Updated March 2025
#1 🏆 Best Overall
TCL 55-Inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV (55Q651G, 2024 Model) Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR Pro+, Game Accelerator Enhanced Gaming, Voice...
TCL
PRIMEPRIME
$297.99
☷ Key Highlights:
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Experience four times the detail of 1080p Full HD.
- QLED PRO Technology: Delivers vibrant colors covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space.
- High Brightness+ LED Backlight: Produces brighter images for an enhanced viewing experience.
- TCL AIPQ Processor: Optimizes color, contrast, and clarity for superior 4K HDR performance.
- HDR PRO+ Compatibility: Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG for enhanced contrast and detail.
- Motion Rate 240: Offers best-in-class motion clarity with advanced enhancement technologies.
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM): Automatically optimizes settings for low input lag during gaming.
- Dolby Atmos & DTS Virtual:X: Provides immersive audio with improved dialogue clarity from the TV speakers.
#2 🥈 Runner-up
Amazon Fire TV 40" 2-Series (newest model), HD smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote, stream live TV without cable
Amazon
PRIMEPRIME
$179.97
$249.99
28% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- High Definition Display: Enjoy movies and shows in HD 1080p resolution, with support for HDR 10 and Dolby Digital Audio.
- All-in-One Entertainment: Access live TV, video games, and music while streaming over 1 million titles from popular subscriptions like Netflix and Prime Video.
- Free Streaming Options: Watch movies and TV episodes for free with apps like YouTube, Freevee, and Pluto TV.
- Seamless Viewing: Stay in sync across multiple Fire TV devices for a consistent viewing experience in any room.
- Smart Features: Receive regular updates with new Alexa skills, features, and smart home capabilities.
- Voice Control: Utilize the Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote to search for content, check sports scores, and control smart devices.
- Device Connectivity: Connect to cable, satellite, or gaming consoles via 2 HDMI inputs, plus 1 HDMI ARC input for enhanced audio.
- Private Listening Option: Pair Bluetooth headphones for private TV viewing without disturbing others.
#3 🥉
SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K DU7200 Series HDR Smart TV w/Object Tracking Sound Lite, PurColor, Motion Xcelerator, Mega Contrast, Q-Symphony...
SAMSUNG
PRIMEPRIME
☷ Key Highlights:
- PURCOLOR Technology: Delivers a wider spectrum of true-to-life colors for enhanced picture quality.
- 4K Upscaling: Enhances video clarity by transforming pixels for improved content display.
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Reduces lag and blur for smooth viewing experiences during fast-paced scenes.
- OBJECT TRACKING SOUND LITE: Offers immersive 3D surround sound that follows on-screen action with virtual audio channels.
- MEGA CONTRAST: Automatically optimizes brightness and contrast, highlighting details in both light and dark areas.
- HDR Support: Provides a broad spectrum of colors and fine details, even in dark scenes, for an optimal viewing experience.
- Q-SYMPHONY: Combines sound from the TV and compatible soundbars for a powerful audio experience.
- Samsung Tizen OS: Facilitates easy access to streaming apps and live TV content via Wi-Fi.
#4 ✅ Budget Choice
INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-32F201NA23)
INSIGNIA
$79.99
$129.99
38% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- 720p Resolution: Enjoy high-definition viewing of movies, shows, and games.
- Alexa Voice Control: Use the Alexa Voice Remote to search and control content hands-free.
- Fire TV Experience: Access over 1 million streaming options and tens of thousands of channels and apps.
- Apple AirPlay Support: Easily share videos, photos, and music from Apple devices to the TV.
- HDMI ARC Support: Stream audio from HDMI to soundbars or AV receivers without extra cables.
- Compact Size: 32-inch display, perfect for smaller spaces.
- 1-Year Warranty: Comes with a manufacturer's warranty for peace of mind.
#5 ⚡Popular
VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: X, Alexa Compatibility, Google Cast Built-in, Bluetooth Headphone Capable, (VFD40M-08 New)
VIZIO
PRIMEPRIME
$138.00
$169.99
18% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- Stunning Full HD Clarity: Experience enhanced visuals with Full Array LED Backlight and Active Pixel Tuning for richer colors and better contrast.
- Smart TV Features: Access a wide variety of built-in apps from top streaming services and enjoy over 275 free channels along with 15,000 on-demand movies and shows via WatchFree Plus.
- Bluetooth Capable: Connect Bluetooth headphones for a seamless audio experience while watching shows, listening to podcasts, or enjoying music.
- Gaming Optimized: Features HDR10 and Auto Low Latency Mode for improved gaming performance, automatically adjusting for console or PC use.
- Smart Home Integration: Stream and control content from Apple and Android devices using Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast; compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
- Sleek Design: Modern 3-sided ThinFrame design complements any room's aesthetic.
- Part Number & Model: VFD40M-08 with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
#6
INSIGNIA 42-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-42F201NA23)
INSIGNIA
$149.99
$179.99
16% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- Resolution: 1080p HD for high-quality viewing of movies, shows, and games.
- Alexa Voice Remote: Control entertainment, search apps, and switch inputs using voice commands.
- Fire TV Built-in: Access over 1 million movies and TV episodes, plus thousands of channels and apps.
- Apple AirPlay Support: Easily share content from Apple devices to the TV.
- HDMI ARC Support: Directly connect to compatible soundbars or AV receivers without extra cables.
- Model & Part Number: NS-42F201NA23, with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Color & Size: Classic black design in a 42-inch screen size.
Buying Guide for Televisions
Choosing the right television can be overwhelming given the variety of models, sizes, and features available. Whether you’re upgrading your home theater setup, buying your first TV, or replacing an old model, it’s important to understand key factors that affect performance, image quality, and overall viewing experience. This guide will help you navigate the essential features to look for when purchasing a television.
Key Features to Consider
- Screen Size
- The size of your TV should match the size of your room and viewing distance. Larger screens are ideal for spacious rooms, while smaller screens work well in compact areas. A general rule of thumb is that the ideal viewing distance is about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal size of the TV.
- Resolution
- 4K: Currently the most common resolution in new televisions, 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) offers four times the resolution of 1080p HD. This results in sharper, clearer images, especially on larger screens.
- 8K: For those seeking the highest possible resolution, 8K TVs (7680 x 4320 pixels) offer even more detail. However, content in 8K is still limited, and these TVs tend to be pricier.
- HD: If you’re on a budget, Full HD (1080p) is still a solid option, though most new TVs are 4K and beyond.
- Display Technology
- LED/LCD: LED and LCD TVs are the most common. They provide great value with decent brightness and contrast but might not have the deep blacks or contrast ratios of higher-end models.
- OLED: OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. These displays are thinner and more energy-efficient, but they are typically more expensive.
- QLED: Quantum Dot LED (QLED) technology improves on LED by using a layer of quantum dots to enhance brightness and color accuracy, making it a good middle-ground option between OLED and standard LED.
- HDR (High Dynamic Range)
- HDR enhances the contrast and color range of your TV, offering more vivid and lifelike images. Look for TVs that support HDR10 or Dolby Vision for the best experience. While HDR isn’t a necessity for all users, it’s especially important for viewers who want the most cinematic visuals from their TV shows and movies.
- Refresh Rate
- The refresh rate refers to how many times per second the image on the screen is refreshed. A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) results in smoother motion, which is beneficial for sports, fast-action scenes in movies, or gaming. Lower refresh rates (60Hz) may be fine for regular TV watching but can result in choppy motion during high-speed scenes.
- Smart Features
- Operating System: TVs today come with built-in smart features, allowing access to streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more. Popular smart TV operating systems include Android TV, Tizen (Samsung), webOS (LG), and Roku TV. Choose one with an intuitive interface and access to the apps you frequently use.
- Voice Control: Many smart TVs come with voice assistant integration like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri, making it easy to control the TV with voice commands for tasks like adjusting volume, switching channels, or opening apps.
- Casting and Screen Mirroring: Look for features like Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, or Miracast if you want to cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly to the TV screen.
- Connectivity
- HDMI Ports: HDMI is the primary connection for modern devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. Look for at least 3-4 HDMI ports (preferably HDMI 2.1 for future-proofing and higher bandwidth, especially for gaming).
- USB Ports: These allow you to plug in devices like external hard drives or flash drives for media playback.
- Wi-Fi/Ethernet: Built-in Wi-Fi is standard on smart TVs, but an Ethernet port is beneficial if you want a more stable, wired internet connection.
- Sound Quality
- While most TVs have built-in speakers, the sound quality may not be ideal, especially for larger screens. Consider investing in a soundbar or home theater system for better audio quality. Many TVs also support Dolby Atmos, which enhances surround sound for an immersive experience.
- Design and Aesthetics
- The design of the TV is important, especially if you plan to mount it on the wall or place it in a specific spot in your living room. Some models have ultra-thin bezels, sleek profiles, and modern stands that make them visually appealing and integrate well into contemporary spaces.
- Price
- Your budget will significantly impact the features and size of the TV you can afford. 4K models are generally more affordable now, but OLED and 8K TVs can be quite expensive. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and balance that with the features that matter most to you.
Common Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need a 4K TV if I don’t have 4K content?
- While 4K content is becoming more common, even without native 4K content, a 4K TV will still provide sharper images than a standard HD TV, thanks to upscaling technology. If you’re on a budget, however, a Full HD (1080p) TV can still be a great option for non-4K content.
- What’s the difference between OLED and QLED?
- OLED displays offer perfect black levels because each pixel emits its own light, leading to better contrast and color accuracy. QLED uses LED backlighting with a quantum dot layer to enhance brightness and color but doesn’t achieve the same deep blacks as OLED. OLED tends to be superior for picture quality, but QLED is more affordable.
- What is the best TV size for my room?
- The ideal TV size depends on your room’s size and viewing distance. A general recommendation is to sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen size away from the TV for optimal viewing. For example, for a 55-inch TV, sit approximately 6-9 feet away.
- What is HDMI 2.1, and do I need it?
- HDMI 2.1 is the latest HDMI standard that supports higher resolutions and refresh rates (such as 4K at 120Hz) and enhanced features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and eARC for superior sound. It’s especially useful for gamers or those looking to future-proof their setup.
- Can I watch Netflix, YouTube, and other apps on a smart TV?
- Yes, most modern smart TVs come with pre-installed apps for popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more. You can also download additional apps from the TV’s app store.
- What is HDR, and do I need it?
- HDR (High Dynamic Range) improves the contrast and brightness of your TV, making colors appear more vibrant and details more visible in both bright and dark areas. It’s a great feature if you want the most cinematic viewing experience, especially with compatible content.
- Can I mount my TV on the wall?
- Many modern TVs are designed to be wall-mounted, but check the specifications to ensure your TV has VESA compatibility (a standard for mounting). You will also need to purchase a separate wall mount bracket that fits the TV’s size and weight.
- How can I improve the sound of my TV?
- While TV speakers are improving, adding a soundbar or external speakers will significantly enhance your audio experience. Many soundbars also support Dolby Atmos, providing immersive surround sound.
- Do I need an Ethernet connection for a smart TV?
- While Wi-Fi is sufficient for most people, an Ethernet connection offers a more stable and faster internet connection, which is useful for streaming high-resolution content (like 4K) or for online gaming.
- How long do televisions last?
- With proper care, modern TVs can last 7-10 years, depending on usage. Most manufacturers provide a warranty period of 1-3 years, but it’s important to handle the TV carefully to avoid screen damage or burn-in (especially with OLED displays).
When buying a television, it’s important to weigh factors like screen size, picture quality, smart features, and sound performance to match your preferences and viewing environment. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly model for casual viewing or a high-end 4K OLED TV for immersive movie nights, understanding your needs and how you’ll use the TV will help guide your decision-making.
