(The Roku 2 does have the remote-with-headphones option. You cannot pair the Roku 2 remote with the Express+ box.) However, the response to the IR remote, both from the Roku remote and my Harmony One remote, is snappy, and noticeably faster than the Roku 2 and Roku 3 IR response. You can use the Roku phone/tablet app to control the box, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Express-Streaming-Player-Composite/dp/B01M2AJZ5P