One of the best Roku TVs in 2022
We could earn income from the merchandise obtainable on this web page and take part in affiliate applications. Study extra ›
Up to date Nov 18, 2022 8:18 PM
Streaming gadget producer Roku is among the largest names in little packing containers that tuck beneath or behind your TV. However do you know that in addition they make among the best good TV working techniques round? Roku TVs, which make use of the Roku interface as their good TV menu, come from a handful of producers, together with an entire line of inexpensive TVs from TCL. Roku’s intuitive menus make it simple to regulate TV options and achieve entry to your favourite streaming companies—together with Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu—with none extra {hardware}. For those who’re in search of an all-in-one good TV that’s simple to make use of, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with one of the best Roku TVs.
What is a brilliant TV?
In 2022, all new TVs are good TVs. The time period “good TV” refers to any TV with an working system that connects to the web, permitting you to replace firmware and, extra importantly, obtain apps for streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max.
The good TV interface has change into a vital part of the TV-watching expertise. Information from Comscore means that internet-connected good TVs are the first method households devour streaming content material. They eradicate the necessity for a devoted streaming gadget, streamlining the method of discovering what you need to watch whenever you flip your TV on. The truth is, many good TVs can combine into good dwelling setups and assist digital assistants like Alexa and the Google Assistant, so you’ll be able to flip your TV on utilizing solely your voice.
These techniques have as a lot in frequent with smartphones and tablets as they do with the set-top packing containers they’re changing. Along with providing preloaded software program, good TVs come outfitted with a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that powers your complete expertise, from enter switching to picture processing. These processors additionally allow the extra superior options in good TVs, like robotically adjusting the sound and movie.
In the meantime, gaining access to software program updates and a sophisticated processor allows TVs to realize new options after you buy them. For instance, Sony lately rolled out assist for variable refresh fee (VRR) on a number of of its 2021 TVs, together with the Bravia XR A90J, which we’ve really helpful a number of instances. You may’t get that have from an outdated TV.
How we picked one of the best Roku TVs
I’ve written a number of TV guides for Common Science, whereas PopSci’s Gear crew has evaluated dozens of TVs from throughout the market. The beneath suggestions have been knowledgeable by expertise, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis into specs and know-how. We additionally checked skilled evaluations and client impressions to see which TVs work for folks and which of them don’t.
One of the best Roku TVs: Opinions & Suggestions
There are dozens of Roku TVs obtainable from a number of producers, however the market is dominated by TCL, the producer that popularized Roku TVs. For essentially the most half, Roku TVs are inexpensive choices that supply a mixture of outdated and new applied sciences and provide fairly good image high quality. Nevertheless, if you would like one of the best of one of the best, it’s possible you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Greatest total: TCL 6-Collection Roku TV (R635)
Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the reduce: The TCL 6-Collection Roku TV options a formidable 4K panel, 4 HDMI 2.0 ports, and variable refresh fee assist.
Specs
- Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”
- Show: QLED
- Refresh fee: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- Ports: HDMI 2.0 x 4, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Bluetooth
Execs
- Sharp, vibrant image
- 120Hz assist
- 4 HDMI 2.0 ports
Cons
The TCL 6-Collection Roku TV is well among the best sub-$1,000 TVs you should purchase. The sharp QLED panel delivers spectacular brightness and colour, plus wonderful HDR efficiency that rivals some OLED TVs. It additionally contains Automated low-latency mode, variable refresh fee assist, and a better 120Hz refresh fee—three options that may make players very joyful.
It’s value noting, nonetheless, that it solely helps 1080p at 120Hz, relatively than 4K at 120Hz, as a result of lack of HDMI 2.1. Even with that caveat, the TCL 6-Collection Roku TV has a daring look and unbelievable worth.
Greatest 65-inch: Hisense U6GR
Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the reduce: The Hisense U6GR places Roku entrance and heart with a wonderful 4K show and assist for various HDR requirements.
Specs
- Sizes: 65”
- Show: ULED
- Refresh fee: 60Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- Ports: HDMI 2.0 x 4, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Bluetooth
Execs
- Wonderful 4K picture
- HDR10 and Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist
- Ample HDMI ports
Cons
TCL’s TVs are the commonest and in style on the Roku TV block however don’t sleep on Hisense’s U6GR. A Roku-enabled variant of the corporate’s U6G line, it presents a strong image and a few bells and whistles you’d usually count on from a costlier mannequin. The UG6R options Hisense’s proprietary ULED know-how, which makes use of proprietary know-how to boost colours, movement, and distinction. It additionally options quantum-dot know-how to offer a brighter, extra vivid image. The Hisense Class U6G Collection additionally contains a number of options players will recognize, together with variable refresh fee and automated low-latency mode. The Hisense UGR is a robust mid-range choice, particularly for those who’re buying for a bigger display.
For those who’re looking for one of the best 65-inch Roku TV, the Hisense Class U6G Collection is a good alternative.
Greatest 55-inch: TCL 5-Collection Roku TV
Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the reduce: The TCL 5-Collection makes QLED know-how inexpensive, and it’s obtainable in a dynamic and comfy 55-inch type issue.
Specs
- Sizes: 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”
- Show: QLED
- Refresh fee: 60Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- Ports: HDMI 2.0 x 4, USB, Ethernet
Execs
- Vibrant QLED show
- Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist
- Built-in cable administration
Cons
With a 4K show, HDR, and an automated Recreation Mode, the TCL 5-Collection is a really strong TV. Just like the top-rated TCL 6-Collection, the 5-Collection options QLED know-how, so colours, distinction, and brightness all get a lift. You additionally get assist for HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and voice management options, so you’ll be able to open apps, flip up the amount, and seek for your favourite present with minimal effort. Whereas it lacks extra superior options like HDMI 2.1, the TCL 5-Collection is a wonderful choose if you would like a nice-looking TV and don’t must sweat the small stuff.
Greatest QLED: TCL 6-Collection 8K (R648)
Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the reduce: The TCL 6-Collection 8K is essentially the most highly effective Roku TV proper now, with a improbable 8K QLED show, HDMI 2.1, and Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist.
Specs
- Sizes: 65”, 75”
- Show: QLED
- Refresh fee: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Bluetooth
Execs
- 8K decision assist
- ALLM and VRR
- HDMI 2.1
Cons
For the very best QLED image high quality, bar none, no Roku TV beats the TCL 6-Collection 8K. That is sensible as a result of it’s an 8K TV, which, as we defined, is costlier and extra highly effective than most individuals want.
That stated, it’s a powerhouse. The 6-Collection 8K’s, TK decision options over 33 million pixels—that’s 4 instances what you see in a 4K UHD picture. The result’s an extremely sharp, vibrant image unmatched by anything within the Roku TV market. A QLED panel elevates the brightness and colour accuracy, whereas a localized distinction management characteristic optimizes for sharp, inky blacks throughout 240 “distinction zones” enhancing high-quality particulars wherever you look. The TCL 6-Collection 8K additionally helps VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Imaginative and prescient. At almost $2,000, it’s far and away the most costly TV on this listing, however additionally it is a comparative cut price if you end up compelled to make the leap to 8K.
Greatest funds: TCL 4-Collection
Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the reduce: The TCL 4-Collection is the proper entry level into the Roku TV market, providing wonderful image high quality at an inexpensive worth.
Specs
- Sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
- Show: LED
- Refresh fee: 60Hz
- HDR: HDR10
- Ports: HDMI 2.0 x 4, USB, Ethernet
Execs
- Vibrant QLED show
- Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist
- Built-in cable administration
Cons
For those who’re in search of one thing inexpensive, TCL returns to avoid wasting the day but once more with its fundamental 4-Collection line. As you may count on, the 4-Collection dials down the colour high quality and options from the 5- and 6-Collection, however nonetheless brings you good 4K visuals with HDR10 assist and HDMI 2.0. At this worth level, the promoting level of the 4-Collection actually is the Roku UI, which makes it very simple to seek out streaming content material. That alone places it above lots of its budget-friendly friends.
Issues to search for in one of the best Roku TVs
Although Roku TVs are outlined by their working system, there’s much more to selecting a TV than the menus. One of the best Roku TVs provide a pointy, vivid image and fashionable options that improve TV, films, and video video games. That stated, you’ll come throughout a number of Roku TVs that characteristic older show know-how and connectivity choices. That’s not a foul factor however solely a handful of choices can compete with one of the best fashions obtainable proper now, together with one of the best OLED TVs and QLED TVs.
Display screen dimension
In an ideal world, you need to choose the scale of your TV to suit the scale and structure of the room the place you intend to place it. You need to sit shut sufficient to your TV that it fills up a big portion of your visual field, however not so shut that lengthy viewing periods harm your eyes. The larger the TV, the additional away you need to sit from it.
We’ve particular suggestions in our information to TV placement, however you need to measure the gap between your sofa and the place you intend to place your TV to get a way of what dimension to purchase. As a tough information, we’d advocate 40-55 inches for small dwelling rooms and bedrooms. Save the 75-inch display you’ve been eyeballing for the largest room in the home.
As you think about what TV to purchase, it pays to be real looking about what dimension makes essentially the most sense. Discovering the correct match will give you one of the best viewing expertise whereas mixing in effectively with the remainder of your decor.
Decision
Most fashionable TVs assist 4K Extremely Excessive Definition decision or, extra formally, 3840 x 2160p. Some producers have began promoting 8K TVs–7680 x 4320p–however they are typically very costly, and there may be little to no 8K content material to benefit from the upper decision. As such, we advocate sticking with 4K.
Excessive dynamic vary (HDR)
Excessive dynamic vary, or HDR, allows your TV to make use of a wider vary of brightness to boost colours and create extra exact reproductions of low-light photographs. HDR does a greater job of presenting particulars within the brightest whites and the darkest blacks. Once you stroll right into a dimly lit room in a online game, you’ll see the faint silhouette of tables at midnight, similar to you’d when peering into the darkish nook of your poorly lit native pub.
Completely different TV fashions make use of one of some completely different HDR requirements, together with HDR10 and Dolby Imaginative and prescient. HDR10 is an open commonplace that’s freely obtainable for TV producers to implement of their units, so it’s extra extensively obtainable throughout the business. Dolby Imaginative and prescient, a proprietary commonplace, is much less frequent however comes with a technical benefit. The place HDR10 units its brightness ranges at the beginning of a video, whereas Dolby imaginative and prescient dynamically adjusts brightness to match particular scenes and even frames. There’s a model of HDR10 with the identical dynamic brightness scaling, HDR10+, however it’s far much less frequent than commonplace HDR10.
Gaming options
Most of the most up-to-date upgrades to TVs have particularly centered on enhancing how video video games run on TVs. Lots of our guides have highlighted the current shift to supporting a better 120Hz refresh fee, which permits for smoother gameplay at a better body fee. To allow 4K gameplay at 120Hz, TVs should assist HDMI 2.1, the most recent model of the AV commonplace. Along with enhancing body fee, TVs have added myriad software program options, similar to variable refresh fee (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), to incorporate gaming efficiency.
That stated, these are new options. They’re frequent amongst top-of-the-line TVs however are nonetheless filtering their method right down to mid-range and funds fashions. Many Roku TVs solely embrace HDMI 2.0, which implies your video games will likely be capped at a normal 60Hz body fee in 4K. For almost all of individuals, that’s not an enormous deal. Solely a small variety of video games on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Collection X assist video games at that decision and body fee proper now. That stated, we count on issues to shift within the coming years, so fidelity-conscious players could need to commerce up and to keep away from getting locked out of helpful options.
FAQs
Q: What apps can be found on Roku TVs?
Roku TVs provide entry to 1000’s of apps, together with Prime Video, HBO Max, Paramount+, and plenty of extra. The apps obtainable by way of related TV working techniques can be found to obtain in your Roku TV so that you simply gained’t miss out on any main companies. Roku units additionally provide the Roku Channel, which options free films, exhibits, stay information, and entry to premium subscriptions, together with Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax.
Q: How a lot do Roku TVs value?
As you’ll be able to see from this listing, Roku TVs run the gamut from below $300 to almost $2,000. That stated, the producers most closely dedicated to creating Roku TVs, together with TCL and Hisense, focus on funds and mid-range TVs. Our high picks value between $500 and $1,000.
Q: Ought to I get an exterior media streaming gadget as a substitute?
Whereas Roku’s good TV is our favourite good TV working system, now we have discovered that many of those techniques really feel sluggish and have poorly up to date good TV apps. That is much less of an issue with Roku TVs as a result of the corporate makes use of the identical working system and apps for each TVs and streaming units. That stated, for those who purchase a wise TV—Roku or in any other case—and discover the apps load slowly or the efficiency is mostly poor, it’s possible you’ll need to think about using a devoted streaming gadget, which has a devoted processor only for loading your streaming content material.
Q: Are there any OLED Roku TVs?
At present, there aren’t any Roku TVs that characteristic OLED show know-how. If you need an OLED TV and like Roku OS, we advocate selecting an excellent OLED TV and a devoted Roku streaming gadget.
Closing ideas on one of the best Roku TVs
As you’ll be able to see, TCL largely dominates the Roku TV market, with 4 picks out of 5. That’s as a result of the corporate gives essentially the most spectacular mix of show high quality, options, and worth. There are dozens extra Roku TVs obtainable from numerous producers, however for those who’re in search of one of the best of one of the best, TCL is the best way to go.
