Roku Select Series: A simple, easy-to-use, affordable 4K TV

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As someone who isn’t a tech expert but values simplicity and clarity, I approached the new Roku Select Series with a straightforward mindset. My priorities? A user-friendly setup, intuitive navigation and a picture quality that accommodates my less-than-perfect eyesight. After spending one week with the 55″ QLED model, here’s what I think of the new Roku TV. 

Roku Select Series QLED 4K TV (55″): Quick summary  

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How does Roku TV work? 

Roku is best known as a streaming platform, powering millions of smart TVs worldwide with its easy-to-use interface and vast content library. But this is their first time launching a TV designed and built entirely by Roku — the Select Series — and it’s now available in Canada exclusively through Best Buy. 

The lineup includes QLED 4K models ranging from 50 to 75 inches, alongside smaller HD and 4K options starting under $200. With features such as Roku Smart Picture, Bluetooth headphone support, voice search through your smartphone/TV remote and over 200 free live TV channels, Roku aims to offer a no-frills yet premium streaming experience at a price point that’s hard to ignore — starting at under $500 for the 50-inch model. 

For Canadians looking to upgrade without fuss or excessive cost, this could be a game-changer. But the real test is whether it lives up to those promises. 

First impressions: Clean, modern and unassuming 

Right out of the box, the Roku Select Series makes a decent first impression. The design is sleek and minimal, with slim bezels that keep the focus on the screen without feeling flashy or over the top.  

At 55 inches, the size is just right for most living rooms, and the thin profile means it fits comfortably on a stand or wall mount without dominating the space. The legs, however, felt as though they could offer a little more sturdiness. With some tightening, though, they’ve held up sufficiently. 

Overall, it’s clear Roku prioritized a simple, functional aesthetic that complements any setup — nothing gimmicky, just clean and practical. 

Specs at a glance 

• Display type: QLED 4K
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) 
• Refresh rate: 60Hz 
• Smart platform: Roku TV OS
• HDR formats: HDR10+, HLG 
• Audio: Dolby Audio (no Atmos), built-in stereo speakers 
• Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB, Ethernet, Optical Audio, Composite 
• Wireless: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 
• Remote: Roku Voice Remote with remote finder 

Setup: Quick and easy 

One of the biggest wins for the Roku Select Series is how fast and painless the setup was. From unboxing to ready-to-watch took me less than 15 minutes — and that included connecting to Wi-Fi and signing into my Roku account. 

I already had a Roku Streaming Stick Plus handy, which I plugged into the TV’s HDMI port for my usual streaming apps, but that wasn’t necessary since the Select Series has all the streaming apps built in. 

The remote paired instantly, and the guided setup walked me through every step. A quick scan of a barcode and I was logged into my Roku account. For anyone like me who dreads the complicated setups of other smart TVs, Roku’s approach is simple. 

User interface and smart features: Is it truly ‘smart’? 

Roku OS remains one of the most user-friendly smart TV platforms out there, and the Select Series sticks to that winning formula. The interface is clean and clutter-free, offering quick access to apps, live channels and settings. Navigation is smooth with minimal lag when switching between menus or apps. 

Standout features include:  

• The ability to pause live TV 
• Bluetooth headphone support for private listening 
• Built-in remote finder  
• AirPlay 2 compatibility 

The Roku Channel adds extra value with more than 200 free live TV channels, making it a great bonus for cord-cutters or anyone looking to expand their streaming lineup without added costs. Popular apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube come pre-loaded, and while I ran into the odd delay during an app update, it didn’t disrupt the overall experience. 

Controlling the TV from my smartphone was also a breeze with Roku’s mobile app. With a simplified navigation bar and visual search results, it’s fast and intuitive. 

Picture quality that punches above its price 

The Roku Select Series QLED 4K offers a surprisingly vibrant viewing experience for a TV in its price range. The 55-inch model I tested showcases deep, rich colours thanks to QLED technology, which uses quantum dots to enhance brightness and colour accuracy beyond what traditional LED TVs typically deliver. 

This means skin tones look more natural, greens and blues feel more immersive, and shadows maintain detail without looking washed out. 

Roku’s Smart Picture is a feature that stood out to me — it automatically tweaks brightness, contrast and colour settings depending on the content type. For example, while I was watching a National Geographic documentary, the colours felt lush and lifelike, but when I switched to an action movie, the TV adjusted to sharpen fast-moving scenes. 

This kind of automatic calibration is a welcome break from the usual manual fiddling most smart TVs require, especially for users like me who prefer things straightforward. 

Sound quality: Serviceable but basic 

The Roku Select Series’ built-in speakers do the job for everyday TV watching, offering clear dialogue and decent volume for typical living room use. However, I do find that the sound lacks depth and bass, and there’s no support for advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos. 

If you’re an audio enthusiast or have a larger room, you’ll likely want to invest in a soundbar or external speaker setup to get the full experience. For casual viewers, though, the sound quality is sufficient and unlikely to be a dealbreaker. 

Who should buy a Roku Select Series TV? 

This TV is a great choice if you: 

• Want an easy-to-use smart TV without a steep learning curve 
• Are furnishing a dorm room, guest bedroom or small apartment 
• Mostly stream content from Netflix, YouTube or Disney+ 
• Prefer a clean, familiar interface (especially if you’ve used Roku before) 
• Want a QLED screen without paying a premium 

Who should skip it? 

This TV might not be the best pick if you: 

• Prioritize cinema-quality contrast or deep black levels 
• Want high refresh rates for gaming (no VRR or 120Hz here) 
• Are looking for Atmos-level audio or immersive sound without external speakers 
• Need peak brightness for rooms with a ton of natural light 

Final thoughts: Solid performance, standout simplicity 

The Roku Select Series offers solid bang for your buck, especially with the 50-inch QLED model priced under $500. Available exclusively online at BestBuy.ca and in Best Buy Canada stores as of July 22, it delivers vibrant picture quality, a straightforward interface and useful smart features that make it a strong contender for casual streamers, cord-cutters and first-time smart TV buyers alike. 

While it doesn’t include premium extras such as Dolby Atmos sound or the peak brightness of more expensive competitors, it balances affordability and performance in a way that’s hard to beat. The easy setup and familiar Roku OS only add to its appeal, making it a smart choice for Canadians wanting to upgrade their home entertainment without overspending. 

If you’re fed up with smart TVs that overpromise and underdeliver, the Roku Select Series offers a refreshing, no-nonsense experience. It’s not perfect, but for those like me who value simplicity, solid visuals and great value, it’s worth considering. 

What: Roku Select Series QLED 4K TV (55″)
Where to buy: Best Buy
Price: $449 

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