The best Roku TV makes it super easy to move from a non-smart TV to a smart one. Roku’s user-friendly interface, customizable home screen, and wide range of apps make it one of the best TVs on the market.
Although lacking built-in Chromecast, Roku TVs have smart functionality, thousands of streaming and entertainment apps, voice assistant, 4K resolution, HDR, and are available in stunning LED and QLED displays. These TVs also feature multiple connectivity ports so that you can connect your gaming consoles or laptop for a terrific big-screen experience.
In this buying guide, we will look at what Roku TVs are, how they work, their pros and cons, how long they last, and other aspects. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best Roku 4K TV for your home.
Top Roku TVs
#1 TCL 32-inch 3-Series 720p Roku TV
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It supports a dual-band WiFi connection for buffer-free streaming. Its Roku TV platform also provides access to thousands of movie and shows, and the it can also be controlled through voice.
- Supports dual band WiFi for fast streaming
- Roku TV platform provides access to thousands of titles
- Support for voice control
- No support for HDR content
The 32-inch TCL 32S335 Smart TV has a decent 720p screen resolution and is based on LED display technology. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and offers up to 500,000 different movie and TV titles for owners to enjoy through its built-in Roku TV platform. The display also supports dual-band WiFi technology, meaning that users will have the chance to stream content with very minimal delays, as long as the provided Internet connection is fast. The display also has a decent array of inputs that include three HDMI and one USB port, as well as a headphone jack and an Optical Audio Out port. Unfortunately, it does not have support for HDR content.
Since it is compatible with Alexa, users will be able to use their voice to perform simple commands such as changing channels or switching inputs. Those who want to wall-mount the TCL display can do so thanks to its VESA compatibility, but those who wish to place it on a flat surface can do so as well since the display also comes with two two-legged stands.
#2 Hisense 40H4F H4 Series LED Roku Smart TV
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It offers excellent sound courtesy of Dolby Surround Sound Technology support. It is also easy to operate and can be controlled through voice.
- Great sound
- Can be controlled through iOS or Android app
- Supports voice control
- No support for HDR content
Released in 2020, the Hisense 40H4F is a 1080p screen based on the Roku TV platform and allows for access to thousands of movie titles and TV shows for endless entertainment. The display can be controlled through either the iOS or Android app, though owners also have the option to use their voice to perform quick functions through integration with either Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. The TV also comes equipped with motion rate 120-image processing, so fast-moving scenes are processed pretty well. The display also has a decent 60Hz refresh rate that keeps screen tearing at bay, however, it does not support HDR content.
Sound processing by the 40H4F is excellent thanks to the use of its DTS TruSurround sound technology, and when set to Game Mode, the TV’s features are optimized to ensure that users get to enjoy more responsive gaming thanks to reduced input lag. Also, the TV’s built-in WiFi technology is built to ensure that there’s a solid connection to the Internet, meaning faster loading times and reduced buffering.
#3 RCA 43-inch 4K UHD Smart Flat Screen Roku LED TV
Award: BEST FOR CONNECTIVITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has four HDMI and two USB ports, allowing for many different connections. Users will also appreciate its support for voice control and its rapid WiFi connection.
- Very flexible connectivity options
- Easy to navigate Roku TV platform
- Dual band WiFi support for faster streaming
- No support for HDR content
This 43-inch model from RCA is a great pick for users who would enjoy having a decent amount of screen real estate, and since it supports 4K content, the picture quality is well beyond reproach. Announced in 2022, this display also supports dual-band WiFi for super-fast connectivity, and since it also runs on the Roku-TV platform, users will be able to access more than 500,000 movies and titles for their entertainment. Also worth noting is its wide range of inputs, as users will have four HDMI and two USB ports at their disposal. Still, some might feel that its lack of support for HDR content may be too much to compromise.
Searching for movie or TV titles on Roku is also pretty easy to do, thanks to the easy-to-navigate Roku TV platform. Owners will also have the option to use their voice to make swift adjustments if the TV gets properly configured through either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
#4 Element E4AA50R Smart LED Roku TV
Award: BEST FOR PICTURE QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its support for 4K content and HD picture quality makes it an ideal pick for anyone who prioritizes picture quality. It also offers a wide port selection and has thin bezels for aesthetic appeal.
- Great picture quality
- Has four HDMI ports for expanded connectivity
- Allows for parental control
- Mediocre contrast
This 50-inch Element E4AA50R Roku Smart LED TV delivers crisp and clear images thanks to its 4K UHD resolution, and since it also has a 60Hz refresh rate, users will be able to enjoy smooth content without persistent screen flickering. The display has four different HDMI ports for users to use and connect their gaming consoles, laptops, tablets, or home entertainment systems, and since it runs on the Roku TV OS, navigation feels very intuitive. Unfortunately, some previous users have complained that its contrast levels are quite mediocre.
Parents will also appreciate the opportunity to limit and control what their kids will be able to watch by locking inappropriate content, and since it also comes with support for HDR, owners will enjoy vivid color and sharp detail when watching movies or playing games. The display has wide U-shaped legs that offer good balance and thin bezels that add to its aesthetic appeal.
#5 Philips 75PFL4756 4K Roku TV
Award: BEST FOR GROUP VIEWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its 75-inch screen is great for users who want to enjoy large-screen viewing, and since it has support for HDR and a crisp 4K resolution, the picture quality is also excellent.
- Large screen size with wide viewing angles
- Support for HDR content
- Excellent motion handling
- It is heavy at almost 57 pounds
This 75-inch Philips TV delivers an ultra-realistic picture thanks to its 4K resolution and support for HDR technology. Its large-size screen offers wide viewing angles to make it perfect for group viewing, and since it runs on the Roku TV platform, navigating it is very easy. The TV’s design will sit well in an urban setup, and thanks to its 120 Perfect Motion Rate technology, fast-moving scenes are processed well enough, and its thin profile makes it seem almost flush to the wall when wall mounted. Unfortunately, some might not like that the TV is relatively heavy at nearly 57 pounds.
This display can be connected to the Internet through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection. As long as the available Internet connection is of good speed, users will enjoy buffer-free streaming. With triangle-shaped legs on both ends, this Philips TV will look great when mounted on top of a flat surface, and its thin top and side bezels make it a very modern addition to the house.
#6 Element Electronics E1AA24R-G 24-inch 720p LED Roku TV
Award: BEST FOR GENERAL VIEWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is based on the easy-to-use Roku TV platform and has HDMI and USB ports for flexible connectivity. It also has a simplistic design and can be controlled through the Roku mobile app.
- Very easy to move around and use
- Has both HDMI and USB ports for expanded connectivity
- Ready to mount thanks to VESA compatibility
- No support for HDR content
This 24-inch screen from Element Electronics is a 720p LED HDTV that is great for general viewing and runs on the easy-to-use Roku TV platform. This TV has a simplistic design and HDMI and USB ports for expanded connectivity. The display is perfect for users who enjoy streaming content, as the Roku TV platform provides access to thousands of movie and TV titles for the owner’s entertainment. For even more convenient operation, owners can also opt to download the Roku mobile app and have it function as an extra remote. However, the TV does not support HDR content.
This display comes ready for wall mounting thanks to its VESA compatibility, and since it weighs only 5 pounds, moving it around shouldn’t require any serious assistance. Also, if the remote is not nearby, users will also be able to perform some basic adjustments through the controls on the right side of the TV.
Beginner’s Guide to Roku TVs
What is Roku TV?
A Roku TV is a television with smart features that runs the Roku operating system (OS). This OS offers a simple smart TV interface to users and provides a wide range of apps displayed in an easy-to-navigate tile format. Like the best Samsung TV, you can use Roku TV to catch content from major streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and many others.
Roku TV vs Other TVs
A Roku TV is similar to other smart TVs in that it lets you access internet-based content, like movies, TV shows, and games, through your TV. The difference is in terms of the operating system and interface. Unlike Android and Google TV, the interface on a Roku TV uses a simple tile layout to display all your apps and lets you customize it too.
Roku refers to its apps as channels, and you will find over 3,000 channels on it, like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Crunchyroll, and much more. It also has many free streaming services, such as Pluto TV and The Roku Channel, which is Roku’s ad-supported streaming service.
There is a big difference between Roku TV and Android or Google TV when it comes to screen mirroring. While the latter two have built-in Chromecast support to cast images and videos from your phone to the TV, Roku TV doesn’t have Chromecast. It utilizes Miracast technology, but this is compatible only with limited devices and lacks Chromecast’s versatility.
How Roku TV Works
Fundamentally, a Roku TV works the same as other smart TVs — it transforms electrical signals into pictures and sounds and displays them on a screen. The operating system allows you to stream internet-based content, so it won’t be necessary to connect streaming devices, like the Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV 4K. But just like your smartphone and laptop, Roku TVs will need Wi-Fi networks to operate.
Like the best Mitsubishi TV, it isn’t difficult to understand how to get started with the Roku TV. These TVs come with remote control and have a voice assistant to input requests, like playing videos and music, among other things. You can also pick up the Roku Voice Remote Pro if you want a remote control with advanced features. It is rechargeable, offers private listening, and has a lost remote finder so that you never waste time searching for the remote.
Why Should You Buy a Roku TV?
If you want to upgrade from your non-smart TV to a smart TV, a Roku model is a smart choice and an affordable one. Let’s look at some reasons why it is worth buying and why you will want to avoid it.
Are Roku TVs Worth Buying?
- Roku Applications: As mentioned earlier, the Roku store is packed with over 3,000 applications of all kinds. You will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to streaming, gaming, and other entertainment and productivity apps.
- Affordable Options: Streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ require a subscription fee, but Roku TV has plenty of free options, too, like The Roku Channel, Tubi, Pluto TV, and much more.
- Simple Interface: Roku TV has a neat and straightforward interface that is user-friendly and doesn’t take time to grasp.
- Private Listening: With private listening, you can watch all your TV content without disturbing those around you. You can plug your headphones or earphones into the remote and listen to everything playing through the TV.
Why a Roku TV May Not Be for You
- You Have a Streaming Device: If you have a streaming stick that adds smart functionality to your TV, then it doesn’t make sense to buy a Roku TV.
- No Chromecast Support: Roku TV supports Miracast mirroring technology, but its compatibility with other devices is quite limited compared to Chromecast.
- Voice Control Not Available on All Models: The voice assistant is not present on all Roku TV models; you will have to check availability before finalizing your model.
How Long Will a Roku TV Last?
How long a Roku smart TV will last depends on its quality, how well it is maintained, how much it is used, and most importantly, the type of display technology it houses.
You can expect between 50,000 to 60,000 hours of viewing from an LCD TV, which means it will last for nearly two decades. But a more accurate estimate would be far lesser since other parts in the TV may malfunction first.
On the other hand, LED TVs have a lifespan of 40,000 to 100,000 hours when used at maximum or near-maximum brightness. These TVs will likely work in good condition for 5 to 7 years and over a decade with moderate or low usage despite heavy use. But you will experience a decrease in picture quality over the years.
OLED TVs perform even better than their LED counterparts, but since the material used to create these panels is organic, they have a limited lifespan. You will notice a decline in picture quality after using these televisions at max settings for 8 to 10 years.
QLED TVs rely on quantum light-emitting diodes to massively enhance the colors and the brightness of pictures on the display. Since it isn’t based on organic materials, QLED TVs don’t degrade over time and provide excellent visual quality even after years of heavy use. At max settings, QLEDs can last between 7 to 10 years or longer without any loss in picture quality.
Another advantage of QLED displays is that they are burn-in-free, so they will offer you a consistent viewing experience over the long run. With other displays, if a static image is displayed on the screen for long periods, it can leave a permanent outline, known as burn-in.
How to Choose the Best Roku TV
Now that you have decided to choose the best Roku TV, it’s time to look at some factors to narrow down your selection. The resolution, display technology, and price range are a few of these factors. Let’s take a look at these and more below.
Roku TV Key Factors
1. What’s the Resolution?
Resolution is the number of pixels that compose the visuals on a TV display. The general rule is the more pixels, the higher the quality and sharpness of the pictures.
With standard HD (720p resolution), you get 921,600 pixels, which increases to 2 million with Full HD (1080p resolution). With a 4K TV, you are looking at 8 million pixels, which is a colossal upgrade in image quality from Full HD.
You will also find TVs with 8K resolution now in the market, but you won’t find them in screen sizes below 65 inches. Since there is virtually no 8K content to stream currently, it may be best to skip these for now.
2. What Display Technology Does It Have?
You will find four display technologies on the TV market — LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED.
LCD is short for liquid crystal display. These displays use fluorescent tubes to produce light. Compared to LED, OLED, and QLED displays, the picture quality on these is pretty low, which is why they are amongst the least expensive options.
LED technology (light-emitting diodes) also uses a liquid crystal display, but it uses light-emitting diodes to create light. This gives LED TVs superior picture quality and sharper images compared to standard LCDs.
With an OLED TV (organic light-emitting diode), the display uses a sheet of organic LEDs with subpixels that produce their own light. This results in deeper blacks, incredible image contrast, and incredible picture quality that maintains its sharpness even when viewed from an angle.
QLED (Quantum-dot LED) TVs are traditional LCD panels that are lit by LEDs. A quantum dot layer fills the space between the LCD panel and the backlight. QLED displays are brighter than OLEDs and are ideal for sunny rooms with a lot of ambient light. But generally, their picture quality isn’t as good as an OLED TV’s.
3. What Is the Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate refers to how many times per second a picture is refreshed on the screen. Measured in Hertz, the standard refresh rate on most televisions is 60 Hz (60 times per second).
A 60 Hz refresh rate is acceptable if you are watching something basic on the TV. But for fast-paced sports programs and high-octane action sequences with lots of visual elements, a 60 Hz refresh rate can make the visuals look blurry. TVs with higher refresh rates of 120 Hz or 240 Hz will provide you with smooth visuals when watching action films, sports matches, and playing video games.
4. Does It Support HDR?
HDR stands for high-dynamic range, and it enables a TV to produce a wide range of colors that lead to more accurate visuals than what is seen on non-HDR TVs. Without HDR, the TV will not produce specific colors, and the pictures will lack accuracy. Although HDR is supported across LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED screens, it is only available on 4K displays.
5. How Many HDMI Ports?
How many ports you need depends on how you use your TV and how many devices you plan to connect to it. You can’t add HDMI ports, so picking a TV with enough ports for all your needs is wise.
For gamers with consoles, you will need HDMI ports to connect your devices (PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox) and the sound system. It will also help to find models that support HDMI 2.1 for a brilliant large-screen gaming experience and low input lag.
6. What’s Your Budget?
You can easily find Roku TVs available at a reasonable price, but the cost of these TVs varies across a wide price range. On sale, you can find a Roku TV for as low as $99, but its features will be limited too.
On the upper end, they can go as high as $3000 and will have larger screen sizes, advanced smart TV features, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and stunning display technology with 4K and HDR support.
