Roku Smart TV – 55-Inch Select vs Westinghouse

Design and build quality

The Roku Smart TV 55-Inch Select is designed as a centerpiece for a living room or main entertainment area. Its 55-inch flat screen provides a substantial presence, intended to be viewed from a distance typical of a sofa setup. The design focuses on maximizing screen real estate while maintaining a standard flat profile. In contrast, the Westinghouse 24-inch model prioritizes compactness. It is explicitly marketed as a space-saving unit suitable for offices, kids' bedrooms, kitchens, garages, or RV campers. The smaller footprint allows it to fit into tight spaces where a larger panel would be impractical. While the Roku aims for a cinematic home theater feel, the Westinghouse functions more like a versatile utility display.

Display and Picture Quality

Picture quality is the most significant differentiator between these two units. The Roku model features a Sharp 4K resolution, which brings out rich detail on the 55-inch panel. It supports HDR10, allowing colors to pop with lifelike clarity and improving contrast between light and dark scenes. The Roku Smart Picture technology further cleans up incoming TV signals and optimizes them automatically. Conversely, the Westinghouse offers 720p HD resolution with progressive scan. While this reduces flicker and enhances fast-motion action for a seamless viewing experience at its size, it lacks the pixel density and high dynamic range capabilities of the 4K panel. For high-definition media consumption, the Roku provides a visibly sharper image.

Smart Platform and Features

The Roku TV operates on a dedicated smart platform, serving as a go-to streaming destination. It provides access to over 500 plus TV channels, including live in-season shows, hit movies, weather, and local news without additional hardware. The home screen is customizable, allowing users to move apps around to access content quickly. Automatic software updates ensure the device gets the newest apps and features over time. The Westinghouse is a non-smart TV. It requires an external streaming device, media player, or computer to access online content. This distinction makes the Roku a standalone entertainment hub, whereas the Westinghouse acts as a passive display dependent on external sources for modern streaming capabilities.

Connectivity and Ports

Connectivity options vary based on the intended use case for each television. The Westinghouse is designed with flexibility in mind for peripheral connections. It includes HDMI and USB inputs to connect to streaming devices, media players, computers, or gaming consoles. Notably, it also features a VGA input, enabling direct connection to older computers or specific PC setups. The Roku model supports HDMI and USB connections as well, focusing on integrating with smart home ecosystems. It allows users to share videos, photos, and music easily. While both support standard modern connections, the Westinghouse offers legacy PC connectivity that the Roku does not explicitly advertise.

Audio Performance

Specific audio output specifications such as wattage or speaker configuration are not provided for either model in the available data. However, the Roku TV emphasizes integration with voice control systems, including Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. This suggests a focus on smart interaction rather than raw audio power. The Westinghouse description does not highlight specific audio features beyond standard viewing capabilities. For both units, users seeking high-fidelity sound would likely benefit from connecting external soundbars or speaker systems via the available audio outputs. The primary focus for both remains visual delivery rather than audiophile-grade sound reproduction.

Gaming and PC Use

The Westinghouse explicitly markets itself for gaming and PC use. The 720p resolution with progressive scan is noted to reduce flicker and enhance fast-motion action, which is beneficial for gaming. The inclusion of VGA and HDMI inputs allows it to function effectively as a PC monitor in an office or bedroom setting. The Roku TV supports gaming through its smart platform apps and HDMI connections for consoles. Its 4K resolution and HDR10 support provide a more immersive experience for next-generation consoles that utilize higher resolutions. While the Westinghouse is versatile for computer tasks, the Roku offers a superior visual environment for console gaming due to its higher resolution and HDR capabilities.

Price and Value

Price is the primary advantage for the Westinghouse model. At $115.99, it is significantly more affordable than the Roku Smart TV, which is priced at $268.00. This makes the Westinghouse an accessible option for secondary rooms, budget-conscious buyers, or temporary setups like RVs. The Roku commands a higher price but justifies it with 4K resolution, a larger screen, and built-in smart functionality. Value depends on the user's needs; those needing a main TV will find better long-term value in the Roku's features, while those needing a secondary display will find better immediate value in the Westinghouse's low cost. Both offer competitive pricing within their respective size and feature categories.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these models depends entirely on your intended usage environment. If you are outfitting a living room or primary bedroom where streaming services and high-definition content are priorities, the Roku Smart TV 55-Inch Select is the recommended choice. Its 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and built-in OS provide a complete entertainment package. However, if you need a compact screen for a kitchen, office, or RV, or if you require a monitor for a computer setup with VGA connectivity, the Westinghouse 24-inch TV is the practical option. It delivers essential viewing capabilities at a lower price point, sacrificing resolution and smart features for portability and cost efficiency.