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If you're shopping for a new TV in 2024, there are lots of options. Retailers are packed with colorful 4K displays, cheap HDTVs, and razor-sharp 8K sets. But while picture quality and specific features vary depending on what kind of display you get, the best TVs all share one thing in common: a reliable viewing experience.
After extensive testing and research, we've selected the seven best TVs you can buy. The Samsung S90C is our top pick thanks to its high contrast, wide viewing angles, bright colors, and highly competitive price. Shoppers aiming to spend less should also consider our budget pick, the Hisense U6K. Brightness and contrast can't match pricier sets, but its Mini LED backlight delivers better image quality than other TVs in its price range.
We've also got picks for high-end, midrange, 8K, and even HD models. With different budgets and viewing needs accounted for, these are the best TVs you can buy right now.
Note: All of our picks are available in multiple screen sizes. You can select different sizes on each retailer's page. Features are typically carried over across sizes, but there may be slight performance differences.
Our top picks for the best TVs
Best overall: Samsung S90C 4K TV - See at Amazon
The Samsung S90C OLED delivers premium 4K image quality with top-of-the-line contrast and color, and its often on sale for an unbeatable value.
Best OLED on a budget: LG B3 4K TV - See at Amazon
OLED TVs aren't known for their budget-friendly prices, but the LG B3 is one of the most affordable models you can get right now.
Best QLED for budget buyers: Hisense U6K 4K TV - See at Amazon
The U6K proves that budget-friendly 4K TVs don't need to skimp on cool features like quantum dots and Mini LEDs with local dimming.
Best midrange model: Hisense U7K 4K TV - See at Amazon
Hisense's U7K 4K TV punches way above its weight class with excellent brightness and gaming performance for the money.
Best high-end display: Sony A95L 4K TV - See at Amazon
It's expensive, but the Sony A95L OLED is the best TV you can get if you want the most accurate, high-end picture possible.
Best 8K display: Samsung QN900C 8K TV - See at Amazon
We're still not convinced that anyone actually needs an 8K TV right now, but there's no denying how gorgeous the QN900C looks, especially if you get an extra-large size.
Best HDTV: TCL S3 Series HDTV - See at Amazon
TCL's S3 HDTV is a reliable and cheap option if all you need is a smaller smart TV for casual viewing.
Ryan Waniata/Business Insider
Pros: QD-OLED panel with high-end contrast and colors, deep black levels, wide viewing angles, up to 144Hz refresh rate
Cons: No Dolby Vision support, interface isn't our favorite
All things considered, the Samsung S90C is the best TV you can buy right now. It delivers top-notch image quality with a few picture-performance perks that you won't find on other sets in its price range.
The S90C uses a 4K QD-OLED panel. The "QD" before "OLED" means it incorporates a screen technology called quantum dots, which can deliver nearly unrivaled color performance. The S90C is the most affordable QD-OLED on the market, giving it an edge over similarly priced LG and Sony OLEDs that don't use quantum dots. For the money, the S90C is simply the best 4K TV on the market.
With a peak brightness of about 1,000 nits, the S90C delivers vibrant high-dynamic-range (HDR) images. Although it's still not as bright as top QLED TVs, the display's OLED panel gives it pixel-level contrast control, which results in deeper black levels and more precise highlights without any blooming.
The only notable feature that the S90C is missing is Dolby Vision support. Without getting too into the weeds, Dolby Vision is considered the best HDR format, and it's supported on Sony and LG displays. However, the benefits of Dolby Vision over other HDR formats, like HDR10 and HDR10+, are often extremely subtle, and the S90C's HDR10 performance is so good that most people won't notice a difference.
Though not our favorite smart TV platform, the S90C's Tizen interface works well enough and gives you access to all of the best streaming services. And Samsung is the only TV brand that supports the Xbox Game Pass app directly on its TVs, which lets members stream Xbox games without a console. The TV also supports a smooth 144Hz refresh rate with a computer, which isn't something you'll find on rival LG and Sony models.
Samsung does sell more expensive OLED TVs that get brighter, like the flagship S95C, but you can't beat the S90C's overall value.
Read our Samsung S90C 4K TV review.
*The 83-inch S90C doesn't use quantum dots, so it's not expected to match the color performance of smaller models.
B&H
Pros: Solid price for an OLED, best-in-class contrast and black-level performance for the money
Cons: Not as bright as pricier OLEDs, less advanced processing than step-up models
Though you can find plenty of affordable QLED and LED displays, cheap OLED TVs are harder to snag. Right now, LG's B3 is the closest thing there is to a budget OLED. At full retail price it's still a bit expensive, but the 65-inch model is a good deal when it's on sale for $1,300.
Like the more expensive OLEDs we recommend, the B3 offers an infinite contrast ratio with perfect black levels and wide viewing angles. On the downside, the B3 has a lower peak brightness of about 600-700 nits. HDR content still looks good, especially with Dolby Vision support, but the brightest highlights you see won't pop with the same vibrancy that they'd have on Samsung's S90C, Sony's A95L, or LG's pricier C2 and G3. The lower brightness also makes the B3 less suited for spaces with many windows that let in sunlight.
On the plus side, the B3 has a 120Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 ports, just like LG's step-up models. This means it can support high frame rate gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series console, or PC. It also supports VRR (variable refresh rate). And the TV's webOS platform gives you access to plenty of apps.
LG also still sells an even cheaper OLED, called the A2, but it's a 2022 model, so it's difficult to find in stores and online. However, Best Buy sometimes has the 48-inch A2 model for as low as $550, which is an amazing price. Just keep in mind that the A2 isn't as good for gaming since it only has a 60Hz screen.
Ryan Waniata/Insider
Pros: Cheapest TV with Mini LEDs, features quantum dots and local dimming
Cons: Limited brightness, 60Hz panel, mediocre viewing angles, sluggish smart TV interface
The Hisense U6K is the most affordable TV you can buy that manages to include quantum dots and local dimming with Mini LEDs. The former feature enables a wide range of bright colors, while the latter gives the TV deeper black levels and improved contrast over a regular LED display. Mini LEDs are especially rare on a TV in this price range, and they enable more precise control of the panel's dimming.
Often on sale for just $550 at a 65-inch screen size, the U6K offers incredible value. Sure, it has fewer dimming zones than step-up models like the U7 series, but the performance it delivers is nearly unmatched by rivals in this price range. Most budget TVs lack wide color support and often top out at about 300 nits, but the U6K offers an expanded color gamut and up to 600 nits of brightness. We generally recommend at least 800-1,000 nits for the best performance, but 600 is enough to start seeing the benefits of HDR.
Gamers, however, should keep in mind that the TV only has a 60Hz refresh rate rather than 120Hz. This means it can't support high frame rate gaming on a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. The display's viewing angles are also mediocre, but that's to be expected for pretty much any TV you find in this class.
The U6K is a bit of an outlier in the TV market right now, hitting an especially appealing sweet spot between entry-level pricing and performance. There are cheaper TVs, but the U6K offers a big jump in image quality over other budget options while maintaining a low price.
Read our full Hisense U6K 4K TV review.
Ryan Waniata/Business Insider
Pros: Fantastic performance for the money, Mini LED with local dimming and quantum dot color, 144Hz refresh rate
Cons: Viewing angles aren't great, some local dimming quirks
Hisense's U7K is easily one of the best TVs you can buy for under $1,000. Like its predecessor, the U7H, it offers picture quality features that rival pricier displays. And unlike the older U7H, this model even adds a Mini LED backlight for improved contrast control.
The QLED panel can deliver up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, which is fantastic for a TV in this price range and nearly double what you get on the cheaper U6K. The Mini LED screen uses full-array local dimming to adjust the display's contrast across multiple zones. This creates better black levels and more precise highlights than you'd get on a QLED that doesn't have Mini LEDs and dimming.
When it comes to gaming, the TV has two HDMI 2.1 ports, so it can support high frame rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) with full 120Hz compatibility on a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Its refresh rate can even go up to 144Hz with a PC, which is especially rare for a set in this price range. You also get solid smart TV capabilities via the display's Google TV interface and Google Assistant remote.
Considering its affordable price, the U7K does have a few drawbacks compared to more expensive QLED TVs. HDR highlights can't get quite as bright, and you might notice some minor blooming around bright objects or brightness fluctuations here and there. The TV's viewing angles are also mediocre, so color and contrast degrade if you're sitting off to the side.
Still, it's hard to fault the U7K too much for these cons since it does so much right for such an amazing price.
Read our full Hisense U7K 4K TV review.
Steven Cohen/Insider
Pros: Brightest OLED we've tested, best-in-class picture processing, Dolby Vision support, premium design
Cons: Pricier than competitors, only two HDMI 120Hz ports
The Sony A95L OLED is the absolute best high-end TV you can buy. Like Samsung's OLEDs, it also uses quantum dots to offer industry-leading color and contrast. But on top of that, the A95L boasts higher peak brightness levels and benefits from Sony's picture processing to produce superior image accuracy and upscaling.
The differences can be subtle, but the A95L edges out other premium TVs in this class, including Samsung's S95C and LG's G3. And unlike Samsung OLEDs, it supports Dolby Vision, which gives the TV scene-by-scene instructions for how to render color and contrast when watching Dolby Vision content on popular services like Netflix and Disney Plus.
The A95L is also the brightest OLED we've ever tested. We measured a peak of 1,500 nits with the TV placed in its most accurate "Professional" mode. That's exceptional for a display of this type. And though it doesn't reach the 200% increase that Sony touted before release, the A95L is 50% brighter than last year's A95K based on our measurements.
The TV's proprietary picture processing also does an excellent job of upscaling lower-quality sources, so cable TV and HD streams show fewer flaws. Sony's tech still leads the industry when it comes to delivering a truly accurate picture for the best home theater experience.
The A95L's Google TV operating system works well too, so you can stream all your favorite services with simple navigation. A handy voice remote is included with Google Assistant, and it has a convenient backlight that activates when you pick it up. Sony even includes a webcam for video calls and gesture controls.
The TV also has some nice design perks, including a stand that can be set up in one of two orientations: low profile, so the bottom of the screen is nearly flush with your entertainment console, or high profile, so the TV is lifted a bit to make room for a soundbar in front. And since this year's model uses left and right feet rather than a pedestal design, the low-profile option no longer causes the display to lean back.
As far as high-end TVs go, the A95L is the total package. It's a nearly flawless TV, with the only real downside being that it has just two 120Hz HDMI ports rather than four. But if you have the funds and want the best picture quality that money can buy, the A95L is the TV to get.
Steven Cohen/Insider
Pros: 8K panel offers higher PPI (pixels per inch) than 4K, industry-leading peak brightness, Mini LED backlight offers impressive dimming performance
Cons: 8K resolution benefits are hard to see, there's almost no native 8K content to watch
Samsung's QN900C is the company's top-of-the-line QLED TV. It boasts an 8K panel, which can deliver four times the total number of pixels compared to a 4K TV. It also uses a Mini LED backlight with exceptional local dimming capabilities to produce some of the best contrast and black-level performance we've ever seen on an LCD-based display.
The QN900C is also one of the brightest TVs you can buy. During our tests, it managed a peak of about 2,300 nits in Filmmaker Mode. This results in fantastic HDR images. And though it still can't compete with the infinite contrast ratio of an OLED, the QN900C's specular highlight performance has a bit more punch than an OLED. Best of all, the TV is able to hit this high brightness while maintaining deep black levels with minimal blooming. Viewing angles are also superior to most QLED TVs from other brands, so colors and contrast degrade less when sitting off to the side.
Of course, what really differentiates the QN900C from Samsung's other high-end QLED TVs is its 8K screen, which offers a resolution of 7680 x 4320 versus the 3840 x 2160p resolution you'd get on a 4K TV. Though that is four times the resolution, the actual benefit of all those extra pixels is hard to see. Don't get me wrong, the QN900C is a razor-sharp display. But so are Samsung's top 4K TVs. The higher pixel density does give 8K sets a slight edge in clarity if you like to sit up close to a big display, but otherwise, we don't think 8K resolution is a selling point right now.
This is reinforced by the fact that there really isn't any native 8K content to watch. Outside some YouTube videos, everything you'll find on major streaming services, discs, or cable will be in 4K, HD, or SD. The QN900C does an excellent job upscaling these lower resolutions to 8K, but again, the results aren't dramatically better than what you'll see on a much cheaper 4K model.
However, if you're set on getting an 8K TV, you can't go wrong with the QN900C. It's one of the best Samsung TVs you can buy, especially if you opt for a 75-inch model or larger. You're more likely to notice the subtle benefits an 8K panel can provide at that screen size.
Amazon
Pros: Cheap price, reliable Roku smart TV platform, basic HDR processing
Cons: Mediocre viewing angles, doesn't support wide color, can't match contrast or black levels found on TVs with local dimming, 60Hz rather than 120Hz panel
Buyers who just want a cheap HDTV in a smaller screen size should look no further than this affordable TCL display.
The S3 Series is a basic 1080p smart TV that ranges in size from 32 to 43 inches. At such small screen sizes, you'd be hard-pressed to see the full benefits of a 4K display, so the TV's Full HD resolution suits it just fine. Its smaller form factor also makes it a nice choice for cozier spaces like a bedroom.
When it comes to image quality, the S3 is nothing special. It doesn't use quantum dots or feature local dimming, so color, contrast, black-level performance, and brightness won't be anywhere near what you'd get with any of the more expensive TVs we recommend. It does technically support HDR10 playback, but the TV's specs aren't really capable of showing the benefits of that format, so we don't think HDR is all that useful on a TV in this class. However, the S3's basic picture performance gets the job done, especially if you just want something for casual viewing.
For smart TV streaming, the S3 uses the Roku OS. Roku's interface is one of our favorites thanks to its simplicity and overall reliability. It's not the most modern-looking platform, but it offers easy access to all of the most popular streaming services.
Home theater fans and gamers should look elsewhere, but buyers who need a cheap HDTV should be satisfied with the S3.
Steven Cohen/Insider
We selected picks for our best TV guide based on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by extensive expertise in the home entertainment product space. We evaluate displays across a series of testing factors, including image clarity, contrast, high dynamic range capabilities, peak brightness, color range, viewing angles, smart TV features, and overall value.
We use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter to measure a TV's brightness and use test patterns from the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to evaluate other objective display capabilities.
We also rely on an assortment of clips from movies and TV shows to get a better feel for how a TV actually performs under regular use. Clips are selected to focus on sequences that help demonstrate a TV's black levels, highlight performance, color range, and clarity. We also watch a mix of native 4K, high definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) content to see how a TV handles various resolutions through streaming, cable, and Blu-ray players.
Smart TV features and navigation are also tested to determine how long it takes for apps to load and how reliable overall stability is. Voice search and digital assistant performance are taken into account as well, along with other extra perks like ambient modes, smart home control, and game streaming support.
Steven Cohen/Insider
What TV brands should you consider?
There are lots of TV brands to choose from, but some are better for certain needs than others. Sony, Samsung, and LG are the cream of the crop if you're looking for the latest display technologies and best build quality. However, their midrange and entry-level TVs tend to be a bit overpriced compared to similar options from competing brands. If you want a high-end OLED or QLED TV, the above brands should be your first choice, but you can often get more bang for your buck from other companies.
For instance, Hisense, TCL, and Vizio all sell affordable mid-tier QLED TVs that offer similar, if not better, picture quality than comparable options from Sony, LG, and Samsung. You'll still get better build quality and fancier design perks from those more expensive brands, but these value-geared companies deliver advanced features like quantum dots and local dimming without breaking the bank.
Roku and Amazon have also launched midrange and entry-level TVs to compete with Hisense, Vizio, and TCL. Their top models are solid buys if you can snag them on sale, but otherwise, you can find options with slightly better specs for about the same price from other companies.
Buyers who just want a no-frills entry-level LED TV should also consider budget brands like Insignia and Toshiba. Both companies sell inexpensive 4K and HDTVs that use the Amazon Fire TV interface, and they tend to get heavily discounted during sales like Prime Day and Black Friday. Generally, we recommend paying a bit more to get a TV from one of the other brands we've already mentioned, but these displays are fine for casual viewing, especially if you want a smaller screen size for a bedroom or dorm.
What size TV is best?
TVs come in various sizes, with some models offering options as small as 24 inches and others offering options as large as 100 inches or more. When deciding what size TV to get, you should consider a few factors, including the display's resolution, the size of the room it's going in, how close you plan to sit to it, and how much money you're willing to spend.
Typically, bigger screen sizes are pricier than comparable models in smaller sizes, and you'll need to have a big enough TV stand or wall to fit the TV you buy. Certain sizes are also better suited for certain resolutions.
For instance, HD resolution screens are still acceptable for smaller sizes of around 43 inches or under. In that range, it's difficult to see the benefits of a higher resolution from an average viewing distance. On sets 50 inches and larger, however, we recommend opting for a 4K set to get the best image quality, especially if you plan to sit close to your display. Meanwhile, the benefits of 8K resolution are best appreciated on extra-large TVs that are 75 inches or more.
Many companies use 65 inches as their flagship size to show off their best TV models, and we think this size offers a great balance between big-screen immersion and value without getting too big for most living rooms. Check out our guide to the best 65-inch TV to see our top recommendations for that size.
What smart TV interfaces does each brand use?
Pretty much any new TV you buy in 2024 will be a smart TV with built-in support for accessing various streaming services. However, different brands use different smart TV operating systems (OS).
Here's a breakdown of popular smart TV platforms and the brands that use them:
There are slight differences in the selection of apps across each service, but every major smart TV platform offers access to all the most popular streaming services. They all deliver similar features as well, but the style of navigation, personalization options, and extra perks all vary.
In general, we like Roku's interface the best since it's the most straightforward and reliable of the bunch. However, its design is a little outdated compared to other platforms that offer a more slick, content-focused style.
Which smart TV OS is best for your needs really comes down to personal preference and whether you're already plugged into a smart home ecosystem. For instance, a Google TV or Fire TV will pair more seamlessly with existing Google or Amazon accounts and devices you might already own.
If you don't like the interface that comes built into your TV, we recommend checking out our guide to the best streaming devices. You can choose a stand-alone streaming device with whatever OS you prefer. Stand-alone streaming players also tend to offer snappier performance than built-in smart TV interfaces. Roku and Fire TV devices are frequently on sale for as little as $20.
What's the difference between OLED, QLED, and LED TVs?
If you buy a TV in 2024, chances are it will be branded as one of four primary display types: OLED, QD-OLED, QLED, or LED. Though performance varies depending on which specific model you buy, each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses that could make it better suited for different kinds of viewers.
Here's a rundown of the pros and cons for each:
*LG's G3 OLED TV uses Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, which enables it to match the peak brightness of top QD-OLED TVs.
*Sony still sells midrange and high-end TVs branded as just "LED" rather than "QLED." Some top Sony LED TVs include local dimming, Mini LEDs, and wide color support, which puts them in the same class as top QLEDs from other brands. But because Sony doesn't use "quantum dot" terminology for its wide color tech, it doesn't brand these TVs as QLED.
Should I be worried about burn-in on my TV?
If you leave a static image on your TV for too long, some displays are susceptible to an issue called burn-in. When burn-in occurs, a faint outline of an image gets permanently stuck on your display. Thankfully, burn-in is rare on modern TVs, so most people don't need to worry about it. However, there are some considerations you should be aware of.
First and foremost, OLED is the only current TV technology that is prone to burn-in. Though LCD-based TVs, like QLED and LED, are not 100% immune to burn-in, cases are so rare that they're not considered to be at risk like an OLED TV. But while OLED shoppers should be mindful of this risk, all OLED TVs have built-in features designed to prevent burn-in, including pixel-shift modes and pixel-refreshers.
Websites like Rtings have done long-term burn-in tests with various OLED models. Though their results do prove that burn-in can technically occur on even the best OLED TVs, their tests reveal that it's not really an issue for people with regular viewing habits. Burn-in only happens in extreme situations, like if you just watch the same cable channel with the same logo at the bottom of the screen all day long.
I've owned an LG CX OLED TV for over two years. I stream various services, watch cable TV, and play video games (which have plenty of static elements) regularly, and the TV shows no signs of burn-in. Unless you're someone who plans to stay tuned to the same cable news channel 24/7, we don't think burn-in should be a primary factor when deciding between an OLED TV or another display type.
When will new 2024 TVs be available?
Manufacturers usually announce their latest TV models every year at the CES tradeshow. This year's CES will take place on January 9-12. Though we expect details on 2024 TVs during the show, brands typically wait a couple of months to reveal specific pricing and release date information. Generally, new TVs start rolling out to stores in the spring, so we expect 2024 models to begin popping up for purchase in late March.
That said, 2023 TV models will remain available for purchase throughout 2024 until stock runs out.
from All Content from Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-tv
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