Roku Plus Series 55" vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Roku Plus Series 55" and TCL 5-Series S555 65" serve different priorities at different price points. The Roku delivers solid value at $399 with QLED technology, 700 nits brightness, Dolby Vision support, and comprehensive smart TV features including Roku OS, Alexa, and Google Assistant compatibility. Its 20-watt audio with Dolby Atmos and 13ms input lag suit casual viewing and gaming. However, the TCL 5-Series at $599 makes a stronger case for serious buyers: it offers a larger 65-inch display, superior 800 nits brightness, 120Hz refresh rate versus 60Hz, and significantly faster 8ms input lag for competitive gaming. Variable refresh rate support on TCL is absent on Roku, but TCL's VA LCD panel and extra 100 nits brightness advantage deliver better contrast and visibility in bright rooms. The TCL weighs 42.3 lbs compared to Roku's 26.5 lbs, reflecting sturdier construction. Google TV on TCL is streamlined but less versatile than Roku's multi-assistant ecosystem. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing streaming, Roku wins. For those wanting gaming-ready performance, superior brightness, and a bigger screen, TCL's $200 premium justifies the purchase. The TCL 5-Series S555 65" is the better TV overall despite higher cost.
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 TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) if…
- →65-inch 4K with 120Hz and VRR at $599 is outstanding value
- →Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support — rare at this price
- →QLED color enhancement produces vivid, saturated colors
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
TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
Pros
- 65-inch 4K with 120Hz and VRR at $599 is outstanding value
- Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support — rare at this price
- QLED color enhancement produces vivid, saturated colors
- Wi-Fi 6 and four HDMI ports (one HDMI 2.1) handle modern setups
- Google TV platform with Chromecast built-in
Cons
- Only 1 HDMI 2.1 port — the other 3 are HDMI 2.0
- 800 nits is decent but not as impressive as the 6-Series
- No Dolby Atmos — audio is basic
- Edge-lit local dimming with limited zones shows blooming
Full Specifications
| Spec | Roku Plus Series 55" | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.6 x 10.2 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 13 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 65" |
| Type | QLED | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Roku OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Roku Voice, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2 | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Quad-core | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
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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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