Attention, Roku TV owners: there’s an important class-action lawsuit brewing that you’ll want to keep on your radar. A recent filing in California alleges that Roku and TCL North America have been issuing defective software updates, rendering some TVs completely unusable. This news is especially significant given Roku’s widespread popularity in the smart TV market.
At ZDNET, we independently test and research products to bring you the most reliable recommendations and advice. Our team pours over data, vendor listings, and real customer reviews to ensure our insights are accurate and helpful. This commitment to unbiased reporting is paramount, and it’s why we’re bringing you the crucial details of this developing situation.
Allegations of Defective Software and Widespread Issues
The lawsuit claims that faulty software updates are causing Roku and TCL TVs to fail in frustrating ways. Owners report a range of debilitating problems, from their screens turning permanently black to devices getting stuck in endless boot loops. Other users have experienced constant freezing or repeated, inexplicable restarts.
The plaintiff in this case, who also reportedly experienced similar issues with a replacement set, appears to be far from alone. Dozens of users on TopClassActions.com, a platform tracking active lawsuits, have reported identical problems. Many shared that their TVs became either completely unusable or significantly degraded just months after purchase.
Similar grievances have flooded Reddit forums, with users detailing experiences like “Netflix would freeze up and crash constantly, the TV would just randomly shut off or reboot.” Another user lamented that their TV became “too laggy and slow to use without a separate set-top box since less than a year after I bought it.” These widespread complaints suggest a systemic issue affecting a significant number of devices.
This stands in stark contrast to the experience of many other Roku users, including myself, who have had their sets for five years or more with no major complaints. My own Roku Plus Series TV performs admirably, and my kids’ Roku TVs only occasionally experience minor lag. The disparity highlights that while many Roku TVs are reliable, a specific segment might be experiencing severe issues.
Are You Affected? What to Do Next
The class action lawsuit specifically mentions six models, applicable to those purchased from December 16, 2024, to today. If you own one of the following, it’s particularly important to pay attention to this case as it unfolds:
- Roku Model 4K A223X
- Roku Model 7000X
- Roku Model C000X
- TCL Model R000X
- TCL Model R000XG
- TCL Model T89X
While there’s no immediate action required on your part, keeping a close eye on this suit is advisable. Should Roku decide to settle out of court, you might become eligible to file a claim for potential compensation. The exact amount, of course, is yet to be determined, but staying informed ensures you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
Exploring Excellent Roku TV Alternatives
Despite these recent concerns, Roku remains an incredibly popular operating system for smart TVs. However, if you’re feeling uncertain or simply curious about what else is out there, there are numerous excellent alternatives available that deliver fantastic performance and features. Our experts have tested and recommended some top picks:
- Samsung QN90F (Tizen OS): Hailed as ZDNET’s top TV of 2025, the QN90F delivers fantastic streaming and gaming performance. It’s an ideal centerpiece for any home theater, especially for avid gamers and movie buffs.
- LG G5 (webOS): Named the best TV at CES 2025, the LG G5 boasts stunning visuals and impressive audio quality. Its elegant design and robust performance make it another fantastic choice for gaming and general entertainment.
- Sony Bravia 8 II (Google TV): Running on the versatile Google TV platform, the Bravia 8 II offers fantastic picture and audio quality, as noted by ZDNET’s Taylor Clemons. It provides extensive flexibility for those who enjoy fine-tuning their image and sound settings.
- Hisense U8QG (Google TV): This all-around workhorse shines with a dazzling brightness of 5,000 nits. The Hisense U8QG excels across the board, providing exceptional performance for streaming, live TV, and console gaming, all powered by Google TV.
- TCL QM8 (Google TV): As a flagship TV, the TCL QM8 ensures excellent visibility in nearly any lighting condition thanks to its 5,000 local dimming zones. It features a base refresh rate of 120Hz, boostable to 144Hz for console gaming, and includes AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support for a super smooth experience.
Whether you’re looking for a new TV or simply want to understand the landscape of smart TV options, these alternatives offer compelling features and reliable performance. They demonstrate that while Roku is prominent, the market is rich with diverse and high-quality choices.
Source: ZDNet – AI
