Roku TVs take advantage of one of the best smart TV platforms to make a simple streaming experience. But not all Roku TVs are created equal. Here are the best.
There are plenty of smart TV platforms to choose from these days, but Roku consistently impresses. The TV operating system was named the No. 1 smart TV in 2021, and can be found in TVs from Hisense and TCL. Roku’s clean interface makes managing your favorite apps — including the Roku Channel — and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, a breeze, with support for everything from Alexa to Apple HomeKit.
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! We’ll also keep you updated on any new options, like TCL’s upcoming mini-LED TVs that could be a significant upgrade to your current screen.
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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.
