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If you’re shopping for a new TV in 2024, you have lots of options to choose from. Stores are packed with bright 4K displays, cheap HDTVs, and razor-sharp 8K sets. But while picture quality and specific features vary depending on what kind of display you get, the best TVs all share one thing in common: a reliable viewing experience.
I’ve been reviewing home entertainment products for more than a decade, and after hands-on testing and extensive research, I’ve selected the seven best TVs you can buy right now. The Samsung S90C is my top pick thanks to its high contrast, wide viewing angles, bright colors, and highly competitive price. Shoppers who want to spend less should consider my budget pick, the Hisense U6K. Its Mini LED backlight helps it deliver better image quality than other TVs in its price range. Â
Below, you’ll find all of my best TV picks, including high-end, midrange, 8K, and even HD models, to ensure that all budgets and viewing needs are accounted for.Â
Note: All of our recommendations are available in multiple screen sizes. You can select different sizes 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 AmazonÂ
Best OLED on a budget: LG B3 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best high-end display: Sony A95L 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best budget QLED: Hisense U6K 4K TV – See at Walmart
Best midrange model: Hisense U7K 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best 8K display: Samsung QN900C 8K TV – See at Amazon
Best HDTV: TCL S3 Series HDTV – See at Amazon
Best overall
Samsung S90C 65-inch 4K OLED TV
The S90C is our pick for the top TV 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.
The Samsung S90C is our pick for the best TV you can buy right now. It delivers top-notch image quality with a few picture-performance perks you won’t find on other sets in its price range.Â
The S90C has a 4K QD-OLED panel. The “QD” before “OLED” means it uses a screen technology called quantum dots, which can deliver nearly unrivaled color performance. The S90C is the most affordable QD-OLED on the market, 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 we’ve tested.Â
The display can achieve a peak brightness level 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 results in deeper black levels and more precise highlights without any blooming.
The only notable feature the S90C is missing 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 displays. However, the benefits of Dolby Vision are subtle, especially on TVs that get as bright as the S90C, so we don’t consider this a dealbreaker. You can learn more about different high-dynamic-range formats in our full HDR guide.
Though not our 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 directly on its TVs, 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 brand-new flagship S95D OLED, but it’s hard to beat the S90C’s overall value. There’s also a new 2024 version of this TV, the S90D, rolling out to stores. However, the S90D costs considerably more than the S90C and is not expected to offer a big upgrade in performance.
Read our Samsung S90C 4K TV review.
Note: The 83-inch S90C doesn’t use quantum dots, so it can’t match the color performance of smaller models.Â
Best OLED on a budget
LG 65-inch B3 OLED 4K TV
Though the B3 isn’t the most advanced OLED TV, it’s the most budget-friendly model and still delivers an infinite contrast ratio. This deal price makes it one of the cheapest 65-inch OLEDs you can buy.
Though you can find plenty of affordable QLED and LED displays, cheap OLED TVs are hard to snag. Currently, LG’s B3 is the closest thing to a budget OLED, with the 65-inch model often on sale for $1,300 or less.
Like the more expensive OLEDs we recommend, the B3 offers an infinite contrast ratio with perfect black levels and wide viewing angles. On the downside, the B3 has a lower peak brightness of about 600-700 nits. HDR content still looks good, especially with Dolby Vision support, but the brightest highlights you see won’t pop with the same vibrancy that you’d get on Samsung’s S90C, Sony’s A95L, or LG’s pricier C and G series TVs. The lower brightness also makes the B3 less suited for spaces with many windows that let in sunlight.
On the plus side, the B3 has a 120Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 ports, just like many of LG’s step-up models. This means it can support high frame rate gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series console, or PC. It also supports VRR (variable refresh rate). And the TV’s webOS platform gives you access to plenty of apps.
It’s important to note that LG just released a 2024 version of this TV, called the B4, but its specifications suggest only minor improvements over the B3. And right now, the B4 costs even more than our top pick, the Samsung S90C, so we don’t recommend it as a budget OLED.Â
Best high-end display
Sony 65-inch A95L OLED 4K TV
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.
The Sony A95L OLED is the absolute best TV you can buy for high-end picture performance. 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 some of the highest peak brightness levels we’ve seen on an OLED and benefits from Sony’s unique picture processing to produce superior image accuracy and upscaling.Â
The differences can be 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 class, Dolby Vision is a nice perk since it gives the TV scene-by-scene guidance for rendering color and contrast when watching Dolby Vision content on popular services like Netflix and Disney Plus.Â
The A95L is also one of the brightest OLEDs we’ve ever tested. We measured a peak of 1,500 nits with the TV in its most accurate “Professional” mode. That’s 50% brighter than its predecessor, the A95K, and about on par with LG’s G4. However, Samsung’s brand-new S95D can get even brighter at a peak of around 1,700 nits.Â
But while the A95L’s brightness can’t quite match the S95D’s, its overall image quality remains our favorite. The TV’s proprietary picture processing does an excellent job upscaling lower-quality sources, so cable TV and HD streams show fewer flaws. And Sony’s tech still leads the industry in delivering the most accurate picture for the best home theater experience. We also like how the A95L’s glossy screen preserves black levels better than the S95D’s matte screen in a bright room. But, the S95D is better at reducing reflections.Â
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.Â
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. And since this year’s model uses left and right feet rather than a pedestal design, the low-profile option no longer causes the display to lean back.
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) and its lack of 144Hz PC support. 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.Â
Best budget QLED
Hisense 65-inch U6K QLED 4K TV
Hisense’s U6K is one of the best budget TVs you can buy. The 4K display boasts quantum dots, local dimming, and a Mini LED backlight to deliver better contrast and color performance than most competitors in its price range. This isn’t the lowest price we’ve seen, but it’s still an incredible deal for a Mini LED TV.
The Hisense U6K is the most affordable TV of its kind. It has quantum dots and local dimming with a Mini LED backlight. The former feature enables a wide range of bright colors, while the latter gives the TV deep black levels. Mini LEDs are especially rare on a TV in this price range, and they provide more precise control over the panel’s contrast levels. Â
You can often find the 65-inch U6K on sale for just $550 or less, an incredible value. Sure, it has fewer dimming zones than step-up models like the U7K, but its performance is nearly unmatched by rivals in this class. Most budget TVs lack wide color support and often top out at about 300 nits, but the U6K offers an expanded color gamut and up to 600 nits of brightness. We generally recommend at least 800-1,000 nits for the best performance, but 600 is enough to start seeing the benefits of HDR.Â
However, gamers should remember that the TV only has 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. The display’s viewing angles are also poor, but that’s to be expected for pretty much any TV in this class.
The U6K is a bit of an outlier in the TV market right now, hitting an especially appealing sweet spot between entry-level pricing and performance. There are cheaper TVs, but the U6K offers a big jump in image quality over other budget options while maintaining a low price. Hisense does have a brand-new 2024 version of this set, called the U6N, but it’s not expected to offer a big upgrade and currently costs much more than the U6K. Â
Read our full Hisense U6K 4K TV review.Â
Best midrange model
Hisense 65-inch U7K QLED 4K TV
The Hisense U7K delivers great picture performance for its class, with excellent HDR brightness and advanced gaming features.
Hisense’s U7K is easily one of the best TVs for under $1,000. It offers a brighter picture and a higher refresh rate than the step-down U6K but still costs less than a lot of similar TVs from other brands.Â
The U7K’s QLED panel can deliver up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, which is fantastic for a TV in this price range and nearly double what you get on the cheaper U6K. And the TV’s Mini LED screen uses more dimming zones, so you get better contrast control. During our testing, we saw deep black levels and encountered no notable halos around bright objects.
When it comes to gaming, the TV has two HDMI 2.1 ports, so it can support high frame rates and variable refresh rate (VRR) with full 120Hz compatibility on a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Its refresh rate can even go up to 144Hz with a PC, which is especially rare for a set in this price range. You also get solid smart TV capabilities via the display’s Google TV interface and Google Assistant remote, but navigation can be a little sluggish.Â
Compared to more expensive QLED TVs, the U7K has some drawbacks. HDR highlights can’t get quite as bright, and you might notice some minor brightness fluctuations and uniformity issues here and there. The TV’s viewing angles are also mediocre, so color and contrast degrade if you sit off to the side. Â
Still, it’s hard to fault the U7K too much for these cons since it does so much right for such an amazing price. Buyers should note that there is a new 2024 version of this TV, called the U7N, to consider as well. It’s listed as offering an even brighter picture, but it costs over $1,000, so we think the U7K remains the better option for the money.Â
Read our full Hisense U7K 4K TV review.
Best 8K displayÂ
Samsung 75-inch QN900C QLED 8K TV
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. Outside of its high resolution, the QN900C is also one of the brightest TVs you can buy.
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 we’ve ever seen on an LCD-based display.Â
The QN900C is also one of the brightest TVs you can buy. During our 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 minimal blooming. Viewing angles are also superior to most rival QLED TVs, so colors and contrast degrade less when sitting off to the side.Â
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 us 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 to a big display, but otherwise, we 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.    Â
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. You’re more likely to notice the subtle benefits an 8K panel can provide at that screen size, so we don’t recommend considering an 8K TV smaller than that.
Samsung just launched a new 2024 edition of this set, the QN900D, which looks incredible in person as well. But the 75-inch QN900D sells for about $2,300 more than the QN900C is going for right now, and it doesn’t deliver a big enough performance jump to justify that price increase. However, we do expect the QN900D to gradually drop in price as the year goes on.Â
Best HDTV
TCL 43-inch S3 HDTV
TCL’s S3 HDTV is a reliable and cheap option if all you need is a smaller smart TV for casual viewing. This deal price is common but still a good value for what you get.
Buyers who just want a cheap HDTV in a smaller screen size should look no further than this affordable TCL display.Â
The S3 Series is a basic 1080p smart TV that ranges in size from 32 to 43 inches. At such small screen sizes, you’d be hard-pressed to see the full benefits of a 4K display, so the TV’s Full HD resolution suits it just fine. Its smaller form factor makes it a nice choice for cozier spaces like a bedroom.
When it comes to image quality, the S3 is nothing special. It doesn’t use quantum dots or feature local dimming, so color, contrast, black-level performance, and brightness won’t be anywhere near what you’d get with any of the more expensive TVs we recommend. It technically supports HDR10 playback, but the TV’s specs aren’t really capable of showing the benefits of that format, so we don’t think HDR is all that useful on a TV in this class. However, the S3’s basic picture performance gets the job done, especially if you just want something for casual viewing.Â
For smart TV streaming, the S3 uses the Roku OS. Roku’s interface is one of our favorites thanks to its simplicity and reliability. It’s not the most modern-looking platform, but it offers easy access to all the most popular streaming services.Â
Home theater fans and gamers should look elsewhere, but buyers who need a cheap HDTV should be satisfied with the S3.Â
Other TVs we tested
Though they didn’t quite make the cut, we 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.Â
TCL Q7 QLED 4K TV – See at Amazon
TCL’s Q7 is an excellent mid-tier 4K TV. It’s similar to the Hisense U7K, our top midrange TV pick. However, the U7K has a slight edge thanks to its Mini LED backlight, which gives it better contrast control.
Read our TCL Q7 4K TV review.
Roku Plus Series QLED 4K TV – See at Best Buy
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 U6K, our top QLED pick on a budget, which costs a bit less.
Read our Roku Plus Series 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 U6K.Â
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.Â
How we test TVs
We selected picks for our best TV guide based on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by extensive expertise in the home entertainment product space. 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.Â
We use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter to measure a TV’s brightness and test patterns from the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to evaluate other objective display capabilities.Â
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.Â
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 technology has its own strengths and weaknesses that could make it better suited for different kinds of viewers.Â
Below is a rundown of the pros and cons for each, along with info on different smart TV platforms and size recommendations. 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.Â
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 the best 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’ 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 in 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 OLED models, QD-OLED TVs are suited for both home theaters and average living rooms alike, and they deliver a bit more HDR punch in highlights. Â
Pros:Â
- 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.Â
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:Â
- Top models have industry-leading brightness and color volumeÂ
- Models with local dimming and Mini LEDs can provide great contrastÂ
- 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 or Mini 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.Â
Pros:Â
- 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 some models offering options as small as 24 inches and others offering options 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.Â
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 to fit the TV you buy. Certain sizes are also better suited for certain resolutions.
For instance, HD resolution screens are still 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 show off their best TV models, and we think this size offers a great balance between big-screen immersion and value without getting 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).Â
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 service, but every major smart TV platform offers access to all 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
TV FAQs
Should you buy a new 2024 TV or a 2023 model?
Several brands, including LG, Samsung, Sony, and Hisense, have launched their first crop of 2024 TVs, and additional models will continue to roll out through the spring and summer.Â
That said, 2023 TV models will remain available throughout the year until stock runs out. Though there are exceptions, performance upgrades are often minor when comparing 2023 TVs to their 2024 counterparts, and 2024 options are currently selling for a lot more money. With that in mind, we think most 2023 TVs remain the best value
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.Â
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.Â
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.  Â
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.Â
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. Â
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.Â
We recommend purchasing a soundbar or a full surround sound system to get the best sound quality with your TV. Check out our guides to the best soundbars, best budget soundbars, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to see our top recommendations.
And for more details on the latest advancements in immersive surround sound technology, check out our guide to all the ins and outs of Dolby Atmos.
Can I watch free local channels on my TV?
All of the best 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.Â
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.Â
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.   Â
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.Â
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.Â
I’ve owned an LG CX OLED TV for over two 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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