Hisense HS2100 2.1ch vs Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar
Quick Verdict
The Hisense HS2100 2.1ch and Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar are both budget TV audio upgrades, but they serve different buyers. The Hisense offers a true 2.1 setup with a wireless subwoofer and DTS Virtual:X, making it the better pick for bass and virtual surround. The Roku Streambar Pro adds a full Roku 4K streaming player and auto speech clarity, ideal for those who want a two-in-one streaming and audio device. Scores are close, so choose the Hisense for audio impact or the Roku for streaming convenience and dialogue enhancement.
| Spec | Hisense HS2100 2.1ch | Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2.1 | Stereo (four internal speakers) |
| Drivers | Two front-firing speakers and one wireless subwoofer; individual driver sizes not published in listing | Four internal speakers, specifics not published |
| Power | 240W max audio power | Not published in listing |
| Subwoofer | Wireless subwoofer included; driver size and enclosure not published in listing | No dedicated subwoofer listed |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS | Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X; no Dolby Atmos | Dolby Audio only, no Atmos or DTS listed |
| HDMI eARC and inputs | HDMI ARC only; eARC not listed; other inputs not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Wireless and streaming | Bluetooth 5.3 | Built-in Roku 4K streaming, wireless details not published |
| Dimensions | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Remote and app | Remote control included; no app mentioned in listing | Roku OS, remote and app details not published |
| Included accessories | Remote control, HDMI cable; other accessories not published in listing | Not published in listing |
Sound Quality
The Hisense HS2100 and Roku Streambar Pro both receive a sound quality score of 21 out of 30, which suggests they are on par in this area, but their published configurations are not identical. The Hisense is a 2.1 channel system with two front firing speakers and a wireless subwoofer, and the listing states 240W max audio power. The Roku Streambar Pro uses four internal speakers in a stereo arrangement, but the listing does not publish its amplifier power. Because neither listing states individual driver sizes or frequency response, a fine detail comparison is impossible from the supplied facts.
The Hisense listing promotes DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio processing, along with six EQ modes for quick sound tuning. The Roku listing promotes Dolby Audio, auto speech clarity, and boosted volume modes, which aim to make dialogue easier to hear. Both bars rely on processing to enhance stereo sound rather than on discrete surround speakers. On paper, the Hisense has a clear power figure and a subwoofer, while the Roku has a speech focused feature set that may suit news and talk content.
Neither soundbar publishes distortion figures, signal to noise ratio, or the size of its individual drivers, so buyers cannot assess raw sonic accuracy from these listings. The Hisense 240W figure is a maximum audio power rating, which does not indicate continuous output or sound quality. The Roku listing remains silent on any power specification, making it even harder to estimate headroom. In practice, both should improve on built in TV speakers, but the Hisense has more published audio hardware.
Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats
Neither soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, and neither has upward firing drivers, according to the listing. The Hisense HS2100 supports Dolby Audio and, importantly, DTS Virtual:X, which creates virtual width and height from a 2.1 speaker layout. The Roku Streambar Pro only lists Dolby Audio, with no mention of DTS Virtual:X or Atmos. Its listing mentions virtual surround processing but does not name a specific format, making direct comparison difficult.
The surround and audio formats score reflects this difference: the Hisense earns 9 out of 15, while the Roku earns 6 out of 15. The Hisense DTS Virtual:X is an explicit virtual surround technology, whereas the Roku virtual processing is described only in general terms. Because neither bar has true object based overhead channels, buyers expecting a cinematic Atmos experience should not choose either. For widening a stereo soundstage, the Hisense has more specific claims on paper.
Dolby Audio is present on both, which is a basic decoding and processing format common in budget bars. The Roku does not list DTS support of any kind, so certain disc or streaming tracks may rely on PCM or Dolby conversion. The Hisense supports DTS Virtual:X, which can upmix stereo and Dolby content to a simulated surround field. That gives the Hisense a clear edge in audio format versatility and surround simulation.
Subwoofer and Bass
The most obvious bass difference is the separate subwoofer. The Hisense HS2100 includes a wireless subwoofer, though the listing does not publish the driver size or enclosure type. The Roku Streambar Pro has no dedicated subwoofer listed, relying on its four internal speakers for low frequencies. A separate sub typically provides deeper and more impactful bass than a soundbar alone, but the lack of specs on the Hisense sub makes the degree of improvement unknown.
The Hisense 240W max audio power includes the subwoofer, but the subwoofer's individual wattage is not stated. The Roku does not publish any power figure, so its bass capability cannot be inferred from wattage. On paper, the Hisense is the safer choice for bass because it has a dedicated wireless unit, even if its exact performance is not specified. The Roku Streambar Pro may still reproduce bass from its internal speakers, but the listing gives no reason to expect deep output.
Without frequency response data for either product, the lowest usable bass extension is unknown. The Hisense subwoofer cabinet and driver construction are also not described, so buyers must rely on general expectations for a 2.1 system. The Roku soundbar form factor physically limits low frequency output compared to a separate sub, but the listing does not claim any specific bass response. Shoppers who prioritize bass impact should lean toward the Hisense based on the included subwoofer.
Connectivity and TV Setup
The Hisense HS2100 lists HDMI ARC as its confirmed TV connection, with no eARC support. The listing states that other physical inputs are not published, and it includes Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless music streaming. The Roku Streambar Pro does not publish HDMI eARC or any input details at all, which makes its physical connection options uncertain. The Roku listing focuses on its built in Roku 4K streaming capability, but does not state whether it connects via HDMI or any other port.
Because the Hisense confirms HDMI ARC and Bluetooth, buyers who need a straightforward wired connection to a TV and wireless audio from a phone have clearer information. The Roku Streambar Pro likely requires a TV connection for video output and possibly audio input, but the listing does not specify ARC, eARC, or optical. For TV setup, the Hisense is more transparent on paper, while the Roku leaves a gap that shoppers must fill by checking other sources.
The Hisense includes an HDMI cable in the box according to the listing, which simplifies initial setup. The Roku listing does not publish included accessories, so buyers cannot assume an HDMI cable is provided. Both soundbars should connect to most modern TVs with at least one audio output, but the Hisense specifically names ARC. The Roku built in streaming may also require an HDMI connection to pass video, but the listing does not confirm this hardware requirement.
Features, Apps and Voice Control
The Roku Streambar Pro has a clear feature advantage in streaming: it includes built in Roku OS for 4K streaming with apps, which the listing mentions. The Hisense HS2100 has no app, no Wi-Fi, and no smart assistant support described in its listing. The Roku listing also does not publish remote and app details beyond saying Roku OS, so the exact voice control and app interface remain unspecified. However, the presence of Roku OS implies access to popular streaming services, which the Hisense does not offer.
The Hisense focuses on audio features with six EQ modes, while the Roku adds auto speech clarity and boosted volume modes. The features and apps score gives the Roku 12 out of 15 versus the Hisense 10 out of 15, reflecting the streaming integration. Neither listing confirms voice assistant support such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Roku Voice, so voice control cannot be compared from these facts. For buyers who want a speakerbar that also replaces a streaming stick, the Roku is the only choice.
The Hisense remote is included, but the listing does not describe app control or smart home integration. The Roku remote and app details are also not published, despite Roku OS being known for a simple interface in other products. Since the product facts are limited, buyers should verify remote features and voice control before purchase if those are priorities. On paper, the Roku has more built in functionality through its streaming operating system.
Design and Fit Under a TV
Neither listing publishes physical dimensions for the Hisense HS2100 or the Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar. The design and TV fit score is the same for both at 8 out of 15, but that score does not give buyers specific measurements for shelf or wall placement. The Hisense includes a separate wireless subwoofer, so it requires additional floor or furniture space, but its dimensions are not stated. The Roku is a single soundbar unit without a separate sub, which may be easier to place, but its size is also unknown.
Both products appear designed to sit in front of a TV or mount near one, based on their soundbar form factor. However, without width, height, and depth figures, buyers cannot confirm whether either bar will block an IR receiver or fit on a narrow stand. The Hisense listing includes a remote and HDMI cable, while the Roku listing does not publish included accessories, so unboxing expectations differ. Shoppers who need exact fit should look for dimensions from the retailer before purchase.
Neither listing mentions wall mount brackets or keyhole slots, so wall installation options are unknown. The Hisense wireless subwoofer needs a power outlet and enough space nearby, but its footprint is not given. The Roku Streambar Pro is a single chassis that may be more compact in theory, but without dimensions this can not be confirmed. Buyers with tight TV furniture should not assume fit based on these product pages alone.
Who Should Buy It
The Hisense HS2100 is best for TV viewers who want a low cost step up from built in TV speakers with a wireless subwoofer and virtual surround. It suits a bedroom, small living room, or secondary TV where simplicity matters and a separate sub adds more audible low end. The confirmed HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.3 cover basic TV audio and music streaming without extra boxes.
The Roku Streambar Pro is best for viewers who want a budget soundbar that doubles as a Roku 4K streamer and improves TV dialogue. It fits a household that already uses Roku for streaming and wants one device instead of a soundbar plus a streaming stick. Its auto speech clarity and boosted volume modes help with talk heavy content, though bass is limited without a subwoofer.
Both are aimed at buyers who want a simple upgrade, not a full home theater system. The Hisense appeals more to those who feel their TV lacks punch in explosions and music, while the Roku appeals to those who struggle to hear dialogue and want more streaming convenience. Neither is intended for large rooms or critical movie listening with object based surround.
The Deciding Question
The key question for most shoppers is whether they need a separate subwoofer and explicit DTS Virtual:X, or whether built in Roku streaming and dialogue enhancement matter more. The Hisense answers the first need with a wireless sub and a named virtual surround format. The Roku answers the second need with Roku OS and speech focused modes.
Another way to frame the decision is to ask what problem each device solves. The Hisense solves weak TV bass and thin stereo sound with a dedicated subwoofer. The Roku solves the need for a streaming player and clearer dialogue in one box, but does not address deep bass.
On paper, overall scores are nearly identical at 66 and 64, so the deciding factor is not performance but feature priority. Buyers who already own a Roku streaming device may still prefer the Hisense for bass, while those with no separate streamer may favor the Roku for convenience. The Hisense has clearer audio hardware details, while the Roku has clearer streaming value.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Hisense HS2100 if you want a 2.1 channel system with a wireless subwoofer, DTS Virtual:X, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and no need for built in streaming. It is the better option for bass presence and a more specific virtual surround effect. Choose the Roku Streambar Pro if you want one device that combines a soundbar with a Roku 4K streaming player and dialogue clarity modes.
Avoid the Hisense if you need real Dolby Atmos, eARC, extra inputs, or app control. Avoid the Roku if you want HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos height effects, or a separate subwoofer, because the listing does not confirm these. Overall, the Hisense favors audio hardware, while the Roku favors streaming and voice clarity.
If your TV has weak bass and you rarely use a streaming stick, the Hisense gives you a more traditional audio upgrade. If your TV already has a Roku stick or you want to eliminate one, the Roku Streambar Pro is a cleaner all in one solution. Both are budget friendly, but their value depends on which feature you actually need.
Hisense HS2100 2.1ch
Pros
- Affordable 2.1 setup with wireless subwoofer
- DTS Virtual:X adds virtual width and height
- HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.3 cover basic TV and music streaming
- Six EQ modes for quick sound tuning
- Simple one-remote setup with included HDMI cable
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos or true upward-firing channels
- Listing omits driver sizes, frequency response and subwoofer specs
- Limited physical inputs beyond HDMI ARC
- No app, Wi-Fi or smart assistant support described
- Virtual surround cannot match a discrete multi-speaker system
Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar
Pros
- Built-in Roku 4K streaming with easy interface
- Four internal speakers with Dolby Audio
- Auto speech clarity and boosted volume modes
- Virtual surround processing expands soundstage
- Budget tier price
Cons
- No dedicated subwoofer or Atmos support listed
- HDMI and audio input details not published
- Unknown amplifier power and driver sizes
- Soundbar form factor limits bass depth on paper
Who Should Buy Each
Hisense HS2100 2.1ch
- Buyers on a tight budget who still want a subwoofer
- Apartment or small room users who prefer simple setup
- People who stream music from a phone over Bluetooth
- TV owners with HDMI ARC and no room for a full surround system
Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar
- Roku users wanting a single device for streaming and better TV sound
- Budget buyers who prioritize dialogue clarity over deep bass
- Small room TV setups where a compact soundbar fits easily
- Cord cutters who rely on The Roku Channel free content
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want a separate wireless subwoofer for deeper bass | Choose Hisense HS2100 2.1ch |
| If you want built in 4K streaming plus a soundbar | Choose Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar |
| If you need DTS Virtual:X for virtual surround | Choose Hisense HS2100 2.1ch |
| If you prioritize clear dialogue and auto speech modes | Choose Roku Streambar Pro Soundbar |
| If you need confirmed HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity | Choose Hisense HS2100 2.1ch |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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