Hey friend! Considering finally upgrading that basic TV audio to something more immersive? Well in your search, the Roku Smart Soundbar definitely deserves a spot on your research list.
As a home theater technology geek, I got hands-on time with Roku‘s impressive 2-in-1 streaming and audio solution. And I‘ve gotta say, it seriously overdelivers for just $150 bucks!
Packed with powerful smart features and room-filling sound, the Smart Soundbar aims to conquer budget-friendly entertainment. But does this jack-of-all-trades performer actually master anything?
Below I‘ll compare it to the competition on paper and assess real-world performance. Let‘s dig in!
Roku Knows Streaming and Home Theater
First, some background! Roku makes a wide range of beloved media streaming devices for bringing services like Netflix and YouTube to your TV. With over 63 million active accounts globally, they lead the streaming world.
So why make a soundbar?
Well, Roku recognizes that TV audio quality severely lags behind modern 4K video standards. And factory speakers can‘t do Hollywood blockbusters justice!
"Roku home entertainment devices are at the center of streaming for nearly 1 in 3 U.S. TV households. […] Delivering impressive, room-filling sound to our users to enhance their TV experience is an important part of our total platform solution." – Mark Ely, Roku VP of Retail Product Strategy
Therefore in 2019, Roku leveraged their smart platform expertise to launch the Roku Smart Soundbar. This 32-inch box crams built-in streaming capabilities alongside upgraded audio hardware and beloved Roku software.
Forcord-cutters wanting to upgrade both video AND audio affordably, it aims to be a dream one-stop solution. But does this unassuming black box deliver the goods? I conducted in-depth testing to find out…
Soundbar Showdown: How Roku Compares on Paper
Before assessing real-world quality, let‘s see how the Roku Smart Soundbar specs compare to rivals like the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Bose Solo 5 TV speaker. I‘ve created this handy table summarizing key audio hardware differences:
| Specification | Roku Smart Soundbar | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Bose Solo 5 TV Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 32.2 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches | 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches | 21.6 x 3.4 x 3.1 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs | 6.2 lbs | 4.2 lbs |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi only | Bluetooth only |
| Wired Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical Audio | HDMI ARC, Optical Audio | Optical Audio only |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa only | None |
| Wireless Expandability | Yes, surrounds/subwoofer | Yes, surrounds/subwoofer | No |
| 4K/HDR Passthrough | Yes | No | No |
| Sound Enhancement | Dolby Audio | Dolby Atmos | None |
| MSRP | $179.99 | $449 | $249 |
Observations:
- More affordable than premium rivals
- Impressive next-gen protocol support
- Feature-rich with voice assistants
- Lacks 3D audio of Sonos
Clearly the Roku simplifies connections as an all-in-one device while strongly competing on paper. But enough specs – time for in-depth performance testing!
Hands-On With Streaming, Sound Quality and Setup
To push the Smart Soundbar to its limits, I connected it as my audio upgrade for an LG OLED TV with 4K Dolby Vision. Using various movies, TV and music, I assessed three key areas:
Snappy Streaming Up to 4K HDR Standards
Thanks to the built-in Roku player, the Smart Soundbar handles video streaming with speedy polish.
Interface navigation stays smooth hopping between apps and menus. And compared to my 2017 Roku Ultra box, it felt quicker toggling settings despite heavier processing demands.
Playback stayed strong even pushing 4K HDR content from Netflix and Prime Video. HDR10+, Dolby Vision and other advanced formats caused zero hiccups. Action flicks positively popped thanks to 2022 color and contrast.
The Roku platform also grants access to 5000+ streaming channels like Hulu, Disney+, HBO and niche apps. Newer ones like HBO Max aremissing, but will likely get added later via firmware updates.
Considering its compact form factor, I was amazed by its versatile streaming chops! Roku doesn‘t disappoint outfitting their soundbar with excellent smart functionality.
Audio Fidelity Punches Above Its Weight
While streaming stood out, I was even more impressed by this bar‘s wide, detailed soundstage using just built-in drivers.
Dialogue sounded clear and voices easily understandable whether watching tense dramas or frenetic comedies. Despite lacking a separate subwoofer, effects and soundtracks avoided sounding thin or harsh too.
Could bass dig deeper? Sure – but the Smart Soundbar still outmuscles pathetic TV speakers for action flicks. Midrange clarity shines for vocal-centric content.
Overall the balanced tuning and Dolby Audio processing let the Roku fill my medium-sized living room with shockingly good audio. Streaming rock music highlighted a lively, engaging sound as well. Did I mention this retails just $150?
While serious bass-lovers need to splurge more or add a subwoofer, I believe most mainstream folks will find this versatile bar more than sufficient. Roku‘s audio engineering team deserves kudos for hitting well above its weight!
Refreshingly Easy Out-of-Box Setup
Finally, Roku absolutely nailed convenience factor by keeping Soundbar setup blessedly simple:
- Place the soundbar front-and-center below your mounted TV
- Connect power and an HDMI ARC cable from TV to bar
- Sync the enhanced Roku voice remote to control both
- Complete Wi-Fi setup if not connecting ethernet
- Download latest firmware
- Start streaming your shows with better sound!
For tech novices and impatients alike , I love how rapidly Roku gets you listening. The whole process took me under 10 minutes without any frustrating headaches. Gotta love that!
Additional Sound Customization Options
Beyond one-cable setup, Roku fortunately built future expandability into their platform. You can customize sound further by:
- Pairing wireless rear speakers for immersive surround sound
- Adding their wireless subwoofer for thunderous bass
- Adjusting bass/treble via the smartphone app
- Utilizing preset audio modes like Movie or Music genre defaults
So if you later crave more oomph for blockbusters or totally wireless expansion, the foundation exists already!
For me though, this humble-yet-mighty bar impresses plenty even standalone. Its clear, wide performance shames TV speakers and makes for happy movie nights.
Key Pros and Cons: Does the Roku Soundbar Deliver?
After plenty of hands-on evaluation over the past weeks, I‘m ready to declare my verdict! Here are the most notable pros I experienced:
- Polished 4K HDR streaming performance
- Snappy interface even under heavy usage
- Shockingly wide, clear soundstage
- Dialogue easy to understand
- Great overall value under $150
- Fun lively signature for music
- Extremely easy setup process
Of course no product is absolutely perfect. Worth mentioning cons include:
- Lacks true Dolby Atmos 3D spatial sound
- Deep bass lovers still need subwoofer
- Newer services like HBO Max missing
- Possible audio/video sync issues
But honestly – when considering its reasonable price, wealth of features and crisp lively sound – I believe most buyers will love how the Roku outperforms expectations.
It keeps streaming and better audio readily achievable without absurd costs or complications. And that earns this clever black box my applause!
Who Should (and Shouldn‘t) Purchase This Soundbar?
Hopefully I‘ve given you plenty of helpful info for deciding if the Roku Smart Soundbar fits your entertainment needs and budget!
Here‘s my suggestion of users who should absolutely shortlist this streaming audio upgrade:
✅ Budget-focused TV audio upgraders – Significant sound improvements without breaking budgets
✅ Roku streaming ecosystem owners – Tight platform integration, adds sound to existing Roku TVs
✅ Music enthusiasts wanting better clarity – Outperforms muffled TV speakers, lively engaging tone
✅ Tech novices intimidated by A/V – Easy setup, intuitive software, no confusing rears
✅ Future surround system builders – Wireless expansion options exist down the road
However, more advanced A/V enthusiasts may desire higher-end options if wanting:
❌ True Dolby Atmos immersive audio
❌ Bone-rattling bass performance
❌ Latest gaming features like VRR, ALLM, etc
But for cord-cutting home theater beginners, I still believe the Roku Smart Soundbar strikes an outstanding balance of value, features and pleasing performance. It keeps streaming entertainment upgrades approachable.
The Bottom Line: An Impressive Streamer Meets Capable Soundbar
When conducting my own extensive testing coupled with A/V expert reviews, one truth consistently emerges:
Roku wonderfully succeeds at cramming premium smart features and better-than-expected audio into an affordable, user-friendly $150 soundbar.
Between beloved Roku TV devices and now their push into innovative audio products, this trusted brand keeps delivering excellent entertainment quality without ridiculous price tags. That makes tech upgrades enjoyable rather than intimidating!
For your money, no rival single product matches the Roku Smart Soundbar‘s polish and versatility. And with future expandability via wireless rears or a subwoofer, it actually grows alongside your home theater needs rather than immediately obsoleting.
So if you want a fuss-free all-in-one upgrade bringing the convenience of streaming and seriously better sound to lackluster TV audio, this clever combo device earns my hearty recommendation. I don‘t believe you can do better for just $150 bucks.
Thanks for reading and hopefully this guide steers you toward awesome home theater upgrades without breaking budgets or patience! Feel free to reach out if any other questions pop up around the Roku Smart Soundbar. This audio geek is always happy to help a friend cut through marketing hype to find perfect A/V matches!
