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If you’re looking to upgrade your home theater with a high-end OLED TV for the ultimate entertainment center or just need a budget-friendly second screen, there are tons of great options from both big brands like Samsung and Sony, as well as smaller brands like TCL and Hisense. With updates like improved OLED panels and object tracking sound, it’s easier than ever to find a quality TV no matter your budget.
For anyone who has cut the cord with their cable or satellite provider, almost all new TVs on the market come with a variety of smart features as standard like a suite of popular, preloaded apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, integrated voice controls, and automatic picture modes for streaming and console gaming. Speaking of console gaming, many new TVs also support VRR technology like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, as well as refresh rates of 120Hz or higher for smoother action during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes.
What is the best TV right now?
At ZDNET, we’ve extensively tested TVs from Samsung, Sony, TCL, and more. Our choice for the best TV overall is the Samsung S95D for its object-tracking sound, excellent picture quality, and integrated security chip. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung S95D, as well as my other top picks for the best TVs you can buy.
Also: Best VPNs for smart TVs
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The best TVs of 2025
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Why we like it: The Samsung S95D is a great OLED TV with an incredible picture. It also features support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound as well as object-tracking sound for audio that follows the on-screen action. It has a refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for console gaming. And with a dedicated gaming dashboard, you can get access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass to play your favorite titles without a PC or console.
Read more: Samsung’s S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and the best in the world right now
Who it’s for: The Samsung S95D is an almost perfect choice for anyone who has been looking to invest in an OLED TV as their main screen. With HDR support and high refresh rate, it’s great for everything from catching up with local news and sports to bingeing your favorite comfort shows or teaming up with friends for online games on the weekends.
Who should look elsewhere: Since the S95D is an OLED model, it has a higher retail price than its Mini LED or QLED cousins. So if you’re looking to upgrade on a budget, or don’t necessarily need all the fancy extra features that come with this TV, there are some more affordable options on this list.
Samsung S95D specs: Screen size: 55-77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: OLED HDR Pro | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google
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Why we like it: The TCL U65 is an affordable smart TV that comes in a range of screen sizes from as small as 43 inches to a truly cinema-sized 98-inch model. With support for both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, you get great picture and audio quality for the price, while integrated voice controls give you hands-free use over your new TV and connected devices.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking to upgrade your main home theater screen on a budget, or if you need an affordable small-screen for your college dorm or apartment, the TCL U65 is a great option. With a 60Hz refresh rate, you’ll get cleaner motion while watching movies, shows, and live sports.
Who should look elsewhere: While this TV has a lot of cool smart features, it’s lower refresh rate might turn off some users who watch a lot of live sports or fast-paced movies and shows. It also uses a regular LED panel, which can’t create as many colors as QLED, Mini-LED, or OLED panels can.
TCL U65 specs: Screen size: 43-98 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit
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Why we like it: The LG G4 OLED is a high-end TV stuffed to the brim with cool features like integrated Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a preloaded suite of popular streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR.
Read the review: The LG G4 was the best TV I saw this year
Who it’s for: If you’re looking to invest in a very high-end OLED TV that will last for years to come, you can’t do much better than the LG G4. With screen sizes from 65 to 97 inches, you’ll be able to find a model that perfectly complements your space.
Who should look elsewhere: The LG G4 OLED is a premium-grade TV with a price tag to match. So if you’re looking to stick to a budget, or are looking for a more affordable OLED option, there are plenty to choose from on this list.
LG G4 specs: Screen size: 65-97 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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Why we like it: The Samsung QN90D is an almost perfect choice for console gamers, or even PC gamers looking to add another screen to their setup. With support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, screen tearing and stuttering is a thing of the past. And the 144Hz max refresh rate ensures smoother motion during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes.
Also: Neo QLED vs OLED: Which TV technology is right for you?
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a TV to put in your dedicated gaming space, the QN90D is a great option. The gaming dashboard gives you access to cloud gaming platforms like Xbox GamePass and Nvidia GeForce Now so you can play your favorite titles without any hardware.
Who should look elsewhere: If you need a TV that can handle everything from console gaming to streaming, you may want to consider another option. The Samsung QN90D doesn’t support Dolby Vision HDR or Nvidia G-Sync VRR, so users who prefer those technologies are out of luck.
Samsung QN90D specs: Screen size: 43-98 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google
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Why we like it: The TCL QM6K offers one of the biggest screens you can get at 98 inches, and all that screen real estate is backed up by cool features like a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision IQ HDR support, and integrated voice controls via Alexa and Google Assistant.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking to upgrade your home theater with a truly cinema-sized screen, the TCL QM6K is an excellent choice. And with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, you’ll get rich, full audio to match the great picture quality. With 4K resolution, you’ll get better detailing while Dolby Vision IQ gives you sharper contrast.
Who should look elsewhere: While the TCL QM6K is available in smaller screen sizes, the smallest model is still 65 inches. Which means if you need a small-screen model for your bedroom, dorm, or apartment, you’ll need to take a look at other TCL models or even other brands.
TCL QM6K specs: Screen size: 65-98 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual: X | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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My choice for the best TV is the Samsung S95D for it’s exceptional picture quality thanks to the updated QD-OLED panel and anti-glare coating. It also features virtual surround sound via Dolby Atmos and Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ technology to give you a more immersive experience without having to set up extra speakers. And the base refresh rate of 120Hz can be bumped up to 144Hz for console and PC gaming or smoother action during fast-paced movies, shows, and sports broadcasts.
| Best TV | Starting Price | HDR/Audio | Screen size |
| Samsung S95D | $2,400 | OLED HDR Pro/ Object Tracking Sound+, Dolby Atmos | 55-77 inches |
| TCL Q65 | $530 | Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos | 43-98 inches |
| LG G4 | $2,350 | Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos | 65-97 inches |
| Samsung QN90D | $1,800 | Neo Quantum HDR+, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound + | 43-98 inches |
| TCL QM6K | $550 | Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual: X | 65-98 inches |
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary on retailer, screen size, and available promotions or discounts.
After determining your budget, it’s important to ensure that your new TV will fit comfortably in your space. Start by measuring the distance (in inches) between your couch and where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. Divide that number in half to find the ideal TV size for your room. For example, if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) away from your TV, the recommended TV size for your room would be about 60 inches.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to consider accessibility features such as voice controls, screen readers, and closed captioning to ensure that everyone can enjoy the entertainment. These features can provide an enhanced viewing experience for those who are hearing or visually impaired, and they can be especially helpful for households with young children or elderly family members.
| Buy this best TV… | If you need… |
| Samsung S95D | A high-quality TV for all your entertainment. The Samsung S95D has one of the best OLED panels you can buy right now, and it’s expert calibrated for color accuracy to give you more lifelike images. |
| TCL Q65 | A budget-friendly TV. The TCL Q65 offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support along with built-in Alexa controls and and updated LED panel for a price that won’t break the bank. |
| LG G4 | An OLED TV. The LG G4 is the newest OLED flagship model from the brand, offering an updated OLED panel, Nvidia G-Sync VRR support, and a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Samsung QN90D | A TV for gaming. The Samsung QN90D has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz for gaming. You can also get access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology. |
| TCL QM6K | A big screen TV. The TCL QM6K features a bright screen that is great in almost any lighting environment, and it produces bold, bright colors for great picture quality. |
While shopping for a new TV for your home theater or a second screen for your bedroom, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Brand integrity: While it’s tempting to snap up that ultra-cheap TV from a smaller or unknown brand in order to save money, you may end up paying more in the long run. And you could run into customer service issues when trying to make a return or troubleshoot an issue. Each TV on this list was chosen from a trusted brand with verified customer service options.
- Smart features: Customers have come to expect smart features like streaming apps and virtual assistants as-standard in their TVs. Each model on this list was chosen because it offers a host of features like preinstalled streaming apps, virtual assistant support, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Reasons to upgrade: Brands may release model updates almost yearly, but they don’t always give you a real reason to upgrade. Each TV we chose offers upgraded panels, brighter pictures, and in some cases better online security.
While testing and researching the TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:
- Price: Not all budgets are created equal. And if you’re working with a limited budget, that shouldn’t mean you have to settle for a sub-par TV. Each TV model on this list has been chosen across a variety of price points to help accommodate different needs.
- Screen size: The most important factor to consider, after price, when shopping for a new TV is whether or not it will fit into your space. Each best TV on this list was chosen because they are available in a wide variety of sizes to suit different rooms.
- Picture and audio quality: A new TV doesn’t mean much, even if it costs an arm and a leg, if it doesn’t provide a great picture and clear audio. Each TV on this list has been ensured to support various HDR codecs, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as enhanced audio software like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and object-tracking sound.
For a more detailed look, check out our extensive TV testing methodology.
Latest news on TVs
Big brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony have all released or announced yearly refreshes to their TV lineups with improved OLED, QLED, and Mini LED panels for better color accuracy, brightness, and contrast. Smaller brands like TCL and Hisense also announced lineup refreshes with enhanced picture and audio quality.
IT depends on your personal preference. Both platforms have pros and cons. Roku TVs tend to be some of the most affordable on the market while still providing a great streaming experience via a suite of preloaded, popular apps. Roku TVs also have a simplified home menu with your most-used apps and HDMI-connected devices in one easy-to-navigate hub, so you never have to scroll through confusing menus or memorize input locations. The downside? They often don’t have native voice control or support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.
Android-based televisions are a bit more expensive, but you get more features, like built-in voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, support for variable refresh rate technology, as well as Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound processing.
When comparing Roku and Android-based TVs, consider your must-have features so you can choose the model that best fits your needs and budget.
The best way to find your ideal TV screen size is to measure the distance (in inches) between your couch and where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a dedicated stand. Next, divide that distance by two. So if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) from where the TV will be, the ideal size would be 60 inches.
You can always go a bit bigger or smaller depending on your budget and what’s available, but you don’t want to go wild and get a huge screen if you don’t need to. Not only do you run the risk of having your new, expensive TV not fit your space, but a screen that’s too big can overwhelm a room and even cause motion sickness. On the other end of the spectrum, while smaller screens tend to be more affordable, a TV that’s too small for a room can make the space feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around in order to see.
As of right now, we’re inclined to say no. Not only are 8K televisions very expensive, but there isn’t any 8K content available over broadcast, streaming, or gaming outlets to justify buying one. A conservative estimate would say that 8K streaming and gaming will be available within the next five years or so, and it will require a very fast internet connection to handle the bandwidth needed to stream consistently in ultra-high definition.
If you’ve always been an early adopter of tech, want to get a jump on future-proofing your home theater, and have extra cash to spend, you might get more value out of an 8K television than someone who just wants to watch Succession on HBO Max.
If you’re looking for an 8K panel, I personally recommend checking out the Samsung QN900C. I had a chance to check it out, and during my initial testing, I really, truly enjoyed the display.
OLED and QLED panel types use the same basic components to create images on screen: a power source, a light source, and a color source. The key differences are exactly how these panels get power, light, and color.
A QLED screen, mostly seen in Samsung, TCL, and Hisense models, uses a modified LED panel and a “quantum dot” screen to create images. The “quantum” in QLED seems to be more of a catchy marketing term than an allusion to actual quantum tech, but it does give you enhanced color and detailing over a regular LED display.
An OLED panel, found in LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs, uses an array of mini LED lamps that are individually lit along with organic substrates for color. The individual LEDs allow for true blacks to create stunning contrast and make colors pop. It’s an expensive technology to produce, so OLED TVs are pretty pricey. But if picture quality is your top priority, it’s a worthwhile investment.
The best TV for a living room can vary depending on the size of the room and your budget. However, some of the best options available include the Samsung QN90B, the LG C2, and the Sony X80K. These TVs provide excellent picture and sound quality, a range of features, and a variety of screen sizes to suit different room types.
It really depends on your preferences and the TV model you choose. Some TVs have excellent built-in speakers that provide ample sound quality for most viewers, while others may benefit from a separate soundbar or audio system for a more immersive audio experience. If you’re a movie or gaming enthusiast, you may want to consider investing in a soundbar or dedicated audio system to complement your TV.
Also: The best soundbars
Other TVs we’ve tested
TV Models Reviewed and Compared
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