PCMag Compares 7 Smart TV Platforms, Naming Google TV and Fire TV Most Complete
Updated
Updated · PCMag · Aug 9
PCMag Compares 7 Smart TV Platforms, Naming Google TV and Fire TV Most Complete
3 articles · Updated · PCMag · Aug 9
Summary
PCMag’s latest guide reviews seven major smart TV platforms in North America—Fire TV, tvOS, Google TV, webOS, Roku, Samsung’s Tizen OS and Vizio SmartCast/OS.
Google TV and Amazon Fire TV emerge as the most complete on app support, with broad coverage that includes niche services such as Crunchyroll and Twitch alongside major streamers.
Platform differences widen on casting and voice control: Vizio is the only option supporting AirPlay, Chromecast and Miracast/WiDi together, while Roku and Vizio lack full built-in voice assistants.
Apple’s tvOS remains limited to the Apple TV 4K hardware, Apple TV+ costs $12.99 a month, and Google’s newer Gemini Home Premium features are priced at $10 monthly or $100 yearly.
The comparison underscores that buyers now choose smart TV software not just for Netflix access, but for app gaps, phone casting and smart-home integration.