Roku Streambar Review | Brilliant Budget Soundbar with 4K TV Streaming
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
- Reviewing the Roku Streambar after a couple of weeks of testing - one of the best budget soundbars of 2020, paired with the same 4K HDR TV streaming of other Roku devices. The compact Streambar telly speaker can pump out fantastic audio while also serving up Ultra HD services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. All for £129 from Amazon here in the UK.
You don't get HDR10 Plus or Dolby Plus support here, just standard HDR10, but those visuals still look slick when streaming content. But it's the audio where this Roku soundbar-cum-streaming stick really excels. Along with Dolby Atmos support, you get a surround sound style experience at home.
Roku UI offers up access to all of the main streamers including Apple TV now, along with lots of other channels. The Streambar also supports ARC so you can use it for gaming with the likes of Xbox One Series X and PS5.
If you want a great value TV soundbar with the added bonus of streaming stick functionality, the Roku Streambar is a great option. Check out my reviews of the Chromecast 2020, Nvidia Shield and other options for alternatives. - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Call me old fashioned, but shouldn't we hear the sound bar??
I love the simplicity of roku menus.
Enjoyed the review, after watching I upgraded my Roku Express, agreed it's great value, good sound for its size/price, easy setup an improvement on built-in TV speakers.
Solid review..answered alot of my questions. Thank you! 💛
Just bought the streambar...superb just the right device for late night viewing without disturbing elderly relatives.
Just purchased this the sound is really impressive and great quality for what appears to be such a small speaker
Just bought one based on your recommendation - already have 3 Roku sticks as they are the best for value by far.
solid video boss, really helped me out i might go and buy one for cyber monday.
Bro, you are hilarious!! So pleasant watching this vid!
I have had a Streambar for over a month now and I am very impressed by it. I needed a replacement for another roku device which was needed in the kitchen ;) So I thought why not go for the Streambar. Roku have also got a great app and I often tend to listen to the streambar via my headphones when the Mrs is asleep which is a nice feature.
However as a soundbar it is also very good. Nice clear sound and I will try that voice clarity feature that you mentioned in your review. I managed to get it with £30 off so for £100 was well worth the price. It is nice and compact, but for the size it can get nice and loud and would suit most size rooms.
Just checked on Amazon and is currently going for £117. I would say def worth it for that price. But if you can get it cheaper then even better ;)
Nice review! Question: Did you test the feature that automatically lowers the volume of commercials? Does that only work when streaming, or does it work with a TV antenna connected and watching over-the-air television? Thanks.
Great review 👍
A great review! I going to get one.
My grandparents actually got a Roku Streambar this Month 😁
We have two in our home and love them.
Great video mate..cheers
Still rocking after 2 years!
Was thinking of a new smart TV to replace my old basic thing , but give this a try instead, for that price it sounds like a great work around. Great video, as ever.😁
If you already have a Roku TV, can you use the Streambar as just a soundbar in a different area of the room, separate from the TV? Or do you need to connect it to TV using HDMI no matter what?
Great review mate, love the warthog’s arse reference! Does this have the TikTok app available? I’m in the UK.
Hi, it sends audio to the tv by HDMI? Can you listen your tv and the sound bar at the same time?
And it plays videos from the usb?
Love the video as usual ... I quite like the Roku UI compared to Fire Stick....... Have you got any 'Rouge removal' tips. Have a prosperous 2022. Fraser.
I have tried this product and although it sounds decent, I do have issue with it. First, if I have a smart TV, I don't need Roku, better to just buy a regular sound bar.
I tried connecting this to 2 different TV's that are slightly older and do not have smart capabilities. That's the point, right? Add smart capabilities and soundbar in one device! Sounds great! No so haha.
My first TV is 4k capable but does not have HDMI 2.2, ARC, or digital audio out. The Roku streambar works great here but only if you want to watch on Roku. Because of those limitations I mentioned, sound will not pass from the cable box to the Roku so no soundbar for cable.
The 2nd TV I connected to is only 1080p, I has digital audio out, HDMI 1.4, and ARC capabilities. ARC would not work so I connected with digital audio. Was really annoyed about this because according to all info, it should work. My only thought is the TV is only HDMI 1.4 not 2.2. Finally I have sound from the cable box thru the Roku. However the cable box remote cannot be programmed to change volume of the Roku and the Roku remote will not control the cable box. I don't really want to use multiple remotes at the same time.
I could go buy new TV's that would work with this but then I'll end up with a TV with smart capabilities built in and no longer need the Roku.
This device is a cool idea but needs more backwards compatibility to truly make use of the features it provides. If you already have newer equipment just spend the same money on a regular sound bar and the sound will be much better
You can also direct the audio back to your phone and listen through earphones as far as I know. You can on the NOW TV roku box anyway
Yes you can. I use it all the time via the Roku app.
Can you cast from your phone to the roku device?
Also, does the speaker work if you are not using Roku (e.g. playing xbox, watching free view etc)
Great review. You can use the Xbox Serie X with Streambar (speakers)?
Would you mind measuring the footprint of the streambar, please? Would it sit safely on a 10'' shelf?
Thanks for the great review Chris, going to add this to the Christmas list.
same
If I connect this to my tv via arc hdmi and my pc via optical at same time. Will the soundbar portion work with my pc when I'm using it And when I go back to regular TV will it work again as streambar? Hopefully my question makes sense.
I’m having issues with some shows being dark when watching in 4K via the inbuilt apps on the tv. Amazon is fine, Netflix with original shows I watch via my TH-cam box as it’s too dark but now Disney+ has the same issue when it never did before (a week ago imax for Shan Chi was remarkable) and not sure why now it’s dark. I’ve changed the app settings to save data but I don’t want to watch imax/4K movies in SD. Tried all the fixes and it’s not my internet so do you think this would be a good workaround esp for Disney+ as I only have the tv version, and perhaps to watch Netflix in 4K as the subscription is pricey if I’m having to resort to 1080p. Also been looking into a soundbar but have limited space and a 43” tv so wondering if this is a possible solution. Any idea? Tried looking for answers but no luck…hope to hear back, thanks 😊
Did you say it can stream Dolby Atmos? Did not fully understand. Thanks.
I bought one for my daughter and she tells me for the size and price is best to none. She has a small living room and it’s a mirror from your review, I ordered one for my bedroom. Currently the TV manufacturers are paying more attention on the screen quality than the sound. I do not blame them since they know 80% of the time you are going to invest in at least a soundbar. I have the same setting you mentioned on the review on my TV but the voice clarity is not good at all, we have to hear it a bit to loud. Also sometimes i exercise in ma bedroom and the Bluetooth connectivity will help a lot. I will set it up ones it arrives and send an update. Thank you for this strong review. Blessings!!
Can you use it as a external soundbar connected by the optical cord?
I see that you have an LG OLED tv, that is similar to mine. Is the sound much better than the sound from the TV itself?
I like the simplicity of Roku. Amazon firestick and TH-camTV are too busy with a tiny strip just to access your apps.
Great review and on the verge of buying. Could anyone tell me if the USB port, in the rear, allows video play from a USB stick? Mucho thanks!
Fellow mackem here, thanks for the review
I already have a roku tv i just needed a sound bar is it worth it ? Or do i just need a regular sound bar
Is it compatible to Google TV? Or do you have to run the Roku interface?
Would be better if you could do a sound test between the TV speakers and the bar.
The size of this soundbar seems to make it possibe to shove it under a tv. That's something that's not possible with most soundbars these days. The added smart tv features seem to make it extra interesting.
Do they work with Roku tv , the remote wants to run both operation system at the same time
One thing Roku lacks is WiFi connectivity support - with many now choosing long and complex passwords for their home WiFi, its such a pain in the butt to type it all in to find out you missed a charachter and you have to start again. It would be nice to have a WPS button on it somewhere - even more disappointing is the lack of dedicated ethernet port - imo a usb adapter is just something else to go wrong.
I really like the look of the Streambar - it is nice to see Roku surging ahead in development. The wall mounting option is great. For now I think I'll stick with the five express units we have and wait to see if a revised version appears later on. Top video Tech Spurt. Concise and funny as expected!
If I have a playstation 5 that will run in another input on the TV, will it still have sound coming out of the soundbar?
My new house I just moved into has built in speakers and a subwoofer into the walls. My roku tv does not have Bluetooth capability. Would the sound bar give the tv the ability to connect to the receiver in the garage via Bluetooth, thereby bypassing the sound bar speakers and making the tv play on the built in speakers in my house’s walls?
Now I get why you were hating on Geordies you SMB!
Love the channel by the way xoxo
Do you need this streambar if you already have a Roku TCL tv?
Is it suppose to replace your tv audio or work in unison?
Got this yesterday can’t control my sky mini box with it .only volume works for it. Don’t know if that’s an option allowed.
Can i plug in a usb hard drive and play 4k x265 files thru the built in media player?
Aside from the audio does it replace a firestick?
Picked up 2 of these as gifts. They were $45 on clearance at Target. So I guess on the soundbar part alone I got a hell of a deal
Wow! I got one at Best buy for $89 and thought I did good.
Will it play media from NAS?
Can you please explain how to use it for Samsung tv. Dose this speaker connecting to phone. I bought it but I can’t use🤔🤦♂️
Currently £60 at Argos, given the time that's passed since this review, you still think it's worth it or could I put my £60 to something better?
What if u have a Roku tv and just want to use it on the tv as a wireless speaker?
Was gonna get one but what happens when speaker breaks carnt watch Roku then just get a sound bar
I just got one and having issues. Anyone have any ideas? Pressing the volume buttons on the side will freeze the roku up while on home screen. Most of the time the streambar will reset after it unfreezes. And while watching anything, pressing the volume up/down doesn't show a prompt on screen that volume is being adjusted. It also doesn't respond right away, and the sound will just disappear. Volume up, same thing, doesn't respond, then sound just comes back. Thanks to any help.
Would you recommend this streambar for the lg c9 65in tv.for film and music videos.or which medium priced soundbar would you recommend.i enjoy your videos, thanks.
Hi, not sure if u are still looking for an answer but I just got this for my lg c9 55”. For its price it’s got great value and a decent improvement compared to the tv speakers. They sound really good in a smaller room. It lacks bass but it does offer voice clarity so it’s great for watching movies and tv shows. I use it for my bedroom so it’s really the perfect size and performance for me. If u need something for the living room this might work. I would still recommend an actual sound system at that point with a subwoofer and larger sound bar at least; One that can output Dolby Atmos preferably.
Anyone know if the optical out works to go into any other subwoofer with optical in?
this is what i bring to hotels. its great
Can you plug this into a 4K monitor ?
Will this work with a 1080 tv?
Can I use my Sony Wireless Headphones with my Roku TV and Roku Soundbar?
Thanks for the review - does the audio work when you're not streaming, ie. when using your TV's tuner?
1:10 "the box has ARC support ... "
this means, if your TV has an HDMI labeled with ARC or eARC the you'll be able to get any sound from the TV to the box.
@@toschtr Thanks!
@@toschtr my tv has an HDMI ARC but I can't get the cable tv sound to come out of the soundbar :-(
@@akaalx check your sound settings on the TV. You might need to set the output to ARC.
@@toschtr Ok thanks
Does it have the apps and all that built in and a ethernet
I was about to get the stream bad but then I saw the stream bar pro. No regrets
I agree with that I wish they’d make their home menu more attractive looking
Thank you sir.
Good review but would of liked to hear the sound.
£55 on Amazon Prime day, mine turns up tomorrow...cant wait
Nice Vid
For my bedroom tv, a 24 inch panasonic, im not looking for surround sound theatre like huge audio experiences. Just a bit of a bass boost to my 10 watt (i think) tv sound at a nice volume.. Would this work just for that?
Yes.
Can you install Kodi on this thing.
Thumbs up for cheeky Bury Tomorrow 🤘🏻
Please can you reveiw the new oppo reno 4z
Only problem is there is no 3.5mm jack for my Echo Dot ... I don't think the Echo has blue tooth output because it is one of the first. I have 6 of them in the house but this one that plugs into my Samsung sound bar 3.5 works perfectly... Samsung bar and sub is party time with the Echo. So I won't be getting one... put on a 3.5mm and I'll get it! Wish my Roku volume control would control my Sony TV and Samsung soundbar at same time. Maybe I should get TCL 55 ... and the TCL 6110 sound bar... it has 3.5mm
Morning baldy. Can you cast to it, a la Chromecast etc?
It has apple air play.
I already have a smart tv with the apps so can use only the sound part without the streaming apps ? thank you :-)
Just buy a sound bar
Roku Streambar or roku streaming stick +. Though one has no dolby vision.
pls....where can l order it...
at the moment my ruko
saunbar is not rosponding to going on streaming soundbar
Does it have Google assistant?
Bought this largely on the strength of this review. It sounds and works great, however the remote with it eats AAA batteries. Have to use a fresh set basically every 4 to 7 days. Roku don't seem to care that it's a widespread issue.
The size is interesting
I'm thinking of purchasing a Roku Streambar, but my Samsung TV is from 2015 and does not have HDMI ARC. I'm not about to buy a new TV just to make it ARC compatible. That's just foolishness and a money grabber. Will a regular HDMI connection work? If not, does the digital audio cable work just as well?
Can you watch free content on youtube or do you have to subscribe to the youtube channel to be able to watch via the Roku Streambar?
I wish they put more HDMI ports on it, like i want it to be a tv hub since i have a simple monitor :/
Sounds good, and it's on sale at the moment for £59.99. I might get one.
My sound on tv is to low is this louder?
Sound bar how is the sound?????
Shame there's no Dolby Vision support but I guess they limit licensing at this price point.
Is clean UI ;)
What is the USB port on the rear of the roku stream bar? Can it power the stream bar?
Apparently you can hook up a USB to Ethernet adaptor to get a hardwired internet connection.
Can you turn that damn blinking light on the front off? If not, that’s a deal breaker.
I think the buttons are region specific.
The USA has different buttons.
I got my three year drunk and he set this Roku up for me.
As far as I'm aware this does not support Dolby Atmos. You stated "full Dolby Atmos support". It has Dolby audio support but is not an Atmos device.
Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.
No reply from content maker but I have now purchased one of these and can confirm it does not support Dolby Atmos.
Probs stupid question from a proper Geordie can I use this via firestick and 4k tv??????
I would like to know this as well. I like that it is an ultra compact soundbar. Don't need the roku bit really.
Hi, does it support the Dutch language? Thanks for all your video's!
Don’t know if you’ve had this question answered elsewhere but I believe so
@@alexsmith2014 thanks for your reply! Very kind of you.