How to Connect Bluetooth Soundbar to Roku TV?

You’ve heard about Roku technology and you’re thinking about using it but you’re not really sure how to connect your Bluetooth soundbar to Roku TV? Stop searching because you’ve come to the right place. Stay with us and we’ll give our best to explain everything you should know about this topic.

What Is Roku TV?

Roku TV is a kind of a smart TV that features a special Roku software produced by the Roku company that manufactures media-streaming devices (Roku players, Roku remotes, Roku Streambar, Roku app). They launched their first product in 2008 and have been developing new technologies and devices ever since.

Roku product line

So, if you’ve been wondering if Roku is a device or software – it can be both. Primarily, the company makes streaming media players that make the process of streaming video and audio content through TV much simpler than the rest of the available streaming devices. However, Roku patented Roku software that is sold to TV manufacturers such as TCL, Element, Sharp, Hisense, JVC, RCA, Hitachi, and Magnavox in order to create an all-in-one internet-connected TV that can be bought at more reasonable prices than other smart TVs.

How Does Roku TV Work?

The thing you need to have on your mind is that all Roku or Roku-enabled devices, no matter if we’re talking about Roku TV, Roku player, or Roku-enabled soundbar, require an internet connection. Some of them can be also connected via Ethernet cable to your router/modem but all of them support wireless connection (via Wi-Fi).

The first thing you should do after you get a new Roku device is to create your free Roku account. If you get a Roku player, you can connect it to your regular TV and turn it into a Roku TV in a minute. However, getting a true Roku TV seems like a better option because it contains two devices in a single enclosure and you’re going to need only one remote to control it.

Once you turn the TV on, you will see the home screen containing different icons representing different free streaming channels such as YouTube and paid channels such as Netflix or HBO GO, Netflix, etc. Through these apps, you can easily get access to traditional cable or satellite TV channels (for example, NBC, Fox). Of course, there’s also the Roku TV that offers optional paid subscriptions and plenty of free video content. 

The main advantage of Roku TV is definitely a variety of options, user-friendly and easy-to-use interface, as well as more than reasonable price.

Besides, if you opt for some of their latest models, you’ll get the chance to enjoy 4K or Dolby Vision that looks way better than the standard HDR10. Some of them even have built-in mics and can be managed without even touching the remote because they support HomeKit, Alexa, or Hey Google voice assistance.

What Is the Difference Between Smart TV and Roku TV?

Considering everything we’ve said, we can conclude that Roku TVs are very similar to regular smart TVs. Some of you might even wonder what’s the difference between them. So, why should you buy Roku TV instead of some other smart TV?

Well, you’re right. These two are very similar. The major difference is that Roku TVs use the OS manufactured by Roku. However, that’s not all. We find Roku interface more user-friendly than the interface of most regular smart TVs. Apart from this, we really have to mention that Roku products cost less than smart TVs while providing a similar or even better listening and watching experience at the same time. 

For example, the Roku player price range spans from $30 to $100 while Roku-enhanced TVs are even more cost-effective. They come with the pre-installed software and the only thing you, as a user, are required to do is to turn it on, connect to your Wi-Fi, download the apps that you want to use, and stream any video content you find interesting. If we say that an average low to mid-range smart TV costs somewhere between $400 and $600 while a basic Roku TV can be bought for only $200, you will realize what we are talking about.

How to Connect Bluetooth Soundbar to Roku TV?

So far, we’ve learned that Roku-enabled devices are Roku TVs, Roku players, and Roku Streambar. But what happens if you have a Roku TV and an “old-fashioned” Bluetooth soundbar that doesn’t support Roku OS? Is there any chance to connect these two and save a few bucks?

First of all, we have to say that wireless pairing with Roku TV is enabled only in case you’re using another Roku-enabled device such as Roku TV wireless speakers or Roku Streambar. Sadly, you can’t pair it with a regular soundbar via Bluetooth but that doesn’t mean you have to throw your old soundbar away. You can always use a wired connection (HDMI, optical, or even RCA/AUX connection), which is, by the way, a much better option. Or, you can try the following rather unusual workaround. 

Remember that we’ve mentioned the Roku app a few minutes ago? Well, this app is the key in the process of connecting your soundbar to your Roku TV. First, download this free app on your smartphone or tablet. It will turn your device into a Roku TV control center. Second, make sure that your Roku TV and your phone/tablet are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. 

After that, you need to pair your smartphone/tablet to your Bluetooth soundbar so that all the sound coming from your phone comes through the speakers of the soundbar. Once your phone is paired, you have to open the Roku app, go to the remote section of the app, and select the headphone icon.

Pressing the headphone button will send all the audio from your Roku TV to your phone and then from your phone, via Bluetooth, to your Bluetooth soundbar

The final step is to open the Roku app, find the audio/video content you want to listen to or watch on your Roku TV, and press play. Voila, the sound will be coming from your Bluetooth soundbar.

How to Connect a Bluetooth Soundbar/Speaker/Headphones to Roku TV

Note: Have in mind that even if both – your phone and your soundbar support Bluetooth aptX LL, there may be some audio delay.

Is Roku TV Really Worth the Money?

Roku TV is quite similar to other smart TVs and that’s a fact. However, when we add the price-quality ratio into the equation, we must confess we would rather choose a Roku TV over a standard smart TV. As you could have seen, Roku TV has a bunch of interesting and useful features (such as voice assistance) that any user who wants to keep up with the newest technologies would like to use. 

If you decide to buy a Roku TV, you will get more than just a TV – you will get an easy-to-use device, customizable home screen, an automatic operating system with the latest features and technologies, and various streaming channels. Even the Roku remote is easier to use and more intuitive than a regular remote.

So, to sum up, if you ask us if it’s worth having all these interesting features at a more than affordable price, we say – yes, it definitely is!