The 7 Best Roku TVs You Can Buy Today

What Are Roku TVs and Why Are They So Popular?

In the crowded and often confusing world of smart TVs, Roku TVs stand out for their simplicity, versatility, and value. Rather than just referring to TVs made by Roku (the company doesn‘t actually produce any TVs itself), the term "Roku TV" describes any television that uses Roku‘s operating system and interface.

Roku got its start making external streaming media devices, but in 2014 it partnered with TV brands like TCL, Hisense, and Insignia to build its platform directly into televisions. Since then, Roku TVs have skyrocketed in popularity to capture around 38% market share in the US and Canada.

There are a few key reasons Roku TVs have become so dominant. First, they give you access to Roku‘s best-in-class library of streaming apps and channels. You can watch content from just about every major streaming service as well as hundreds of more niche options. Over 500,000 movies and TV episodes are available.

Second, Roku‘s interface is incredibly intuitive and user-friendly. A tiled grid of apps makes it easy to navigate, and a universal search function lets you look up content across all your services. You can quickly switch inputs, tweak settings, and even control the TV with voice commands via the Roku remote or app.

Finally, Roku TVs tend to provide excellent value. By teaming up with budget and midrange TV brands, Roku allows them to focus on producing quality displays while it handles the "smart" features. This has resulted in very affordable TVs that don‘t sacrifice much in terms of picture quality or functionality.

How to Choose the Best Roku TV for You

Now that we‘ve covered what Roku TVs are and why you might want one, let‘s discuss how to select the best model for your needs and budget. While all Roku TVs share the same core interface and capabilities, they can vary considerably in hardware, design, and features. Here are the main factors to keep in mind:

Screen Size and Resolution
Roku TVs are available in sizes ranging from 24 inches up to 75 inches or larger. Consider how far you‘ll be sitting from the TV and the resolution you need. For screen sizes under 50 inches, 1080p Full HD resolution is sufficient, while larger displays generally call for 4K Ultra HD to appreciate the added pixels.

Display Type and Picture Quality
An LED LCD panel with basic HDR support is fine for most viewers, but videophiles may want to upgrade to a brighter QLED model with Dolby Vision. The top-end Roku TVs feature mini-LED backlighting for even better contrast and color performance. Look for buzzwords like "Quantum Dot," "local dimming," and "Wide Color Gamut" to identify premium options.

Inputs and Wireless Connectivity
Make sure your Roku TV has enough HDMI ports for your needs (ideally 4, but 3 can work too). Support for HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth is also nice to have for connecting the latest 4K gaming consoles, soundbars, and headphones. But for most, the wireless standards won‘t make a huge difference.

Price
You can find 55-inch Roku TVs for as little as $300-400, but stepping up to the $600-800 range will get you a better display and more robust features. The very best Roku TVs are priced around $1000-1500, but anything more than that is overkill for all but the most discerning viewers. Don‘t forget to factor in the cost of your streaming service subscriptions!

Brand and Reliability
TCL is the leading Roku TV brand and produces fantastic models in every price range. Hisense is another trustworthy option with a growing Roku TV lineup. Lesser-known brands like Onn and Westinghouse offer some good budget picks but may not be as durable or future-proof.

The 7 Best Roku TVs You Can Buy Today

Taking into account screen size, display quality, features, price, and overall value, here are my top picks for the best Roku TVs available now:

1. Best Overall Roku TV: TCL 6-Series 4K QLED with mini-LED (55R635)

For the second year running, the TCL 6-Series is my pick for the single best Roku TV you can buy. The latest 2022 version starts at an attractive $650 for the 55-inch model but delivers truly outstanding picture quality thanks to a bright QLED display with Mini-LED backlighting. The 240 local dimming zones allow for excellent contrast with deep blacks and vibrant highlights, and Quantum Dot color technology ensures a wide, accurate palette. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats are supported, as is Dolby Atmos surround sound.

Gamers will appreciate the Auto Game Mode with variable refresh rate and sub-10ms input lag, and the Roku voice remote makes navigation a breeze. The bezel-less design keeps the focus on the lush 4K visuals which impress from any angle thanks to reduced light blooming compared to last year‘s already fantastic model. If you can afford to spend a bit more for a Roku TV that can rival more expensive options from LG and Samsung, the TCL 6-Series is a no-brainer.

2. Best 8K: TCL 6-Series 8K QLED with mini-LED (65R648)

Want to future-proof with the most cutting-edge Roku TV available? Check out the 8K version of TCL‘s 6-Series, which packs an astounding 33 million pixels into a 65-inch or 75-inch display. TCL‘s powerful AiPQ Engine Pro uses machine learning to intelligently upscale all your 4K and 1080p content so it looks fantastic on the pixel-dense 8K panel. Combined with premium QLED color, 240-zone mini-LED backlighting, and Dolby Vision/Atmos support, this is simply the best picture you can get in a Roku TV today.

The 65-inch model costs $2000 while the 75-incher runs $3000, so this is definitely more of a splurge. And there‘s still a lack of native 8K content to fully take advantage of the extra resolution. But early adopters who want the most dazzling Roku TV experience available should look no further than TCL‘s 6-Series 8K flagship.

3. Best Value: TCL 4-Series 4K HDR (50S455)

If you‘re seeking a well-rounded Roku TV that delivers great 4K picture quality without breaking the bank, the TCL 4-Series is my value pick. While it lacks the QLED color and local dimming of the step-up 5-Series and 6-Series models, the 4-Series‘ standard LED display still looks amazing with most content, especially in a darker room. HDR10 and HLG support provide a noticeable boost to contrast and color, and the reliable 60Hz panel handles basic gaming and fast-paced sports well.

You get 3 HDMI 2.0 inputs and the same simple Roku remote and interface found on pricier models. The plastic build may feel a bit cheap, but it allows the 50-inch 4-Series to hit an extremely enticing $350 price point. Sizes range from 43 inches up to a massive 85 inches, all representing some of the best values in their respective categories. For the majority of folks just looking for a dependable Roku TV to enjoy streaming content and the occasional disc or gaming session, the TCL 4-Series is tough to beat.

4. Best for Movies: TCL 5-Series 4K QLED (55S555)

Splitting the difference between the 4-Series and 6-Series, TCL‘s 5-Series is my pick for the best Roku TV for dedicated movie watching. The 5-Series swaps the basic LED panel found in the 4-Series for a much more impactful QLED display with Quantum Dot nanocrystals that produce over a billion discrete colors. It also adds 48-zone full array local dimming for enhanced contrast—not quite as precise as the 6-Series‘ mini-LEDs but a big step up from edge-lit sets.

Dolby Vision and Atmos combine for a wonderfully cinematic experience, especially with 4K HDR content. The Auto Game Mode is a nice bonus for casual gaming, and the brushed metal design looks sleeker than the cheaper 4-Series. For a very reasonable $550, the 55-inch TCL 5-Series is the sweet spot for those who want sublime movie performance without spending significantly more for a 6-Series.

5. Best Small Roku TV: Hisense 32-inch 720p LED (32H4030F)

For a secondary TV in a bedroom, kitchen, or garage, it‘s hard to top the Hisense 32-inch 720p Roku TV. At just $130, this is one of the most affordable new smart TVs you can buy. The compact 32-inch screen size is perfect for smaller spaces, and the 720p resolution display still looks crisp and colorful at typical viewing distances under 6 feet.

You don‘t get any fancy features like HDR or local dimming, but the Hisense covers all the basic Roku TV benefits in an attractively priced package. The two HDMI 1.4 ports, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and 60Hz refresh rate are more than adequate for casual viewing, and Bluetooth support means you can connect wireless headphones for late-night binge sessions. For a no-frills small Roku TV, this Hisense is a steal.

6. Best for Gaming: Hisense U8H 4K ULED mini-LED (55U8H)

Hisense‘s latest flagship Roku TV gives the TCL 6-Series a run for its money, especially when it comes to gaming performance. The U8H‘s mini-LED panel boasts a remarkable 1500 nits of peak brightness and 528 local dimming zones for truly intense highlights and inky blacks. Quantum Dot ULED technology, Dolby Vision/IQ, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos create a feast for the senses.

But the U8H really shines when you fire up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K/120Hz signals, and FreeSync Premium ensures tear-free gaming. Input lag measures an incredible 8ms, and the TV automatically switches to Game Mode when it detects a console. The premium price of $1000 for a 55-inch model may turn off non-gamers, but those with a need for speed will find the Hisense U8H tough to resist.

7. Best Outdoor Roku TV: SunBrite 55-inch Veranda 4K (SB-V-55-4KHDR-BL)

Didn‘t know you could use a Roku TV outside? SunBrite‘s Veranda series is designed for fully shaded exterior viewing areas like covered patios, screened porches, and cabanas. The weatherproofed aluminum casing protects against rain, snow, dust, insects, and even extreme temperatures from -24°F to 104°F.

The anti-glare screen is up to three times brighter than indoor TVs for better visibility in sunlight, and it resists condensation, rust, and corrosion. 4K HDR support and direct-lit LED backlighting ensure a colorful, contrast-rich picture. The Veranda‘s rugged exterior does add some chunk, but that‘s a small price to pay for enjoying your favorite Roku content in the great outdoors. At $1900 for a 55-inch model, the SunBrite Veranda is a specialized tool, but it‘s hands-down the best weatherproof Roku TV on the market.

Tips for Setting Up and Using a Roku TV

Once your Roku TV arrives, there are a few steps and settings you‘ll want to know about to optimize your experience:

• To get started, you‘ll need to create or sign in to a free Roku account and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and check for updates. You can activate your Roku TV by entering a simple code at roku.com/link.

• During initial setup, your TV will automatically detect your connected devices and configure your Roku remote to control them. HDMI-CEC is enabled by default, which allows the Roku TV remote to control compatible devices like soundbars and game consoles.

• Customize your home screen by adding, removing, and rearranging your installed streaming apps. If you subscribe to cable or satellite, connect the receiver box via HDMI and you‘ll get a dedicated tile to launch live TV right from the home screen.

• For the best 4K picture, choose Auto Detect or 4K UHD as the HDMI mode in settings. You‘ll also want to match the TV‘s refresh rate to your video source by enabling Auto Adjust Display Refresh Rate.

• By default, your Roku remote should be configured for IR and "point anywhere" RF control. You can also connect your Roku remote app for private listening, voice control, and easy text entry.

• Remember to keep your TV and streaming channels up to date for the latest performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features. You can configure your Roku TV to install updates automatically or manually check for the latest software in Settings.

Conclusion

With so many models to choose from, picking the best Roku TV ultimately comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you want the most dazzling picture quality and cutting-edge gaming features, it‘s worth splurging for a premium option like the TCL 6-Series mini-LED or the Hisense U8H. Movie buffs seeking a great value can‘t go wrong with the balanced TCL 5-Series QLED, while smaller spaces are well-served by the super affordable 32-inch 720p Hisense. And if you want to enjoy Roku outside, the weather-proof SunBrite Veranda is in a class of its own.

But for the average streaming fan who desires an excellent all-around 4K HDR display without any weak spots, my overall top pick is the 55-inch TCL 6-Series 4K QLED. It hits the sweet spot of picture quality, gaming performance, design, and price, delivering a truly flagship-level Roku TV experience for much less than comparable options from more entrenched brands.

Whichever Roku TV you choose, you‘ll gain access to the industry‘s most comprehensive and user-friendly streaming platform. Follow the setup tips shared above and you‘ll be enjoying your favorite content in no time on what I consider to be the smartest, most hassle-free TVs available today.