Any time you purchase a new TV, chances are very good that you’re buying into a smart TV platform, too (whether you intend to use it or not). And where TV brands like Samsung and LG rely on their own first-party content hubs (Tizen and WebOS) for streaming, other TV titans often partner up with platforms like Fire TV, Android and Google TV or, the focus of today’s roundup, Roku.
If you’re looking into a TCL TV, the way you’ll be doing all your Netflix binging is through the Roku TV interface. While Hisense tends to stick with Google these days, there are still several models that harness the power of Roku to get you connected to streaming entertainment.
Ranging in price from under $500 to the midrange $1,000 sets, all the way up to the $2,000-plus 8K TCL Roku TVs, there’s truly a Roku TV suitable for any budget. Let’s take a look at the best!
If you’re looking for a sale, take a look at some of the best TV deals.
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It’s simply the best picture quality you can get for the price.
Who it’s for: Gamers and film buffs who want outstanding picture quality and don’t mind digging into a few settings menus to get it.
Why we picked the TCL 6-Series:
For several years running, TCL’s 6-Series has been our top pick for value, and the company’s 2020 model makes this Roku TV an even more compelling product. TCL’s 2019 8-Series was the first TV to use mini-LEDs for backlighting, but this feature came to the 6-Series giving it far better overall picture quality while keeping the price under the $1,000 mark.
Though its black levels and contrast aren’t quite as good as the best QLED and OLED TV models, the gap has never been smaller. It’s an accomplishment that is all the more remarkable when you consider the price.
With Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support, plus a THX-certified game mode, the LED TV 6-Series has you covered for every kind of streaming video and every kind of gaming. It’s also Dolby Atmos-capable. This isn’t a big deal in terms of the sound the TV produces — like most TVs, the 6-Series is not equipped with home theater-caliber audio — but it is a big deal if you plan to connect the 6-Series to a Dolby Atmos A/V receiver or soundbar. Either of these add-ons will dramatically improve your audio when watching content with Dolby Atmos sound support.
This Roku Smart TV also has a voice-capable Roku remote control that lets you issue commands like “start Netflix” to control TV functions or “Tom Cruise” to search for all movies and shows that feature this actor. Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility give you access to many similar voice commands through a smart speaker if you already own one.
There are only two small caveats when considering the TCL 6-Series. First, getting the very best picture quality will require a bit of time and patience, as this TCL TV doesn’t come from the factory with the best settings already in effect. Second, folks who have a newer gaming console like the Xbox Series X or the PlayStation 5 should be aware that the TV’s support for 120Hz refresh rates tops out at 1440p resolution.
TCL 6-Series
The best overall Roku TV
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: Superb picture quality for those who want a maximum resolution, and it’s the most affordable 8K TV on the market.
Who it’s for: Those looking for a no-compromises Roku TV with as high a resolution as possible.
Why we picked the TCL 6-Series 8K:
If cost isn’t as important to you and you prefer to pick a QLED with the highest resolution possible for your images, this stunning 8K 6-Series model has everything you want. It includes the latest mini-LED QLED technology from TCL in a tight, sturdy design.
Color and shading are also impressive on this model: 240 localized lighting zones keep the contrast ratio accurate, while the AiPQ Engine supports HDR and automatically optimizes color and clarity depending on what you’re watching. Note that larger sizes will benefit more from the 8K resolution: We picked a 65-inch to start for this model, but a 75-inch option is also available!
The TV supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and includes four HDMI ports as well as a USB. Voice command support for Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant is also available for control playback and the smart features of the TV.
Keep in mind, an 8K TV also needs 8K content to take full advantage of the resolution, and that’s not really available to consumers yet. Think of this TCL 6-Series model as future-proofing your viewing for years into the future as 8K becomes more common. Until then, you can enjoy upscaled 4K content and more.
TCL 6-Series 8K
The best 8K Roku TV
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It’s a well-priced, big and beautiful 65-inch 4K HDR TV with all the benefits of the Roku platform and all the features of more expensive Hisense models.
Who it’s for: Those who want big picture and quality that compete with the larger brands at a better price.
Why we picked the Hisense U7G:
These days, a larger display size doesn’t always mean that you have to empty your wallet to afford it. This Hisense model goes beyond and proves you can also get an excellent display, with its Quantum ULED 4K panel that offers better brightness and black levels than we’ve seen on Hisense TVs before.
Offering a spacious 65-inch screen at a very affordable sub-$1,000 price, this Hisense U7G TV also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for optimization, as well as support for HDR10+. That combines very well with the impressive 1,000-nit peak brightness option. Smart home fans will also appreciate compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa for controlling basic functions or looking something up on the smart TV platform.
All these Hisense U7G features are excellent for general viewing, especially with content that offers HDR or Dolby Vision upgrades. But gamers will find several other specs particularly appealing: The native refresh reaches 120Hz for smoothing gaming action, with a variable refresh rate (VRR) mode for automatic optimization. There’s also a low latency mode and FreeSync Premium, which makes this TV a great pairing for a console.
Hisense U7G
A great Roku TV for size and features
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It gives you all the benefits of a Roku TV at a rock-bottom price.
Who it’s for: Those who want the simplicity of a Roku TV but want to keep things as affordable as possible.
Why we picked the TCL 3-Series:
If screen size isn’t an objection, you can save a lot of money by downsizing to a 32-inch screen while still getting all the TV features you want, including built-in Roku support. That makes this Roku TV model a great pick as a secondary TV (say, in the kitchen or bedroom), or a TV you will be relatively close to and don’t need anything much larger (like in a loft or dorm).
The TCL 3-Series 32S335 model includes dual-band Wi-Fi for your wireless connection, three HDMI 2.0 ports for managing multiple devices, Optical Audio out, Composite, and a USB-A connection if necessary for your media player. The TV also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can give voice searches or quick volume commands without needing a remote (not all Roku features will be supported by voice command). The only downside of this extra-affordable TV is that the resolution only reaches 720p, so you won’t get all the supporting detail for lots of content, especially if you’re watching from only a short distance.
TCL 3-Series
Best budget Roku TV
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It’s one of the best prices you’ll find on any 55-inch TV, and it’s a TCL to boot.
Who it’s for: Those that want the brightness and colors of a powerful 4K LED TV at a reasonable price, and at a decent size.
Why we picked the TCL 4-Series:
If you’ve been wanting to invest in a new TV, and want a good-sized screen for a rock-bottom price, the TCL 55-inch 4-Series is your dream come true. Topping out at 4K resolution, even if you’re not watching something in native UHD, the 4-Series will do a fantastic job at upscaling HD and SD content to give it more clarity, pop, and punch.
On top of four HDMI inputs and HDR10 and HLG support, the 4-Series is also compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, and even includes a game mode that automatically optimizes picture quality for next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
It’s not the strongest TV in terms of overall motion performance (only 60Hz refresh rate) and HDR capabilities, and there are some handy picture adjustments tucked away in the Roku companion app, but that doesn’t mean you should steer clear. In fact, for the price and range of features, the TCL 55-inch 4-Series is an absolute steal.
TCL 4-Series 55S455
The best value for size
What TV brands is Roku available on?
For several years, Roku in North America has primarily been built into TCL and Hisense TVs, which is why they are dominating our list. However, there are signs that things are starting to change. For example, at CES 2022 Hisense announced a number of new TVs with its “Laser TV” technology, but all of them were on the Google TV platform, and Roku wasn’t mentioned at all, signaling that Hisense may be leaving Roku behind. On the other hand, Roku and Sharp announced a new partnership in early 2022, with 4K TVs set to be released sometime this year.
What should you consider before buying a new television?
It’s always a good idea to start with your budget and how much space you have for a new TV (remember, screen size measurements generally refer to the diagonal length on TVs). Our guide here focuses on the Roku TV platform. If you don’t need a smart TV platform – for example, if you use the interface on a game console or set-top box – then this isn’t much of a consideration. But if you will be using the smart TV platform, it’s a very important choice. Google TV, for example, is a common alternative to Roku TV. Take some time to look at interfaces and think about what you want! After that, it’s time to think about panel types, such as QLED versus OLED, resolution, and other important specs. Check out our TV buying guide for more information.
When and where can you find the best deals on Roku televisions?
We’ll make this one easy for you: Check out our guide to the latest Roku deals. We keep it constantly updated so you know exactly what discounts look like!
What is the difference between Roku TV and Apple TV?
Thinking about the differences between Roku TV and Apple TV? There are several things you should know:
These Roku TVs have Roku’s user interface as a built-in platform. The Apple TV is a separate set-top box device that connects to a TV – there are no TVs with Apple’s tvOS built in (at least not in the same way). Roku has its set-top boxes as well, but the advantage of these TVs is that you don’t need another Roku streaming device.
Apple TV is a streaming device generally designed to supplement an existing TV, doesn’t need a smart TV to work, and can easily be moved between TVs, which is an advantage to using a set-top box versus a built-in platform. You will need an HDMI port to connect it.
If you’re an Apple fan, there’s some good news: Roku TVs generally support the Apple TV app, which allows you to stream Apple TV+, so you can still watch Apple shows.
However, features like Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness only are available on an Apple TV set-top device, so there are some limitations there.
Do you have to subscribe to Roku to use a Roku TV?
No, the Roku platform itself is free to use. You can still stream from apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc., without worrying about having to pay a Roku fee (as long as you are managing subscriptions for those individual services). These days, Roku doesn’t offer much in the way of subscription services, so it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to pay Roku an ongoing fee after you have purchased your TV or device.
Can you watch normal TV on a Roku TV?
Yes, although that depends on what your definition of normal TV is. You can connect your TV to a receiver, set-top box, or cable box and watch TV that way, just as you would with any other TV. You can also connect an antenna and watch any free channels that you can pick up in your area. There is no requirement to use the Roku platform itself unless you want to stream apps and channels directly from your TV.
What channels on Roku are free?
The first place you should go for free streaming content is The Roku Channel. Roku offers most content on this channel for free and includes a broad amount of content, from kids’ shows to popular movies of decades past. There’s some premium content on this channel that you have to pay for, but the majority of it is free to watch. Roku also supports other apps that don’t require a subscription, including popular options like Crackle, Pluto TV, Tubi, Xumo, and others.
However, the popular third-party streaming apps – Netflix, Disney+, etc. – that require subscriptions to watch will still require fees when used on Roku. You will need to sign in your account information when first opening these apps.
Does Roku work without internet?
No. The Roku platform will require an internet connection to work, usually through Wi-Fi. That doesn’t mean you can’t use your TV, but none of the smart features Roku offers will be able to function without an internet connection.
Does Roku work with AirPlay?
Yes, many Roku TVs work with AirPlay and HomeKit, so it’s quite Apple-friendly. You may also be able to cast to a Roku from an Android device, although this can vary.
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