Key Takeaways
- Selecting between Roku TV and Google TV? Roku has extra customization, however Google provides extra apps and sensible residence integrations.
- Google TV has a wider app choice from Google Play Retailer. Roku TV has good customization choices however fewer apps.
- Sensible residence integration is healthier on Google TV, which works with varied units, whereas Roku TV is proscribed to different Roku units.
There’s so much content to eat nowadays that it might really be onerous to sift by means of all of it. Having so many selections could be dizzying and, a variety of the time, whichever platform you are utilizing for streaming has algorithms to counsel content material for you. However what if you wish to watch one thing fully totally different? The countless prospects of discovering stuff to observe, each that you simply pay for or that’s free, may be an excessive amount of.
You need one thing simple in relation to streaming. That is why so many TVs have sensible capabilities constructed into them and working methods with smooth-as-butter person interfaces. In the event you’re out there for a smart TV, and also you’re making an attempt to determine which one may be the perfect for you, Roku TVs and Google TVs ought to be on the prime of your consideration record.
Associated
I tested both Google TV and Samsung Tizen — here’s which one came out on top
I have been a fan of Tizen for years, however Google TV’s latest efficiency has me switching sides.
Between the 2 working methods, there are some refined variations that would make or break which one is finest for you. So, what’s finest for you: Roku or Google?
What sort of TVs function these working methods?
There are a ton to select from
Roku / Pocket-lint
In case you are lifeless set on both Roku TV or Google TV since you’ve used a Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streambar, or a Google Chromecast up to now, then you definately may wish to go along with what you already know. However what are your {hardware} choices?
Whereas a variety of the identical options that you simply’d get from utilizing one of many streaming units translate to when the potential is constructed into a wise TV, they are not at all times the identical. If you would like a Roku TV with no streaming system, TCL is the principle model that churns out Roku TVs. These can be found in lots of retailers that you simply use steadily, akin to Finest Purchase, Walmart, Goal, and Amazon.

Associated
Best Roku TV: A look at Roku’s current in-house TVs and what’s to come
Roku might not have an enormous in-house TV catalog, however what it does supply guarantees high quality image and sound, 4K performance, and budget-friendly costs.
Different Roku TV choices embrace TVs made by Roku, which additionally come in numerous collection and sizes. Westinghouse and Hisense are two of the opposite main producers that create sensible TVs with the Roku OS inbuilt. In the meantime, VIZIO is arguably essentially the most distinguished model for TVs with Google Forged, however Sony’s Bravia collection additionally has Google baked in — different choices embrace FPD and Hoowel. TCL additionally makes Google TVs, and all of those choices could be discovered on the main retailers I already talked about.
Customization is sweet for each
Google TV may be extra customizable although
Relying on the way you prefer to arrange your interface, you’ve all kinds of format selections with each Roku TV and Google TV. The Google TV interface provides a variety of totally different apps pre-installed after which loads of choices by way of what you may obtain. If you wish to transfer apps round on the display to have those that you simply use most steadily close to the start of the app record, you may rearrange them all — it solely takes a few clicks.

Associated
How to use Google TV’s Find My Remote to locate your lost remote in seconds
Examine that your {hardware} is appropriate first.
Roku TV does not have a cut-off of apps in its interface. You may customise the format, however the record of apps does not go away. Roku TV lists columns of three apps, which go as far down as you need them to. With the intention to reorganize them, simply click on and maintain down the OK button to maneuver it round.
There are different methods to customise the interfaces, together with downloading third-party apps to really present complete personalized makeovers to the interfaces.
Third-party apps are extra plentiful on Google TV
Roku TV has a great quantity too
Roku / Pocket-lint
While you’re utilizing both of those working methods, you are going to have a ton of apps that have been already put in while you activate the TV for the primary time. A lot of them are apps that you’ve got seemingly used loads of occasions, like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. However if you wish to get apps that are not already put in, every of them has quick access to an app retailer.
Google TV, as you may guess, has the Google Play Retailer. There are literally thousands of apps you can obtain from the Google Play Retailer, and possibly function virtually any streaming platform you may think about.

Associated
RIP Chromecast: Say hello to the new Google TV Streamer
The brand new leisure streaming system replaces Chromecast with a slew of updates and improvements.
Roku TV does give you loads of choices for apps, and also you in all probability will not be upset with the range you will get. However, there simply aren’t as many obtainable as Google TV. Roku does make it easy when you’ve got a voice distant you can simply say the app that you simply wish to seek for quite than having to manually kind it in on the distant.
If you wish to add apps to Roku TV, you have to to enter the shop, the place you may search by way of distant or voice.
Options that fluctuate for each
Sensible residence integrations and remotes
Roku / Pocket-lint
Sensible residence integrations are arguably one of many extra standard options in relation to TVs. You may change the channel by means of your sensible hub, and you may even sync it as much as activate while you flip a light-weight change.
Each Google TVs and Roku TVs supply sensible residence capabilities. The issue with Roku TVs is that the one sensible residence units that they’re appropriate with are different Roku units. Whereas that is probably not an issue for some, the provision of Roku cameras, video doorbells, and different units aren’t as plentiful. In the meantime, Google TV is appropriate with units which can be appropriate with Google Assistant, which aren’t restricted to units made by Google.

Associated
How to use Google TV’s Find My Remote to locate your lost remote in seconds
Examine that your {hardware} is appropriate first.
In the event you lose your Google TV distant, you should use Google TV’s Discover My Distant function that will help you find it. However, in case you lose your Roku TV distant, you should use the Roku app to regulate your TV out of your smartphone.
Sooner or later, Google Gemini AI goes to be embedded extra into Google TVs, so it’s going to seemingly be extra curated in its watch options. Roku TV hasn’t mentioned incorporating AI into its TVs but, however one function that it does have over Google TV is Roku Backdrops. Just like what Samsung’s The Body TV provides, you may flip your Roku TV into a chunk of artwork by downloading art work and displaying it on the TV while you aren’t watching it.
Google TV vs. Roku TV: Which one is best for you?
The reply will depend on your preferences
Each Google TV and Roku TV give you loads of options in an OS that you simply’re on the lookout for. Each make it simple to open apps, reorganize your record and show, and combine with sensible residence units. Navigating every interface is easy, so your choice might simply come all the way down to what seems to be higher to you.
However for my cash, Google TV provides you a bit bit extra by way of options. I like how Google TV works with all types of sensible residence units, in comparison with Roku TV. I additionally like how one can spotlight a particular variety of apps as favorites, and the probabilities of Gemini AI are additionally tantalizing. In case you are ranging from scratch and haven’t got a desire, it would make sense so that you can go along with Google TV due to what the longer term may maintain.

Google TV
Google TV is an working system that’s constructed into many TVs. It provides entry to the Google Play Retailer to obtain hundreds of apps and provides easy-to-use sensible residence performance.
Trending Merchandise

Samsung 24â FT45 Series FHD 1080p Computer Monitor, 75Hz, IPS Panel, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Hub, Ultra Thin Bezels, Ergonomic Design, Height Adjustable Stand, 3 Year Warranty, LF24T454FQNXGO, Black

KEDIERS ATX PC Case,6 PWM ARGB Fans Pre-Installed,360MM RAD Support,Gaming 270° Full View Tempered Glass Mid Tower Pure White ATX Computer Case,C690

ASUS RT-AX88U PRO AX6000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router, WPA3, Parental Control, Adaptive QoS, Port Forwarding, WAN aggregation, lifetime internet security and AiMesh support, Dual 2.5G Port

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, MARVO 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Computer Keyboard with Phone Tablet Holder, Silent Mouse with 6 Button, Compatible with MacBook, Windows (Black)

Acer KB272 EBI 27″ IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) Zero-Frame Gaming Office Monitor | AMD FreeSync Technology | Up to 100Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | Low Blue Light | Tilt | HDMI & VGA Ports,Black

Lenovo Ideapad Laptop Touchscreen 15.6″ FHD, Intel Core i3-1215U 6-Core, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Webcam, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi6, SD Card Reader, Windows 11, Grey, GM Accessories

Acer SH242Y Ebmihx 23.8″ FHD 1920×1080 Home Office Ultra-Thin IPS Computer Monitor AMD FreeSync 100Hz Zero Frame Height/Swivel/Tilt Adjustable Stand Built-in Speakers HDMI 1.4 & VGA Port

Acer SB242Y EBI 23.8″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Zero-Frame Gaming Office Monitor | AMD FreeSync Technology Ultra-Thin Stylish Design 100Hz 1ms (VRB) Low Blue Light Tilt HDMI & VGA Ports
