Polk Audio Signa S4 vs Roku Ultra (2024)
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Polk Audio Signa S4 delivers immersive, cinematic sound to your living room through advanced Dolby Atmos technology and an included wireless subwoofer. Designed to seamlessly integrate with modern 4K and 8K TVs, it transforms everyday television viewing, movie nights, and music listening into a true surround sound experience. Featuring Polk's patented Voice Adjust technology, the sound bar ensures crystal-clear dialogue so you never miss a word. Setup is effortless with the included HDMI eARC and optical cables, allowing you to control the volume using your existing TV remote while enjoying robust, room-filling bass from the down-firing subwoofer.
Roku Ultra (2024) delivers ultra‑smooth 4K HDR and Dolby Vision streaming with a powerful quad‑core processor and Wi‑Fi 6 connectivity. Its sleek remote includes voice search, a headphone jack, and a lost‑remote finder. The device also supports Ethernet for wired stability, a USB‑C port for external storage, and a dedicated gaming mode for low‑latency play, making it a versatile hub for home entertainment.
- Immersive Dolby Atmos height effects
- Included wireless subwoofer for deep bass
- Voice Adjust technology for clear dialogue
- Simple setup with HDMI eARC and optical cables
- Excellent 4K HDR and Dolby Vision support
- Fast Wi‑Fi 6 and Ethernet connectivity
- Versatile remote with voice and headphone jack
- USB‑C port for external storage expansion
- Lacks built-in smart assistant integration
- No Wi-Fi streaming support built-in
- Limited physical audio inputs beyond HDMI and optical
- Higher price than basic Roku models
- Remote can be bulky for some users
- No built‑in Bluetooth audio output
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataPolk Signa S4 gives immersive Dolby Atmos audio for home theater, while Roku Ultra provides top‑tier 4K video streaming and gaming; choose based on whether you need better sound or better picture/streaming functionality.
Key differences
- •Audio vs video focus – S4 is a soundbar with a subwoofer; Ultra is a streaming player with HDMI video output.
- •Dolby Atmos height effects vs Dolby Vision/HDR video quality – S4 adds height sound, Ultra adds premium picture formats.
- •Connectivity: S4 offers HDMI eARC, optical and Bluetooth audio; Ultra offers Wi‑Fi 6, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 and USB‑C storage.
- •Price: S4 costs $399 versus Ultra at $99, a four‑times price difference.
Pricing & value
Roku Ultra is $99, far cheaper than the $399 Polk Signa S4.
Performance (Audio/Video)
Polk provides Dolby Atmos height sound and a dedicated subwoofer for superior audio immersion.
Build quality
S4 includes a 9.2 lb subwoofer and 3.1 lb soundbar, indicating more substantial hardware than the 150 g streaming stick.
Connectivity
Roku Ultra offers Wi‑Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, USB‑C and HDMI 2.1, while S4 is limited to HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth and aux.
Compatibility
Ultra supports 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and cloud gaming; S4 only handles audio and needs a TV for video.
Warranty & support
Both provide a 1‑year limited warranty.
Power & efficiency
Roku Ultra’s 150 g form factor consumes less power than the AC‑powered soundbar and subwoofer combo.
Choose Polk Audio Signa S4 if…
Home‑theater enthusiasts who prioritize immersive Dolby Atmos sound and already have a 4K video source.
Choose Roku Ultra (2024) if…
Streaming‑focused users who want the best 4K video, HDR/Dolby Vision, gaming support, and a low‑cost solution.
Common questions
Can the Polk Signa S4 be used without a TV?
No; it is an audio system that requires a video source (e.g., TV) for content playback.
Does Roku Ultra output Dolby Atmos audio?
Not specified; the facts list only video formats (Dolby Vision, HDR) and no Dolby Atmos support.
Which device offers more connectivity options for external devices?
Roku Ultra, with Wi‑Fi 6, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and USB‑C, provides broader connectivity than the soundbar’s HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, aux, and service USB.