Streaming devices have become essential for modern TV viewing, and Roku has established itself as a leading brand in this space. Today, we'll compare two popular but quite different Roku solutions: the Roku Streambar 4K ($129.99) and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99).
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what matters in a streaming device in 2024. Most people want crystal-clear 4K video (that's four times the resolution of standard HD), smooth playback, and easy access to their favorite streaming services. But there's more to consider - like HDR (High Dynamic Range, which makes colors pop and shows more detail in dark and bright scenes), audio quality, and how the device fits into your existing setup.
The Streambar and Streaming Stick 4K represent two different philosophies to streaming. Released in late 2020, the Streambar combines a streaming player with a compact soundbar, while the Streaming Stick 4K (launched in 2021) focuses solely on delivering high-quality video in a tiny package.
The Streambar is a 16-inch wide soundbar that sits below or in front of your TV. It's about the size of a large loaf of bread and includes four speakers. Installation is straightforward - connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable, plug it into power, and you're mostly done.
The Streaming Stick 4K, on the other hand, is barely larger than your thumb and plugs directly into an HDMI port behind your TV. It comes with a power cable that can either connect to your TV's USB port or a wall outlet. If your TV is wall-mounted, this hidden installation can look really clean.
Both devices support 4K streaming, but there are important differences. The newer Streaming Stick 4K has more advanced HDR support, including Dolby Vision (a premium HDR format that adjusts picture quality scene-by-scene) and HDR10+. This means more vivid colors and better contrast on compatible TVs.
The Streambar supports standard HDR10, which is still good but not quite as advanced. In real-world use, many viewers might not notice the difference unless they have a higher-end TV that supports these formats.
This is where things get interesting. The Streambar includes four speakers that provide significantly better sound than most built-in TV speakers. It supports Dolby Audio (which helps create clearer dialogue and more immersive sound) and includes special modes for:
You can even expand it into a 5.1 surround sound system by adding Roku's wireless speakers and subwoofer, though this adds considerable cost.
The Streaming Stick 4K relies entirely on your TV's speakers or existing audio system. However, it can pass through advanced audio formats to your audio receiver if you have a home theater setup.
Both devices work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you control basic functions with voice commands. They also support Apple AirPlay 2 for streaming from Apple devices. In testing, these features work equally well on both devices.
Both come with Roku's voice remote, which includes TV power and volume controls. The remotes are practically identical, featuring shortcut buttons for popular streaming services. One nice touch: you can customize two personal shortcut buttons for frequently used functions.
The Streaming Stick 4K has a slight edge in streaming performance thanks to its newer processor and enhanced WiFi receiver. This means faster app loading and more stable streaming in areas with weaker WiFi signals.
For home theater enthusiasts, the choice largely depends on your existing setup. If you already have a good audio system, the Streaming Stick 4K at $49.99 is the better choice. It provides superior video capabilities and can pass through high-quality audio to your receiver.
The Streambar at $129.99 makes more sense if you're:
Since their release, both devices have received regular software updates improving their performance and adding features. The Streaming Stick 4K's processor provides 30% faster app loading times compared to previous models, while the Streambar has gained features like Apple AirPlay 2 support through updates.
Consider these key questions:
Both devices excel at their intended purposes. The Streaming Stick 4K is perfect for those who want pure streaming capabilities with the best possible video quality, while the Streambar offers a compelling all-in-one solution that significantly improves both video and audio.
For most people starting fresh or upgrading a secondary TV, I'd recommend the Streambar. Its combination of improved audio and streaming capabilities provides excellent value. However, if you already have good speakers or are primarily concerned with video quality, save some money and go with the Streaming Stick 4K.
Remember, either choice gets you into Roku's excellent ecosystem, with regular updates and one of the most user-friendly interfaces in streaming. The decision really comes down to your specific needs and setup.
| Roku Streambar 4K ($129.99) | Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99) |
|---|---|
| Form Factor - Determines placement options and audio capabilities | |
| 16-inch soundbar, sits under TV | Compact stick, hides behind TV |
| HDR Support - Impacts color quality and contrast on compatible TVs | |
| Basic HDR10 only | HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision |
| Audio Capability - Critical for overall viewing experience | |
| Built-in 4-speaker system, expandable to 5.1 | TV speakers only, can pass-through advanced audio |
| Additional Features - Affects versatility and use cases | |
| Bluetooth music streaming, voice control, dialogue enhancement | Voice control only |
| WiFi Performance - Important for streaming stability | |
| Standard WiFi | Enhanced long-range WiFi receiver |
| Installation Complexity - Consider your comfort with tech setup | |
| Simple 2-cable setup (power + HDMI) | Potentially tricky access to rear HDMI port |
| Power Source - Impacts placement flexibility | |
| Requires wall outlet | USB from TV or wall outlet |
| Value Add Features - May justify price difference | |
| Audio modes for night listening, voice boost, commercial volume leveling | Private listening through mobile app |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Can add wireless subwoofer and surrounds | No audio expansion options |
| Best Use Case - Helps determine which is right for you | |
| Secondary TVs, small rooms needing audio upgrade | Primary TVs with existing sound system |
For dedicated home theaters, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99) is usually better since it has superior HDR support and can pass through advanced audio formats to your existing audio system. The Roku Streambar ($129.99) is more suited for casual viewing rooms or secondary setups.
If you need better audio and don't have a sound system, yes. The Streambar effectively combines two devices (soundbar + streamer) for $129.99. However, if you already have good audio, save money with the Streaming Stick 4K at $49.99.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has slightly better video capabilities with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, while the Streambar only supports basic HDR10. For premium TVs, the Streaming Stick 4K will provide better picture quality.
Only the Roku Streambar can be expanded with Roku's wireless speakers and subwoofer for a 5.1 system. The Streaming Stick 4K must rely on your TV's audio output or existing audio system.
The Roku Streambar is superior for music, offering built-in speakers and Bluetooth streaming capabilities. The Streaming Stick 4K doesn't have dedicated audio features.
Yes, both the Streambar and Streaming Stick 4K support 4K resolution. However, the Streaming Stick 4K offers more advanced HDR support for compatible TVs.
The Roku Streambar has a simpler two-cable setup (power and HDMI). The Streaming Stick 4K can be trickier if your TV is wall-mounted, as it needs access to a rear HDMI port.
Yes, both the Streambar and Streaming Stick 4K include voice-enabled remotes and work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Streaming Stick 4K has slightly better response times due to its newer processor. However, neither device is specifically designed for gaming.
No, both the Streambar and Streaming Stick 4K work with standard HDMI cables, though high-speed HDMI cables are recommended for 4K content.
The Streaming Stick 4K has an enhanced long-range WiFi receiver, making it better for locations with weaker signals compared to the Streambar.
Both the Streambar and Streaming Stick 4K work with any TV having an HDMI port, though you won't get 4K benefits on non-4K TVs. The Streambar offers more value for older TVs due to its audio upgrade capabilities.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - walmart.com - tomsguide.com - techradar.com - camelcamelcamel.com - cnet.com - odpbusiness.com - community.roku.com - staples.com - roku.com - roku.com - community.roku.com - youtube.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - community.roku.com - dowtechnologies.com - support.roku.com - techwithdom.com - tomsguide.com - abcwarehouse.com - community.tablotv.com - bhphotovideo.com - forums.directv.com - roku.com
