Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBlocking ads can make a smart TV feel more responsive when it stops the TV from looking up or contacting known advertising and tracking domains. That can reduce some background network activity and waiting, but it does not make the TV’s processor faster—and DNS filtering is not a guaranteed speed boost. The result depends on the TV platform, apps, and blocklist.
Why blocking ads can make a smart TV feel faster
A TV or streaming app may make network requests to advertising and tracking services while you browse or use it. DNS filtering works by checking requested domain names against a blocklist. When a domain matches, the resolver can prevent the connection, commonly by returning a non-routable or local address instead of the domain’s usual destination. The FTC-hosted technical study explains this domain-matching approach, and Pi-hole describes its own software as a DNS sinkhole that blocks known unwanted domains and caches DNS queries: FTC-hosted smart-TV study and Pi-hole documentation.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Fewer requests—or a cached DNS answer that avoids another lookup—could make certain screens or interactions feel less delayed. But DNS filtering does not speed up the TV’s processor, memory, or display pipeline. The available evidence establishes that DNS blockers can block requests, not that they produce a general improvement to menus, apps, or playback. There is no verified before-and-after speed measurement for the experience in the headline.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11What DNS filtering can and cannot block
It can block requests to listed domains
A network-level resolver can filter requests from devices that actually use it. Pi-hole says it can block content on smart TVs and other devices without requiring an app on each one. A router configured to send clients to the Pi-hole resolver can extend filtering across the home network. See Pi-hole’s documentation for its scope and setup options.
#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.
It cannot promise to remove every ad or tracking request
Coverage depends on the domains a TV or app contacts and whether those domains appear on the chosen blocklist. In a 2020 study, researchers measured 5% to 54% block rates across tested lists and platform datasets collected “in the wild.” In their Roku and Fire TV testbed datasets, rates ranged from 7% to 27%. Those are results for that study’s datasets and lists, not current household success rates or predictions for a particular TV. The study sampled 57 smart TVs from seven platforms in 41 homes; its controlled testbed examined the top 1,000 apps on each of Roku and Fire TV. Details are in the study.
The researchers also found that blocklists were generally better at limiting exposure to third parties than at blocking platform-related endpoints. So filtering may leave some platform telemetry or ad delivery untouched. Free ad-supported content and manufacturer-curated home-screen content can also be part of the platform experience; Google notes that some free content is ad-supported and some devices or regions may show manufacturer-curated content: Google TV help.
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.
How to try network-wide DNS filtering
Pi-hole is one option for people comfortable with basic home-network configuration. It runs on Linux hardware; a Raspberry Pi is one possible host, but it is not required if you already have compatible hardware. Router support and menu labels vary by model and firmware, so use the instructions for your specific equipment rather than assuming one path fits all.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Choose a host and install Pi-hole. Use compatible Linux hardware you already own if possible. Pi-hole’s documentation describes its hardware requirements and installation: Pi-hole documentation.
- Record your current network settings. Note or save the router’s existing DHCP and DNS configuration so you can restore it if needed.
- Configure the router to direct clients to Pi-hole. The general approach is to set the Pi-hole address as the DNS server distributed by the router’s DHCP service. TP-Link documents examples for its router DHCP settings and Deco products; exact options differ by model and firmware: TP-Link DNS setup examples.
- Check that the TV is using the resolver. Confirm the TV appears in Pi-hole’s query activity, or otherwise verify that its DNS requests are reaching the configured resolver. If the router cannot distribute a custom DNS server, Pi-hole describes using its own DHCP server or configuring devices individually in supported cases.
- Test the features you use. Try the TV home screen and the streaming apps you rely on. If an app, sign-in, or desired feature stops working, temporarily disable filtering or allow the relevant domain through your resolver, then test again.
Trade-offs to consider before changing router DNS
- Filtering may break a feature. An app can rely on a domain that a blocklist classifies as unwanted. Keep a rollback path and make changes one at a time.
- Coverage is uneven. A blocklist may catch some ad and tracking domains but miss others, especially when services use platform-related endpoints or domains shared with legitimate functions.
- Some advertising is part of the content or interface. DNS filtering is not a control for every ad-supported program, recommendation, or curated home-screen placement.
- It requires network configuration. A compatible existing Linux host may be enough, but the router must support a workable DNS or DHCP setup—or you may need to configure devices individually.
TV-native privacy settings are another option, but they are specific to the model and may control personalization or data sharing rather than block network requests. Historical observations from RTINGS cover models tested and updates from 2019 and 2021; treat those as model-specific context, not current universal advice: RTINGS smart-TV ad guidance.
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.
