Roku Streambar SE vs Roku Express 4K+: Which Streaming Device Should You Choose for Your Home Entertainment?

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Introduce​

Parameter	Roku Streambar SE​	Roku Express 4K+​
Picture​	​	​
Price​	$82.99​	$34.89​
Highlight​	Enhanced Speech Clarity - Hear every word clearly without closed captions. Smart Volume Adjustment - Automatically adjusts volume for clearer voices and lowers during loud commercials. Presets Available - Options for music, movies, and more. Compact Design - Ideal for smaller TVs and cozy spaces. Bluetooth Connectivity - Pair headphones for quiet streaming or connect to TV sound system. Easy Setup - Quick guided setup with all necessary components included. Sound Upgrade - Features two premium speakers and a dedicated bass port for enhanced audio.	Setup: Quick guided setup, plug into TV, connect to internet, no power adaptor needed Picture Quality: 4K, HD, HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color Streaming Experience: Seamless streaming with faster wireless connection Troubleshooting: Check network selection and password; ensure other devices are connected Voice Assistant Compatibility: Works with Siri, Alexa, Hey Google Voice Control: Voice search, play entertainment, control streaming device with remote

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Performance​

Parameter	Roku Streambar SE​	Roku Express 4K+​
RAM Memory​	-​	1 GB​
Storage Capacity​	-​	16 GB​
Resolution​	4k​	4k​
Internet Applications​	Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube​	Netflix, Prime Video, Pandora, Hulu, Vudu​

Features​

Parameter	Roku Streambar SE​	Roku Express 4K+​
Video Codec​	H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, VP9​	h_264​
Connectivity Technology​	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Optical, HDMI​	Wi-Fi​
Controller Type​	Remote Control, App Control, Button Control​	Remote Control, App Control​
Compatible Devices​	Television​	iPhone, Andriod, Samsung, Smart Phone​
Connector Type​	Optical cable, HDMI​	HDMI​
Other Features​	Compatible with Wireless Headphones, Enhanced Speech Clarity and Automatic Volume Control, Quick Guided Simple Setup, 4K HDR/HDR10+ Streaming, Automatic Volume Control​	4K picture, HDR color​

Measurements​

Parameter	Roku Streambar SE​	Roku Express 4K+​
Item Weight​	2 Pounds​	1.6 Ounces​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
Roku Streambar SE​	Pros: • Compact design that fits well in any space • Clear and relatively immersive sound quality • Noticeable improvement over standard TV speakers • Supports 4K, HD, and HDR streaming capabilities • User-friendly Roku interface with access to thousands of channels • Straightforward setup process • Competitive price range between $80 and $100 • Dual functionality as both a soundbar and streaming device Cons: • Not a true 5.1 surround sound system • Sound quality may not match that of larger soundbars with dedicated subwoofers • Limited bass response without additional subwoofer Overall Impression: The Roku Streambar SE is a versatile and compact device that successfully combines sound enhancement with robust streaming capabilities. It's an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their TV audio without the complexity of a multi-piece system. While it doesn't deliver full surround sound, it offers significant audio improvement and a rich streaming experience at a very reasonable price. Ideal for those with limited space or who simply want better sound without needing a full home theater setup.
Roku Express 4K+​	Pros: • Easy to set up, with minimal effort required • Effectively transforms an old TV into a smart TV • Good price for the functionality it offers • Voice control works seamlessly • Offers multiple options for app additions and usage • Reliable performance with a good internet connection Cons: • Comes with a cheap, short HDMI cable that limits functionality • HDMI cable does not support 4K or two-way communication • Requires a better quality HDMI cable to function correctly • Older TVs may face compatibility issues without proper cables Overall Impression: The product is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade an older TV to a smart TV experience. Its ease of setup and functionality, especially with voice control, make it appealing. However, the included HDMI cable is a significant drawback, necessitating an additional purchase for optimal performance. Overall, it offers good value but ensure to factor in the extra cost of a quality HDMI cable for the best experience.