Buying guide for best TVs
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If you've ever felt like you need a translator when shopping for a new TV (QLED or OLED? 8K or 4K?), you're not alone. Finding the right TV can be an overwhelming process. But there are a few basic things to keep in mind to find the best TV for your needs.
Starting with size, 55 to 65 inches works well for the average living room if you're sitting about 6 or 7 feet away. OLED is still considered the best display type right now (though LED/LCD technology keeps getting better), and 4K resolution is the way to go for most people (at least until 8K options become more affordable). And if you’re a gamer, you’ll want to look for a refresh rate of at least 120 hertz for low input lag.
When choosing the best TVs on the market for this guide, the BestReviews Testing Lab and our resident expert Jaime Vazquez considered factors such as design, picture quality, refresh rate, brightness and sound quality. We then gathered together some of the best TVs you can buy right now and put them to the test by watching hours of movies, sports and TV shows and playing video games.
By the end, the clear winner was the Hisense U8K, which provides excellent performance for under $1,000.
New releases
Samsung released a brand-new line of TVs fresh for 2024, ranging from high-end home-theater stalwarts to a TV that can act as an at-home art installation. Below is a sampling of the latest Samsung has to offer.
Samsung The Frame
Display Type: QLED | Screen Size: 65” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI (1 eARC), 2 USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Samsung’s The Frame TV, which received an upgrade for 2024, is a unique offering in the high-end 4K TV space. It serves two purposes: to act as a living, breathing art piece and as a premium 4K TV. While we found the TV to be lacking while testing it in traditional modes, there’s no doubt its design, matte finish and fine-art streaming features make it ideal for those who want a TV, but don’t want it to be the centerpiece of their living room.
While testing, it didn’t quite meet our standards for premium 4K TVs. We felt it was missing the extra wow factor you would find from other OLED or QLED TVs. It has pretty good brightness but struggles with saturation and sharpness.
With that said, the matte finish is quite stunning — we really had to search for our reflection on the screen. And when displaying art pieces with Samsung’s art streaming features, it truly looks like a painting in a gallery. In fact, this 2024 version of The Frame features Pantone Art Validated Colors, so every piece of art you display looks more natural and realistic.
Though it’s not perfect, there’s no doubt its design, with custom bezels and art features, makes this a winner for anyone looking to seamlessly blend their TV into their environment.
Samsung S95D OLED
Display Type: OLED | Screen Size: 55”, 65”, 75” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz VRR | Connectivity: 4 HDMI (1 eARC), 2 USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
The Samsung S95D is the company’s latest OLED offering, and it’s our favorite of Samsung’s 2024 lineup. The brightness is clear and crisp, the blacks are inky and deep, and it has no viewing angle drop-off. This is the first TV equipped with Samsung’s OLED glare-free technology, allowing the best viewing experience in both dark and light rooms.
We think this TV is a powerhouse. It easily handled everything we threw at it, including a PS5 at max settings.
The gaming performance was very impressive. Fortnite was incredibly crisp and clear on this TV and live sports had minimal motion blur. It runs at a 144 Hz variable refresh rate (VRR), and overall, we felt this was a considerable upgrade over the S95C (which you can read about below).
We’re big fans of OLED TVs, and the S95D is no exception. If you want a top-of-the-line OLED TV, look no further.
Samsung QN90D 4K QLED
Display Type: QLED | Screen Size: 43” to 98” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI (1 eARC), 2 USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
The cheaper of Samsung’s two new 2024 QLED TVs, the QN90D rated as a solid 4K TV in our key testing metrics. While we felt it didn’t quite match an OLED screen, the QN90D has an accurate picture, good brightness and clear definition between objects and the background. New for 2024, the QN90D comes with an updated NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor and Quantum Matrix Technology, which will optimize picture and sound.
This is a good TV, and it performs well in several metrics. It has solid gaming features, but we felt there was room for improvement with motion blur in fast-paced games. It features Samsung’s Motion Xcelerator technology, which brings the refresh rate to 144 Hz.
Overall, the QN90D features the quality we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s QLED line. This is a great option for anybody looking to upgrade.
Samsung QN900D 8K QLED
Display Type: QLED | Screen Size: 65” | Resolution: 8K | Refresh Rate: 240 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI (1 eARC), 2 USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
While 8K is a nascent technology, that hasn’t stopped Samsung from developing a top-of-the-line 8K TV — the QN900D. This QLED TV is the definition of premium. During our testing, we thought it had incredible brightness, very inky blacks, breathtaking detail and a sleek design; all 8K and 4K content was crisp and defined.
For 2024, the QN900D comes equipped with some exciting new features, including 8K AI Upscaling Pro, AI Motion Enhancer Pro and the Infinity Air Stand, which makes it look like the TV is floating in midair when the lights are dim. It’s also a gaming stalwart, providing 4K resolution VRR that can reach 240 Hz, which is as good as you can get anywhere. We didn’t think there was any motion blur to be found.
In short, we came away very impressed with this TV. If money is no object and you’re looking for the best you can buy for your home theater — and you don’t mind being an early adopter of 8K technology — the QN900D is the answer for you.
Which TV is best?
Hisense U8K
Best of the Best
Display Type: Mini-LED | Screen Size: 65 | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled
The Hisense U8K is a terrific option for those who get sticker shock from OLED TV prices. During our testing, we found the U8K to be the best TV, considering the overall package for the price. It punches well above its weight for the product category.
The mini-LED technology is the key to the U8K’s success — we found the brightness to be startling for a non-OLED model. "The colors are extremely vivid," one of our testers noted. When looking straight on, the TV has fantastic color and brightness performance, especially when Dolby Vision is enabled.
The U8K’s local dimming is fantastic, making blacks inky and deep (the 2021 sci-fi movie “Dune” looked particularly stunning). While the image degrades at an angle (an issue with nearly all non-OLED TVs), the U8K’s picture is still fantastic.
Where the U8K really shines is with gaming. The high refresh rate (the same as the Samsung S95C) allows for minimal input lag and the 4K mini-LED technology makes next-generation gaming look stunning. "Playing MLB The Show was seamless," our tester said. "I never felt like my timing was off with the swing mechanic." Overall, the U8K provides fantastic value for gamers aiming to make the most of their PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Truly impressed, we gave this TV a final score of 10 out of 10 for its gorgeous display, sleek design and fantastic features for gamers.
Amazon Fire 50-Inch Omni Series 4K Smart TV
Best Budget TV
Display Type: LED | Screen Size: 50 | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled
If you’re looking for a TV that’s cheap and easy to operate, look no further than the Amazon Fire Omni Series 4K Smart TV. While the picture of this TV is a far cry from other options in this article, the Amazon Fire Omni Series is ideal for those who aren’t keen on picture quality and want a foolproof smart TV experience.
Setting up the TV was very simple and intuitive. "After integrating my Amazon Prime account, it was a piece of cake," our tester said. "The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow. It took about 30 minutes to fully set up the TV."
Those who have used an Amazon Fire Stick will feel right at home with the Omni series, because the interface and remote are very similar. By using Alexa, you can quickly change apps or inputs or turn the TV on and off. The TV is built to make streaming as easy as possible. "Consuming Prime content is especially a breeze via the homepage," our tester noted. "If anyone primarily streams via Prime Video, this TV is a seamless fit."
But if you’re expecting a great picture at this price point, look elsewhere. This TV is tailor-made for the casual TV watcher looking for something a little more modern, not the hardcore gamer or movie watcher. "Sometimes blues and greens looked unsaturated," our tester noted. "And it’s harder to see the contours of darker objects on the Fire TV than on its higher-priced 4K competitors." As for gaming, our tester found that it could keep up with many games just fine but "this would lag behind competitors if you were playing first-person shooters that require responsive refresh rates."
However, given the price, it's certainly worth considering. We gave this TV an overall score of 6 out of 10 for its simple setup and easy-to-use user interface but average picture quality.
Samsung S90C
Best OLED TV
Display Type: OLED | Screen Size: 77 | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled
The Samsung S90C is the cheaper alternative to the S95C (which we'll dive into below) in Samsung’s premium television offerings. While there’s no such thing as a “cheap” OLED TV, of the lower-cost options in the OLED category, the S90C is the clear winner.
It has a stunning display, high refresh rate and high-quality construction that combine to make this a great choice for anybody looking to buy an OLED TV. "The 4K and HDR content look fantastic, taking full advantage of the HDR display," one of our testers said. "Sports look outstanding, as do dark scenes. Plus, the viewing angles are great for wide rooms."
As with the S95C, a couple of minor drawbacks are the tricky-to-navigate Samsung user interface and the lack of Dolby Vision capabilities. If those are deal-breakers, you might want to look at other OLED manufacturers, such as LG or Sony.
However, we consider these factors to be minor quibbles because the screen quality is superior to anything else. The colors were vivid and the blacks were perfect. If you can live with a bulkier design and no OneConnect box (a hub to hook up your other devices to the TV), the S90C is a better choice compared to the S95C.
Ultimately, we gave this TV an overall score of 10 out of 10 for its incredible OLED display and great features for gaming.
TCL Q7
Best TV for Bright Rooms
Display Type: QLED | Screen Size: 55 | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled
TCL has been synonymous with value and the Q7 is no exception. The TCL Q7 provides a solid picture for a solid price. We consider it the best mid-range TV available for purchase. It packs a nice punch for the sub-$1,000 category and provides solid picture quality. While the TCL Q7 won’t get you OLED-level picture quality, for most people, the Q7 will be enough without breaking the bank.
The Q7 has a very bright QLED display, making it a better option for bright rooms than an OLED TV. The Q7 is a good option for gamers looking to upgrade their TV for less than $1,000. The 144-hertz refresh rate is ideal for low-latency gaming, and the next-generation consoles take full advantage of the vibrant colors that come with the Q7.
We found that the Q7’s picture quality degrades significantly at an angle, so if you have a wide viewing area in your home, consider the extra cost for an OLED model. The Google Home interface can also be frustrating to use.
Still, the Q7 provides nice value among the midrange options. We gave this TV an overall score of 7 out of 10 for its solid picture quality and ability to handle bright viewing areas.
Samsung S95C
Best Picture Quality
Display Type: OLED | Screen Size: 65 | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports, Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled
The Samsung S95C is the latest version of Samsung’s premium OLED line. Though it’s on the pricier side, this is simply one of the best TVs you can buy, and it is suited for any TV user, from hardcore gamers to cinephiles. This TV feels and looks premium. The S95C stuns with its brightness and clarity — movies, especially, pop with deep, inky blacks and vibrant colors.
The brightness is why you buy an OLED TV, like the S95C, in the first place. There is so much detail that even older movies looked fantastic, especially when the settings were dialed in with motion-smoothing options turned off.
Next-generation gaming shines with the S95C — the 144-hertz refresh rate is as high as you’ll find on TVs. The S95C elevates the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S to new levels. The low latency offered on the S95C results in super low input lag, making gaming a buttery-smooth experience. "Gaming was incredible," our tester said. "The TV would automatically enter low-latency mode when switched to my Xbox Series S. Everything was so smooth."
One unique feature of the S95C is Samsung’s patented OneConnect Box, making all the HDMI and USB inputs external from the TV itself. This feature might come in handy for those who mount their TVs or are looking for more flexibility in their entertainment center.
While the lack of Dolby Vision and the clunky Samsung interface might be deal-breakers for some, the S95C is the best TV for picture quality. We gave this TV an overall score of 10 out of 10 for its best-in-class picture quality, fantastic features and the ingenuity of the OneConnect Box.
LG C3
Best for Gaming
Display Type: OLED | Screen Size: 42 | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports, Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled
The LG C3 is a great option for those looking for an OLED TV. A well-rounded workhorse, the C3 is a feature-packed model that gets the most out of sports, video games and movies. We named this TV the best for gaming because we were impressed by its very low input lag and its response time, making fast-moving objects look terrific. This means the C3 is ideal for watching sports as well.
The LG C3 has a beautiful picture, but the C3 is not the best of the best for OLED models (we prefer the Samsung S90C and S95C). Still, the C3 gets very bright and is ideal for wide rooms because the picture doesn’t degrade at an angle.
With top-notch gaming features like FreeSync, G-SYNC and variable refresh rate (VRR), the C3 gives gamers a smooth, tear-free gaming experience that’s hard to beat. If you want to get the most out of your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, the C3 is the right choice.
We gave this TV an overall score of 8 out of 10 for its fantastic picture quality and gaming features while having a slightly worse picture than Samsung’s OLED models.
Roku Select Series
Best Small TV
Display Type: LED | Screen Size: 32 | Resolution: 720p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports, Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled
When looking at smaller TVs, perhaps for a kitchen or bedroom, the picture quality is less important than it is when buying a large TV. We picked the Roku Select Series as our best small TV thanks to Roku’s fantastic, easy-to-use interface and a good picture for the size.
The built-in Roku interface gives you access to all the apps you need while creating a seamless experience. This little TV also packs a punch. It has a solid picture quality, offering good black levels and pretty good colors. While the 720p screen might be a turnoff for some, at this size it doesn’t matter much.
We gave this TV an overall score of 6 out of 10 for its solid picture and easy-to-use interface.
Types of TVs
LCD
Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs feature a matrix of tiny colored cells that display the images on the screen. Because they don't emit light on their own, LCDs require backlighting, which is provided by lamps set in the back of the TV.
- Pros: LCD TV lighting is superior to edge lighting. If you can manage to find one, there are some bargains to be had.
- Cons: These televisions utilize old technology (LED models do the same thing better), plus they're much bulkier than other types of TVs.
LED
Light-emitting diode (LED) TVs use the same matrix of LCD cells as LCD TVs, but they light the LCD screen using compact LEDs. These LEDs may only sit at the edge of the screen, but the best of them feature full-array backlighting or quantum dot technology.
- Pros: They can display very vivid pictures, even in bright rooms. They tend to be much more affordable than OLED models. They're also very slim and energy-efficient.
- Cons: The pixels can't go completely black, meaning the contrast isn't as impressive as on OLED options. There might also be some imperfections when displaying rapid motion.
OLED
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TV screens contain an organic carbon-based film between two conductors, which lights up when a current passes through it. This means every pixel of the screen is lit independently, giving total color control.
- Pros: Since every pixel of an OLED screen emits its own light, each one can be turned off individually, meaning OLED televisions can display true black for impressive contrast. OLED screens also tend to have a faster refresh rate, so you don't get blur or imperfections when watching fast motion, such as sports. Reflections are minimal, and the picture doesn’t degrade as much when viewed at an angle.
- Cons: The peak brightness is lower than that of LEDs. And they tend to be quite expensive, though the cost is becoming more affordable with each product cycle.
QLED
Quantum dot LED TV screens (QLED) are manufactured nanocrystals that consist of ultra-fine semiconductor materials. The purpose is to differentiate colors of light depending on the size of the particle at that very moment.
- Pros: The extra layer of quantum dots on QLED TVs improves color accuracy without losing brightness. This helps increase the picture quality of both SDR and HDR content. They’re also cheaper than OLED TVs and better in bright viewing areas.
- Cons: Compared to OLEDs, the picture quality degrades significantly at an angle, making QLED TVs not ideal for wide viewing areas. In a dark room, the picture is worse than that of OLED TVs.
Features
Resolution
The resolution of a TV refers to the number of pixels it displays. TVs made with greater numbers of pixels are more colorful, feature greater levels of detail and are worth the investment for dedicated movie, TV show and video game enthusiasts.
HD and full HD
These TVs have a resolution of 720p and 1080p, respectively. Although they are especially cheap, the few models available today are relatively small and far less crisp, colorful and feature-packed than 4K TVs. More often than not, a 4K television will be well worth the extra cost. Only look at this class of TV when shopping for a smaller model (think 32 inches and smaller) meant for kitchens or bedrooms. The smaller the TV, the less the resolution matters.
4K UHD
Considered to be the industry standard, 4K ultra-high-definition TVs are capable of delivering a lifelike range of color and deep levels of contrast between bright and dark images. They are loaded with a wide array of user-friendly features to enhance your viewing experience. Nearly all the TVs you’ll find on the market have 4K technology, and it’s the absolute minimum resolution a buyer should consider when shopping for a TV for their main viewing area.
8K UHD
Although picture quality twice as detailed and colorful as 4K sounds magical, an 8K TV is not worth the investment just yet. Unfortunately, 8K TVs are extremely expensive, and there is a tiny amount of true 8K content available to enjoy in its native resolution. The best option for most consumers is to buy a 4K model now and keep an eye on 8K technologies for the future. With the rapid evolution of TV technology, 8K could quickly become the standard for high-end TVs.
Size
From compact 20-inch models to 85-inch behemoths, TVs come in a wide range of sizes. We'd recommend considering several factors when deciding what size TV you require, including what room you intend to place it in, the size of the room, the distance from which you'll be viewing the TV and how often you’ll be watching it.
- Screen size: If you're buying a main TV for a living room, you will probably want a larger screen than you would if you’re buying for a bedroom or guest room, where TVs tend to get less use.
- Viewing distance: Generally, the farther away you sit from your TV, the bigger the TV you need. For instance, sitting at least 5 feet away from a 50-inch TV would be a comfortable viewing distance, while a 70-inch TV requires at least 7 or 8 feet of distance. Use a tape measure to calculate the distance from your couch to the TV, and use one of the many online calculators to find your ideal TV size. Ultimately, the best viewing distance is the one that feels the most comfortable for you.
HDR
High dynamic range (HDR) is a feature that the best UHD TVs offer. Almost all new TVs support HDR technology. HDR sends more metadata (such as a wider color gamut and more specific instructions) to your TV compared to standard dynamic range (SDR) technology, increasing the contrast between light and dark colors and creating a brighter and more vibrant picture. In layman's terms, HDR has more tools in the toolbox to create a more accurate picture. HDR paints with a fine brush, while SDR has broader strokes.
The best HDR TVs utilize technologies such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+ to showcase HDR content with deep, inky black images alongside bright and vividly colored images within the same picture to highlight details you might have missed on lesser displays.
Smart features
In the past, smart TVs were in a category all their own. Today, the vast majority of new TVs have a range of smart features.
Platforms such as Android TV, Roku TV and WebOS provide access to thousands of popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Many models are also compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands to switch them on, change channels, set a recording schedule and so on.
TV prices
You can spend a little or a lot on a TV, from $200 to $5,000, depending on what you want from it. Here's what you can expect to get for your money.
Inexpensive
You can find some decent full-HD TVs for under $200, with sizes up to around 45 inches. These options tend to come from lesser-known TV brands and can't compete with their more expensive counterparts when it comes to picture quality. However, you can find a few small sets from premium TV brands at lower prices.
Mid-range
In the $200 to $500 price range, you start to find many UHD options, including some from premium TV brands. You can even find some 55- to 65-inch models from lesser-known brands. Most feature LED or QLED rather than OLED screens.
Expensive
If you want a larger 4K TV, you'll find what you're looking for in the $500 to $1,000 price range. You can even find large sets (65-inch TVs and bigger) from premium manufacturers.
Premium
Those looking for the latest, largest modern TVs will have to venture into the $1,000 to $5,000 price range to obtain an OLED TV, the current best screen format for TVs. It might be a lot to pay, but you're getting an exceptional TV with immersive and convenient technology that will stay relevant for years to come.
Tips
- Make sure your chosen spot is big enough for your TV. If you think it might be a tight squeeze, measure the space before ordering a set, and remember to look at the full dimensions of the set and not just the screen measurement. There are several inches of frame to factor in, too.
- Pick a TV that's easy to use. TVs are getting more complex, but the interface on modern TVs should help, not hinder, you. If you feel like you need to take an in-depth training course to find the app you want, look for a model that's easier to use. You can also consider buying a dedicated streaming box, such as a Roku or an Apple TV.
- Consider where the wires will go. Wires running in and out of your TV can end up looking very messy, especially if you have a range of connected devices, such as a Blu-ray player and game console. Some TVs have special channels for the wires to keep things looking tidy.
- Think about what kind of connection ports you need on your TV. If you opt for a 4K TV, make sure it supports multiple HDMI 2.1 ports. These additional HDMI ports will allow your TV to accommodate other similar sources, such as game consoles and streaming devices, essentially future-proofing your purchase.
- If you’re a gamer, look for a TV that offers a high refresh rate and low latency. A refresh rate of 144 hertz will reduce input lag and provide a stellar picture.
How we analyzed
Our testers considered a number of factors when testing the latest TV models, including screen type, picture quality, design, build and ease of operation. We tested the TV under several conditions, including Blu-ray movies, video games and streaming.
We also interviewed our resident technology expert Jamie Vazquez to get an idea of what he considers the best models. We considered over 30 TVs when researching this article. The models that stood out were the ones that offered the latest technology or provided significant value for the package offered.
FAQ
Q. What do I need to know about TV refresh rates?
A. This rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and expresses the number of times per second the image is refreshed on the screen. All you really need to know about refresh rates is that a higher one is preferable. Although 60 hertz is standard, it can produce some blur when there's a lot of fast motion on the screen, such as when watching sports or fast-paced fight scenes. Ideally, we'd recommend a TV with a minimum rate of 120 hertz.
Q. What can I do to find the best budget-friendly TV for my entertainment needs?
A. While it might not have the latest next-gen features, you can save quite a bit if you can buy a TV that was released within the past year.
Q. Is there anything I should consider if I play a lot of console games on my TV?
A. Whether your video game platform of choice is the Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch, console gamers should keep an eye out for a 4K resolution TV with a high refresh rate, low input lag, a dedicated game mode and multiple HDMI ports for connecting multiple consoles at once.
Q. Does it matter where you buy your TV?
A. Your typical online and big-box retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart typically have the best TV deals. Look at a warehouse store like Costco to buy TVs with warranty coverage. Along with its retailer warranty, Costco typically offers an extended warranty through an insurance provider.
Q. How long should a TV last?
A. Like all technology, TVs will start to slow down eventually. LED TVs will operate at peak brightness for 40,000 to 60,000 hours, or roughly four to seven years. Samsung Business Insights suggests that an LED TV can operate at peak brightness for up to 100,000 hours or about 10 years. Most experts recommend upgrading a few years before that, especially since the technology improves year after year.
OLED TVs and their self-illuminating pixels will lose much less brightness over time, but OLED TVs are more prone to burn-in. Recent advances in OLED technology have eased concerns about burn-in, and if you operate your TV in a normal fashion you should have no issues. Otherwise, OLEDs can last for about 10 years before needing an upgrade. TV technology is rapidly evolving and can quickly make even brand-new TVs obsolete, so always check back to see the latest trends and technology.
