In recent years, the world of home entertainment has undergone a significant transformation. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, consumers are no longer limited to traditional TV programming. To keep up with this shift, companies like Roku have been working to create innovative products that can seamlessly integrate with these new platforms. One such product is the Roku Smart Soundbar, a sleek and compact device that promises to elevate your viewing experience with impressive audio quality and convenient streaming capabilities. But the question remains: is the Roku Smart Soundbar any good?
Design and Build Quality
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a slender, compact device that measures just 32.2 inches wide, 2.8 inches tall, and 3.9 inches deep. Its slim profile makes it easy to place on a TV stand or mount on the wall, and its minimalist design ensures it won’t draw attention away from your TV. The soundbar is constructed from a durable plastic material that feels solid and premium to the touch. The front grille is made of a perforated metal mesh, which helps to reduce dust and debris buildup.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Roku Smart Soundbar’s design is its compact size. Measuring just over 2 inches tall, it’s one of the thinnest soundbars on the market, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. The soundbar also features a sleek and modern aesthetic, with a subtle glow emanating from the Roku logo on the front.
Setup and Connectivity
Setting up the Roku Smart Soundbar is a breeze. Simply plug it into a power outlet, connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. The soundbar comes with a remote control that’s identical to the one that comes with Roku’s streaming devices, making it easy to navigate and control your streaming experience.
In terms of connectivity, the Roku Smart Soundbar offers a range of options, including:
- HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel): This allows you to connect the soundbar to your TV and stream audio from the TV to the soundbar.
- Optical Audio Input: This allows you to connect the soundbar to older TVs or devices that don’t have HDMI ARC.
- Wi-Fi: The soundbar connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to stream music and access Roku’s streaming services.
- Bluetooth: The soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your phone or tablet and stream music wirelessly.
Audio Quality
The Roku Smart Soundbar is equipped with a pair of 2.5-inch drivers and a dedicated subwoofer, which work together to produce clear and balanced audio. The soundbar’s frequency response ranges from 50Hz to 20kHz, which is relatively standard for a soundbar in this price range.
In terms of audio quality, the Roku Smart Soundbar delivers a surprisingly good performance. Dialogue is clear and crisp, with a good balance of bass and treble. The soundbar’s ability to handle dynamic range is impressive, with a noticeable difference between quiet and loud scenes.
One area where the Roku Smart Soundbar falls short is in terms of room-filling ability. While it can produce a decent amount of volume, it struggles to fill larger rooms with sound. This is likely due to its compact size and relatively small drivers.
Sound Modes
The Roku Smart Soundbar comes with several sound modes, including:
| Sound Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Movie | Optimized for movie watching, with enhanced dialogue and bass response. |
| Music | Optimized for music listening, with enhanced treble and bass response. |
| TV | General-purpose mode for TV watching, with a balanced audio response. |
| Night | Reduces bass response and emphasizes dialogue, making it ideal for late-night viewing. |
Streaming Capabilities
The Roku Smart Soundbar is more than just a soundbar – it’s a fully-fledged streaming device. With built-in Roku OS, you can access a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
The soundbar comes with a remote control that’s identical to the one that comes with Roku’s streaming devices, making it easy to navigate and control your streaming experience. You can also use the Roku app on your phone or tablet to control the soundbar and access additional features.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Roku Smart Soundbar’s streaming capabilities is its ability to seamlessly integrate with other Roku devices. If you already have a Roku Streaming Stick or Roku Ultra, you can use the soundbar as an extension of your existing Roku ecosystem.
Value for Money
The Roku Smart Soundbar is priced competitively, with a retail price of around $179.99. Considering its impressive features and performance, it’s an excellent value for money.
In comparison to other soundbars in this price range, the Roku Smart Soundbar offers a unique combination of audio quality, streaming capabilities, and design. While it may not be the best soundbar on the market, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a compact, easy-to-use device that can elevate their viewing experience.
Conclusion
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a solid choice for those looking for a compact, easy-to-use soundbar that can deliver good audio quality and convenient streaming capabilities. While it may not be perfect, its unique combination of features and performance make it an excellent value for money.
If you’re looking for a soundbar that can seamlessly integrate with your Roku ecosystem and provide a hassle-free streaming experience, the Roku Smart Soundbar is an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the Roku Smart Soundbar is a great option for those who want to upgrade their viewing experience without breaking the bank. With its compact size, easy setup, and impressive features, it’s an excellent addition to any home entertainment system.
Is the Roku Smart Soundbar a worthy upgrade from my current sound system?
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a significant upgrade from your traditional sound system, especially if you’re already invested in the Roku ecosystem. With its sleek design and compact size, it’s perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. It’s also incredibly easy to set up, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to get started.
In terms of sound quality, the Roku Smart Soundbar delivers a significant improvement over your average TV speakers. It produces clear and detailed audio with good bass response, making it perfect for watching movies, TV shows, and sports. Additionally, it supports Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround, which further enhances the overall audio experience.
Can I use the Roku Smart Soundbar with my existing Roku devices?
Yes, the Roku Smart Soundbar is designed to work seamlessly with your existing Roku devices. In fact, it’s a natural extension of the Roku ecosystem, allowing you to control your TV, stream content, and access your favorite channels all from a single device. You can even use your Roku remote to control the soundbar, making it easy to adjust volume, play/pause content, and more.
Additionally, the Roku Smart Soundbar also supports Roku’s voice control technology, allowing you to use voice commands to control your streaming experience. This means you can say “Hey Roku, turn up the volume” or “Hey Roku, play the latest episode of my favorite show” and the soundbar will respond accordingly.
How does the Roku Smart Soundbar compare to other soundbars on the market?
Compared to other soundbars on the market, the Roku Smart Soundbar holds its own in terms of sound quality and features. While it may not be as powerful as some higher-end soundbars, it’s more than capable of delivering a great audio experience for most rooms. Additionally, its compact size and affordability make it an attractive option for those who want a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank.
One area where the Roku Smart Soundbar stands out is its integration with the Roku ecosystem. If you’re already using a Roku streaming device, the soundbar is a natural addition to your setup. It’s also one of the most affordable soundbars on the market, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Can I use the Roku Smart Soundbar as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, the Roku Smart Soundbar can be used as a Bluetooth speaker, allowing you to stream music and other audio content from your phone, tablet, or laptop. This makes it a great option for parties or gatherings where you want to play music without having to connect to a TV.
To use the soundbar as a Bluetooth speaker, simply pair it with your device using the Roku app, and you’ll be able to stream audio content wirelessly. You can also use the soundbar’s built-in Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and access streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Is the Roku Smart Soundbar worth the investment for casual TV viewers?
If you’re a casual TV viewer who mostly watches TV shows and movies, the Roku Smart Soundbar may not be worth the investment. While it’s a significant upgrade over traditional TV speakers, it’s still a relatively expensive device.
However, if you’re someone who streams a lot of content or enjoys gaming, the Roku Smart Soundbar is definitely worth considering. Its compact size, affordability, and ease of use make it a great option for those who want to elevate their streaming experience without breaking the bank.
Can I connect the Roku Smart Soundbar to multiple devices at once?
Yes, the Roku Smart Soundbar can be connected to multiple devices at once, making it a great option for those who have multiple sources of audio content. You can connect it to your TV, gaming console, and Blu-ray player, and use the soundbar’s HDMI input to switch between devices seamlessly.
Additionally, the soundbar’s Optical input and Analog input allow you to connect it to other devices like CD players, turntables, and more. This makes it a great option for those who have a lot of different devices and want a single sound system that can handle it all.
Does the Roku Smart Soundbar support 4K and HDR content?
Yes, the Roku Smart Soundbar supports 4K and HDR content, making it a great option for those who have a 4K TV or plan to upgrade in the future. It can pass through 4K and HDR signals from your streaming devices, ensuring that you get the best possible picture quality.
Additionally, the soundbar’s support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ means that you’ll get the best possible picture quality from your streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. This makes it a great option for those who want a future-proof sound system that can handle the latest and greatest in video technology.