These are our best televisions at every price point, from budget LCD models to luxurious OLED versions.
TVs, SAVING UP FOR a new screen? will assist you in navigating the dozens of TV models from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Sony, and others that appear to be identical. We’ve selected a few of our favorites after watching hundreds of hours of footage on them. The best TV, the best affordable set, and a couple of excellent options in between are all included in our list.
Although modern TVs have gorgeous images, they are poor at the audio and have clunky interfaces. So you need also to spend money on a decent speaker and TV streaming stick. Our How to Buy a TV guide can be useful if you’re not familiar with the terminology used by TV manufacturers.
Best Overall
TCL 6-Series (2020)
For a new TV, the majority of us don’t have enormous funds, but we do want to obtain one that will last. For that, the 2020 TCL 6-Series (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is currently our favorite TV. It is a stunning 4K TV that combines cutting-edge technology with an integrated Roku interface. Including quantum dots (excellent for vibrant colors) and local dimming (for deeper blacks). TCL is renowned for offering affordable prices, and the 6-Series is no exception. It has the same image quality as models from LG and Samsung which are nearly twice as expensive. Even better, it supports Dolby Vision, our preferred high-dynamic-range codec that offers incredibly vibrant colors.
Runner-Up (Best Value for Gamers)
Hisense U8G
This Hisense model (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent purchase, especially if you already possess a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. It doesn’t have nearly the same stunning local dimming as the TCL 6-Series, but it does offer a built-in Android UI and 120-Hz refresh rate.
They can take advantage of this by showing some games at 120 frames per second. Which makes everything on the screen appear incredibly fluid. If you don’t want to hang it on the wall, the center stand is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen on a TV under $1,000. The time to buy is still right now. Although the business plans to debut the 2022 Hisense models in “late summer,” no official release dates have announce as of yet.
Best Entry-Level TV
TCL 5 Series (50-inch, 2021)
Because of their collaboration with Roku, TCL’s TVs have become extremely well-known, and they merit attention. The 2020 5-Series 4K TV with HDR is the entry-level TV we suggest, however, the 6-Series has the most features. The most recent 5-Series boasts full-array local dimming, which means it has deeper contrast than many inexpensive TVs, in contrast to its predecessor, which was edge-lit. It looks better than any HD television you could currently own and can use for gaming. The remote is simple to use, and it starts streaming immediately out of the box thanks to the built-in Roku. The 50-inch model is what we advise because it offers the best value, however, TCL also makes other sizes.
Other Good Affordable TVs
Other Mid-Range TVs
We also adore the stylish Vizio M-Series Quantum 55-Inch ($548) (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Casting tabs from laptops and mobile devices has never been simpler thanks to improvements made to Vizio’s Smartcast UI. Vizio’s superior local dimming technology ensures superb contrast, however, there are fewer zones than on the TCL 6-series.
Thanks in part to its image processing and integrated X1 chip, the Sony X80J ($598) is one of the most attractive TVs available for the money. Below $1,000, a lot of a TV’s superiority in terms of quality comes down to processing, and Sony has long had some of the best. The display appears vivid and brilliant even without local dimming and doesn’t bleed too much in low-light situations.
Best for Gamers (PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X)
LG C1 OLED
Any TV in this guide will work for gaming on a next-generation console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. But if you want the finest picture, go for an OLED TV, which LG is the only TV manufacturer to produce. (Sony and other companies purchase LG OLED panels.)
LG OLED TVs
Simply put, the fact that G OLED TVs light up pixel by pixel makes them better. Since they lack a backlight, the screen’s black portions are as dark as they can be. This indicates excellent contrast, which is ideal for The Mandolorian’s darker passages. Although we don’t particularly like LG’s WebOS interface, the visual quality outweighs all of our complaints. Since the 2021 C1 OLED (8/10, WIRED Recommends) supports Nvidia G-Sync, it performs brilliantly as a gaming monitor, which is why I love it so much.
Best for Bright Rooms
Samsung QN90B (2022)
The QN90B model from this year is a fantastic follow-up to last year’s QN90A. Which we praised for its astoundingly strong contrast and extreme brightness in well-lit environments (8/10, WIRED Recommends).
For the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X, you get a central pedestal stand, a 120-Hz refresh rate, and Mini-LED backlighting that becomes so bright you’ll want to switch to Filmmaker Mode for nighttime watching. This TV’s extremely broad viewing angle makes it one of the better options for bright, contemporary living spaces, which is another feature I enjoy. Although we’re still putting this set through its paces, I’m already really impressed.
The Cheapest OLED TV
Vizio OLED (55-Inch)
One of the most affordable OLED TVs available is the first OLED model from Vizio (9/10, WIRED Recommends). During testing, I was captivated by its flawless contrast and brilliant highlights. A recent upgrade also enables the TV to operate with the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 at 120 frames per second in 4K. That’s really cool. Check out this TV first if you want the greatest picture for the money and are prepared to spend more than you would for the TCL 6-Series above. It generally sells for $1,200, but keep a watch out because it sometimes drops to $1,000.
The Prettiest TV
Sony A90J
There may not be a better-looking TV than the Sony A90J OLED if you’ve found watching TV to be one of the only quiet pleasures of recent years. want to be even more entranced by what’s onscreen. Although it is pricey, nothing other has the same superb processor and lovely OLED panel. It will improve how you perceive your favorite stuff. Such a lovely image can be worth the extra money, depending on your budget.
Best 8K TV
Samsung QN900A
We adore the rich black levels provided by LG’s OLED models. But if money were no object, we’d choose to get Samsung’s QN900, the company’s 2021 top model. With full-array local dimming for deeper blacks and an astoundingly broad viewing angle for larger rooms, it has an astounding 8K display. It features AMD’s FreeSync technology, which improves the smoothness of games when connected to a PC with an AMD graphics card. 8K resolutions will also be supported by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X next-generation gaming consoles.
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Some TV Buying Tips
Be careful to do your homework if a TV isn’t produced by LG, Samsung, TCL, Vizio, Sony, or Hisense. These are currently our favorite manufacturers. Avoid dirt-cheap models from companies like Sceptre, which may appear like fantastic prices but may not offer acceptable picture quality or a robust build. A cheap set could look alluring for the price. We advise looking into last year’s TVs (sometimes offered at steep discounts) or factory-refurbished possibilities if your budget can’t support a new model from the aforementioned firms.
Helpful Definitions
What Do 4K, HDR, and Other Buzzwords Mean?
Television technology having four times as many pixels (dots of light) as a conventional HD TV is known as 4K or Ultra HD.
Despite having four times as many pixels as 4K monitors, 8K can be ignored for at least a few years. 8K content is hard to come by, and 8K sets are still highly expensive.
High dynamic range, or HDR, is a feature that all modern 4K TVs contain. In comparison to earlier TVs, a TV with HDR technology provides higher contrast (brighter brights, darker darks). You should be aware of HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision as the three main HDR variants. Most modern TVs support Dolby Vision and HDR10, with higher-end models also supporting HDR10+.
A TV with 120 Hz
A TV with 120 Hz refreshes its image at a rate of 120 frames per second. Gives you noticeably smoother on-screen action than you would with conventional 60 Hz screens. Although most movies and television shows are produced to be displayed at lower frame rates. You won’t notice much of a change in the content unless you play games or watch sports.
Full-array backlighting illuminates the TV screen from behind, as opposed to only the edges, with a grid of LEDs.
Full-array backlighting makes it possible to use local dimming. It implies the TV makes an educated effort to dim the backlights where a movie scene is darker on your screen and brighten them where there is more light.
FAQ
Do all HDR TVs have the same quality?
No. Our studies reveal that not all TVs with the label “HDR” generate equally vibrant, lifelike images. We now include a distinct HDR score in our TV ratings because of this.
What Distinguishes a Great HDR TV From a Poor One?
Unfortunately, you cannot simply rely on the box or even the appearance of the store’s display image.
Some TVs display the Ultra HD Premium label, signifying that they have been approved as high-performance sets by the UHD Alliance, however not all manufacturers are on board. Sony and Vizio, for instance, don’t take part in the initiative; LG and Samsung do.
When should a TV be purchased?
The cost of TV varies significantly throughout the year. While it can be tempting to buy the newest and greatest sets as soon as they come off the assembly line, delaying your purchase for a few months, like with many other consumer gadgets, can pay off handsomely.
Update for Summer 2022 on Buying a TV
Although there are many 2022 TVs available, their costs are at an all-time high. Invest heavily in a 2021 model, or hold out until new TV prices fall in fall.
