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I've been covering home entertainment tech for over a decade, and every year, I look forward to testing the latest and greatest TVs. From budget-friendly QLEDs to high-end OLEDs, stores are packed with options, which can make choosing the right display a little tricky. But don't worry, I've used my extensive experience to curate a list of the best TVs for a variety of needs and budgets.
If you want the best TV overall, I recommend the Samsung S90C. This midrange OLED delivers deep black levels that disappear into a dark room, along with vibrant colors and an infinite contrast ratio. Shoppers who want to spend less should consider my budget pick, the Hisense U6N. Unlike other displays in its price range, the U6N has a Mini LED backlight, which gives it fantastic picture quality for under $600.
Below, you'll find all of my best TV picks across different display types, ensuring that all viewing needs are met. All of my recommendations are available in multiple screen sizes, so be sure to select the size you want on each retailer's page. Features are typically carried over across sizes, but there may be slight performance differences.
Our top picks for the best TVs
Best overall: Samsung S90C 4K TV - See at Walmart
Best budget model: Hisense U6N 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best midrange option: TCL QM7 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best high-end display: Sony A95L 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best smart TV system: Roku Pro Series 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best anti-glare screen: Samsung S95D 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best 8K set: Samsung QN900C 8K TV - See at Amazon
Best overall
The S90C is our pick for the top TV value you can buy right now. It delivers premium 4K image quality with high contrast and vivid quantum dot colors for less than similar OLEDs from LG and Sony.
- QD-OLED panel with infinite contrast and vivid colors
- 144Hz refresh rate for high frame rate PC gaming
- Highly competitive price
- Tizen smart interface is just OK
- No Dolby Vision support
- Not as bright as pricier OLED models
When it comes to balancing price and performance, the Samsung S90C OLED is my pick for the best TV overall. It delivers top-notch image quality with a killer combination of pixel-level contrast and bright colors that you won't find on other OLEDs in its price range.
The S90C has a 4K QD-OLED panel. The "QD" before "OLED" means it uses a screen technology called quantum dots, which can deliver a nearly unrivaled range of colors. The "OLED" part stands for "organic light emitting diode," which results in an infinite contrast ratio. The S90C is the most affordable QD-OLED sold right now, giving it an edge over similarly priced LG and Sony OLEDs that don't use quantum dots. For the money, the S90C is simply the best 4K TV on the market.
The display can achieve a peak brightness of about 1,000 nits, which helps the S90C deliver vibrant high-dynamic-range (HDR) images. That's still not as bright as top QLED TVs, but the S90C's OLED panel gives it pixel-level contrast control, which enables it to produce deeper black levels and more precise highlights without any blooming.
The only notable feature the S90C lacks is Dolby Vision support. Without getting too into the weeds, Dolby Vision is regarded as the best HDR format, and it's supported on Sony and LG OLEDs. However, the benefits of Dolby Vision are subtle, especially on TVs this bright, so I don't consider this a dealbreaker. You can learn more about different high-dynamic-range formats in our HDR TV guide.
Though not my favorite smart TV platform, the S90C's Tizen interface works well enough and gives you access to all the best streaming services. And Samsung is the only TV brand that supports the Xbox Game Pass app, which lets members stream Xbox games without a console. The TV also supports a smooth 144Hz refresh rate with a computer, a feature missing on some similarly priced LG and Sony models.
Samsung does sell more expensive OLED TVs that get even brighter, like the S95C OLED and new flagship S95D OLED, but it's hard to beat the S90C's overall value. There's also a 2024 version of this TV, the S90D, now available. However, the S90D typically costs more and only offers a slight bump in brightness. If you can find the S90D for the same price as the S90C, you should snag the newer model, but otherwise the S90C remains the better value.
Read our Samsung S90C 4K TV review.
Note: The 83-inch S90C doesn't use quantum dots, so its color performance is inferior to that of smaller models.
Best budget model
The U6N is one of the top budget TVs available. The 4K QLED display uses quantum dots, local dimming, and a Mini LED backlight to deliver higher contrast and a wider range of colors than most competitors in its class.
- Great contrast for the money thanks to local dimming with Mini LEDs
- Quantum dots enable wide range of vivid colors
- Performance matches many midrange TVs that cost more
- The TV's 60Hz panel isn't ideal for gamers
- Picture quality degrades a lot from an angle
- Can't get as bright as more expensive TVs
The 2024 Hisense U6N is the successor to my previous pick in this category, the 2023 U6K. Both TVs are very similar, but the U6N offers a slight upgrade in contrast performance. Though the Hisense U6K costs a little less and remains an excellent budget TV, it's hard to find in stock. With that in mind, the U6N now earns this spot.
Like its predecessor, the U6N is one of the most affordable TVs of its kind. It uses a QLED display, which incorporates quantum dots and local dimming with a Mini LED backlight. The former feature provides a wide range of vivid colors, while the latter enables the TV to produce good black levels for the money.
You can often find the 65-inch U6N on sale for $600 or less, a fantastic value. It's rare to find local dimming with Mini LEDs on a TV this cheap, and they help the U6N deliver a big jump in contrast compared to other displays in this price range. Most budget TVs also lack wide color support and often top out at about 300 nits, but the U6N offers an expanded color gamut and up to 600 nits of brightness. I generally recommend at least 800-1,000 nits for the best performance, but 600 is enough to start seeing the benefits of HDR.
However, it is a bit disappointing that the U6N is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate rather than 120Hz. This means it can't support high-frame-rate gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC. To get 120Hz, you'll have to pay a bit more for a midrange model like the TCL QM7. The display's viewing angles are also lacking, so colors and contrast degrade if you're seated to the side of the TV. Poor viewing angles are common on QLEDs, so the U6N isn't unique in that regard, but it's something to keep in mind.
Still, despite its drawbacks, the U6N is easily the best TV on a budget. There are less expensive displays on the market, but the U6N offers a sizable improvement in image quality over cheaper options while still maintaining a budget-friendly price tag.
For more affordable display recommendations, check out our guides to all the best budget TVs and best TVs under $500.
Best midrange option
The TCL QM7 is an impressive midrange QLED TV. Its Mini LED contrast performance, high brightness, and 144Hz gaming capabilities are nearly unrivaled at this price range.
- High brightness at a midrange price
- Good contrast performance thanks to Mini LED local dimming
- Fast 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
- Snappy smart TV navigation
- Black-level imperfections and fluctuations
- Occasional motion stuttering with some streaming content
- Small OS glitches here and there
- Mediocre viewing angles
TCL's QM7 is an excellent midrange QLED and one of the best TVs under $1,000. Like the cheaper Hisense U6N, it uses quantum dots and local dimming with a Mini LED backlight. But this model can get much brighter and it supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate, making it a great gaming TV.
During my testing, the QM7 impressed me with vibrant HDR images and great contrast. I measured a peak of around 1,700 nits of brightness. That's well above the 1,000 nits that most high-dynamic-range material is mastered for, so specular highlights (like explosions) pop with the intensity that content creators intended. Black levels are also solid for this class, but they don't quite disappear into a dark room like they do on OLEDs or pricier QLED TVs I've reviewed.
Likewise, viewing angles leave a bit to be desired, so you'll want to sit in a centered position to get the best picture quality. It's also important to remember that this is a midrange set, so picture processing isn't on par with flagship models from Sony, Samsung, and LG. As a result lower-quality sources, like cable TV and YouTube streams, tend to look softer than they do on premium displays.
However, considering its price, the QM7 is a stunner. The TV is also one of the most affordable displays to support a 144Hz refresh rate when paired with a gaming PC (120Hz when connected to a PS5 or Xbox Series X). Coupled with the display's VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (auto low latency mode) capabilities, this results in smooth gaming performance that minimizes lag and screen tearing.
I also found the QM7's Google TV interface to be snappy and responsive when navigating through apps. That said, I did run into a few minor glitches here and there, but nothing that detracted from my overall experience.
The QM7's initial launch price was a bit high, but the 65-inch model is now frequently on sale for just under $700. You'll need to pay more if you crave perfect black levels and shaper picture processing, but the QM7 is a steal for that price.
Read our TCL QM7 4K TV review.
Best high-end display
Sony's A95L is the best high-end TV you can buy. Though pricey, its QD-OLED panel delivers the most impressive picture quality we've seen. It's also got a premium design and Google's convenient smart TV interface.
- One of the brightest OLEDs on the market
- Sony's processing offers top image accuracy
- Comes with a webcam for video calls and gesture controls
- Pricier than similar OLEDs
- Only has two 4K/120Hz HDMI ports
- No 144Hz mode for PC gaming
The Sony A95L OLED is the absolute best TV for high-end picture performance. If money were no object, this is the display I'd buy for my own setup. Like many of Samsung's OLEDs, it uses quantum dots to offer industry-leading color and contrast. But on top of that, the A95L boasts one of the brightest panels I've seen on an OLED and benefits from Sony's unique picture processing to produce superior image accuracy and upscaling.
The differences are subtle, but the A95L edges out other premium TVs in this class, including the Samsung S95 series and the LG G series. And unlike Samsung OLEDs, it supports Dolby Vision. Though not a huge benefit for a TV in this tier, Dolby Vision is a nice perk since it gives the panel scene-by-scene guidance for rendering color and contrast when watching Dolby Vision content on popular services like Disney Plus.
The A95L is also one of the brightest OLEDs I've tested. I measured a peak of 1,240 nits with a 10% window and 1,500 nits with a 5% window. That's about 50% brighter than its predecessor, the A95K. The only two OLEDs that can get brighter are LG's G4 and Samsung's S95D.
But while the A95L's brightness can't quite match those two competing sets, its overall image quality remains the best, albeit by a slight margin. The TV's picture processing does an excellent job of upscaling lower-quality sources, so live TV and HD streams show fewer flaws. And Sony's tech leads the industry in delivering the most accurate picture for the best home theater experience.
The A95L's Google TV operating system works well, so you can stream all your favorite services with simple navigation. A handy voice remote is included with Google Assistant, and it has a convenient backlight that activates when you pick it up. Sony even includes a webcam for video calls and gesture controls.
The TV also has some nice design perks, including a stand that can be set up in one of two orientations: low profile, so the bottom of the screen is nearly flush with your entertainment console, or high profile, so the TV is lifted a bit to make room for a soundbar in front.
As far as high-end displays go, the A95L is a nearly flawless TV. Its only real drawbacks are its limited number of 120Hz HDMI ports (just two), its lack of 144Hz PC support, and its high price. But if you have the funds and want the most impressive picture quality that money can buy, the A95L is the best TV to get.
Best smart TV system
Roku's flagship Pro Series TV is a great all-around 4K QLED. Though similarly priced TCL and Hisense models have an edge in image quality, Roku's intuitive smart TV interface, handy backlit voice remote, and easy assembly make the Pro Series a worthy competitor.
- Great black levels and contrast for a QLED
- Good brightness and quantum-dot color performance
- Simple and intuitive Roku smart TV interface
- Voice remote is rechargeable and backlit
- Poor off-axis viewing
- Minor motion and picture processing issues
- Notable screen reflections in bright rooms
- No dedicated gaming bar feature
The Roku OS (operating system) is my favorite smart TV system thanks to its streamlined interface, and the Roku Pro Series QLED is one of the best TVs you can buy with this OS built in. While its image quality can't quite match rivals in this price range, it has a leg up in ease of use.
The Roku homepage puts your apps front and center with an easy-to-organize tile system. Many competing platforms, like the Fire TV OS, focus more on content recommendations, which leads to a cluttered look that can be overwhelming. Roku's view is cleaner and straightforward. However, if you do prefer seeing content options, you can simply navigate to the "What to Watch" section on the sidebar to access rows of recommendations across different categories.
Roku's user-friendly approach extends to its remote, which is rechargeable via USB so it doesn't require batteries. It also supports voice search through hand-free commands or by pressing a button. The remote has backlit keys, which make navigation in the dark easy. And perhaps most handy of all is the "lost remote finder" feature, which lets you press a button on the TV to activate a chime on the remote so you never misplace it.
Our reviewer also loved how convenient the TV's assembly is. Unlike most display stands that require screws and tools to attach, the Roku Pro Series comes with two feet that use a unique knob system. You simply tighten the knobs with your hands, and the stand is ready to go. The stand also supports a high or low position, so you can easily fit a soundbar in front of the TV.
Outside its navigation and design conveniences, the Roku Pro Series is also an impressive-looking TV. It has a QLED panel with a Mini LED backlight and local dimming to enable rich colors, great contrast control, and fantastic HDR brightness. That said, the TV's image quality is a slight step down from other QLEDs in this price range, like the Hisense U8N. But those models use the Google TV OS and lack many of the Roku Pro Series' usability perks.
Roku still licenses its interface to other TV manufacturers, but it's mostly used on entry-level models. It's rare to find Roku TVs with this level of performance, which helps cement the Roku Pro Series as an ideal pick for people who want smart TV simplicity without sacrificing picture quality.
Read our Roku Pro Series 4K TV review.
Best anti-glare screen
Samsung's 2024 flagship 4K TV is the brightest OLED we’ve ever tested. It features a new matte screen that nearly eliminates reflections, making it ideal for rooms that struggle with glare. However, the matte design gives black levels a slightly faded look in direct light.
- The brightest OLED we've tested
- Matte screen significantly reduces glare and reflections
- 144Hz refresh rate for smooth PC gaming
- Slim design with One Connect Box
- Doesn't support Dolby Vision
- Glare-free coating elevates black levels in bright rooms
- Pricey compared to 2023 counterpart
Most TVs use glossy or semi-glossy screens that cause reflections in rooms with lights and windows. But Samsung's S95D OLED takes a different approach. It's one of the few TVs available that has a matte screen to significantly reduce glare.
During my tests in a bright living room setting, the S95D nearly eliminated mirror-like reflections. I could still make out some dispersed, fuzzy reflections in certain instances, but the anti-glare filter is a huge step up from what I've seen on other displays. This makes the S95D a game changer for viewers who struggle with light and don't want to use blackout curtains.
In addition, the S95D is the brightest OLED TV I've reviewed. I measured a peak of around 1,700 nits, which allows the display to deliver punchy HDR highlights when needed. Since it uses an OLED panel, the S95D also delivers pixel-level contrast without any blooming.
On the downside, the S95D's matte screen negatively impacts black levels in a bright room. Rather than the deep, inky quality that OLED TVs are known for, the S95D's black levels can take on a hazier, gray appearance when viewed with the lights on, giving dark scenes a flat look. Thankfully, with the lights off, the S95D's black levels are just as impressive as any other OLED I've tested.
Whether you prefer deep black levels or top-notch anti-glare performance comes down to personal preference. If you aren't bothered by reflections, I recommend opting for a less expensive OLED, like the S90C or S95C, to get the best black levels. But if cutting down glare is a priority, the S95D is the best TV with a matte screen.
Check out our Samsung S95D 4K TV review and our S95D vs. S95C comparison.
Best 8K set
Though the benefits of 8K resolution are hard to see, there's no denying how incredible the QN900C looks, especially if you get an extra-large model.
- 8K panel provides high pixel density
- Incredible peak brightness for excellent HDR performance
- Benefits of 8K upscaling are subtle
- There’s virtually no native 8K content to watch
Samsung's QN900C is one of the company's top-of-the-line QLED TVs. It boasts an 8K panel, which can deliver four times the total number of pixels compared to a 4K TV. It also uses a Mini LED backlight with exceptional local dimming capabilities to produce some of the best contrast and black-level performance I've ever seen on an LCD-based display.
The QN900C is also very bright. During my tests, it managed a peak of about 2,300 nits in Filmmaker Mode. This results in fantastic HDR images. And though it still can't compete with the infinite contrast ratio of an OLED, the QN900C's specular highlight performance has a bit more punch. Best of all, the TV can hit this high brightness while maintaining deep black levels with only minimal blooming. Viewing angles are also superior to most rival QLED TVs, so colors and contrast degrade less when sitting off to the side.
Of course, what really differentiates the QN900C from Samsung's other high-end TVs is its 8K screen, which offers a resolution of 7680 x 4320 versus the 3840 x 2160p resolution you'd get on a 4K TV. But while that is four times the resolution, the actual benefit of all those extra pixels is hard to see. Don't get me wrong, the QN900C is a razor-sharp display. But so are Samsung's top 4K TVs. The higher pixel density does give 8K sets a slight edge in clarity if you like to sit up close, but otherwise, I don't think 8K resolution is a big selling point.
This is reinforced by the fact that there really isn't any native 8K content to watch. Outside some YouTube videos, everything you'll find on major streaming services, discs, or cable will be in 4K, HD, or SD. The QN900C does an excellent job upscaling these lower resolutions to 8K, but again, the results aren't dramatically better than what you'll see on a much cheaper 4K model.
But if you're set on getting an 8K TV, you can't go wrong with the QN900C. It's one of the best Samsung TVs you can buy, especially if you opt for a 75-inch model or larger. At that screen size, you're more likely to notice the subtle benefits an 8K panel can provide, so I don't recommend considering an 8K TV smaller than that.
Samsung sells a new 2024 edition of this set, the QN900D, which also looks incredible in person. But the 75-inch QN900D sells for about $2,000 more than the QN900C, and it doesn't deliver a big enough performance jump to justify that increase. However, I expect the QN900D to drop in price as the year goes on.
Other TVs we tested
Though they didn't quite make the cut, my team tested several other models for consideration in our guide to the best TVs. Here's a rundown of some other notable displays we reviewed, along with details on why they didn't make our selection of top picks.
LG G4 OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
LG's G4 is an incredible high-end TV with image quality that's nearly on par with the Sony A95L. In fact, the G4 can get brighter than the A95L. However, the A95L has an edge in color volume and picture processing, which provides a slight edge in overall performance. That said, the G4 is a close runner-up for the best high-end TV and it's a great alternative if you want to spend a little less.
Read our LG G4 review.
Hisense U7K QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
The U7K was my pick for the best midrange TV, but it's now hard to find in stock. If you can find the 65-inch model for under $700, I still recommend it as a great buy. Hisense has replaced this model with the new U7N, which looks like a worthy successor. However, the TCL QM7 has similar specifications and is often on sale for less.
Read our Hisense U7K review.
TCL Q7 QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
TCL's Q7 is an excellent mid-tier 4K TV but it has now been replaced by the QM7. The QM7 adds Mini LEDs for improved contrast and brightness. If you can find it in stock for substantially less than the QM7, the Q7 remains a good buy. Otherwise, the QM7 is a better TV.
Read our TCL Q7 4K TV review.
Roku Plus Series QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
The Roku Plus Series is a budget-friendly QLED TV with solid performance across the board. But we think most people shopping for a TV in this class are better off with the Hisense U6N, our top QLED pick on a budget, which costs a bit less.
Read our Roku Plus Series 4K TV review.
Vizio Quantum Pro QLED 4K TV - See at Walmart
The Quantum Pro is a decent midrange QLED with better viewing angles than most competitors in its class. However, its contrast is lacking compared to similarly priced options from TCL and Hisense.
Read our Vizio Quantum Pro 4K TV review.
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED - See at Amazon
The Omni QLED is Amazon's flagship smart TV model. It offers convenient hands-free Alexa control, but its picture quality is beaten by cheaper sets like the Hisense U6N.
Read our Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED review.
Amazon Fire TV Omni - See at Amazon
Amazon's standard Omni series 4K TV delivers mediocre picture performance for the money. If the TV's Alexa integration is a selling point, we recommend getting the Omni QLED instead since it delivers much better image quality for nearly the same price.
Read our Amazon Fire TV Omni review. Check out our Fire TV buying guide.
How we test TVs
To select the best TVs, our team relied on hands-on testing and research informed by more than a decade of experience covering home entertainment products. We evaluate displays across a series of testing factors, including image clarity, contrast, high-dynamic-range capabilities, peak brightness, color range, viewing angles, smart TV features, and overall value.
We use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter to measure a TV's brightness and test patterns from the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to evaluate other objective display capabilities.
We also rely on an assortment of clips from movies and TV shows to get a better feel for how a TV actually performs under regular use. Clips are selected to focus on sequences that help demonstrate a TV's black levels, highlight performance, color range, and clarity. We also watch a mix of native 4K resolution (Ultra HD), high definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) content to see how a TV handles various resolutions through streaming, cable, and Blu-ray players. Viewing is conducted in both bright and dark rooms.
Smart TV features and navigation are also tested to determine how long it takes for apps to load and how reliable overall stability is. Voice search and digital assistant performance are taken into account as well, along with other extra perks like ambient modes, smart home control, and game streaming support.
What to look for in a TV
If you buy a TV in 2024, chances are it will be branded as one of four primary display types: OLED, QD-OLED, QLED, or LED. Though performance varies depending on which specific model you buy, each tech has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Below is a rundown of the pros and cons for each, along with guidance on different smart TV platforms and size options. For a more detailed breakdown of TV panel technology, check out our QLED vs. OLED comparison.
What is an OLED TV?
An OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV uses self-illuminating pixel technology to display its images without a backlight.
Who it's best for: OLED TVs are best for people who want high-end picture performance in a space that doesn't let in a ton of ambient light. Though they still look good in most living rooms, some models can be too dim for areas filled with direct sunlight.
Pros:
- Infinite contrast ratio
- True black levels
- Wide viewing angles
- Expanded color gamut
- Overall performance is similar across different models
Cons:
- Peak brightness is typically dimmer than top QD-OLED or QLED TVs*
- Color volume can't match TVs with quantum dots
- Some risk of burn-in in extreme cases
- Limited sizes and budget tiers to choose from
*LG's G3 and G4 OLED TVs use Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, enabling them to match top QD-OLED TVs in peak brightness.
What is a QD-OLED TV?
A QD-OLED TV is a type of OLED TV that adds a filter of quantum dots to its panel to enable better color and brightness performance
Who it's best for: QD-OLED TVs are great for people who want the absolute best picture quality. Since they're brighter than regular OLEDs, QD-OLED TVs are suited for both home theaters and average living rooms alike, and they deliver a bit more HDR punch in highlights.
Pros:
- Infinite contrast ratio
- True black levels
- Wide viewing angles
- Expanded color gamut
- Brighter than a regular OLED
- Better color volume than a standard OLED
Cons:
- Peak brightness still can't match top QLED TVs
- Some risk of burn-in in extreme cases
- Limited sizes and budget tiers to choose from
What is a QLED TV?
A QLED is a TV that uses an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel with an LED (light emitting diode) or Mini LED backlight and a filter of quantum dots. QLED TVs may or may not include local dimming, which enables contrast control over specific LEDs on the screen. To get the best performance on a QLED TV, you should look for models with local dimming and a Mini LED backlight.
Who it's best for: QLED TVs are good for people who favor high brightness to get the best performance in rooms that let in a lot of outside light. High-end models can also deliver excellent overall picture performance with vibrant HDR highlights, but we still prefer OLED technology for the best quality in a home theater.
Pros:
- Top models have industry-leading brightness and color volume
- Models with local dimming and Mini LEDs can provide great contrast
- No risk of burn-in
- Lots of sizes and budget tiers to choose from
Cons:
- Even top Mini LED models can't match the contrast of an OLED
- Black levels are lacking on models without local dimming
- Viewing angles are typically mediocre
- Performance varies a lot across different models and budget tiers
What is an LED TV?
An LED TV uses LCD panel technology with an LED backlight. Backlights can either be direct or edge-lit. The main difference between an LED and a QLED TV is that LED TVs don't use quantum dots. Most TVs branded as LED are budget-focused models without local dimming or wide color support, but some exceptions exist.
Who it's best for: LED TVs are best suited for budget shoppers. Most of these displays only offer basic image quality and lack the color and contrast performance you'd get on a QLED or OLED.
Pros:
- No risk of burn-in
- Lots of sizes and affordable options
Cons:
- Typically lack wide color support
- Contrast is mediocre without local dimming
- Edge-lit backlights can lead to uneven black levels
- Viewing angles are usually mediocre
What size TV is best?
TVs come in various sizes, with options as small as 24 inches and as large as 100 inches or more. When deciding what size TV to get, you should consider a few factors, including the display's resolution, the size of the room it's in, how close you plan to sit, and how much money you're willing to spend.
Typically, bigger screen sizes are pricier than comparable models in smaller sizes, and you'll need to have a big enough TV stand or wall with a mount to fit the TV you buy. Certain sizes are also better suited for certain resolutions.
For instance, HD resolution screens are acceptable for smaller sizes, around 43 inches or under. In that range, it's difficult to see the benefits of a higher resolution from an average viewing distance. On sets 50 inches and larger, however, we recommend opting for a 4K set to get the best image quality, especially if you plan to sit close to your display. Meanwhile, the benefits of 8K resolution are best appreciated on extra-large TVs that are 75 inches or more.
Many companies use 65 inches as their flagship size to showcase their best TV models, and we think this size offers a great balance between big-screen immersion and value without becoming too big for most living rooms.
Check out our size-specific guides to see our top recommendations for each major class:
What smart TV interfaces does each brand use?
Pretty much any new TV you buy in 2024 will be a smart TV with built-in support for accessing various streaming services. However, different brands use different smart TV operating systems (OS).
Here's a breakdown of popular smart TV platforms and the brands that use them:
- Android TV: Older models from Sony, TCL, and Hisense
- Fire TV: Amazon, Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense
- Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense
- Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense
- SmartCast: Vizio
- Tizen: Samsung
- webOS: LG
There are slight differences in the selection of apps across each OS, but they all offer access to the most popular streaming services. They all deliver similar features, but the style of navigation, personalization options, and extra perks vary.
We generally like Roku's interface the best since it's the most straightforward and reliable. However, its design is a little outdated compared to other platforms that offer a more slick, content-focused style.
Which smart TV OS is best for your needs depends on personal preference and whether you're already plugged into a smart home ecosystem. For instance, a Google TV or Fire TV will pair more seamlessly with existing Google or Amazon accounts and devices you might already own.
If you don't like the interface built into your TV, we recommend checking out our guide to the best streaming devices. You can choose a stand-alone streaming device with whatever OS you prefer. Stand-alone streaming players also tend to offer snappier performance than built-in smart TV interfaces. Reliable Roku and Fire TV devices are frequently on sale for as little as $20.
Do you need a TV with HDMI 2.1?
Many midrange and high-end TVs sold today feature inputs that use the HDMI 2.1 specification. HDMI 2.1 ports can display signals at up to 4K/120Hz (some TVs even enable 144Hz with a PC), along with support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM). These features are primarily geared toward gamers since they enable smoother gameplay while minimizing lag and screen tearing.
In order to enable HDMI 2.1 features, every device in your entertainment chain must support HDMI 2.1, including your TV and gaming console/PC. Likewise, if you use video passthrough on a soundbar or AV receiver to connect your gaming system to your TV, that audio device must also support HDMI 2.1.
Finally, your HDMI cables must be rated for 48Gbps to ensure they are able to transmit the full bandwidth needed for HDMI 2.1. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for our top recommendations.
TV FAQs
When is the best time to buy a TV?
If you're shopping for a new TV, the best time to purchase a display is during big deals events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. TVs often drop to their lowest prices during these sales. You can also find big discounts in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl and shopping events tied to holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.
However, TVs still get smaller discounts year-round, so finding a solid deal outside a big sales event is not rare. For current discounts, check out our ongoing guide to the best TV deals.
What TV brands should you consider?
There are many TV brands to choose from, but some are better for certain needs than others. Sony, Samsung, and LG are the cream of the crop if you're looking for the latest display technologies and the best build quality. However, their midrange and entry-level TVs are slightly overpriced compared to similar options from competing brands. If you want a high-end OLED or QLED TV, the above brands should be your first choice, but you can often get more bang for your buck from other companies.
For instance, Hisense, TCL, and Vizio all sell affordable mid-tier QLED TVs that offer similar, if not better, picture quality than comparable options from Sony, LG, and Samsung. You'll still get better build quality and fancier design perks from those more expensive brands, but these value-geared companies deliver advanced features like quantum dots and local dimming without breaking the bank.
Roku and Amazon have also launched midrange and entry-level TVs to compete with Hisense, Vizio, and TCL. Their top models are solid buys if you can snag them on sale, but otherwise, you can find options with slightly better specs for about the same price from other companies.
Buyers who just want a no-frills entry-level LED TV should also consider budget brands like Insignia and Toshiba. Both companies sell inexpensive 4K and HDTVs that use the Amazon Fire TV interface, and they tend to get heavily discounted during sales like Prime Day and Black Friday. Generally, we recommend paying a bit more to get a TV from one of the other brands we've already mentioned, but these displays are fine for casual viewing, especially if you want a smaller screen for a bedroom or dorm.
Do TVs offer good sound quality?
Generally speaking, TVs offer mediocre sound quality. To keep TVs thin and affordable, manufacturers use small speaker drivers, often positioned in areas with poor performance. This leads to weak sound quality with muddy dialogue, flat dynamics, and a lack of bass.
We recommend purchasing a soundbar or a full surround sound system to get the best sound quality with your TV. Check out our soundbars to guides to see our top recommendations:
For more details on the latest advancements in immersive surround sound technology, check out our guide to Dolby Atmos.
Can I watch free local channels on my TV?
Most TVs include integrated digital tuners that can receive free over-the-air broadcasts when paired with an antenna and a coaxial cable. Reliable digital antennas can cost as little as $20. Check out our guide to the best indoor TV antennas to see our top recommendations.
The exact number of channels you'll be able to pick up relies heavily on where you live, but so long as you're within a certain distance from local broadcast towers, you should be able to watch channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. You can check the available channels in your community through the AntennaWeb tool.
If you live in an area with poor antenna reception but still want an alternative to cable that provides access to popular channels, check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services.
Should I be worried about burn-in on my TV?
If you leave a static image on your TV for too long, some displays are susceptible to an issue called burn-in. When burn-in occurs, a faint outline of an image gets permanently stuck on your display. Thankfully, burn-in is rare on modern TVs, so most people don't need to worry about it. However, there are some considerations you should be aware of.
First and foremost, OLED is the only current TV technology prone to burn-in. Though LCD-based TVs, like QLED and LED, are not 100% immune to burn-in, cases are so rare that they're not considered to be at risk like an OLED TV. But while OLED shoppers should be mindful of this risk, all OLED TVs have built-in features designed to prevent burn-in, including pixel-shift modes and pixel-refreshers.
Websites like Rtings have done long-term burn-in tests with various OLED models. Though their results prove that burn-in can technically occur on even the best OLED TVs, their tests reveal that it's not really an issue for people with regular viewing habits. Burn-in only happens in extreme situations, like if you just watch the same cable channel with the same logo at the bottom of the screen all day long.
I've had an LG CX OLED TV in my own home theater setup for about three years. I stream various services, watch cable TV, and play video games (with plenty of static elements) regularly, and the TV shows no signs of burn-in. Unless you plan to stay tuned to the same cable news channel 24/7, we don't think burn-in should be a primary factor when deciding between an OLED TV or another display type.
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