There are lots of things you need to know before buying a smart TV. What size do you want? How many HDMI ports do you need? Are there any extra features that are important to you?

But there's one question that people often overlook: which operating system should you buy? The OS on your smart TV will define its interface and software capabilities. This article will help you answer that question.

Picking the Right Operating System Is Important

In 2023, it is almost impossible to find a new TV that isn't "smart". Take a trip to your local electronics store, and you'll be overwhelmed with promises of streaming, casting, sharing, and all the smart TV buzzwords.

But not all smart TVs are created equal. Much like the world of desktop operating systems, the various smart TV operating systems have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some have a more extensive choice of apps, some have a better user interface, some are more compatible with third-party devices, and so on.

So, which is the best? In this article, we pit Roku TV, Google TV, Fire TV, WebOS, and TizenOS against each other to see which smart TV operating system is best.

1. Roku TV

Roku TV OS
Image Credit: Roku

Roku TV is a variation of Roku OS that's installed on smart TVs. The Roku TV OS has some key differences from the streaming stick version of the operating system.

For example, unlike the other products in the Roku range, you can connect an HDTV antenna to a Roku TV and enjoy a full electronic program guide (EPG) from within the Roku ecosystem.

Other features include easy access to apps, a universal search function, stores to purchase content, a customized feed of upcoming shows you'll be interested in, and a private listening mode.

Of course, like all Roku products, you can also install private channels. Private channels provide access to TV content which isn't available in the main store. Roku TV also comes with free access to Roku Channel, where you can watch tons of movies and other content. Many manufacturers offer Roku TV televisions, including TCL, Element, Insignia, Philips, Sharp, RCA, Hitachi, and Hisense.

Although Roku TV is based on Linux, it's not open-source. So if you're looking to do some tinkering, Roku TV might not be the best platform for your TV. Conversely, if you're simply looking to have a good time watching shows and listening to music, then Roku has got everything you need.

2. WebOS

WebOS on an LG TV
Image Credit: LG

WebOS is LG's smart TV operating system. After a curious history, the OS finally emerged as the leading smart TV operating system in 2014 thanks to its slick and easy-to-use interface.

Since 2014, LG has been steadily refining the OS, and it's now found in everything from fridges to projectors. LG still supports two versions of WebOS: 5 and 6. WebOS 6 had a major update in 2022 that LG decided to call WebOS 22.

On WebOS 5, the operating system revolves around the launch bar at the bottom of the screen. On the bar, you will find all your apps and settings. You can customize the order of the bar so the apps you use most frequently show up first.

WebOS on an LG TV
Image Credit: LG

In WebOS 6, you'll find a more modern interface that takes over the entire screen. It's quite a jarring change coming from the previous version, but offers more functionality. You'll find panels for quick access to content and apps. It's also much faster than WebOS 5, so you can load up your favorite show quicker.

In both versions, WebOS is Bluetooth compatible, meaning it's easy to hook up keyboards, mice, and other useful peripherals. It is also Miracast and AirPlay compatible. Miracast is a cordless version of HDMI. There is native support for Alexa and Google Assistant.

Other noteworthy features include live apps (so you can pause content in one app, start using another app, then return to the first app and pick up where you left off later in the day), 360-degree video playback, and an OLED image gallery kitted out with picture frames. If you're looking for crisp and clean, WebOS is the clear winner.

3. Google TV

Google TV OS
Image Credit: Google TV

Android TV, probably the most common smart TV operating system, was succeeded by Google TV in 2022. Although the underlying operating system is still Android TV, Google TV boasts a smoother interface with an emphasis on content recommendations. It can also connect to smart home devices.

The greatest thing about Google TV is that it is, in fact, a version of Android. As a result, you can access tons of apps from Google Play on your TV. Even if an Android app isn't verified as TV compatible, you can easily sideload the app on your TV and manually install it.

Any television running Google TV will also have Chromecast support natively built-in. It makes streaming or casting content from Chrome or your Android device a breeze. You can also cast directly to your TV from your computer, as long as you have Chrome installed.

You will also be able to use Google Assistant. That means you can use your voice—via your TV—to control all your smart home devices such as lights, speakers, thermostats, electrical sockets, and more.

4. TizenOS

Tizen OS on a Samsung TV
Image Credit: Samsung

TizenOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by The Linux Foundation and used by Samsung. It's in all the company's products, including TVs, cameras, ovens, and air conditioning units. Samsung started licensing TizenOS to smaller third-party TV brands in 2022, so you might find TizenOS on non-Samsung TVs as well.

Visually, the operating system is fine. It's clearly taken a lot of design cues from WebOS. Thanks to its light weight, TizenOS has faster boot-up and scrolling compared to heavier systems like Google TV.

Criticism of the OS comes in three forms. Firstly, it's not as intelligent as some other operating systems on this list. For example, while Roku learns what you like and suggests new content from all the apps you have installed on the OS, TizenOS merely suggests apps that you haven't opened for a while. And of course, TizenOS's voice control cannot even compete with the Google Assistant on Google TV.

Secondly, it faces accusations of being too simplified. Whereas WebOS strikes a perfect balance, tech-savvy users will find the fun settings hidden being endless buttons and submenus.

Lastly, some users have bemoaned a lack of quality with the OS. This comes in the universal search features, where results are often inconsistent, and with complaints of an overwhelming number of ads. All in all, TizenOS does what it does smoothly, but that's mostly because it doesn't really do much.

5. Fire TV

Fire TV on a Toshiba TV
Image Credit: Amazon

Fire TV is the smart TV operating system version of the popular Amazon Fire TV devices. At the time of writing, you will only find Fire TV on AmazonBasics, Toshiba, Insignia, and some JVC televisions.

Fire TV also gives you access to Amazon Alexa. Like Google Assistant, it can control your smart home, update you on the news and weather, and engage with other apps that form part of your daily workflow.

Content-wise, you're limited to apps that are available in the Amazon Appstore. Even though Fire TV is based on Android, you cannot access the Google Play Store. Nonetheless, most mainstream apps are available.

However, you can sideload apps onto Fire TV devices, and a smart TV is no different. Once you enable developer options on Fire TV, you're free to install any APK file you want. This enables you to install essential Fire TV apps that aren't available on the Amazon Appstore.

And the Best Smart TV OS Is...

We're going to call it a three-way tie between Google TV, WebOS, and Roku. In truth, each of the smart TV operating systems excels in a different area, but Fire TV falls flat due to the lack of the Google Play Store, while TizenOS is by far the weakest of the bunch.

If you want slick and minimal, go for WebOS. If you want the largest selection of streaming apps, choose Roku. And if you want smart assistant capabilities, along with the ability to modify your device, then Google TV's Android platform is the best choice.