Top Picks with Roku, Google, and More for Every Budget for the Best Smart TV in 2023
Look no farther if you’re shopping for a new smart TV. Nowadays, almost all TVs include smart capabilities that enable Netflix and Disney Plus movie streaming without the use of a separate device. It might be challenging to determine which smart TV features are the best, though. Since many manufacturers collaborate with well-known companies like Roku, Amazon, and Google, each product will have a unique approach to becoming “smart.”
While we consider smart TV systems in our TV evaluations, we believe that image quality for the money is typically more crucial when buying a new TV. That’s because a competent streaming device, the majority of which cost less than $50, can always “replace” the TV’s built-in system. With cheap TVs being the exception, where the cost of the streaming device may account for a sizeable portion of the price, we gave the smart TV system a higher priority on this list than we did on our main list of the best TVs.
Our list below is generally arranged in order of which TVs provide the best picture for the money, but we also note how much we like (or dislike) the built-in smart TV system.
TCL 6-Series Roku TV
The TCL 6-Series has been our favourite budget television for the past five years, and the 2022 model, also known as the R655 series, is no exception. Mini-LED technology and well-executed full-array local dimming make this TV outperform nearly every other TV at this price point in terms of image quality. Although the new 85-inch dimension has normal legs, it improves on the previous R635 series with more gaming features and a redesigned center-mount stand that can be raised to create place for a soundbar. Finally, our top pick for an operating system is Roku TV.
It should be noted that several 6-Series models, in addition to the R635, which this TV replaces, were introduced in 2021 and are still available. The R646 series has comparable specs to the R655 devices examined here, however it runs on the Google TV operating system. The R648 series is substantially more costly and boasts 8K resolution.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
TCL 4-Series
In our 2023 cheap TV test, the TCL 4-Series Roku TV’s image quality behind the Vizio V-Series (below) by by a hair, but we preferred its Roku smart TV platform over Vizio’s SmartCast, so the TCL takes the top position on our list. The Vizio has Dolby Vision, Bluetooth connection, and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh rate whereas the 4-Series does not. However, in our opinion, improved smart TV streaming is more crucial at the entry-level price point.
The prices shown below are for the 50-inch size.
LG OLED C2
The C2 offers the highest level of picture quality at a price that is, although expensive, not outlandish. With its flawless black levels, unmatched contrast, and excellent off-angle viewing, it surpasses every non-OLED TV on our list, including the Samsung QN90B below. Additionally, it offers excellent gaming capabilities that make it the ideal mate for an Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5, or both. The C2 is also available in a broad range of sizes, however the larger variants are somewhat pricey.
The WebOS smart TV system slows down the C2 much as it did its predecessor, the C1. A new feature, personalised suggestions, and extra user accounts may all be unlocked by logging into an LG account. For instance, LG highlights the ability to set up preferred sports teams, but most users will just open the app and avoid the clutter. You should just connect a quality streaming device to a TV this pricey.
Hisense U8H Google TV
In our side-by-side assessment of mid-priced devices, we somewhat preferred the TCL 6-Series, but this Hisense is a solid competitor. Best-in-class brightness, which enhances picture quality in bright environments and makes HDR TV movies, programmes, and games really shine, is the foundation of its exceptional image quality. Although it is brighter and has higher contrast than the TCL, the TCL ultimately won out because of its slightly more realistic image. In contrast to the TCL, the Hisense utilises Google TV instead of Roku, and the U8H has an ATSC 3.0 tuner. Actually, any one is a good choice.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Samsung QN90B
Don’t want an OLED but want a high-end TV with amazing visual quality? Your best option is the Samsung QN90B. For a brighter image than any OLED TV, this TV employs mini-LED technology in addition to QLED TV technology. In our side-by-side testing, OLED’s stunning contrast still prevailed, but the QN90B QLED screen came closer than ever.
The QN90A, an earlier model of this TV, is still available for hundreds less. It performs just as well, although it’s a little bit less bright than the QN90B. Additionally, it misses some of the capabilities of the 2022 model, such as the brand-new game hub with cloud gaming.
We would choose Samsung’s onscreen smart TV system over LG or Vizio’s because it is outstanding, has rapid reactions, and offers a wide variety of apps. Overall, though, we still prefer Roku and Android/Google TV (available on Sony TVs) since they provide more apps. Samsung supports Apple’s AirPlay technology and includes the Apple TV software, much like the majority of modern TVs (including Roku).
The 65-inch size is represented by the pricing shown below.
Vizio V-Series
When we analysed the top 2022 affordable TVs, the Vizio V-Series stood out as having the finest image quality. During our evaluations, the Vizio provided the most realistic and balanced image, and it has some convenient additions like Dolby Vision support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth connectivity, and variable refresh rate for perhaps smoother gaming.
The Vizio’s smart TV platform, Vizio SmartCast, is by far its largest drawback. It’s clogged up, sluggish, and covered in adverts for services like Tubi and Kidoodle TV. The TCL 4-Series with Roku is given the top spot as a result. That being said, you can always connect a different streaming device to this Vizio if you value its image quality and added capabilities.
The prices shown below are for the 50-inch size.
Samsung Q60B
The Q60 series is one of Samsung’s most well-known TV models, which is the brand that sells the most TVs overall. Even though the ultrathin OLED versions are more svelte, its elegant QLED screen design shines out in comparison to the other TVs on our list. It also provides more sizes, greater features, and better image quality than models like the TCL 4-Series and Sony X80K. Although all of the TVs in this post are better bargains than this one, if you want a Samsung TV but can’t afford the QN90A, this is a fantastic alternative.
Note that the 2021 version, the Q60A, is still on sale and can be cheaper than the Q60B in some sizes. The newer version measured brighter in our tests, but if you want the best deal, stick with the Q60A if it’s still available.
The prices shown below are for the 55-inch size.
Vizio MQX
One of the more affordable TVs with full-array local dimming is the Vizio MQX, which reproduces programmes, films, and games with sufficient contrast and pop to do HDR credit. Compared to more costly TVs like the TCL 6-Series, the MQX has fewer dimming zones, but they’re still more than enough to produce a superb overall image quality with dazzling highlights, deep black depths, sharp contrast, and true colour.
The MQX boasts a real 120Hz refresh rate, which makes it compatible with 4K/120Hz transmissions from gaming consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and it performed well in our testing. This is in contrast to the M7 from a year ago. Both of the popular HDR standards, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, are supported by Vizio in the M-Series.
The only significant update to Vizio’s SmartCast smart TV menus is the inclusion of a new “Inputs” button, but Roku TVs have had this feature for much longer. Although every significant streaming service is supported, the UX is inferior than Roku and Google TV. Vizio’s primary flaw is that it overstuffs the screen with irrelevant TV shows and films.
The grid of applications on Roku is straightforward and recognisable, but Google TV does a far better job of making your homepage display more pertinent programmes. However, the Vizio MQX is a great happy medium if you can’t save up for the TCL 6-Series but still want a better picture than the 4-Series. Just be certain you get a Roku.
How does The Tech Fun test smart TVs?
Our TV evaluations adhere to a strict, objective evaluation methodology that has been refined through over two decades of TV reviews. A Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator, an AVPro Connect 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix, and a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer are among the advanced tools in our main TV test facility for detecting light and colour. For each TV we review, we utilise Portrait Displays’ CalMan Ultimate programme to assess it. Every CNET TV review compares three or more comparable TVs side by side while playing various media, such as movies, TV episodes, and games, under varied lighting settings. This is done across a range of test areas, including colour, video processing, gaming, and HDR. Design, features, HDMI input, gaming compatibility, and other aspects are taken into consideration throughout our assessments.
We use all of the key features offered by the platform and compare them to the alternatives when assessing the performance of smart TVs in particular. Our measurements take into account the platform’s general usability, effective layouts and design, search functionality, privacy settings, the quantity of applications and their functionality, and the system’s overall speed and dependability.
TV FAQs
What’s the best smart TV system for streaming?
Our top pick at CNET is Roku because of its ease of use, with Google TV coming in second because to its remarkable integration with other Google services like Google Photos and YouTube TV. Our third pick is Samsung TV’s operating system, with LG and Amazon Fire TV being some of our least preferred choices.
In any event, because you can always connect a streaming device to any TV, we don’t think the built-in smart TV system is all that necessary.
What about Amazon Fire smart TVs?
A wide variety of smart TVs from Amazon are powered by the Fire OS. Because of the heavy placement of commercials throughout, the Fire TV platform is not one of our favourites. We just don’t like how, in screensaver mode, the TV turns into a huge, constantly-rotating billboard for programming or advertisements. Additionally, we’ve seen that compared to most Fire TVs, other TVs typically offer higher picture quality.
It appears that the Toshiba M-Series Fire TVs could defy this trend. Although we haven’t reviewed any yet, we will update this list when we do.
Do smart TVs come with Alexa and Google?
Many smart TVs are equipped with a voice assistant of some sort. Alexa is already embedded into every Amazon Fire TV, while Google Assistant is available on Sony, TCL, and Hisense TVs that use Google’s operating system. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are both incorporated into a large number of new Samsung and LG TVs. Vizio and Roku TVs, on the other hand, react to voice commands but are incompatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.
To use voice commands on the majority of these TVs, you’ll need to talk into the remote, but some of them also respond to hands-free wake phrases like “Alexa” or “Hey Google,” much like a smart speaker. To accept voice instructions, many TVs may also be connected to a smart speaker like an Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini.
How big a TV should I get?
Bigger is better, in our opinion, and greater screen sizes are a better use of your money than a minor improvement in image quality. The answer also relies on the size of the room and how far away you sit from the TV. If your room is large and you sit far away, you’ll want a bigger TV. The size of the space and the distance between chairs also affect the answer.
How do I get the best TV sound?
Because the tiny cabinets on most TVs don’t have enough capacity for substantial speakers or bass, most TVs sound bad. Buy an external audio system if you want to receive decent sound. The audio quality of a soundbar, even one that is affordable, will be significantly greater than that of a TV’s built-in speakers. A gadget that combines a streaming system and a soundbar into one item is the Roku Streambar.
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