Roku Streambar vs Streambar Pro: Is the Pro model worth +$50? (differences)

In the ultramodern world of audiovisual technology, comparing the Roku Streambar vs Roku Streambar Pro can help you make the best selection for your entertainment needs.

Whether you’re a tech-enthusiast, an avid movie buff, or just a regular consumer looking to improve your TV-watching experience – this comparison will help everyone looking to understand the differences between the Roku Streambar vs the Roku Streambar Pro.

Related: Is the Roku Streambar worth it? (Standard model)

In this analysis, we’ll cover a variety of factors including size, audio formats, Bluetooth compatibility, remote control capabilities, sound quality, audio enhancements, pricing, and replaceability of each product.

We’ll also contrast each devices’ design, technical capabilities, and other relative features such as streaming capabilities on Roku’s platform, and speaker arrangements. Understanding the differences between these two products is crucial for home theater enthuisiasts.

Key Differences between the Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro

Below you can see the Roku Streambar Pro does have some upgrades, such as the Four 2.5-inch full-range drivers, shortcut buttons and a headphone jack, and is overall Larger and costs $50 more than the Standard Streambar model from Roku($179.99 total)

Below are the key differences of each Roku streambar model, side by side:

Lets take a look at the downsides of both models (they don’t have Dolby atmos) you would thikn the pro model would, but it turns out neither model provides this audio, which could be essential to advanced home theater setups and movie fanatics.

Related: How to Connect Roku to Bluetooth Speakers or headphones

More very important key takeaways that show the differences between the Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro models:

• Both devices support Dolby Audio (but not Dolby Atmos)( and PCM formats but Streambar Pro has a slight edge over the basic Streambar in terms of bass reproduction.
• To fully utilize the Pro model, an additional wireless subwoofer needs to be purchased separately. This can be a significant investment decision for some.
• Roku Streambar is smaller in size and lighter than Roku Streambar Pro.
• Both models provide a 4K Roku streaming experience with similar specifications, but the Pro model comes with a voice remote pro with an earphone jack.
• The overall sound quality of the Pro model is superior due to its larger and denser build and can comfortably accommodate large TVs.
• Both soundbars have impressive build quality but Streambar scores higher in durability owning to its tight fabric wrap.
• Despite being at a lower price point, the plain Roku Streambar offers similar visual and audio quality to the Roku Streambar Pro.
• Another significant point of comparison between the Streambar and the Pro version is the remote control. The Pro model’s remote control offers superior functionalities including microphone, voice search button, headphone jack, and two programmable buttons.
• Both devices bring valuable upgrades over regular TV speakers but might need additional devices for providing the complete surround sound experience.

Do either the Roku Streambar or Streambar Pro support Dolby Atmos and Dolby vision?

Unfortunately, neither the Roku Streambar nor the Streambar Pro support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. Focus here is on the basics of good sound quality and efficient streaming.

Both the Streambar and Streambar Pro are aimed at enhancing your TV’s audio and video experience, but are not designed to deliver the 3D surround sound you would expect from Dolby Atmos or the advanced HDR of Dolby Vision.

They do, however, support other HDR formats like HDR10. On the audio front, both devices boost volume and clarity but do not provide a cinematic experience typically associated with Dolby Atmos capability.

To gain more understanding about the audio quality of Roku devices, feel free to check out the article on the Best Wireless speakers for Roku.

Exactly what features does the Roku Streambar Pro model have that the standard Roku Streambar doesn’t?

While both Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro are capable devices, the Pro model nudges ahead with certain exclusive features.

These include a voice remote with personal shortcut buttons and a headphone jack, along with a slightly larger design. This remote is touted for its ability to remember unique voice commands and facilitate private listening with the headphone jack.

The Pro model also comes with more powerful speakers. The regular streambar houses four 1.9 inch speakers, while the Pro version packs four larger 2.5-inch speakers, providing better audio output.

If you want more in-depth information about various Roku models, look into the piece titled difference between roku devices.

Comparison review: Roku Streambar vs Roku Streambar Pro

Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro are indeed high-performing options, but the right choice can only be made once users understand their individual needs.

The Streambar prides itself on its compact design and affordability, making it attractive for users with a constrained budget and limited space.

The Streambar Pro, with a slightly heftier price tag, can truly elevate the audiovisual experience with its extra features, especially for viewers prioritizing sound quality.

Differences between the Audio: How the two devices performed in a home theater setup

In a home theater setup, there is a definite and noticeable distinction between the two devices. The Streambar Pro, equipped with 2.5 inch full-range drivers, fill the room with better, louder, and richer sound over the regular Streambar. Comparatively, the non-Pro Streambar, though it performs adequately, falls a bit short, mainly because of its smaller speakers.

From my personal experience, the 2.5-inch drivers truly delivered a better audio experience, filling up the room with more sound.

The inclusion of a headphone jack and personal shortcut buttons on the Pro model’s remote made a huge difference. These add-ons aren’t available on the standard Streambar model, which adds real value to the Streambar Pro.

To understand more about the audio differences between various Roku models, you may want to look at Manage and control Roku Audio Settings.

Price vs value: Is the $50 price difference of the Pro model worth an upgrade?

Considering the additional and improved features of Soundbar Pro, the $50 price difference seems justifiable. For an avid consumer of audio-video content, the boosted sound quality itself could make the Pro version worth the cost.

However, if you’re relatively satisfied with a basic soundbar and streaming services, sticking to the standard Streambar might be economically better, as the improved features may not necessarily transform your viewing experience drastically.

For a broader discussion on the value of various Roku devices, see best Roku devices.

Who each model is for: the Roku Streambar Pro model and the Standard, non pro model

The Roku Streambar is an excellent option for space-conscious individuals looking for an audio enhancement and good quality streaming on a budget. It is also appropriate for less tech-savvy users who need a simple plug-and-play device.

On the other hand, Roku Streambar Pro is designed for users desiring a more immersive home theater experience superseded with premium sound quality.

Related: 7 Best Tablet Speakers for Loud Sound (Wireless and Bluetooth)

Its additional voice remote equipped with personal shortcut buttons and a headphone jack makes it more desirable for users wanting finer control and additional command over their streaming device. So, if you value a more premium experience and don’t mind the extra cost, the Streambar Pro is the way to go.

For a more detailed breakdown on who would benefit from different Roku models, read Is the Roku Streambar worth it?

Design comparisons

Both units do an excellent job of blending powerful functionality with sleek design aesthetics. While both feature a discreet, minimalist style that doesn’t intrude on your living room decor, there are still notable variations.

The Roku Streambar showcases a compact design that is designed to seamlessly fit into any room, no matter how small. It’s small enough to fit between the feet of most TVs, making it perfect for tighter spaces.

Side note: its compactness does not compromise its functionality, making it a great combination of form and function.

On the other hand, the Roku Streambar Pro presents itself as a larger, more prominent presence in your entertainment setup. Although it occupies more space, it also offers additional audio power and features. Moreover, it has a black exterior and four 2.5-inch drivers that deliver impressive sound, blending elegance and functionality gracefully.

For more comparisons on the design and usability of Roku devices, see the post Roku vs Roku TV.

Dimensions

The size of the Roku Streambar is significantly smaller than the Pro model with dimensions of 14.2 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches.

One advantage of the Streambar is that it can fit comfortably in compact spaces.

In comparison, the Roku Streambar Pro commands more space, measuring 32.2 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches, thus delivering deeper and more expansive sound. Keep in mind, the right choice depends on your spatial constraints and audio expectations.

To learn more about the physical specifications of Roku devices, including size, check out difference between Roku stick 4k and 4k plus models.

Inputs and outputs

Moving on to the offered inputs and outputs, both variants stand on equal footing. They provide a similar array of ports, including HDMI ARC, a USB port (for local playback), and an optical audio output. Interestingly, an ethernet port is missing from both, but the functionality can be added through a USB adaptor.

For more information about the different types of inputs and outputs on Roku devices, read the Roku Ultra vs Ultra LT post.

Remote Control

A striking difference visible between the two models is in the included remotes. The Streambar comes with a simple, streamlined remote that offers basic functionality including power, volume control, and a useful voice control feature.

It also has designated buttons for popular streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and Sling TV for quick access. However, for private listening, you would need to rely on the Roku mobile app.

The Streambar Pro, in comparison, has a more advanced remote with additional features like a headphone jack and two memory buttons for storing specific voice commands.

All the functions present in the Streambar remote grace the Pro version but with the addition of the above-mentioned extra buttons and a rechargeable battery.

Here’s a quick rundown of the remote control comparison:

Advantages of Streambar’s remote (Roku voice remote):

• Simple design.
• Comes with Voice Control.

Disadvantages of Streambar’s remote (Roku Remote voice pro)

• Private listening only via Roku’s mobile app.
• No programmable buttons.

Advantages of Streambar Pro’s remote:

• Offers two programmable buttons.
• Comes with a headphone jack for private listening.

Disadvantages of the Streambar Pro’s remote:

• More complex than the Streambar’s counterpart.
• May necessitate learning time for users.

It all boils down to whether you prefer a simpler design offering basic functionalities or desire a remote that provides some extra features.

Streaming capabilities do not differ too much between the two devices

Both the Roku Streambar and the Roku Streambar Pro are designed to offer advanced streaming capabilities that accommodate numerous needs of users into one device. They support ultra-high-definition 4K streaming and are equipped with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, which provides vibrant colors and sharper contrasts. These devices are practically clones when it comes to streaming capabilities.

Also, they offer users easy access to various streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, among others. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that these devices don’t support Dolby Vision, a feature that boosts better color accuracy, and brighter whites and darker blacks. Nonetheless, lack of this feature hardly affects the overall watching experience for most users.

Connectivity

The connectivity of the Roku Streambar and the Roku Streambar Pro is another aspect that looks similar at its surface. Both devices come with an HDMI ARC, an optical port, a USB port for local playback, and a power adapter. They also support a dual-band Wi-Fi connection that enables fast and stable internet access for smooth and continuous streaming.

However, a key difference lies in their Bluetooth connectivity. The standard Streambar boasts the newest Bluetooth 5.0, which gives an edge over Streambar Pro’s Bluetooth 4.2. This ensures a more stable connection and more extended range when streaming audio from your mobile devices or computer onto the Streambar.

Related: How to Connect Roku to Bluetooth Speakers or headphones

My experience with the overall Sound Quality when watching Netflix and movies

Watching Netflix shows and movies on Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro has never been better. Both devices are engineered for an immersive audio experience, producing full-range sound that fills up the room quite impressively.

What caught my attention was the ability of both devices to boost dialogues and suppress loud sounds.

Thanks to Roku’s Volume Leveling and Speech Clarity features, you get to enjoy your favorite shows or movies without having to constantly adjust the volume or strain to catch what the characters are saying.

However, it should be mentioned that the audio did come up short when it came to providing a rich bass experience, especially for action films where explosive sounds are prevalent. The workaround for this is to integrate your device with the optional Roku wireless subwoofer but remember that it comes at an additional cost.

Comparison between both models

When comparing Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro, it’s quite clear that each model has its pros and cons. Design-wise, Roku Streambar’s compact form is an advantage, especially for those with limited space, while Streambar Pro’s larger size might seem more fitting for those with home theaters or larger living rooms.

Roku Streambar’s sound quality is good for its size and price range, and its Bluetooth 5.0 support is a nice addition. On the other hand, the Streambar Pro delivers fuller audio due to its larger size and four 2.5-inch speakers, which some users may prefer for a fuller audio experience, especially when watching movies or music videos.

The main difference between the two lies in the bundled remote — while both devices ship with a voice remote, the Streambar Pro’s remote includes two programmable shortcut buttons and an earphone jack for private listening.

Lastly, the price is another noteworthy factor that could sway your decision. The Roku Streambar goes for approximately $130, while the Streambar Pro costs around $180. You’ll need to weigh whether the features exclusive to the Streambar Pro, like improved sound quality and advanced remote control, are worth the extra $50.