Most TVs now have a Smart TV system for easy viewing of your TV The best streaming services Likes Amazon Prime VideoAnd HuluAnd Disney Plus And Netflix. All of these platforms offer access to the biggest streaming apps, but there are differences between them. Some offer powerful search, a clean interface, and a plethora of smaller apps to choose from, while others can be cluttered, slow, and difficult to navigate.
At CNET, as part of our rigorous side-by-side TV testing regimen, we’ve reviewed all of the major smart TV systems. We like the Roku platform for its simplicity, powerful search features, and wide catalog of supported apps and services. While it’s not the only good operating system — Google TV also has great features — we generally find Roku to be the easiest to use.
What is the best Roku TV overall?
The best Roku TV tested and reviewed by CNET is the TCL 6-Series Roku TV. Year after year this has been our top pick because it just keeps getting better. It offers excellent picture quality for the money, extras for games, a stand that accommodates your speakers, and of course, the Roku TV OS. However, there are plenty of other TVs that have the Roku platform built in.
Roku itself makes TVs now, but it also continues to sell kits from partner manufacturers, such as TCL, Hisense, Onn, Pioneer, and Sharp. These TVs generally tend to sit on the low end of the picture quality and price spectrum. And you still won’t find a better Roku-branded OLED TV, though Roku does give manufacturers a blueprint on how to make it. Right now, TCL’s mini-LED 6-Series TV is the most advanced Roku TV available.
Of course, you can turn any TV into a Roku by adding a Roku streaming device, which usually costs less than $50. You’ll sacrifice an HDMI port (and maybe a USB port, too). But in return, you can consider other TVs with higher options such as Full local dimming systemOLED screens a The refresh rate is 120 HzAnd 4K UHD resolutionAnd High dynamic rangea large number of HDMI port ports and even Game-centric features – including variable refresh rate – to go with a file PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X..
But if you’re convinced you want an all-in-one Roku TV, here’s the best one to get.
Read more: Do This With Your TV Now: 9 Crucial Picture Optimization Settings
sizes 55-, 65-, 75-85 inchesTV technology QLED with Mini-LEDSmart TV YesAccuracy 4kHDMI ports 4
Not only is this the best Roku TV you can buy, but it’s also CNET’s pick as the best all-round TV so far this year.
For the past five years, the TCL 6-Series has been our favorite TV for the money, and the latest version — also known as the R655 series — is no exception. It has an excellent picture thanks to its mini-LED technology and well-implemented full local dimming that helps it run circles around any other TV at this price. It improves upon the previous R635 series with enhanced gaming additions and a center stand to raise the screen to make room for the soundbar. Finally, the Roku TV operating system is our favourite.
Note that in addition to the R635, which this TV replaces, other Series 6 versions were released two years ago and are still available. The R646 series uses the Google TV operating system but has similar specifications to the R655 models. The R648 series has 8K resolution and is much more expensive.
Read our TCL 6-Series (Roku TV) review.
The Roku Plus series is one of the newer Roku TVs, and unlike the TCL-made Rokus on this list, this series is made by Roku itself, with no other brands on board. It adds a few step-up extras, including QLED and full-array local dimming, which help deliver a better picture than the TCL 4-Series. It doesn’t come with any gaming extras, like a 120Hz refresh rate, but it does offer a good mix of affordability and features for Roku-branded TVs.
Read our Roku Plus series review.
sizes 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inchTV technology DroveSmart TV YesAccuracy 4kHDMI ports 3
The TCL 4-Series Roku TV doesn’t quite have the same picture quality as the other two TVs on this list, but it did well in our budget TV test. The Series 4 doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, as it lacks Dolby Vision and its gaming-focused perks. Still, the Series 4 is a great entry-level option for most people and could be a great buy for those who prefer the Roku system and are looking for an all-in-one smart TV solution.
How does CNET test TVs?
Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. Our primary TV testing lab It has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectrophotometer, a Murideo Six-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to rate and calibrate every TV we review. In each CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in different lighting conditions with different content, including movies, TV shows, and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also consider design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input, game compatibility, and more.
Read more: How do we test tvs
Roku TV Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Roku TV and a Roku streaming device?
Both Roku TVs and streaming devices give you access to the same software. The only difference is that this software comes built into your Roku TV, and you don’t need to buy a separate device to connect to a TV. The Roku streaming device is best suited for those who do not have a Roku TV and are looking to use Roku software.
The streaming device connects to the back of your TV via an HDMI input and can be accessed through the corresponding input button on the TV remote control. Most Roku devices connected to newer TVs can be configured to automatically switch to the correct input when you press the power button on the Roku remote.
Can I use Roku TV for gaming?
You can connect any TV to a gaming console using an HDMI cable to play games, but only the TCL 6-Series Roku TV will offer game-specific features like 4K/120Hz and low input lag.
Casual gamers might be happy to play on a TV without gaming-specific features, but those looking to get the most out of their Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X will want to stick with a TV like the 6-Series.
What size TV should I get?
In our opinion, bigger is better, and it’s better to spend your money on bigger screen sizes than on a slight upgrade in image quality. The answer also depends on the size of the room and the seating distance: if you have a large room and you sit farther away, you’ll need a bigger TV.
