Roku Streambar review: An all-in-one device that combines a space-saving soundbar with a 4K streaming player (2025)

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At the very least, a soundbar should offer a decent audio upgrade over the speakers built into your TV. However, some brands add extra features to help their models stand out from the pack. The Roku Streambar is one of those models. More than just a budget-friendly soundbar, the Streambar is also a full-fledged Roku streaming player.

At just 14 inches wide, the Streambar is extremely compact for such a convenient all-in-one media device. You can easily place it in your living room, office, bedroom, or even kitchen. With Roku's operating system (OS) built-in, the bar also adds video streaming support to whatever TV or monitor you plug it into (via HDMI). In other words, this bar allows you to instantly upgrade both your audio and smart TV experience.

There are bigger soundbars out there from the likes of Sony, Sonos, Bose, and Samsung that offer better sound quality. But those models are all more expensive and bulkier, and none of them offer built-in video streaming. Likewise, there are cheaper streaming sticks and boxes to choose from, but they don't double as soundbars. Considering its unique utility, space-saving size, and affordable $130 price, the Roku Streambar is one of our picks for the best soundbars you can buy.

The Roku Streambar is a competent, compact, all-in-one soundbar

With the Roku Streambar, simplicity is the name of the game. Simply plug the tiny bar into a power outlet, hook it up via the included HDMI cable to your display, connect it to your WiFi, and you're good to go. If your TV doesn't support HDMI, there's also a digital optical port, but that will only provide audio, so you can't unlock the device's video streaming capabilities that way.

The included Roku voice remote makes setup and search a breeze. But, buyers should note that it's just the standard voice remote, as opposed to the Voice Remote Pro edition included with some newer Roku devices. The Pro adds features like hands-free voice control, a rechargeable battery, and backlit keys, which are missing in this model.

At a little over a foot wide, the Streambar itself is one of the smallest soundbars you'll find. Most of the competition is two or three times bigger. So it's a great way to add video streaming and upgrade your TV's audio performance without taking up too much space.

In fact, quickly setting up such a convenient dual-purpose device almost feels like cheating. There's no extra dongle or box with additional power cords and cables to mess with. The Streambar requires minimal hassle and is great for casual users who just want a plug-and-play product.

Sound quality is solid for its size, but there are tradeoffs

The Streambar offers basic two-channel stereo playback in standard Dolby or PCM formats via its four 1.9-inch audio drivers. Users can choose between five sound modes: Standard, Dialogue, Movie, Music, and Night. You can also tweak the sound further with volume leveling, speech clarity, bass, and treble adjustments.

Performance-wise, the default sound signature can best be described as "full enough." In other words, the Streambar isn't likely to wow any listeners, but it still offers a solid improvement over typical TV speakers.

Considering its diminutive stature, it actually offers a more full-bodied sound than most would expect. But by the same token, it can't pump out the kind of deep, measured bass that bigger, pricier soundbars deliver. So don't expect room-rattling low frequencies when watching action movies.

However, the Streambar is great for dialogue-heavy shows. It can't enhance dialogue with the kind of advanced processing that you'd get on one of Zvox'sAccuVoice speakers, but voices are nice and clear at a range of volumes without rumbly bass interfering. The speech clarity mode can emphasize dialogue even more, but it adds an electronic quality to voices on the high setting, so we prefer to keep it off.

We also listened to a bit of music through the Streambar — taking advantage of its Bluetooth connectivity — and it sounds good enough for a variety of genres. Stereo separation is also solid, especially given the device's small size. Most casual users will be able to get by just fine using the soundbar as a wireless speaker for music.

Video streaming works just like a Roku stick or box

When it comes to video streaming, the Streambar offers the same basic functionality as any of the brand's standard streaming players. Users are greeted with the same easy-to-navigate interface that Roku is known for across all of its devices, with large icons for all your favorite apps and a simple side menu to access more content.

All of the best streaming services are available, from Netflix to Disney Plus. Roku also has its own app with free on-demand titles and livestreaming stations.

This model is capable of 4K playback with high-dynamic-range (HDR) using the HDR10 format, but it doesn't support the more advanced Dolby Vision or HDR10+ formats that Roku's Streaming Stick 4K and Ultra models provide. Those formats offer a slightly more accurate image on compatible TVs, but the differences are often subtle. You can learn more about HDR formats in our HDR TV guide.

The Streambar isn't as snappy as the latest Roku Ultra or top streaming sticks like Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Channels won't load quite as fast, and moving between menus and icons can feel just a tad sluggish here and there. But generally speaking, the navigation speed is on par with most entry-level streaming devices, and we still think the Streambar offers a better experience than many built-in smart TV interfaces.

You can easily upgrade to a full-fledged 5.1 surround sound setup

Though the Streambar's sound, size, and value are already good out of the box, it's also easy to upgrade it to a 2.1, 3.1, or even 5.1 surround sound system with add-on wireless speakers. This is a great feature for people who want the option to pay more for bigger performance later on.

Perhaps when you initially get the Streambar, you're just looking for a cheap solution to upgrade the audio and streaming capabilities of a smaller, older TV in an office or guest room. But later on if you want expanded performance, you can add one of Roku's subwoofers — they offer a small ($130) and large ($180) model. Next you can add left and right channels with these wireless satellite speakers ($150 per pair). And when you're ready for surrounds, you can get an additional pair to put in the rear of your room.

Unfortunately, Roku doesn't currently offer any discount for bundling multiple speakers. So, a full 5.1 setup with the Streambar and smaller subwoofer model costs $560. That's still a reasonable total for a complete home theater in a box setup.

Speaking of setup, that's the best part: Roku makes it a cinch to configure your speakers. It's essentially just a matter of unboxing them, plugging them in, and turning on your TV. On-screen menus guide you through the whole thing. You just have to listen for sounds playing through each of the speakers you've positioned strategically around the room to confirm their locations. You're good to go in no more than five or 10 minutes. It's one of the easiest wireless surround sound systems we've set up to date.

Few competitors in this class can match the Streambar

As we've mentioned, there's no shortage of bigger, more expensive soundbars for people who want higher-end performance. But there really aren't many competitors that can match what the Streambar offers at this price and size. Especially if you want built-in video streaming.

For example, Polk's MagniFi Mini AX soundbar is about the same size. It delivers surprisingly huge sound, including Dolby Atmos support, which the Streambar lacks. But it has a separate subwoofer, which takes up more space, retails for $500 (roughly four times as much as the Streambar), and doesn't have video streaming.

Similarly sized speakers that don't include a subwoofer tend to be gaming soundbars. This category includes worthy alternatives such asthe Creative Sound Blaster GS5($70) andRazer Leviathan V2 X($100). These affordable bars feature RGB lighting, and though they're mainly intended for desktop use, they can get plenty loud. But again, these models don't have video streaming capabilities.

The closest competitor to the Streambar is actually Roku's ownStreambar SE, which is a step-down edition of the standard Streambar. The SE is $30 cheaper and 50% smaller than the already tiny Streambar. Like its bigger sibling, the SE augments your TV's audio and offers 4K HDR10 streaming video. But it has fewer speaker drivers, and its remote doesn't support voice search. And while it can connect to a wireless Roku subwoofer (sold separately) to bring more boom, it can't expand beyond 2.1 channels.

People who want a bigger bar with built-in video streaming should also consider the newOnn. Roku Smart soundbar, a partnership between Roku and Walmart's Onn. brand. That model has similar capabilities as the Streambar but a much larger footprint at 32.3 inches long. Like the Streambar SE, it also lacks a voice remote.

Should you buy the Roku Streambar?

If you're someone shopping for a soundbar and streaming device, it's difficult to argue with the Roku Streambar's value proposition. It's an ultra-compact, sub-$150 soundbar with decent, room-filling sound and a built-in 4K HDR video streaming player. There really aren't many options that combine this soundbar's size, price, and built-in streaming capabilities.

The only other bar that offers anything close is Roku's more affordable alternative, the Streambar SE. But we think the standard Streambar's additional audio drivers and voice remote are worth the extra money. And if you ever want to expand the bar beyond 2.1 channels in the future, the SE is not viable.

Having said that, this device is really just for people who want the convenience of having both a soundbar and a streaming player in one compact package. If that doesn't sound like a cool perk for your setup, then there are better stand-alone options available that you can buy together for a bit more money. For instance, you could get a larger Vizio V-Series soundbar and a Roku Streaming Stick 4K for about $150.

But at $130, the Streambar is certainly a handy device. Though its audio and streaming player performance are both entry-level, it presents a solid value for the money.