Do you like spending your free time watching shows and movies? You can enjoy your viewing experience by investing in a TV with enhanced capabilities.
While some people like comparing the different smart TV models available, others prefer working with a reputable company known as Roku. This company has been making quality TVs for years. Though both smart TV and Roku TV have a lot to offer, the experience you can get from these entertainment devices is not the same. If you want to access a lot of content, read on to determine whether you should choose a smart TV or Roku TV. Our guide will help you understand how these two televisions compare. Enjoy!
What are the differences between Roku and Smart TV?
Name |
Roku TV |
Smart TV |
Operating system |
RokuOS |
Depends on the brand, for instance:
· LG smart TV-webOS · Samsung smart TV-TizenOS · Sony smart TV-Android OS |
Free content |
Comes in plenty |
Limited |
User experience |
Excellent |
Poor |
Weight |
8 lbs |
9.2 lbs |
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Roku vs. Smart TV – How do they compare?
Operating system
Both smart TV and Roku TV are different from regular televisions since they feature operating systems. Roku TV makes use of the RokuOS, which is known to be quite effective. Smart TVs, on the other hand, have different operating systems depending on the model you choose. If, for instance, you go for an LG smart TV, this is based on the webOS while a Samsung smart TV uses TizenOS. Since the Roku operating system was explicitly designed for streaming, it makes Roku TV more effective than a smart TV.
Navigation
People have different experiences with smart TVs. If you need a user-friendly entertainment device that is not difficult to navigate, you should choose Roku TV. The Roku software makes this TV beginner-friendly. On the other hand, many people have problems trying to navigate the sophisticated software different smart TVs have. Due to smart TV’s poor software, Roku TV is better since it can give you a better experience.
Content
Though both Roku TV and smart TV are great entertainment devices, Roku TV can give you access to more content. Unlike smart TV, the Roku TV offers you a library of entertaining content to start watching. It also gives you access to more apps compared to what smart TV offers. Apart from the ability to download apps, Roku TV gives you access to specific channels like HBO now and WatchESPN. Such services are not available on most smart TV brands. Due to the high level of content that Roku TV offers, it is better than a smart TV.
Roku vs. Smart TV – Comparison Overview
Roku TV
- Dimensions (W x H x D): TV without stand: 28.8 x 17.1 x 3.1 inches, TV with stand: 28.8 x 19 x 6.8 Inches
- Smart functionality delivers all your favorite content with over 500,000 movies and TV episodes,...
If you are tired of using a regular TV and are ready to upgrade, you should consider Roku TV. This is a quality TV that is based on the Roku software. Unlike most smart TV brands that have complex software to navigate, the manufacturer of Roku TV tries to keep things simple. The Roku software has also been in existence for long, and it has managed to develop a good reputation in the industry. Choosing Roku TV, therefore, means that you can enjoy a great streaming experience.
Even if you have never used any smart TV before, you should find Roku TV easy to navigate. The menus are not only simple but also respond fast. This gives you access to a lot of apps and free content. With this TV, you can download some of the popular apps such as Hulu and Netflix to watch all your favorite movies. It also gives you access to numerous channels like the Hallmark movies channel, HBO Now, and WatchESPN. Finding such services on regular smart TVs is hard.
Most people choose the Roku TV since it delivers excellent image quality and great sounds. This is because the TV can handle both Dolby Vision and HDR10. Just like other smart TVs, Roku comes with a remote that features a built-in voice function. You can therefore give the TV different voice commands based on your preference. Though Roku TV is more expensive than most of the smart TVs, it offers enhanced capabilities.
Pros
- It delivers 4K resolution
- Compatible with both Dolby Vision and HDR10 format
- Offers voice control
- Has a lot of free content
Cons
- The cost is high
Roku TV specs
Operating system |
Roku OS |
Channels available |
Hulu, HBO NOW, Netflix, Spotify, CBS News |
YouTube TV |
Available |
4K and HDR functionality |
Yes |
Bluetooth connectivity |
No |
Smart TV
- Full HD 1080p Resolution - Enjoy a viewing experience that is 2x the clarity of standard HD TVs.
- Smart TV - Get to your entertainment the faster, easier, and more intelligent way. Easily access your...
A smart TV may look like a traditional TV, but it is different since this uses an operating system like a computer or smartphone. It can give you access to different content due to its ability to connect to the internet. Most people like to think of this device as a massive tablet.
Once you turn on smart TV, you can access different pre-installed apps on the home screen. Some of the apps that you can access via smart TV include BBC iPlayer and Netflix. It even allows you to surf websites on a bigger screen just like you would do from a computer. This is because smart TVs feature built-in browsers that connect you to the web.
Due to the inclusion of an operating system, smart TV is costlier compared to conventional TVs. Different companies, such as Samsung, Sony, and LG, produce smart TVs that have varying features. People also like this internet-connected TV since it supports voice control. Advanced smart TV models such as LG allow you to search for content using your voice.
You can even find a smart TV that also acts as a smart hub. Such a smart TV can help you control other smart devices in your home, such as the thermostat or smart bulbs. You, however, have to pay more for smart TVs with such enhanced capabilities. Apart from pre-installed apps, some smart TVs allow you to download more apps from the app store.
Pros
- Give you access to some popular apps
- Some come with advanced capabilities
- Have built-in browsers
Cons
- Hard to navigate
Smart TV specs
Channels available |
TMZ, PBS, CBSN, Netflix, Hulu and Prime Video |
YouTube TV |
Not available in some models |
4K and HDR functionality |
Depends on the model |
Manufacturers |
LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL |
Conclusion
In this modern era, many people are ditching their regular TVs for those that can connect to the internet. Both smart TV and Roku TV can give you such capabilities. Roku TV and smart TV may be internet-connected televisions, but they are not the same.
Verdict: So, which is better? Roku or Smart TV
After comparing the two entertainment devices, we discovered why many people choose Roku TV over smart TV. Though you have to pay more for the Roku TV, it comes with excellent software that makes it easy to navigate. This TV can also give you access to more content than what the smart TV offer. For instance, it has YouTube TV.
Apart from the content that the Roku TV has, it also offers excellent picture and sound quality than most smart TV models since it supports 4K and HDR formats. Choosing Roku TV can therefore give you more value for your cash. This, therefore, made us choose Roku TV as the clear winner.
FAQs
Which are the highest-rated smart TV models that I can consider?
If you want to buy a smart TV, you should choose from the most popular brands such as Philips, TCL, Samsung, or Sony.
Can I make my regular TV a smart device without necessarily replacing it?
Yes. This is a possible solution that can help you enjoy access to more content at a cheaper cost. You need a streaming device to help convert your regular TV into a smart TV.
