Researching which TV to buy is like trying to find a needle in a needlestack: the neverending model names, numbers, TV sizes, years, and specs all blend together and it seems like you’ll never be able to confidently settle on a choice let alone understand what the heck you’re buying.
We’ve solved your problem by doing the dirty work: below are the best TVs you can buy, with all the important info summarized into a concise list of recommendations. You can continue down the rabbit hole of research if you’d like, but why waste any more time? The suggestions here have our full confidence- choose one of these and you’ll be happy with your purchase.
Last updates on 2021-09-23 at 17:12
This guide uses 65-inch TVs (the most popular size) for links and examples unless otherwise stated.
Best TV Overall: LG GX/CX
The Best TV overall is currently the LG OLED GX and LG OLED CX models. The most important features to look for when buying a new TV right now are 4K, HDR, 120Hz Refresh Rate, and HDMI 2.1: the LG GX/CX check all the important boxes.
When comparing the LG GX vs. LG CX the primary difference is that the LG GX is meant to be mounted while the LG CX is better for putting on a TV stand. The GX and CX specs are nearly identical, but the GX is more elegantly designed, sitting nearly flush against the wall for an absolutely stunning appearance, with an enhanced audio experience.
LG GX/CX Specs include:
- 4K OLED Display
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- HDR (Cinema HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10)
- 4 HDMI Ports
The main differentiator between the LG GX/CX and its competitors is the screen technology: it’s an OLED display with the best looking picture by far.
- OLEDs have the darkest blacks and best HDR
- QLEDs have the brightest colors and better endurance
- LED/LCD have less impressive colors but more affordable
Although OLEDs have been the superior option for several years, they’re just now becoming affordable enough to make sense for most people. Their ability to display perfect black pixels next to brilliantly bright pixels creates what you could consider infinite contrast. The results are amazing and well worth the investment if you can afford it.
Best TV for the Money: Samsung Q80
The best TV for the money is the Samsung Q80 series, which is a QLED TV that’s among the brightest on the market, making it a great choice for bright rooms with many windows.
When comparing the Samsung Q80 vs Q90 the biggest difference is price: the Q90 is more expensive. Although the Q90 has slightly better specs than the Q80 it’s not worth the upgrade. Simply put, the Samsung Q80 has the best value of any TV on the market.
Samsung Q80 specs include:
- 4K QLED Display
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- HDR (Quantum HDR 12X)
- Ultra Viewing Angle
Best Affordable TV: TCL 6-Series
If you’re looking for an affordable television that still looks great, look no further than the TCL 6-Series. It’s a 4K Roku TV with QLED screen technology that provides for an incredibly bright and cinematic viewing experience with fantastic HDR performance.
Although the color accuracy and uniformity could be better, and the viewing angles aren’t great, the performance of the TCL 6-series is of high quality considering the price. It’s important to note there are also some “next gen” features missing like HDMI 2.1 support
TCL 6-Series specs include:
- 4K QLED
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- HDR (Dolby Vision HDR)
We’re tempted to remove the TCL 6-Series from this list due to their misleading marketing: they list 120Hz “Clear Motion Index” to trick consumers into thinking it’s a 120Hz Refresh Rate but these are not the same things. The TCL 6 Series has a 60Hz Refresh Rate and uses fancy tricks to make it display like a 120Hz TV. It’s an important clarification, but nonetheless, the TCL 6-Series deserves to be crowned as the best affordable TV.
Best Budget TVs
There are tons of great budget TVs: they’re a dime a dozen. If you’re looking for a budget TV than you’re inherently price sensitive. Rather than closely comparing specs of the cheap TV models, narrow it down to the best cheap TVs and pick whatever is on sale.
Last updates on 2021-09-23 at 14:02