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When I moved to Buffalo, I treated myself to something I hadn’t owned before: a smart TV. I know — kind of wild, considering I work in digital content and streaming is my love language.
But for years, I used cable, a DVR, and a trusty Chromecast, all on TVs that had seen (more than) their fair share of years.
One of them I bought in 2008, and it was still working until two weeks before my move! The other was left behind in the apartment (long story), and honestly, I was ready to shed that energy and start fresh.
So, I bought the Roku Smart TV 50-inch Select Series (2025 model), 4K HDR, with voice remote, and it quickly became one of my favorite “new apartment” purchases.
Why I Picked This TV
I wanted something that was:
✔️ Affordable
✔️ Mountable
✔️ Lightweight
✔️ Smart TV compatible with built-in apps
✔️ Good picture and sound — without needing extra speakers or gadgets
The Roku Select Series checked all those boxes. For the price, it really impressed me — especially as my first smart TV. It’s sleek, modern, and incredibly lightweight, which made setup so much easier (especially since I installed it by myself — mount and all!).
The Picture & Sound Quality
This TV has 4K resolution with HDR10, which I didn’t even fully understand until I saw it in action. Colors are sharp and detailed, and the picture adjusts automatically depending on what I’m watching — movies, sports (Bills games!), YouTube, Netflix, AppleTV, all of it. I don’t need to tweak picture settings constantly — it just works.
The sound isn’t surround-sound-level amazing, but for me, in a cozy studio apartment, it’s absolutely fine. Speech is clear, and I don’t have to crank the volume to hear dialogue (which is a big upgrade from my old TV).
The Setup & Mounting Experience
At first, I used the included legs while I figured out my layout. But eventually, I bought a full-motion wall mount:
MegaMounts Full Motion Wall Mount (32″–70″)
Max weight: 110 lbs (my TV is nowhere near that heavy)
Tilts, swivels, and extends from the wall
Includes hardware & instructions
The mount itself was a little heavy, but I installed it on the wall completely by myself, and it has stayed securely in place (so I’m calling that a win).
My studio is shaped like an L, so being able to swivel and angle the TV was really important — I can now watch it from pretty much anywhere in my apartment, including in bed, at my desk, you name it.
Streaming & Everyday Use
Cutting cable was a big shift for me — I hung onto it all the way until November 2024 (I know, I know). But this TV made the transition seamless.
Most of my go-to apps — Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Max, Peacock — are already built into the Roku system. I logged into everything right from the TV, using the remote, and was done in minutes.
I still use my Chromecast occasionally (streaming from my iPad), and this TV handles it perfectly.
The interface is intuitive, customizable, and fast — plus, the voice remote makes searching easy, and it even has remote finder (press a button, and your lost remote actually makes noise).
Things I Love Most
💡 Lightweight & easy to mount — I could lift it onto the mount myself
🎬 Roku Smart Picture — automatically optimizes picture for movies vs. sports
📺 No need for extra speakers — sound is clear for what I need
📡 Free entertainment hub — there are hundreds of free channels built in
🎤 Voice-controlled remote — search titles, apps, or even adjust settings
🌐 Fast Wi-Fi & app loading
🎨 Frameless, clean design — looks great mounted in my minimal space
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely — especially if you’re looking for a smart TV that’s affordable without feeling “cheap.”
It’s perfect for small spaces, apartments, or anyone making the jump from a non-smart TV. If you’re just getting into streaming or trying to simplify your setup (no more external devices, cables, or bulky remotes), the Roku Select Series feels like the right balance of quality, simplicity, and price.
Final Thoughts
This TV feels like a fresh start — modern, streamlined, practical — but still cozy. It fits the vibe of my apartment, it works exactly how I hoped it would, and it’s made watching movies (and Bills games) that much more enjoyable.
As someone who held onto old tech for years because “it still worked,” I’m honestly glad I upgraded.
Sometimes, the right upgrade isn’t flashy — it’s functional.
This review is not sponsored — nor are any of the reviews on this blog. I am a beauty and skincare junkie and enjoy sharing the products I love right here! For more reviews and similar posts, please subscribe to the blog by clicking subscribe on the right side of your screen. Cheers!
The Bitter Lemon 