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The best TVs money can buy
OLED or QLED? 48 inches or 55? There are so many TV options out there. If you need to upgrade your TV before the big game, it may feel overwhelming to sift through all the TV deals and promotions.
To help you find the best TV, not to mention the best deals on top TVs, ZDNET experts combed the web and selected top picks. We've rounded up the best TVs overall, and we're also constantly updating our coverage of the best TV deals, so you can save time and money.
ZDNET Recommends
Brands like LG and Sony are known for producing high-end OLED models, which offer excellent cinema-grade picture quality. Samsung and Hisense offer solid mid-range TVs with features like Dolby Vision, HDR support, dedicated gaming mode, and adaptive sound. TCL is known for budget-friendly models, even at bigger screen sizes, and the TCL TVs use the Roku platform for a streamlined browsing experience while you flip through apps.
Here are the best TVs you can buy in 2023.
Also: Which LG TV is right for you and how do the top OLED models compare?
- VRR support
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+
- Multi-View
- Video call capable
- Pricey at larger sizes
- No Dolby Vision support
Tech specs: Screen size: 43 to 85 inches | HDR: Quantum HDR 32X, HDR10+ | Audio: Object Tracking Sound+, Dolby Atmos | Panel type: Neo QLED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120Hz | VRR support: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
The Samsung QN90B is the ultimate entertainment unit for your living room or home theater. With screen sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches, you're bound to find one that fits your space. Plus, the anti-glare coating helps enhance visibility by reducing reflections of overhead and ambient light.
The integrated speakers work with Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technologies to create virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. Console gamers will love the variable refresh rate support via AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smoother playback and lower latency. You can even make video calls with your Samsung QN90B by connecting a compatible webcam and using the Google Duo app, which will make virtual classes and meetings more comfortable when you can tune in from your couch.
With the Multi-View feature, you can simultaneously watch two video sources at once -- perfect for catching up with both news headlines and your favorite Netflix show, or following along with a yoga routine while you browse YouTube.
- Excellent picture quality
- AI sound and picture
- VRR and voice control support
- Expensive
Tech specs: Screen size: 42 to 83 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Panel type: OLED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120Hz | VRR support: Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
If picture quality is your top priority while shopping for a new TV, the new C2 from LG is your best option. It features an updated OLED panel with a brightness booster for better visibility while still maintaining perfect black levels for enhanced detailing and contrast. You can use Alexa, Hey Google, and even Siri with your TV for hands-free voice controls to launch apps, switch HDMI inputs, or adjust settings.
The C2 works with both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos to create an immersive, cinematic experience that movie buffs will love. And with dynamic tone mapping, the C2 divides the screen into 5,000 blocks to individually analyze and render even better color accuracy, contrast, and detailing. The new 5th generation a9 processor provides excellent native and upscaled 4K resolution as well as automatic setting adjustments for the best viewing and listening experience possible.
- Calman-certified calibration
- Acoustic Surface Audio
- Built-in light sensors
- Screen mirroring support
- Only one screen size
- Expensive
Tech specs: Screen size: 48 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio | Panel type: OLED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120Hz | VRR support: Yes, via Game Mode
The Sony A9S might be on the smaller side, but that doesn't mean it skimps on features. The OLED screen gives you excellent 4K resolution, color, and contrast, and you can also calibrate the screen with the Calman auto-calibration app to get the very best picture possible. It also uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio technology to turn the whole screen into a speaker for near-perfect audio and video syncing. And with Dolby Atmos support, you'll get virtual surround sound for an immersive experience.
It supports both Apple AirPlay and Chromecast, so you can share videos, photos, and music from your mobile devices. Plus, built-in voice controls give you hands-free commands over your new TV. Integrated cable management channels help to keep your home theater or living room looking neat and organized, so you don't have to choose between cutting the cord and keeping your Blu-Ray player. A built-in light sensor helps to automatically adjust brightness as the ambient light in the room changes, giving you consistent visibility in almost any environment.
- Under $500
- Google TV platform
- Voice controls
- Chromecast support
- No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos
- No VRR support
Tech specs: Screen size: 55 inches | HDR: HDR | Audio: Dolby Digital Plus | Panel type: LED | Resolution: 4K| Refresh rate: 60Hz | VRR support: No
The TCL 55S446 4-Series proves that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great 4K TV. The 55-inch version retails comfortably under $500, making it a solid choice for a first TV or a second screen in your bedroom or kids' playroom.
It supports both Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio as well as Chromecast for sharing videos, photos, and music from your phone. The suite of preloaded apps includes Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, so you can get started watching your favorite shows and movies right out of the box. The included remote is also capable of voice controls via Hey Google for hands-free commands over your new TV.
Unlike other TCL options, this TV uses the Google TV platform, giving you access to even more apps, as well as an easy-to-navigate home screen to quickly find something to watch. You can also add shows and movies to your watchlist right from your phone; simply search on Google and add the title to your watchlist from the results page to pick up on your TV later. It even has a built-in tuner, so you can watch free, over-the-air channels and keep up with local news headlines, sports scores, and entertainment.
- Dolby Vision and Atmos support
- Calman calibration
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Bravia Cam compatible
- No Acoustic Surface Audio
- No dedicated VRR support
Tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround | Panel type: LED | Resolution: 4K| Refresh rate: 120Hz | VRR support: Via dedicated game mode
The 85-inch Sony X80K is the perfect true big-screen TV if you're looking to upgrade your living room or home theater. The screen features a flush, narrow bezel for more viewing area as well as an updated LED panel for better color, contrast, and detailing. With support for Dolby Vision, details and contrast are enhanced even further, while Dolby Atmos creates room-filling, virtual surround sound for an immersive experience.
Like its cousin, the A9S, you can use the Calman calibration app to perfect the X80K's screen. Plus, built-in light sensors automatically adjust the brightness to provide better visibility in almost any lighting environment. If you connect an available Bravia Cam, you can use your TV to make video calls or set up gesture-based controls to augment the voice-enabled remote for truly hands-free command over your new TV. The native 120Hz refresh rate along with Sony's X-Reality Pro technology make motion blur a thing of the past, so you never miss a second of the action in your favorite shows and movies.
What is the best TV?
Our pick for the best TV is the Samsung QN90B. It has a wide range of screen sizes to suit a variety of spaces, as well as support for Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ for room-filling, virtual surround sound. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to provide console gamers with smoother playback and lower latency, and the Google Duo app lets you make video calls with your TV.
Choose this TV... | If you want... |
Samsung QN90B | A well-rounded TV with great picture and sound quality |
LG C2 | An OLED that provides the best viewing experience |
Sony A9S | A smaller TV for apartments, dorms, or bedrooms |
TCL 55S446 | A high-quality TV for under $500 |
Sony X80K | The best big-screen TV on the market |
What is the right TV for you?
Once you've finalized a budget, you'll want to make sure your new TV will fit 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. Then, divide that number in half. If your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) from your TV, the ideal TV size for your room would be about 60 inches.
You'll also want to consider accessibility features like voice controls, screen readers, and closed captioning to provide great entertainment for everyone.
Best TV | Price | Screen size | HDR |
Samsung QN90B | $1698 | 43 to 85 inches | Quantum HDR 32X, HDR10+ |
LG C2 | $1697 | 42 to 83 inches | Dolby Vision IQ |
Sony A9S | $800 | 48 inches | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
TCL 55S446 | $300 | 55 inches | HDR |
Sony X80K | $1698 | 85 inches | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
How did we choose these TVs?
We chose a variety of screen sizes and price points to fit different budgets and room types. We also chose TV models that provided various features to suit different shopper priorities: picture quality, dedicated gaming mode, virtual surround sound, voice controls, and more.
What is the best TV for gaming?
Our pick for the best gaming TV is the LG C2. Not only does it deliver exceptional picture quality, but it also supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate technology for smoother playback and lower latency. It even supports cloud gaming via Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now, so you can play your favorite PC games on your couch.
Which is better: Roku or Android TVs?
That depends on your personal preference. Both platforms have their 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 that locates 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.
What size TV do I need?
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.
Is it worth buying an 8K TV?
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 consistently stream 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 cash to burn, you might get more value out of an 8K television than someone who just wants to watch House of the Dragon on HBO Max.
What's the difference between OLED and QLED?
OLED and QLED panel types use the same basic component 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, they're a worthwhile investment.
Are there alternative TVs worth considering?
There are about as many TVs on the market as there are customers shopping for them. No matter what your priorities are (surround sound, picture quality, or smart networking), there's a TV model out there to suit your needs. Here's a short list of other models that are great choices: