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There is no established storage capacity that can be called typical for all smart TVs. The amount depends on the exact model, and the total storage listed in its specifications may be greater than the space available for apps and personal data.
Why there is no single typical capacity
Smart TV storage is model-specific. The available official sources do not establish a representative cross-brand average or range. For one concrete example, Sony lists 32 GB of onboard storage for its XR-65A75L. That is a specification for that model, not an industry average.
Total storage and usable space are different
A TV’s onboard capacity can include storage reserved for its operating system and system files. Sony explains that Android TV separates this system storage from user-accessible storage for apps and user data. As a result, the available-storage figure shown in the TV’s settings can be lower than its total onboard capacity; Sony describes this distinction in its Android TV storage guidance.
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How to check a particular TV
- Find the exact model number. Check the TV’s settings, product label, or purchase documentation so you can look up the right specification.
- Check the manufacturer’s specification page or manual. Look for total onboard storage, if it is published. Do not assume that a listed total is all available for apps.
- Check the available-storage figure on the TV. The settings screen may report user-accessible space rather than total onboard capacity. Sony documents this distinction for Android TV.
- Check the TV’s own support information for USB options. USB ports may support media playback without supporting app-storage expansion.
Can a USB drive add storage?
Sometimes, but support and behavior depend on the TV and its operating system. Google says a USB drive can add space for apps and other content on supported Android TV devices, while warning that its instructions may not work on every Android TV. Its setup distinguishes internal storage from removable storage: internal storage is not portable to another device, while removable storage can be moved but cannot be used to move apps. Formatting a drive erases its existing contents, and Google advises ejecting it before unplugging it. See Google’s Android TV storage instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 720p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
Do not infer app expansion from the presence of a USB port. For example, LG’s guidance for connecting USB storage describes accessing content on the TV; it recommends USB memory of 32 GB or less or external storage of 2 TB or less for that use case. Those are LG recommendations for media access, not universal smart TV limits or proof that a drive can store apps. Consult the exact model’s manual before choosing a drive. See LG’s USB storage guidance.
What to do when storage is running low
If the TV reports little free space, Sony recommends deleting apps you no longer use and, where applicable, demo content or cached data. These steps can free user-accessible space; they do not change the TV’s total onboard capacity.
Rank #2
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 40" flat screen TV with bright 1080p Full HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
What to compare when choosing between TVs
For two specific models, compare the published total onboard capacity alongside the usable space shown on the TV, if available. Also check the operating system, whether the model supports moving apps to USB storage, and whether its USB port is intended for media playback or storage expansion. A single capacity figure does not answer all of these questions.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
Rank #4
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 24" flat screen TV with bright 720p HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Rank #3
- 1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
