Streaming devices / Compare

Google Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018) vs Roku Express (2022)

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Product A: Google

Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

46 of 97 known

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B

Product B: Roku

Express (2022)

43 of 97 known

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Only differences

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

BRoku Express (2022)

General

7 of 8 differ

Series

Chromecast8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review of the 2018 Chromecast, the successor of the 2015 Chromecast. Same family name.

Express1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026The live roku.com page for this product no longer exists and now shows another player, so the maker page was read from the Internet Archive capture of 2025-03-04. Product details, model 3960R.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

NC2-6A52Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Google Store Help device information for Korea: product Chromecast, model name NC2-6A5, release date Jan 23, 2019. The 2015 2nd-gen Chromecast used the same model name, but this entry shows the 1080p 60fps device. Release date here is the Korean release.

3960R1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Model row 3960R. The support setup article names model 3960 and a 3960RS quick start guide. 3960RS is not stored because its relation to 3960R is not stated.

GTIN / EAN

84277610613112Spec databaseupcitemdb.com/upc/842776106131Read 21 October 2026UPC 842776106131 (EAN-13 0842776106131), model GA00439-US, listed by Target, Best Buy, Dell, Home Depot and others as Chromecast 3rd Generation in Charcoal. A Chalk unit may carry another code and is not covered.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

9 October 20181Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Google blog post by the Chromecast product manager. Thurrott and Engadget date the launch to October 9, 2018.

12 September 202211Press articletechcrunch.com/2022/09/12/roku-reveals-an-upgraded-roku-express-streaming-player-and-a-smaller-subwooferRead 11 October 2026Article dated 2022-09-12 announces the 2022 Roku Express.

Status

Discontinued5Press article9to5google.com/2022/09/22/chromecast-discontinuedRead 13 October 20269to5Google, September 22, 2022: with the launch of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), Google confirmed the Chromecast (third generation) is being discontinued. It stays on sale until stock runs out. Updates continue.

Discontinued3Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Roku Express, Rockett, 3960X, 2022 sits in the Updatable list. Roku says it no longer manufactures these products. The maker's product page for it no longer exists.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)5Press article9to5google.com/2022/09/22/chromecast-discontinuedRead 13 October 2026Google confirmed the third generation is discontinued with the launch of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) at the same $29.99 price. A Google spokesperson said Chromecast with Google TV is the next generation of Chromecast.16Press article9to5google.com/2022/09/22/chromecast-google-tv-hd-priceRead 23 October 20269to5Google says the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) replaces the Chromecast 3rd Generation at the same $29.99 price.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$351Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post says Chromecast is still just $35. US price excluding sales tax. Later cuts to $29.99 are excluded.

$29.9911Press articletechcrunch.com/2022/09/12/roku-reveals-an-upgraded-roku-express-streaming-player-and-a-smaller-subwooferRead 11 October 2026The new streaming player will cost $29.99. Price excludes sales tax. US launch.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€3913Press articlegooglewatchblog.de/2018/10/google-bringt-neuen-chromecast-nach-deutschlandRead 21 October 2026GoogleWatchBlog, October 24, 2018: the new Chromecast costs 39 euros in Germany, sold through the Google Store, Saturn and MediaMarkt. The smarthomeassistent.de article of December 2018 gives the same price. Price includes VAT as published.

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, CA, GB, AU, NZ, JP, SG, NL, SE, NO, FI1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post lists the first Google Store countries, including the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Finland. More countries followed in 2019. The stored list is not claimed to be complete.

US1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026The page is the Roku US site and the model row is the US retail model 3960R.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Charcoal, Chalk1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post names two colors, Chalk and Charcoal.

Black13Retailer pagequill.com/roku-express-3960r-streaming-media-player-black/cbs/55458925.htmlRead 11 October 2026Retailer listing for the Roku Express 3960R, colour Black. The same listing labels the size axes: height 0.75, width 3, depth 1.5 inches. Its 2 year warranty is not used.

Form factoriA stick plugs straight into the HDMI port. A dongle hangs from its own short fixed HDMI lead. A box stands on its own and connects by a separate cable.

Dongle7Reviewtomsguide.com/us/google-chromecast-3rd-generation,review-5843.htmlRead 13 October 2026Review calls it a circular dongle that attaches to the back of the TV with a built-in HDMI cable.

Box1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026The maker's product images and the quick start guide show a small separate player that connects to the TV with an HDMI cable. It is not a stick or dongle.

Video output

4 of 11 differ

Max output resolutioniHighest published video output resolution. Decoder capability and app streaming quality do not establish the output resolution.

1920 × 1080px2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Resolution up to 1080p 60fps. Full HD 1920 x 1080 is the standard 1080p raster. TechRadar says Chromecast is not 4K.

1920 × 1080px1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026TV compatibility row: HD TVs, up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) with up-scaling from 720p. No 4K output.

Max output refresh rateiHighest published output refresh rate. Resolution, HDR and connection conditions belong in the source note. This is not a television panel refresh rate.

60Hz2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: up to 1080p 60fps. HDR and chroma conditions are not stated.

Not available

Video output modesiPublished video output combinations. A row records support, not a proved maximum at every lower resolution. Keep HDR, chroma and bit depth conditions in source notes.

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

Height (px)	Refresh rate (Hz)
1080	60

Source2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: up to 1080p 60fps. Only the highest published combination is stored.

BRoku Express (2022)

Width (px)	Height (px)
1920	1080

Source1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026One row from the HD TVs line. No refresh rate is stated, so none is stored.

HDR formats

Not available

Not available

Dolby Vision profilesiPublished supported Dolby Vision profiles and levels. Streaming support does not prove local-file support.

Not available

Not available

HDMI versioniPublished HDMI output revision. A revision does not establish every optional HDMI feature.

Not available

Not available

HDCP version

Not available

Not available

HDMI-CEC

Yes4Maker product pagesupport.google.com/chromecast/answer/7199917Read 13 October 2026Google help page What is CEC for Chromecast and Google TV Streamer devices. Casting switches the TV input and can power on a CEC TV. The device must use a wall outlet for power and not a USB port on the TV. The page is not specific to the 3rd gen.

Not available

Automatic frame rate matchingiCan switch the video output rate to match content. App, operating system and playback restrictions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Dynamic range matchingiCan switch the output dynamic range to match SDR or HDR content. App and firmware restrictions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

UpscalingiNamed video upscaling modes. Record source resolution and output restrictions in source notes.

Not available

720p to 1080p1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026HD TVs line: up-scaling from 720p to 1080p.

Video decoding

4 of 4 differ

Video codecsiExplicitly supported video decoding formats. Use names such as H.264, HEVC, AV1 and VP9. Chip capabilities alone do not prove device playback support.

H.264, VP83Maker product pagedevelopers.google.com/cast/docs/mediaRead 13 October 2026Supported Media for Google Cast, Video codecs, Chromecast 3rd Gen: H.264 High Profile and VP8. TechRadar also lists MPEG-4. The maker page wins.

H.2648Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/share-media-over-usb-or-networkRead 11 October 2026Roku Media Player lists H.264/AVC for all devices. HEVC, VP9 and AV1 are listed for 4K video only, so they are not stored for this HD player. This player has no USB port, so the network media-server route applies.

Video decode limitsiPublished supported decoding limits. Profiles, levels and playback route matter. Output resolution and service support are separate.

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

Codec	Profile	Level	Height (px)	Max frame rate (fps)
H.264	High	4.2	1080	60
VP8	Not available	Not available	720	60
VP8	Not available	Not available	1080	30

Source3Maker product pagedevelopers.google.com/cast/docs/mediaRead 13 October 2026Chromecast 3rd Gen: H.264 High Profile up to level 4.2 (1080p/60fps). VP8 720p/60fps or 1080p/30fps. The page gives only vertical resolution. These are Cast receiver limits for streamed media.

BRoku Express (2022)

Not available

Video containersiExplicitly supported local playback containers. App requirements belong in the source note.

MP4, WebM, MPEG-TS3Maker product pagedevelopers.google.com/cast/docs/mediaRead 13 October 2026Supported Media for Google Cast lists the media container formats MP2T, MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV and WebM for all Cast Web Receivers, not per device. Only the three video containers shown with video codecs on the page are stored: MP4 (video/mp4), WebM (video/webm) and MP2T (stored as MPEG-TS). The page warns that HEVC is not supported in Transport Stream, which does not affect this device. Cast receiver apps decide what plays, so this is not a local-file player list.

MKV, MP4, MOV8Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/share-media-over-usb-or-networkRead 11 October 2026AVC in MKV, MP4 and MOV. Network media-server route. App, firmware and file capabilities apply.

DRM systemsiNamed supported DRM systems and security levels. DRM certification does not prove a particular service streams at 4K.

Not available

Widevine L1, PlayReady9Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/content-protectionRead 11 October 2026Widevine security-level table lists Rockett, the Roku Express 3960 code name, under L1 Players. The page documents PlayReady for Roku OS and lists no exclusion for this code name. App DRM libraries and valid licenses are required.

Audio

5 of 8 differ

Audio formatsiPublished supported audio formats. Decoder, output and passthrough roles are qualified in source notes.

AAC-LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital), E-AC-3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MP3, PCM/WAV, Vorbis6Reviewtechradar.com/reviews/chromecastRead 13 October 2026Review: the Chromecast supports AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MP3, PCM/WAV and Vorbis audio files. Decoder and passthrough roles are not stated. What Hi-Fi says the Chromecast outputs up to Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 with compatible apps.

Digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby-encoded audio, MP3, FLAC, PCM, ALAC, Vorbis, AAC1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Maker lines: digital stereo over HDMI, DTS Digital Surround pass through over HDMI, pass-through of Dolby-encoded audio over HDMI. MP3, FLAC, PCM, ALAC, Vorbis and AAC come from the Roku Media Player page and apply to the network media-server route.

Audio passthrough formatsiCompressed formats explicitly passed to external audio equipment without decoding. Dolby Atmos support alone does not establish TrueHD passthrough.

Not available

DTS Digital Surround, Dolby-encoded audio1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Literal maker lines. Dolby codecs stay generic because the page does not name Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus or Atmos.

Dolby AtmosiExplicit device support for Dolby Atmos. Codec, service, app and output requirements belong in the source note.

No14Reviewtvguide.com/news/chromecast-reviewRead 21 October 2026TV Guide Chromecast review: the 3rd gen does not support 4K or HDR video, or Dolby Atmos sound.

Not available

Audio channel configurationsiPublished output configurations, such as 2.0, 5.1 or 7.1. Keep PCM and compressed audio routes separate in source notes. Dolby Atmos support alone does not establish a channel configuration.

5.18Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review text: plugged into a soundbar or home cinema system, the Chromecast outputs sound at up to Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 with compatible apps and videos. The review spec box instead lists Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, so only the 5.1 layout both statements share is stored. Surround output also needs a TV or receiver that reports support.

2.01Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Digital stereo over HDMI. No numeric multichannel layout is stated.

Max audio sample rateiHighest published audio output sample rate. Keep playback route and format in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Max audio bit depthiHighest published audio output bit depth. Keep playback route and format in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth audio output

Not available

No7Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/en-us/article/how-to-use-bluetooth-headphone-modeRead 11 October 2026Roku Express is listed among the streaming devices that do not support Headphone Mode. A Bluetooth radio version is not published.

Bluetooth audio codecsiExplicitly supported codecs for audio sent to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Bluetooth version alone is not proof.

Not available

Not available

Processor and memory

4 of 11 differ

System on chip

Marvell ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus (88DE3006)10Reviewedn.com/the-google-chromecast-gen-3-gluey-and-screwyRead 21 October 2026EDN teardown of a 3rd generation Chromecast (label shows FCC ID A4RNC2-6A5B) by Brian Dipert, February 18, 2025: the processor is the Synaptics MM3006, formerly the Marvell 88DE3006, the same IC as the 2nd generation. The ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus name for the 88DE3006 comes from Marvell's press release.

Not available

CPU

ARM Cortex-A711Press releaseinvestor.marvell.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/427/marvell-teams-up-with-google-to-enable-chromecast-2-0-and-chromecast-audioRead 21 October 2026Marvell press release (October 2015) describes the ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus (88DE3006) as a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 design. The EDN teardown found the same IC in the 3rd generation. No clock speed is stated, so cpu_clock_max_ghz is empty.

ARM Cortex-A553Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Roku Express 3960X row: ARM Cortex A55. The core count is not stated.

CPU cores

211Press releaseinvestor.marvell.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/427/marvell-teams-up-with-google-to-enable-chromecast-2-0-and-chromecast-audioRead 21 October 2026Dual-core, from the same press release.

Not available

Max CPU clockiHighest explicitly published processor clock for this device. Generic chipset limits are not device evidence.

Not available

Not available

GPU

Not available

Not available

RAMiKeep published GB values as stated. Convert a source explicitly labelled MB using 1000 MB per GB and preserve its original figure and unit in the note. Do not assume MB means MiB. Convert explicit MiB or GiB to decimal GB through their byte definitions, recording the conversion in the note. This normalization does not establish an exact physical byte count.

512MB8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review tech specs list Memory (RAM) 512 MB. Stored as 0.512 GB, dividing the labelled MB by 1000. The same box lists Hard drive 2GB, which conflicts with the 4 Gbit NAND found in the EDN teardown, so storage_gb is left empty. EDN found a 4 Gbit DRAM chip, which is also 512 MB.

512MB3Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Roku Express 3960X row publishes 512 MB. Stored 0.512 GB uses MB-to-GB normalization at 1000 MB per GB. RAM type is not stated.

RAM type

Not available

Not available

StorageiMarketed built-in storage capacity in decimal GB. Free space after the operating system is separate.

Not available

Not available

Storage type

NAND flash10Reviewedn.com/the-google-chromecast-gen-3-gluey-and-screwyRead 21 October 2026Teardown: Toshiba TC58NVG2S0 4 Gbit NAND flash, twice the capacity of the 2nd generation. The article does not state a marketed storage size, so storage_gb is empty. The same article calls the Hynix H5TC4G63EFR-RDA a 4 Gbit LPDDR3-1866 SDRAM, but that part number belongs to the DDR3L family, so ram_type is left empty.

Not available

Expandable storageiCan use added removable or external storage to store installed apps or play media directly. Copying files through a USB data connection alone does not qualify. The source note states whether apps, media or both are supported and names the connection and limitations. Storage must be attached to the streaming device. Cloud and network streaming do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Storage expansion methodsiPublished methods for adding app or media storage. USB support alone does not prove app installation on external storage.

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

2 of 7 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 52Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz).

Wi-Fi 41Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Networking row: 802.11b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz). 802.11n is Wi-Fi 4.

Wi-Fi bands

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz).

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Networking row: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz.

Wi-Fi MIMOiWritten as 2x2 MIMO when the maker gives the stream count, or MIMO when it does not. 2T2R counts as 2x2. MU-MIMO support alone does not show more than one stream, so it is not stored. Band wording goes in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Built-in Ethernet speediRated speed of a built-in Ethernet port. An optional USB Ethernet adapter does not count.

Not available

Not available

Optional Ethernet adapter supportiExplicit support for an external Ethernet adapter. Required adapter and connection belong in the source note.

Yes15Maker product pagestore.google.com/us/product/ethernet_adapter_for_chromecastRead 21 October 2026Google Store listing titled Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast 3rd & 1st Gen, seen in search results on 2026-10-21. The page now redirects to the Google Store home page, so the title is the only text read. Google's Australian listing is quoted as working with Chromecast and Chromecast 1st Generation. The adapter plugs into the micro-USB power port, replaces the power supply and gives a 10/100 Ethernet port. The device has no built-in Ethernet port, so ethernet_speed_mbps is empty.

Yes6Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/connect-to-a-wired-network-with-usbRead 11 October 2026Roku Express (3960, 3960RS) is in the compatible device table. It needs a micro USB Ethernet adapter, 10/100 Mbps only, with an AX8877X or SMSC95XX chipset. The adapter is powered separately. This is not built-in Ethernet or storage expansion.

Bluetooth versioniPublished device Bluetooth version. The remote can use a different Bluetooth version.

Not available

Not available

PortsiPhysical device connectors, including a fixed HDMI plug and power-only USB. Excludes connectors on the remote and optional adapters. Count identical connectors in each row.

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

Connector	Count	Role
HDMI	1	Video and audio output on a built-in flat cable
Micro USB	1	Power input

Source2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Ports HDMI and Micro-USB. Tom's Guide describes a built-in HDMI cable on one side and the micro-USB port on the other. TechRadar calls it a flat HDMI cable.

BRoku Express (2022)

Connector	Count	Role
HDMI	1	Video and audio output
Micro USB	1	Power input and compatible optional Ethernet adapter connection

Source1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Ports row lists HDMI, Micro USB for power and a Reset button. The reset button is not a connector and is not stored. The HDMI revision is not stated. The Ethernet adapter role comes from the Roku wired network support article.

Smart home

1 of 3 differ

Thread border router

Not available

Not available

Matter controlleriCan commission and control Matter accessories. Acting as a Matter accessory alone does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Smart home platforms

Google Home8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review: the Chromecast is now part of Google's Home family of products and is set up and assigned to a room with the Google Home app.

Roku Smart Home, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Compatibility rows: works with Roku Smart Home, Apple AirPlay and HomeKit, Google Home and Alexa. This does not establish Matter or Thread.

Remote control

4 of 9 differ

Remote model

Not available

Roku Simple Remote4Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/225735828Read 11 October 2026Roku Express model 3960 supports up to 1080p Full HD and ships with a Roku Simple Remote.

Remote connectioniEvery wireless link the included remote uses, to the device or to other equipment. An infrared transmitter that controls the TV counts as infrared.

Not available

Infrared1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Remote control row: Roku standard IR remote with channel shortcut buttons. The player has an IR receiver.

Remote microphone

Not available

No5Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/fix-your-roku-remote-simple-or-voiceRead 11 October 2026A simple remote has no voice or microphone button and uses infrared. The supplied remote is the Roku Simple Remote.

Remote voice assistantsiVoice assistants usable from the supplied remote. Region, language, app and firmware restrictions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Remote TV controliSupported TV controls, such as power, volume and input. Infrared and HDMI-CEC routes are qualified in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Remote finder

Not available

Not available

Remote backlight

Not available

Not available

Remote poweriPublished batteries or rechargeable battery arrangement for the supplied remote.

Not available

2 AAA batteries1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026What's in the box: two AAA batteries.2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026What's included page: two AAA batteries. The page does not say they are pre-installed.

Remote charging port

Not available

Not available

Software

5 of 8 differ

Operating systemiPlatform name. The launch version is stored separately from later firmware support.

Not available

Roku OS3Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Hardware table is the Roku OS developer reference. The player runs Roku OS.

Operating system at launch

Not available

Not available

App store

Not available

Roku Streaming Store4Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/225735828Read 11 October 2026How to set up your Roku Express: add new streaming apps from the Streaming Store.

Casting protocolsiPublished casting or screen mirroring protocols. AirPlay and Google Cast are distinct. App-only playback support does not prove system-wide mirroring.

Google Cast1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026The post describes casting from apps through the Cast button. The Google Cast name comes from the Google Cast developer page.

Apple AirPlay1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Compatibility row: works with Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. The AirPlay version is not stated, and Roku's AirPlay 2 device tables do not list model 3960.

Voice assistantsiVoice assistants supported by the device. A remote microphone and hands-free activation are separate features.

Google Assistant1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post: Chromecast and Google Home work together. Say what to watch with Hey Google and control the TV by asking. Needs a compatible Google Assistant device.

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Compatibility rows: works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. The supplied remote has no microphone, so these assistants run on other devices. Hands-free control is not claimed.

Hands-free voice controliControl the streaming device by voice without pressing a button. This may use built-in microphones or a compatible linked smart speaker, phone or headset. The source note names the required device, connection, software and supported commands. A microphone on a press-to-talk remote alone does not qualify.

Yes1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post describes hands-free voice requests through Google Home. The Chromecast has no microphone and no remote. A linked Google Home speaker or other Assistant device is required.

Not available

Mobile remote platforms

Android, iOS2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Operating systems Android, iOS, Mac and Windows. Only the two mobile systems fit the schema. Casting from a Mac or Windows PC uses the Chrome browser.

Android, iOS10Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/roku-remote-on-your-phoneRead 11 October 2026The free Roku mobile app for iOS and Android controls Roku streaming devices as a remote. The article does not name model 3960.

Accessibility features

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Gaming

None of 2 known

Game servicesiPublished native or cloud gaming services. Service availability is time-sensitive. Record software and region requirements in source notes.

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Game controller supportiExplicitly supported controllers or connection methods. Bluetooth alone does not establish game controller support.

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Power

2 of 5 differ

Power supply

USB8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review spec box: Power USB, power adapter included. Power comes from a bundled micro-USB cable. A wall plug is included, and a TV USB socket may also supply power.

USB2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026Step 2 powers the player through the included USB power cable and a standard USB adaptor that is not included, or from a TV USB port. Power input is micro USB.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating, as published. An external adapter output rating is separate.

5 V, 1 A2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Power 5 V, 1 A power supply.

5 V, 1 A1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Power input row: 5V - 1A.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the included power adapter. This is not device power consumption.

5W2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: 5 V, 1 A power supply. 5 W is the exact product of the published voltage and current. Tom's Guide says the box holds a power adapter.

Not available

Max power consumption (claimed)iMaker-published maximum device power consumption. Adapter rating is not proof.

5W2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information lists Rated power consumption 5 W. This is the maker's rated figure on the KC label. It is not a measurement.

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Standby power (claimed)iMaker-published device standby consumption under the source conditions.

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Measured

None of 4 known

Video playback power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption. Video format, app, resolution, power measurement point and equipment belong in source notes.

Not available

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Idle power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption when idle. Firmware, measurement point and conditions belong in source notes.

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Standby power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption in standby. Network state, firmware and measurement point belong in source notes.

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Boot time (measured)iReviewer-measured time from power-on to usable home screen. Cold boot and standby wake are different. Record timing method and firmware.

Not available

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Dimensions and weight

2 of 4 differ

DimensionsiDevice body without remote, cables or adapter. Width is left-to-right in normal use, height is bottom-to-top and depth is front-to-back. For a stick, include the fixed plug only when the source does. A stick's length from the plug to its end is depth and its thickness is height. A puck that lies flat has its thickness as height.

Width51.8Height51.9Depth13.8mm(2 × 2 × 0.5 in)2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information Size: 51.8 x 13.8 x 51.9 mm. The axes are not labeled. The disc is about 51.8 to 51.9 mm across and 13.8 mm thick. TechRadar gives 51.9 x 51.9 x 13.8 mm. Stored as two disc diameters and the thickness. The flat HDMI cable is not included.

Width76.2Height19.05Depth38.1mm(3 × 0.8 × 1.5 in)1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Size row publishes '.75 x 3.0 x 1.5 inches' with no axis labels. The Quill retailer listing labels them height 0.75, width 3 and depth 1.5 inches. Stored values are exact inch-to-mm conversions of those figures.

WeightiDevice only, without remote, cable or power adapter. Included fixed cable or plug conditions belong in source notes.

40g(1.4 oz)2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information Weight: 40g.

31.1g(1.1 oz)1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Weight row: 1.1 ounces (31.1 g). Player only.

Remote dimensionsiSupplied remote body. Height is its length along the buttons, width is across the buttons and depth is front-to-back.

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Remote weightiSupplied remote weight. State whether replaceable batteries are included.

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Certifications

1 of 1 differ

FCC ID

A4RNC2-6A5B9Regulatory filingfccid.io/A4RNC2-6A5B/User-Manual/NC2-6A5B-Manual-US-3943740Read 21 October 2026Google's Chromecast regulatory manual on the FCC filing lists Model NC2-6A5 and FCC ID A4RNC2-6A5B and says the FCC ID is printed on the back of the Chromecast. The 2015 device used A4RNC2-6A5 without the B. The UL test report 15U20917-E2V4 under A4RNC2-6A5B (July 2018) describes the 5 GHz antenna gain change from 2.1 to 4 dBi that Google announced for this model.

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Other certifications

FCC Part 15 Class B, KC MSIP-CRM-A4H-NC2-6A52Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information lists KC certification MSIP-CRM-A4H-NC2-6A5 for model NC2-6A5. Stored as printed with a KC prefix. FCC Part 15 Class B comes from the FCC manual source.9Regulatory filingfccid.io/A4RNC2-6A5B/User-Manual/NC2-6A5B-Manual-US-3943740Read 21 October 2026The manual states the device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with the limits for a Class B digital device.

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In the box

2 of 2 differ

In the box

Chromecast, Micro-USB power cable, Power adapter7Reviewtomsguide.com/us/google-chromecast-3rd-generation,review-5843.htmlRead 13 October 2026Review: the Chromecast comes with both a micro-USB cable and a power adapter.

Roku Express streaming player, Remote with pre-set app shortcut buttons, 2 AAA batteries, USB power cable, High Speed HDMI cable, Removable adhesive strip for mounting (optional)1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026What's in the box list. The quick start guide shows no power adaptor.

HDMI cable includediA separate HDMI cable supplied in the box. A fixed HDMI plug or captive lead does not count. A short HDMI extender supplied with a stick counts, and the source note says it is an extender.

No7Reviewtomsguide.com/us/google-chromecast-3rd-generation,review-5843.htmlRead 13 October 2026Review: a built-in HDMI cable on one side. No separate HDMI cable is supplied.

Yes2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026What's included page shows a separate High Speed HDMI cable. Step 1 connects the player to the TV with the included cable.

Links

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Product page

Not available

web.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-express1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Internet Archive capture of the maker's product page, because the live page no longer shows this player.

Spec sheet

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Manual

Not available

image.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdf2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026US quick start guide for model 3960, linked from the maker's setup article.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information: covered by a 1-year Google Hardware Limited Warranty. Market is Korea. Other markets were not checked.

1year14Maker spec sheet (PDF)images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/5b/5b125123-9613-4138-9e94-2095d9c4cb30.pdfRead 11 October 2026Roku Limited Warranty page 1: one year for Roku streaming players and included remotes bought by an end user in the United States. A retailer listing states 2 years, which the maker document does not support.

Both are also in the API. Back to all streaming devices.