Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro: Key Differences and Similarities

Today’s businesses require video conferencing systems that are dependable, user-friendly, made to last, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Neat Bar and Neat Bar Pro are similar devices that both check all the boxes, but they’re not the same.

Recognizing the unique needs of individuals and organizations, Neat designed two distinct all-in-one devices that fulfill the same purposes—facilitating video communication and collaboration—but with individual feature sets catered to factors such as room size and user capacity.

Neither device is better or worse, but it’s important to choose the one that’s best for your environment. Let’s compare and contrast the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro so you can make an informed decision based on your company’s needs, preferences, and goals.

Key Similarities

First, let’s cover what the two devices have in common. Once you have a fundamental understanding of both devices’ shared features, we’ll discuss the factors that differentiate them from each other.

Main Features

The Neat Bar and the Neat Bar Pro are comprehensive video conferencing solutions with integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers. 

Platform Integration

Both devices integrate seamlessly with major video conferencing platforms, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms. 

Quality

Build quality isn’t a factor when choosing between the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro—both devices offer the same level of outstanding craftsmanship and durability and should hold up to regular use.

Design

True to its name, Neat is a brand that’s known for sleek, modern designs. Both devices are designed with minimalism in mind while still offering robust features and cutting-edge technology. Both blend into the room seamlessly and occupy minimal space.

Installation

Setting up and deploying both devices is a simple, straightforward affair. They both have plug-and-play designs, ensuring they can be installed intuitively even by those who aren’t tech-savvy. Both devices can be placed on a table or desk or mounted to a wall.

Remote Management 

When comparing the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro, don’t worry about cloud integration. They both can be managed remotely through the cloud, including monitoring, updating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the system.

Software Updates

Both devices are future-proof. Neat regularly updates the software of both Neat Bar devices to ensure they’re running the most recent features and security measures.

Video Processing

The Neat Bar and the Neat Bar Pro boast state-of-the-art video processing, including 4K resolution for crystal-clear visuals, even in large rooms. Both devices are equipped with AI-powered framing and focusing technologies that automatically keep all participants perfectly framed and in focus.

Audio Processing

Audio quality is another factor that you don’t need to consider when weighing the pros and cons of the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro. Both have advanced audio processing technology that eliminates distracting background noise and echo, ensuring that meetings are focused and productive.

Room Analytics

Both devices have sensors that monitor and adjust environmental factors, such as temperature, air quality, and capacity, ensuring that all participants are able to enjoy a comfortable experience during meetings.

Key Differences

Now that you have a firm grasp of the commonalities between the two devices, let’s dive into their differentiating characteristics.

Room Size

Neat Bar

Suitable for small rooms and medium rooms, the standard Neat Bar supports up to 10 participants at once. 

Neat Bar Pro

Ideal for large rooms, the Neat Bar Pro accommodates up to 25 participants at once.

Summary

When comparing the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro, the room’s size and capacity are the most critical factors to consider. If you only communicate with ten or fewer people, the Neat Bar may suffice. 

However, if you have more than 10 participants or if you plan to scale meetings in the future, choose the Neat Bar Pro.

Camera

Neat Bar

The Neat Bar comes with a single camera that supports 4X digital zoom, with the ability to upgrade to 8X digital zoom. Its wide-angle lens provides an expansive 120-degree field of view (FOV).

Neat Bar Pro

The Neat Bar Pro has two cameras—one for wide-angle capture and the other for focusing on details in bigger environments. Dual cameras and 16X zooming capabilities allow for dynamic transitions and a more immersive overall experience.

Summary

When choosing between the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro, consider what a typical presentation looks like. 

Do you need to be able to transition between capturing the speaker and the audience, or do all participants share equal screen time? Are participants seated close to the camera, or do you need to be able to zoom deeply? Do you require high production value, or will a straightforward presentation suffice?

Audio

Neat Bar

The Neat Bar includes a full-range speaker system and a five-microphone array, angled in an end-fire setup for clear, reliable audio pickup, making it ideal for small to medium rooms.

Neat Bar Pro

The Neat Bar Pro features a powerful audio system that captures sound from greater distances and amplifies it with more volume. It also includes an "aux" Ethernet port, enabling users to connect additional audio devices for expanded functionality.

Summary

When comparing the audio of the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro, the Neat Bar Pro is the clear winner. However, the standard Neat Bar’s audio is still excellent and will be adequate for small to medium rooms.

Power

Neat Bar

The Neat Bar is powered by a high-performance chipset that’s capable of meeting the needs of small to medium rooms with ease, including running Neat’s AI technologies smoothly.

Neat Bar Pro

The Neat Bar Pro’s processor is more powerful, so it’s ideal for larger rooms with more participants and better suited for integrating with complex systems. The increased power allows for improved noise cancellation, smoother video transitions, and faster framing and zooming.

Summary

When analyzing the processing power of the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro, both come equipped with more than enough power for their purposes. However, the Neat Bar Pro’s upgraded processor is better suited for larger-scale presentations and for scaling in general.

Pros and Cons

Neat Bar

Here’s a quick rundown of the major pros and cons associated with the standard Neat Bar.

Pros

• Compact size occupies minimal space in small and medium conference rooms
• Economical price point 
• Delivers exceptional video and audio quality relative to its size
• Compatible with all major platforms
• Quick and easy installation
• User-friendly operation

Cons

• Only supports up to 10 participants
• Larger environments may require more than 4X zooming capabilities
• Not designed for immersive, dynamic presentations

Neat Bar Pro

Here’s what makes the Neat Bar Pro stand out when comparing the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro.

Pros

• Suitable for larger conference rooms with up to 25 participants
• Dual cameras allow for more room coverage, deeper zooming, and transitions between speaker and audience
• A more powerful audio system picks up and outputs audio at larger distances
• The upgraded processor delivers faster performance and provides ample power for complex presentations

Cons

• Larger form factor 
• Higher price

Call for a Free Consultation With an AV Expert

Ultimately, both devices will deliver a superior-quality experience, so the right choice simply comes down to your needs. If you need help choosing video conferencing equipment, contact us for a free consultation with a qualified AV expert.

We hope this guide to the Neat Bar vs. Neat Bar Pro is helpful as you make your decision. We carry a wide range of all-in-one video conferencing systems, so if a Neat Bar isn’t right for you, keep shopping. Find your perfect solution at Chester Springs AV!