lot if what this can do but not what it cannot do. Newer Firesticks control TV on and off and Volume controls. This does not. Fire sticks easily let you bluetooth portable speakers ( I have Bose) this does not unless you use your phone and not sure if that would work. All the "free TV" apps on a Roku are available on a Fire stick. I have had Spectrum TV service shoved down my throat (complex bought in with no opt out) and I do not want cables going to my TVs so have bought some Roku's, this one specifically and the inability to connect my Bose speakers just sucks. The idea that Spectrum has a deal with Roku to provide an app for TV watching and Amazon and Android players do not smells fishy.. This sure seemed like a sponsored video. You do good work but should have pointed out the negatives about this device. One other negative with my older Samsung 1080p flat-screen when Roku plugged into the USB I get a message telling me not enough power and had to get a brick and plug into the wall.

[@LonSeidman]

I'm not sure what video you watched but its lack of TV control was one of the first things I mentioned. I also pointed out its lack of a power adapter which could lead people to have problems like you experienced. This was not a comparison video but a review of the Roku unit directly. I have covered Fire Sticks in the same way and did a comparison video last year of all four of the major platforms in other videos. Also not sure where you're finding mention of Spectrum, I never talked about it in this video.

[@paulk468]

@@LonSeidman Thanks for responding. I mentioned Spectrum because the Roku is the device I have to use to access their service. I have a Nvidia shield, multiple Fire Sticks and now a few Roku devices. I know it was not a comparison video but the lack of what other devices offer (at least I think) should have been covered in more detail. Since I have other devices I know what Roku lacks. I am an Android guy so I guess biased. I did learn some things from the video so thanks

[@amateurwizard]

🤢 as if they weren't bad enough. Way this point just get a Chromecast with Google TV.

[@CommodoreFan64]

I have both Roku, and Chromecast, and my biggest issues with Chromecast even on the 4K model is the lack of app storage with it only being 4GB of space, the ability to use an app on my phone like my Roku 4K stick to listen to the audio with headphones so I don't bother other people in my house when they are asleep, some of the apps on Chromecast lack the polish of their Roku version(Tunein is a big one for me), or get updated later than the Roku versions(Peacock is one that does this), Some apps just plain are not on Chromecast(Shout Factory) and I'm not the only one that's reported some issues with their Chromecast remote directional pad causing some menus to jump around at random times, but overall the Chromecast HD/4K is a great value with the included voice remote that has Google assistant, along with a power adapter vs. Roku that as of the latest Express models seems to be skimping skimping out to increase their profits on the hardware.

[@currykevuk]

So after 2 and a half minutes i realised you were reviewing an inferior product. Just upgrafe to tge 4k at least. Thanks Lon.

[@Eternal_Tech]

Some older TVs and some small TVs do not have 4K resolution. Therefore, the extra money spent on a Roku 4K model would be wasted.