Roku Wireless Speakers Review: Enhancing Your Roku Streambar or Roku TV Sound
The Roku Wireless Speakers, designed to complement Roku Streambars and Roku TVs, aim to provide a more immersive audio experience. This review delves into the performance, features, and overall value of this $149.99 speaker system, helping you decide if it's the right addition to your home theater setup. These wireless speakers are targeted at users seeking a relatively simple upgrade to their existing Roku audio setup, without the complexity or expense of a full-blown surround sound system.
What are Roku Wireless Speakers?
The Roku Wireless Speakers are a pair of compact wireless speakers designed to expand the soundstage of compatible Roku devices, primarily the Roku Streambar and various Roku TVs with built-in soundbars. They connect wirelessly to the main soundbar or TV, offering a more enveloping audio experience for movies, TV shows, and music. Installation is intended to be straightforward and easy for users of all technical skill levels.
They're not a completely standalone solution, however. They require a compatible Roku device to function, limiting their utility to those already invested in the Roku ecosystem.
Key Features
- • Wireless Connectivity: Seamlessly connects to compatible Roku devices via Wi-Fi. This eliminates the need for complicated wiring.
- • Compact Design: The speakers have a relatively small footprint, making them suitable for various living room setups.
- • Easy Setup: The setup process is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. The Roku app guides users through the connection process.
- • Stereo Sound: Deliver stereo sound to expand the soundstage and improve the overall audio experience compared to using only the Streambar or TV speakers.
- • Power and Volume Control: Integrated volume controls and power switches are located on the speakers themselves.
Pros
- • Simple Setup and Use: Connecting the speakers to a compatible Roku device is remarkably simple, thanks to the clear instructions within the Roku app. This ease of use is a significant advantage for users who are not technically inclined.
- • Noticeable Sound Improvement: The speakers significantly improve the audio experience compared to using only the built-in audio of a Roku Streambar or TV. Dialogue is clearer, and the overall soundstage is wider, creating a more immersive experience for movies and TV shows.
- • Wireless Convenience: The wireless design eliminates the clutter and hassle of running speaker wires around your living room. This is a major benefit for those seeking a clean and tidy home theater setup.
Cons
- • Price Point: At $149.99, the Roku Wireless Speakers are not inexpensive. This is a substantial addition to the cost of a Roku Streambar or Roku TV and may be prohibitive for some consumers on a budget.
- • Roku Ecosystem Dependence: These speakers are only compatible with select Roku devices. If you don't own a compatible Roku Streambar or Roku TV, these speakers are completely useless.
Who Should Buy?
The Roku Wireless Speakers are an ideal choice for existing Roku users who want to improve the audio quality of their Roku Streambar or Roku TV. The simplicity of setup and the noticeable sound improvement make them a strong contender for those prioritizing convenience and a richer listening experience. Users who already value the Roku ecosystem and appreciate a streamlined, easy-to-use setup will find them particularly attractive. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh the relatively high price against the improvements they offer.
Individuals who aren't already invested in the Roku ecosystem should consider other, more versatile options. Those on a strict budget might find the cost to be prohibitive for the level of audio improvement achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these speakers compatible with all Roku devices?
A: No, they are only compatible with select Roku Streambars and Roku TVs. Check Roku's official website for a complete list of compatible devices.
Q: How do I connect the speakers to my Roku device?
A: The connection process is guided through the Roku mobile app, making it very user-friendly.
Q: What kind of sound quality do the speakers offer?
A: They provide a significant improvement over built-in Roku TV/Streambar sound, offering a wider soundstage and clearer dialogue.
Comparison with Competitors
The Roku Wireless Speakers compete with similar wireless speaker systems from other brands, like the Sonos Arc or Bose Soundbar 700, but those usually offer more advanced features like Dolby Atmos. However, they also come with a considerably higher price tag.
Conclusion
The Roku Wireless Speakers offer a noticeable improvement in sound quality for users of compatible Roku devices. The ease of setup and wireless convenience are definite strengths. However, the relatively high price and dependence on the Roku ecosystem are important factors to consider. The improved sound quality is worth the cost for those already invested in the Roku ecosystem and looking for a simple upgrade, but not necessarily for everyone.
