Which TVs for Every Budget
TVs this year have reached new heights in quality, but the ideal TV for you depends on your specific needs and viewing environment. Here are some top picks for various viewing scenarios.
Best TV for gamers — LG C4
The C4 is as stacked with features as you’d expect from one of LG’s premium 4K OLED TVs.
Movies, shows, and sports will look awesome, but with a lightning-fast response time and four HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K at 120Hz, it’s also a perfect partner for your PC or next-gen gaming console. Check out our 4K Gaming Guide for more features to look for.
Details
- supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smooth graphics without frame tearing or stuttering
- AMD FreeSync Premium™ and Nvidia G-SYNC® compatible
- supports cloud gaming with Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce NOW (subscriptions required)
- LG’s evo panel uses a stronger emissive material to improve both the overall brightness and the luminance of the red, green, and blue subpixels for richer, more accurate color
Best TV for movie lovers — Sony BRAVIA 9
Sony’s stunning BRAVIA Series are consistently some of the most highly rated TVs available. And this year’s top-of-the-line BRAVIA 9 uses advanced Mini LED backlight technology that makes it Sony’s brightest 4K TV ever.
That dense array of tiny LEDs is paired with incredibly precise light control and exceptional contrast thanks to Sony’s XR Backlight Master Drive. In short, just add popcorn and enjoy.
Details
- Mini LED backlight powered by XR Backlight Master Drive for precise brightness control (local dimming)
- XR Processor uses powerful real-time processing based on a human perspective for a true-to-life picture
- XR Contrast Booster 30 balances light output across the screen for incredible brightness and contrast
- Acoustic Multi-Audio+™ system includes up-firing beam tweeters in the TV’s frame for an elevated soundstage that follows the action
- includes access to exclusive content on Sony Pictures Core
Best TV for bright rooms — Samsung QN90D
Samsung’s QLED sets are known for bright, vivid colors that pop off the screen, even in the brightest of rooms. But their Neo QLED TVs take it to another level with a Mini LED backlight.
The QN90D pairs a dense array of those tiny LEDs with their Neural Quantum Processor 4K technology to deliver incredibly precise light control for wide contrast and more realistic shadow detail.
Details
- uses Mini LEDs that are about 40 times smaller than conventional LEDs for a slimmer panel and punchier picture
- Quantum Dot technology provides 100% color volume — full color with full brightness
- 4K AI Upscaling enhances standard-def and high-def video signals for optimum display on a 4K screen
- eco-friendly SolarCell Remote™ has a built-in solar cell that is sensitive enough to keep the battery charged using the basic indoor lights in your home
Best TV for art lovers — Samsung “The Frame”
Samsung’s The Frame has been the coolest way to hide your TV in plain sight since the first version was released five years ago.
When you’re not binge-watching your favorite shows, it can display a selection of masterworks from museums around the world alongside photos from your last vacation.
And art lovers will really appreciate the new anti-reflective screen — an update that gives it a canvas-like matte finish that more easily blends in with your gallery wall.
Details
- adjust your photos and art using the many filter, matte, and layout options
- includes the Samsung Collection — a built-in gallery of 100 pieces of professionally curated art
- edge-lit Dual LED backlight uses cool tone and warm tone LEDs for improved picture contrast
- available in sizes from 43″ to 85″ with optional bezels to match or contrast with your decor.
TV shopping tips
Choosing the model that’s best for you mostly comes down what types of content you watch and what your room is like.
Screen size and viewing distance
As a rule, we suggest you go with the largest screen your room, viewing distance, and budget will accommodate. For help calculating viewing distance, check out our article on TV placement.
LED or OLED?
LED and OLED TVs differ in how their panels light the image. LED TVs shine a backlight through a liquid crystal layer while OLED TVs are self-illuminating. OLEDs have incredible contrast, so movie nights in a darkened room will be jaw-dropping. But if you watch a lot of TV during the day, and your room is bright, an LED might be a better fit.
The Best 4K Smart TVs for Watching Super Bowl LIX
Some of the best TV screens are designed to bring your favorite blockbusters to life, but watching fast-paced games is a different story.
If you’re looking for a last-minute upgrade for your Super Bowl LIX watch parties, the best TVs for sports let you keep track of all the hard hitting gridiron action — and there’s still time to get your new TV before the Big Game begins on Sunday, Feb. 9.
The 2025 Super Bowl broadcasts on Fox (and Tubi), while viewers can stream the game on DirecTV Stream.
While watching sports at home is a different experience than sitting at the 50-yard line, today’s state-of-the-art TVs offer features such as wide-screen viewing, Dolby Vision and immersive Dolby Atmos that make you feel as if you’re in the middle of the game.
And cord-cutter sports fans have no shortage of options for watching NFL, NBA, NCAA, MLB and other games on their TV or elsewhere, including Thursday Night Football on Prime Video and MLS Pass and Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+.
TV With Latest Technology & Features LG G5 OLED TV
To kick off our list, LG’s G5 OLED TV has stolen the spotlight as the best overall TV of CES 2025. Known for its signature OLED 4K panels, this model delivers picture quality with Perfect Color technology, offering rich, vibrant visuals and deep blacks that only OLED can provide.
Available in sizes ranging from 55 to 97 inches, the LG G5 ensures that anyone, regardless of room size, can enjoy its brilliance.
However, it’s worth noting that the smaller models, like the 83, 77, 65, and 55-inch versions, retain the highest picture quality benefits.
Key features:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Software: Powered by the Alpha 11 AI processor, enhancing image clarity and offering AI-driven adjustments.
- Standout Element: Gamers will especially appreciate the support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR, ensuring smooth gameplay.
LG M5 OLED TV
Following closely behind its sibling, the LG M5 takes innovation to another level with its wireless design. Unlike the G5, this model features a Zero Connect Box, enabling a “visually lossless” wireless connection. Imagine setting up a TV with just one power cord—that’s the simplicity LG brings with the M5.
While its resolution and picture quality are equally impressive, it particularly shines for gamers, offering seamless 4K visuals at 144Hz.
Key features:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Software: Powered by the Alpha 11 AI processor, enhancing image clarity and offering AI-driven adjustments.
- Standout Element: A sleek, wire-free design perfect for modern homes.
Samsung S95F OLED TV
The S95F OLED TV takes centre stage for its matte, glare-free technology and Infinity One “floating screen” design. Building on last year’s S95D, Samsung has refined this feature to deliver an even better viewing experience in brightly lit environments.
If you’re looking for a TV that combines stunning visuals with practicality, the S95F might just be your match. Its 4000-nit display panel ensures vivid images and unmatched clarity.
Key features:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Screen sizes: available in 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch screen sizes
- Refresh Rate: Up to 165Hz
- Software: Runs on NQ4 AI Gen 3 processor, which increases the neural network count over the processor in last year’s S95D from 20 to 128.
- Standout Element: Matte technology eliminates reflections, making it ideal for well-lit rooms.
Displace TV(Pro and Basic)
The S95F OLED TV takes centre stage for its matte, glare-free technology and Infinity One “floating screen” design. Building on last year’s S95D, Samsung has refined this feature to deliver an even better viewing experience in brightly lit environments.
If you’re looking for a TV that combines stunning visuals with practicality, the S95F might just be your match. Its 4000-nit display panel ensures vivid images and unmatched clarity.
Key features:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Screen sizes: available in 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch screen sizes
- Refresh Rate: Up to 165Hz
- Software: Runs on NQ4 AI Gen 3 processor, which increases the neural network count over the processor in last year’s S95D from 20 to 128.
- Standout Element: Matte technology eliminates reflections, making it ideal for well-lit rooms.
Displace TV(Pro and Basic)
Unlike traditional LCD TVs that rely on white backlights, Hisense 116UX introduced an RGB backlight housed in an optical lens, delivering enhanced brightness and color accuracy.
This model strikes a perfect balance between modern tech and affordability, making it a standout for value-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
Key features:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Screen sizes: 116 inches
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Standout Element: Advanced backlighting ensures superior brightness and color fidelity.
TCL QM6K
As our final pick, the TCL proves that you don’t need to break the bank for premium features. The QM6K delivers exceptional image quality starting at $749 for the 50 inch screen size.
It is available in other sizes up to 98 inches– a great choice for anyone seeking affordability without sacrificing performance.
The Quantum Dot technology ensures bright, vibrant visuals, while the matte screen finish adds a touch of practicality, especially in well-lit rooms.
Key features of note include:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Screen sizes: 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, 98 inches
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Supports: Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos with a 2.1 Onkyo channel system and runs Google TV.
- Standout Element: Exceptional value, with prices starting at $1,000 for the 65-inch model.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the “best” TV is subjective and depends on your individual priorities. Whether you prioritize picture quality, smart features, gaming performance, or budget-friendliness, there’s a TV out there that’s perfect for you.
Consider your viewing habits, room environment, and budget to make the most informed decision and bring the best entertainment experience into your home.
FAQ
What size TV should I get?
When it comes to TV screen size, “bigger is better” is a good rule of thumb. Viewing distance plays an important role. You want your TV to be big enough so you don’t miss out on any picture details from where you’re sitting.
What are the different types of TVs?
There are two main types of TVs, LED and OLED. LED TVs use a backlight behind the screen. That makes them brighter, so they’re a good choice for rooms with a lot of sunlight. OLED TVs don’t need a backlight because their pixels are self-lighting. Their superior picture contrast and black levels make them look amazing.
What is a smart TV?
Smart TVs have Wi-Fi and built-in apps for streaming movies and TV shows directly from subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Most smart TVs also have built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control.
Is a 4K TV worth it?
A 4K TV will let you take full advantage of the great-looking 4K streaming content available through popular streaming services. 4K TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which boosts contrast and color for a more lifelike picture. They can also upscale non-4K video content for the best possible picture.
Is it hard to mount a TV on the wall?
Mounting your TV involves locating and drilling into wall studs and using basic tools like a socket wrench and bubble level.
It’s a good idea to have a friend or partner on hand to help with parts of the job. Our DIY guide contains a video that should help you decide whether you’re up to the task.
