If a smart platform exists, I've used it extensively.
In over ten years of testing TVs, I've spelunked the depths of Samsung's Tizen software and weaved through the tangled nature of LG's webOS. I've reviewed so many TCL, Sony and Hisense TVs that I can navigate Google TV with my eyes closed.
Smart platforms have become the central nervous system of every smart TV on the market. And, since all TVs worth buying are smart, you pretty much can't avoid using them. But of all the software suites you'll come across in 2025, none of them come close to the convenience and good vibes of Roku. Here's what sets it apart from the rest.
The Roku interface is easy to use and mostly ad-free
When you boot up Roku, you’re immediately presented with basic, straightforward menu options and a grid of big, bold tiles that represent your app choices.
There are no ribbons of recommended content to scroll through and only one page to interact with. It’s as basic as UIs come; there’s a list of menu options on the left and a bunch of clearly marked icons on the right.
This is precisely what my brain wants to experience when I turn on my TV.
For the most part, Roku keeps this minimal look free of auto-playing trailers, sponsored banners and bloatware. There’s typically never more than a single ad on the screen at one time and it usually comes in the form of a static, easily avoidable banner.
I can’t stress enough that this is precisely what my brain wants to experience when I turn on my TV. Instead of distracting me with flashy, digital billboards or automatically dumping me into a feed of free, live TV channels, Roku calmly invites me to chill for a bit. When you get down to it, isn’t that what sitting in front of the TV is all about?
On top of its incredible usability, Roku features a larger library of apps than most of its competitors. In fact, I can’t recall a time where I sought to install an app and couldn’t find it in Roku’s Channel Store.
Another benefit of app-makers putting Roku at the top of their development list is that software updates also make their way to Roku relatively quickly, which usually means that these apps are improved (or fixed) in short order.
The Roku remote has some nifty features
The best Roku device for each viewer ultimately comes down to preference, but regardless of which Roku device you choose, you'll be getting a Roku remote control, too.
Yes, it's another remote control to keep track of, but I don't mind using it. It's relatively slim, easy to hold and responds quickly to inputs. That goes a long way.
At home, I use my Roku remote's built-in headphone jack whenever I want to sink into a loud soundscape without disrupting my partner in the other room.
If you're a serious Roku power user, the brand even offers an affordable upgrade to the basic remote: the Roku Voice Remote Pro.
As the name implies, the Voice Remote Pro is built around a microphone that listens and responds to voice commands.
It's got a built-in, rechargeable battery and a backlight — two features that should be standard on every remote control. You can also program some of its buttons and customize the Roku experience even more.
Roku TVs are less prolific — but better than ever
There's no way around it: If you want one of the best TVs money can buy, you'll need to plug in an external Roku device to get the full Roku experience. Right now, the best-performing TVs don't come with the Roku platform built right in.
But Roku TVs are still available, and in many ways, they've never been better.
We're currently testing and reviewing the 2025 Roku Pro Series, the newest version of Roku's top-performing Mini-LED TV. It's a significant step above the cheaper, less-capable Roku TVs I reviewed several years ago, and the addition of Mini-LED backlighting is a big reason why.
This year, the previous Roku Pro Series (which debuted in 2024) has been my go-to recommendation whenever someone has asked me for advice finding a mid-range TV with easy-to-use software.
As a year-old TV, it's still every bit as good as it was last year, but now it's price has completely crashed. In other words, it's a steal.
Roku's 2025 TV lineup is shaping up to be one to watch as we head into the holiday shopping season.
Not only are they competitively priced within their respective classes, but they're built around one of the best software suites I use on a daily basis. They're easy enough for anyone to master and the 2025 Roku Pro Series appears poised to give mid-range Mini-LEDs from TCL and Hisense a run for their money.
Maybe one day I'll even get my hands on an elusive Roku OLED TV.
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