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With all the great shows on right now, and the temptation to binge every single item on your watchlist, it’s no wonder you’re thinking about upgrading your TV. Luckily, there is no shortage of options. In fact, there are so many choices, you might be enticed to purchase the biggest TV possible at the lowest price around.
We don’t recommend that—and here’s why. Picture quality is determined by several factors including how much light there is in the room where you’ll be watching, how far you’re sitting from the screen, and what type of programming you plan to view. If you are a gamer, cinephile, or sports fan, there are certain TVs that are designed for each of these. If you want a smart TV, you’ll have access to all of the streaming channels you could possibly imagine.
Regardless of the application, though, 4K is still resolution of the moment.
Here are the best 4K models to match your TV watching needs. All models featured, unless indicated, are 65 inches, which I consider the best compromise between size, price, and 4K enjoyment, but most sets are available in smaller and less expensive versions, as well as in larger sizes for those who have more room and a bigger budget. Although some listed prices may seem high, many models are discounted around the holiday season and in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.
The Best 4K TVs
Best Overall: LG C5 OLED 4K TV
Best Mini-LED TV: TCL QM8K QD-Mini-LED 4K TV
Best Value: Hisense U8 Mini-LED 4K TV
Best Budget: Hisense QD7 Mini-LED 4K TV
Best Premium: Samsung S95F OLED 4K TV
The Expert (Stewart Wolpin): I’ve been writing about, reporting on, and reviewing consumer technology for nearly 40 years, and have been writing about, reviewing, and recommending TVs for all of them.
The Expert (Stefan Vazharov): I’ve been covering consumer tech, including TV and home audio equipment, for more than 10 years, and spent hundreds of hours watching live Premier League soccer, streaming blockbuster movies, and console gaming while while putting dozens of TVs through their paces.
What to Consider in a 4K TV
Though they all look like black slabs on the wall, the quality of the images produced by 4K TVs can vary dramatically from model to model. Many also have distinctive features that make them better for specific applications—like a high refresh rate for gaming. And, of course, all that impacts how much they cost. Here are the most important things to keep in mind while shopping:
Size
There is all manner of exotic formulae for determining the exact distance you should sit from a large screen TV—X-times the screen height, X-times the screen’s diagonal size—but there isn’t a right or wrong answer. The best rule of thumb is, if the screen fills your frame of vision from where you’re sitting, and you don’t have to turn your head to see one side of the screen or the other, you’re fine. (Note: Sitting too close to a 4K TV won’t ruin your eyes despite what your mother may have told you.)
What size TV you choose, however, may be pre-determined by your room geography and/or furnishings, such as the interior of an existing TV cabinet, or dictated by a spouse’s objections to a larger size set. If you plan to buy a new TV larger than your current set, measure the width, height, and depth of your home’s TV space, and then check the actual width and height of the TV with stand, not the diagonal screen size. A flat panel 65-inch screen 4K TV usually measures less than 60 inches wide, less than 36 inches tall, and about 15 inches deep with the stand.
More to Consider: Best OLED TVs • Best Wireless Surround Sound Systems • Best TV Wall Mounts
TV Stand/Mount
Some TVs come with center stands, while many larger models have feet at either end of the set, which may be too widely spaced apart for your TV stand. Check the width of your TV tabletop and the space between the feet of your prospective TV purchase to make sure its feet will fit.
Planning to hang your TV on a wall? All TVs adhere to a version of the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) wall mounting standard, which includes variations such as VESA MIS-D, MIS-E, and MIS-F, which mainly address a TV’s rear mounting hole spacing, the supportable weight, and the size of a TV.
Virtually any VESA wall mounting kit can be used with virtually any wall-mountable TV, but double-check a TV’s specifications just to be sure of any potential VESA variation.
Picture Quality
A 4K TV’s display is comprised of 3840 x 2160 pixels, but that’s only the resolution of your screen. There is a dizzying array of screen technologies that create different levels of stunning 4K images. These technologies include:
LCD-LED (light emitting diodes): This is the most common and least expensive TV screen technology, comprising a liquid crystal display panel backlit by an array of tiny but bright LEDs, often grouped into area-specific “local dimming zones.” The more backlighting LEDs, the brighter the picture, and the higher the number of local dimming zones, the deeper the contrast and truer the colors.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes): Each pixel of an OLED TV creates and illuminates its colors and light—no extra backlighting necessary. Since each pixel is self-illuminating, OLED TVs produce the most precise and deepest colors, the highest contrast for the clearest details in dark scenes, and the widest viewing angle of any TV technology—all of which is why OLEDs are the highest-priced 4K TVs available. OLED sets, however, are not as bright as LCD-LED or mini-LED sets, and OLED TVs look their best in more dimly lit rooms.
Mini-LED: Just as their name implies, mini-LED backlights are 40 times smaller than standard backlighting LCD-LEDs. As a result, manufacturers can pack more mini-LED backlights behind the LCD panel, which translates to more precise lighting for brighter, more precise colors, and higher contrast for better detail in dark scenes. Mini-LED sets approach—but don’t quite reach—OLED picture quality level, but mini-LED screens are far brighter.
QLED (Quantum dot Light Emitting Diodes): Quantum dot technology is a special screen coating made up of phosphorescent nanocrystals that boost both the color and the brightness of an LCD-LED, mini-LED, or even an OLED screen image.
Display Speed
The speed at which a TV screen produces an image is measured by its refresh rate, expressed in hertz, or Hz. This equates to frames flashed per second; by comparison, movie film is projected at 24 frames per second. Normal TVs refresh at 60Hz, or 60 frames a second.
If you’re a heavy gamer, you want a display that more accurately reflects the eye-blinking speed of the animated action, which means you’ll want a TV with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz or even 144Hz, and a set equipped with VRR (variable refresh rate), which automatically adjusts the refresh rate depending on the content being displayed.
Another screen technology gamers want is low latency or input lag, which is how quickly the display responds when you push a button on your control pad or joystick. Many higher-end TVs include an Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that automatically switches your TV to a faster, more responsive mode, measured in milliseconds (ms).
How We Selected 4K TVs
For this comprehensive guide, we handpicked 4K TVs in various price points from current leading manufacturers: LG, Samsung, Hisense, and TCL. The selection process included parsing through hardware specs, attending live demo sessions, and consulting with other industry experts. Every product recommended is from its maker’s 2025 lineup, so it’s as future-proof as it is feature-packed.
C5 OLED 4K TV
The LG C5, latest in a long line of all-star sets, is our top TV recommendation for most people again this year. LG’s mid-range OLED is impressively slim and elegant, capable of delivering a stunning picture with infinite contrast and vibrant colors, and equipped with an intuitive platform, all at a reasonable price.
With millions of individually backlit pixels, the OLED display of the C5 is a rock-solid contender for the best in its price range. The panel’s flawless black color reproduction results in perfect contrast and vivid colors, making any content—from a newscast to blockbuster movie to AAA video game—look its best.
Speaking of gaming, the C5 is among the best on the market. In addition to being a wonderful companion for the latest gaming consoles, the TV can also double as a top-tier gaming monitor, courtesy of AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync support. Unlike many of its rivals, it can also deliver high-powered gameplay via an Nvidia GeForce Now subscription.
Availability in multiple screen sizes is another reason why the C5 is our Best Overall. Depending on your needs and budget, you can opt for a compact 42-inch, a private movie theater-worthy 83-inch model, or one of several additional sizes sitting in between.
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$1796.99 at amazon.com
QM8K QD-Mini-LED 4K TV
The TCL QM8K, our top mini-LED pick, looks incredibly sleek sans top and side bezels, and has the picture quality to match. While OLED is still broadly the superior display technology, the GM8K gives our top pick a run for its money, and the 65-inch model costs about $500 less.
With thousands of local dimming zones and an AI-powered processor to control them, the quantum dot mini-LED panel delivers a captivating picture with rich colors and deep contrast. The picture quality is not far from OLED TV territory. The TCL product’s lower cost and higher brightness more than make up for its lack of individually backlit pixels.
In a head-to-head comparison with the LG C5 OLED TV, the TCL QM8K stands out by rocking an anti-reflective display with a considerably higher peak brightness, as well as by delivering superior sound. The former makes the TCL product better-suited for use where a light source is facing the TV. In contrast, the QM8K’s Bang & Olufsen-tuned Dolby Atmos audio setup with a pair of subwoofers makes a compelling case for not spending extra on a soundbar.
On the other hand, the LG C5 has much wider viewing angles, as well as superior gaming features, and performance, and it’s available in more sizes, too, though it can’t match the TCL product in big-screen options and bang for the buck.
The QM8K is available with up to a 98-inch screen. An 85-inch iteration of this TV undercuts the LG C5 with an 83-inch by about $2,000, making the TCL product a superior bargain.
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$1297.99 at amazon.com
U8 Mini-LED 4K TV
The Hisense U8 is one of the brightest, most color-accurate, and best-sounding LED TVs I’ve tested, thanks to a quantum-dot-enhanced mini-LED screen. It is more generously (and frequently) discounted than competitive sets, which makes the upgrade even sweeter.
Featuring a 165Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate (VRR) and low latency for high-level gaming, the U8 supports all versions of HDR to improve the look of broadcast and cable TV programming. The display panel, in addition to staggeringly high peak brightness, features a dedicated filter to reduce glare and reflections, leading to a top-tier viewing experience in bright spaces.
Feature-wise, the U8 offers top-notch sound for its form factor, a robust set of up-to-date connectivity features, and an intuitive platform. It is available in sizes ranging from 55 inches to 100 inches, all delivering an equally high value.
Compared to the TCL QM8K 4K TV with a mini-LED screen mentioned above, the Hisense U8 has similar specs and peak brightness, but a longer two-year warranty. The u8 is also available with a 55-inch screen, unlike its rivals, so it’s a more suitable choice for smaller spaces.
That said, the TCL TV’s more elegant design with slimmer bezels and Bang & Olufsen audio system are hard to overlook. Regardless of your choice, you’ll get one of the best mini-LED TVs on the market.
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$1270.34 at amazon.com
QD7 65-Inch Series Mini-LED 4K TV
This Hisense is the best 4K TV if you are on a tight budget. Priced below $500, this Hisense QD7 Series delivers a mixture of sleek design, superb picture quality for the money, a feature-packed platform, and an abundant set of connectivity features. With a dedicated game mode and support for variable refresh rate, the TV is also a dependable console gaming display.
The overall picture quality and color rendering of the Hisense QD7 are superb for a TV at such an affordable price point. Its quantum dot Mini-LED display panel with full array local dimming produces punchy colors and dramatic contrast that belie its price category. Unless you are willing and able to double your budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better TV for the price.
Powered by Amazon Fire TV, the Hisense QD7 has an intuitive platform with deep Alexa integration. The powerful virtual assistant is available via a button on the TV’s bundled remote. Also convenient, this smart TV can also display feed from compatible security cameras and smart doorbells.
You can order the Hisense QD7 in six display sizes up to a massive 100-inch unit. A 50-inch version that’s perfect for smaller spaces is also available.
$487.99 at amazon.com
S95F 65-Inch 4K OLED TV
Samsung’s S95F is the 4K TV to get if its price tag fits in your budget. The product’s super-bright OLED display with quantum dot technology predictably produces vibrant colors and deep contrast. In addition, a highly sophisticated onboard processor with access to AI neural networks ensures lower-resolution content looks sharper and better than ever.
Most importantly, the Samsung S95F can effortlessly deliver this viewing experience from any angle, even in bright spaces. The TV’s screen has a glare-free finish, which makes it practically impervious to light reflections. This means that its picture quality will remain superb even if it’s facing a lamp, a window, or another light source. This quality alone makes the TV worth every penny.
In a manner befitting its price category, the Samsung S95F is also a bona fide gaming powerhouse, capable of delivering exceptional visuals when linked to a gaming console or a high-powered computer. Samsung’s Tizen platform also supports Xbox cloud gaming, so all you need is a wireless controller and a monthly subscription to enjoy AAA titles.
We like that the TV’s wide array of wired connectivity features sits in an external box, making its profile impossibly slim and elegant. Its multi-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system, on the other hand, defies its form factor, while its solar remote never needs batteries. The TV is available in four screen sizes from 55-inch to 83-inch.
$3297.99 at amazon.com
Our Expert Stewart Wolpin Makes Sense of This Alphabet Soup: HDRs, 8K, and ARC.
Are there different types of HDR?
Yes, but you only need to concern yourself with the types your 4K TV includes. Nearly all bigger screen 4K TVs are equipped with a type of HDR (high-dynamic range) that creates visibly punchier, higher contrast images when viewing 4K content from Blu-ray or streaming channels.
Different HDR versions include the standard and most common HDR, as well as more specialized HDR-10, HDR-10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), designed to deliver HDR benefits to lower non-4K broadcast, cable, and satellite TV fare.
While there are subtle visual benefits associated with each type of HDR, and while some TV makers, 4K Blu-ray producers, and streaming channels opt to deploy some HDR versions but not others, compatibility really isn’t an issue since all include a plain and widely compatible HDR version.
Bottom line: Any set featuring any type of HDR will produce a visibly better 4K picture than a set without HDR.
How soon will I need to consider an 8K TV?
8K TV makers may not want to hear this, but probably never. 8K TVs offer a display with a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels, or 33 million pixels, more than four times the 8 million pixels that comprise a 4K TV display.
Prices are coming down to near 4K TV price levels for 8K models. But, for a variety of reasons, there is no existing 8K content—no 8K broadcast or cable, no 8K streaming, no 8K Blu-ray—and there isn’t likely to be for the foreseeable future.
The only benefits of an 8K TV is via upscaling or up-conversion of lower resolution programming to 8K. But realistically you’ll need at least a 75-inch TV to appreciate the difference between 4K and 8K.
How important is sound? What should I be looking for so that I have the best experience possible?
Imagine watching the movie “Jaws” without feeling that “bum-bum, bum-bum” bass in your gut, or not being able to understand character dialog over a swelling orchestral passage, or subtle sounds that lend a dramatic scene its key ambience.
A 4K TV may produce excellent picture quality, but most do not produce equally excellent sound which can dull or ruin your viewing experience. There is a fix for this. Instead of relying on a TV’s poor audio, you may want to pair your 4K TV with a sound bar via an ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) HDMI connection.
An ARC-compatible sound bar connected to a TV via an ARC HDMI jack lets you control your TV’s picture and sound with a single remote, as if the sound bar were your TV’s speaker.
Just make sure to measure the space between your TV tabletop and the bottom of the TV display area so your prospective sound bar won’t block either the screen or the TV’s IR remote control sensor.
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