Roku Express vs. Roku Premiere: Which is Best for You?

Roku has made a big splash in the world of streaming. At the end of 2020, more than 51.2 million people in the U.S. used a Roku device on a monthly basis, which is nearly double the amount of Roku users two years before that. Now Roku is one of the most popular streaming brands in the country.

Roku devices are famous for simplicity and easy setup, and many different models are available. The model that will work best for you depends on the TV you have, what features you're looking for, and how much you're willing to spend on a device. 

Two of Roku's more affordable models are the Roku Express and the Roku Premiere. Each device costs less than $50, and the models share many of the same features. But there's a big difference between the two--only the Premiere model supports 4K. If you're looking into a new Roku device, we'll run through what you need to know before making the purchase.

Roku Express vs. Roku Premiere pricing

Roku Express

Roku Express is the starter model. You can currently buy one for about $25, plus tax. It's the least expensive device Roku sells, so it only comes with basic features. But the Express model still works well, and if you just want to try out a Roku device without paying too much, this might be a good option for you. 

If you are interested in purchasing a Roku Express, you can get one online or in-store at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Amazon also sells them, both new and used. 

Roku Premiere

Compared to Roku Express, the Premiere model is slightly higher-end. Right now, you can buy a Roku Premiere for about $35, plus tax. Although the Premiere model costs roughly $10 more than the Express, the Premiere doesn't offer too many more features, aside from the streaming quality. 

If you are interested in purchasing a Roku Premiere, you can get one online or in-store at Best Buy and Walmart. Amazon also sells used models of Roku Premieres at a discounted $30. Target doesn't appear to carry this model at the moment. 

Roku Express vs. Roku Premiere features

Roku Express

The Roku Express is the basic model, so potential buyers shouldn't expect any bells or whistles. But the device can get the job done. Here's a look at the features you'll have with the Roku Express. 

Setup

The setup for the Roku Express is very simple. Essentially, you only need to plug it in, then connect it to your TV's HDMI input. Next, the device will turn on and prompt you to connect to your wi-fi. The onscreen instructions make everything super easy to understand. 

Design

The design of the Roku Express and the design of the Roku Premiere are very similar. The Express model is designed to be a bare-bones option for streaming. So Roku only gives you what you need to watch. The device itself is small and comes with an adhesive strip you attach to your TV. 

Remote

The remote comes with a navigational pad, playback buttons, and shortcuts for popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. But the remote for this model does not come with any TV control buttons, so you'll still need your regular TV remote. It's an IR remote, so make sure the streaming device is placed with a direct line of sight. Otherwise, the remote won't work. This remote has no voice capabilities. For that, you'll have to download the app. 

Streaming quality

The Roku Express streams video up to 1080p, which provides the solid quality you'd expect when watching TV at home. But it's nothing special. So if your TV can handle 4K streaming, the Premiere model is probably the better choice. The device audio supports digital stereo over HDMI. 

Content/apps

Even though Express is the basic model, you won't have to worry about sacrificing access to any of the content or apps available from the Roku store. This model will allow you to watch top streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, as well as sports streaming platforms from the NBA, MLB, and NFL. You can even download free apps like Tubi and Crackle. 

Roku Premiere

Aside from the streaming quality, the Roku Premiere is very similar to the Express model. But if you have a TV that can handle 4K streaming, paying the extra $10 might be worth it. Here are the features you'll get with the Premiere model.

Setup

Like the Roku Express, the Premiere model has a straightforward setup. It's essentially plug-in and play. Just make sure you have your wi-fi password handy when you're setting up the device. 

Design

The Roku Premiere streaming device is roughly the same size as the Roku Express device. It's small, black and can fit in the palm of your hand. Roku designs these devices to be unobtrusive. So once it's attached to the TV and everything is set up, it shouldn't be too noticeable. 

Remote

The Roku Premiere's remote looks and functions the same as the one the Express comes with. Like the Express model's remote, the Premiere's remote features no TV controls or voice control abilities. So you'll need to keep your regular TV remote around. But you can access voice control through the mobile app, which is always helpful. 

Streaming quality

Streaming quality is the one area where the Premiere model has a big leg up on the Express model. While the Express model only offers HD streaming, the Premiere model supports streaming in 4K. So if you have a TV that's 4K compatible, then we recommend going with the Premiere model. Premiere offers the same audio quality as Express, so both models should sound pretty much the same. 

Content/apps

Roku Premiere gives you full access to all of the available content and apps in the Roku store. You'll be able to watch the big streaming services like HBO Max and Disney+, as well as many lesser-known streaming services, such as XUMO and Pluto TV. Check out a full list of what's available at the Roku store.

Our final take

Aside from streaming quality, Roku Express and the Roku Premiere are very similar. If you're just looking to start streaming without paying too much, the Express is a good bargain. But if you have a TV that will support 4K streaming, the Roku Premiere is only $10 more, and watching your favorite show in dazzling 4K is hard to beat.