There are numerous operating systems on smart TVs for stable and better performance. Speaking of that, Roku and Tizen are the most popular operating systems with unique designs and user interfaces. If you aren’t sure which works best to choose either, then we have compared Tizen vs Roku based on the features and individual performance.
Tizen vs Roku
Before choosing a specific operating system, there are some factors that you should consider on the respective TV model of any OS.
| Streaming Device | 4K Video Quality | Dolby Atmos | Sideloading | Private Listening | Smartphone app Integration | Voice Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Express | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Roku Express 4K | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku Ultra | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku Streambar | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku Streambar Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Samsung Smart TVs | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Design
Luckily, Roku and Tizen devices have received their updates over a while. With the best-operating systems, both offer an easy navigation process and are reliable to use. After every Roku update, the interface will change accordingly. Now, you can view the distinguishing features between Tizen and Roku.
| Features | Roku | Tizen |
|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | 4K Ultra HD | 8K UHD |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Operating System | Roku OS | Tizen OS |
| App Store | Roku Channel Store | Samsung Smart Hub |
| Screen Mirroring | Cast from Smartphone and PC | Cast from Smartphone and PC |
| AirPlay Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Budget Friendly Model | Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Samsung HD Ready LED Smart Tizen TV |
| High-end Model | Roku Streambar | Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV |
User Interface
Roku: The interface of Roku is simple and user-friendly. The home screen on Roku offers a grid of apps organized into categories like Movies & TV shows, News & Weather, and Sports. In addition, Roku also offers a feature that allows users to quickly find what they’re looking for. Moreover, there are no ads on Roku’s screen that interrupts the users.
Tizen: Compared to Roku, Tizen’s interface is quite complicated. On the contrary, it offers extra features to allure the users. The main screen features an array of widgets that allows for customizing the experience. It also includes a library of apps, a search bar, and various other tools. Overall, the interface is more flexible and customizable to tailor their experience to their needs.
| Parameters | Roku | Tizen |
|---|---|---|
| Home Screen | Simple and plain user interface | Quite a complicated interface |
| Ad-support | No ad-interruptions | Few ads in the user interface |
| Customization | Only minimum customization options are available | Maximum customization options are available |
Apps
Roku: In Roku, there are nearly 30,000+ free and 1800+ paid apps available on the Roku Channel Store. With the quick search function, you can easily find and install the desired app that you’re looking for. Roku offers apps like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Paramount Plus, and more. On the contrary, you can’t sideload any apps on Roku.
Tizen: As for Tizen, Samsung Smart Hub is the central Hub that provides access to all the user’s contents and services which includes the apps section. It also features apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, and more. However, compared to Tizen, Roku has more apps in its lineup.
| Parameters | Roku | Tizen |
|---|---|---|
| App Store | Roku Channel Store | Samsung Smart Hub |
| Entertainment Channels | 350+ | 60+ |
| Best Apps | Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, HBO Max, Apple TV, and Showtime | Kodi, Plex, Netflix, MX Player, Spotify, Huu, and YouTube TV |
Remote
Roku: Compared to Tizen, Roku offers more navigation buttons for quick and easy navigation. It features the option to control volumes using physical buttons on its side. In addition, it also has separate control buttons for streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and Paramount+. You shall pair Roku Remote to take control of the TV interface to the fullest.
Tizen: Samsung’s remote is focused on simplicity, with a few basic buttons with a fabulous design. It features a touchpad for precise control and an integrated app launcher for quickly launching your favorite apps. Moreover, you can also control third-party devices connected to the HDMI port of your TV with the universal remote control.
| Remote | Connectivity | Channel Shortcut buttons | Private Listening | Voice Support | Lost Remote Finder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Simple Remote | Infrared (IR) Light | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Roku Voice Remote | Wireless Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku Enhanced Voice Remote | Wireless Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku Enhanced Voice Remote Pro | Wireless Network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Samsung Smart Remote | Wireless Network | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Mobile App
Roku: You can easily install and connect Roku remote app available on App Store and Play Store to TV. Like Roku’s remote control, the mobile app has a simple user interface for controlling the device. You can also use the private listening feature on Roku mobile app.
Tizen: Similarly, the SmartThings app is available on both App Store and Play Store with more distinct features. Apart from Tizen TVs, you can also control connected devices like smart lights, security cameras, refrigerators, and thermostats. So, comparing Tizen vs Roku in this category, the SmartThings app takes the win besides the private listening feature.
| Feature | Roku | Tizen |
|---|---|---|
| App Store Link | Roku Official App [App Store/Play Store] | SmartThings App [App Store/Play Store] |
| Remote Interface | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private Listening | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| App Installation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyboard | ✓ | ✓ |
Voice Control Feature
Roku: Instead of the default Roku remote, you can use the voice control feature on all other Roku remote models. You can press the Microphone button or command Hey Roku to use the voice command feature. If needed, you shall even turn off voice control on Roku remote.
Tizen: As for Tizen, Bixby Voice is the official voice assistant, which is used to control compatible devices like TVs, air conditioners, and other devices. With its deep integration and operating system, Tizen offers one of the best voice assistants.
| Feature | Roku | Tizen |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Models | Roku Voice Remote, Roku Enhanced Voice Remote, and Roku Enhanced Voice Remote Pro | Samsung Smart Remote |
| Voice Buttons | ✓ | ✓ |
| Control Playback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa and Google Assistant | Bixby Voice |
Gaming
Roku: When it comes to gaming, Roku provides varieties of games in different genres. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any support for consoles. On the contrary, you can play casual games that are available on Roku Content Store.
Tizen: Tizen’s amazing gaming feature offers support for consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and more. After connecting your gaming console to your Samsung smart TV, you can download 4K and HDR games for a better experience.
| Feature | Roku | Tizen |
|---|---|---|
| Game Categories | Board Games, Card Games, Vintage Games, Arcade Games, and Puzzles | Action Games, Arcade Games, Card Games, Racing Games, Simulation Games, and Trivia Games |
| Game Source | Roku Channel Store | Samsung Smart Hub, Gaming consoles |
| Sideload Games | ✗ | ✗ |
| Popular Games | Pac-Man, Crossy Road, Angry Birds, Solitare, Wordscapes, and Jeopardy | Wordscapes, Buble Blast, Dead Trigger 2, Orbia, Zombie Age 2, and Hovercraft: Getaway |
Verdict
After comparing Tizen vs Roku, Tizen is one of the best-operating systems that is being rolled out for smart TVs. It includes an open platform for a wide range of content and customization and supports various gaming controllers. Apart from that, when it comes to streaming shows and content, Roku is one of the best-operating systems to choose from. With its user-friendly interface and unique design, Roku is the overall winner.
