Roku Plus Series 55" vs Sony X85K 65" (LED)
The Verdict
Roku's Plus Series 55" delivers solid value at $399, featuring QLED technology, Dolby Vision support, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Its 700-nit brightness handles HDR content adequately, though the 60Hz refresh rate limits fast-motion smoothness. Sony's X85K 65" justifies its $999 price tag with superior specifications: a 120Hz panel enabling smooth gaming, lower 10ms input lag versus Roku's 13ms, and variable refresh rate support for next-gen consoles. While both offer identical audio (20W, 2.0ch with Dolby Atmos), Sony's larger screen and gaming-focused features make it the better choice for gamers and those wanting premium performance. The Roku excels as a budget-conscious entry point with practical smart features and adequate HDR performance. For gaming and cinematic experiences, Sony wins decisively. For casual streaming on a budget, Roku represents excellent value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Roku Plus Series 55" if…
- →Roku OS is the simplest, cleanest smart TV platform available
- →Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AND Dolby Atmos decoding — unusual at $399
- →Works with every voice assistant: Alexa, Google, Siri (via AirPlay)
Buy the Sony X85K 65" (LED) if…
- →120Hz with VRR at $999 makes it a capable mid-range gaming TV
- →Wide viewing angles from IPS panel suit family viewing
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR support
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Roku Plus Series 55"
Pros
- Roku OS is the simplest, cleanest smart TV platform available
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AND Dolby Atmos decoding — unusual at $399
- Works with every voice assistant: Alexa, Google, Siri (via AirPlay)
- Wi-Fi 6 for reliable 4K streaming
- QLED color enhancement is visible versus basic LED panels
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or gaming features
- 700-nit brightness is okay but not impressive for HDR highlights
- Roku's ad-supported free channels are prominently pushed in the UI
- No VRR for next-gen console gaming
Sony X85K 65" (LED)
Pros
- 120Hz with VRR at $999 makes it a capable mid-range gaming TV
- Wide viewing angles from IPS panel suit family viewing
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR support
- Sony X1 processor handles upscaling and motion well
- Google TV platform with Chromecast built-in
Cons
- IPS panel has poor black levels — contrast is a weakness
- No local dimming — black uniformity suffers in dark scenes
- 700 nits brightness is modest for HDR performance
- 20W speakers need external audio support
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated for a 2022 TV
Full Specifications
| Spec | Roku Plus Series 55" | Sony X85K 65" (LED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs | 43.2 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.6 x 10.2 inches | 57.1 x 35.8 x 13.4 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 57.1 x 33.1 x 3.0 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 13 | 10 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 65" |
| Type | QLED | Direct LED (IPS panel) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 700 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Roku OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Roku Voice, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2 | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Quad-core | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 4.2 |
| USB ports | 1 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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