Roku 3 Vs Roku 4- A detailed Comparison Guide

Roku media streaming devices have been around since 2008, a year after the release of the Apple TV; their prominence was, however, shortlived given the introduction of the smart TVs, which followed closely in 2010.

Choosing between Roku 3 and 4 is not an easy task given that both devices are products of a reputable developer, thus feature a user-intuitive interface, and the units are fairly priced at least when compared to the likes of Fire TV Stick and the Apple TV.

Another interesting feature of the Roku media streamer is its content-agnostic platform that pushes varied media streaming providers. The excerpt below will, therefore, look into these two devices in detail to help pick the best one for home use.

What Are the Differences between Roku 3 and Roku 4?

Roku 3 vs Roku 4 – how do they compare?

Processing capacity

As you might have noticed from the table above Roku 4 has incorporated a Quad-Core ARM processor, which is a major selling point for the media streamer. Quad-core processors have a reputation for being able to perform many tasks simultaneously and in a seamless manner. You can, therefore, expect increased performance from your Roku 4 as compared to Roku 3.

A dual-core processor is not multi-thread enabled thus will not work as fast, in overall, therefore, is that if you want to run many programs and keep switching between them then a processor that has been equipped with more cores, should suffice.

Design and Build

Roku 4 looks like a flattened Roku 3 and the notable differences are the 4 and 3 numerals embedded on the top part. Roku 3 is a bit compact, we could also say fleshy so you can expect it to neatly plug into your TV. Roku 4 on the other hand, tends to be a bit bulky, which is quite a disappointment given that it comes from a reputable developer.

Roku 3 has incorporated a USB port on the side, thus gives the users the option of playing music and movies from a USB drive. Roku 4 on the other hand, has incorporated almost all the relevant connections as you will be furnished with a wide selection of ports, from the optical digital audio to the HDMI and Ethernet cable and finally Micro SD card slot.

The latter allows users to expand their internal memory and can, therefore, install channels and games from the Roku channel store.

Storage

The importance of memory in a media streaming device is so that it can seamlessly perform its functions. So, if the media streaming device you have invested in is limited in terms of memory, then you can expect delays during streaming. Roku 3 for example, has incorporated only 512MB; the above could possibly put a strain if you were to store all the channels in the device.

Remember that service providers such as Netflix have made their applications bigger, which then means that if you have them in your device they will eat up a lot of your RAM space. Unlike Roku 3, the 4 version seems to have been equipped with more than enough space of up to 1.5GB, and you are, therefore, guaranteed of a seamless viewership experience.

And if the provided space is not enough you have been provided with a micro sd slot from which you can expand your internal memory thus install more channels and games.

Roku 3 vs Roku 4 – A comparison Overview

Roku 3

Roku 3 Streaming Media Player (4230R) with Voice Search (2015 Model)

• Compact stick design. Plugs discreetly right into the HDMI port. Great for wall mounted TVs
• 2,000+ entertainment channels and counting. By far the most movies, sports, news, music and kids shows of...

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Roku 3 is highly functional and what we love the most about this device is that there are frequent updates, which makes the channels even more complex, and for as much as it might affect the performance of the unit negatively in terms of space, you always have the option of upgrading through the micro sd.

The unit comes incorporated with over 2000 entertainment channels and users have the liberty of either using their remote control or their phones when interacting with the intuitive user interface. Roku 3 has a casting option and you can, therefore, send content from your mobile phone to the TV or even use the mobile applications to cast videos from your tablet.

Pros

• Offers massive and unlimited entertainment options
• The unit is fairly priced
• Easy to set up and use
• Has incorporated the best hardware specs

Cons

• The media player function is not effective
• The voice search feature crashes at times

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Roku 4

Roku 4 | HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player with Enhanced Remote (Voice Search, Lost Remote Finder, and Headphone), Quad-Core Processor, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB Port

• Perfect for HD and 4K Ultra HD TVs, features fast quad core processor and 802.11AC dual band wireless
• 4k ultra HD with 4 times the resolution of 1080p HD, delivers crisp detail and brilliant, life like...

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Roku 4 has integrated the simplest user interface, complete with an easy search option. The unit has been configured to offer perfect viewership for the 4K Ultra HD TV’s and has incorporated a fast quad-core processor so you can forget about lagging.

Remember that Roku 3 has just about 2000+ channels, while Roku 4 provides you with up to 450,000+ movies. Users are also provided for with a free Roku mobile application on either their android or ios phones which then facilitates a hands-free operation and private listening.

Pros

• Offers faster streaming
• Has incorporated many applications
• Easy to install and use
• Offers the best 4K streaming

Cons

• The fan is loud
• The unit becomes hot with time

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Conclusion

The major difference between Roku 3 and 4 is the 4k feature, in which case if you want a 4K compatible unit then you can settle with Roku 4. Both units are great choices in consideration of expandability and the ability to integrate external devices; they are additionally fairly priced and highly functional.

Final Verdict; so which is better? Roku 3 or Roku 4

Roku 3 is a bit lacking when it comes to RAM, as it has a small storage space at 512mb, the unit can only be used with the non 4K tv’s and the processing capacity is also minimal. Roku 4, therefore, is the better option because it has a high processing capacity, has enough storage space, and best of all is that it has incorporated more content when compared to Roku 3.

FAQ’s

1. Do I have to pay a monthly premium for my Roku 3?

If you are watching the free channels via the Roku device then you have been excluded from any charges but if you are planning on streaming the players then you will be presented with a premium which begins from as low as $29. 99.

2. Can I use Bluetooth with my Roku 4

Roku has been equipped with the Bluetooth application with which you can use for private listening. To access this feature download the Roku application to your device, open it and proceed to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your device and you will be able to listen in private. Remember that for the above, you must ensure that your device is connected to a similar wireless network as your Roku.