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Connect the Roku Streaming Stick to your TV, then connect the soundbar to the TV—not directly to the Stick. For most setups, use the TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port and the soundbar’s matching port; use optical audio if ARC/eARC isn’t available and both devices have compatible optical ports.
What you need to check first
- Find an available HDMI input on the TV for the Roku Streaming Stick.
- For an ARC/eARC setup, confirm that both the TV and soundbar have ports labeled ARC or eARC. You’ll need an HDMI cable between those ports; check the soundbar’s packaging before buying one. The cable connects the TV and soundbar, not the Stick and soundbar. Roku’s ARC guidance explains the connection and eARC requirements.
- If ARC/eARC isn’t an option, check for a digital optical output on the TV and a matching optical input on the soundbar. An optical/TOSLINK cable works only when both devices have compatible ports. Check Roku’s audio connection guidance and your device manuals.
- Confirm the audio formats supported by the soundbar and TV. Passthrough is appropriate only when the connected equipment supports the audio format being sent. Roku TV audio settings include automatic detection, passthrough, and format choices for supported equipment.
Connect the Stick and soundbar
- Plug the Roku Streaming Stick into the TV. Insert it into an available HDMI input, then select that input on the TV. Power the Stick with its supplied USB cable. Roku recommends using a wall outlet if the TV’s USB port does not provide enough power. Follow Roku’s Streaming Stick setup instructions for your model.
- Connect the TV to the soundbar by HDMI ARC/eARC, if supported. Connect the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the soundbar’s matching ARC/eARC port with an HDMI cable. ARC lets the TV send audio from connected devices, including the Stick, back to the soundbar. For eARC’s enhanced capabilities, both devices must support eARC and the cable must meet Roku’s stated requirements. See Roku’s ARC/eARC guidance.
- Use optical audio instead if ARC/eARC is unavailable. Connect the TV’s digital optical output to the soundbar’s optical input with a TOSLINK cable. Enable the TV’s optical or digital audio output in its sound settings if required. Port names and menu locations vary; check the Roku optical audio guidance and both product manuals.
- Enable ARC and HDMI-CEC for an ARC/eARC setup. Turn on the relevant settings in the TV’s menus. Manufacturers may use different names for HDMI-CEC, so consult the TV manual if the setting isn’t obvious.
- Choose an audio format the equipment supports. On Roku TV, go to Settings > System > Audio > S/PDIF and ARC. Roku describes Auto detect as the default and lists Auto passthrough and specific formats for supported equipment. Menu wording and available choices can vary by TV model. See Roku’s audio settings instructions.
- Test playback. Select the TV input used by the Stick and play a program. Set the soundbar to its TV, ARC, or optical input, matching the cable connection.
Fix common connection problems
The soundbar has no sound
- Confirm the soundbar is set to the input that matches the connection: ARC/HDMI or optical.
- For ARC/eARC, check that the cable is connected to the ports specifically labeled ARC/eARC, and that ARC and HDMI-CEC are enabled in the TV settings.
- For optical, check both ends of the cable and confirm that the TV’s digital optical output is enabled.
- On Roku TV, check Settings > System > Audio > S/PDIF and ARC. If you selected passthrough or a specific format, make sure the soundbar supports it; try Auto detect if needed. Roku’s audio settings guidance describes the available options.
The TV or soundbar lacks the port you planned to use
Check the other connection route: ARC/eARC if both devices have matching ARC/eARC ports, or optical if the TV has an optical output and the soundbar has an optical input. If neither pair is available, consult the device manuals for supported alternatives. Port availability depends on the specific TV and soundbar, so the Roku Stick alone does not determine which connection will work.
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Important compatibility note about Roku’s wireless soundbar
Roku states that its Roku TV Wireless Soundbar works only with Roku TVs; it does not work with other TVs, Roku players, or Roku Streaming Sticks. That limitation is specific to this wireless soundbar. A separate soundbar connected to the TV through compatible ARC/eARC or optical ports is a different setup; verify the ports in the TV and soundbar manuals. See Roku’s compatibility information.
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Quick Recap
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Best Value
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free & live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, powered by the TV, effortless setup, find shows faster with Alexa+
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
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- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Rank #4
Roku Streaming Stick 4K - HDR & D. Vision Roku Streaming Device for TV with Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live TV (Renewed)
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Rank #3
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick 4K with Voice Remote - HDR10+ & Dolby Vision | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
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- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Rank #2
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick Plus with Voice Remote - 4K & HDR10+ | 4K & HDR Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote - Free & Live Local News, Sports
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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