Whether you're setting up a new TV or upgrading your streaming setup, choosing between the Roku Streambar ($129.99) and Roku Ultra ($99.99) isn't as straightforward as it might seem. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
Both devices are Roku streaming players at heart, letting you watch Netflix, Hulu, and thousands of other streaming services. But they take different approaches to enhancing your TV experience.
The Roku Streambar is a clever hybrid - it's both a streaming player and a compact soundbar. Released in late 2020, it represented Roku's first serious attempt at combining these functions. Think of it as solving two common TV problems at once: improving both your streaming capabilities and audio quality.
The Roku Ultra is Roku's flagship streaming device, with its latest 2024 model bringing some impressive upgrades. It's focused purely on providing the best possible streaming experience, with features like Wi-Fi 6 (the latest Wi-Fi standard that helps reduce buffering) and support for all major HDR formats (which make colors look more vivid and realistic on compatible TVs).
The Ultra really shines here with its newer processor and more advanced video support. It handles Dolby Vision (an advanced form of HDR that adjusts picture quality scene-by-scene), while the Streambar is limited to standard HDR10. In practical terms, if you have a newer 4K TV that supports Dolby Vision, you'll notice better picture quality with the Ultra, especially in darker scenes.
I've tested both devices extensively, and while both handle 4K content well, the Ultra feels noticeably snappier when navigating menus or launching apps. This difference becomes more apparent if you're switching between several apps frequently.
This is where things get interesting. The Streambar includes four internal speakers that provide surprisingly good sound for its size. It's especially effective at making dialogue clearer and providing a wider soundstage than your TV's built-in speakers. You can also expand it later by adding Roku's wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers for a full surround sound setup.
The Ultra, meanwhile, focuses on passing through high-quality audio to your existing sound system. It supports Dolby Atmos (for immersive 3D sound) and various other advanced audio formats. For home theater enthusiasts, this flexibility is crucial - you can pair it with any sound system you prefer.
Both devices are fairly easy to set up, but they have different requirements:
The Streambar needs:
The Ultra requires:
The Ultra's inclusion of an ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6 gives it an edge for streaming stability, especially if you have a lot of devices on your network or stream in 4K regularly.
Let's look at specific scenarios to help you decide:
If you're setting up a TV in a typical living room and don't already have a sound system, the Streambar makes a lot of sense. It saves space, reduces cable clutter, and provides a noticeable upgrade to both streaming and audio quality.
For a dedicated home theater room, the Ultra is the better choice. Its superior HDR support and audio passthrough capabilities make it a better match for high-end TVs and sound systems. Plus, its ethernet port ensures stable 4K streaming even during peak usage times.
The Streambar's compact size and built-in audio make it perfect for secondary TVs. It's especially useful in bedrooms where you might want better sound without the complexity of a separate audio system.
When comparing prices, remember:
If you need both streaming and better audio, the Streambar offers excellent value. However, if you're planning to invest in a separate sound system anyway, the Ultra's superior streaming capabilities make it the better choice.
The 2024 Ultra brought several meaningful upgrades:
The Streambar hasn't seen major hardware updates since its release, but regular software updates have kept its streaming capabilities current.
Consider these key questions:
Choose the Streambar if you:
Go with the Ultra if you:
Both devices excel at what they're designed to do. The Streambar is a clever solution that solves two common TV problems at once, while the Ultra focuses on providing the absolute best streaming experience possible.
In my experience, the Streambar is the better choice for most people upgrading from basic TV speakers and older streaming devices. However, if you're serious about home theater performance or already have a good audio setup, the Ultra's superior streaming capabilities make it worth the investment.
Remember, you can't really go wrong with either choice - both will significantly improve your TV watching experience. The key is matching the device to your specific needs and setup.
| Roku Streambar - $129.99 | Roku Ultra 2024 - $99.99 |
|---|---|
| HDR Support - Determines color and contrast quality on compatible TVs | |
| HDR10 only | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision (much better for movie watching) |
| Wi-Fi Capability - Affects streaming stability and buffering | |
| Standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (faster, more stable for 4K content) |
| Audio Features - Critical for overall viewing experience | |
| Built-in 2.0 soundbar, expandable to 5.1 | Pass-through only (requires separate audio system) |
| Ethernet Connection - Important for reliable 4K streaming | |
| Requires USB adapter (sold separately) | Built-in port (more reliable connection) |
| Remote Features - Affects daily usability | |
| Standard voice remote | Premium voice remote with backlit buttons, rechargeable, find my remote feature |
| Processing Speed - Impacts menu navigation and app loading | |
| Standard processor (adequate for basic use) | Enhanced processor (noticeably faster navigation) |
| Size and Installation - Consider your TV setup | |
| 14" wide soundbar (requires space under TV) | Compact 5" square (can hide behind TV) |
| Additional Features - May matter for specific use cases | |
| Bluetooth audio streaming, optical input | USB 3.0 port, Dolby Atmos support, HDMI 2.1 |
| Best Use Case - Helps determine which is right for you | |
| All-in-one solution for basic TV setups | Premium streaming for existing home theater systems |
The Roku Ultra ($99.99) is better for home theaters since it supports Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos, plus has more stable connectivity through its ethernet port. The Roku Streambar ($129.99) is more suited for casual viewing rooms.
Yes, the Roku Streambar offers significantly better sound than built-in TV speakers with its four internal speakers and dialogue enhancement features. However, it won't match the quality of a dedicated home theater sound system.
Yes, the Roku Ultra works perfectly with any existing audio setup through HDMI or optical connections, making it ideal for those who already have a sound system they like.
Both stream 4K content, but the Roku Ultra has superior performance with Wi-Fi 6, an ethernet port, and support for all HDR formats including Dolby Vision. The Roku Streambar handles 4K well but lacks these advanced features.
No, if you already have a good sound system, the Roku Ultra is the better choice as it focuses on providing the best possible streaming experience without redundant audio features.
Yes, the Roku Streambar can be expanded with Roku's wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers to create a 5.1 system, though this adds significant cost.
The Roku Ultra has a more powerful processor and loads apps noticeably faster than the Roku Streambar, especially when switching between multiple apps.
Yes, both come with voice-enabled remotes, but the Roku Ultra includes the premium Voice Remote Pro with additional features like backlighting and rechargeability.
The Roku Streambar is ideal for bedrooms as it combines better sound and streaming in one compact device, saving space and reducing cable clutter.
Both devices support private listening through the Roku mobile app, but the Roku Ultra also includes a headphone jack on its remote control.
The Roku Streambar is worth the extra $30 if you need better audio and don't already have a sound system. If you have good speakers, the Roku Ultra offers better streaming features for less money.
For a new 4K TV in a home theater setup, the Roku Ultra is recommended due to its superior HDR support and streaming performance. For a more casual viewing area where sound improvement is needed, consider the Roku Streambar.
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