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The best Roku TVs: Expert tested

We tested some of the best TVs from Roku, Hisense, and TCL to find the best Roku TV for your budget.
Written by Taylor Clemons, Staff Writer

Why you can trust ZDNET

33 years of experience
30 hands-on product reviewers
10,000 square feet of lab space

What to Consider

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Screen size

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Resolution

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Display technology

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Smart capabilities

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Refresh rate and gaming features

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HDR compatibility

Roku Pro Series | Best Roku TV overall
A Roku Pro Series TV on a grey background
Roku Pro Series
Best Roku TV overall
View now View at Best Buy
Roku Plus Series | Best mid-range Roku TV
pxl-20230922-145509226-portrait-original
Roku Plus Series
Best mid-range Roku TV
View now View at Best Buy
Roku Select Series | Best budget Roku TV
A Roku Select Series TV on a grey background
Roku Select Series
Best budget Roku TV
View now View at Best Buy
Hisense R6 | Best 65-inch Roku TV
A Hisense R6 TV on a grey background.
Hisense R6
Best 65-inch Roku TV
View now View at Walmart
TCL S4 | Best Roku TV for gaming
TCL - 55" Class S4 S-Class 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV with Google TV
TCL S4
Best Roku TV for gaming
View now View at Amazon

Roku is a popular streaming platform for people looking for an affordable smart TV or a way to turn a "dumb" TV into one that's capable of easily streaming movies, shows and music. TCL and Hisense were among the biggest brands to partner with Roku to provide the streaming platform to customers, but in 2023, Roku began to produce its own TVs, while TCL and Hisense moved to Google TV for their platform. You can still find Roku-based TCL and Hisense models if you're willing to pick up a slightly older model from 2023, but your best luck will be a Roku-branded Pro, Plus, or Select Series TV.

Also: The best TVs: Expert tested

What is the best Roku TV right now?

At ZDNET, we've tested and researched some of the best Roku TVs to help you choose the right one. The Roku Pro Series is our pick for the best Roku TV overall, as it's the brand's flagship model offering a QLED panel, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos support, and voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, and Apple HomeKit. Keep reading below to find out more about the Roku Pro Series as well as our other picks for the best Roku TV. 

The best Roku TVs of 2024

Roku Pro Series

Best Roku TV overall

In 2023, Roku took a page from Amazon and launched its own lineup of affordable smart TVs based on its streaming platform. The Pro Series is the flagship model, built with a QLED panel for enhanced contrast and color over traditional LED screens. It also supports Dolby Vision IQ HDR for better detailing and Dolby Atmos for cinema-quality virtual surround sound. 

With the Roku platform, you'll get access to thousands of apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ to turn your TV into a true entertainment hub. It even gives you access to free live news, sports, and entertainment channels with the Pluto TV app and a built-in antenna for picking up over-the-air channel signals. Along with streaming access, you'll also get built-in voice controls via Alexa and Hey Google, and it supports Apple HomeKit for iOS users.

Roku Pro Series tech specs: Screen size: 55-75 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit 

A Roku Pro Series TV on a grey background
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Roku Plus Series

Best mid-range Roku TV

ZDNET contributor Artie Beaty tested the 65-inch Roku Plus Series TV, and wrote in his review that he was impressed by the mid-range TV's premium look, with minimal bezel and brushed metal casing. The Plus Series features a 4K QLED screen, HDR 10+, and Dolby Vision. It has four HDMI ports (three HDMI and one HDMI eARC), but none of them are HDMI 2.1, meaning you won't get the most out of a next-generation video game console or high-end sound bar, but there is enough room for all your devices. The picture and audio quality is also solid, and puts it on par with its competitors, Beaty wrote.

"For the vast majority of consumers who might not notice the missing extras anyway, this is an excellent mid-range television with outstanding value that does the basic things well," Beaty wrote.

Also: Roku's first-ever TV is shockingly capable for the price you pay

Roku Plus Series tech specs: Screen size: 55-75 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit 

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Roku Select Series

Best budget Roku TV

While Roku TVs are already on the more-affordable side, the Roku Select Series is designed to be one of the most budget-friendly smart TVs on the market. The 32-inch model retails for around $150 while the 40-inch sells for around $200. The smaller screen size makes it perfect as a second screen in your bedroom or as the main TV in a small apartment or dorm room. 

The LED panel gives you 720p resolution, which is great for everything from live news and sports to streaming movies and music. While it sacrifices ultra-high resolution for the sake of cost, it still supports Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound for cinema-quality audio at home. You can also connect the Select Series to a smart speaker for hands-free voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, or Apple HomeKit.

Roku Select Series tech specs: Screen size: 32 or 40 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 720p | HDR: N/A | Audio: Dolby | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit 

A Roku Select Series TV on a grey background
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Hisense R6

Best 65-inch Roku TV

The Hisense R6 is one of the few Roku-based Hisense TVs you can still buy, if you're not too fussed about buying an older model, and it's one of the best 65-inch Roku models on the market. Along with 4K resolution, it supports Dolby Vision for enhanced color, detailing, and contrast, as well as DTS Studio Surround audio for a more cinematic viewing experience at home. You can set up voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, or even Siri with an Apple HomeKit speaker. And with Chromecast built-in, you can quickly and easily share photos, videos, and music from your Android mobile devices. 

Hisense R6 tech specs: Screen size: 65 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: DTS Studio Surround | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit

A Hisense R6 TV on a grey background.
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TCL S4

Best Roku TV for gaming

The 2023 version of the TCL S4 is the last Roku TV offered by the brand, and it's one of the best Roku-based TVs for gaming. Not only do you get great 4K resolution for console gaming, but it also features an automatic low latency mode to reduce input lag as well as a 60Hz base refresh rate for smoother action during fast-paced sequences and cutscenes. With support for both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, you'll get enhanced picture quality and virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience without the need for a headset.

TCL S4 (2023) tech specs - Screen size: 43 or 50 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit 

TCL - 55" Class S4 S-Class 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV with Google TV
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What is the best Roku TV?

We chose the Roku Pro Series as the best Roku TV for its Dolby Vision IQ support, 120Hz refresh rate, and 4K resolution. It's built with a QLED panel for enhanced contrast and detailing over traditional LED screens as well as an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts your screen's brightness to your environment for optimal viewing. 

Best Roku TVPriceHDR/audioScreen sizes
Roku Pro Series$998Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos55, 65, 75 inches
Roku Plus Series$650Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos55, 65, 75 inches
Roku Select Series$138No HDR support, Dolby Audio32, 40 inches
Hisense R6$400Dolby Vision, DTS Studio Sound65 inches
TCL S4$228Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos43, 50 inches

*Best price at time of writing. Please note that actual price may vary between retailers or due to available offers, discounts, coupons, and promotions.

Which is the right Roku TV for you?

While many Roku-based TVs are quite affordable, there are a few that push their price point into "mid-range" territory. But they also provide a few more premium-grade features like Apple HomeKit support, higher refresh rates, and Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support. If you need to stick to a modest budget the Roku Select Series retails for about $150 for the 32-inch version. And if you're looking for a solid gaming TV that also supports the Roku platform, the TCL S4 (2023) has an automatic low-latency mode for console gaming as well as four HDMI inputs for connecting multiple consoles. 

Buy this Roku TV...If you need...
Roku Pro SeriesA well-rounded smart TV that uses the Roku platform for streaming. It uses a QLED panel for enhanced color and contrast and supports Dolby Vision IQ and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Roku Plus SeriesA mid-range Roku TV with a more premium feel and QLED 4K screen.
Roku Select SeriesA budget-friendly Roku TV. The Select Series is a stripped-back version of the brand's new smart TV lineup, offering streaming support without breaking the bank.
Hisense R6A 65-inch Roku TV. The Hisense R6 supports Dolby Vision and DTS Studio Sound for enhanced picture and audio quality.
TCL S4A gaming TV that supports the Roku platform for streaming. The TCL S4 (2023) has an automatic low-latency mode for console gaming as well as support for both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.

Factors to consider when buying a Roku TV

If you've settled on the idea of a Roku TV for your next home theater upgrade, there are a few things to keep in mind while you shop: 

  • Price: Setting and sticking to a budget is the most important task when shopping for any new item, and especially when shopping for a new TV. Not only does it keep you from overspending, it also helps you focus on your must-have features so you can get the best value for your budget. 
  • Picture and audio quality: A TV is only as good as it looks and sounds. We've come a long way from tinny, built-in speakers and low-resolution screens, but not all Roku TVs are created equal. Make sure the TV you have your eye on has the resolution, refresh rate, and sound support that you prefer for your home theater. 
  • Screen size: Aside from budget, making sure your new Roku TV actually fits into your space is one of the top priorities when shopping. If you're having trouble figuring out how big your new TV should be, measure the distance (in inches) from where it will sit on a stand or be wall-mounted to where you will be watching from. So if your couch is 12 feet (144 inches) from your TV, your ideal screen size will be about 75 inches. You can go a bit larger or smaller depending on your budget and what's available, but a screen that is too large for your space can cause motion sickness as well as overwhelm your room. And a screen that is too small will force you and your friends and family to crowd around to see, which can make movie nights and watch parties a pain. 

How did I choose these Roku TVs?

While testing and researching the Roku TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind: 

  • Streaming support: Whether you want free live TV without a cable provider or binge the latest movies and shows as soon as they drop, your Roku TV needs to support a wide variety of apps to be a true entertainment hub for your home. Each TV selected supports popular apps like Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. 
  • HDR and audio support: While not every TV needs to support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to provide great picture and audio quality, it does help if you're a movie buff who wants cinema-quality sound. Each TV that was chosen supports either Dolby Vision or HDR10 as well as Dolby Atmos or DTS audio processing. 
  • Refresh rates: Higher-end TVs have higher refresh rates for smoother action while streaming fast-paced movies and shows or watching sports. However, a 60Hz refresh rate is more than enough for most folks who just want a TV that can provide a good picture for family movie night.

Does TCL still make Roku TVs?

Up until 2023, TCL had partnered with Roku to provide the streaming platform to their smart TV users. However, it was in 2023 that Roku launched their own Select and Plus Series TVs. And combined with the CES 2021 announcement that TCL had partnered with Google TV for their flagship models pushed the brand away from the Roku platform. 

Can I watch live channels on a Roku TV without cable?

There are a couple of ways you can watch free, live TV channels on your Roku device without a cable or satellite provider or monthly subscription to streaming apps. The Roku platform itself offers support for the Pluto TV app, which offers free, live news, sports, and entertainment channels via a dedicated app. However, since it is a web-based streaming app, you'll need a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to use Pluto TV.  

If you don't have reliable access to an internet connection for streaming online content, all TVs are built with an internal digital antenna for picking up over-the-air (OTA) TV channel signals, which are also free to access. But do be aware that depending on where you live and how your house is built, you may need to invest in an indoor or outdoor TV antenna to boost your TV's ability to pick up a strong, steady channel signal.

Does Roku charge a monthly fee?

Nope! The Roku platform requires you to set up an account in order to sign into the TV or streaming device's home menu and download apps, but it's always a free service. However, do be aware that many apps do charge subscription fees every month. So while Roku may not be charging you, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon will. 

More Roku TVs to consider

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