Best Smart TV OS: A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Operating Systems in 2024

Smart TVs have revolutionized the way we watch television. They offer a host of features that traditional TVs lack, such as streaming services, internet browsing, and voice control. However, the most critical feature of a smart TV is its operating system (OS).

A smart TV OS is the software that powers the TV and enables it to perform various functions. It is responsible for the user interface, app support, and overall performance of the TV. With the plethora of smart TV OS options available in the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.

When selecting the best smart TV OS, it is essential to consider factors such as ease of use, app availability, and compatibility with other devices. The OS should provide a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, and it should have a wide range of apps available for download. Additionally, it should be compatible with other devices such as smartphones and tablets.

After conducting extensive research and testing, we have identified the best smart TV OS available in the market. In the following sections, we will discuss the top contenders and what makes them stand out. So, whether you are in the market for a new smart TV or looking to upgrade your existing one, read on to find out which smart TV OS is right for you.

Best Smart TV Operating Systems

We know that choosing a smart TV operating system can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best smart TV operating systems available on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a user-friendly interface, a wide range of apps, or seamless integration with your other devices, we’ve got something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the top picks for the best smart TV operating systems.

Roku 50″ Select Series 4K HDR Smart RokuTV

Upgrade your entertainment experience with Roku Select Series 4K TVs, designed to offer an incredible value.

Pros

• The picture quality is stunning thanks to the brilliant 4K HDR resolution.
• The automatic brightness feature adjusts the screen based on your room’s lighting, so you don’t have to fiddle with settings.
• The Roku interface is delightfully simple to use and allows seamless streaming.

Cons

• The sound quality is average and may require an external sound system to enhance the audio experience.
• The refresh rate of 60 Hz may not be suitable for avid gamers who require a higher refresh rate.
• The TV is not compatible with all streaming apps and may require additional equipment to access certain content.

We recently purchased the Roku 50″ Select Series 4K HDR Smart RokuTV and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The picture quality is exceptional, with sharp details and vibrant colors that bring our favorite entertainment to life. The automatic brightness feature is a game-changer, as it adjusts the screen based on the lighting in our room, eliminating the need to constantly adjust the settings.

The Roku interface is incredibly user-friendly and allows us to seamlessly stream our favorite content. The built-in voice remote is a great addition, as it allows us to search for shows, movies, and songs across thousands of streaming apps with just our voice. We also appreciate the headphone mode, which allows us to crank up the volume without disturbing others in the room.

While the sound quality is average, we have found that connecting an external sound system enhances the audio experience. Additionally, the refresh rate of 60 Hz may not be suitable for avid gamers who require a higher refresh rate. Finally, while the TV is compatible with most streaming apps, there may be some content that requires additional equipment to access.

Overall, we highly recommend the Roku 50″ Select Series 4K HDR Smart RokuTV for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality smart TV with an intuitive interface and exceptional picture quality.

VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV

If you’re in the market for a versatile and high-performance smart TV, the VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV is a solid choice.

Pros

• The full array backlight delivers superior light uniformity and picture performance.
• The V-Gaming Engine optimizes picture mode for gaming and makes next-gen console gameplay more responsive.
• The SmartCast platform offers instant access to the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney , YouTube, and more.

Cons

• The 1080p resolution may not be sufficient for those looking for the highest picture quality.
• The 60 Hz refresh rate may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports.
• The DTS Virtual may not provide the same level of audio quality as a dedicated sound system.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV, and we were impressed with its versatility and performance. The full array backlight ensures superior light uniformity and picture performance, making it a great choice for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite TV shows.

The V-Gaming Engine is a standout feature, automatically optimizing picture mode for gaming and making next-gen console gameplay more responsive. The Variable Refresh Rate with AMD Freesync, D-Series lowest input lag, and newly added gaming menu add to the overall gaming experience.

The SmartCast platform is easy to navigate and offers instant access to the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney , YouTube, and more. The Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in features add to the overall versatility of the TV.

While the 1080p resolution may not be sufficient for those looking for the highest picture quality, we found the picture to be crisp and clear. The 60 Hz refresh rate may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports, but it didn’t detract from our overall viewing experience.

Overall, we would recommend the VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV to anyone in the market for a versatile and high-performance smart TV.

Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with impressive features, the Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is a great option.

Pros

• The TV supports vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, providing a clearer and more vibrant picture compared to 1080p Full HD.
• With Alexa voice control, you can easily find, launch, and control your content, or check the weather, sports scores, and more.
• The TV comes with over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, including subscriptions to popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney .

Cons

• The TV only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be ideal for gamers or those who prefer smoother motion on the screen.
• Some users have reported issues with the TV’s sound quality, which may require additional speakers or soundbars to improve.
• The TV may not be compatible with certain apps and services, which could limit your viewing options.

Overall, we recommend the Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV for those who want a budget-friendly option with impressive features. The TV provides a clear and vibrant picture, and Alexa voice control makes it easy to navigate and find content. However, the 60Hz refresh rate and potential sound quality issues may be a drawback for some users.

Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV with Dolby Vision, Hands-Free with Alexa 75-inch TV Only

If you’re looking for a smart TV that offers hands-free operation, the Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni Series is a great option. With built-in microphones, you can easily control the TV with Alexa and enjoy true-to-life picture quality and rich, brilliant colors with support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus.

Pros

• The picture quality is stunning, with rich, brilliant colors and support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and HLG.
• With built-in microphones, you can control the TV hands-free with Alexa.
• You can stream over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes with subscriptions to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney , and more.

Cons

• The TV may not work properly with surround sound, causing an unusual echoing sound.
• Some users have reported issues with connectivity and volume.
• The TV stand legs may not be sturdy enough for some users.

We recently purchased the Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni Series and have been impressed with its picture quality and hands-free operation. The colors are rich and brilliant, and the support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and HLG really makes movies and TV shows come to life.

One of the best features of this TV is the built-in microphones, which allow you to control the TV hands-free with Alexa. It’s incredibly convenient to be able to just ask Alexa to turn on the TV, find your favorite show, and control the volume without having to search for the remote.

Another great feature is the ability to stream over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes with subscriptions to popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney . It’s like having a world of entertainment at your fingertips.

However, we did notice that the TV may not work properly with surround sound, causing an unusual echoing sound. Additionally, some users have reported issues with connectivity and volume, so it’s important to make sure your setup is compatible with the TV. Finally, the TV stand legs may not be sturdy enough for some users, so you may need to purchase a separate stand or wall mount.

Overall, the Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni Series is a great option for anyone looking for a smart TV with hands-free operation and stunning picture quality.

VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

If you’re looking for an affordable 4K UHD Smart TV with impressive features, the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The picture quality is crystal-clear and sharp, thanks to the Dolby Vision and HDR10 features, full array backlight, and active pixel tuning.
• The V-Gaming engine enables sub 10ms input lag, 4K 48-60 fps Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Game Mode, and a newly added gaming menu, making it an excellent choice for gamers.
• The SmartCast platform has the best selection of built-in apps, including WatchFree that lets you enjoy free access to live TV and hundreds of free channels right out of the box.

Cons

• The legs are weak and may fall over if not screwed on properly.
• The SmartCast platform doesn’t have all the features of a traditional smart TV, and some users may miss certain apps.
• The remote control doesn’t have a backlight, which can make it difficult to use in low light conditions.

We recently got our hands on the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV, and we were impressed with its picture quality. The Dolby Vision and HDR10 features make the colors pop, and the full array backlight and active pixel tuning ensure that the picture is always sharp and clear.

The V-Gaming engine is also a standout feature, and we were impressed with the sub 10ms input lag and 4K 48-60 fps Variable Refresh Rate. The newly added gaming menu also makes it easy to find your favorite games and settings.

The SmartCast platform is also a highlight, with a great selection of built-in apps, including WatchFree , which offers free access to live TV and hundreds of free channels. We also appreciated the compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, which makes it easy to stream content from your phone or tablet.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. The legs are weak and may fall over if not screwed on properly, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. The SmartCast platform doesn’t have all the features of a traditional smart TV, and some users may miss certain apps. Finally, the remote control doesn’t have a backlight, which can make it difficult to use in low light conditions.

Overall, we think the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable 4K UHD Smart TV with impressive features.

Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with Full HD resolution, the Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P is a solid choice.

Pros

• The Full HD 1080p resolution provides a clear and detailed viewing experience.
• The Smart TV features allow for easy access to streaming services and other content.
• The Micro Dimming Pro enhances contrast, resulting in a more true-to-life picture.

Cons

• The sound output is only 10W, which may not be sufficient for larger rooms.
• The TV has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports.
• The TV only has two HDMI inputs, which may be limiting for users with multiple devices.

In our experience, the Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P offers a great balance between performance and affordability. The Full HD resolution provides a clear and detailed viewing experience, and the Smart TV features make it easy to access your favorite streaming services and other content. The Micro Dimming Pro enhances contrast, resulting in a more true-to-life picture.

However, the sound output is only 10W, which may not be sufficient for larger rooms. Additionally, the TV has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports. Finally, the TV only has two HDMI inputs, which may be limiting for users with multiple devices.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with Full HD resolution, the Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P is a solid choice.

TCL S4 65-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV

If you’re looking for a smart TV with a great picture quality, the TCL S4 65-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV is a smart choice.

Pros

• The 4K Ultra HD Resolution provides incredible detail with 4X the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs.
• The Motion Rate 120 technology enhances motion clarity for a better viewing experience.
• The FullView Metal Bezel-less Design gives the TV a modern look that blends seamlessly into any home.

Cons

• The TV’s refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be as smooth as some other models.
• The sound quality is average and may not be enough for those who want a more immersive audio experience.
• The remote control may feel a bit cheap and flimsy.

We were impressed with the picture quality of the TCL S4 65-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV. The 4K Ultra HD Resolution provides stunning detail and clarity, and the HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG) enhances contrast and color accuracy. The Motion Rate 120 technology also helps to reduce motion blur and provide smoother action scenes.

The TV’s FullView Metal Bezel-less Design is also a standout feature. The edge-to-edge glass gives the TV a sleek and modern look that will fit into any home décor. The TV also has three HDMI inputs, one with eARC, which is great for connecting gaming consoles, set-top boxes, and other devices.

However, there are some downsides to this TV. The refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be as smooth as some other models with higher refresh rates. The sound quality is also average, and those who want a more immersive audio experience may want to invest in a soundbar or other external speakers. Additionally, the remote control may feel a bit cheap and flimsy.

Overall, if you’re looking for a smart TV with great picture quality and a modern design, the TCL S4 65-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV is a solid choice.

Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series HD smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote

We highly recommend the Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series HD smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote for those looking for an affordable smart TV with excellent features.

Pros

• Quick access to live TV, video games, and music
• Seamless viewing experience from room to room
• Wireless Bluetooth listening for private viewing

Cons

• Only 720p resolution
• Sound quality could be better
• Setting color adjustments and brightness can be challenging

This TV is perfect for those who want to stream their favorite shows and movies. With over 1 million movies and TV episodes available, you’ll never run out of things to watch. The Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to find your favorite content, get sports scores, control smart home devices, and more.

One of the best features of this TV is that all of your movies and shows from your Fire TV devices will stay in sync, for a seamless viewing experience from one room to the next. You can also connect Bluetooth headphones for private listening, allowing you to watch TV without disturbing those around you.

While the 720p resolution is not the highest, the picture quality is still impressive, with support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. However, the sound quality could be better, and you may need to adjust the color and brightness settings to your liking.

Overall, the Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series HD smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable smart TV with great features.

LG 65-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV

If you’re in the market for a smart TV with great picture quality and an easy-to-use interface, the LG 65-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Enjoy movies and TV shows upscaled to 4K for a sharper image and more lifelike details
• Powered by AI, you will experience enhanced picture detail and improved sound from the a5 AI Processor Gen6 that upscales content to 4K and detects room lighting to adjust color and picture contrast to optimal settings
• Less searching, more streaming, thanks to the next generation of AI technology from LG webOS 23. With Quick Cards, group your favorite apps into categories and use the Magic Remote to easily find what you’re looking for.

Cons

• Touts free TV and movies, however, you have to pony up extra for ad-free content.
• Apps are very slow to respond.
• Remote takes a while to learn and is not user-friendly.

We were impressed by the LG 65-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV’s home cinema experience, which includes HDR10 Pro and FILMMAKER MODE. The a5 AI Processor Gen6 is also a standout feature, as it enhances picture detail and sound quality, while the webOS 23 interface makes it easy to find and stream content.

However, the TV’s free TV and movies come with ads, and the apps can be slow to respond. Additionally, the remote takes some getting used to and isn’t the most user-friendly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a smart TV with great picture quality and an easy-to-use interface, the LG 65-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV is definitely worth considering.