Throughout the years, I’ve had the chance to experiment with numerous Roku video streamers, but it wasn’t until recently that I delved into their Streambars, innovative devices that integrate a compact soundbar with Roku’s entry-level 4K HDR streaming capabilities. Although Roku has phased out its high-end Streambar Pro, the company has introduced the Streambar SE, a new mini soundbar for 2024 that piqued my interest due to its attractive sale price of $77, reflecting a generous $23 discount off its original retail price of $100.
When I refer to mini soundbar, I mean truly compact. The Streambar SE is about the dimensions of a small Bluetooth speaker, measuring 9.6 inches in width, 3.5 inches in depth, and 2.4 inches in height, weighing in at just 2 pounds (907 grams). Its design embraces smaller televisions, making it perfect for setup in bedrooms, home offices, or dorm rooms rather than dominating your main living room space—unless, of course, you have a very space-efficient living area.
I hooked it up to an old 42-inch Vizio I have in my home office. Setup is pretty straightforward — it’s basically the same process as connecting any video streamer to your TV, although it helps to have an HDMI-ARC port to simplify things. (Most TVs released in the last 10-12 years have one HDMI port that’s labeled HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.) If you don’t have ARC, there’s a workaround using an HDMI cable and an optical cable, but I didn’t have to deal with that.
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The Roku Streambar SE is the size of a compact Bluetooth speaker — and it does have Bluetooth connectivity.
David Carnoy/CNET
An upgrade over my TV speakers’ sound
I have Spectrum TV and Roku has a Spectrum TV app that allows you to turn any Roku streamer into a cable TV box. For my listening test, I spent some time watching a few action movies, including Ant-Man and Nope, along with NFL Redzone, CNN, and snippets of the classic sitcom Friends. I also utilized Roku’s Apple TV app and Peacock to catch an exhilarating English Premier League match.
Perhaps due to my low expectations, I was genuinely taken aback by the sound output this compact speaker was able to deliver. While the Streambar SE doesn’t provide the most immersive audio experience—it has limitations in producing bass due to its dual 1.9-inch full-range drivers and single bass port—the sound quality surpasses typical expectations for a speaker of this size. Its midrange performance is particularly impressive, ensuring crisply articulated dialogue, surpassing the audio quality of most built-in TV speakers. For those craving greater bass, there’s an option to connect the speaker with Roku’s Wireless Bass subwoofer, though it’s important to note that this added luxury is priced at $130.
I can’t assert that the Streambar SE offers an expansive soundstage or remarkable stereo separation. Lacking the side-firing speakers available in the higher-end Streambar ($130)—which earned a CNET Editors’ Choice award in 2023—it also cannot be paired with Roku’s wireless rear speakers to establish a surround sound setup. However, the audio quality is commendable enough to leave you feeling satisfied, especially if you were already planning to invest around $30 for Roku’s Express 4K Plus or Streaming Stick 4K.
The Roku Streambar is significantly smaller than a full-size soundbar like this Sonos Beam.
David Carnoy/CNET
As far as sound modes go, you get a few presets to choose from, including Dialogue, Movie, Music, Night and Standard, and the speaker will cut the volume down on loud commercials. The soundbar is also equipped with Bluetooth so you can connect headphones to it, plus Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay support.
I should note that the bundled remote is Roku’s more basic remote and not its step-up voice remote that lets you issue voice commands and voice search. However, you can download Roku’s mobile app for iOS and Android, which does support voice commands.
The Streambar SE offers 4K HDR10 and HDR10 Plus video streaming, but it doesn’t have support for Dolby Vision. My old Vizio isn’t even a 4K TV, so the Streambar SE’s video streaming capabilities are more than enough.
Why Roku’s Streambar SE makes a great gift
While Roku’s step-up Streambar ($130) certainly delivers better sound quality, the Streambar SE’s more compact size and affordable price tag give it a distinct appeal, particularly for those of us looking to upgrade the sound of a more modest-sized TV, perhaps an older model like mine. The Streambar SE isn’t fancy, but the price is right for what it does.
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– What are the key features of the Roku Streambar SE that make it appealing to budget-conscious consumers?
**Interview with Tech Reviewer on Roku’s Streambar SE**
**Editor:** Today, we’re speaking with David Carnoy, a tech reviewer from CNET, who recently tested the new Roku Streambar SE. David, thanks for joining us!
**David Carnoy:** Thanks for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s dive into it. You mentioned the Streambar SE in your review—what caught your attention about this product?
**David:** The Streambar SE really piqued my interest because of its compact size and budget-friendly price. At $77, it’s a nice entry point for anyone looking to enhance their TV audio without breaking the bank.
**Editor:** You describe it as a mini soundbar. Can you tell us more about its dimensions and design?
**David:** Absolutely! The Streambar SE is quite small, about the size of a compact Bluetooth speaker—9.6 inches wide, 3.5 inches deep, and just 2.4 inches high, weighing only 2 pounds. This makes it ideal for smaller spaces like bedrooms or home offices where you don’t want a huge sound system dominating the area.
**Editor:** And how was the setup process?
**David:** The setup was straightforward, similar to connecting any Roku streaming device. If your TV has an HDMI ARC port, you’re golden. If not, there are alternative methods involving optical cables, but that wasn’t necessary for me.
**Editor:** How did the sound quality measure up to your expectations?
**David:** I was genuinely impressed. Although it doesn’t deliver an expansive soundstage or deep bass—thanks to its dual 1.9-inch drivers and a single bass port—it surpasses the audio quality of most built-in TV speakers. The midrange is particularly strong, which means clear dialogue, especially beneficial when watching movies or shows.
**Editor:** You mentioned a few viewing experiences in your review. What types of content do you think benefited most from the Streambar SE?
**David:** I tested it with a variety of content including action movies, sports broadcasts, and classic sitcoms. The sound quality really shone during dialogue-heavy scenes as well as action sequences, making it a solid option for both casual and immersive viewing.
**Editor:** Are there any additional accessories you recommend for users who may want enhanced sound?
**David:** For those craving more bass, Roku offers a Wireless Bass subwoofer that can be paired with the Streambar SE; however, it retails for an additional $130. But honestly, for many users, the standalone speaker provides more than adequate sound for typical TV watching.
**Editor:** Lastly, who would you recommend this product to?
**David:** I would recommend the Roku Streambar SE to anyone looking to upgrade from their TV’s built-in speakers without a complicated setup or high cost. It’s particularly great for smaller spaces or for users who already planned to invest in a Roku device.
**Editor:** Thanks, David, for these insights! It sounds like the Streambar SE is a great choice for budget-conscious viewers wanting better sound.
**David:** My pleasure! Always happy to share.