The Roku Streambar is a masterclass in simplicity and value. It solves two of the most common home theater problems—terrible TV speakers and clunky smart TV interfaces—in a single, compact, and incredibly affordable device.
This isn't a soundbar for audiophiles, but rather a brilliant 2-in-1 solution for anyone looking to dramatically upgrade their viewing experience without a complex setup or a hefty price tag. This review explores why the Streambar's clever combination of sound and streaming makes it one of the easiest recommendations in home entertainment.
PROS
- Excellent value for money
- Huge upgrade over TV speakers
- Simple, user-friendly Roku interface
- Incredibly easy to set up
CONS
- Lacks deep bass
- Not for dedicated audiophiles
- No Dolby Atmos support
Roku Streambar
The perfect 2-in-1 solution for instantly better TV sound and a best-in-class 4K streaming experience.
Design and Setup: Simplicity Perfected
The Streambar is impressively compact, easily fitting under most TVs without blocking the screen. The setup is brilliantly simple: you connect a single HDMI cable to your TV's ARC port and plug it into power. That's it. The on-screen instructions guide you through the rest, and you'll be up and running in minutes. The included voice remote controls your TV's power and volume, eliminating the need to juggle multiple remotes.
Sound and Streaming: A Massive Improvement
Let's be clear: this won't compete with a multi-speaker surround sound system. But compared to the tinny, downward-firing speakers built into most TVs, the Streambar is a night-and-day difference. The four internal drivers project sound forward, making dialogue significantly clearer and action scenes more impactful. It also has a built-in 4K HDR Roku streamer, giving you access to thousands of channels and apps through Roku's famously simple and responsive interface.
Features: Smart and Straightforward
The Streambar is packed with thoughtful features. You can use speech enhancement to make dialogue even clearer, and a night mode to level out the volume so you don't wake up the house during loud scenes. It also functions as a Bluetooth speaker, so you can easily stream music from your phone. It's a simple, effective feature set that focuses on solving common problems without unnecessary complexity.
The Roku Streambar is the simplest, most effective, and most affordable way to make your TV sound better and smarter.
The Verdict: The Ultimate TV Upgrade
The Roku Streambar is a fantastic product that offers incredible value. It's a soundbar and a 4K streamer in one, and it excels at both. It dramatically improves your TV's audio, gives you access to the best streaming platform on the market, and simplifies your entire setup with a single remote.
If you're tired of bad TV sound and slow smart TV apps, the Roku Streambar is an enthusiastic recommendation. It's the perfect, hassle-free upgrade for any living room or bedroom TV.