Roku Streambar vs. Roku Streambar Pro: Since the release of its first boxy player in 2008, Roku has established itself as a leader in the industry of streaming media players, and the company has expanded its product lineup to include a plethora of one-of-a-kind devices. Roku’s Streambar and Streambar Pro are two of the devices that fall into this category.
These two devices simply resemble a soundbar that you would position below your television set. Both the Streambar and the Streambar Pro are capable of streaming any and all of your preferred content through Roku TV, in addition to serving as an improved speaker system for your television.
Here is a rundown of the most important distinctions that separate the Roku Streambar and the Roku Streambar Pro so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
The Streambar and the Streambar Pro: A Comparison of Their Sizes and Designs
Roku’s Streambar and Streambar Pro take the form of a soundbar, and either one of these devices will look fantastic tucked away behind your television set. The Streambar Pro, on the other hand, has a larger footprint that is comparable to that of most TV soundbars. The basic Streambar, on the other hand, has a more compact design that makes it ideal for areas with limited space.
To be more specific, the Roku Streambar weighs 2.4 pounds and has dimensions of 14.2 inches wide, 4.2 inches deep, and 2.4 inches high, whereas the Roku Streambar Pro weighs 5.5 pounds and has dimensions of 32.2 inches wide, 3.9 inches deep, and 2.8 inches high and weighs two times as much as the Streambar.
Streambar vs. Streambar Pro: Features
If you look at the Streambar and the Streambar Pro side by side, you will notice that they are very different from one another. The internal technical specifications of each device, however, reveal that there are actually more similarities between them than there are differences.
Both of Roku’s Streambar devices are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, have the ability to connect to a wired Ethernet network through the use of a USB adaptor that must be purchased separately, and can connect to a TV that has either an HDMI 2.0a port or optical outputs. Both products can be mounted using hardware that has to be purchased separately; however, the size of the mounting sockets that are required varies to match the specific dimensions of each Streambar.
Because each device is compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, you will be able to give simple voice commands to control the Roku device itself as well as the content that is being displayed on your television. In addition, they come with the standard features that are included in every product that is designed by Roku, such as an easy-to-use user interface, an excellent combination of free, live, and premium content on the Roku Channel, and customizable sound options that automatically reduce the volume of loud advertisements and increase the volume of voices.
Both the Streambar and the Streambar Pro offer the same level of picture quality in their respective versions. You are able to stream a picture in 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) as long as the content you are watching supports it. The Streambar Pro, on the other hand, has a higher-quality sound reproduction.
Comparing the Sound Quality of the Streambar and the Streambar Pro
There are a total of four 1.9-inch drivers housed within the Roku basic Streambar device. Two of these drivers fire forward, while the other two fire to the side. Although it has a fairly wide audio presence and can fill a room with sound, this does not come close to matching the fullness and immersion of the speaker setup on the Streambar Pro.
When compared to the Streambar, the Streambar Pro has four larger full-range drivers that measure 2.5 inches in diameter. These drivers are capable of producing a sound that is fuller and more profound. Even though all four drivers fire forward, they are able to produce a sound that fills the room more effectively than the combination of front- and side-firing drivers that the Streambar employs.
Because neither of these Roku products includes a subwoofer or discrete speakers, you should not anticipate having an exceptional listening experience that is characterized by a prominent bass response. However, the sound quality of the Streambar and Streambar Pro will unquestionably be superior to that of the speakers that are included with your TV. You can also purchase the appropriate Roku device for yourself, such as Wireless Speaker, the Wireless Bass, or the Bass Pro unit, in order to achieve the dynamic sound stage that you desire.
In order to produce high-quality cinematic sound, Roku’s Streambar and Streambar Pro both make use of Dolby Audio in conjunction with the speakers that are built into them. However, despite the fact that the speakers have distinctive driver configurations, which cause them to produce distinctive sounds, they all utilize the same technology on the inside.
Streambar vs. Streambar Pro: Remote Control
The remote that comes with the Streambar is much easier to use than the one that comes with the Streambar Pro. A standard voice remote that includes TV controls are included with the Streambar’s most basic model. On the other hand, the remote for the Streambar Pro comes with not only the standard TV controls and voice command capabilities, but also personal shortcut buttons and a headphone jack for listening in private. When you purchase a Streambar Pro, you are also given a pair of headphones that are ready to use right away.
Which Version of the Streambar, the Streambar Pro, or both should You go for?
The Roku Streambar Pro is the superior choice if you have the means to spend a little bit more money. For only an additional fifty dollars, you can upgrade to a more sophisticated remote control, a deeper sound stage, and a better pair of headphones. Just make sure that your TV stand has enough room for its larger footprint before you purchase it.
Having said that, the Streambar is still a reliable option that is capable of producing a sound that is expansive and can fill an entire room. It does this by making up for the fact that it has weaker drivers by incorporating two drivers that fire to the side. Due to the fact that it takes up very little space, it is an excellent choice for tight quarters, such as dorm rooms or bedrooms that are on the smaller side. You will receive the Roku experience no matter which device you choose, which includes blazing-fast streaming, stunning 4K quality, the convenient Roku mobile app with a built-in remote, and a massive amount of fantastic free content provided via the Roku Channel.
Streambar vs. Streambar Pro: Price
The standard Streambar from Roku costs $129.99, while the Streambar Pro, which offers more premium features, can be purchased for $179.99. Throughout the year, you can find both products on sale quite frequently; however, this is not always the case.
When compared side by side, the price difference between these two Roku products is only a marginally significant $50. But what, exactly, separates these two devices in a way that makes the Streambar Pro worth an additional fifty dollars?
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