Best RCA Smart TVs for Every Home
RCA 40-Inch Roku Smart LED TV
This model is perfect for smaller spaces, offering a great balance of size and smart features.
- Compact design ideal for bedrooms or smaller living rooms.
- Access to a wide range of streaming services through Roku.
- Screen size may feel limiting for larger family gatherings.
RCA 32-Inch Roku LED TV
We found this TV to be an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on smart capabilities.
- Small enough to fit in any room, making it versatile.
- Offers decent picture quality for the price.
- Limited screen size may not satisfy avid movie watchers.
RCA 65-Inch 4K HDR Smart TV
This model stands out with its large screen and impressive 4K resolution, making it ideal for home cinema enthusiasts.
- Stunning picture quality with vibrant colours and clarity.
- Supports HDR for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Requires more space, which might not be suitable for smaller rooms.
Best RCA Smart TVs
Choosing a new television can feel overwhelming with so many options available. should you opt for organic or quantum-dot display technology? What about HD, Full HD, or UHD resolution? With various refresh rates and brightness levels to consider, the decision-making process can quickly become challenging. RCA aims to make this easier with its line of smart TVs.
With a history spanning over a century, RCA has established itself as a reliable name in consumer electronics, focusing on delivering budget-friendly and good-value products. Their smart TVs are designed for modern households, especially for those who wish to stream their favourite content effortlessly. Although they may not feature cutting-edge display technology or lightning-fast processors, they provide dependable access to popular streaming services and apps.
RCA offers a selection of sizes and resolutions, eliminating unnecessary luxury features to keep costs down. If you’re considering an RCA smart TV, our buying guide highlights the essentials, along with our top picks.
Key Considerations
Smart Platform
Most RCA smart TVs utilise the Roku TV platform, regarded as one of the best integrated software options available. Unlike Fire TV, which is tied to Amazon, or Apple TV, which is linked to Apple, Roku TV is designed to accommodate a wide range of users and devices without pushing specific subscriptions or content.
Roku TV provides access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. While Roku TV itself does not require a subscription, individual subscriptions are necessary for most services and apps. The Roku TV Channel is included with a free Roku account, offering a variety of programming across different stations, albeit ad-supported.
Included with Roku TV is a remote that controls volume and power, typically featuring one-button access to popular streaming platforms.
Size
RCA TVs are available in a range of sizes, from smaller models suited for bedrooms and dormitories to larger options that serve as the focal point of your entertainment setup. The smallest RCA smart TVs start at 32 inches, while the largest measures 65 inches. Generally, a 55- or 65-inch TV works well for most living rooms, but if your viewing area exceeds 10 feet, a 65-inch model may not provide the desired impact.
Resolution
RCA smart TVs are available in three resolution types:
High Definition (780p) is found on smaller models. These TVs are rare and typically only available in smaller sizes, as this resolution does not offer fine detail, especially since most new content is produced in higher resolutions.
Full HD (1080p) TVs are cost-effective and deliver decent quality. Most content produced in the last couple of decades meets at least Full HD standards, and many older shows have been upgraded. We recommend opting for an RCA TV with at least Full HD resolution.
Ultra HD (2160p) TVs feature four times the pixel count of Full HD, yet many models remain affordable. Newer films and shows are often created in UHD (or 4K), allowing for optimal viewing of recent content. These TVs also upscale older material, and UHD has quickly become the standard, with many high-end brands phasing out Full HD displays.
Brightness
RCA Ultra HD TVs incorporate high-dynamic range (HDR) technology, enhancing pixel brightness for a more vibrant display. HDR also improves contrast, particularly in darker scenes.
Features
WebOS
LG, a leader in television technology, has licensed its smart platform, WebOS, to RCA for select models, providing a premium alternative to Roku TV. WebOS is a top-tier smart interface, featuring a customisable layout, easy app access, and support for virtual assistants. It operates faster and is more intuitive compared to competing platforms, including Roku TV.
Connectivity
RCA smart TVs connect wirelessly to the internet and include multiple inputs for connecting various devices. Depending on the model size, you’ll find either two or three HDMI ports. Common devices to connect include DVD or Blu-ray players, soundbars, computers, or gaming consoles. RCA TVs also feature one or two USB ports for charging, powering devices, or viewing content from a drive.
RCA smart TVs are fantastic for those who want to enjoy their entertainment without fuss. They’re particularly suitable for teenagers and students, as well as for use in rental properties or guest rooms.
Recommended Accessories
Soundbar: Vizio Soundbar
Investing in a compatible soundbar, like this budget-friendly 29-inch model by Vizio, can significantly enhance your audio experience, as TVs often prioritise display quality over sound.
Smart Speaker: Echo Dot
To utilise Alexa for controlling your Roku TV, an Alexa-enabled device such as the Echo Dot is ideal. This fourth-generation model serves as an affordable smart home hub.
Pricing
Inexpensive: Smaller Full HD RCA smart TVs can be found for around £200.
Mid-range: Most RCA TVs fall between £200 and £300, offering various options in size and resolution.
Expensive: Larger 4K RCA TVs with the best detail start at over £300, including models featuring the WebOS smart platform.
Helpful Tips
- Utilise the universal search feature. The ability to search across all your apps is a highly sought-after function, and Roku TV provides one of the best available, even allowing searches by specific quotes.
- Consider wall mounting your TV. For optimal viewing, mount your TV at eye level in the centre of your viewing area.
- Check your internet speed. To fully enjoy a 4K TV, ensure your internet speed is at least 25 megabits per second; for Full HD, a minimum of 10 megabits is sufficient.
- Explore all the features. Roku TV has numerous inventive features worth checking out, including guest mode for visitors, casting from connected devices, and smartphone screen mirroring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I set up my Roku TV account?
A. Setting up a Roku TV account is easy. You can create a free account online before the TV arrives or after it’s set up. An internet connection is required to access Roku TV. Once your account is established, you can start exploring various channels, such as Netflix and YouTube, and add them to your home screen for quick access.
Q. Are RCA TVs suitable for gaming?
A. RCA TVs are adequate for casual gaming, especially with older consoles, as they provide a reliable connection and a refresh rate of 60 hertz. However, for serious gamers who play competitively or use the latest consoles from Microsoft or Sony, RCA smart TVs may lack the necessary power and screen technology for an optimal experience, potentially resulting in lag and muted colours.
Q. Can I watch live TV with an RCA smart TV?
A. RCA smart platforms allow access to live TV apps and services. While the Roku Channel offers several free live channels, they may not include popular options. Always check the current list to see what’s available. Other services may require subscriptions but often offer free trial periods.
Q. How do RCA smart TVs compare with those from other budget-friendly brands?
A. Brands like Hisense, TCL, Sceptre, and Insignia also provide affordable smart TVs. RCA tends to be cheaper for comparable sizes and resolutions, though its range is more limited, lacking larger 85-inch models. Roku TV is a robust, reliable smart platform appealing to many users, while other brands may use Fire TV or Android TV, catering to specific audiences and devices.
As leaders in TV technology, Samsung and LG license their innovations, allowing other budget brands to offer enhanced displays like quantum-dot LED (QLED) or organic LED (OLED). These technologies provide more vibrant colours and improved contrast, but as of now, RCA does not feature these options in their televisions.