In the same way, smartphones have replaced flip phones; it's hard to find a TV that isn't smart. In case you didn't know, smart TVs give you easy access to thousands of streaming apps. You can watch your favorite shows and movies on Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, or anything. Most allow you to stream content from your smartphone directly to the big screen, and some even offer games and music streaming apps.
You can be sure that our picks offer the best picture and sound quality and come equipped with all the ports you might need for your video game consoles and home theater system.
The best smart TVs
What to consider
Screen size
Probably the most important factor in buying a smart TV will be its screen size. Screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner. Most people agree that the bigger the screen, the better because, the bigger it is, the more immersive the television. However, a large TV won't do you much good if you don't have room to accommodate it. Viewing larger screens from a distance is recommended.
The recommended viewing distance is 1.5 times the height of the screen. So, for a 55-inch television, you need to be at a distance of 3.3 feet. For a 65-inch television, this distance is 3.9 feet, and for a 75-inch television, it is 4.6 feet.
Resolution
The picture on your TV is composed of pixels. Smaller televisions (about 32 inches) typically have a resolution of 720p. Several affordable TVs have 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). Still, we recommend you buy a TV with 4K or Ultra HD resolution. 4K TVs have 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, which means they have four times as many pixels as 1080p HDTVs. The images are much more detailed. It's worth mentioning that some manufacturers sell 8K TVs, but 8K content is not yet readily available, and 8K TVs are also quite expensive - between $2,000 and $8,000.
Refresh rate
This number is expressed in Hertz (Hz). The screen can display many images simultaneously. TVs with 60 Hz refresh the displayed image 60 times per second.
A higher refresh rate allows for a smoother motion for live sports and video games. We recommend that you purchase TVs with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
HDR
HDR stands for high dynamic range. Compared with non-HDR footage, compatible content appears much more vibrant.
There are three standards for HDR content: Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. The best TVs support all three standards.
Panel type
Just like back in the day when you had to choose an LCD or plasma screen, you now have the choice of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), liquid crystal display (LCD), quantum dot LED (QLED), or MicroLED panel. It is worth mentioning that OLEDs cannot be as bright as LCD, LED, or QLED TVs, so they are more susceptible to glare in bright rooms. However, these other panels can't achieve the same black levels as OLED TVs, as they rely on a backlight. To make things even more confusing, Samsung has introduced a new type of display technology - QD-OLED - a fusion between OLED panels and quantum dots.
The idea is this: If you plan to use a TV in a bright room, we recommend you buy a QLED TV; if you want the best possible picture quality, you should get an OLED TV, and if you want a TV for an extremely dark room, get a QD-OLED TV.
Operating system
Smart TVs also use different operating systems when you buy a smartphone and have to choose between Android (Google) or iOS (Apple) operating systems. Sony TVs run Google TV, Samsung TVs use an operating system called Tizen, LG models use webOS, and TCL and Hisense TVs use either Roku TV or Google TV. Amazon's Fire TV operating system is also found on Toshiba and Insignia TVs. We prefer Google TV and Roku TV to other operating systems because they are more intuitive and less ad-laden. Of course, you can always buy a streaming device and run whatever platform you prefer.
HDMI ports
We recommend you buy a TV with at least three HDMI ports, but four is even better. HDMI ports are the jacks into which you'll plug external devices, such as video game consoles, streaming devices, or Blu-ray players. If you do a lot of gaming or are audiophiles, you should choose a TV with HDMI 2.1 ports. HDMI 2.1 has a wider bandwidth to support higher frame rates and better audio resolution.
We've found the best options for every budget if you're ready to upgrade to a smart TV.
1. BRAVIA XR X90J 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
If you're looking for the best-in-class, HDR-capable smart TV that delivers a truly incredible, lifelike picture and stellar sound, look no further than this TV from Sony. It uses Google TV as its platform, which has an easy-to-use interface and embeds all your favorite streaming apps. The TV is also equipped with Chromecast and AirPlay 2, so you can stream content from your smartphone or tablet directly to the TV.
A Home Theater Review writer said the X90J is "best in class" and comes with about everything you want in a mid-range 4K LED-LCD TV and praised it for its subtle but understated design.
We couldn't agree more. This option is an extremely sharp-looking and feature-packed model with excellent picture quality, whether you're watching TV, a movie, or playing video games.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that Sony launched the successor to this TV in the spring, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K. We think most buyers are better off saving money and going with the 2021 X90J, as you won't see a significant difference in picture quality. However, if you're a gamer, one RTings reviewer recommends going with the X90K if it's in your budget, given its wider 1080p variable refresh range.
Buy: BRAVIA XR X90J 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
2. ULED Premium 75U7G QLED Series 75-inch 4K Android Smart TV with Alexa compatibility
Suppose Sony's BRAVIA XR X90J smart TV is a bit out of reach for your budget. In that case, the Hisense U7G is an exceptional TV that stretches your dollar further and strikes the perfect balance between price and performance. It features a 120Hz LCD screen that makes images look exceptional and smooth in all scenarios, whether gaming, watching TV shows, or watching movies.
What sets the Hisense apart from other budget TVs like TCL's 6 Series is the inclusion of not one but two HDMI 2.1 inputs. This means the TV is more future-proof and compatible with the latest video game consoles like the PlayStation 5. If you're looking for an HDR-capable smart TV with high brightness, vibrant colors, and an easy-to-use interface for under $1,000, this is the one to buy.
Buy: ULED Premium 75U7G QLED Series 75-inch 4K Android Smart TV with Alexa compatibility
3. 32S335 32-inch Roku Series 3 Smart TV
The TCL 32S327 features a sleek design, a 32-inch 720p display, and a built-in Roku streaming player (if you prefer Android TV, you should opt for the similar TCL 32S334). Both operating systems easily allow the TV to stream content from popular services such as Amazon, HBO, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and ESPN.
A Wirecutter reviewer said the Series 3 is a great all-in-one TV with a good picture, good sound quality, and better black and brightness levels than the competition.
We previously recommended TCL's 32S327 TV because it offers a more detailed 1080p picture and has three HDMI ports, compared to two for the Series 3. However, this model is from 2019 and lacks useful features like Bluetooth audio support and voice controls. It doesn't have an Ethernet port.
Buy: 32S335 32-inch Roku Series 3 Smart TV
4. TCL QLED Roku 4K Series 6 Smart TV
This smart TV offers a phenomenal picture despite its low price. It supports HDR, producing a bright, realistic, colorful picture.
On top of that, it has a true 120Hz panel, and mini LED backlighting, which means it delivers a bright picture even in well-lit rooms. Its biggest drawback is that it doesn't have an HDMI 2.1 port, which is handy if you have a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console.
The TCL TV works with Roku. Its remote lets you search for shows or movies with your voice, and it has hotkeys for all your favorite streaming apps. We think this TCL TV is a great value considering its superb picture, many smart features, numerous ports, and ease of use.
Suppose you compare Series 6 to TCL's Series 5, released in 2022. In that case, we recommend spending a little more on the Series 6, as it's brighter, has more powerful speakers, and isn't as glaring if you put it in a sunny room.
Buy: TCL QLED Roku 4K Series 6 Smart TV
5. C1 Series OLED Smart TV
If you have deep pockets and picture quality is the most important feature when buying a smart TV, you can't go wrong with an OLED TV from LG. If you're still unsure which one to buy, we recommend deciding based on what you're willing to spend on a new TV.
We're confident that most buyers will be happy with the LG C1 OLED TV, which offers exceptional performance without costing you an arm and a leg. With a price tag of just over 1,000 Euros, it's not cheap, but it's a solid TV with a much better picture quality than the others.
Even though the C1 TV is last year's model, it's worth buying. It offers much deeper shades and truer colors than its LCD and LED counterparts, making for a truly stunning picture. LG's Evo C2 series technically has higher brightness and a more powerful processor. Still, side by side, most casual users wouldn't be able to tell the difference. It's worth mentioning, however, that the C2 models are available in a smaller size of 42 or 48 inches (making them a great option for gaming).
The C1 runs on LG's webOS platform, has Alexa support for triggering smart devices or getting information, includes a nifty remote control, and supports voice commands. It's also one of the few TVs with Dolby Atmos speakers to provide a much more immersive experience. If it's slightly above your budget, consider the more affordable LG B2.
6. The Frame
If you don't care about acronyms like HDR, OLED, and HDMI-ARC and think all TVs look the same, we highly recommend buying the Samsung Frame. When you're not watching a show or movie, this TV can display hundreds of beautiful pieces of art and your personal photos. You'll be blown away by how the frame hides and doesn't look like a TV when idle.
Users can change the wooden frame of the TV to better match their home decor. The frame also comes with Samsung's brand new seamless wall mount, which allows it to be installed flush to the wall.
Regarding picture quality, the frame offers 4K ultra-HD resolution and supports HDR. You can't go wrong with the frame if you want a unique TV that doesn't look like any other and blends better with your decor.
Buy: The Frame
7. Fire TV Omni Series
The Amazon Fire TV Omni Series offers a phenomenal picture despite its low price. It even supports Dolby Vision content and HDR10, which produces a bright, realistic, and colorful picture.
The TV includes hands-free access to the Alexa voice assistant, four HDMI ports (one of which supports the new eARC standard), a USB jack, a slim bezel, and a stylish stand.
The TV works with Amazon's Fire TV platform, which gives you quick and easy access to Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. The included remote lets you search for shows or movies with your voice and adds a volume rocker, mute, and live TV button under its playback controls.
We think this TV from Amazon is a great value, considering its great picture, many smart features, multiple ports, voice controls, and ease of use.
Buy: Fire TV Omni Series
8. P-Series 65-inch 4K HDR Smart TV
This TV's massive screen delivers one of the brightest images on the market. It supports up to 1,200 nits of brightness, making it a great option to use in a room with many windows. The TV features quantum dots for a wider color gamut and has 200 local dimming zones to improve its black levels and contrast performance.
Whether you want to use it to watch movies, TV shows, or games, this model is a jack of all trades. It works with Vizio's SmartCast platform, which allows users to quickly and easily access a wide selection of apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and more.
Buy: P-Series 65-inch 4K HDR Smart TV
9. QN90A Series QLED Smart TV 4K UHD
This Samsung 4K TV is a great choice for gamers because of its superb motion handling and low input lag. We think it's one of the best-looking big screen TVs you can buy, thanks to its thin edges, top-notch brightness, and ambient mode that allows the TV to blend seamlessly into any wall decor when not in use.
The TV supports HDR content, but not Dolby Vision. It has four HDMI ports for your consoles and even features Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant. Since it uses a Mini LED backlight, it produces a sharp picture. The TV works with Samsung's Tizen smart platform to download your favorite streaming apps.
Buy: QN90A Series QLED Smart TV 4K UHD
