The world of soundbars has witnessed a significant surge in popularity over the past few years, and it’s not hard to understand why. These sleek, compact devices have revolutionized the way we experience audio in our homes, offering an unparalleled level of convenience, ease of use, and immersive sound quality. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Two popular soundbar models that have garnered significant attention are the Roku Smart Soundbar and the Onn Soundbar. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two soundbars, exploring their features, design, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Roku Smart Soundbar and the Onn Soundbar boast a sleek, modern aesthetic that will complement any living room setup. However, there are some notable differences.
Roku Smart Soundbar
The Roku Smart Soundbar features a slim, compact design that measures 35.5 inches in length, making it perfect for smaller rooms or apartments. Weighing around 6.3 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to move around. The soundbar’s body is constructed from high-quality plastic, giving it a sturdy feel. The front grille is made of a perforated metal mesh, allowing for clear sound projection. The device also features a subtle LED indicator on the front that flashes when you receive notifications or when you’re using voice commands.
Onn Soundbar
The Onn Soundbar, on the other hand, has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 38 inches in length. Weighing around 7.5 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than the Roku Smart Soundbar. The Onn Soundbar’s design is more angular, with a textured plastic body that provides a decent grip. The front grille is made of a similar perforated metal mesh as the Roku Smart Soundbar, ensuring clear sound projection. One notable difference is the lack of an LED indicator on the Onn Soundbar, which some users might find inconvenient.
Sound Quality and Features
Sound quality is where these two soundbars truly diverge. While both devices deliver impressive audio performance, they cater to different user preferences.
Roku Smart Soundbar
The Roku Smart Soundbar is built with a focus on immersive, cinematic audio. It features a 2.0 channel configuration, with two mid-range drivers and two tweeters. This setup provides a wide soundstage, making it perfect for movie nights or gaming sessions. The soundbar also supports Dolby Audio and DTS Neural:X, ensuring an immersive audio experience. Additionally, the Roku Smart Soundbar comes with a dedicated subwoofer output, allowing you to connect an external subwoofer for enhanced bass response.
One of the standout features of the Roku Smart Soundbar is its integration with Roku’s streaming ecosystem. You can stream your favorite content directly to the soundbar, which is perfect for cord-cutters or those who rely on streaming services for entertainment.
Onn Soundbar
The Onn Soundbar, on the other hand, is geared towards music lovers. It features a 2.1 channel configuration, with two mid-range drivers, two tweeters, and a dedicated subwoofer unit. This setup provides deeper bass response and clearer vocals, making it perfect for those who enjoy listening to music. The Onn Soundbar also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
One notable drawback of the Onn Soundbar is its lack of support for popular audio formats like Dolby Audio and DTS. While it still delivers impressive sound quality, the absence of these features might be a deal-breaker for some users.
Smart Features and Voice Control
Both the Roku Smart Soundbar and the Onn Soundbar offer smart features, but the extent of these features varies significantly.
Roku Smart Soundbar
The Roku Smart Soundbar comes with Roku’s advanced voice control system, allowing you to control your TV, streaming services, and soundbar with simple voice commands. You can also use the Roku mobile app to control the soundbar remotely. Furthermore, the Roku Smart Soundbar supports multi-room audio, enabling you to synchronize music playback across multiple rooms.
One of the most exciting features of the Roku Smart Soundbar is its integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to control not only your soundbar but also other smart devices in your home.
Onn Soundbar
The Onn Soundbar, on the other hand, lacks advanced voice control capabilities. It does come with a built-in microphone, but its functionality is limited to basic voice commands like volume control and playback management. There’s no support for smart home integration or multi-room audio.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When it comes to connectivity, both soundbars offer a range of options, but the Roku Smart Soundbar takes the lead.
Roku Smart Soundbar
The Roku Smart Soundbar features four HDMI inputs, one HDMI ARC output, one optical input, and one USB port. This allows you to connect multiple devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The soundbar also supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for seamless streaming.
One of the standout features of the Roku Smart Soundbar is its compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Roku-enabled TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.
Onn Soundbar
The Onn Soundbar, on the other hand, has two HDMI inputs, one HDMI ARC output, one optical input, and one USB port. While it still offers decent connectivity options, it lags behind the Roku Smart Soundbar in terms of the number of HDMI inputs.
In terms of compatibility, the Onn Soundbar is limited to devices that support Bluetooth connectivity or Optical input. It’s not compatible with Roku-enabled devices or other proprietary systems.
Pricing and Value
Pricing is where the Roku Smart Soundbar and the Onn Soundbar differ significantly.
Roku Smart Soundbar
The Roku Smart Soundbar is priced around $179.99, which might seem steep for a soundbar. However, considering its advanced features, smart capabilities, and immersive sound quality, it offers excellent value for money.
Onn Soundbar
The Onn Soundbar, on the other hand, is priced significantly lower, around $99.99. While it still offers impressive sound quality and a sleek design, the lack of advanced features and smart capabilities means it’s more of a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion
The Roku Smart Soundbar and the Onn Soundbar are two distinct products catering to different user preferences. If you’re looking for a soundbar with advanced smart features, immersive sound quality, and seamless streaming capabilities, the Roku Smart Soundbar is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a budget and prioritize music playback with deeper bass response, the Onn Soundbar is an excellent option.
Ultimately, the choice between these two soundbars depends on your specific needs and preferences. By considering the key differences highlighted in this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and find the perfect soundbar for your home entertainment setup.
| Feature | Roku Smart Soundbar | Onn Soundbar |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | Sleek, compact design, high-quality plastic body, perforated metal mesh grille | Angular design, textured plastic body, perforated metal mesh grille |
| Sound Quality and Features | 2.0 channel configuration, Dolby Audio and DTS Neural:X support, dedicated subwoofer output | 2.1 channel configuration, Bluetooth connectivity, dedicated subwoofer unit |
| Smart Features and Voice Control | Roku’s advanced voice control system, multi-room audio, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support | Basic voice commands, no smart home integration or multi-room audio |
| Connectivity and Compatibility | Four HDMI inputs, one HDMI ARC output, one optical input, one USB port, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, compatible with Roku-enabled devices | Two HDMI inputs, one HDMI ARC output, one optical input, one USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, limited compatibility |
| Pricing and Value | Priced around $179.99, offers excellent value for money considering advanced features and sound quality | Priced around $99.99, offers budget-friendly option with impressive sound quality and sleek design |
What are the key differences between the Roku Smart Soundbar and the Onn Soundbar?
The Roku Smart Soundbar and the Onn Soundbar are two distinct soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences. The Roku Smart Soundbar is a premium device that offers advanced features, superior sound quality, and seamless integration with Roku devices. On the other hand, the Onn Soundbar is a budget-friendly option that provides decent sound quality and basic features.
The Roku Smart Soundbar boasts a more comprehensive set of features, including built-in Roku streaming, voice control via Roku Voice Remote, and support for multi-room audio. It also has a more elegant design and a more comprehensive set of connectivity options. In contrast, the Onn Soundbar is a more stripped-down device that focuses on providing good sound quality at an affordable price.
Which soundbar is better suited for Roku users?
If you’re an avid Roku user, the Roku Smart Soundbar is the clear winner. The soundbar is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Roku devices, allowing you to control your TV experience with the Roku Voice Remote. You can use voice commands to change channels, adjust volume, and even launch apps. The soundbar also features built-in Roku streaming, eliminating the need for a separate Roku device.
Furthermore, the Roku Smart Soundbar is optimized to work with Roku’s ecosystem, providing a more integrated and streamlined experience. You can also use the soundbar to control other Roku devices in your home, making it a great option for those who are invested in the Roku ecosystem.
How does the sound quality of the Roku Smart Soundbar compare to the Onn Soundbar?
The Roku Smart Soundbar offers superior sound quality compared to the Onn Soundbar. The soundbar features four full-range drivers and a dedicated subwoofer, providing a more immersive and engaging audio experience. The sound is more detailed, with clearer highs and deeper bass notes.
In contrast, the Onn Soundbar’s sound quality is decent but not exceptional. It lacks the clarity and depth of the Roku Smart Soundbar, and the bass response is less impressive. However, the Onn Soundbar is still a good option for those who want a budget-friendly soundbar that can provide decent sound quality.
Is the Roku Smart Soundbar worth the extra cost?
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a premium device that comes with a higher price tag. However, if you’re looking for a soundbar that offers advanced features, superior sound quality, and seamless integration with Roku devices, the extra cost may be justified. The soundbar’s advanced features, such as built-in Roku streaming and voice control, make it a more convenient and streamlined option.
Moreover, the Roku Smart Soundbar’s superior sound quality and more comprehensive set of connectivity options make it a better investment for those who want a high-quality soundbar that will last for years to come. While the Onn Soundbar is a more affordable option, it lacks the features and performance of the Roku Smart Soundbar.
Can I use the Roku Smart Soundbar with non-Roku devices?
Yes, the Roku Smart Soundbar can be used with non-Roku devices. While the soundbar is optimized to work with Roku devices, it also features a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth. This means you can connect the soundbar to other devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and smartphones.
However, keep in mind that some features, such as voice control and built-in Roku streaming, may not work with non-Roku devices. You may also need to use a separate remote control or app to control the soundbar when using it with non-Roku devices.
How easy is it to set up the Roku Smart Soundbar?
Setting up the Roku Smart Soundbar is relatively easy and straightforward. The soundbar comes with a simple and intuitive setup process that guides you through the process of connecting to your TV and other devices. You can also use the Roku app to set up and control the soundbar.
The soundbar also features a range of automated settings, such as auto-detection of connected devices and automatic software updates. This means you can start enjoying your soundbar right away, without needing to spend hours tweaking settings and adjusting options.
What kind of warranty and support does each soundbar offer?
The Roku Smart Soundbar comes with a one-year warranty that covers defects and malfunctions. Roku also offers dedicated customer support, including online resources, phone support, and email support.
The Onn Soundbar, on the other hand, comes with a more limited warranty and support package. The soundbar is covered by a 90-day warranty, and support is limited to online resources and phone support. While Onn’s support is still available, it’s not as comprehensive as Roku’s support package.