If you need to plug in any of your favorite peripherals, the television features three HDMI ports, one composite A/V input, a digital optical audio output, a 3.5mm audio out jack, and RF input. A more humble offering than the other options on this list, we recommend the 40S325 if you need an upgrade, and need one now. Otherwise, we do suggest looking at some of our 4K recommendations for a TV that offers a bit more longevity. With Apple AirPlay compatibility, you can share music, photos, and videos from your mobile devices for more ways to watch your favorite shows or listen to podcasts while you do house chores. The 8 Series also features closed captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing users and parental controls to make sure little ones don’t access shows and movies that aren’t age appropriate. As with all Roku TVs, you’ll get a bevy of preloaded apps like Crackle and Peacock to get you started with your next binge-watch session.
What to Look For in a Roku TV
Most also have support for HDR technology, including Dolby Vision, to produce stunning details, color ranges, and contrast for incredibly lifelike images. Some even use QLED technology in their display panels for enhanced color volume and brightness, putting Roku TVs in the same tier as higher-end competitors like LG or Sony. If you’re a console gamer, many Roku TVs have dedicated game modes which reduce input lag and adjust refresh rates for smooth on-screen action. There are many other factors to consider when shopping for a Roku-enabled television, such as screen size, price, and input connections. We’ll break down some of the more important ones to help you decide which is right for you.
Screen Size
Contrary to what some TV manufacturers would have you believe, there is such a thing as a TV that is too big for your space. The best way to find the perfect size television for your space is to pick a spot to either wall mount your TV or place it on a dedicated stand and measure the distance to your seating. Dividing that measurement in half gives you the ideal TV size for your space. For example, if you sit 10 feet (120 inches) from your TV, the best size would be a 60-inch television. Having a TV that is too large for a space runs the risk of letting you see individual pixels or picture noise, resulting in a muddy, less detailed picture. Motion blur can also be a problem if you buy a TV that’s too big; having a constantly fuzzy picture can ruin any movie night or binge watch party. It may also cause motion sickness if you sit too close to a large television. The downside to a TV that is entirely too small for a space is that everyone will have to crowd around the screen to watch movies and shows, giving you the experience of an overcrowded movie theater in your own home. Screens that are too small also make it difficult to see details or subtitles unless you sit very close. Dorms, apartments, kitchens, and children’s playrooms benefit from smaller screens while living rooms, outdoor spaces, and dedicated home theaters are best suited to larger screens.
Price
So you’ve measured your space to see how big your TV should be, the next most important factor is price. Are you working with a limited budget, or are you able to spend a little extra to get the features you want? Roku-enabled televisions are available at a variety of price points ranging from less than $200 to several thousand dollars. Lower-priced models will often have fewer smart features, foregoing built-in voice controls or 4K resolution in favor of affordability. Mid-range TVs give you more to work with like preloaded apps, HDR support and 4K resolution, or app-enabled voice controls; they may also not give you features like Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio equipment setup or screen mirroring, preventing you from sharing your smartphone or tablet screen to the TV. The highest priced Roku TVs seem to give you everything you could ever want in a smart TV: QLED panels, 4K resolution with Dolby Vision support, virtual surround sound, dedicated game modes, ambient light and noise sensors, preloaded apps, and voice controls. When deciding on a budget for your new TV, it’s best to consider what kind of use it will get. Are you looking for a secondary TV for your bedroom or kitchen? Is it going in your kids’ playroom? Or are you looking to upgrade your main TV in the living room or home theater? A TV that isn’t going to see much use, like a bedroom or kitchen TV, may not need all the bells and whistles, whereas one that will be your main source of family entertainment should provide more ways to share videos, photos, and music with everyone.
Screen Resolution
The screen resolution that is right for your home theater solely depends on what kind of content you regularly watch. Televisions with native 4K resolution have become more and more popular as ultra high-definition content has become available for streaming and broadcast. These models also feature processors that can upscale non-4K content for consistent picture quality; meaning your old DVDs or over-air shows will look just as great as Blu-Rays or UHD streamed movies. TVs that produce 4K resolution have four times the pixels of their 1080p HD predecessors, meaning that more detail can be packed on the screen. However, just because they’re becoming more and more popular doesn’t mean that 4K is the right choice for everyone. There are still Roku-enabled TVs as well as other smart TVs that use full 1080p HD. They give you all the smart features you come to expect like streaming video and music and voice controls, but they are made for those who prefer cable, satellite, or over-air broadcast to streaming. You still get a great picture with 1080p HD, including wide color ranges and good contrast, but the detailing isn’t anywhere near as great as 4K. But unless you have a Blu-Ray player or exclusively stream UHD movies and shows, you won’t notice. The best choice for those who still use cable, satellite, or over-air broadcast channels is 1080p full HD, while those who have cut the cord and exclusively stream their entertainment should opt for 4K.
