Roku has upped its audio game once more with the launch of the Roku Smart Soundbar and the Roku Wireless Subwoofer.
Both devices are already available to pre-order and both are priced at $179.99 apiece in the U.S.
Roku says its new audio products are due to hear store shelves in October.
Roku joins the smart soundbar race
The Roku Smart Soundbar is just that. A soundbar that’s smarter than the rest thanks to its inclusion of a built-in version of Roku OS. While this might not suit those that already have a Roku device, it offers those new to the platform the opportunity to opt for an all-in-one streaming and audio device.
The launch of the Roku Smart Soundbar sees Roku entering one of the latest device races. For example, this follows on from the launch of the JBL Link Bar. The Link Bar is basically the same device as Roku’s, with the exception of the OS. While the Roku Smart Soundbar runs on Roku OS, the JBL link Bar runs on Android TV.
Roku’s new soundbar also boasts 4K and HDR support, “four premium drivers,” Automatic Volume Leveling and Night Mode. As well as Dolby Audio, Bluetooth and voice assistant supports.
If you need more bass, Roku has you covered
The new Roku Wireless Subwoofer is designed to be the missing piece for those who need an extra bass push.
The Roku Wireless Subwoofer is an optional purchase so while it is not needed, it is there for those who do want the richer audio experience.
Roku’s subwoofer is fitted out with a 10-inch driver and is rated at 125-watts RMS (250W peak) and offers a frequency response of 40 – 200 Hz.
Roku expanding its audio hardware presence
Roku already has plenty of hardware device on the market. However, it has more recently been expanding its hardware line to account for audio-based products. While the new soundbar and subwoofer are the latest examples of this, they are not the first.
Last year the company introduced its smart speakers. Unlike the soundbar here, those speakers did not come equipped with Roku OS but instead were designed to enhance the Roku TV experience.
At launch, Roku priced the smart speakers at the same $179.99 price. This latest soundbar solution offers more value in that sense. Not only does it help to improve the TV experience at the audio level compared to traditional TV speakers, but also at the streaming level.
It is basically a soundbar with a Roku streaming stick built in.