Best Roku TV: Top Picks & Buying Guide

Hey everyone! Are you looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup with a new Roku TV? With so many options out there, figuring out which Roku TV is the best can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the top picks and key features to consider, making your decision easier and ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.

What is Roku TV?

Before we dive into the best models, let's quickly cover what Roku TV actually is. Roku TV is a smart TV platform that integrates the Roku operating system directly into the television. This means you get all the benefits of a regular TV, plus the ability to stream content from thousands of channels, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and many more. The Roku interface is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a favorite among users of all ages. Roku TVs also receive regular software updates, adding new features and improvements over time. This ensures your TV stays current and continues to offer a great user experience for years to come.

Why choose a Roku TV? The answer is simple: convenience and affordability. Instead of needing a separate streaming device, everything is built right in. Plus, Roku TVs are available from a variety of brands and at different price points, so you can find one that fits your budget. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a binge-watching enthusiast, Roku TV has something to offer everyone. From the user-friendly interface to the vast selection of streaming channels, Roku TV makes it easy to enjoy your favorite content. And with features like voice control and a customizable home screen, you can personalize your viewing experience to suit your preferences. So, if you’re in the market for a new smart TV, a Roku TV is definitely worth considering.

Top Roku TV Models

Alright, let's get down to business! Here are some of the best Roku TV models you can buy right now, catering to different needs and budgets.

TCL 6-Series Roku TV

If you're after premium picture quality without breaking the bank, the TCL 6-Series Roku TV is a fantastic choice. This TV combines Mini-LED backlighting with QLED technology, resulting in stunning brightness, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The TCL 6-Series Roku TV is available in various sizes, typically ranging from 55 to 75 inches, making it suitable for different room sizes. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring you get the best possible HDR performance from your favorite movies and shows. Gamers will also appreciate the low input lag and support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), providing a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

The Roku interface on the TCL 6-Series is snappy and responsive, and the included voice remote makes it easy to search for content and control the TV. One of the standout features of the TCL 6-Series is its Mini-LED backlight technology. Mini-LEDs are much smaller than traditional LEDs, allowing for more of them to be packed into the backlight. This results in finer control over the dimming zones, leading to deeper blacks and brighter highlights. When combined with QLED technology, which enhances color accuracy and brightness, the TCL 6-Series delivers a truly impressive picture quality. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or streaming your favorite shows, the TCL 6-Series offers a top-notch viewing experience. And with its affordable price point, it's a great value for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup. Plus, the built-in Roku platform means you have access to a vast library of streaming content right out of the box.

Hisense U8 Series Roku TV

The Hisense U8 Series Roku TV is another excellent option for those seeking high performance at a reasonable price. It boasts impressive brightness and color accuracy, thanks to its Quantum Dot technology. The Hisense U8 Series typically comes in sizes from 55 to 75 inches, fitting well in most living rooms. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, offering a great HDR experience. The Hisense U8 Series also includes features like full-array local dimming, which enhances contrast and black levels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. Its peak brightness levels make it an excellent choice for both SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) and HDR content.

The Roku TV platform on the Hisense U8 Series is fast and intuitive, providing seamless access to all your favorite streaming services. The TV also comes with voice control capabilities, allowing you to easily search for content, adjust the volume, and more. One of the key advantages of the Hisense U8 Series is its versatility. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or streaming sports, this TV delivers excellent performance. The combination of Quantum Dot technology, full-array local dimming, and high brightness levels results in a picture that is both vibrant and detailed. And with its affordable price point, the Hisense U8 Series offers exceptional value for money. If you're looking for a TV that can handle a variety of content and deliver a top-notch viewing experience, the Hisense U8 Series is definitely worth considering. Plus, the built-in Roku platform ensures you have access to a vast library of streaming content right at your fingertips.

Roku Select & Plus Series TVs

For those on a budget, the Roku Select and Plus Series TVs are excellent choices. These TVs offer the simplicity of the Roku platform at a more affordable price point. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end models, they still provide a solid viewing experience. The Roku Select Series is the entry-level option, offering basic features and a straightforward design. The Roku Plus Series steps things up a notch with improved picture quality and additional features like Dolby Vision support.

Roku Select & Plus Series TVs are perfect for smaller rooms or for those who don't need all the advanced features of a premium TV. They still offer access to thousands of streaming channels and come with the easy-to-use Roku interface. The Roku Select Series is designed to be user-friendly and easy to set up, making it a great option for those who are new to smart TVs. The Roku Plus Series, on the other hand, offers a slightly more refined viewing experience with better color accuracy and contrast. Both series are available in a range of sizes, from smaller models perfect for a bedroom to larger sizes suitable for a living room. If you're looking for an affordable and reliable smart TV that offers access to a vast library of streaming content, the Roku Select and Plus Series are definitely worth considering. Plus, the built-in Roku platform ensures you have a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience right out of the box.

Key Features to Consider

Before making a final decision, here are some key features to keep in mind:

Screen Size

Screen size is a crucial factor. Measure your space and consider viewing distance. A larger screen can be more immersive, but make sure it fits comfortably in your room. Here’s a quick guide:

• 43-50 inches: Ideal for bedrooms or smaller living rooms.
• 55-65 inches: Great for medium-sized living rooms.
• 70 inches and larger: Best for larger spaces where you can sit further away from the screen.

Choosing the right screen size can greatly enhance your viewing experience. A screen that is too small may leave you squinting, while a screen that is too large can be overwhelming. To determine the ideal screen size, measure the distance between your seating area and the TV. As a general rule, you should aim for a screen size where the diagonal measurement of the screen is about half the viewing distance. For example, if you sit 10 feet away from the TV, a 60-inch screen would be a good fit. Keep in mind that personal preference also plays a role, so it's always a good idea to visit a store and see different screen sizes in person before making a decision. Ultimately, the goal is to find a screen size that provides an immersive and comfortable viewing experience for you and your family.

Resolution

Resolution determines the clarity and detail of the picture. 4K (Ultra HD) is the standard these days, offering four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p). While 8K TVs are available, they are more expensive and content is still limited. 4K TVs provide a significant upgrade in picture quality, especially on larger screens. With four times the pixels of Full HD, 4K TVs deliver sharper images, finer details, and more vibrant colors. This makes a noticeable difference when watching movies, TV shows, and playing video games. Even if the content you're watching is not natively in 4K, many 4K TVs have upscaling capabilities that can improve the picture quality of lower-resolution content.

While 8K TVs offer even higher resolution, the benefits are less noticeable unless you have a very large screen or sit very close to the TV. Additionally, there is currently limited 8K content available, making it difficult to fully take advantage of the higher resolution. For most viewers, a 4K TV is the sweet spot, offering a significant improvement in picture quality without breaking the bank. When choosing a 4K TV, look for models that support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which further enhances the picture quality by providing a wider range of colors and contrast. With a 4K TV, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite content with stunning clarity and detail, bringing your viewing experience to a whole new level.

HDR Support

HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances the contrast and color range, making the picture look more realistic. Look for TVs that support Dolby Vision or HDR10+ for the best HDR performance. HDR is a game-changer when it comes to picture quality. HDR TVs can display a wider range of colors and a greater contrast between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. This results in a picture that is more vibrant, detailed, and lifelike. When watching HDR content, you'll notice brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and more subtle shades of color. This makes a significant difference, especially in scenes with a lot of dynamic range, such as sunsets or explosions.

There are several different HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. HDR10 is the most common format and is supported by most HDR TVs. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are more advanced formats that offer dynamic metadata, which means the HDR settings can be adjusted on a scene-by-scene basis. This results in even better picture quality, with more accurate colors and contrast. When choosing an HDR TV, look for models that support at least HDR10, but ideally HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. Keep in mind that you'll also need HDR content to take advantage of the benefits of HDR. Many streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, offer a wide selection of HDR content. With HDR support, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows with stunning realism and detail.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate measures how many times per second the TV updates the image. A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) results in smoother motion, which is especially important for sports and action movies. TVs with higher refresh rates are better at handling fast-moving content, reducing motion blur and providing a clearer picture. A refresh rate of 60Hz is sufficient for most content, but if you're a sports fan or gamer, a 120Hz refresh rate is worth the investment. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll notice smoother motion, especially in fast-paced scenes. This makes a big difference when watching sports, playing video games, or watching action movies.

The higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and ghosting, resulting in a sharper and more detailed picture. Some TVs also use motion smoothing technology to artificially increase the refresh rate. While this can make the picture appear smoother, it can also create a soap opera effect, where the content looks unnaturally smooth and cinematic. If you don't like the soap opera effect, you can usually disable motion smoothing in the TV's settings. When choosing a TV, consider the type of content you'll be watching most often. If you primarily watch movies and TV shows, a 60Hz refresh rate may be sufficient. However, if you're a sports fan or gamer, a 120Hz refresh rate is highly recommended for a smoother and more enjoyable viewing experience.

Conclusion

So, which Roku TV is the best? It really depends on your budget and what you're looking for in a TV. The TCL 6-Series and Hisense U8 Series offer excellent picture quality and features for the price, while the Roku Select and Plus Series are great budget-friendly options. Consider the screen size, resolution, HDR support, and refresh rate to make the best choice for your needs. Happy watching, guys!