If you are on the hunt for the “Best TV 2024” and feeling daunted by the myriad options available, honing in on your budget can significantly streamline your decision-making process. High-end TVs, with their advanced features and superior picture quality, often come with a steep price tag. If your budget is more modest, you might need to prioritize which features are most important to you. Fortunately, many 4K TVs deliver excellent performance for a wide range of content at a more affordable price.
When choosing the best TV, it is crucial to consider both your viewing habits and the environment in which the TV will be placed. For example, if you frequently watch 4K HDR content and seek the best possible viewing experience, investing in a high-quality TV could be a wise choice. Conversely, if you primarily watch news broadcasts in a dimly lit room, a more budget-friendly model may meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Although the latest 2024 TV models are now available, they often come with a premium price. Historically, TV prices tend to decrease over time, and last year’s models become more budget friendly as new releases hit the market. To ensure you get the best value, it is helpful to keep an eye on price trends and wait for sales or discounts. For insights into the optimal times to buy, be sure to check out our article on TV price trends.
To assist you in finding the perfect TV for your needs, we have tested over 445 models, and below are our top recommendations for various categories. Whether you are looking for the best smart TV, gaming TV, or budget option, we have you covered. For more information on the latest 2024 models, including in-depth reviews and comparisons, visit our 2024 TV lineup page. Additionally, you can participate in our voting for new models you would like us to test, ensuring that we continue to provide the most relevant and comprehensive reviews for all your TV needs.
Best TV
Samsung S90C OLED
The Samsung S90C OLED has emerged as our top pick for TVs, delivering exceptional picture quality and a suite of impressive features that cater to a variety of viewing needs. Here is an in-depth look at why the S90C stands out and how it compares to other models in Samsung’s lineup:
Exceptional Picture Quality
The Samsung S90C OLED excels in delivering a stunning visual experience, particularly in dark environments. Its near-infinite contrast ratio ensures deep, true blacks with no noticeable blooming around bright areas, enhancing the overall picture clarity. This makes it ideal for watching movies or shows in a dark room, where every detail is vividly rendered without distraction. The S90C also shines with its HDR performance, offering high peak brightness and a wide color gamut. Colors are rendered with remarkable accuracy and lifelike vibrancy, bringing your favorite content to life with striking realism.
HDR and Audio Format Support
One area where the Samsung S90C OLED differs from some of its competitors is its HDR support. While it does not support Dolby Vision HDR, it does include HDR10+, a format that, although less commonly used, still provides excellent HDR performance. This means you can enjoy a broad range of HDR content, though Dolby Vision is more widely adopted in the streaming world. Additionally, the S90C does not support advanced DTS audio formats, which could be a consideration for those who prioritize high-end audio quality.
Size and Panel Options
The Samsung S90C is available in four sizes: 55, 65, 77, and a large 83 inches. It is worth noting that the 83-inch model utilizes a WOLED (White OLED) panel, which offers a slightly different visual experience compared to the smaller sizes. The larger panel provides a more immersive viewing experience, though it may come with variations in brightness and color accuracy compared to the smaller sizes.
User Interface and Gaming Features
The Tizen OS interface on the Samsung S90C is both intuitive and feature-rich, providing easy access to a wide selection of streaming apps and games. For gamers, the S90C is a standout choice, especially for those with consoles like the Xbox Series X or PS5. It supports 4K gaming at 144Hz across all four HDMI ports, which is a significant advantage for high-refresh-rate gaming. The inclusion of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology also helps reduce screen tearing, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Comparing to Other Models
For those willing to invest further, the Samsung S95C OLED is a worthy consideration. It offers improved brightness over the S90C, providing a more vivid picture, particularly in well-lit environments. However, the S95C’s higher price tag may not justify the upgrade for all users, especially if the enhancements do not align with your specific viewing preferences.
The Samsung S90D/S90DD OLED is another model to consider, which introduces some enhancements over the S90C. These include improved HDR gradient handling, better low-quality content smoothing, and increased HDR brightness. Despite these improvements, the S90D/S90DD is priced significantly higher, making the S90C a more cost-effective choice for many users.
Confusing Model Lineup
Samsung’s 2024 OLED lineup can be a bit confusing, as the S90D series is available in both WOLED and QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) panel types, depending on the region and size. This variety can affect the visual performance and price, adding another layer of consideration when choosing between models.
Conclusion
In summary, the Samsung S90C OLED is an exceptional choice for those seeking high-quality picture performance without breaking the bank. Its superior contrast, vibrant colors, and strong gaming features make it a top contender in the OLED TV market. While the S95C offers higher brightness and the S90D/S90DD introduces some minor improvements, the S90C remains a strong and cost-effective option for most users. Whether you are a movie enthusiast or a dedicated gamer, the S90C delivers a premium viewing experience that stands out in its class.
Best Home Theater TV
Sony A95L OLED
If you are in search of the ultimate TV for your home theater and are willing to invest in top-tier quality, the Sony A95L OLED is an outstanding choice. This model is designed for those who prioritize an unparalleled viewing experience, and it stands out even among other high-end options, such as the Samsung S90C OLED. While both models offer impressive performance, the Sony A95L has distinct advantages that make it particularly well-suited for a home theater setup.
Superior HDR and Video Format Support
One of the key differentiators for the Sony A95L OLED is its superior video format support, which is crucial for those who want the best possible picture quality from a variety of content sources. Unlike Samsung’s reliance on the HDR10+ format, the Sony A95L supports Dolby Vision HDR, a format that is more widely adopted by streaming services, Blu-ray discs, and other media. Dolby Vision offers dynamic metadata that adjusts brightness and color levels on a scene-by-scene basis, ensuring that you experience content exactly as the creators intended. This results in a more immersive and accurate HDR experience, particularly in content that relies heavily on subtle visual details.
Unmatched Picture Quality
Sony’s image processing technology is another reason the A95L stands out. Sony is renowned for its ability to deliver picture quality that closely reflects the original vision of filmmakers and content creators. The A95L’s advanced processing enhances the HDR experience by offering brightness and colors that appear natural and true-to-life, without the oversaturation or artificial enhancements seen in some other models. Whether you are watching the latest blockbuster movie or a beautifully shot nature documentary, the A95L ensures that every frame is displayed with stunning clarity and precision.
Enhanced Audio Support
In addition to its superior visual capabilities, the Sony A95L OLED also excels in audio format support, a critical feature for home theater enthusiasts. While many TVs today offer basic audio passthrough, the A95L takes it a step further with support for advanced audio formats, including DTS passthrough via eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). This feature allows you to connect your TV to an audio-video receiver (AVR) or soundbar with minimal cabling, while still enjoying high-quality audio that matches the stunning visuals on screen. Whether you are listening to a complex movie soundtrack or high-fidelity music, the A95L ensures that your audio experience is just as impressive as the visual one.
Exceptional Performance in Dark Rooms
Like the Samsung S90C OLED, the Sony A95L OLED excels in dark room environments, making it an ideal choice for dedicated home theaters. Thanks to its nearly infinite contrast ratio, the A95L produces perfect blacks, a hallmark of OLED technology, without any distracting blooming around bright objects on the screen. This level of contrast is crucial for creating a cinematic experience, particularly in scenes with a high degree of darkness or shadow, where lesser TVs might struggle to maintain detail and clarity. Whether you are watching a tense thriller or a moody, atmospheric drama, the A95L delivers every scene with the depth and nuance it deserves.
Size Options and Considerations
The Sony A95L OLED is available in three sizes: 55, 65, and 77 inches, allowing you to choose the model that best fits your space and viewing preferences. However, it is important to keep in mind that this level of performance comes at a premium price. The A95L is one of the most expensive OLED TVs on the market, reflecting its position as a top-tier option for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Alternative Options for Budget-Conscious Buyers
If you are drawn to Sony’s OLED technology and processing capabilities but are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Sony A80L/A80CL OLED is a great alternative. While the A80L does not quite match the A95L in terms of brightness and color vibrancy, it still offers excellent picture quality and many of the same advanced features, making it a strong contender in its price range. The A80L is particularly well-suited for those who want to enjoy the benefits of an OLED display without the high cost associated with flagship models.
Conclusion
In summary, the Sony A95L OLED is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking the ultimate home theater experience. Its superior HDR and video format support, unmatched picture quality, and enhanced audio capabilities make it a top contender for those who want the best. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the investment is justified by the level of performance it delivers. For those who appreciate Sony’s processing prowess but need a more affordable option, the A80L/A80CL OLED offers a compelling alternative, balancing high-quality visuals with a more accessible price point. Whether you opt for the A95L or its more budget-friendly counterpart, you can rest assured that you are getting a TV that will provide an immersive and satisfying viewing experience for years to come.
Best Bright Room TV
Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED
If you are searching for a TV that excels in rooms with abundant natural or artificial light, the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED is an exceptional choice. This TV stands out with its superior reflection handling and impressive SDR brightness, allowing it to easily counteract glare in even the most brightly lit spaces. As a result, it has earned its reputation as the top TV in 2024 for well-lit environments. However, its capabilities extend beyond just bright rooms—this TV also delivers outstanding performance in dark settings, thanks to its remarkable contrast and deep black levels that rival those found in OLED displays. The advanced local dimming control further enhances the viewing experience by minimizing blooming, ensuring that bright objects against dark backgrounds are displayed with precision and clarity.
Performance in Bright and Dark Rooms
BRAVIA 9’s versatility is one of its key strengths. In bright rooms, it maintains image quality with ease, handling reflections and glare with its excellent anti-reflective coating and high peak brightness. This makes it ideal for daytime viewing, whether you are watching sports, news, or your favorite TV shows. But BRAVIA 9 is just as impressive in dark environments. Its high contrast ratio, combined with effective local dimming, allows it to produce deep, inky blacks that add depth to your viewing experience. This makes it a superb choice for watching movies or shows that rely on dark scenes to set the mood.
Superior Image Quality and Processing
For those who value top-notch picture quality, especially when viewing 4K Blu-rays or streaming high-quality content, the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED does not disappoint. It supports Dolby Vision, enhancing your HDR content with vibrant colors and detailed highlights that bring every scene to life. Additionally, the TV’s support for DTS audio formats ensures that you will enjoy rich, immersive sound when watching movies that utilize this format. Sony’s renowned image processing technology is another highlight, providing excellent upscaling capabilities that make lower-resolution content look sharper and more detailed. Whether you are watching an old DVD or streaming SD content, the BRAVIA 9 delivers a crisp and clear picture.
Accurate Color Reproduction
One of the BRAVIA 9’s standout features is its color accuracy. Both in SDR and HDR modes, the TV delivers images that stay true to the content creator’s vision, with colors that are vibrant yet natural. This accuracy means you can trust that the movies, shows, and games you are watching look as the creators intended, with no artificial enhancements that detract from the experience. The wide color gamut further enriches the viewing experience, ensuring that even the most subtle color variations are captured in vivid detail.
Gaming Capabilities
For gamers, the BRAVIA 9 QLED is a solid option that caters to the needs of modern consoles. It features HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on two of its ports, allowing for 4K gaming at 120Hz, which is ideal for high-frame-rate gaming on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The TV also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), reducing screen tearing and providing a smoother gaming experience. Additionally, the BRAVIA 9 has a quick response time that minimizes motion blur during fast-paced games, and its low input lag ensures a responsive experience, crucial for competitive gaming.
Considerations and Alternatives
While BRAVIA 9 is packed with features, it does have some limitations. The TV’s viewing angle is somewhat restricted, meaning the picture quality can diminish when viewed from the side. This might be a concern if you often watch TV with a large group of people, as those sitting off to the side may not get the best experience.
If the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED is beyond your budget, a great alternative is last year’s Sony X93L/X93CL. While it does not quite match the BRAVIA 9 in terms of contrast, it still delivers deep blacks that are more than adequate for most viewing situations. The X93L/X93CL is not as bright as the BRAVIA 9, but it is still capable of handling reflections and glare in moderately lit rooms. Additionally, this model shares Sony’s excellent image processing and color accuracy, making it a strong contender for those seeking a high-quality TV at a more affordable price point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for a TV that performs exceptionally well in both bright and dark environments. Its superior reflection handling, impressive brightness, and remarkable contrast make it a versatile option that excels in any setting. Combined with its top-tier image processing, accurate color reproduction, and gaming capabilities, the BRAVIA 9 is a well-rounded TV that meets the needs of movie enthusiasts, casual viewers, and gamers alike. If you are looking for a high-performance TV in 2024 and can afford the investment, the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED is a top choice. For those on a tighter budget, the Sony X93L/X93CL offers many of the same benefits at a more accessible price.
Best Upper Mid-Range TV
LG C3 OLED
If you are in the market for a top-tier home entertainment OLED TV but find the Sony A95L OLED too expensive, the LG C3 OLED is a fantastic alternative. Positioned as one of the best upper mid-range TVs, the LG C3 OLED combines premium features with stunning picture quality, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of viewers.
Stunning Picture Quality
The LG C3 OLED delivers breathtaking picture quality, especially in dark rooms. Thanks to its near-infinite contrast ratio, this TV excels in producing deep blacks and bright whites, with no blooming around bright objects. This makes it perfect for movie nights or any content where contrast is key to the viewing experience. Whether you are watching a thriller with shadowy scenes or a vibrant animated film, the LG C3 OLED ensures every detail is visible and every color pops.
Brightness and Reflection Handling
One of the standout features of the LG C3 OLED is its ability to get bright enough to combat glare even in moderately lit rooms. While OLEDs are generally known for their superior dark room performance, the C3 does not disappoint in brighter environments either. Its impressive reflection handling ensures that ambient light will not detract from your viewing experience, making it a versatile option for different room setups. However, it is worth noting that the colors, while rich and accurate, are not as bright as some other high-end models. But unless you are specifically looking for a TV with the most vibrant colors, the C3’s performance is more than adequate for most users.
Versatility and Advanced Features
The LG C3 OLED shines in its versatility. Its excellent image processing capabilities ensure that even lower-quality content looks great, with smooth upscaling and enhanced detail. The TV also supports Dolby Vision HDR, including Dolby Vision gaming at 120Hz, which is a significant advantage over models that only support HDR10+. This ensures that you get the best possible HDR experience across a wide range of content, from streaming services to Blu-rays to next-gen gaming.
Moreover, the C3 can pass through advanced DTS audio formats, allowing you to connect it to a high-quality audio system without losing any sound fidelity. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a fully immersive home theater setup without the hassle of complicated connections.
Wide Range of Sizes
The LG C3 OLED offers a broad range of sizes, from a compact 42-inch model to a large 83-inch version. This flexibility means you can find the perfect size for your space, whether you are setting up a cozy bedroom TV or a centerpiece for your living room.
A Gamer’s Dream
Gamers will find a lot to love in the LG C3 OLED. It boasts nearly instantaneous response times, incredibly low input lag, and a robust suite of gaming features. All four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, allowing you to fully leverage the capabilities of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, including 4K gaming at 120 fps. The TV also supports native FreeSync, HDMI Forum VRR, and G-SYNC compatibility, ensuring smooth gameplay with minimal screen tearing. This makes the C3 not just a great TV for watching content but also one of the best options for next-gen gaming.
Considering Other Options: LG G3 OLED
If you are impressed by the C3 but desire even more vibrant colors and higher brightness, the LG G3 OLED is worth considering. The G3 is one of the brightest OLEDs on the market, offering a noticeable improvement in brightness over the C3. This makes it particularly well-suited for rooms with a lot of natural light. However, the G3 comes with a significantly higher price tag, and for most people, the difference in performance may not justify the extra cost.
The New LG C4 OLED
For those looking for the latest technology, the 2024 LG C4 OLED is now available. It brings some incremental upgrades, such as support for 4K at 144Hz, slightly improved HDR accuracy, and a bit more brightness in HDR mode. These enhancements make it an appealing choice for PC gamers who need that 144Hz refresh rate or those who want the absolute best in HDR performance. However, the C4 is quite expensive, especially near its release. Unless you have specific needs that these upgrades address, the more affordable C3, particularly if it is on sale, remains a better value for most users.
Final Thoughts
The LG C3 OLED is a superb choice for anyone looking to enjoy a premium home entertainment experience without breaking the bank on the top-end models like the Sony A95L OLED. With its exceptional picture quality, versatility, and gaming features, it stands out as one of the best options in the upper mid-range category. Whether you are watching movies, playing games, or streaming your favorite shows, the LG C3 OLED delivers a stellar performance that will elevate your viewing experience.
Best Mid-Range TV
LG B3 OLED
The LG B3 OLED is the best mid-range TV we have tested, offering a perfect balance of affordability and high-end features. If you are looking to enter the OLED market without breaking the bank, the B3 is an excellent choice. It provides many of the premium features found in the more expensive LG C3 OLED, though with a few differences that help keep the price lower.
Picture Quality and Performance
The LG B3 OLED delivers outstanding picture quality, especially in dark rooms. Its near-infinite contrast ratio allows it to produce deep, inky blacks with no distractions blooming around bright objects, which is a hallmark of OLED technology. This makes it ideal for watching movies or TV shows in a dimly lit environment where contrast and black levels are crucial. While the B3 is slightly dimmer than the C3, it still performs admirably, offering a rich and immersive viewing experience.
The TV’s built-in webOS platform is as responsive and fast as it is on higher-tier models, making it easy to navigate through apps and settings. Despite being a mid-range model, the B3 still boasts impressive image processing capabilities, allowing it to upscale lower-resolution content such as DVDs, cable broadcasts, or Blu-rays without any issues. Whether you are watching older content or the latest 4K movies, the B3 ensures everything looks sharp and detailed.
HDR and Audio Support
The LG B3 OLED supports Dolby Vision HDR, delivering vibrant and dynamic visuals that bring your favorite movies and shows to life. It also supports advanced DTS audio formats, which is a significant advantage if you are a fan of physical media, as many Blu-rays and DVDs use DTS for their audio tracks. This makes the B3 a great option for cinephiles who want to enjoy the full audio-visual experience.
Viewing Angles and Color Accuracy
Like other OLEDs, the B3 offers fantastic viewing angles, meaning you can watch the TV from almost anywhere in the room without any loss of picture quality. This is especially beneficial for family movie nights or gatherings where multiple people are watching from different spots in the room. Additionally, the B3 features a wide color gamut and is extremely accurate right out of the box, so movies and shows appear as the content creator intended, even without any calibration.
Gaming Performance
Gamers will appreciate the B3 OLED for its excellent gaming features. It supports all major VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technologies, has a near-instantaneous response time, and boasts extremely low input lag, making it a top choice for smooth and responsive gameplay. The B3 is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to take advantage of 4K gaming at 120Hz, which is perfect for next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, one of these HDMI 2.1 ports also serves as the TV’s eARC port, meaning if you connect a soundbar via eARC, you are left with only one high-speed HDMI port for other devices. This limitation is something to consider if you have multiple gaming consoles or other high-speed HDMI devices.
The 2024 LG B4 OLED: What’s New?
For those considering the latest technology, the 2024 LG B4 OLED offers some notable improvements over the B3. The B4 is noticeably brighter in both SDR and HDR modes, which helps it handle glare better in bright rooms and makes highlights in HDR content stand out more vividly. Additionally, the B4 has improved HDR gradient handling, resulting in smoother transitions between different shades in HDR content.
Another significant upgrade is the increase in HDMI 2.1 ports. The B4 now comes with four HDMI 2.1 bandwidth ports, eliminating the issue of having to choose between high-speed ports and eARC functionality. This makes it a more flexible option for those with multiple devices requiring high-speed connections. The B4 also introduces a new 48-inch model, offering more size options to fit different spaces.
However, these upgrades come at a cost. The B4 is currently quite expensive, especially near its release, so unless you specifically need those enhancements, the B3 remains a better value, particularly if you can find it on sale. If you are interested in the 48-inch model or the improvements offered by the B4 but are concerned about the price, you might also consider the LG C3, which is currently available for around the same cost as the B4 but offers even more premium features.
Final Thoughts
The LG B3 OLED is a stellar choice for anyone looking to enjoy the benefits of OLED technology without the high price tag of flagship models. It offers excellent picture quality, versatile features, and solid performance across the board, making it a fantastic entry point into the OLED market. Whether you are watching movies, playing games, or streaming your favorite shows, the B3 delivers a top-notch experience that is hard to beat in the mid-range category. If you are looking for a bit more brightness and additional HDMI ports, the B4 is worth considering, but for most users, the B3 offers the best combination of features and value.
Best Lower Mid-Range TV
Hisense U7N [U7, U75N]
If you are looking for an affordable LED TV but find the LG B3 OLED out of your budget or prefer an LED option over something like the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED, the Hisense U7N is a fantastic choice. This TV strikes an excellent balance between price and performance, offering a range of features that make it a competitive option in the mid-range market.
Brightness and Reflection Handling
While the U7N is not as bright as the premium BRAVIA 9 QLED, it still delivers impressive brightness levels that hold up well in brightly lit rooms. The TV’s outstanding reflection handling further enhances its performance in bright environments, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies without being distracted by annoying glares or reflections on the screen. Whether you are watching during the day with the curtains open or at night with the lights on, the U7N ensures that your viewing experience remains crisp and clear.
Contrast and Black Levels
When it comes to dark room performance, the U7N also excels. Its excellent contrast ratio produces deep, rich blacks that add depth to the picture, making it a great choice for movie nights in low-light settings. However, it is worth noting that there are some noticeable blooming around bright highlights when they appear against a dark background. While this is a common issue with LED TVs, the U7N handles it relatively well, delivering an overall satisfying visual experience.
HDR Performance and Color Reproduction
One of the standout features of the Hisense U7N is its HDR performance. The TV’s excellent HDR brightness and wide color gamut ensure that highlights in HDR content truly pop, and colors appear vibrant and lifelike. Whether you are watching a visually stunning movie or playing an HDR-enabled game, the U7N provides an impactful HDR experience that enhances your enjoyment. Additionally, the U7N supports a wide range of HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, ensuring compatibility with virtually all HDR content available today.
Viewing Angles
The main drawback of the U7N is its narrow viewing angle. This limitation means that the picture quality degrades when viewed from the sides, making it less suitable for large groups or wide seating arrangements. If you often have friends or family over to watch movies or sports, this is something to keep in mind, as those sitting off to the sides may not experience the same picture quality as those directly in front of the TV.
Gaming Features
For gamers, the Hisense U7N offers a wealth of features that make it an excellent choice for both console and PC gaming. It is equipped with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on two of its ports, both capable of handling up to 4K at 144Hz, which is ideal for high-frame-rate gaming on next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as higher-end gaming PCs. The U7N also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay with minimal input lag. Its exceptional response time further enhances the gaming experience by minimizing motion blur, allowing fast-paced action to appear sharp and fluid.
Alternative Option: Hisense U7K
If you are looking to save even more money, you might consider last year’s Hisense U7K. While the U7K is not as bright as the U7N and does not offer quite the same level of contrast, it is still a solid performer and provides a remarkably similar overall experience. The U7K is an excellent budget-friendly option if you can find it in stock, offering many of the same features at a lower price point.
Final Thoughts
The Hisense U7N is a well-rounded TV that delivers impressive performance for its price. It offers great brightness, excellent HDR support, and a host of gaming features, making it a versatile choice for a variety of uses. While it does have some limitations, such as its narrow viewing angles and minor blooming issues, these are relatively minor drawbacks in the grand scheme of things.
If you are on a budget and looking for a TV that offers strong performance in both bright and dark rooms, the Hisense U7N is definitely worth considering. Whether you are watching movies, gaming, or streaming your favorite shows, this TV provides a quality experience that punches above its weight. And if you can find the Hisense U7K at a good price, it is also a great alternative that offers similar value with a few compromises.
Best Budget TV
Hisense U6/U6N
If the Hisense U7N is beyond your budget or if you do not need the advanced gaming features it offers, the Hisense U6/U6N emerges as a top contender among budget TVs. Despite its lower price point, this TV excels in several key areas, making it an outstanding choice for those who prioritize picture quality without the need for innovative gaming technology.
Superior Picture Quality with Effective Local Dimming
What truly distinguishes the Hisense U6/U6N from other budget models is its highly effective local dimming feature. This capability allows the TV to deliver exceptional contrast, resulting in deep, rich blacks that enhance your viewing experience in dark rooms. Whether you are watching a late-night movie or enjoying a darkly lit TV show, the U6/U6N ensures that the picture remains sharp and immersive.
Brightness and Reflection Handling
While the U6/U6N is not as bright as the U7N, it still offers impressive SDR brightness, making it suitable for most viewing environments. The TV’s reflection handling is also commendable, allowing it to minimize glare in well-lit rooms. This means you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies even in a room with plenty of natural light, without being distracted by reflections on the screen.
HDR Performance and Color Accuracy
One area where the U6/U6N does fall short is its HDR brightness. The TV does not get bright enough to make HDR highlights truly pop, which can slightly diminish the impact of HDR content. However, the U6/U6N compensates with its support for a wide color gamut, ensuring that colors in HDR content appear vibrant and lifelike. The inclusion of HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support further enhances its HDR performance, making it a solid choice for those who want to enjoy HDR content on a budget.
Audio and Upscaling Capabilities
The Hisense U6/U6N also supports DTS audio formats, which is particularly beneficial if you are a fan of physical media like Blu-ray discs. This support ensures that you get high-quality audio that complements the impressive visuals. Additionally, the TV’s upscaling abilities are on par with the more expensive U7N, meaning that lower-resolution content still looks good when viewed on this TV. However, it is worth noting that the U6/U6N struggles with low-bitrate content, where its content smoothing feature can sometimes produce noticeable artifacts.
Basic Gaming Features
Although the U6/U6N lacks HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and 4k @ 120Hz support, it still offers some basic gaming features that can enhance your gaming experience. It includes Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and supports up to 1440p @ 120Hz, which is great for those who prioritize a higher frame rate over resolution. However, the TV’s Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) feature is limited to 60Hz, so if you are aiming for 120 fps gaming with VRR active, you may need to look elsewhere.
Gaming Experience
Despite its limitations, the U6/U6N offers an excellent response time, which helps to minimize blur during fast motion scenes. Combined with its incredibly low input lag, this TV delivers a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. While it may not be the best option for hardcore gamers who want to take full advantage of the latest consoles like the Xbox Series X|S or PS5, it is a great choice for casual gamers or those who simply want a TV with good picture quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hisense U6/U6N is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly TV that does not compromise picture quality. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it offers impressive contrast, good brightness, and solid gaming features for the price. If you are not heavily invested in gaming or you are an occasional gamer who values overall picture quality, the Hisense U6/U6N is an excellent choice.
Best Cheap TV
Roku Select Series
Roku Select Series Review: A Solid Budget-Friendly TV
The Roku Select Series may not boast the latest TV technologies, but it shines as the best budget-friendly option we have tested for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution. This TV delivers a satisfactory viewing experience without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Picture Quality and Dark Room Performance:
While the Roku Select Series does not rival higher-end models like the Hisense U6/U6N in dark room performance, it still manages to offer good contrast and black uniformity. The absence of local dimming means it does not perform as well in very dark environments, but it is still capable of decent dark room viewing. If you are watching movies or shows in a dimly lit room, the TV’s contrast is sufficient to deliver a reasonably good experience.
Brightness and Reflection Handling:
In terms of brightness, the Roku Select Series falls short of more premium models, particularly in HDR mode. It does not reach the impressive levels of brightness that make HDR content truly pop, but its reflection handling is adequate, making it suitable for moderately lit rooms with a few light sources. For standard dynamic range (SDR) content, however, the TV’s brightness is robust, ensuring that it performs well in a variety of lighting conditions.
Image Processing and Content Playback:
When it comes to image processing, the Roku Select Series leaves room for improvement, especially with high-quality 4K content. The TV struggles to fully highlight the detail and clarity that 4K resolution can offer, which might be noticeable to discerning viewers. However, for standard content and casual viewing, the picture quality remains acceptable, particularly given its price point.
Smart Features and User Experience:
One of the standout features of the Roku Select Series is its user-friendly Roku TV smart interface. Known for its speed and efficiency, the Roku platform offers a vast selection of streaming apps, making it easy to find and enjoy your favorite shows and movies. The interface is intuitive and responsive, ensuring a smooth user experience.
The remote control is another highlight, featuring an integrated microphone for voice commands and the ability to plug in headphones for private listening—an uncommon reward in this price range. This added convenience enhances the overall value of the TV, making it a versatile choice for different viewing preferences.
Alternative Options:
For those who are Costco members, the Hisense A65K is worth considering as a viable alternative. Available at a similar price to the Roku Select Series, the Hisense A65K offers slightly better overall performance, particularly in terms of picture quality and dark room performance. If you are looking for the best value in the budget TV category, the Hisense A65K might be a more refined choice.
Pros:
- Good contrast and black uniformity for a budget TV.
- Adequate reflection handling for moderately lit rooms.
- Robust SDR brightness for versatile viewing.
- User-friendly Roku TV smart interface with a wide range of streaming apps.
- Remote control with integrated microphone and headphone jack for private listening.
Cons:
- Lacks local dimming, affecting dark room performance.
- Limited HDR brightness, reducing impact in HDR content.
- Image processing is subpar for high-quality 4K content.
Conclusion:
The Roku Select Series may not be a top-tier TV, but it excels as a budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance for its price. Whether you are watching standard content in a well-lit room or streaming your favorite shows via the Roku TV interface, this TV offers good value for the money. While there are better-performing alternatives like the Hisense A65K, the Roku Select Series remains a strong contender in the budget TV market, particularly for those who prioritize ease of use and affordability.
Notable Mentions
Hisense U8/U8N Review: A Bright Alternative to the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED
The Hisense U8/U8N offers a compelling budget-friendly alternative to the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED, delivering impressive performance at a lower price point. This TV is notable for its exceptional brightness, which effectively combats glare and ensures that highlights in HDR content truly pop. Whether you are watching in a well-lit room or dealing with direct sunlight, the U8/U8N’s brightness helps maintain a clear, vibrant picture.
In addition to its bright display, the Hisense U8/U8N excels in providing excellent contrast for an LED TV. It delivers deep, rich blacks in dark room settings, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The contrast performance is particularly commendable for its price range, making it a strong contender among mid-range TVs.
However, there are areas where the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED maintains an edge. The Sony model surpasses the U8/U8N in terms of contrast, with its advanced local dimming technology providing even deeper blacks and superior detail in dark scenes. The BRAVIA 9 QLED also benefits from more refined image processing, ensuring greater color accuracy and a more faithful reproduction of the content creator’s intent.
Furthermore, the Sony TV’s variable refresh rate (VRR) feature is more consistent compared to the Hisense U8/U8N. This translates to smoother motion during fast-paced scenes and a better overall gaming experience, particularly for those using the latest consoles.
In summary, while the Hisense U8/U8N is an excellent choice for those seeking a bright and high-contrast LED TV on a budget, the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED remains the superior option for those who prioritize top-tier contrast, image accuracy, and advanced VRR capabilities. See our review.
Samsung QN90C/QN90CD QLED Review:
A Solid Yet Less Comprehensive Alternative to the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED
The Samsung QN90C/QN90CD QLED stands out as a notable choice for those seeking a high-quality TV at a more accessible price than the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED. This Samsung model excels in delivering a bright and vivid picture with excellent contrast and color accuracy, making it a solid option for a variety of viewing environments.
Brightness and Contrast:
One of the key strengths of the Samsung QN90C/QN90CD is its impressive brightness. This feature makes it an excellent choice for bright rooms where glare can be an issue. The TV’s high peak brightness ensures that HDR content is displayed with striking highlights and vivid colors. Additionally, the QN90C/QN90CD offers strong contrast performance for an LED TV, producing deep blacks and enhancing overall image depth.
Image Processing and Features:
While the Samsung TV delivers an excellent viewing experience, it falls short compared to the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED in terms of image processing. The BRAVIA 9 QLED provides superior handling of colors and details, thanks to its advanced processing capabilities. This results in a more accurate and true-to-life representation of the content. Furthermore, the Sony model supports a wider range of advanced audio and video formats, including Dolby Vision HDR and DTS audio, which enhances the overall viewing experience with more dynamic and immersive sound and visuals.
Connectivity and Gaming:
For users with multiple HDMI 2.1 devices, the Samsung QN90C/QN90CD has a slight advantage. It offers a good selection of HDMI 2.1 ports, making it well-suited for connecting various modern gaming consoles and other high-bandwidth devices. This feature is particularly valuable for gamers who require high refresh rates and low latency.
Overall, Image Quality:
Ultimately, the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED provides better overall image quality. It excels in contrast, delivering deeper blacks and superior detail in dark scenes. The advanced image processing of the BRAVIA 9 also ensures a more accurate and immersive viewing experience, making it a better choice for those who prioritize image quality more than anything else.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Samsung QN90C/QN90CD QLED is a great option for those seeking a high-performance TV at a more budget-friendly price. It offers excellent brightness and contrast, along with robust connectivity options. However, if you are looking for the best possible image quality, advanced format support, and superior contrast, the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED remains the more well-rounded and high-performing choice.
See our review.
TCL Q5/Q550G QLED Review:
A Strong Contender for Gaming Enthusiasts
The TCL Q5/Q550G QLED, exclusive to Best Buy, presents a solid option in the mid-range TV market, particularly when compared to the Hisense U6/U6N. While the Hisense model edges out in terms of overall performance and black level depth due to its effective local dimming technology, the TCL Q5/Q550G has its own strengths, especially for gamers.
Brightness and Contrast:
The TCL Q5/Q550G delivers a bright and vibrant picture that is well-suited for a variety of viewing environments. However, it falls short in contrast compared to the Hisense U6/U6N. The Hisense’s local dimming feature provides superior black levels and minimizes blooming around bright highlights, which enhances the overall depth and richness of the image. Despite this, the TCL Q5/Q550G still offers a respectable performance with good brightness and decent contrast for its price range.
Gaming Features:
Where the TCL Q5/Q550G truly shines in its gaming capabilities. It supports impressive refresh rates with outputs of 1080p @ 120Hz and 1440p @ 120Hz, which is a significant advantage for gamers seeking smooth and responsive gameplay. Additionally, the TV offers a wide VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) range, which helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during fast-paced gaming sessions. This makes the TCL Q5/Q550G a particularly strong choice for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize high refresh rates and variable refresh rates.
Connectivity and Resolution:
The TCL Q5/Q550G includes support for advanced gaming features across its HDMI ports, ensuring compatibility with modern consoles and gaming PCs. The 55- and 65-inch models are particularly notable for their ability to handle high frame rates through resolution halving, enhancing the gaming experience with smoother visuals.
Overall Comparison:
While the TCL Q5/Q550G excels in gaming performance, it is important to consider that the Hisense U6/U6N outperforms it in other areas such as black level depth and overall image quality. The Hisense’s effective local dimming feature results in deeper blacks and better contrast, making it a more versatile option for a broader range of content.
Conclusion:
In summary, the TCL Q5/Q550G QLED is a commendable TV, especially for gamers who need high refresh rates and excellent VRR support. Although it may not match the Hisense U6/U6N in terms of contrast and black level depth, it offers significant advantages in gaming performance and versatility. For those who prioritize gaming features and are looking for a budget-friendly option, the TCL Q5/Q550G is a strong contender worth considering.
See our review.
Roku Plus Series QLED Review:
A Competent Alternative to the Hisense U6/U6N
The Roku Plus Series QLED presents itself as a notable competitor to the Hisense U6/U6N, offering a range of features and performance attributes that make it a viable alternative. While it has its strengths, particularly in image quality, it also has some trade-offs when compared to the Hisense model.
Image Quality:
The Roku Plus Series QLED excels in delivering vibrant and crisp visuals, providing slightly superior image quality compared to the Hisense U6/U6N. The QLED technology used in the Roku Plus Series enhances color accuracy and brightness, contributing to a more vivid and immersive viewing experience. This makes it a strong contender for those who prioritize high-quality visuals and detailed color reproduction.
Features and Performance:
Despite its strong performance in image quality, the Roku Plus Series QLED lags behind the Hisense U6/U6N in terms of feature set. The Hisense model offers a more comprehensive range of features, including advanced local dimming capabilities that improve black levels and contrast. The Hisense U6/U6N also boasts superior image processing, which enhances overall clarity and reduces artifacts in both high-definition and standard content.
Accuracy and Calibration:
When it comes to accuracy, the Hisense U6/U6N holds a significant advantage. The Hisense TV is known for its precise color reproduction and accurate image processing, ensuring that content is displayed as intended by its creators. This makes the Hisense U6/U6N a better choice for those who seek a TV that maintains high fidelity in color and detail.
Smart Features and Interface:
The Roku Plus Series QLED benefits from the Roku TV platform, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app selection. This smart TV system provides easy access to a wide range of streaming services and apps, making it a convenient option for users who enjoy a variety of content. However, if advanced features and superior image processing are your top priorities, the Hisense U6/U6N’s additional capabilities may outweigh the benefits of the Roku Plus Series QLED’s smart interface.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Roku Plus Series QLED offers slightly better image quality compared to the Hisense U6/U6N, with its QLED technology providing vibrant colors and crisp visuals. However, the Hisense U6/U6N surpasses it in terms of features, image processing, and overall accuracy. If you prioritize advanced features and precise image quality, the Hisense U6/U6N remains the stronger option. On the other hand, if you value superior visual performance and a robust smart TV interface, the Roku Plus Series QLED is a worthy alternative to consider.
See our review.
Sony A75L OLED Review:
A Compelling Option with Considerations
The Sony A75L OLED emerges as a solid contender in the OLED TV market, providing a commendable alternative to the LG B3 OLED. However, its value proposition is complicated by its pricing and competition with the LG C3 OLED. Here is a detailed look at the Sony A75L OLED and how it stacks up against its rivals.
Image Quality and Performance:
The Sony A75L OLED offers impressive image quality with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, thanks to its OLED technology. It excels in delivering accurate and lifelike visuals, making it a strong choice for enthusiasts who prioritize high picture quality. One of its notable strengths is its superior image processing capabilities. Sony’s processing technology ensures that the A75L delivers sharp, detailed images with enhanced clarity, especially in high-definition and 4K content. This processing prowess helps in minimizing artifacts and improving overall visual fidelity.
Brightness and Contrast:
While the Sony A75L is slightly brighter than the LG B3 OLED, this advantage is not dramatically significant. The increased brightness can be beneficial in various lighting conditions, especially in moderately lit rooms where a brighter panel can improve visibility and reduce reflections. However, the brightness difference is relatively minor compared to the enhancements offered by the LG C3 OLED.
Pricing and Value:
One of the main concerns with the Sony A75L OLED is its pricing. Currently, its price is close to that of the LG C3 OLED, which is a higher-tier model with superior overall performance. The LG C3 OLED provides better brightness, improved image processing, and a more extensive feature set, making it a more attractive option if the price difference is not substantial. If you can find the Sony A75L at a price closer to that of the LG B3 OLED, it becomes a more compelling choice due to its enhanced image processing and brighter panel. However, at its current price point, the Sony A75L may struggle to justify its value compared to the LG C3.
Features and Connectivity:
The Sony A75L OLED comes equipped with modern features and connectivity options, including support for various HDR formats and a range of smart TV capabilities. It offers a robust selection of streaming apps and services, ensuring a versatile and enjoyable viewing experience. Its connectivity options are well-suited for contemporary home entertainment setups, making it a functional choice for users with diverse media needs.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Sony A75L OLED is a strong alternative to the LG B3 OLED, offering excellent image quality and superior processing capabilities. However, its value is somewhat diminished by its pricing, which is close to that of the higher-performing LG C3 OLED. If you can find the A75L at a more budget-friendly price, it provides a solid overall experience with its better processing and slightly brighter panel. For those considering an investment in OLED technology, weighing the A75L against the LG C3 OLED might be worthwhile to ensure you get the best value for your money. See our review.
TCL Q7/Q750G QLED Review:
A Solid Alternative with Some Limitations
The TCL Q7/Q750G QLED is a notable option in the mid-range TV market, providing a compelling alternative to the Hisense U7N. While the TCL Q7/Q750G offers strong performance and features, there are a few areas where the Hisense U7N maintains an edge. Here is an in-depth look at what you can expect from the TCL Q7/Q750G and how it compares to its rival.
Image Quality and Performance:
The TCL Q7/Q750G QLED delivers impressive picture quality with its Quantum Dot technology, offering vibrant colors and decent brightness levels. It excels in bright environments thanks to its strong peak brightness, making it a good choice for rooms with ample natural light. The Q7/Q750G’s color accuracy is commendable, and its HDR performance is solid, providing enhanced contrast and brightness in HDR content.
Contrast and Brightness:
While the TCL Q7/Q750G offers good overall brightness, especially in well-lit rooms, its contrast performance falls short compared to the Hisense U7N. The Hisense U7N features a more effective local dimming system that produces deeper blacks and more significant contrast. This contrast advantage is particularly noticeable in dark scenes and can enhance the overall viewing experience.
Response Time and Refresh Rate:
One area where the TCL Q7/Q750G struggles compared to the Hisense U7N is its response time. The Hisense U7N is known for its more consistent performance, even when the refresh rate fluctuates. This consistency contributes to a smoother viewing experience, particularly for fast-moving content such as sports and action movies. The TCL Q7/Q750G, while competent, may exhibit some performance variations that can impact the overall fluidity of motion.
Color Vibrancy:
The Hisense U7N also outshines the TCL Q7/Q750G in terms of color vibrancy. The Hisense model provides a wider color gamut and more vivid colors, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The TCL Q7/Q750G, although capable of delivering vibrant colors, does not match the richness and depth offered by the Hisense U7N.
Gaming Performance:
Both the TCL Q7/Q750G and Hisense U7N are equipped with features that cater to gamers. They both support HDMI 2.1 features and offer low input lag, making them suitable for gaming setups. However, the Hisense U7N’s superior response time and consistent performance give it a slight edge for gamers seeking a more responsive and fluid gaming experience.
Value and Pricing:
The TCL Q7/Q750G QLED is priced competitively and provides good value for its features. It is a strong contender in the mid-range QLED market, especially for those who prioritize brightness and color performance in well-lit environments. However, if you are looking for a TV with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, the Hisense U7N remains the better overall option despite being slightly more expensive.
Conclusion:
In summary, the TCL Q7/Q750G QLED is a solid choice if you are considering a QLED TV in the mid-range segment. It offers good performance with vibrant colors and strong brightness, making it a suitable alternative to the Hisense U7N. However, for those who value superior contrast, more consistent response times, and richer color vibrancy, the Hisense U7N remains the better overall choice. If you can compromise on some aspects of performance for a more budget-friendly option, the TCL Q7/Q750G is worth considering, but keep in mind the advantages that the Hisense U7N provides.
See our review.
