Wi-Fi & connectivity

[NickL1]

The Roku express 4k+ has smooth wireless, and the Roku streaming stick has long range. Which is better?

Thanks

[atc98092]

I doubt you'd see much difference between the two. The Express 4K+ is newer, so it might have a better WiFi chip. Or, it might have a cheaper chip. No way of knowing. Right now my Express 4K+ is in use in the spare bedroom upstairs, so it's connecting to an access point one floor down and several walls between. Doesn't have any issues at all streaming media from my home server or from Internet sites. 

Also, the Express 4K+ supports HLG, another version of HDR. The Stick does not. So it's a touch more future proof for 4K media. 

[AvsGunnar]

@NickL1 

I always prefer the actual set top boxes.  With the new Express 4k+, you will definitely get more channel storage (4gb) than the Streaming Sticks (512mb).  Also, more flexibility with availability of replacement remotes (option of using Roku remotes or Universal Remotes). 

Nothing wrong with the Streaming Sticks, but since comparably priced currently, I would always opt for the box type.  Think you are getting more for the money.  As for the wireless capability, some people have no problems, others have problems with both devices.  The Express 4k+ gives you the added availabilty of a seperately purchased adapter (3rd party) that gives you potential ethernet access if such problems do develop. (I see this as also potentially extending the lifespan of the product if the wireless hardware fails completely.)

[DBDukes]

@NickL1 

Similar to @AvsGunnar I normally prefer a set top box to a stick. However, from what I'm seeing from Roku's Website, it may be that the Streaming Stick+ has a better WiFi setup. The processor in the Express 4K+ is newer, but if wireless is the deciding factor, I think the Streaming Stick+ is the way to go.

https://www.roku.com/products/compare

[StreamerUser]

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@atc98092 wrote:

I doubt you'd see much difference between the two. The Express 4K+ is newer, so it might have a better WiFi chip. Or, it might have a cheaper chip. No way of knowing. Right now my Express 4K+ is in use in the spare bedroom upstairs, so it's connecting to an access point one floor down and several walls between. Doesn't have any issues at all streaming media from my home server or from Internet sites. 

Also, the Express 4K+ supports HLG, another version of HDR. The Stick does not. So it's a touch more future proof for 4K media. 

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FYI, all Roku 4K/HDR models (including the SS+ - 381x) support HLG, since OS9.0 was released in fall 2018 nearly 3 years ago (both official and unofficial documentation lacks mention of this unfortunately).

(You can test via RMP/RMP beta with HLG test videos downloaded from 4Kmedia.org, or with the YT app by playing any of the uploaded HLG-encoded videos)

You may be confusing it with HDR10+ - which the SS+ does not support, while the 4K/4K+ does (and 4800 as of OS10).

Otherwise, an additional advantage as @AvsGunnar mentioned is that the 4K/4K+ support USB ethernet adapters (if you ever want to switch to wired), whereas the SS+ does not.