Roku Streambar vs Soundbar, which one is best for you? Comparing Roku Streambar vs Soundbar, they differ in terms of size, performance and cost. Roku Soundbar is 32” while the Streambar is 14”. The Streambar is best for users who prefer small and compact soundbars that sound better than TV audio. Roku has one of the best streaming platforms.
So, whether you choose the Soundbar or the Streambar, seamless streaming with several contents is guaranteed. Roku bars sound larger than their size so don’t let their small size think you otherwise. The Smart Soundbar has a large size, a larger cabinet and better bass. It sounds balanced, has better surround sound and is ideal for large crowds.
Streambar is one of the best affordable compact soundbar that gives you all-in-one solution. Roku is smart and versatile. The Roku Channel offers more than 200 live TV channels. The differences between the soundbar models are subtle in terms of feature. For performance, it depends whether you want a large setup that sounds better, or the small one that sounds decent in small rooms.
Roku Streambar vs Soundbar: Product Analysis
What are the differences between Roku Streambar vs Smart Soundbar? Let’s find out.
Table: Comparing Roku Streambar vs Streambar Pro vs Smart Soundbar
Before we begin product review, one thing to note is, these soundbars have several things in common.
Roku Streambar :
Roku Streambar is a small soundbar that also allows streaming TV, live sports, movies, etc. streaming contents is similar to the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. This streaming feature is similar for Streambar Pro and Smart Soundbar. Support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa is another feature all three have in common. With a width of only 14”, the bar might look too tinny for your TV.
However, with advanced audio engineering in Roku OS, the delivered sound is larger and room filling. In case you aren’t convinced, you can easily add Roku Subwoofer and wireless speakers. Roku suggests you to add a streambar, subwoofer and a total of 4 speakers to achieve immersive and full surround sound. Vocals are clear and loud with the Speech Clarity option (off, low, high), so dialogue-heavy content will be ok to play through it.
In terms of music, you can stream from the available content or, go wireless with Bluetooth. play or stream content in HD, 4K, and HDR TVs and enjoy high resolution. 4k resolution support is ideal for users who prefer to have the best resolution. Comparing Roku Streambar vs Soundbar, the driver size varies. Streambar creates a broader soundstage as there are two side-firing drivers.
The Streambar has angled edges, the top and back sides are made of plastic. Whereas the front is wrapped in fabric. The build quality is very good.Roku Streambar, Streambar Pro and Soundbar all support AirPlay so it is best for Apple users. Along with streaming from Apple devices, you can also share iPhone, iPod or MAC screen on the TV.
Use the remote or the Roku mobile app for control. You can choose from different sound modes: Normal, Reduce bass, Bass boost, Bass off. If you think the commercials sound too loud, use the Volume Mode (Off, Leveling, Night mode) to reduce it. In case you only use the bar, then it is ideal for tight spaces. Bass isn’t the ‘brightest’ in the Roku Streambar but you can always include a sub.
Since only a HDMI port is available for TV, if you want to connect gaming consoles, connect it to the TV. User interface of the streaming platform is simple and easy to use. It is fast and responsive. Overall, it is one of the best affordable soundbar with streaming capability.
You will receiver powerful cinematic sound from the Streambar with Dolby Audio. Despite having a 2.0 configuration, it performs like a 3.0 because of the ‘multi-channel decode capabilities’. In case you suffer from any audio delay, use the TV to find AV Sync option. It can also be labelled as Audio Delay or Lip-Sync.
Roku Streambar Pro
Needless to say, the Streambar, Streambar Pro and Soundbar, all Roku bars share the same Roku OS. In the channel store, there are several apps and streaming services. Voice support is similar to the Streambar. This is mainly beneficial if you can’t find the movie you want to watch. Simply ask Alexa or Google Assistant.
Comparing Roku Streambar vs Streambar Pro, they differ in size. Streambar Pro has the same dimension and size as the Smart Soundbar. They are both larger than the Streambar. Streambar Pro also costs more than the Streambar. The driver sizes are larger than the Streambar and similar to that of Smart Soundbar.
Both Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro supports HDR10 and HLG but nor HDR10+ and DV. Comparing Roku Streambar Pro vs Smart Soundbar, the features and specs are almost similar. Since the Streambar Pro is the newer model, you can choose it. Roku Streambar Pro come with a newer remote that has a headphone jack.
Use the headphone jack for your headphones and enable private listening. With Streambar, you need to do private listening with the app. The remote also has some programmable buttons where you can customize your voice command and save it. Volume buttons are on the side of the remote to make it easier and stand out among others. in case you lost the remote, use the remote finder from the app.
It is not mandatory to use a Roku TV with the Roku Streambar Pro, it will work with any TV model. Popular services like Amazon Music, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV (not Google Play Music), Hulu, iHeartRadio, Netflix, Pandora, SiriusXM, Sling TV, Spotify, and YouTube are available in Roku. Since the Streambar Pro and Soundbar are similar models, they are often compared together.
Streambar Pro can get quite loud and the low ends are decent. Create powerful room-filling audio with a Streambar Pro, 4 bookshelf speakers and a sub. Comparing Streambar vs Streambar Pro, the Pro model delivers rich and detailed sound. Another visible difference in Roku Streambar vs Streambar Pro comparison is, the Streambar supports Wired Ethernet connection whereas the Streambar Pro doesn’t.
This connection ensures the speed remains stable as you stream HDR content. The Streambar Pro and Smart Soundbar sound better than the Streambar. However, it will depend on your room size as well. For tight spaces, Roku Streambar with sub won’t be so bad.
Roku Soundbar:
Roku Soundbar is more similar to the Streambar Pro than the Streambar. Size and shape are similar. The Smart Soundbar has the same remote, ports, voice assistant support, options like Sound modes. Number of driver and driver size is similar to that of Streambar Pro. Comparing Roku Streambar vs Streambar Pro vs Smart Soundbar, the Soundbar costs higher than the other two.
Roku Soundbar is also a 2.0 bar that brings major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ together. Use the TV to view Roku media player and enjoy movies, music, sports, live news and many more. It is made of plastic while the front is wrapped with fabric. While the build quality is good, the Streambar seemed to be pretty sturdy.
The highs and mids are balanced and precise. Soundstage is decent and wide as the bar. It can get quite loud so you can use it for large crowds. Center channel performance is average, you get the same Speech Clarity option as the Streambar. A subwoofer and rear speakers can be connected to this bar as well.
If you don’t have the space for it, a standalone bar will be an ideal choice. Since there are no buttons on the bar, make sure to take care of the remote. This doesn’t seem very user friendly, at least something like a remote finder available in Roku Ultra would have been better. If you are serious about movies, include a sub with the bar.
Roku Soundbar is best for large TVs and we strongly recommend to include a subwoofer. This will result in better sound than the Roku Streambar.
Parting words:
The Streambar and Smart Soundbar are Roku’s soundbar-cum-streamer. Both these bars will be an upgrade over TV audio but not as powerful as Samsung, Vizio or JBL soundbars. Roku Smart Soundbar is larger than Streambar and performs slightly better with bigger drivers. However, Streambar is one of the best soundbar under $100 that is ideal for tight spaces.
While low ends of these soundbars are a concern, the bass of Smart Soundbar will definitely be an improvement over TV. If you have a tight budget but want a streamer/soundbar for your large TVs, Smart Soundbar is best for you. We suggest going for subwoofer and rear speakers no matter which model you choose.
Or, at least pair up a subwoofer and the difference is night and day. Roku soundbars are preferred by many as they act as streamers, have easier setup and user-friendly interface. You are not bound to use a Roku TV; any TV model will be compatible. If you are a newbie, these are some of the best entry level soundbars. On the other hand, if you like high-end sound or claim yourself an audiophile, its better to look elsewhere.
For most users, Roku Smart Soundbar and Streambar will make contents enjoyable. Even without any center channel, they have excellent dialog separation and broad soundstage. In most cases, distortion in audio wasn’t noticeable. These soundbars aren’t only limited to movies or music contents, gamers will enjoy the gaming scenes as well. If you are confused and don’t want to compromise sound, you can get the Roku Smart Soundbar.
FAQ
This FAQ is here to solve some of your problems regarding roku soundbar and streambars. let’s find out more!
How to use voice control with Roku soundbars?
This method is applicable for both Streambar and Smart Soundbar. Press the microphone button on the remote and speak to you assistant. It doesn’t come with any disable button, rather it needs you to press and talk.
Why should I choose Roku Streambar or Smart Soundbar?
No matter which model you choose, Roku soundbars will allow you to cut the cord. You can save cable bill each month. With Roku, streaming services, apps and live shows are unlimited.
Network Engineer and Tech Journalist. Read More…