Best Smart TV for Streaming in 2026: Roku vs Samsung vs Google TV
Are you in the market for a new smart TV but unsure which brand to choose for built-in streaming apps? The 2025 Cordie Awards, a yearly recognition of the top tools and platforms for cord-cutters, recently unveiled some interesting insights into consumer preferences for smart TVs when it comes to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Based on feedback from over 1,000 Cord Cutters News readers, Roku came out on top with a whopping 44.5 percent of the votes. This victory solidifies Roku’s position as a favorite in an increasingly competitive market.
The survey, part of the broader Cordie Awards that evaluate devices and services tailored to cord-cutting, highlighted Roku’s strengths in accessibility and versatility. Users love its easy-to-use interface, which allows seamless navigation through thousands of apps without any bias towards specific content providers. This neutrality is especially valuable for cord-cutters who enjoy a mix of free and paid streaming options, ranging from ad-supported channels to premium subscriptions. The fact that Roku integrates with voice assistants and offers a range of affordable hardware options only adds to its appeal, making it a top choice for households looking for value without compromising on functionality.
Following closely behind Roku, Google TV secured 13.5 percent of the votes, appealing to users who value deep integration with Android devices and Google’s ecosystem. Samsung came in third with 12.3 percent, known for its high-end displays and Tizen operating system emphasizing picture quality and smart home connectivity. Amazon’s Fire TV smart TVs captured 6.2 percent of the votes, attracting users already invested in the Amazon Prime ecosystem for seamless access to video and shopping features. Vizio earned 3.8 percent for its budget-friendly models and SmartCast platform, while LG received 1.3 percent recognition for webOS and its focus on OLED technology. Other brands, including emerging players, received less than 1 percent of the votes, indicating a clear preference among the surveyed group.
Roku’s dominance in this survey aligns with broader trends in the smart TV market, where ease of use often outweighs advanced features for everyday consumers. As more households are expected to cut the cord in 2025 due to rising costs and abundant streaming alternatives, platforms like Roku benefit from their agnostic approach. Unlike proprietary systems from manufacturers like Samsung or LG, which may prioritize their own content, Roku serves as a universal hub, offering flexibility in an era where viewers subscribe to multiple services.
The Cordie Awards have become increasingly influential, serving as a benchmark for the cord-cutting community. This year’s edition expanded to cover not just smart TVs but also streaming devices, antennas, and subscription bundles, providing a comprehensive view of the ecosystem. The overwhelming support for Roku indicates a shift towards platforms that simplify the transition from cable, reducing complexity in setting up a custom entertainment system.
Looking ahead to 2025, the smart TV market shows no signs of slowing down, with advancements in 8K resolution, AI-driven upscaling, and enhanced voice controls on the horizon. These developments could further solidify options like Roku, which is already integrating more AI features for content discovery. However, competition remains fierce, with Google TV and others expanding their ecosystems to challenge Roku’s lead. Manufacturers like Samsung, Vizio, and LG are also innovating to cater to different user preferences, from visual fidelity to smart home integration.
As we wrap up the year, the results from the 2025 Cordie Awards offer valuable insights for consumers navigating the smart TV landscape. With Roku leading the pack, it’s clear that many are embracing a cable-free lifestyle with a focus on streaming convenience. This preference not only reinforces Roku’s strategy but also highlights the importance of user-friendly design for manufacturers looking to attract cord-cutters.
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