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Roku Pro Series TV (2025): One-minute review

The original Roku Pro Series TV impressed me when I reviewed it in 2024, and I remain impressed with this updated version Roku released in 2025. The differences between the two, ultimately, are somewhat minor – you can’t really tell a difference at a glance, other than it having larger support feet – but the improvements in audio and picture quality make it worth it.

I actually appreciate that the Roku Pro Series (2025) is mostly the same in a lot of ways. Its shadowbox design might seem strangely thick for TVs these days, but it has benefits when it comes to wall-mounting and sound quality. The port selection is the same, though at least the HDMI ports that support a faster refresh rate are visibly marked this time around. The Pro Series (2025) comes with Roku’s best remote control as well.

Just like last year, I consider the Roku Pro Series to be among the best TVs in this price range. It’s certainly a step up from the still good Roku Plus Series. Now, it doesn’t have quite the brightness and deep contrast of really premium TVs, but it does support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range, not to mention uses a mini-LED backlight with local dimming.

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Price and release date

The Roku Voice Remote Pro allows for hands-free voice support (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: June 2025
• 55-inch: $899.99
• 65-inch: $1,199.99
• 75-inch: $1,699.99

The Roku Pro Series TV (2025) is a refresh of the Roku Pro Series TV (2024) I reviewed last year, with just a few (but welcome) upgrades. Even so, the Pro Series TVs are priced the same as last year's models at all screen sizes.

Launch prices for the Roku Pro Series TVs sit between the TCL QM6K and TCL QM7K, two other value-priced series of mini-LED TVs. They are also comparable to the launch prices for the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series TVs. All three of those TV lineups have seen discounts in 2025, and we expect to see the same for the Roku Pro Series (2025) as we head into the holiday shopping season.

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Specs

Screen type:

QLED with mini-LED

Refresh rate:

120Hz

HDR support:

Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG

Audio support:

Dolby Atmos

Smart TV:

Roku TV

HDMI ports:

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Built-in tuner:

ATSC 1.0

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Benchmark resultsRoku Pro Series (2025) review: Features

Connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support (Image credit: Future)

• Smart home support
• Hands-free voice control
• Roku Smart Picture Max

The feature-filled Roku Pro Series (2025) offers much of what you would expect from a TV these days, such as Apple AirPlay support and the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones and speakers. It also works with multiple smart home ecosystems such as Roku Smart Home, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home.

HDR support includes Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. The TV’s Hands-free voice control, accessible through the remote, is also pretty nifty, especially since you just have to be in the remote’s vicinity and don’t have to press the microphone button for it to hear you.

One key upgrade from last year’s Roku Pro Series is the addition of Roku Smart Picture Max. This feature, like Dolby Vision, adjusts the picture quality on a scene-by-scene basis. It will also change picture modes as well as color, sharpness, and contrast on a scene-by-scene basis. That’s pretty cool, and, interestingly, one of those things you don’t really notice the benefits of until it’s turned off.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that you can set it to automatically turn on when powering up an external source, such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player.

• Features Score: 4/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Picture quality

Adjusting the TV's settings to the Brightest option in the Picture setup menu will more than double its brightness to an impressive 1,700-1,800 nits (Image credit: Future)

• Improved color accuracy with good brightness
• Good contrast and motion handling
• Very minor vignetting

Having tested several TVs in this budget price range, it’s hard to get too impressed with the results. And when I got the Roku Pro Series TV (2025), it felt like more of the same. But my main TV is last year’s version, and the performance is very similar.

The Pro Series (2025) TV’s Peak HDR brightness, measured on a white window pattern covering 10% of the screen, was 821 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 841 nits in Standard mode. And it hit 375 and 390 nits, respectively, in those same modes when we measured fullscreen brightness.

Those results were at the default settings for those picture modes, and would be considered average for a budget mini-LED TV. We ran a second round of measurements with the Brightest setting selected for each mode, however, and the peak HDR brightness results more than doubled to 1,752 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 1,818 nits in Standard mode. That’s a significant difference, and a big benefit when viewing in a room with bright lighting.

The TV’s color gamut coverage of 96.9% UHDA-P3 and 80.6 BT.2020 is also quite good, although we’ve seen similar results from mid-range mini-LED TVs such as the TCL QM8K. One improvement, revealed by our benchmarks, is the new Pro Series’ color accuracy: Last year’s model sat at 3.9, while this year’s is 2.6 (the closer to 0 the better).

In terms of actual viewing, the images that this screen produces are crisp and vibrant. Roku has worked to minimize blooming and it seems to have paid off as images looked clean and defined even with very strong contrast and color. And the TV does a good job with motion handling: While watching NFL games, I could clearly make out all the players and how they moved across the field.

The colors pop the way they should when watching something like Coco (a favorite animated movie for testing color). And the TV’s handling of high dynamic range allows for wide contrast levels, including being able to make out details in the shadows.

Now, I can’t say that the picture quality is any better than the TCL QM6K I recently reviewed, though it does have less vignetting at the corners than that TV. Of course, that’s to also say that the Roku Pro Series does suffer from very minor vignetting, although it’s so minor that I would have to point it out for most other people to notice it.

• Picture quality score: 4/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Sound quality

Larger speaker chambers on the Pro Series (2025) allow for higher volume levels and a greater sense of spaciousness (Image credit: Future)

• Good, soundbar-level audio
• Lacks bass
• Decent audio fine-tuning features

I’ve spent a bit of time not only listening to the audio from shows and movies but also plenty of music on this TV. Like the previous version, the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) has very good audio for a TV. It’s good enough that you probably won’t feel the need to get a soundbar unless you want surround sound, spatial audio, or a subwoofer. It’s as good as a basic soundbar, and that’s high praise for a TV.

The internal chambers for the speakers on the new Roku Pro Series are actually bigger than the previous version, allowing for a little higher volume and a greater sense of space to the sound. They’re also pushed out a little wider for a better soundstage. It’s not night and day, as last year’s version was very good, too, but I appreciate that Roku is constantly trying to improve the TV’s audio.

As far as the frequency range goes, there’s a lot of good and some bad. The high end is decent enough that I feel like I can hear plenty of detail whenever I’m listening to music, while the mid-range has a richness to it that not only gives music and background scores a fullness, but also helps highlight dialogue.

The low end, unfortunately, is very lacking, though this is far from a surprise. When I watched an action scene in a movie with lots of explosions (or anything where there’s a lot of bass), it felt a bit lacking since that low-end information is basically missing. Batman punching through an explosion in his Batmobile in The Batman just doesn’t hit the same when you don’t feel the 18-wheeler turn off or explode.

The soundstage does have good imaging, meaning I could clearly hear where the audio is intended to be (left or right, close or far away). It doesn’t quite have the width of an external home theater sound system, but, for something built into the back of a TV, it’s fairly impressive.

Lastly, I do want to mention that there are some solid audio-related settings available. For one, you can adjust its audio output based on whether it’s mounted against the wall or not. There are also treble and bass EQ sliders.

On top of that, there are various sound presets, including a dialog and night mode, both of which I feel are important. The former boosts where the human voice sits to make dialogue more intelligible (looking at you, Christopher Nolan) and the latter flattens the dynamic range so that there aren’t any unexpected loud or quiet parts when watching at night.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Design

No tools are required to install the TV's support feet (Image credit: Future)

• Shadowbox design allows for flush mounting
• Cable management in the back with marked HDMI 2.1 ports
• Remote has hands-free voice support

When I reviewed last year’s version of the Roku Pro Series TV, one of my favorite aspects was its shadowbox design. Since the 2025 version is virtually identical, the shadowbox design remains. Looking at its side profile, it’s thicker than most TVs these days. That might sound like it looks unwieldy, but it’s still an attractive TV.

More importantly, when hung, this shape sits flush against the wall the way a picture frame would, making for a more attractive installation. Compare that to most TVs that are tapered in the back and look like they’re hanging off the wall. It’s a design choice that I really appreciate.

From the front, you have very thin bezels around the TV except along the bottom, where it’s around half an inch in height, enough to showcase the Roku logo. The screen itself does have some reflectivity, but it’s not any worse than any other mid-range or budget TV I’ve seen.

Design-wise, the back of the TV is a little more interesting. First, the lower back is indented in such a way to allow you to run all the cables from the ports and power down the middle while still keeping the TV flush against the wall if mounted. Plus, there are strategically placed straps to keep the cables from sticking out.

As far as ports go, there are four HDMI connections, two of which are version 2.1 that allow 120Hz refresh rates from external sources such as a gaming console. And, unlike last year’s version, they’re marked. There are also USB-A and USB-C ports, LAN (for a wired Ethernet connection), optical digital audio out, and an antenna input. Besides the marked HDMI ports, I appreciated the extra USB so I could keep the charging cable for the remote plugged in.

Speaking of the remote, it’s the same second-gen Roku Voice Remote Pro that not only allows for hands-free voice support – you can talk to it with a wake word (“Hey Roku”) like you would an Amazon Echo – but has two reprogrammable buttons so you can have a shortcut for an app that you might open all the time that isn’t already on the remote.

• Design score: 5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Smart TV and menus

Roku has one of the cleanest and easiest to navigate smart TV interfaces on the market (Image credit: Future)

• Tile interface layout
• Plenty of free or Roku-specific content
• Lots of picture settings available for fine-tuning

Smart TV interfaces generally come in two flavors: a grid of tiles and a banner plus mixed content. The former basically organizes the home screen around an arrangement of app tiles, and you navigate to the app you want. The latter generally has a rotating banner that highlights a specific movie or show, along with rows of different content including app tiles but also specific media from within your subscribed apps.

Roku uses the tile layout, and I like it. It’s a little less busy and has a cleaner look, though you do have to open the apps to browse. However, Roku does have some suggested content at the top now, as well as a “What to Watch” tab that showcases rows of specific media, including a “Continue Watching” row.

Like most smart TV makers, Roku offers free, ad-supported content. Of course, there’s the Roku Channel, but there’s now also the Howdy by Roku app that is paid for ad-free viewing, but is very low-priced. There’s also a Sports tab with some free content available.

As far as the actual TV settings go, I appreciate that all settings are integrated into the Roku OS, though that’s not unusual these days.

Even better is the fact that I can adjust settings for different inputs, even renaming them, as well as connect different Bluetooth devices like headphones. There are plenty of settings that one can play with for picture quality to adjust HDR (or turn it off entirely), different motion-related settings for sports, local dimming and micro contrast, and all sorts of color and color-temperature settings. You can do quite a bit of fine-tuning.

• Smart TV & menus score: 5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Gaming

An ultra-low 9.3ms input lag in Game mode results in smooth and responsive gaming (Image credit: Future)

• 4K 120Hz support
• Automatic switching to console input and gaming picture mode
• No FPS counter

Roku has not forgotten about gamers with the Pro Series. There isn’t a special TV menu when in game mode like I see on some other TVs, but there is support for 4K 120Hz input on two of the TV’s HDMI ports.

When turning on a next-gen console, the TV can automatically switch to that input (a setting you have to enable). The TV will also automatically switch to Game mode, which adjusts the picture settings.

The things that make the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) good for gaming are mostly what make it good for other types of media. The TV does well with sports, so it’s no surprise that it can handle fast-moving objects on the screen, whether it’s playing a sports game like NBA 2K25 or a shooter. Even something like Dead Island 2, where you’re running around and trying to dodge zombies, requires good motion handling.

The TV’s good brightness, along with solid HDR and color, really helps games to pop. Measured input latency is also an ultra-low 9.3ms in Game mode, which results in highly responsive performance.

• Gaming score: 4.5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Value

The Roku Pro Series (2025) accessories kit (Image credit: Future)

• Good price for what’s offered
• Plenty of solid competition
• Cheaper Plus series mini-LED model available

At around $1,200 for the 65-inch model I tested, the Roku Pro Series is affordably priced, although it faces stiff competition from other budget and mid-range mini-LED TVs.

For instance, the TCL QM6K is a stellar option for a mid-range TV and you can find it on sale for under $700 in the same size. The QM6K has great color and contrast, but just okay brightness and the audio is lacking.

Of course, if you like the idea of the Roku Pro but not the price, the newer version of the Roku Plus Series will get you most of the way there for a little less cash. Spending around $650 for the 65-inch version will get you a 4K mini-LED TV with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, though you’re not going to have the same audio quality, shadowbox design, or 4K 120Hz support.

The Roku Pro Series is a good value compared to the competition, though part of that is the improved audio as well as some of Roku’s unique design choices. It’s also what makes it a better value than the Roku Plus models.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Roku Pro Series (2025)?

(Image credit: Future)Roku Pro Series (2025)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Roku Smart Picture Max, smart home, and hands-free voice support are just some of what this TV has on offer

4.5/5

Picture quality

The color accuracy is improved over last year’s model. The overall picture quality is very good, though there is some minor vignetting

4/5

Sound quality

The audio quality is good enough to skip getting a soundbar, though there’s not much bass

4.5/5

Design

The shadowbox design might be bulky, but it is ideal for mounting the TV flush on the wall

5/5

Smart TV and menus

Navigating the interface and menus is straightforward

5/5

Gaming

Supports a high refresh rate, though there are limited gaming-related menu options

4/5

Value

Improves on last year’s model, while selling for the same price

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a TV that looks good on the wall
The shadowbox design allows this TV to look good when mounted, almost like a picture frame with a TV in it. If you plan on mounting your TV, this one sits flush against the wall and does a good job of hiding the cables in the back.

You don’t want to buy a soundbar
The audio quality is good enough that you won’t feel the need to get a soundbar. It does lack some low-end, but Roku sells wireless subwoofers that can pair with the TV.

Don't buy it if…

You want a next-level picture
The Roku Pro Series TV looks very good, but it’s not quite a premium TV. You’ll have to spend a bit more, but there’s still a level of image quality above this model.

You’re on a serious budget
This model punches above its weight, but if you’re on a budget, you’re better off sticking with the Roku Select or Plus Series, which are still pretty good TVs.

Also consider...

Roku Pro Series (2025)

TCL QM6K

Roku Plus Series

Hisense U75QG

Price (65-inch)

$1,199

$999

$649

$1,499

Screen type

mini-LED w/ QLED

mini-LED w/ QLED

mini-LED w/ QLED

mini-LED w/ QLED

Refresh rate

120Hz

Up to 144Hz

60Hz

Up to 165Hz

HDR support

Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10

Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10

Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10

Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10

Smart TV

Roku TV

Google TV

Roku TV

Google TV

HDMI ports

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

4

4 HDMI 2.1

TCL QM6K
The TCL QM6K is just as good a value and even a little cheaper than the Roku Pro Series TV, though it doesn’t have quite the audio quality or its unique shadowbox design. What it does have is a great picture quality with vibrant colors, good contrast, and minimal backlight blooming.

Read our full TCL QM6K review

Roku Plus Series
You’ll be locked to a 60Hz refresh rate and you won’t have the precision of the Pro Series, but the Roku Plus Series TVs are still an excellent value as they’re mini-LED TVs with full-array local dimming. It’s still as convenient as any other Roku device, though you won’t have the automatic picture switching, shadow box design, or updated remote of the Pro Series.

Read our full Roku Plus Series review

Hisense U75QG
Hisense's mid-range mini-LED TV is near the same price range as the Roku Pro Series, and it offers much higher picture brightness and better gaming features. Its design isn't as eye-catching as the Roku TV, however, and audio quality isn't as good.

Read our full Hisense U75QG review

How I tested the Roku Pro Series TV (2025)

(Image credit: Future)

• I used the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) for a month
• Tested with both TV, movies, music, and games
• Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) regularly for a month. I used it with TV, movies, music, and games. I tested the various features to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.

After spending some time with this TV, it’s my opinion that this TV is ideal for those who want a premium TV without the premium price tag as well as those who want to wall-mount a TV but hate how they look when mounted.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

• First reviewed: November 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

The Roku Pro Series TV (2025) is an excellent lower-cost TV with a unique design and upgraded picture and audio.

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Fluance Ri71: Two-minute review

If you’ve looked into mid-range speakers from Fluance like the Fluance Ri71 powered speakers reviewed here, you’ll see people talk about how they’re good for the price. There have been plenty of caveats and plenty of hedging since, after all, the speakers are manufactured in Taiwan. Never mind that they’re designed in Canada or the fact that, regardless of where they’re from, they’re just good speakers.

Having reviewed these speakers, I can honestly say that the Fluance Ri71 sound great and not just for the price. Yes, they may not quite reach the heights of something from Dali or KEF, but they still have a fairly neutral, detailed sound that works for all genres. The price tag is an added bonus as they’re among the best stereo speakers out there for anyone not wanting to spend over $500.

I do wish there were also USB or USB-C port to connect to a computer and the placement of the volume wheel is not ideal. Though I like the look of a naked speaker (and therefore don’t count it as a negative), they don’t come with a grille for those who care. There’s really not much to complain about here.

Really, the Fluance Ri71 speakers are an easy recommendation for anyone looking for powered bookshelf speakers. And though there’s no spatial audio or surround sound, they work pretty well for TV, too.

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)Fluance Ri71 review: Price & release date

• Released March, 2025
• Priced $399.99 / £333.32 / AU$620 (approx.)

With a price tag of $399.99 / £333.32 / AU$620 (approx.), the Fluance Ri71 sits right in mid-range territory.

You can certainly find some powered bookshelf speakers for triple the price (and not necessarily triple the performance) – you can also spend quite a bit less. Fluance’s own Ai41 powered speakers come in at $249 (£255, AU$471), but those are smaller with less power and a less refined sound.

The Fluance Ri71 are available in the US and in the UK (via Amazon). Though Fluance maintains a presence on Amazon AUS (for Australia), the Ri71 don’t seem to be available Down Under at this time.

Fluance Ri71 review: Specs

Weight

6.4 kg (active speaker); 5 kg (passive speaker)

Dimensions

310 x 185 x 199 mm

Subwoofer

No (has sub out)

Frequency response

46 Hz - 30 kHz

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled?

No

Maximum output

120 watts

Fluance Ri71 review: Features

• Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD and AAC codecs capable of almost lossless streaming
• Included HDMI is ARC-enabled for use with a TV
• No spatial audio or Wi-Fi streaming

Powered bookshelf speakers such as the Fluance Ri7 bridge the gap between a traditional speaker setup and what people want out of a modern sound system. That means there are some great quality-of-life features on hand, while some things a casual listener might expect or hope for are just not here. So, neither spatial audio, surround sound nor Wi-Fi streaming are part of the package, but that’s generally the case with this type of speaker setup and not really a knock against them in my opinion.

What is on hand, however, is a decent amount of connectivity including Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD and AAC codecs for close-to lossless streaming. In the past, there’s been a noticeable difference in quality between Bluetooth audio and that sent through a wired signal because the latter doesn’t have to compress the sound. But that’s no longer the case. There’s a small difference but, in my opinion, it’s very hard to notice.

There’s also an HDMI port on hand, meaning these speakers can be used with a TV. The built-in offerings on most TVs generally suck, so having a good pair of speakers is always a welcome upgrade. And while they might not be as feature-filled as some of the best soundbars around the same price tag, they still offer a better stereo soundstage. And (usually) better sound. Since the HDMI connection is ARC-supported, you can control the volume with one remote.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)Fluance Ri71 review: Sound quality

• Decent low end without subwoofer
• Impressively detailed high end
• Immersive, if polite-sounding

While you shouldn’t rely too much on a speaker’s frequency range as a gauge of sound quality, the range of 46 Hz - 30 kHz does tell us a few things. At 46Hz, the low end is not all that low, but is comparable to other powered bookshelf speakers, with many having a higher cutoff.

The Fluance Ri71 also has bass ports at the bottom of the speaker cabinet to accentuate what it can reproduce. That means that, while you don’t quite have that very low rumble you might hear in electronic dance music or an action scene in a movie, you still get a well-balanced if slightly restrained bass response. Listening to anything with heavy 808 usage (that deep bass you hear in hip-hop and EDM) is going to lack a little oomph.

On the high end of that aforementioned range, 30kHz is pretty impressive, with that extended high end potentially coming from the AMT tweeters. Either way, that’s much better than the 20kHz range around which many speakers sit. Now, many of us probably can’t hear up to 30kHz but what this extended range, plus the fast response of those tweeters, mean is that there’s not only an immediacy to higher-end sound but a clarity to themtoo.

It’s almost as if someone pulled a blanket off the band I’m listening to and all of sudden I can hear intricacies of the ride and the sweetness of the strings. Or, if you prefer the more boring way of saying it, the music feels less compressed and less filtered.

The midrange feels a little pulled back, which makes everything sound more polite. It can make rock music sound just a little aggressive, for instance. Unfortunately, you can only boost or cut the high or low end.

As far as soundstage goes, the Fluance Ri71 sound good wherever you place them but really benefit from spending the time to actually adjust them to your ears. You’ll know it’s right when you can hear the “center channel” in the middle as if there were a speaker there.

They also do a good job with sound imaging. I feel that I have a solid grasp of where an aural element is in the mix beyond just left, right, and center, which makes the listening experience all the more immersive.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)Fluance Ri71 review: Design

• New AMT tweeter is the most unique design choice here
• Unusual placement of controls
• No digital connectivity beyond HDMI

The Fluance Ri71 have a look and general design much like any other active bookshelf speakers. There are two of them standing at about 12 inches (310mm) in height. Each speaker cabinet is fairly rectangular in shape, though they do taper near the back.

And they come in the kind of “looks good in an office” colorways one would expect. Specifically, they’re available in white, walnut, and black. One thing I do appreciate is the fact that the white and black (reviewed here) still have noticeable wood grain. Of course, these are made of MDF wood, but that’s most bookshelf speakers these days for you.

As far as the actual drivers go, each speaker cabinet comes with a 5.25-inch (133.3 mm) woven glass fiber driver and an AMT (air motion transformer) tweeter, along with a long, thin bass port beneath to emphasize the low end. Besides any upgraded internal bracing, the AMT tweeter is the new star of the show. These tweeters are different than the regular tweeters insofar as they offer a faster response and more detail, though placement is a bit more precise.

Since these are powered bookshelf speakers with 120 watts coursing through them via a Class D amp, there are some on-unit controls on the right speaker. There’s a volume wheel on the back at the top, a strange place considering these dials are usually more accessible on the front. You can press the volume wheel to change inputs (an LED indicator on the front changes color depending on the input). Then, there’s a treble and bass wheel on the back along with the power and a Bluetooth pairing button.

Port-wise, I was disappointed to not see any digital connectivity such as USB or USB-C, since I do a lot of my listening through streaming services via my laptop, but it does at least have that aforementioned ARC-supported HDMI, allowing me to change the volume using the TV remote. There’s also the typical RCA inputs as well as a sub-out port.

Because of the placement of the various wheels, the remote is quite handy. Besides power and volume, you can change input, adjust the treble and bass, mute, and turn off the LED on the speaker.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)Q Acoustics 3020c review: Setup and usability

• Basically plug and play
• Bluetooth will automatically look to pair
• Placement is important, like any bookshelf speakers

Since the Fluance Ri71 are powered bookshelf speakers, they’re very easy to set up. The active speaker with all the ports goes on the right and the passive one goes on the left. Then you just have to connect the passive speaker to the active with the included speaker wire that’s helpfully color-coded red and white. The tips on each side are soldered solid so you don’t have to worry about little pieces of speaker wire splintering off.

While it would have been even more convenient for the tips to have banana plugs, you just have to insert the appropriate tip in the exposed hole and screw down the top. Keep the colors the same on both sides and it will take less than a minute to connect the two speakers. Then plug in the power cord and turn it on.

From there, you just need to plug in the desired source or connect via Bluetooth – pairing is simple as the speaker will automatically start the process if it’s not already done so – and you’re good to go.

Of course, remember that bookshelf speakers do require a little bit of finesse in their placement for the best sound, but that goes for all bookshelf speakers and is something I’ve covered in another article in greater detail. You want a précis? Basically, just have them an equal distance from each other, and you, with them pointed at you. You're welcome.

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Setup and usability score: 5/5

Fluance Ri71 review: Value

• More than a few alternatives have USB
• HDMI is a bit rarer on bookshelf speakers
• Well-priced, but not a steal

Since the Fluance Ri71 are firmly in mid-range territory, you’ll probably end up comparing them to models from Q Acoustics, Audioengine, and Kanto. Take the Q Acoustics M20 HD for instance, which at $499 is a little pricier yet is considered one of the better affordable powered bookshelf speakers here at TechRadar. It has full, uncompressed sound and has the ability to flip which speaker is left or right. It also comes with a USB port, though lacks an HDMI.

A step up from that, at least financially, is the Kanto Ren, another excellent alternative. It goes for $599 / £599 / €719 and comes with all the connectivity one could want, whether it’s Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, or USB-C. It also sounds great, with excellent clarity, though its bass can get a little flabby.

The point in comparing the Fluance Ri71 to these other speakers that these are excellent speakers and you’ll be happy with them, if you’re looking to stay under a certain price point. But the ones that are just a little pricier are justifiably so, even if it’s mostly on account of having a special feature or extra port. The Fluance Ri71 are a good price, but they’re not a steal.

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the Fluance Ri71?Fluance Ri71 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

With HDMI ARC and Bluetooth aptx HD, there’s not much more one could ask for, outside of Wi-Fi streaming.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Neutral sound, plenty of detail and still a surprising amount of low-end, the Fluance Ri71 sound a treat.

4.5/5

Design

Awkward controls, and no USB connectivity; the AMT tweeter is a nice design upgrade.

4/5

Setup and usability

Despite the control placement, very easy, especially with the remote.

5/5

Value

Despite the connectivity quirks, a wonderful-sounding speaker for a reasonable price. Has competition at the price.

4/5

Buy them if...

You want detailed, almost neutral audio
The Fluance Ri71 have a clarity that feels almost polite, but is always a pleasure to listen to. These are the kind of speakers that make you feel like you can hear every detail.

You need HDMI
If you also want to use your bookshelf speakers for TV, having an HDMI port is critical, especially one that supports ARC, meaning you can use your TV remote to control the volume.

You want to stay under $500
Appropriately but well priced, the Fluance Ri71 don’t quite offer what more expensive speakers do, but they sound good enough that you won’t care. And you can put that extra cash back in your pocket.

Don't buy them if...

You need USB-C connectivity
If your main way of listening to music is connecting your laptop directly to powered speakers, then you’ll be disappointed having to use an old school RCA adapter. A lot of laptops don’t have an HDMI out (and some don’t even have an AUX port).

You want easy on-unit access to the volume
The volume wheel is awkwardly placed. That’s mostly a non-issue with the remote, but if you care or happen to lose all your remotes, you won’t like the fact that the volume wheel is at the back of the speaker.

Fluance Ri71 review: Also consider

Q Acoustics M20 HD
The Q Acoustics M20 HD are excellent bookshelf speakers at a slightly higher price point. They offer USB connectivity, but not HDMI. The left and right speaker configuration can also be reversed. They also have a detailed, uncompressed sound.
Read our full Q Acoustics M20 HD review

Kanto Ren
The Kanto Ren has it all in terms of connectivity – USB-C, HDMI, Bluetooth 5.3 – and it comes in interesting colors, though it will pick up every fingerprint. It’s lovely with a full, robust sound but the bass can get a little flabby.
Read our full Kanto Ren review

How I tested the Fluance Ri71

• Used regularly for a few weeks
• Listened to all sorts of audio
• Used the various controls and ports

I used the Fluance Ri71 for a few weeks, listening to all sorts of genres of music like hip-hop, EDM, Top 40 pop, rock, and folk to get a better feel for these speakers. They were also tested with some TV shows and computer games. I tested the various controls and ports as well.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

First reviewed: November 2025

Read more about how we test at TechRadar

The Fluance Ri71 are great for mid-range powered bookshelf speakers, offering detailed sound with an almost neutral, polite quality.

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