Most TVs now have a sensible TV system for simply watching the greatest streaming companies like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus and Netflix. These techniques all supply entry to the largest streaming apps, however there are variations amongst them. Some supply sturdy search, a clear interface and a plethora of smaller apps to select from, whereas others might be cluttered, sluggish and tough to navigate.
At CNET, as a part of our rigorous side-by-side TV testing routine, we have reviewed all the main sensible TV techniques. We choose Roku’s system for its simplicity, efficient search options and its huge catalog of supported apps and companies. Whereas it is not the one good OS — Google TV additionally has spectacular options — we usually discover that Roku is the best to make use of.
What’s the perfect Roku TV total?
The most effective Roku TV examined and reviewed by CNET is the TCL 6-Collection Roku TV. 12 months after yr, it has been our high decide as a result of it simply retains getting higher. It provides wonderful picture high quality for the cash, extras for gaming, a stand that accommodates a soundbar and, after all, the Roku TV OS. Nevertheless, there are many different TVs with the Roku platform inbuilt.
Roku itself makes TVs now, but it surely additionally continues to promote units made by accomplice producers, like TCL, Hisense, Onn, Pioneer and Sharp. These televisions have a tendency to take a seat on the low finish of the worth and film high quality spectrum. And you will not discover a Roku-branded top-of-the-line OLED TV but, regardless of Roku providing producers a blueprint on how one can make one. For now, TCL’s mini-LED 6-Collection TV is essentially the most superior Roku TV out there.
After all, you may flip any TV right into a Roku by including a Roku streaming system, which generally prices lower than $50. You may be sacrificing an HDMI port (and probably a USB port, too). However in return, you may take into account different TVs with higher-end choices akin to full-array native dimming, OLED screens, a 120Hz refresh fee, 4K UHD decision, excessive dynamic vary, a plethora of HDMI ports, and even gaming-centric options — together with variable refresh fee — to go along with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Collection X.
However in case you’re satisfied you need an all-in-one Roku TV, listed below are the perfect you will get.
Learn extra: Do This to Your TV Now: 9 Essential Settings to Enhance the Image
Sizes 55-, 65-, 75- 85-inchTV Expertise QLED with Mini-LEDSensible TV Sure (Roku TV)Decision 4KHDMI Ports 4
Not solely is that this the perfect Roku TV you should buy, it is also CNET’s decide as the perfect total TV to date this yr.
For the final 5 years, the TCL 6-Collection has been our favourite TV for the cash, and the most recent model — also called the R655 sequence — is not any exception. It has a wonderful picture because of mini-LED tech and well-implemented full-array native dimming that helps it run circles round nearly some other TV at this worth. It improves upon the earlier R635 sequence with improved gaming extras and a center-mount stand to raise the display to make room for a soundbar. And eventually, the Roku TV working system is our hands-down favourite.
Word that along with the R635, which this TV replaces, different variations of the 6-Collection have been launched a few years in the past and stay out there. The R646 sequence makes use of the Google TV working system however in any other case has related specs to the R655 fashions. The R648 sequence has an 8K decision and is considerably dearer.
Learn our TCL 6-Collection (Roku TV) assessment.
The Roku Plus Collection is likely one of the latest Roku TVs and, in contrast to the TCL-made Rokus on this record, this one is made by Roku itself, with no different manufacturers on board. It provides a few step-up extras, together with QLED and full-array native dimming, which helps ship a greater image than the TCL 4-Collection. It does not include any gaming extras, like a 120Hz refresh fee, but it surely does supply an excellent mixture of affordability and options for Roku-branded TVs.
Learn our Roku Plus Collection Evaluate.
Sizes 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inchTV Expertise LEDSensible TV Sure (Roku TV)Decision 4KHDMI Ports 3
The TCL 4-Collection Roku TV does not have the identical image high quality as the opposite two TVs on this record, but it surely fared effectively in our finances TV take a look at. The 4-Collection does not include a ton of bells and whistles, because it lacks the Dolby Imaginative and prescient and gaming-focused perks. That stated, the 4-Collection is a good entry-level choice for most individuals and may very well be an incredible buy for many who choose the Roku system and are on the lookout for a one-stop sensible TV resolution.
How does CNET take a look at TVs?
Our TV evaluations comply with a rigorous, unbiased analysis course of honed over almost twenty years of TV evaluations. Our main TV take a look at lab has specialised gear for measuring gentle and colour, together with a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Six-G 4K HDR sign generator and an AVPro Join 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Shows CalMan Final software program to guage and calibrate each TV we assessment. In each CNET TV assessment, three or extra related TVs are in contrast facet by facet in varied lighting situations with completely different content material, together with motion pictures, TV reveals and video games, throughout quite a lot of take a look at classes, from colour to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our evaluations additionally account for design, options, sensible TV efficiency, HDMI enter and gaming compatibility and extra.
Learn extra: How We Check TVs
Roku TV FAQs
What is the distinction between a Roku TV and a Roku streaming system?
Each Roku TVs and streaming units give you entry to the identical software program. The one distinction is that this software program comes constructed right into a Roku TV, and you will not have to buy a separate system to connect with a TV. A Roku streaming system is greatest suited for many who should not have a Roku TV and need to use the Roku software program.
The streaming system connects to the again of your TV by an HDMI enter and might be accessed by the corresponding enter button in your TV distant. Most Roku units related to newer TVs might be configured to robotically change to the proper enter when you press the ability button on the Roku distant.
Can I exploit a Roku TV for gaming?
You’ll be able to join any TV to a gaming console with an HDMI cable to play video games, however solely the TCL 6-Collection Roku TV will supply gaming-specific options like 4K/120Hz and low enter lag.
Informal players could be glad to recreation on a TV with out gaming-specific options, however these seeking to get essentially the most out of their Ps 5 or Xbox Collection X will wish to follow a TV just like the 6-Collection.
How large a TV ought to I get?
In our opinion, greater is healthier, and your cash is greatest spent on giant display sizes fairly than a slight improve in picture high quality. The reply additionally depends upon room measurement and seating distance: When you have an enormous room and sit farther away, you will need a greater TV.
