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Roku Smart Soundbar Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Dec 20, 2023 11:29 AM

True Score

79
78
11

Experts

89
4,966

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Surround sound performance on the Roku Smart Soundbar may be disappointing, but it does get loud, and its basic features should be enough for the user who prioritizes ease of use over everything else.

$124.00

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Roku Smart Soundbar is an entry-level speaker that was released in early 2020. One of its most significant pros is that it offers unhindered access to popular streaming platforms through its streaming media player.

Other than that, prospective buyers should know that it doesn’t ship with a subwoofer and that it also doesn’t support Dolby Atmos content – features that are hard to miss among the best speakers in the industry.

The soundbar’s soundstage is only good enough for owners to get a general idea of where object sounds are being projected from.

It also gets loud enough to use in crowded settings, and although it supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it doesn’t work with Apple AirPlay and isn’t compatible with Chromecast.

Its physical inputs include one Optical Audio In port and one HDMI ARC port – a far cry from what top-rated soundbars have to offer.

Consensus

our Verdict

The 2.0 channel Roku Smart Soundbar is an entry-level alternative that’s well-made and offers great vocals and instrumentals.

The lack of a subwoofer means it isn’t capable of a good bass response, but it gets fairly loud and has reliable Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity. Its surround sound performance is poor since surround content is downmixed into stereo, hindering immersiveness.

Dolby Atmos isn’t supported, and port selection only consists of an Optical Audio In port, HDMI ARC, and a USB port. Per testing, latency is low enough (91ms over ARC and 95ms Optical) for audio-visuals to sync, but there’s no voice assistant support.

The lack of a subwoofer may scare away bass enthusiasts, but for buyers looking for an easy-to-use sound system, the Roku Smart Soundbar is worth a look.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Sturdy build quality
  • Great wireless connectivity options
  • Easy setup, no-nonsense installation process
  • Integration with Roku ecosystem for a consistent interface
  • Subwoofer accessory available for enhanced bass

Reason to Avoid

  • Bass, while decent, is not comparable to larger speakers
  • Basic port selection options
  • Limited sound customization options
  • No dedicated center channel for emphasized vocals
  • HDMI ARC setup might have initial recognition issues

Roku Smart Soundbar Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth3.9"
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight2.8"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels
SubwooferSubwooferOptional (sold separately)
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight5.5 lbs
WidthWidth32.2"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithRemote Control

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)63.496
High End Roll Off (Hz)9,948.487
Max Volume Test (db)90.2
Latency (ms)91
THD @ 80dB0.4

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Product Comparison

Roku Smart Soundbar Review

True Score

79
NR
NR
NR

Ranking

#

50

/

149

#

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#

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#

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Market Context

The Roku Smart Soundbar is an entry-level speaker that was released in early 2020. One of its most significant pros is that it offers unhindered…

The Roku Smart Soundbar is an entry-level speaker that was released in early 2020. One of its most significant pros is that it offers unhindered access to popular streaming platforms through its streaming media player.

Other than that, prospective buyers should know that it doesn’t ship with a subwoofer and that it also doesn’t support Dolby Atmos content – features that are hard to miss among the best speakers in the industry.

The soundbar’s soundstage is only good enough for owners to get a general idea of where object sounds are being projected from.

It also gets loud enough to use in crowded settings, and although it supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it doesn’t work with Apple AirPlay and isn’t compatible with Chromecast.

Its physical inputs include one Optical Audio In port and one HDMI ARC port – a far cry from what top-rated soundbars have to offer.

The Roku Smart Soundbar might be hard to differentiate from the Roku Streambar Pro, but the Pro ships with an updated remote with a headphone…

The Roku Smart Soundbar might be hard to differentiate from the Roku Streambar Pro, but the Pro ships with an updated remote with a headphone jack for private listening. We’ve also taken some time to delve into the Streambar Pro, so if you’re interested, go ahead and check out what else it has to offer through our Roku Streambar Pro review.

The Roku Smart Soundbar is a 2-channel soundbar that is significantly wider than the Roku Streambar. It can get slightly louder than the Roku Streambar…

The Roku Smart Soundbar is a 2-channel soundbar that is significantly wider than the Roku Streambar. It can get slightly louder than the Roku Streambar at max volume and can also deliver a better surround sound experience. In contrast, the Roku Streambar offers Apple AirPlay connectivity, while the Smart Soundbar lacks this feature.

The Roku Smart Soundbar is outdone by the Bose Solo 5 in terms of build quality, but the Smart Soundbar offers better wireless connectivity since…

The Roku Smart Soundbar is outdone by the Bose Solo 5 in terms of build quality, but the Smart Soundbar offers better wireless connectivity since it supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while the Solo 5 is limited to Bluetooth.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Depth

3.9"

Energy Star Certified

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

Height

2.8"

Number of Audio Channels

Subwoofer

Optional (sold separately)

Voice Assistant

No

Dig Deeper

All Stores

Updated every 24 hours

  • $124.00

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes
  • $129.00

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

78

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

89

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

79

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    64
    The Roku Smart Soundbar is adequate for mixed usage. Overall, it has a decently neutral… Read More

    By:

    John Panoryios
  • PC Mag
    51.6

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    The onn. Roku Smart Soundbar is a less expensive, Walmart-only version of the standard model,… Read More

    By:

    Will Greenwald
  • Tom’s Guide
    77.58

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    If your TV lacks quality speakers and could use a few (thousand) more apps, the… Read More

    By:

    Marshall Honorof
  • CNET
    52.25

    Category Trust Rating

    81
    “No bottom line found for this product” Read More

    By:

    Ty Pendlebury
  • Techradar
    39

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    If you’re trying to stretch your budget as far as it will go, the Roku… Read More

    By:

    Nick Pino
  • Lifewire
    49.5

    Category Trust Rating

    84
    Though it may not be necessary for those who already have a smart TV, the… Read More

    By:

    Zach Sweat