The Roku Streambar SE is a compact, entry-level soundbar intended as an all-in-one device for those wanting to improve their TV speakers and introduce Smart TV functionality. Its 2.0 configuration means that it's incapable of playing back common surround sound formats like DTS or object-based and lossless formats like Dolby Atmos. However, at such a low price point, it's an enticing proposition for those looking for an entry point into the soundbar world. Plus, its wireless playback capabilities make it a versatile choice.
Our Verdict
The Roku Streambar SE is sub-par for mixed usage. While its compact and lightweight design will appeal to those with limited space, its 2.0 configuration and lack of support for surround sound formats means it's not ideal for movies. It has a solid enough center performance, as well as dialogue enhancement settings that can make it a reasonable choice for watching TV shows. Though it lacks low- and mid-bass, it has a punchy sound and balanced mid-range that'll work for playing back music in a pinch — just don't expect hi-fi sound. That said, its ability to effectively function as a Smart TV, despite its wireless playback options, is a great selling point for those who don't have a smart TV and want a simple, all-in-one home entertainment solution.
Small and compact design.
Great wireless playback options and integrated streaming capabilities.
Dialogue enhancement and basic EQ controls.
No format support for anything beyond PCM 2.0.
Compresses a lot at max volume.
No discrete center channel.
Latency is quite high across all inputs.
The Roku Streambar SE is okay for dialogue and TV shows. It has a balanced mid-range reproduction that can help bring out the detail in voices and speech. While it lacks a discrete center channel, its two channels combine to simulate a phantom center that can help you pinpoint dialogue. You can also choose from a few different levels of dialogue enhancement to further accentuate speech. That said, there's some compression as you crank the volume, which can interfere with audio clarity at higher volumes.
Small and compact design.
Great wireless playback options and integrated streaming capabilities.
Dialogue enhancement and basic EQ controls.
Compresses a lot at max volume.
No discrete center channel.
Latency is quite high across all inputs.
The Roku Streambar SE is passable for music. While it lacks rumble and boom in the bass range, it has an over-emphasized high-bass that can add some punch to kicks and basslines. Its balanced mid-range helps add detail to vocals and lead instruments, but its rolled-off treble range can cause sibilants, like cymbals, to sound dull and muffled. Despite its soundstage doesn't extend much beyond the bar itself, there's a good amount of separation between the left and right channels that can accentuate wild track panning. That said, its poor dynamics performance means it can't get very loud, and there's a lot of compression as you turn up the volume.
Great wireless playback options and integrated streaming capabilities.
Dialogue enhancement and basic EQ controls.
Compresses a lot at max volume.
No discrete center channel.
The Roku Streambar SE is a poor choice for movies. There's no support for popular surround sound formats, like DTS and Dolby Digital, and the bar's 2.0 configuration means that it relies entirely on its left and right drivers for audio playback. The lack of a subwoofer means that there's not much in the way of rumble or boom in the bass range, and the absence of rear speakers means there's not much width to the overall sound. The disappointing dynamics performance can interfere with audio clarity, too, as cranking up the volume will introduce compression artifacts. While there's no dedicated center channel, the balanced mid-range reproduction helps bring out detail in dialogue, which is aided by the dialogue enhancement modes available.
Small and compact design.
Dialogue enhancement and basic EQ controls.
No format support for anything beyond PCM 2.0.
Compresses a lot at max volume.
No discrete center channel.
Latency is quite high across all inputs.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Roku Streambar SE comes in one color variant: 'Black' (here's a picture of its label). If you encounter another variant of this soundbar, let us know in the comments, and we'll update this review.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Roku Streambar SE is a small, speaker-sized Bluetooth soundbar that occupies an interesting space in the market. Its two-channel configuration and lack of support for popular audio formats from Dolby and DTS means that it won't appeal to home cinema enthusiasts. That said, it boasts more wireless playback options than other budget soundbars, like the Hisense HS2100, though the Hisense offers Dolby Digital and DTS support, as well as a dedicated subwoofer. Few soundbars outside the Roku line offer built-in compatibility with streaming services, so if you don't have a Smart TV but want slightly more functionality, you can check out the Roku Streambar Pro. It has a better performance overall and is compatible with the Dolby Digital format.
Check out our recommendations for the best budget soundbars, the best all-in-one soundbars, and the best soundbars under $200.
The Roku Streambar SE is a cheaper, pared-down version of the Roku Streambar. Both come with a selection of wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Airplay compatibility, as well as integrated access to streaming apps. However, there are some caveats that come with the SE version's price. It compresses much more at max volume and can't get as loud. It also isn't as well-built and doesn't support Dolby Digital.
The Bose TV Speaker is a more premium alternative to the Roku Streambar SE. With the Bose's more premium price tag comes a more premium build quality and improved performance across the board. The Bose features a more balanced frequency response, with more bass on tap and a more present treble range. While it can't get as loud, it compresses much less at max volume, so you can push the volume without worrying about it impacting audio quality. The Bose also supports Dolby Digital playback, which is a very common audio format for watching movies. That said, the Roku has a lot more wireless streaming options. It's compatible with Apple Airplay and Wi-Fi and can even act as a Smart TV substitute. It's also quite a bit cheaper than the Bose.
The Roku Streambar Pro is a better variant of the Roku Streambar SE with more specifications. Both soundbars come with a similar suite of wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Airplay connectivity, as well as easy access to streaming apps. The two also share a similar sound profile; one that lacks bass and high-end sheen. However, the Pro variant has some improvements in its performance, most notably when it comes to dynamics, and it supports the popular Dolby digital format. It also offers voice assistant support and headphone monitoring via its remote.
The Hisense HS2100 is a better soundbar for most use cases, compared to the Roku Streambar SE. Its dedicated subwoofer gives it much more boom and rumble in the bass range, and it can get louder without compressing as much. It also has a better soundstage performance, has lower latency across all connection types, and is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS formats. That said, the Roku is a solid choice if space is at a premium or if you need a device that doubles as a Smart TV; it has a suite of wireless connectivity options and easy access to streaming services.
Test Results
