{"id":6623,"date":"2023-09-09T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/epa\/roku-smart-tv\/"},"modified":"2025-05-29T10:24:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T08:24:27","slug":"roku-smart-tv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/roku-smart-tv\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Roku With a Smart TV? [The Truth]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Televisions have upgraded from payable cable channels to subscription-based streaming. Unlike before, viewers now have the option to stream their favorite shows using a smart TV. It\u2019s also a much cheaper alternative to cable TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have a smart TV, you may opt for a video streaming player like a <strong>Roku device<\/strong>, which is one of the most popular streaming devices in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Roku, you can <strong>transform your regular television into a smart TV<\/strong> with apps and streaming channels. But <strong>do you need a Roku if you already have a smart TV<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/assets\/imgs\/2023-09-09\/do-you-need-roku-with-smart-tv.jpeg\" alt=\"Do You Need a Roku With a Smart TV\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This article tackles whether <strong>you need a Roku when you have a Smart TV<\/strong> and clarifies some of the misconceptions on the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-roku-tv%3F\">What Is a Roku TV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/en-ca\/products\/roku-tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Roku TV<\/a> is a television with an integrated Roku player, eliminating the need for a separate device. Roku TV lets you stream thousands of programs on a single device while connected to the Internet. It\u2019s similar to watching shows on streaming platforms like Netflix, where you can choose when to pause or play videos.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Roku stick or a set-top box will also work if you don\u2019t have a built-in Roku OS on your TV. These devices are freestanding Roku streaming media players you connect through an HDMI or HDMI cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Find out more on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/how-it-works\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">How Roku Streaming TV Works<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-smart-tvs-have-built-in-roku%3F\">Do Smart TVs Have Built-in Roku?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes, some smart TVs have a built-in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/products\/roku-tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Roku<\/a> OS. Since Roku is a patented product, only companies that partner with them can include Roku on their TV models. TCL, for example, has various TV models that have built-in Roku.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a list of smart TVs with built-in Roku:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcl.com\/us\/en\/products\/home-theater\/6-series\/55-class-6-series-4k-qled-hdr-smart-roku-tv-55r655\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R655)<\/a>.<\/strong><br>\nThis TV model includes an improved Roku remote. It also has high-quality gaming performance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcl.com\/us\/en\/products\/home-theater\/4-series\/43-class-4-series-4k-uhd-led-smart-roku-tv-43s435\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">TCL 4-Series Roku TV (S435)<\/a>.<\/strong><br>\nThis one provides high color accuracy as well as excellent Roku skills.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcl.com\/us\/en\/products\/home-theater\/6-series\/65-class-6-series-8k-qled-hdr-smart-roku-tv-65r648\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">TCL Roku TV 6-Series 8K (R648)<\/a>.<\/strong><br>\nAside from having Roku in 8K, it also has an intelligent remote redesign and good technical picture quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcl.com\/us\/en\/products\/home-theater\/5-series\/55-class-5-series-4k-qled-hdr-smart-roku-tv-55s535\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">TCL 5-Series Roku TV (S535)<\/a>.<\/strong><br>\nThis TV model has a good price and integrated Roku smarts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcl.com\/us\/en\/products\/home-theater\/6-series\/55-class-6-series-4k-qled-hdr-smart-roku-tv-55r635\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635)<\/a>.<\/strong><br>\nThe R635 may be old, but it has amazing mini-LED and QLED displays and an improved Roku remote.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your TV supports the Roku app and doesn&#8217;t already have a built-in Roku, you can download it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.roku.remote&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US\" title=\"Download Roku App\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Download Roku App<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-there-a-difference-between-a-roku-tv-and-a-smart-tv%3F\">Is There a Difference Between a Roku TV and a Smart TV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes, there is a difference between a Roku TV and a smart TV, particularly their software and price. A Roku TV has a specific software called Roku OS, while a smart TV runs on various types of software. Roku TVs are also cheaper than most smart TVs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/assets\/imgs\/2023-09-09\/difference-between-roku-smart-tv.jpeg\" alt=\"Difference Between a Roku and a Smart TV\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While a Roku TV has a different interface than a regular smart TV, the manufacturers ensured that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/products\/roku-tv\/ease-of-use\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the Roku UI is intuitive<\/a>. This fact allows users to navigate through the Roku OS with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Read more about the difference between Roku TV and Smart TV <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcl.com\/southafrica\/en\/blogs\/what-is-roku-tv-and-how-does-a-roku-tv-work#:~:text=The%20major%20difference%20between%20Roku,navigate%20through%20the%20OS%20easily.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">here<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/blog\/smart-tv-vs-roku-tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-you-need-a-roku-with-a-smart-tv%3F\">Do You Need a Roku With a Smart TV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No, you don\u2019t need a Roku with a Smart TV because it already has built-in streaming channels. However, a Roku device lets you access more content through a user-friendly interface. If you want these features, then adding a Roku device to your smart TV is a good choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision is totally up to you. Roku has numerous benefits you can enjoy compared to the usual smart TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some questions to ask to help you decide if you need a Roku with your smart TV:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1.-do-you-want-vast-choices-of-apps-%26-channels%3F\">1. Do You Want Vast Choices of Apps &amp; Channels?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart TVs may give you hundreds of channels. On the other hand, Roku lets you choose from thousands of channels, including <a href=\"https:\/\/tv.apple.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Apple TV<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hulu.com\/welcome?orig_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Hulu<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/44WKmKi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Amazon Prime<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/ph-en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Netflix<\/a>, and more. You need a Roku with your existing smart TV to access many channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, your smart TV doesn\u2019t have the channel you want to watch, and Roku has it. In this case, you should purchase a Roku device or subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you\u2019re already satisfied with what your smart TV offers, then you don\u2019t need an upgrade, as thousands of options can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2.-do-you-want-faster-load-times%3F\">2. Do You Want Faster Load Times?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A standard smart TV may not be able to handle multiple apps running simultaneously. With a Roku device, you can open many apps and still experience fast response times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/assets\/imgs\/2023-09-09\/faster-loading-roku-with-smart-tv.jpeg\" alt=\"Roku With a Smart TV Has Faster Loading Time\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Roku is capable of handling heavy tasks as it possesses powerful processors. These processors prove that you need a Roku with a Smart TV. If you\u2019re the type who hates waiting, then a Roku device is suitable for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3.-do-you-want-consistently-updated-software%3F\">3. Do You Want Consistently Updated Software?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart TVs may stop getting software updates after some time. Some devices become unsupported at around two years, though they still get security patches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Roku device gets <strong>consistent updates<\/strong>, which gives its users a sense of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regularly updated software can help your TV last longer. If you keep its software up to date, you can be sure your TV will last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Find out if <a href=\"https:\/\/support.roku.com\/en-ca\/article\/227917827\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">you need a special TV to use Roku<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-benefits-of-using-roku-on-a-smart-tv%3F\">What Are the Benefits of Using Roku on a Smart TV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like other devices, Roku also has some benefits and drawbacks. If you\u2019re still trying to decide if you\u2019ll purchase a Roku device, these details might help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits-of-using-roku-on-a-smart-tv\">Benefits of Using Roku on a Smart TV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s Affordable.<\/strong><br>\nA Roku player starts at $24.99. The membership fee would cost you zero penny, though. Check out the different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/products\/players\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Roku devices<\/a> and their prices.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong>You Can Monitor the Shows You Watch.<\/strong><br>\nRoku will let you know when there are new updates on shows you watch, so you don&#8217;t have to check it every time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong>Centralized Content.<\/strong><br>\nYou\u2019ll have multiple options, apps, and channels to watch videos from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/assets\/imgs\/2023-09-09\/benefits-using-roku-smart-tv.jpeg\" alt=\"Benefits of Using Roku on a Smart TV\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"drawbacks-of-using-roku-on-a-smart-tv\">Drawbacks of Using Roku on a Smart TV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Too Much Content.<\/strong><br>\nThis could be a disadvantage for people who get easily overwhelmed with thousands of options.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong>Updates Are Too Frequent.<\/strong><br>\nWhile this is an excellent way to avoid slow loading speed and security issues, Roku has automatic updates that can hinder viewing time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p><strong>Compatibility Issues.<\/strong><br>\nRoku may not be compatible with all types of TV and TV models. Your current TV may not be compatible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-roku-free-on-a-smart-tv%3F\">Is Roku Free on a Smart TV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes, Roku is free on a smart TV. However, some channels it offers have subscription fees, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hbomax.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">HBO Max<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/netflix.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Netflix<\/a>. But if you are watching content on Roku\u2019s free channels, then you do not have to pay for anything.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same applies to a smart TV with built-in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/en-ca\/how-it-works\/roku-os\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Roku OS<\/a>. You\u2019ll only need to pay for channels that ask for subscription fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering how much a Roku Smart TV is, the price ranges from $100 to $3,000, depending on the unit. You can find more information on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roku.com\/products\/roku-tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the Roku website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-you-use-roku-%26-firestick-on-the-same-tv%3F\">Can You Use Roku &amp; Firestick on the Same TV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes, you can use Roku and Amazon&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ELK0LK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Fire Stick<\/a> on the same TV if it has multiple HDMI slots. You can switch the TV\u2019s input source if you want to watch on Roku. You can do the same thing if you want to watch on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ELK0LK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Firestick<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/assets\/imgs\/2023-09-09\/use-roku-firestick-same-tv.jpeg\" alt=\"Can You Use Roku and Firestick on the Same TV\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a TV with a built-in Roku, you can connect your <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ELK0LK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Amazon Firestick<\/a> to its HDMI port. RokuOS can also work on a TV with built-in FireOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Lupy5M\" title=\"Get Amazon Firestick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Get Amazon Firestick<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"streaming-with-roku\">Streaming With Roku<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s entirely your choice to add a Roku device to your smart TV. Just remember that you need a compatible smart TV to use Roku. If your smart TV isn\u2019t compatible, you can consider buying a TV with a built-in Roku OS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roku\u2019s leading quality is that it\u2019s easier to use than ordinary smart TVs. If you need a switch to a user-friendly interface, then go ahead and get yourself a Roku TV or streaming device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"related-articles\">Related Articles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/roku-lifespan\/\">How Long Does Roku Devices Last? [TV, Stick, Remote&#8230;]<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/change-input-roku-tv\/\">How to Change Input on Roku TV [Easy Way]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover if you really need Roku when you have a Smart TV. What are the differences?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[117],"tags":[36,74,71],"class_list":["post-6623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-roku-tv","tag-roku","tag-smart-tv","tag-tv"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6623"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18535,"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6623\/revisions\/18535"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6623"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alvarotrigo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}