OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Roku Smart Soundbar Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:60 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Roku Smart Soundbar Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 17 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Roku Smart Soundbar
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

95%

6.3

Technical score

5%

7.7

Reviews score ( 9 · 8)

Reviews score 5% · 7.7 · based on 17 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 1 more review is not scored yet.
â–²Better than 77% of soundbars
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 86%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

25%

4.9

Audio

18%

5.5

Formats

16%

6.7

Connectivity

14%

8.3

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.5

Smart features

5%

6.2

Design

â–²Better than 78%
7.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Grades by review (17)
9 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 59%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Roku Smart Soundbar

Based on 43 owners sharing their experience in online comments

49%positive16%mixed35%negative

Owners praise the engaging sound and value, while setup, pairing, and limited audio controls frustrate some buyers.

What owners dislike

  • Sony OLED owners see the screen loop back to the TV's menus; older TVs without CEC or ARC don't power on with the TV remote.4
  • Owners say the subwoofer has no separate volume control, only three bass settings, and the soundbar has no EQ to boost speech treble.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of soundbar Roku Smart Soundbar

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components:

25%

4.9

Audio

18%

5.5

Formats

16%

6.7

Connectivity

14%

8.3

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.5

Smart features

5%

6.2

Design

6.3
Reviews score
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.4
Brand name
Roku
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 43.6% of soundbars and equal to 56.4% of soundbars.
Audio output power
60 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 60 W of audio output power, less than 51.7% of soundbars and equal to 8.6% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
40 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, lower than 74.4% of soundbars and equal to 7% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is older than that of 61.6% of soundbars and the same as that of 24.9% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
no
This soundbar does not have control panel. 91% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2
This soundbar uses HDMI 2, which is newer than that of 58% of soundbars and the same as that of 15.4% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 31.9% of soundbars and the same as what 46.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 4K, which is higher than that of 80.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 17.2% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Via the Spotify app/channel on Roku OS.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Available as an app/channel on Roku OS.
Show more
Width
818 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 818 mm wide, wider than 60.1% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
71 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 71 mm high, taller than 59.9% of soundbars and equal to 3.7% of soundbars.
Thickness
99 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 99 mm thick, thicker than 63.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Weight
2,500 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,500 g, more than 62.2% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Show more

Roku Smart Soundbar vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
    Via the Spotify app/channel on Roku OS.
  • Supports ALLM
    This soundbar supports auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Roku Wireless ecosystem. AirPlay 2 multi-room support.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • 10.1% better value for money
    Roku Smart Soundbar has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.43 vs 6.7).
    7.43 vs 6.75
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    5 vs 4
  • 12 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (40 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3
  • 4 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (6 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    6 vs 2
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports ALLM
    This soundbar supports auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 4K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
    4K vs none
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
    Via the Spotify app/channel on Roku OS.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Roku Wireless ecosystem. AirPlay 2 multi-room support.
  • Native Apple Music support
    This soundbar supports native Apple Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available as an app/channel on Roku OS.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available as an app/channel on Roku OS.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
    Available as an app/channel on Roku OS.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB port is for local media playback only, not for digital audio input from a computer/host)
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 6,500 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (13,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    13,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 2 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2019 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 2019
    2,019 vs 2,021
  • 4 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (71 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    71 mm vs 67 mm
  • 6,500 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (13,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    13,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB port is for local media playback only, not for digital audio input from a computer/host)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • 4 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (71 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    71 mm vs 67 mm
  • 2 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2019 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 2019
    2,019 vs 2,021
  • 13 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (99 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    99 mm vs 86 mm
  • 500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,500 g vs 2,000 g
  • 56 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (818 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    818 mm vs 762 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
09/03/2021
Hands-on review · measurements, sound and streaming tests
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is loud and well built, and a clear buy for anyone who uses Roku streaming.
8.0
Dad Tecc
≈ estimated
28/02/2021
Long-term review · several months of ownership
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is great value for upgrading an older TV, though a subwoofer would fix its weak bass.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
03/10/2020
Long-term test · one month of use
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is loud and a great pick for Roku fans, with no top buttons as its main drawback.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
02/08/2020
Full review · dimensions, ports, remote and sound sample
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is worth buying for its built-in streaming and value, despite minor drawbacks like the lack of top buttons.
9.0
Wanna Buy It
≈ estimated
20/06/2020
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with another soundbar
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is a good choice for small to medium rooms, clear and loud, though it lacks bass.
9.0
Sean Sheffer
≈ estimated
01/12/2019
Unboxing and review · setup, sound and Roku features
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is a well-rounded package that clearly beats TV speakers, though it does not have the best pure sound.
9.0
Lon.TV
≈ estimated
21/11/2019
Hands-on review · soundbar and subwoofer tests and features
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is very good value for stereo sound, especially with the subwoofer, though it lacks surround sound.
8.0
Digital Trends
≈ estimated
20/10/2019
Hands-on review · sound, subwoofer and music tests
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is a convenient all-in-one that sounds good with the subwoofer, but it is not a standout for music.
6.0
DaveWeLike
≈ estimated
28/10/2019
First impressions · unboxing, setup and first listening
Verdict
Roku Smart Soundbar is easy to set up and convenient, but it has an unexplained volume limit and bass that lacks punch.
Overview video
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.1
cnet.com
✓ explicit
17/03/2020
Hands-on review · Streaming soundbar
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar is an easy, all-in-one streamer and soundbar that suits older TVs and small rooms, though it has no subwoofer and cannot switch inputs.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
29/01/2020
Expert review · Streaming soundbar
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a streamer and soundbar in one, suiting viewers who want simple setup, but its narrow sound needs tweaking.
7.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
30/10/2019
Hands-on test · Streaming soundbar
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar suits TVs with weak speakers that need more apps, but its slow menus and modest treble hold it back.
6.4
rtings.com
✓ explicit
21/08/2020
Lab test · Streaming soundbar
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar suits dialogue-heavy TV shows and podcasts, but its lack of deep bass and weak surround hold back movies.
7.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
03/05/2020
Hands-on review · Soundbar with streamer
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar gives movies and games a big, rich sound plus a full streamer, but input switching and glitches make it fiddly.
8.0
gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
04/11/2019
Two-week test · Streaming soundbar
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a solid step up from TV speakers, with a built-in 4K streamer, though its sound is only okay and lacks Dolby Atmos.
9.0
mashable.com
✓ explicit
15/10/2019
Hands-on test · Streamer-soundbar combo
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a Roku Ultra streamer in a soundbar that beats weak TV speakers, though it's bulky and its bass improves with the optional subwoofer.
8.0
theproductanalyst.com
≈ estimated
14/01/2021
Hands-on test · Roku TV soundbar
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar gives clear dialogue and easy setup for Roku TV owners, but it lacks Dolby Atmos and any sound modes besides night mode.
wsj.com
30/10/2020
Not graded yet
6.4
rtings.com
✓ explicit
21/08/2020
Lab test · Streaming soundbar
Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar suits dialogue-heavy TV shows and podcasts, but its lack of deep bass and weak surround hold back movies.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Roku Smart Soundbar

  • Integrated 4K HDR Roku streaming player eliminates the need for separate devices and extra cables
  • Significant audio upgrade over standard built-in TV speakers, offering much louder and clearer sound
  • Exceptional dialogue clarity, further enhanced by dedicated 'Speech Clarity' and 'Night Mode' settings
  • Straightforward 'plug-and-play' setup, particularly via HDMI ARC, and user-friendly interface
  • Consolidates home entertainment control into a single voice-enabled remote for both TV and streaming
  • Strong value proposition as a 'two-for-one' device (soundbar + premium streamer) for under $200

What customers don't like about Roku Smart Soundbar

  • Lacks deep sub-bass and 'thump' unless paired with the optional (sold separately) wireless subwoofer
  • No physical buttons on the unit itself, making it entirely dependent on the remote or mobile app
  • Streaming interface can feel slower and more prone to lag compared to high-end standalone players like the Roku Ultra
  • Does not support advanced cinematic audio formats like Dolby Atmos or video standards like Dolby Vision
  • Occasional connectivity bugs reported, including Bluetooth pairing difficulties and audio popping
  • Bulky design can sometimes block the IR receiver on certain TV models

Verdict

The Roku Smart Soundbar is a compact 32-inch 2-in-1 device that combines a 2.0-channel soundbar with a built-in 4K HDR streaming player. It uses four 2.5-inch full-range drivers and offers HDMI ARC, optical, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity for both TV audio and music playback. Its main strengths are the very easy setup, clearly improved voice clarity compared with standard TV speakers, and the convenience of controlling both sound and smart streaming features with a single voice remote. On the downside, it lacks deep bass without an optional subwoofer, does not support Dolby Atmos, and has no physical buttons on the unit itself.

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