Sony S100F 2.0ch vs Roku onn Smart Soundbar

Sound Quality

The Sony S100F 2.0ch earns 19 out of 30 points for sound quality, one point above the Roku onn Smart Soundbar at 18. The Sony listing describes an integrated tweeter and a bass reflex speaker, which suggests a two channel design with some built in low frequency support. The Roku listing does not publish driver sizes or channel count, so its sound quality score relies on its stated speech and volume features rather than hardware details. Both models focus on clear dialogue, with Sony offering a voice enhancement mode and Roku providing Speech Clarity.

Sony's voice enhancement mode is described as helping dialogue clarity, which is useful for TV shows and movies with complex mixes. The Roku includes Speech Clarity, Automatic Volume Leveling, and Night Mode, all of which can make quiet scenes easier to hear and reduce loud commercial jumps. The Roku listing also claims seamless audio and video sync, but this is a performance claim without a published measurement. Neither listing states total power output, so loudness capability cannot be compared on paper.

The Sony's integrated tweeter and bass reflex speaker give it a more specific acoustic description than the Roku, which lists no driver information at all. However, the Sony's driver sizes are not published, so the exact frequency response remains unknown. The Roku's 18 point sound quality score is close to the Sony's 19, but the missing hardware details make the Roku harder to evaluate objectively. For buyers who want at least some published speaker design, the Sony offers more concrete information.

Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats

Both soundbars score 7 out of 15 for surround and audio formats, which is a low mark. The Sony S100F 2.0ch only lists S-Force Pro Front Surround, a virtual surround mode, and does not state Dolby Atmos or DTS decoding. The Roku onn Smart Soundbar does not publish any Dolby Atmos or DTS support at all. This means neither model can be recommended for buyers who want true height effects or discrete surround channels.

The Sony's two channel design limits it to stereo output with virtual processing, and the listing does not claim any object based audio format. The Roku's channel count is not published, but its absence of Atmos and DTS details also suggests a basic audio format set. The Roku does mention compatibility with Roku Wireless Surround Speakers, which could add rear channels, but that requires separate purchases not described in the listing. Without confirmed format support, both bars are best for regular TV content rather than cinematic surround mixes.

Subwoofer and Bass

The Sony S100F 2.0ch has no separate subwoofer, but its built in bass reflex speaker is intended to provide some low frequency output from the bar itself. The Roku onn Smart Soundbar does not state whether it includes a subwoofer, and its cons note no subwoofer included or confirmed. This means neither model offers the deep bass that a dedicated powered subwoofer can deliver.

Sony's bass reflex design may add warmth to voices and music compared to flat TV speakers, but it cannot match a separate sub for action scenes with heavy low end. The Roku provides no bass related features or hardware descriptions, so its bass performance is unknown. Buyers who prioritize bass heavy music or movie effects will likely want a different system with a real subwoofer, which neither product offers out of the box.

The listing for the Sony is more transparent about its bass approach, even though the driver size is not published. The Roku leaves the entire subwoofer question unanswered, which is a significant gap for a soundbar comparison. In this category, the Sony has a slight informational advantage, but both are limited in low frequency extension.

Connectivity and TV Setup

The Sony S100F 2.0ch has clearly published connectivity: HDMI ARC, optical, and USB playback, with eARC not stated. The Roku onn Smart Soundbar does not publish its HDMI version, eARC support, optical input, or any other physical input details. This makes the Sony the safer choice for buyers who need to confirm their TV connection method before purchasing.

Sony includes an optical cable, an IR remote, batteries, an AC cord, and a wall mount template in the box, along with printed guides. The Roku listing does not list any included accessories, so buyers cannot confirm whether a remote, cable, or mount is in the package. The Roku has built in 4K Roku streaming, which means it must connect to a TV, but the listing does not specify the HDMI type or whether it supports ARC or eARC.

For TV setup, the Sony's HDMI ARC and optical options cover most modern and older televisions. The Roku's built in streaming platform may simplify setup by removing the need for a separate streaming stick, but the missing input details introduce uncertainty. Buyers who want a known, plug and play audio connection should lean toward the Sony, while Roku buyers should confirm their TV's HDMI capabilities before purchase.

Features, Apps and Voice Control

The Sony S100F 2.0ch has Bluetooth for wireless music playback, a voice enhancement mode, and USB playback, but no Wi-Fi, no companion app, and no voice assistant streaming stated. The Roku onn Smart Soundbar has a built in 4K Roku streaming platform, which brings access to streaming apps and services without a separate device. However, the Roku listing does not mention Bluetooth, voice assistant support, or app control beyond the Roku platform.

Roku's built in streaming is a major feature advantage for budget buyers who want one device for both video and audio. The Roku also includes Automatic Volume Leveling and Night Mode, which are useful daily listening features. Sony's Bluetooth is useful for music from a phone, but it lacks smart TV features and voice control. Neither model lists support for Wi-Fi streaming from a phone or multi room audio.

The Sony's USB playback allows music files from a flash drive, though the listing does not state supported formats. The Roku does not mention USB or local media playback. For voice control, neither listing promotes a built in voice assistant, so buyers who want hands free control will need a separate smart speaker or remote with that function. The Roku's app and streaming ecosystem is more feature rich, but its lack of published Bluetooth or Wi-Fi details leaves some questions.

Design and Fit Under a TV

The Sony S100F 2.0ch is described as a slim compact design that fits small spaces, and the listing includes a wall mount template for installation under a TV. The Roku onn Smart Soundbar does not publish its dimensions or physical design details, which makes it impossible to compare size or fit from the listing alone. Sony's 12 out of 15 design score reflects its known compact form and included template, while the Roku's 9 out of 15 score suffers from missing information.

Because the Sony dimensions are not published either, buyers cannot confirm exact width or height for either model. Both are soundbars intended to sit in front of or below a TV, but the Roku's unknown dimensions mean it may not fit every furniture setup. The Sony's wall mount template at least confirms wall mounting is supported, while the Roku listing does not mention wall mounting at all.

For small rooms and secondary TVs, the Sony's slim profile and included wall mount template make it more practical from a design standpoint. The Roku's design may be sleek, but the listing gives no evidence to evaluate that. Buyers with limited shelf space should proceed carefully with the Roku, since its footprint is not stated.

Who Should Buy It

The Sony S100F 2.0ch is best for TV viewers in small rooms who want an easy HDMI ARC or optical soundbar upgrade focused on clear dialogue without a separate subwoofer. It suits bedrooms, offices, and secondary TVs where simplicity matters more than cinematic bass or smart features. The included remote, optical cable, and wall mount template make setup straightforward for most televisions.

The Roku onn Smart Soundbar is best for budget TV viewers who want clearer dialogue and built in 4K Roku streaming in one device. It appeals to existing Roku users who want to reduce remote clutter and get automatic volume leveling and night mode for late viewing. The all in one streaming and audio design is convenient for a primary TV used for streaming services.

Neither model is right for buyers who want deep bass, Dolby Atmos height effects, or published power and driver specifications. The Sony avoids smart features but offers more known connectivity, while the Roku offers streaming but fewer published hardware details. Your choice should depend on whether streaming integration or connection clarity is more important.

The Deciding Question

The deciding question is whether you would rather have a known, simple soundbar with HDMI ARC and optical inputs, or an all in one streaming soundbar with Roku built in but many unknown specs. The Sony S100F 2.0ch gives you a voice enhancement mode and a bass reflex speaker with clear connection details. The Roku onn Smart Soundbar gives you Speech Clarity, Automatic Volume Leveling, Night Mode, and built in streaming without a separate device.

If you already use a Roku streaming stick or Roku TV, the onn Smart Soundbar may replace both the player and the weak TV speakers. If you need a dependable audio connection to an older TV with optical or HDMI ARC, the Sony is less risky because those inputs are confirmed. The Roku's missing HDMI details could be a problem if your TV lacks an appropriate HDMI port, though most modern TVs have one.

Consider what you watch most. For news, sitcoms, and dialogue heavy dramas, both models offer clear speech features. For action films with deep bass or Atmos effects, neither product satisfies. The deciding question is not about absolute sound quality, since scores are close, but about which set of trade offs matches your living room.

Who Should Buy Which

Buy the Sony S100F 2.0ch if you want a compact two channel soundbar with HDMI ARC, optical, USB playback, Bluetooth, and a voice enhancement mode. It fits small rooms and secondary TVs, and the included wall mount template and remote add practical value. Choose it when you want known inputs and accessories without streaming complications.

Buy the Roku onn Smart Soundbar if you want built in 4K streaming, Speech Clarity, Automatic Volume Leveling, and Night Mode in a budget all in one device. It works best for Roku users who want one remote and fewer boxes, and can accept that the listing does not publish power, driver, input, or dimension details.

If you need a separate subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, or detailed published specifications, both models fall short. In that case, you should look at other soundbars with confirmed specs. Between these two, the Sony offers more certainty about connection and design, while the Roku offers more built in features.