Affordable, Reliable, and Feature-Rich Roku streaming players have established themselves for yers as a proven solution for hassle-free entertainment. Designed to be cheap yet highly capable, these devices offer a seamless streaming experience without unnecessary complexity. With a straightforward setup process and an intuitive interface, they provide easy access to a vast array of content.
Equipped with HDMI® connectivity, Roku devices ensure high-definition playback on any modern television. Their performance is consistently fast, reducing buffering times and delivering smooth video playback. The platform supports major streaming services, including Netflix, iPlayer, Channel 4, Amazon Prime, Disney, and Apple TV+, offering a comprehensive selection of films, series, and live programming. For added convenience, several models feature voice control, allowing users to search for content, adjust settings, or launch apps with minimal effort. This hands-free functionality enhances usability, making it an ideal choice for households seeking a streamlined experience. Roku’s reputation is built on reliability—it just works. With robust hardware and an intuitive user interface, it remains a top choice for those wanting a cost-effective yet feature-rich streaming device that consistently delivers high-quality entertainment.
TL:DR – I've been using Roku streaming devices to transform my oldest non-smart TV's into modern devices for over ten years and even my oldest Roku 3 devices are still getting software updates after all this time. The Roku app adds a second remote via your phone and you can search right from there and cast videos, music, and photos to your TV. Highly recommended.
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Which Roku?
Roku 3820EU Streaming Stick 4K
Streams HD 4K HDR Dolby Vision®
Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a fast and powerful streaming player with 802.11ac MIMO dual-band Wi-Fi. It has HDMI 2.0b to connect directly to your TV and USB for Power. It’s small enough to hide behind your TV and deliver 4K, Dolby Vision®, and HDR10+ picture. This latest version of Rokus flagship device includes a remote whch can power up and set the volume on your TV and control your Roku device and is equipped with a with a lost remote finder, rechargeable battery, and hands-free voice controls.
Best for:
- Wall-mounted TVs
- TVs farther from your router
- Spectacular picture quality
Stream in 4x the resolution of HD and experience lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision® and HDR10+.
- Works with Apple AirPlay
- Works with Apple Home
- Works with Alexa
- Works with Google Home
Roku 3940EU Express 4K
Fast, 4K & HDR streaming made easy.
Roku Express 4K is an affordable way to stream in 4K with fast wireless performance for smooth streaming. It featuers the same simple, customizable Roku home screen with your channels front and centre. You can also Share videos, photos, and more from your Apple device using AirPlay
Best for:
- First-time streamers
- Secondary TVs
- Replacing Satelite or cable TV
Stream in HD, 4K, or HDR, and get picture quality that’s optimised for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color. Comes with everything you need including a remote, batteries, a USB power cable and an HDMI cable.
- Works with Apple AirPlay
- Works with Apple Home
- Works with Alexa
- Works with Google Home
Roku 3960EU Express
Streams HD.
Roku Express is the easiest way to access over a hundred free apps, live TV, movies, sports, and more at the click of a button. With a quick guided setup and everything you need included in the box, it’s the perfect device to start streaming or upgrade additional TVs with the entertainment you love.
Best for:
- First-time streamers
- Secondary TVs
- Older TV's
- A nice gift for someone
Streams in HD. Comes with everything you need including a remote, batteries, a USB power cable and an HDMI cable.
- Works with Apple AirPlay
- Works with Apple Home
- Works with Alexa
- Works with Google Home
Why Roku?
Once you purchase a Roku device, there are no additional fees and there are no monthly fees for watching free channels. You’ll only pay for subscriptions to streaming apps or for movie and TV show rentals from services like Prime Video or Apple TV. Creating a Roku account is free and does not require a subscription to sign up.
Requires an Internet connection
It goes without saying that you'll need an Internet connection. One or two Roku boxes have Ethernet ports and all have Wi-Fi connectivity.
Brilliant at home or in Hotels
At home, Roku setup is simple and takes seconds. But Roku has always had a special feature called 'Hotel & Dorm Connect' which enables access to streaming content while away from home, allowing users to watch their favourite films and TV series over a hotel Internet connection. Hotel networks often require authentication via a web browser, but this feature simplifies the process by letting users validate the connection for their Roku streaming device through a computer or smartphone.
To determine compatibility, refer to the Roku device comparison chart to check which models support Hotel & Dorm Connect. But be warned, not all streaming services work internationally.
Essential Travel Checklist
Ensure a smooth streaming experience by packing the following:
- An activated Roku device, power adapter, and remote. If the device has been inactive for an extended period, reconnect it to the home network beforehand and manually check for software updates.
- A computer or smartphone with Wi-Fi capabilities and a web browser.
- A High-Speed HDMI Cable, unless using a Roku Streaming Stick® or Roku TV™.
Additional Considerations in hotels
- Streaming performance depends on the connection speed at the hotel or dormitory.
- Channel availability and content selection vary by country and may be restricted or inaccessible when travelling.
