The world of home entertainment has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime taking center stage. To complement this revolution, companies have been innovating in the field of home audio, and Roku, a pioneer in streaming devices, has made a foray into the soundbar market. But, is Roku soundbar good? Does it live up to the brand’s reputation for delivering quality entertainment experiences? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Roku soundbars, exploring their features, performance, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
The Roku Soundbar: A Brief Overview
Roku, known for its popular streaming devices, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, and Roku Express, entered the soundbar market with its Roku Smart Soundbar in 2019. The company’s foray into audio was seen as a natural extension of its streaming business, as it aimed to provide customers with a seamless entertainment experience. The Roku Smart Soundbar was designed to not only enhance TV audio but also integrate with Roku’s streaming platform, offering users a comprehensive home entertainment solution.
Design and Build Quality
The Roku Smart Soundbar boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring 35.5 inches in length, 2.8 inches in height, and 4.1 inches in depth. Weighing a mere 4.2 pounds, the soundbar is both stylish and lightweight, making it easy to place under most TVs. The device features a sturdy plastic construction, with a mesh grille on the front and a sleek, matte finish on the top and sides. The overall build quality is impressive, exuding a sense of durability and sophistication.
Connection Options and Compatibility
The Roku Smart Soundbar comes equipped with a range of connection options, including:
- 1 HDMI ARC port
- 1 HDMI input
- 1 Optical audio input
- 1 USB port
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
The soundbar is compatible with most TVs, including those from popular brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. Additionally, it supports Roku’s streaming platform, allowing users to seamlessly switch between TV audio and streaming content.
Performance: Sound Quality and More
The Roku Smart Soundbar is powered by a 2.0 channel system, featuring two 2.5-inch full-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters. The device supports Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X, ensuring an immersive audio experience.
Sound Quality: The Verdict
In terms of sound quality, the Roku Smart Soundbar delivers a robust and clear audio experience, with distinct highs and lows. The device excels in the mid-range frequencies, producing crisp and detailed dialogue. However, some users have noted that the soundbar lacks a bit of oomph in the bass department, which might be a drawback for those who crave thunderous lows.
Pros of the Roku Smart Soundbar’s Sound Quality:
- Clear and detailed dialogue
- Balanced sound signature
- Wide soundstage
Cons of the Roku Smart Soundbar’s Sound Quality:
- Lacking in bass response
- Not ideal for action movies or bass-heavy music
Roku’s Voice Control and Smart Features
One of the standout features of the Roku Smart Soundbar is its seamless integration with Roku’s voice control system, allowing users to control the device using voice commands. The soundbar also supports Roku’s smart features, such as:
- Private listening: Users can listen to TV audio through their Roku remote’s headphones or earbuds.
- Speech clarity: The soundbar’s speech enhancement feature helps to clarify dialogue, making it easier to understand.
- Automatic volume leveling: The device adjusts volume levels to ensure a consistent listening experience.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
To get a better understanding of the Roku Smart Soundbar’s performance, we scoured the internet for customer reviews and ratings.
Amazon Ratings
On Amazon, the Roku Smart Soundbar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on over 2,500 customer reviews. Many users have praised the device’s ease of use, compact design, and robust sound quality.
Positive Reviews:
- “I was blown away by the sound quality! The dialogue is so clear, and the music is rich and detailed.” – A. Johnson
- “I love how easy it is to set up and use. The voice control is so convenient!” – M. Rodriguez
Negative Reviews:
- “I was expecting more bass from this soundbar. It’s a bit lacking in that department.” – J. Thompson
- “I had some issues with connectivity, but customer support was helpful in resolving the problem.” – S. Patel
Comparison with Other Soundbars
To put the Roku Smart Soundbar’s performance into perspective, let’s compare it with some other popular soundbars on the market.
Sonos Beam vs. Roku Smart Soundbar
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that, like the Roku Smart Soundbar, is designed for smaller rooms. While both devices offer excellent sound quality, the Sonos Beam is more expensive, with a price tag of around $400. However, it does offer better bass response and a more comprehensive smart feature set.
Yamaha YAS-209 vs. Roku Smart Soundbar
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a more affordable soundbar option, priced around $300. While it lacks the Roku Smart Soundbar’s sleek design and smart features, it delivers a more balanced sound signature and better bass response.
Conclusion: Is Roku Soundbar Good?
So, is Roku soundbar good? The answer is a resounding yes! While it may not be the perfect soundbar for everyone, the Roku Smart Soundbar offers an impressive combination of sound quality, compact design, and smart features. Its seamless integration with Roku’s streaming platform and voice control system makes it an excellent choice for those already invested in the Roku ecosystem.
Pros of the Roku Smart Soundbar:
- Excellent sound quality with clear dialogue and balanced sound signature
- Compact and stylish design
- Seamless integration with Roku’s streaming platform and voice control system
- Robust smart features, including private listening and speech clarity
Cons of the Roku Smart Soundbar:
- Lacking in bass response
- Not ideal for larger rooms or action movies
- Limited customization options
Ultimately, the Roku Smart Soundbar is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, easy-to-use soundbar with robust sound quality and smart features. While it may not be perfect, it’s an excellent addition to the Roku family of products and a great option for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience.
What is a Roku Soundbar?
A Roku Soundbar is a type of soundbar that combines a streaming device with a soundbar, allowing users to stream their favorite TV shows and movies while also enhancing their TV’s audio quality. It’s a compact, all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for separate devices.
The Roku Soundbar is designed to provide a seamless streaming experience, with access to thousands of channels and apps, including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It’s also compatible with a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, allowing users to stream content from their devices to their TV.
What are the key features of the Roku Soundbar?
The Roku Soundbar boasts a range of impressive features, including Dolby Audio and DTS Surround Sound, which provide an immersive audio experience. It also features a compact design, making it easy to place in front of your TV without taking up too much space. Additionally, the Roku Soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer, which adds depth and bass to your audio.
Another key feature of the Roku Soundbar is its voice control capabilities, which allow users to control their streaming experience with ease. Using the Roku remote or mobile app, users can search for content, change channels, and adjust the volume with just their voice. This adds an extra layer of convenience to the overall streaming experience.
How does the Roku Soundbar compare to other soundbars on the market?
The Roku Soundbar is a unique product that combines a streaming device with a soundbar, making it a standout in the market. While there are other soundbars that offer similar audio quality, the Roku Soundbar’s streaming capabilities set it apart from the competition. In terms of audio quality, the Roku Soundbar is on par with other mid-range soundbars, offering clear and balanced sound with decent bass.
That being said, the Roku Soundbar may not be the best option for those who are looking for a high-end soundbar with advanced audio features. If you’re looking for a more premium audio experience, you may want to consider a higher-end soundbar from a brand like Sonos or Bose. However, if you’re looking for a convenient, all-in-one solution for streaming and audio, the Roku Soundbar is a great option.
Is the Roku Soundbar easy to set up and use?
Yes, the Roku Soundbar is generally easy to set up and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The setup process is straightforward, and the included remote control is intuitive and easy to navigate. Once you’ve set up your Roku Soundbar, you can start streaming your favorite content right away.
Additionally, the Roku Soundbar comes with a range of features designed to make it easy to use, including a simple and intuitive menu system and a mobile app that allows you to control your streaming experience from your smartphone or tablet. Overall, the Roku Soundbar is designed to be user-friendly, so you can focus on enjoying your favorite TV shows and movies.
Can I use the Roku Soundbar with any TV?
The Roku Soundbar is compatible with most TVs, including those from popular brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony. However, it’s worth noting that the Roku Soundbar does require an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port on your TV, which allows the soundbar to receive audio signals from your TV.
If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI ARC port, you may need to use an optical audio cable to connect your TV to the Roku Soundbar. Additionally, some older TVs may not be compatible with the Roku Soundbar, so it’s a good idea to check your TV’s specifications before making a purchase.
Is the Roku Soundbar worth the hype?
Whether or not the Roku Soundbar is worth the hype ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a convenient, all-in-one solution for streaming and audio, the Roku Soundbar may be a great option. It offers decent audio quality, a range of streaming features, and a compact design that’s easy to place in front of your TV.
However, if you’re looking for a high-end soundbar with advanced audio features, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, the Roku Soundbar may not be the best value for those who already have a streaming device and a separate soundbar. Ultimately, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons and considering your own needs before making a decision.
What are some alternative options to the Roku Soundbar?
If you’re considering the Roku Soundbar but want to explore other options, there are several alternative soundbars on the market that may be worth considering. For example, the Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that offers high-quality audio and streaming capabilities, while the Yamaha YAS-209 is a budget-friendly option that offers decent audio quality and Amazon Alexa integration.
Another option is to consider a separate streaming device, such as a Roku Streaming Stick or an Amazon Fire TV, paired with a separate soundbar from a brand like Bose or Samsung. This can provide more flexibility and customization options, but may also be more expensive than an all-in-one solution like the Roku Soundbar.