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There is no well-established storage capacity that can be called typical across smart TVs. The exact model matters, and its published onboard capacity can be larger than the space available for apps and personal data because system files use part of it.
Why there is no single typical capacity
Smart TV storage varies by model, and the available official specifications here do not establish a cross-brand average or representative range. One documented example is Sony’s XR-65A75L, whose product specification lists 32 GB of onboard storage. That is a specification for this model—not an industry benchmark.
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Total onboard storage is not the same as free app space
On Android TV, onboard storage includes system storage for the operating system and system files, as well as user-accessible storage for apps and user data. System storage is not available to users, so the free-storage figure shown in the TV’s settings may be lower than the total capacity listed in its specifications. Sony explains this distinction in its Android TV storage guidance.
When comparing TVs, check the exact model’s specifications and, if available, its settings screen for user-accessible space. A total-capacity figure alone does not tell you how much room remains for downloads.
#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.
Can a USB drive add storage?
That depends on the TV’s operating system, model, and the purpose of the drive. A USB port may let you play media from a drive without allowing apps to be installed or moved to it.
Android TV storage expansion
Google says a USB drive can add space for apps and other content on supported Android TV devices, but its procedure may not work on every TV. Its guidance distinguishes two configurations:
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.
- Internal storage: The TV treats the drive as part of its storage, but the drive is not portable for use on another device.
- Removable storage: The drive can be moved to another device, but apps cannot be moved to it under Google’s documented setup.
Formatting a drive erases its existing contents. Follow the TV’s on-screen instructions, and eject the drive before unplugging it. Check the exact model’s manual or support page before buying a drive or formatting one you already own. See Google’s Android TV storage instructions for its setup details and compatibility caveat.
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LG’s guidance describes USB storage for accessing and viewing files on a TV; it does not establish that those devices expand app storage. For that media-playback use case, LG USA Support recommends USB memory of 32 GB or less or external storage of 2 TB or less, and warns that devices with too much capacity may not work smoothly. Those are LG recommendations for the described use—not universal limits for other brands or models.
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.
What to do when the TV is low on space
If storage is running short, first look for options built into the TV rather than assuming any USB drive will solve the problem. Sony recommends deleting unused apps, applicable demo content, or cached data to free space on Android TV. The available choices and menus can vary by model.
- Check the TV’s settings for available user storage.
- Remove apps you no longer use and clear cached data where the TV offers that option.
- Use USB expansion only if the exact model supports the configuration you need.
- For media playback, verify the TV’s USB guidance separately from its app-storage support.
To compare two specific TVs, look at the listed total onboard storage, the user-accessible space, the operating system’s app-storage options, and the USB functions and drive requirements documented for each model.
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.
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.
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