Roku TVs have become very popular over the last several years. This is because they have all the functionality of a Roku device rolled into one TV. This has made Roku TV very popular, but it has also sparked a debate – is a Roku TV a smart TV?
The Roku TV is a smart TV. It is much more than a smart TV, though. A Smart TV can connect to the internet to run applications and has its own operating system. A Roku TV allows more customization to your viewing experience than a smart TV.
Understanding that the Roku TV is different than a smart TV is the first step to getting the most out of your Roku TV. Next, continue reading to discover what makes a Roku TV different from a Smart TV.
Roku TV vs. Smart TV: What’s the Difference?
The Roku TV and a Smart TV are often considered the same. This is not quite true because each type of TV runs very differently and has different types of operating systems.
This directly affects each TV’s functionality and capabilities, creating a major difference.
Below we have outlined some things that a Roku TV can do that a smart TV can’t to help illustrate this point.
More Content
One very evident difference between the Roku TV and a Smart TV is the amount of content each device has.
The Roku TV has a lot more content than a Smart TV. In fact, Roku currently offers more than 31,000 apps and streaming channels on its Roku Store. A Smart TV has more than 200 channels and apps to choose from and download from its respective store.
This is not the case for very smart TV, though. Each TV brand has different app and channel options, so you never really know what you are getting until you buy the TV and research its offerings online.
If you want to double-up on your Roku fix, you can use Roku Ultra on your Roku TV.
Easier Menu
A major advantage of the Roku TV is its much simpler menu system than many Smart TVs.
Since it uses its operating software as the main menu and operating system for the entire system of its TVs.
This menu is easy to navigate if you are familiar with a Roku device, as it is very user-friendly for anyone familiar with Roku devices.
In contrast, smart TVs, on the other hand, come with various user interfaces and menus that make them different from one another.
It is frustrating that so many of these menus are cumbersome, have small print, and are difficult to navigate.
Every Smart TV also moves the menu and its icons around. This can be a cause of frustration for a user.
Better Remote Controller
The Roku TV comes with a user-friendly controller. It has quick access buttons to popular streaming services to help users get where they want to be with ease.
Some of the newer remotes also come with a remote voice assistant. This is helpful for those who do not like to use their remote to type in letters for search terms.
A Smart TV, on the other hand, comes with a basic remote control that has a limited number of smart streaming buttons.
As a result, many do not have a voice assistant to assist them with selecting a search query, either. For those who like efficiency and simplicity in their lives, this can be a downfall.
If you notice your Roku remote isn’t working, we’ve got a few fixes for you.
Better Load Times
With their own software, Roku TVs operate more quickly and efficiently than Smart TVs because they run their own operating system.
The reason for this is that Smart TVs run an operating system that does not belong to them, so they cannot control the load’s speed.
More Updates
Another difference between a Smart TV and a Roku TV is the number of updates it gets.
This is because Roku makes its own software and regularly updates it.
Smart TVs rely on different vendor software and are at their mercy for quarterly updates.
For a better, cleaner system, the Roku TV is better.
Less Throwaway Apps
The Roku TV comes preloaded with many streaming apps, including the most popular options like Netflix and Hulu.
They do not preload many random apps and ask you which types you prefer to download and view.
Smart TVs often come preloaded with a bunch of random apps along with some of the popular ones. They do not have a lot of options to explore, making it stale.
Choose Convenience
You should pick a TV that is better for your needs and desires. Both options are great when upgrading to a smart home with smart devices. Enjoy the show on your Roku TV or a Smart TV.
