Roku Plus Series vs TCL 55" S5 4K Smart TV (2024)
The Roku Plus Series is the better picture for the money: QLED with mini-LED full-array local dimming, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The TCL S5 is a plain LED set with weaker contrast but adds a 120 Hz VRR game mode. The Roku's best new price is $378.00 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026; the TCL's price was not provided, so compare it at checkout before deciding.
Today the TCL 55" S5 4K Smart TV (2024) costs $48.01 less at its best price.
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Roku Plus Series
4.7Choose the Roku Plus Series if you want the best contrast and color for movies and streaming, and you like Roku's simple interface and free channels.
- Mini-LED local dimming gives deep blacks and bright highlights
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos with a built-in subwoofer
- Four HDMI ports and hands-free voice remote
- Simple Roku interface with 500+ free channels
What separates them
| Roku Plus Series | TCL 55" S5 4K Smart TV (2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Panel and backlight | QLED with mini-LED full-array local dimming | LED edge-style backlight, no local dimming |
| HDR formats | Dolby Vision and HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG |
| Gaming | 60 Hz, no VRR | Game Accelerator 120 with up to 120 Hz VRR |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos with built-in subwoofer | Standard stereo speakers |
| Smart platform | Roku OS with 500+ free channels | Google TV with Google Assistant |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
| Voice assistants | Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Remote |
Price history
- Roku Plus Series: lowest $280.00 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $378.00 on Nov 4.
- TCL 55" S5 4K Smart TV (2024): lowest $249.99 on Nov 2 at Wagner Appliance Sales.
Prices at every store
Roku Plus Series
- WalmartNew
In stock
$378.00Free shippingObserved at 8:56 PM - Best BuyNew
In stock
$379.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:42 PM - eBayNew
In stockSold by electronic_express
$499.99Free shippingVerified - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$378.00Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:42 PM
Also available at
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Macy'sCheck price at Macy's
- Electronic ExpressCheck price at Electronic Express
Specs compared
| Spec | Roku Plus Series | TCL 55" S5 4K Smart TV (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 4K UHD |
| HDTV Format | 4K | 4K UHD |
| Screen Form | Flat | Flat |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Network Functionality | Smart TV | Smart TV, Google Assistant |
| Smart TV | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Ports | 4 | 3 |
| Network Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Video Interface | HDMI | HDMI |
| Display Type | QLED | LED |
What reviewers say
Roku Plus Series
Owners and reviewers generally rate the Plus Series highly for picture quality and value, calling it one of the better budget QLED Mini-LED sets. Complaints center on motion handling and brightness limits rather than the software.
- Strong contrast and color for the price
- Easy Roku setup and interface
- Good built-in sound for a TV
- Useful hands-free remote
- Only 60 Hz, so sports and games can show motion blur
- Doesn't get as bright as premium Mini-LED TVs
- Limited advanced picture calibration options
TCL 55" S5 4K Smart TV (2024)
Owners of TCL's S-series generally rate it as strong value for the price, with good picture for streaming and gaming at 4K. Complaints tend to focus on black-level uniformity, brightness in sunny rooms and the built-in speakers.
Questions and answers
- Which has the better picture, the Roku Plus Series or the TCL S5?
- The Roku Plus Series. Its QLED panel with mini-LED local dimming produces deeper blacks and brighter highlights than the TCL S5's plain LED backlight. Both handle Dolby Vision.
- Which is better for gaming?
- The TCL S5. It supports up to 120 Hz VRR through Game Accelerator 120, while the Roku Plus Series is limited to 60 Hz with no VRR.
- Is the Roku Plus Series worth the extra money?
- Yes if you mostly watch movies and shows. The local dimming, Dolby Atmos and four HDMI ports are real upgrades. Gamers should weigh the TCL's 120 Hz mode first.
- Do both support Dolby Vision?
- Yes. Both list Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The Roku adds Dolby Atmos audio; the TCL uses standard stereo speakers.
- Which has more HDMI ports?
- The Roku Plus Series has four; the TCL S5 has three.
- Which smart platform is easier to use?
- Roku OS is simpler and has more free channels. Google TV on the TCL has deeper Google Assistant integration and stronger search across apps.