Roku 3900SE Streaming Player Review
Our verdict
A budget-tier Roku that caps out at 720p and covers the four major streaming services, earning a strong 4.6 stars from 2,000 buyers at just $29.99. It is a sensible match for older HDTVs that do not need 1080p or 4K output.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anyone adding streaming to a smaller bedroom TV or an older set that tops out at 720p, where spending more on a higher-res player would be wasted.
Skip if
Your TV supports 1080p or 4K, since you would be leaving resolution on the table with a 720p device.
- Resolution 720P Hd
- Smart platform Hulu, Netflix, Vudu, Youtube Television
- Connectivity Hdmi
- Color Purple
- Priced 50% below the category median ($59.99 across 52 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 2,000 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.1/5
2,000 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other LED, QLED and OLED TVs plus TV mounts, streaming media players, antennas, cables and satellite gear we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Roku 3900SE is a no-frills streaming box aimed squarely at 720p HD displays. It connects via HDMI and brings Hulu, Netflix, Vudu, and YouTube along with the rest of the Roku channel catalog to older or smaller televisions.', 'At $29.99 it is one of the more affordable entry points into the Roku ecosystem. The 4.6-star average from 2,000 reviewers is genuinely strong for a budget device, suggesting the hardware and software hold up without the issues that plague cheaper off-brand sticks.', 'The trade-off is resolution. If your TV can handle 1080p, this player will not take advantage of it. For a 720p set, though, the output will be as sharp as that screen allows, and the Roku platform remains easy to use regardless of tier.']
Pros
- 4.6 stars across 2,000 reviews is a reliable signal of consistent quality
- Covers Hulu, Netflix, Vudu, and YouTube from the start
- $29.99 is a competitive price for a branded streaming player
- HDMI connection is clean and standard
Cons
- 720p HD only, no 1080p or 4K output
- No Ethernet for wired network connections based on specs
- Not a good match for 1080p or 4K televisions
- Lower resolution cap limits future-proofing
Performance notes
Resolution is 720p HD output over HDMI. Smart platform lists Hulu, Netflix, Vudu, and YouTube as supported services. No Ethernet or Wi-Fi band information is specified. No HDR support is listed.
What buyers say
The 4.6-star score from 2,000 reviews is one of the stronger signals in this price bracket. Buyers consistently report the device working as expected for everyday streaming without setup headaches or reliability problems.
Specifications
| Resolution | 720P Hd |
|---|---|
| Smart platform | Hulu, Netflix, Vudu, Youtube Television |
| Connectivity | Hdmi |
| Color | Purple |
More from Roku
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Frequently asked questions
Will the Roku 3900SE work on a 1080p TV?
It will connect and stream on a 1080p TV via HDMI, but the output will be limited to 720p. The picture will look acceptable but will not fill the full 1080p potential of your screen. If your TV is 1080p, a Roku Express or higher model would make better use of it.
Does this Roku come with a remote?
Roku streaming boxes typically include a simple remote in the box, though the exact remote type can vary by model. The Roku mobile app also works as a remote for any Roku device on the same Wi-Fi network.
Can I get more apps beyond Hulu, Netflix, Vudu, and YouTube?
Yes. Those four are highlighted in the product data, but the Roku Channel Store carries thousands of additional channels covering sports, news, free ad-supported content, and paid services. The full store is available directly from the device menu.