In recent years, TV sizes have grown dramatically. Between 1997 and 2017, the average screen size in the U.S. doubled, with prices either holding steady or even dropping.
This trend has resulted in some massive TVs hitting the market—like a 100-inch model recently spotted at Costco.
While these jumbo screens come at a premium, some shoppers have highlighted deals, such as a 98-inch Roku TV available for under $1,500 at Walmart.
Despite the appeal, not everyone is impressed.
TikTok user Trystan Fossett (@itstrystanf), who has extensive experience with TVs and internet setups, claims there are issues with the quality of smart features in many of these oversized TVs. In a video with over 86,000 views, Fossett explains why he’s skeptical of smart TVs in general, noting,
“The manufacturers don’t put much focus on the smart aspects of their TVs,” and often, “the smart function dies within like a year.”
Fossett recommends using separate streaming devices like Fire Stick or Apple TV rather than relying on built-in smart functions.
His perspective aligns with other consumer concerns. Input notes that many smart TVs have buggy interfaces and intrusive ads, while How-To Geek points out that subpar processors in some models can lead to poor performance. However, data from Consumer Reports suggests that the average TV lifespan is 6.6 years, which doesn’t entirely support Fossett’s claim about the one-year timeframe for smart features failing.
When it comes to brands, Fossett believes the best TVs are made by Sony, LG, and Vizio, stating, “For the money, Vizios are affordable and durable, but their smart features aren’t great.” Samsung, he says, is less reliable, describing it as a “coin-flip”—with some models lasting years, while others may fail within months.
Commenters on Fossett’s post shared their own insights.
One user said, “$100-$300 Rokus have been great for me all over my house.” Another wrote, “My parents had three Samsungs in seven years. The panels all failed.” A third commenter suggested not connecting TVs to WiFi to avoid laggy updates: “My latest TV is just as fast as when I got it, never once connected to the internet.”
While Fossett’s opinions offer a critical look at smart TVs, others may find value in the features depending on the model and brand.
