Features, settings & updates

[PAPA54]

I currently have the two models listed.  Is the Roku express faster and is it reliable?

[DBDukes]

@PAPA54 

Many users of the Roku Express are happy with their devices. It has one flaw, in my mind: it is 2.4 GHz only, and that can be a problem with some ISP settings.

The Roku Ultra is the best device Roku currently sells. It replaced the Roku 3 in the lineup as the top Roku device.

If you're looking at older, refurbished devices, so say. But I'm going to proceed as if you're looking at current devices, and wanting to purchase one.

Get anything except an Express. Get any of these:

• Express 4K
• Express 4K+
• Streaming Stick+
• Streaming Stick 4K
• Streaming Stick 4K+
• Ultra LT
• Ultra
• Streambar
• Streambar Pro

All of those are very good devices. The Streambars are sound bars with built in Roku. The Ultra is the best. The others are all very good.

Again, many love the Express, but the network limitation is a concern to me. However, you may love it. And, if your ISP isn't screwing around with 2.4 GHz settings, it'll work just great.

[MilesT]

Probably no to both questions, but newest Express may not be that much worse than older ultra/3 performance wise.. 

The very small format of the express has me concerned about heat dissipation and shortened life of Express (some complaints here and personally, especially hardware WiFi failure after 12-18 months), so call Express marginally worse reliability (but it is cheap).

A few complaints on WiFi on the recent sticks, with a specialist external antenna/power cable that is high on impossible to replace if lost.