Roku has announced the Roku Express 4K+, aiming to bring 4K streaming on a budget to your TV. Apart from 4K streaming, the streaming box can also playback HDR content.
The new remote that comes with the Roku Express 4K+ features a dedicated Apple TV+ button, just like its newest Voice Remote Pro.
Budget Streaming Box With 4K HDR Streaming Support
The Roku Express 4K+ replaces the Roku Premiere in the company’s lineup. While the Premiere only supported streaming videos in up to 1080p resolution, the Roku Express 4K+ supports streaming 4K HDR videos.
The Roku Express 4K+ features a quad-core processor, which means it packs enough horsepower to playback 4K HDR videos without any issues. It also features dual-band Wi-Fi ac, and one can even connect an Ethernet cable using the microUSB port and relevant adapter for wired connectivity.
Apart from a faster processor, Roku has also increased the internal storage to help with faster app launch times. In its blog post, Roku notes that it bundles a high-speed HDMI cable with the Roku Express 4K+.
Streaming in brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color just got easier.
Meet the #Roku Express 4K+ ➡️ https://t.co/WDEgG3zBcT pic.twitter.com/aRaVHiZj5G
— Roku (@Roku) April 13, 2021
The Roku Express 4K+ supports streaming videos in up to 4K resolution. It also supports HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+. This is Roku’s first streaming box to feature HDR10+ support. The company will also add HDR10+ support to the Roku Ultra via a firmware update in the future.
The Roku Express 4K+ features both Alexa and Google Assistant integration meaning you can control the streaming box using your voice from any digital assistant that you prefer.
The Roku Express 4K+ will ship with its new voice remote, which also features a dedicated Apple TV+ app button. Unlike the Roku Voice Remote Pro though, the bundled remote with the Express 4K+ lacks any customizable buttons.
If you are invested heavily in Apple’s ecosystem and use an iPhone, you will be happy to know the Express 4K supports AirPlay 2. It also has HomeKit support, so you can control your Roku device using Siri or the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
Cheaper Roku Express 4K Will Be Walmart Exclusive
Roku will also sell a slightly cheaper non-Plus version of the Roku Express 4K in the US exclusively through Walmart. Priced at $35, the Roku Express 4K will ship with a basic IR remote instead of the voice remote.
Roku Express 4K+ Price and Availability
The Roku Express 4K+ will be available in the US starting mid-May for $39.99. The non-Plus Express 4K will be available exclusively through Walmart for $34.99.
The Roku Express 4K will be available in the UK starting May through online and retail stores for a retail price of £39.99.