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TCL 40-Inch Roku TV Review: Sharp Budget Roku TV Worth Inspecting on Arrival

TCL's 40-inch S3 is a 1080p LED Roku TV built around Direct LED backlighting and a bezel-less metal frame, with three HDMI inputs, HDR10 support and TCL's own motion smoothing built in. Roku's smart platform and voice compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit round out the software half; a VA-style panel with narrower viewing angles is the technical tradeoff for the contrast it delivers. Picture quality is what the feedback praises most consistently; the remote, sound and screen consistency are where it gets more mixed.

By ZappyZep, Tech Editor Published September 27, 2026 Updated September 27, 2026
4.1Our score
TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 2 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 3 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 4 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 5 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 6 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 7 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 8 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 9 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 10 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 11 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 12 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 13 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 14 TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming FHD Television,Black, view 15
Product gallery, 15 images
$158.00 Check price on Amazon

Prices shown were correct on September 27, 2026 and change frequently.

TL;DRThe Short Answer: Is the TCL 40-Inch S3 Roku TV Worth It?

Sharp, bright, high-contrast picture from a 1080p Direct LED panel is what most feedback praises here, and the tradeoffs sit around the edges. A small share of units ship with a screen defect, the bundled remote draws the most consistent criticism of any single part, and sound runs mixed despite built-in Dolby Digital Plus processing. HDR10, a Game Mode for low input lag, and AirPlay2 plus Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit compatibility round out a genuinely capable smart TV for the size, provided the unit that arrives is a good one.

NoFussDeal rates the TCL 40-Inch S3 Roku TV 4.1 out of 5 at $158.00. Last updated September 27, 2026.

Key Facts

Product Dimensions
3.6"D x 35.7"W x 20.3"H
Line Voltage
Unknown
Color
Black
Item Weight
7.21 kg
Special Feature
Bezel-Less Design
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

What Stands Out

  1. A 1080p LED panel with Direct LED backlighting delivers sharper, more uniform brightness than an edge-lit panel of the same size.
  2. HDR10 support and TCL's MEMC motion enhancement smooth fast-moving video and improve contrast on supported content.
  3. Three HDMI inputs, one with ARC for a soundbar, cover a streaming box, a game console and a cable box without swapping cables.
  4. Roku TV's smart platform bundles more than 250 live channels alongside the major streaming apps, controllable by Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.
  5. A Game Mode drops input lag for connected consoles, and built-in Dolby Digital Plus drives 8W plus 8W stereo speakers.
  6. The bezel-less metal frame and flat 3.6-inch depth keep the panel wall-mountable on a standard 200x200mm VESA pattern.

Strengths and Drawbacks

What works

  • Direct LED backlighting and HDR10 support deliver genuinely sharp, bright, high-contrast picture for the size.
  • Roku TV bundles more than 250 live channels with every major streaming app, controllable by Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.
  • Three HDMI inputs, one with ARC, and a Game Mode setting cover most home theater and gaming setups.
  • The bezel-less metal frame and slim, light build make it easy to wall-mount.
  • AirPlay2 support streams directly from Apple devices without a separate app.
  • Picture quality is the most consistently praised part of ownership.

What does not

  • A real minority of units ship with a screen defect out of the box.
  • The remote draws the most consistent criticism of any single part, needing a fairly direct angle to the sensor.
  • Sound quality is genuinely mixed: some find the built-in speakers adequate, others thin enough to add a soundbar.
  • The VA-style panel narrows viewing angles compared with an IPS panel, most noticeable on static content viewed off-center.
  • Performance draws mixed feedback, with a share of units showing occasional freezing rather than consistently smooth operation.

Features in Depth

01

1080p Direct LED Panel with HDR10

Resolution 1080p Backlight Direct LED HDR Format HDR10

The panel is a 1080p LCD with Direct LED backlighting, meaning the LEDs that light the screen sit in a grid directly behind it rather than only around the edges, giving more even brightness across the whole picture than a cheaper edge-lit design manages. Dynamic Contrast processing and HDR10 support sit on top, so HDR content gets a real expansion in brightness range on supported streaming apps rather than a simulated effect. The panel itself is a VA-style LCD, trading off some viewing angle for deeper native blacks and stronger contrast than an IPS panel of the same price would deliver - noticeable mainly off to the side of the screen, and largely unnoticeable watching video head-on from a normal seating position.

$158.00 4.1/5 Check price
02

Roku TV Smart Platform

Smart OS Roku TV Live Channels 250+ Voice Control Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit

Roku TV runs the software side of this set, bundling more than 250 free live channels alongside every major streaming app in one interface, controllable by the included remote, the Roku mobile app, or voice through Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. That is a genuinely broad set of voice-assistant compatibility for a TV at this size and price, letting it slot into a smart home built around any of the three main ecosystems rather than locking into one. The tradeoff sits in the remote itself, which needs to be pointed almost directly at the TV's sensor to register a button press, and it lacks a find-my-remote feature some competing sets now include.

$158.00 4.1/5 Check price
03

Connections, Game Mode and Sound

HDMI Inputs 3 (1 with ARC) Speakers 8W + 8W, Dolby Digital Plus Game Mode Yes, reduced input lag

Three HDMI inputs, one of them ARC-enabled, cover a streaming box, a game console and a cable box or soundbar without constantly swapping cables. A Game Mode setting reduces input lag specifically for whatever is plugged into that port, worth switching on for anything more responsive than casual streaming. Sound comes from an 8 watt plus 8 watt stereo pair through Dolby Digital Plus processing, and feedback on it is genuinely split: plenty find it clear and sufficient for a bedroom or office TV, while a comparable number find it thin and add a soundbar through the ARC port. Given that split, the built-in speakers are worth an honest listen before deciding whether they are enough on their own.

$158.00 4.1/5 Check price
04

Bezel-Less Build and Mounting

Dimensions 3.6" x 35.7" x 20.3" Weight 7.21 kg VESA Mount 200 x 200mm

TCL's FullView design keeps the bezel down to a thin metal edge, so more of the front of the TV is picture rather than frame, and at 3.6 inches deep and 7.21 kilograms it is slim and light enough to wall-mount on a standard 200 by 200 millimeter VESA pattern without extra hardware. A single USB 2.0 port covers basic media playback from a flash drive. A smaller but real share of units ship with a screen defect straight out of the box, the reason to power the set on and check the panel edge to edge, along with all three HDMI inputs, during the return window rather than after it closes.

$158.00 4.1/5 Check price

How We Scored It

Based on
The manufacturer's published specifications and the product's live Amazon listing.
Owner rating
4.4 out of 5 on Amazon, recorded September 27, 2026
How we score
We score each thing that comes up most in owner feedback on the TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED. Eight things come up most in owner feedback: three draw praise, one splits opinion and four draw mostly complaints. Its ratings average 4.4 stars (75% five stars, 12% four, 5% three and 8% one or two), so every score starts at 88, that average on a 100 point scale. Where opinion is split, we take off 6. Where it draws mostly complaints, we take off 12. Then we read eight owner reviews in full (every one we found gave it four or five stars) and move the score up to 5 points either way depending on how the owners who mention it rated the product. Our overall score starts from the same 4.4 star average and loses 0.1 for each thing that draws mostly complaints, with 0.1 more when at least a tenth of ratings are one star, never more than 0.3 in all. Here that takes off 0.3, which gives 4.1. Read our editorial standards

Quality

Three of the eight owner reviews we read mention it. All of them gave the product four or five stars. Score 93: we started at 88 and added 5 because the owner reviews that mention it are positive.

93Positive

Connectivity

TCL lists the connectivity technology as HDMI, Wi-Fi and the wireless technology as Wi-Fi. Three of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is wh…

Read the full note (505 characters)

TCL lists the connectivity technology as HDMI, Wi-Fi and the wireless technology as Wi-Fi. Three of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 82: we started at 88 and took off 6 because opinion is split.

82Mixed

Sound Quality

TCL lists the audio input as HDMI and the speaker description as Dolby Digital Plus, 8W + 8W speakers. Seven of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer,…

Read the full note (528 characters)

TCL lists the audio input as HDMI and the speaker description as Dolby Digital Plus, 8W + 8W speakers. Seven of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 76: we started at 88 and took off 12 because it draws mostly complaints.

76Needs Improvement

Performance

Opinion is split on the performance, with some finding it fast while others report freezing issues. Three of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 76: we started at 88 and took off 12 b…

Read the full note (434 characters)

Opinion is split on the performance, with some finding it fast while others report freezing issues. Three of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 76: we started at 88 and took off 12 because it draws mostly complaints.

76Needs Improvement

Remote Control

TCL lists the control method as Voice and the controller type as Voice Control. Five of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 76: we started at 88 and took off 12 because it draws mostl…

Read the full note (413 characters)

TCL lists the control method as Voice and the controller type as Voice Control. Five of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 76: we started at 88 and took off 12 because it draws mostly complaints.

76Needs Improvement

Screen Quality

TCL lists the screen size as 40 inches and the display technology as LED. Five of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints lik…

Read the full note (498 characters)

TCL lists the screen size as 40 inches and the display technology as LED. Five of the eight owner reviews we read mention it, and those owners gave the product four or five stars, so the complaints come from the wider group of buyers. None of the reviews we read say what goes wrong, so this score rests on the buyer ratings. 13% of all ratings are three stars or fewer, which is where complaints like this usually sit. Score 76: we started at 88 and took off 12 because it draws mostly complaints.

76Needs Improvement

Owner Satisfaction

75% of ratings are five stars and 12% are four. 5% are three stars and 8% are one or two. The spread skews positive, but enough ratings sit low that the drawbacks below are worth reading. Score 88: its 4.4 star average on a 100 point scale.

88Positive

Specifications

Size and weight

Product Dimensions
3.6"D x 35.7"W x 20.3"H
Item Weight
7.21 kg

Power

Line Voltage
Unknown

Materials and warranty

Color
Black

Other specifications

Special Feature
Bezel-Less Design
Water Resistance Level
Not Water Resistant

What Buyers Say

Picture quality and overall build quality draw the most consistent praise, and size is a clear positive for anyone furnishing a bedroom or secondary room. Sound quality and connectivity are more divided: many units deliver clear audio and an easy Wi-Fi setup, while a real minority run thin on sound or hit Wi-Fi connection trouble. Performance is similarly split between fast and responsive for most and occasional freezing for a smaller share. The remote control draws the most consistently negative feedback of any single theme, and a smaller but real share of units ship with a screen defect.

Based on 3,514 Amazon customer ratings, averaging 4.4 out of 5, recorded 23 September 2026. See the reviews on Amazon

5 stars 75%
4 stars 12%
3 stars 5%
2 stars 2%
1 stars 6%
★★★★★

Small bezels, great picture/colors, good sound.

I needed a replacement for my old tcl roku I bought in 2019, which I primarily use as a second screen for my laptop/ watch movies or tv shows when going to bed. My first purchase was the viz… Read it on Amazon
Vlad Ogirya · April 20, 2025 · Verified
★★★★★

BEST TV EVER

The picture is crystal clear and vibrant. Set up is easy. It's the perfect size for the bedroom. Thank you to another reviewer who intructed us that we can turn off the standby LED light by … Read it on Amazon
NightNurse · December 28, 2023 · Verified
★★★★★

NIce TV for the price, but doesn't have capability to cononect to bluetooth heaadphones.

I got this 40" Roku TV to use in our garage. We have a treadmill and some workout equipment and like to watch tv while working out in the morning. What I like about this is it is already sma… Read it on Amazon
Kers · September 3, 2026 · Verified
★★★★★

Great TCL quality.

Nice Smart TV. At 40", it's nice for a mid sized master bedroom. Great sound without the need for amplification, unless you're into it. Clear picture that has not needed adjustment and all o… Read it on Amazon
Tobias Howard · January 7, 2026 · Verified
★★★★★

I needed a lighter TV! Got one!

I needed a TV to replace an old bulky 2008 Vizio same size. I love this new TV. I am a Roku user, so this set works for me. It is light, easy to use. The colors are bright, clear, and the so… Read it on Amazon
Placeholder · April 18, 2026 · Verified
★★★★★

I love my Roku TV by TCL

I love my TCL Roku TV. It is great quality has the Roku operating system and was at an awesome price.
Loren · August 19, 2026 · Verified

Setting It Up

  1. Mount or stand the TV

    Attach the included stand for a tabletop setup, or mount it on a standard 200 x 200mm VESA wall bracket. Check the panel for any dead pixels or defects before final placement, while a return is still straightforward.

  2. Connect power and HDMI sources

    Plug in the power cord and connect HDMI devices; the ARC-enabled port is the one to use for a soundbar. Three HDMI inputs cover most setups without needing a switch.

  3. Complete Roku's on-screen setup

    Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and sign into a Roku account, which pulls in existing channel and app preferences from any other Roku device.

  4. Enable Game Mode for consoles

    In the picture settings, turn on Game Mode for the HDMI input a game console is connected to, which lowers input lag for a more responsive feel.

  5. Set up voice control if wanted

    Link the TV to Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit through their respective apps for voice control alongside the included Roku remote.

Common Questions

Is this TV 4K?

No. It is a 1080p Full HD panel, the right resolution for its 40-inch size at typical bedroom or office viewing distances.

Does it support HDR?

Yes, HDR10 is supported, which expands the brightness and contrast range on compatible streaming content.

Will it work with my smart speakers?

It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, so it can be controlled by whichever voice assistant a household already uses.

Is the built-in sound good enough on its own?

Feedback is mixed. Many find the 8 watt plus 8 watt speakers adequate for a bedroom, while others add a soundbar through the ARC-enabled HDMI port.

What should I check when it arrives?

Power it on and inspect the panel edge to edge under even lighting, and test all three HDMI inputs, since a real minority of units ship with a screen defect.

Can I wall-mount it?

Yes. It uses a standard 200 x 200mm VESA mounting pattern and weighs 7.21 kilograms, light enough for most standard wall brackets.

On Video

Review TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R, 2023 Model), Compatible with A

QuirkQuest Reviews

The Verdict

4.1Out of 5

For a bedroom, office or secondary room, this TV delivers genuinely sharp, high-contrast 1080p picture from its Direct LED backlight and HDR10 support, and Roku's smart platform is as capable here as on any Roku TV, with broad voice control across Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Three HDMI inputs and a Game Mode setting make it a reasonable secondary gaming display too. The compromises worth weighing are real: sound quality and overall performance both draw genuinely mixed feedback rather than consistent praise, the bundled remote is the single most criticized part, and a real minority of units ship with a screen defect straight out of the box. None of those issues describe the typical unit, but they argue for checking the picture and all three inputs carefully during the return window rather than assuming everything works. Bought with that check in mind, it is a capable, well-specified TV for its size.

Who should buy it

  • Bedroom and secondary-room buyers
  • Anyone furnishing a bedroom, office or guest room who wants sharp 1080p picture and a full smart TV platform.
  • Casual gamers who want Game Mode and multiple HDMI inputs without paying for a 4K panel.
  • Households already using Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit who want one TV that works with any of them.

Who should skip it

  • Anyone who wants guaranteed strong built-in sound without adding a soundbar.
  • Wide living rooms with seating well off to the sides, given the VA panel's narrower viewing angles.
  • Buyers unwilling to check the screen carefully during the return window.

A sharp, well-specified budget Roku TV for a bedroom or secondary room, provided the panel and all three HDMI inputs are checked as soon as it arrives.

Check price on Amazon

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