Forum Discussion

Alfred08's avatar
Alfred08
Binge Watcher
2 years ago
Solved

least expensive roku box - options for small tv

We have a small non-smart TV that we would like to use Roku streaming on.  
Our big TV is a Roku 55" 

This is a second TV and will not be the main TV.  We do not need a soundbar.

What are the least expensive Roku box options ?

TV & Player Setup
  • andyross's avatar
    andyross
    2 years ago

    I will STRONGLY recommend the Express 4K+ as the base model. I used to have an Express, and virtually every time you went to start an app, it would have to download and install it due it it's measly 256MB of channel storage. Worse, it would sometimes even lose login information for an app if it wasn't used in awhile. The 4K+ has 4GB of channel storage (same as all the newer models) and I have never seen it do a download/install once it was set up. Performance-wise, it is a bit faster than the Express, and almost as fast as my Ultra in another room. I have mine on an Ethernet adapter now, but it worked fine on 5GHz WiFi, although the router was only about 5 ft away from it!

5 Replies

  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    The least expensive Roku model is the Express (3960), but keep in mind that you get what you pay for.  It doesn't come with a remote with TV controls or even a USB power adapter (which can lead to problems when people try to use one that's insufficient).  I think most would say that the 10 bucks extra the Express 4k+ costs is worth it.

    You can see all the current models here:  Roku Players | Roku

    You might want to check your offers to see if you have any:
    https://my.roku.com/offers
    https://my.roku.com/upgrade/

    • Alfred08's avatar
      Alfred08
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      Point we'll taken.  But old TV is only 720p

      • makaiguy's avatar
        makaiguy
        Community Streaming Expert
        2 years ago

        Alfred08-

        The Express 4K is a vastly superior unit no matter what resolution TV you are connecting it to.  Express can only connect to 2.4 GHz Wifi, but the 4K can also connect to the uncrowded and faster 5GHz band.  It is also faster and more responsive, has twice the memory and a whopping 16 times the channel storage space.