Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall TV to buy today is the LG G2 Evo Gallery TV.
- The best TVs offer an immersive watching experience, have several connectivity options, and add to your home décor.
- Resolution, HDR, refresh rate, backlighting technology, and software are the most important specs to consider when shopping for a new TV.
Are you shopping for a new TV? Deciding which model is best for your needs and budget can be a bit overwhelming. Gone are the days when TVs were just for watching the news or your favorite movies. Modern TVs are designed to deliver on multiple fronts, including playing games, surfing the internet, controlling other home smart devices, and more. However, you can narrow your search based on the type of TV you want and your price range.
To help steer you to the best options on the market today, we’ve put together a list of our top picks. Let’s get into it!
- Best Overall: LG G2 Smart TV
- Best Budget Option: Hisense U8H QLED Series Quantum 4K TV
- Best Brightness: LG C2 Series OLED Evo Smart TV
- Best QLED: Samsung QN90B Neo QLED 4K TV
- Best Frame TV: Samsung Frame TV
#1 Best Overall: LG G2 Smart TV
- Voice control enabled (HomeKit, Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)
- Self-lit OLED pixels, 4K resolution
- Includes Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, and LG Game Optimizer
- LG's fifth-generation a9 AI processor
Key Specifications
- HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, and HLG
- Ports: 3 USB ports and 4 HDMI supports
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160p
- Size: 55″, 65″, 75″, 83″, and 97″
- Operating System: webOS 22
The LG G2 Smart TV is one of the best TVs on the market today. Even though it has been overtaken by the third generation, the LG G3, it still provides the best value for money.
It won the overall position in our review because of its all-around specs and a relatively affordable price tag, considering there is a new model that the brand is trying to push. Nevertheless, the LG G2 Series still offers the best quality for movie fanatics, hardcore gamers, and sports fans.
It features an OLED display, the best screen technology for deep dark colors, high contrast, and incredible brightness. It has a webOS and several connectivity options comprising 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, ethernet, Bluetooth 5, and Wi-Fi.
Gamers will certainly enjoy its NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync feature. In terms of size, it comes in 55″, 65″, 75″, 83″, and 97″ options. It is worth mentioning that this TV is designed to be wall-mounted. However, if you opt to place it on the console, you will have to buy a TV stand separately.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent black levels | Does not come with a stand |
| Wide color gamut | Expensive |
| Top-pick for gamers | |
| A wide selection of streaming apps |
Check out the LG G2 Smart TV on Amazon today.
Best Budget-Friendly: Hisense U8H QLED Series Quantum 4K TV
- Quantum Dot wide color gamut creates over a billion color combinations
- Hands-free voice control
- Game Mode Pro including HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
Key Specifications
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
- Ports: 4 HDMI (two 2.1 and 2.0)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 4K
- Size: 65 inches
- Operating System: Android OS
The Hisense U8H QLED Series Quantum 4K TV was the first mini-LED TV by Hisense. It’s cheaper than most TVs its size from popular brands like Sony, LG, and Samsung, but its backlighting makes it brighter and offers higher picture quality than these pricier alternatives.
The 65U8H is a 4K Google TV, which means it runs on Android OS. This easy-to-set-up TV continues Hisense’s legacy of underpromising and over-delivering. For example, the Hisense U8H claims a 1500 nits brightness, but it delivers over 2,000 nits in real life, making it one of the brightest TVs on the market. Add this to its mini-LED backlighting, and you get an incredibly immersive contrast for a budget TV.
Also, its sound system is far much better than what you will find in most modern TVs. To help deliver a great gaming experience, it comes with a robust set of features, including a 120Hz refresh rate, an inbuilt game mode, and AMD’s FreeSync Premium. However, a major drawback of the 65U8H TV is the lack of processor power to deliver a crisp color gamut like its more established alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers impressive contrast and unbelievable brightness | Bulky |
| Good sound system | A bit more blooming compared to noon-mini-LED TVs |
| Unbelievable brightness | |
| Great for PS5 gaming |
Check out the Hisense U8H QLED Series Quantum 4K TV on Amazon today.
Best Brightness: LG C2 Series OLED Evo Smart TV
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels deliver over a billion colors, high peak brightness, and deep blacks
- The α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K adapts to your content to improve picture and sound
- Supports Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
- LG Game Optimizer mode is compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium
- Supports VRR for smooth gameplay
Key Specifications
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG
- Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1 and 3 USB
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 4K
- Size: 42 inches
- Operating System: webOS 22
The LG C2 Series OLED Evo Smart TV offers excellent picture quality and next-level brightness, plus it has almost all the features found in its bigger siblings, such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Designed with gamers in mind, the LG C2 Smart TV has incredibly low input lag and cool gaming features such as virtual refresh rate (VRR), ALLM, HGiG, and Dolby Vision game mode. However, unlike its 55-inch and above siblings, it has low brightness. It also lacks DisplayPort input.
Like most larger models, the LG 42 C2 features an audio output of 40W. Thanks to the support of Dolby Atmos and AI sound technology, the TV can deliver a clear and immersive sound.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent viewing angles | Lower brightness compared to bigger models |
| Descent reflection handling | No DisplayPort input |
| Displays deep black levels | |
| Great for gaming |
Take a look at the LG C2 Series OLED Evo Smart TV on Amazon.
Best QLED: Samsung QN90B Neo QLED 4K TV
- Samsung’s ultra-precise Quantum Mini LEDs
- Quantum HDR 32X
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K uses AI-based deep learning to analyze content and optimize it to full 4K
- Anti-glare
- Ultra viewing angle
Key Specifications
- HDR: HDR10 and HDR10+
- Ports: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB 2.0, Ethernet, RS232
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 4K
- Size: 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, and 85″
- Operating System: Samsung’s Tizen
Almost all modern TVs use OLED and QLED display technologies, but Samsung raised the bar of its Neo QLED technology with the Samsung QN90B Neo QLED 4K TV.
This high-end TV has better and sharper contrast than the OLED and QLED screens. It integrates both quantum dots and mini-LED technologies in the display, making it one of the brightest TVs you will find on the market.
The QN90B offers more than just brightness. It is visible even in sun-drenched rooms and comes with several features for gamers, the leading being the integration of cloud gaming services such as Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. As a result, one does not need a console, even though the TV is designed to work with the latest consoles out there.
Like most Samsung 4K TVs, the QN90B is built-in with Tizen OS. It allows streaming from popular services such as HBO Max and Netflix. It also offers voice control through Samsung’s Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for sunny rooms | Lacks analog inputs |
| Intensely bright | Does not support Dolby Vision |
| Delivers stunning picture quality in dark scenes | |
| Great for gaming |
Check out the Samsung QN90B Neo QLED 4K TV on Amazon.
Best Frame TV: Samsung Frame TV
- Customizable bezel for The Frame
- 100% color volume
- Built-in motion sensor
Key Specifications
- HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1 and 2 USB 2.0
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 4K
- Size: 65 inches
- Operating System: Samsung Tizen
If you want a TV that can seamlessly blend in with your room’s décor, consider the Samsung Frame TV.
It is designed with a matte anti-reflective display and doubles up as a beautiful piece of art in your space. One of its most impressive features is the built-in brightness sensors that adjust automatically to the room’s light levels.
For a minimalist look, it features a customizable modern frame that is not so different from the ultra-thin photo frames used for fine art exhibitions. It also comes with an inbuilt art store and offers the best viewing experience based on what is on the screen, whether art or TV.
The 65″ The Frame QLED 4K LS03B TV is one of Samsung’s TVs with Amazon Alexa built-in technology. This cloud-based voice service comes in handy whenever you want to change out your art without fiddling with the remote.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Features a slim and sleek design | A bit pricey |
| Superb reflection handling | |
| Has its own art store |
Take a look at the Samsung Frame TV on Amazon.
©Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
How to Pick the Best TV Today: Step-by-Step Guide
In case you’ve been having trouble choosing the perfect TV for your space and budget, we’ll talk about the 6 key factors to consider.
Screen Size
Not sure which size TV to get? Well, it all boils down to your preferences. To determine the perfect TV size for your home, you will want to consider the size of your room, the distance, and the viewing angle you will set it up. The aim is to strike the right balance between viewing distance and screen size.
While there is a recommended viewing distance for every TV size, no set size is perfect for a specific seating distance. We, therefore, suggest you get the biggest size you can for your budget, provided you can achieve a comfortable viewing angle. Bigger is always better if you prefer larger screen sizes, but the opposite is still okay if you like small TVs.
Resolution
The resolution is the number of pixels on a screen display. They are represented in rows and columns. The first TV had a resolution of 720p; however, most people are familiar with 1080p and 4K.
With a 1,080p resolution, you get 1,920 horizontal pixels and 1,080 vertical pixels. If you upgrade to a 4K TV, you get 3,840 horizontal by 2160 vertical pixels, which is 4z what you get from 1,080P HD. Then we have the 8K TV, which offers 7,680 horizontal and 4,320 vertical pixels (4x the number of pixels you get from 4K and 16 times as many as 1080p).
Note that a screen’s total number of pixels will determine your TV’s image quality. That means the higher the resolution, the clearer and more detailed the images will be. Also, it’s worth noting that resolution never changes on screen size.
If you pack 8 million pixels into a 50-inch screen, you will have a crisper image, but if you expand the same pixels to fill an 85-inch screen, the images will lose clarity. So, if you opt for a bigger screen, go for a high resolution. Almost all the TVs above 50 inches today are 4K. You may want to take advantage of these modern TVs as they boast more detailed and lifelike images.
Backlight Technology
Which display type is best for you? Where will you place the unit? Is it in a dark room or a bright room?
LEDs use light-emitting diodes, providing a brighter display than its predecessors. Then OLED followed, still a relatively new technology that uses organic light-emitting diodes. OLED TVs are ridiculously thin, brighter, and lighter than LED TVs. Designed for dark rooms, these TVs offer better black levels and a cinematic experience.
However, big brands like Samsung, LG, and TLC have upped the ante with their QLED TVs. These TVs use light-emitting diodes embedded with quantum dots, giving intensely brighter and more colorful displays, but still have noticeable booming effects and grayer back levels. They are ideal for super bright rooms with lots of sunlight.
If you want a display you can adjust to match your lighting, go for the mini-LED. It delivers good color accuracy, contrast ratio, and better brightness. However, expect to notice some halo effects and backlight fluctuations.
The MLA OLED technology aims to shape the future of premium OLED TVs by increasing the viewing angle and minimizing light loss, resulting in a brighter display. QD-OLED, Samsung’s newest technology, delivers better contrast and a wider color gamut than QLED. It aims to achieve super-deep blacks and wider viewing angles than what you get from a standard OLED TV.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR has become a standard in TVs, with most models featuring HDR10, HDR+, and Dolby Vision. It enhances picture quality by improving frame and scene adaptation. However, it is worth pointing out that Samsung TVs do not come with Dolby Vision. If this is a deal breaker for you, consider options from other TV brands.
Gaming Capability
Two features are of importance here: refresh rates and input lag. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion, and 120Hz has become a standard. On input lag, most TVs have between 10-15 ms, but the lower, the better, especially if you are going to play fast-paced games.
Software
You need a TV that brings together all your favorite streaming services. Fortunately, most of them come with built-in Roku or Google TV; if you do not get everything you need, you can use streaming dongles to access your preferred content.
What to Know Before You Buy the Best TV Today
You will likely notice a huge price difference as you shop for your TV. Several aspects come into play in pricing a TV, and among them is the brand name. So, expect to pay more for a TV from established brands such as LG, Samsung, and Sony.
Bigger and most feature-packed TVs come with a higher price tag. However, if you are on a budget, you can ditch the premium brands’ in favor of mid-size brands such as Hisense. These sets may not offer you the best performance as their premium rivals, but still, they will match your expectations at half the price or even less.
Whatever brand, go for a 4K TV and get it as big as your room allows for a better cinematic and engaging experience. Also, go for a higher refresh rate. TVs with 120Hz or more are better for gaming. To achieve more lifelike images, ensure that the set is HDR compatible.
Using the Best TV Today: What It’s Like
4K/120Hz TVs with OLED or QLED displays offer an immersive cinematic and gaming experience, especially on a bigger screen. However, they all have one caveat: their sound is never good enough, and there seems to be very little the manufacturers can do. To get the best audio experience with these TVs, consider investing in a soundbar with built-in voice assistants.
Summary Table
| Rank | TV Model | Key Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Best Overall | LG G2 Evo Gallery TV | OLED display, webOS, 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, ethernet, Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi, NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync feature, sizes: 55â³, 65â³, 75â³, 83â³, and 97â³ |
| Best Budget-Friendly | Hisense U8H Smart TV | 4K Google TV, Android OS, 1500 nits brightness, mini-LED backlighting, 120Hz refresh rate, inbuilt game mode, AMDâs FreeSync Premium |
| Best Brightness | LG C2 Series 42-Inch Smart TV | Low input lag, virtual refresh rate (VRR), ALLM, HGiG, Dolby Vision game mode, audio output of 40W, Dolby Atmos and AI sound technology |
| Best QLED | Samsung QN90B | Quantum dots and mini-LED technologies, cloud gaming services integration, Tizen OS, voice control through Samsungâs Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant |
| Best Frame TV | The Frame QLED 4K LS03B | Matte anti-reflective display, built-in brightness sensors, customizable modern frame, inbuilt art store, Amazon Alexa built-in technology |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock.com.
