The Best TVs

The best TVs today strike a balance between stunning picture quality and reasonable pricing, making it easier than ever to bring a theater-like experience into your home. Whether you’re after a premium 4K OLED that caters to videophiles, a budget-friendly 4K set that still delivers excellent performance, or a compact 32-inch model for a secondary space, there are standout options at every price point. This guide brings together our top recommendations across categories, highlighting models that excel in both performance and value.

Shopping for a TV isn’t about dodging bad products anymore, most modern sets, even affordable ones, deliver impressive visuals for everyday use. The real challenge is figuring out which features you’ll actually benefit from and which ones aren’t worth the extra cost. For example, a 120 Hz refresh rate is important for gaming and high-frame-rate content, but unnecessary if you’re mostly streaming shows or watching movies. Likewise, a massive screen may be overkill for a bedroom setup, while a bright living room might demand a higher-end LCD that can outshine glare from windows or lamps.

By thinking about a few key questions, what you’ll be watching, what size fits your space, and how much light you’ll need to compete with, you can simplify the buying process and zero in on the right model. The good news is that today’s TVs, from affordable to high-end, all offer impressive image quality, so finding the right one is less about compromise and more about choosing the set that best fits your needs and budget.

Hisense U8N Series

Best 4K LCD TV

The Hisense U8N Series delivers outstanding brightness, rich colors, and advanced gaming features at a price that undercuts premium rivals.

Buy on Amazon

The Hisense U8N Series is a standout LCD/LED TV for those who want exceptional picture quality without paying OLED prices. Its durable construction and reliable performance make it particularly well suited for bright rooms where maintaining consistent image quality can be a challenge. With a wide range of available sizes from 55 to 85 inches, it provides flexibility for different spaces while offering the same robust build across the lineup.

This series integrates advanced display technologies that push LCD performance closer to OLED standards. Quantum dots enhance color richness, a mini-LED backlight with local dimming boosts contrast, and a 120 Hz refresh rate delivers smooth motion. Its peak brightness surpasses 3,000 nits in Dolby Vision IQ, which ensures HDR content looks vivid even in daylight-filled environments. Combined with Google TV for intuitive navigation, the U8N Series provides both longevity and an enjoyable day-to-day user experience.

Gaming is another strong area, thanks to two HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120 Hz for modern consoles, plus eARC for high-quality audio passthrough. These features not only future-proof the TV but also add to its value as a durable long-term investment. While its HDR rendering is among the best in its class, performance can vary between different screen sizes, with the 75-inch panel showing slightly lower contrast and the 55-inch model being less bright.

Though some early units experienced minor software quirks, Hisense has actively released firmware updates to improve stability. Its upscaling of lower-resolution content is not as refined as its 4K HDR playback, but this limitation is minor when compared with the strengths of its design. For buyers seeking a sturdy, high-performing television that delivers top-tier brightness and resilience across daily use, the Hisense U8N Series remains one of the most reliable LCD options available.

TCL QM6K Series

Best Budget 4K TV

The TCL QM6K Series delivers excellent brightness, strong contrast, and smooth motion at a price that makes premium performance more affordable.

Buy on Amazon

The TCL QM6K Series is designed for shoppers who want strong performance at a price that feels like a bargain. It provides an impressive 4K picture at a fraction of the cost of many premium sets, making it a compelling option for households that value great visuals without overspending. Available in sizes ranging from 55 to a massive 98 inches, it offers flexibility for everything from modest bedrooms to large living rooms.

This model integrates several advanced display technologies that elevate its performance above most budget TVs. Quantum dots enrich the color palette, while full-array local dimming and mini-LED backlighting help produce deeper contrast and more vibrant HDR. With around 600 nits of peak brightness, it delivers HDR content that looks lively and dynamic, particularly when viewed in Dolby Vision. The TV is equally appealing to gamers, thanks to a rare 144 Hz refresh rate at this price point, as well as features like variable refresh rates (VRR) and auto low-latency mode (ALLM) that ensure smooth and responsive play.

Built-in Google TV makes it easy to jump straight into streaming services, music, or apps without additional hardware. The operating system is intuitive and reliable, creating a straightforward experience for those who want a TV that simply works. The audio performance is also better than expected for this category, giving the QM6K a well-rounded value proposition.

There are limitations, but none that undermine its overall appeal. Brightness is good but not as strong as what you’ll find on premium LCD/LED models, which can make the picture less striking in rooms with lots of sunlight. Viewing angles are narrow, so off-center seats won’t deliver the same impact as sitting directly in front of the screen. Its upscaling of lower-resolution video is serviceable but not exceptional, making native 4K content the ideal choice for this display.

For buyers seeking a large, feature-rich television that combines strong HDR playback, gaming-ready specs, and a reliable smart platform at a highly competitive price, the TCL QM6K Series is one of the best values in today’s market.

LG C5 Series

Best OLED TV

The LG C5 Series offers perfect blacks, rich colors, and advanced gaming features, making it one of the best all-around OLED TVs available.

Buy on Amazon

The LG C5 Series is aimed at shoppers who want the very best performance and are willing to pay a premium for it. As an OLED television, it delivers the most impressive HDR picture quality available today, with perfect black levels, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles that make it suitable for nearly any seating arrangement. These strengths ensure a cinematic viewing experience whether you are watching movies, sports, or streaming shows.

This series combines rich color reproduction with brightness levels that make it more versatile than many earlier OLED models. While it does not incorporate the latest QD-OLED technology, it remains one of the brighter OLED options, making it usable in rooms with some ambient light. The LG C5 is also a strong choice for gamers thanks to its 144 Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and a full suite of gaming features accessible through the built-in Game Optimizer dashboard. Dolby Vision support and four HDMI 2.1 ports further enhance its appeal for console and PC gaming.

There are a few limitations to consider, though they do not diminish the TV’s overall value. Its color performance is excellent but not quite as advanced as QD-OLED competitors, and it lacks support for the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, meaning 4K over-the-air broadcasts are not natively available. This can be addressed with an external tuner, and most buyers will find the C5’s performance advantages more than make up for these shortcomings.

Available in sizes ranging from 42 to 83 inches, the LG C5 Series combines versatility, advanced technology, and superb build quality. Powered by webOS, it provides seamless access to streaming apps and smart features. For anyone seeking an OLED TV that balances picture quality, gaming capability, and usability in nearly any space, the LG C5 Series stands as one of the best all-around televisions you can buy.

Samsung QN43QN90D

Best Midsize TV

The Samsung QN43QN90D combines powerful Mini-LED brightness, rich contrast, and advanced gaming features in a perfectly sized 43-inch display.

Buy on Amazon

The Samsung QN43QN90D is a superb midsize TV designed for people who want a more modest screen without compromising on picture quality or design. At 43 inches, it is a perfect fit for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, or dedicated gaming setups, delivering premium performance in a compact package. This model combines cutting-edge display technology with refined build quality, making it stand out among TVs in this size range.

Unlike OLED models, the QN90D relies on a Mini-LED backlight paired with quantum dots to produce excellent brightness and vivid color. This makes it particularly well suited for bright rooms where glare can be an issue. Its screen is engineered to minimize ambient light reflections, ensuring that movies and shows retain clarity even in daylight conditions. While it cannot match the perfect black levels of OLED, its high brightness and strong contrast give HDR content impressive depth and detail.

For gamers, the QN43QN90D includes Samsung’s dedicated gaming dashboard, very low input lag, and four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120 Hz. These features allow it to handle the demands of the latest consoles and gaming PCs with ease. Combined with its fast response times and smooth motion handling, it is an excellent choice for competitive or immersive gaming experiences.

There are a few limitations to consider. Like many TVs in its class, the QN90D includes an ATSC 1.0 tuner, so it cannot receive over-the-air broadcasts in 4K, and it lacks Dolby Vision HDR support. Even so, its combination of premium brightness, rich colors, and versatile size make it a standout option at the higher end of the midsize category. For buyers who want a 43-inch TV that performs above and beyond the typical entry-level set, the Samsung QN43QN90D is one of the best choices available.

Roku Select Series HD 32R3B5

Best Small TV

The Roku Select Series HD 32R3B5 offers solid picture quality, built-in Roku smart TV features, and easy streaming in a compact 32-inch design.

Buy on Amazon

The Roku Select Series HD 32R3B5 is an excellent choice for shoppers with limited space, tight budgets, or those looking for a secondary TV in a bedroom, office, or dorm room. Its compact 32-inch screen fits easily into smaller environments while still offering a modern smart TV experience.

Despite its modest size and resolution, the 32R3B5 delivers solid performance for the category. The 1080p LCD panel provides good picture contrast and respectable clarity for movies, shows, and casual gaming. Built-in Roku TV gives instant access to all major streaming services, and the included remote keeps things simple with quick-launch buttons for Apple TV+, Paramount+, HBO Max, and Netflix, plus voice search for added convenience.

The TV also comes with three HDMI inputs, including one with eARC support for seamless pairing with soundbars. Older AV inputs are included as well, making this model compatible with retro consoles, DVD players, or other legacy devices. For a budget-friendly television, this combination of modern connectivity and backwards compatibility makes it highly versatile.

As with most smaller LCD sets, brightness is limited, and the panel does not include advanced light-rejecting technology, which means it performs best in dim to moderately lit rooms. The built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing, but adding a soundbar or external audio system will significantly enhance the experience.

Overall, the Roku Select Series HD 32R3B5 is a practical and affordable choice for buyers who prioritize simplicity and value. With reliable Roku TV integration, straightforward setup, and a compact design, it is one of the best small smart TVs currently available.

Choosing a TV today is less about avoiding poor-quality models and more about finding the set that matches your space, viewing habits, and budget. The variety of display technologies, screen sizes, and smart features ensures there is a strong option for nearly every type of buyer, whether the priority is cinematic visuals, competitive gaming, or simply a reliable screen for everyday streaming.

As technology continues to advance, many of the features once reserved for high-end models are becoming more accessible at lower price points. That means shoppers can feel confident that even budget-friendly options will deliver solid performance. The key is to identify which features matter most to you and select the TV that best aligns with your needs, rather than paying extra for capabilities you may never use.