What is the Best Smart Television?

Smart TVs have become the standard, offering internet connectivity for streaming apps and features like voice search. Choosing the best smart TV involves considering factors beyond picture quality, including operating system and user interface. This guide explores the top smart TVs for each major platform: Roku OS, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, and Vizio Home. Each recommendation represents the best overall value for its respective interface, considering factors like picture quality, features, and price.

The Roku Pro Series QLED stands out with its intuitive Roku OS, offering a clean interface prioritizing essential streaming services and connected devices. The included backlit voice remote with rechargeable battery and lost remote finder adds to its appeal. While TCL and Hisense models might offer slightly better image quality, the Roku Pro Series excels in user-friendliness.

The Vizio Quantum Pro, featuring the Vizio Home system, offers a Google TV-esque layout with a “Trending Now” section and app row. Navigation is smooth, but the emphasis on Vizio’s WatchFree+ service and lack of a “Continue Watching” section are drawbacks. While bright and offering wide viewing angles, its black levels fall short of competitors.

For Samsung enthusiasts, the S90D OLED with its Tizen OS is a top contender. Boasting excellent picture quality and a gaming hub with access to cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass, it integrates seamlessly with other Samsung devices. While the interface is functional, it can be slightly less intuitive than Roku or Google TV.

Amazon’s Fire TV Omni QLED provides solid contrast and 4K color, coupled with hands-free Alexa integration. While its HDR brightness and upscaling might not match some competitors, its smart features and Ambient Experience make it a strong choice for Alexa users.

The TCL QM7 QLED shines with Google TV, offering a bright display, Mini LED contrast, and 144Hz refresh rate ideal for gaming. Its intuitive interface and seamless Google account integration enhance the user experience. Minor black level imperfections and occasional motion stutter are noted.

LG’s C4 OLED, powered by webOS, delivers exceptional picture quality with pixel-level contrast and Dolby Vision support. While not as bright as Samsung’s OLEDs, its motion-control remote and comprehensive app selection make it a compelling option.

Testing these smart TVs involved rigorous evaluation of operating system speed, smart features, picture quality aspects like contrast and brightness, and real-world content viewing. Factors like viewing angles and motion handling were also assessed. Choosing the best smart television depends on individual preferences and priorities regarding operating system, picture quality, and features.