The 8 best 4K TVs for a sharp, colorful picture
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The best 4K TVs are smart, colorful, sharp, and reliable. While all 4K TVs offer an Ultra HD resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, overall picture quality can vary greatly between different models. To help you find the right display for your needs, our experts picked the best 4K TVs you can buy in 2024 with image performance and general usability in mind.
Based on hands-on testing, our top recommendation is the Samsung S90D OLED, which offers pixel-level contrast while delivering brighter colors than similar TVs from other brands. All things considered, the S90D hits the ideal balance between price and performance. However, buyers on a tighter budget should consider the Hisense U6N QLED, the most affordable 4K TV we've reviewed with an advanced Mini LED backlight. Mini LEDs give the U6N great control over its light output, which leads to a big jump in picture quality compared to direct competitors.
Our experts also recommend top OLED models from LG and Sony, as well as picks geared toward midrange pricing and bright rooms. All of the displays listed below are sold in multiple screen sizes, so be sure to select the size you want from each retailer page.
Our top picks for the best 4K TVs
Best overall: Samsung S90D 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best premium OLED: Sony A95L 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best on a budget: Hisense U6N 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best midrange OLED: LG C4 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best midrange QLED: TCL QM7 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best anti-glare display: Samsung S95D 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best for wall mounting: LG G3 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best smart TV system: Roku Pro Series 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Samsung S90D is the 2024 successor to our previous best 4K TV pick, the now-discontinued 2023 S90C. Like its predecessor, the S90D offers the most impressive balance between picture performance and price of any 4K TV we've tested. The display uses an OLED panel with quantum dots, enabling an infinite contrast ratio, a wide range of colors, and a brighter image than midrange competitors from LG and Sony.
OLED tech gives the S90D deep black levels and wide viewing angles, while the display's quantum dots allow it to produce more intense colors than a standard OLED. It also has exceptional peak brightness for a midrange set. We measured a max of 1,240 nits, which makes the TV a great fit for dark home theaters and typical living rooms. HDR (high dynamic range) movies and shows from 4K Blu-rays or streaming services like Prime Video and Disney Plus look especially stunning using the HDR10 and HDR10+ formats.
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Smart TV features are also robust, with access to every popular app. You also get Alexa and Bixby voice control. The interface is solid but we do wish navigation speed was more consistent, and we encountered a few glitches involving notifications and a setting that's supposed to disable apps from automatically opening. These are minor drawbacks, though, and are likely to be fixed with firmware.
The S90D also includes a Gaming Hub that lets you access cloud services like Xbox Game Pass to stream games without a console. Samsung is the only brand to include the Xbox app built-in. If you pair the TV with a gaming PC, it can also support a smooth 144Hz refresh rate.
The TV's only notable con is its lack of Dolby Vision support. Most Dolby Vision content will instead play in standard HDR10, but the TV's HDR10 performance is so strong that most people won't notice a difference. Check out our HDR TV guide for more details on how Dolby Vision compares to other formats.
Buyers should also note that some retailers still have lingering stock of the older S90C. However, since the remaining inventory is extremely limited, we no longer recommend the S90C as our top pick. With deal prices as low as $1,400 for the 65-inch S90D, the newer model is now the best 4K TV — and the best TV period — that you can get for the money.
Check out our guide to the best Samsung TVs.
Note: The 42-, 48-, and 83-inch S90D models don't incorporate quantum dots, so their color volume can't match that of other sizes.
Best premium OLED
If you want the best 4K TV for a high-end home theater setup, the Sony A95L OLED is the reigning champ. Like Samsung's top TVs, it uses a QD-OLED panel with quantum dots to achieve a brighter picture with better color volume than a typical OLED.
We measured a peak of 1,500 nits using a 5% test pattern and 1,240 nits using a 10% pattern on the A95L during our evaluation. That's 50% brighter than Sony's previous-gen A95K, making the A95L's image really pop during scenes with especially bright highlights (like explosions). Samsung's competing S95D OLED can get a bit brighter, but unlike the S95D, the A95L supports Dolby Vision and benefits from Sony's superior picture processing to optimize its images. The differences between the A95L and other top OLEDs are subtle, but Sony remains the leader in delivering the most accurate picture for the best movie-watching experience.
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The A95L's Google TV operating system also works well, allowing you to stream all your favorite services. A voice remote is included with Google Assistant voice control, and it has a handy backlight that turns on when you pick it up. The TV's stand can even be set up in either a high-profile arrangement (if you want to put a soundbar in front) or a low-profile mode for a flush look on your entertainment console.
It's expensive, but the Sony A95L OLED is the best 4K TV for high-end performance. Most people will be satisfied with something cheaper, but if you can afford it and want a premium TV that does it all, the A95L is the display to buy. The only notable downside is its lack of a 144Hz mode, but that feature only benefits dedicated PC gamers.
Best on a budget
The Hisense U6N is the latest entry in the brand's budget-friendly U6 series. It replaces our previous pick in this category, the Hisense U6K. The U6K remains an excellent TV, but it's no longer available at most stores. As a result, we now recommend the U6N as the best 4K TV for anyone who wants an affordable QLED that doesn't skimp on picture quality.
Like its predecessor, the U6N uses quantum dots and full-array local dimming, features typically reserved for pricier displays. Even better, the U6N also has a Mini LED backlight and it has more dimming zones than last year's U6K, which gives it improved contrast control. Though its full retail price is $700, the 65-inch U6N is often on sale for under $600, making it the most affordable Mini LED TV on the market.
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But while the TV's contrast performance is great for its class, black levels aren't quite as deep and uniform as they are on pricier QLEDs or OLED models. We also noticed a bit more banding (blocky rather than smooth gradients of color) in certain streaming apps. But these flaws are forgivable, given the low cost. The U6N is also dimmer than more expensive sets, with a peak brightness of around 625 nits. Though not as bright as top models, that's still enough to start seeing the benefits of HDR content. It also offers Dolby Vision support to display the most accurate HDR image the panel can produce.
On the downside, the U6N is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, just like the U6K. This means it can't enable 120Hz support with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Viewing angles are mediocre, too, but they're on par with what you can expect in this price range.
If you want to enter the world of 4K HDR TVs but don't want to spend too much, the Hisense U6N is an ideal starting point. It's budget-friendly without sacrificing the key features that make an HDR TV worth owning.
For more affordable display recommendations, check out our guides to the best budget TVs and best TVs under $500.
Best midrange OLED
LG's C4 is the latest model in the company's highly-rated C series of midrange OLEDs, replacing the 2023 C3. It's easily a contender for the best 4K TV you can buy, and just narrowly falls behind the Samsung S90D when it comes to overall value. Though it's missing the quantum dot tech that gives Samsung's OLED a boost in brightness and color volume, the C4 still has excellent image performance and solid smart TV capabilities.
Like all TVs that use OLED panels, the C4 achieves an infinite contrast ratio with inky black levels that look fantastic when watching movies in a dark room. It also has good viewing angles, so contrast doesn't fade if you're sitting toward the side of the TV. Peak brightness is good for a midrange OLED, at around 1,000 nits, which is about 200 nits more than last year's C3. However, the C4 can't match the 1,200+ nits that Samsung's similarly priced S90D can hit.
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On the plus side, the C4 does have one picture-quality perk that our top pick lacks: Dolby Vision support. Dolby Vision is regarded as the best HDR format since it can tell your TV how to display contrast and colors with more precision. However, its benefits are subtle, especially on TVs in this class. We don't consider Dolby Vision to be a must-have feature, but it is a nice inclusion.
LG's webOS platform also provides access to popular apps, and the TV's unique Magic Remote allows you to navigate menus by pointing at the screen to move a cursor.
We think Samsung's S90D has a slight edge in image performance, but the C4 is an excellent alternative for buyers who prefer the LG brand or consider Dolby Vision essential. Shoppers should also note that the older LG C3 is still available at some retailers. However, stock is limited and the C4 is often sold for the same price.
Best midrange QLED
TCL's QM7 4K display is a midrange TV champ, with performance that beats more expensive mid-tier QLEDs from brands like Samsung. During our review, we measured a peak brightness of around 1,700 nits, which enables the TV to deliver excellent HDR performance, even in rooms with lots of light.
Like the Hisense U6N, this TV uses a Mini LED backlight with full-array local dimming capabilities. But while the U6N has a couple hundred dimming zones, the QM7 has over 1,000, which enables better control over its light output. This results in good black levels and minimal blooming (large halos around bright objects). However, black levels looked a little elevated and patchy in certain scenes when we tested the TV in a dark room, but performance is strong considering the QM7's price.
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Colors are also vivid and rich, with a wide gamut thanks to the display's quantum dots. Unfortunately, those colors do fade a bit if you watch the TV from an off-center position. Likewise, picture processing isn't as high-end as we've seen on flagship Sony, LG, and Samsung sets, so low-quality streams and cable TV feeds don't look quite as sharp as they appear on pricier displays.
On the plus side, the QM7 is one of the few TVs in its price range to support a fast 144Hz refresh rate when paired with a PC (120Hz with a PS5 or Xbox Series X). This can enable smoother gameplay. We were also impressed by the TV's snappy Google TV interface and handy backlit Google Assistant voice remote, which made navigation a breeze. However, we did encounter a few small glitches here and there with the operating system, but nothing too troublesome.
The 65-inch QM7 is sometimes on sale for as low as $698 and the 75-inch model can often be found for under $1,000. Those are excellent prices for a TV with this level of performance.
Check out our TCL QM7 4K TV review.
Best anti-glare display
Samsung's S95D is the brightest OLED TV we've ever reviewed. It also boasts an anti-glare screen with a matte finish to combat reflections better than any other display in this guide. These two qualities make it an ideal OLED for buyers who have bright rooms plagued by glare from windows and lights.
With the S95D set in Filmmaker mode (the TV's most accurate picture preset), we measured a peak brightness of 1,700 nits. That's 200 nits more than we measured on top OLED models from Sony and LG. Though the S95D can only sustain that number briefly before dimming significantly, most HDR highlights that need to get that bright (like an explosion) only appear on screen for quick flashes. As a result, we don't consider this behavior to be a big deal.
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In addition to delivering excellent HDR10 and HDR10+ performance with vivid colors and punchy highlights, the TV's high brightness gives you more wiggle room to adjust the display's luminance to suit rooms that let in a lot of light. The S95D is also one of the few TVs you can buy that uses a matte screen instead of a glossy screen.
Though glossy displays have perks, they're prone to showing lots of reflections in bright rooms. In contrast, the S95D's matte finish essentially eliminates glare and reflections. This makes it a game changer for people who struggle with reflections caused by lights and windows. However, there is one catch that comes with the matte screen: it hurts black-level performance in a bright room.
The S95D's black levels in a dark room look just as deep as they do on any OLED, but once you put the lights on, black levels become elevated with a more gray and hazy look. This is particularly noticeable when you watch movies and shows with lots of dark scenes.
Ultimately, whether you like the S95D's matte screen comes down to personal preference and your priorities as a viewer. But if you want a display that almost completely eliminates reflections and delivers high-end image quality, this is the best 4K TV to get. The only other TVs with similar matte screens are Samsung's Frame, Hisense's CanvasTV, and TCL's NXTFrame, but those models can't match the S95D's overall image performance.
Check out our Samsung S95D 4K TV review and our S95D vs. S95C comparison.
Best for wall mounting
LG's G3 OLED is designed to hang flush on your wall with virtually no gap. Its thin design measures just under an inch and looks beautiful when wall-mounted. The G3 is a 2023 model, but it remains in stock and still compares favorably to newer TVs in price and performance.
Though there are OLED TVs with thinner profiles, like the Samsung S95D, that display requires a separate connection box to house its ports and processing components. The G3 maintains a slim design while keeping everything within the TV's cabinet.
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And thankfully, the display's picture performance is just as impressive as its elegant styling. The panel doesn't use quantum dots like Sony and Samsung OLEDs but instead uses "Micro Lens Array" (MLA) technology to produce similar peak brightness levels. We measured a peak of around 1,470 nits, just under the highest measurement we got with the Sony A95L. On the downside, the G3's lack of quantum dots means that color volume isn't as high as what you'd get on the A95L or Samsung's OLEDs.
It's also important to note that the G3 is built for wall mounting — so much so that it doesn't even come with a traditional TV stand. You can buy one separately, but that adds to the cost, and we don't love how the screen tilts back slightly when placed on the stand.
However, LG does have a 2024 edition of this display, called the G4, that includes a stand with the 55- or 65-inch options. This new stand doesn't cause the TV to tilt back. We reviewed the G4, and it's a gorgeous display, but its performance improvements over the G3 are minimal. If you plan to wall mount your TV, the G3 remains a better buy while it's still in stock for less money.
Best smart TV system
The Roku Pro Series is an excellent 4K TV for anyone who wants a simple and straightforward smart TV experience. The display is one of the few QLEDs in the upper-midrange class to come with the Roku OS (operating system) built-in. Roku OS is our favorite interface thanks to its streamlined navigation and reliable performance.
Roku's home screen focuses on apps with access to every major streaming service there is. Apps are arranged via large icons that you can order however you like. Unlike other smart TV systems, like the Fire TV OS, Roku doesn't bombard you with content recommendations on the homepage, but you can always jump into the "What to Watch" section on the sidebar to see various recommendations across genres.
The TV's assembly is also convenient with left and right feet that can be attached without any tools. Instead, they have knobs that can be turned to keep them in place. You can also choose between a low or high position to accommodate a soundbar.
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Roku's remote is user-friendly, too, with several handy features that are rare for this class. You can charge the remote via USB, so you don't need batteries, and it has backlit buttons for easy use in a dark home theater. Hands-free voice search is supported with a wake word, but you can deactivate this with a switch and engage search by a button if you prefer. Our favorite feature is the "lost remote finder," which activates a chime on the remote if you ever lose it.
When it comes to picture quality, the Roku Pro Series is no slouch. This is the brand's flagship TV, and it delivers good image performance. The QLED panel has a Mini LED backlight with local dimming, which enables vibrant colors, high HDR contrast, and solid black levels. However, viewing angles are poor compared to OLED TVs and pricier QLEDs from Samsung. Likewise, the TV's processing and peak brightness can't quite match other top QLEDs, like TCL's QM85 or Hisense's U8N.
But when looking at the total package, we like how the Roku Pro Series balances ease of use without sacrificing image quality features like Mini LEDs and quantum dots.
Check out our Roku Pro Series 4K TV review.
Visit our guide to all the best smart TVs.
How we test 4K TVs
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To test the best 4K TVs, our experts focus on several key parameters, including picture clarity, high-dynamic-range (HDR) performance, color gamut, contrast, viewing angles, smart TV capabilities, navigation speed, and value.
We use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter with test patterns found on the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray to measure a TV's brightness and color capabilities.
We also use a series of demo scenes and real-world content to evaluate each 4K TV's overall picture quality, with a specific focus on scenes that emphasize black levels, specular highlights, color fidelity, and sharpness with native 4K, high-definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) material via cable, Blu-ray players, and all of the best streaming services. TVs are also evaluated in different viewing conditions, including a completely dark room for critical movie watching and environments with various lights on and windows to test daytime performance and reflection handling.
Smart TV functionality is also considered, with tests to measure how long apps take to launch and how smooth menu navigation is. We also evaluate voice search responsiveness and digital assistant capabilities.
4K TV FAQs
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What are the best brands for 4K TVs?
LG, Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic are among the top 4K TV brands. Though typically more expensive than other options, these companies' TVs are known for delivering cutting-edge technology, modern designs, and great quality control. If you're in the market for a premium TV, you can't go wrong with flagship models from these manufacturers.
Meanwhile, brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio are top midrange and value-priced TV market players. Though build quality isn't always on par with more expensive brands, these companies offer advanced features, like quantum dots and Mini LED dimming, for less than the competition. If you want the best bang for your buck in a midrange TV, these are the brands you should consider first.
Companies like Amazon and Roku also make solid entry-level and midrange TVs. Their flagship offerings are decent options when on sale during TV deal events like Black Friday, but you can typically find better displays for less money from TCL, Hisense, or Vizio.
Finally, budget brands like Toshiba and Insignia are known for selling entry-level LED displays that use Amazon's Fire TV operating system. Though inexpensive, these sets are about as basic as TVs get. We typically recommend paying a bit more to get one of our picks for the best 4K TVs listed above, but these displays are decent enough if you just want a cheap TV for casual viewing.
What size 4K TV should I get?
What size 4K TV you should buy depends on how much space you have, how far you want to sit from your display, and your budget. In general, bigger TVs cost more than smaller ones with comparable features, and you'll need to have enough wall mounting space or a large enough TV stand to accommodate whatever display you get.
TV sizes start as small as 24 inches and reach around 98 inches. A few manufacturers have premium models that are even larger. Many companies reserve their best picture quality and design features for their bigger sizes. Though not a hard rule, midrange features are often reserved for models that are 50 inches or larger, and high-end features tend to start in 55-inch models.
Most companies use 65 inches as their flagship size to highlight their best 4K TVs, and for many people, 65 inches hits just the right sweet spot to offer a solid home theater experience without taking up too much real estate or totally breaking the bank.
If space and budget aren't a concern, what size 4K TV you should get can be best determined by how far you plan to sit from your display. This is because the benefits of 4K resolution become most noticeable when you sit at a distance of about one to 1.5 times the size of your TV. For instance, to get the most out of a 65-inch 4K TV, you should sit between 5.4 and 8.1 feet from your TV. Crutchfield has a handy chart recommending 4K TV sizes based on your seating distance.
For 4K TV recommendations tied to certain sizes, check out our size-specific guides:
What are the best smart TV interfaces?
Practically any new 4K TV you buy will be a smart TV, which means it features built-in support for accessing popular apps and streaming services. However, different companies use different smart TV interfaces. Here's a rundown of the different platforms that each brand uses.
- Tizen: Samsung
- webOS: LG
- Vizio Home: Vizio
- Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense
- Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense
- Fire TV: Amazon, Panasonic Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense
Though a few services may be missing here and there, all major streaming apps are supported across every operating system. However, each system's navigation style, personalization options, and extra features differ.
We prefer Roku's interface because it is the simplest, most user-friendly, and most reliable. However, its visual style is a bit outdated compared to other options that present a more content-focused approach. Ultimately, every system has pros and cons, but they all get the job done.
If you're unhappy with your TV's built-in interface, you can purchase a separate streaming device with your preferred platform. Roku and Fire TV options are often sold for as low as $20. Check out our guides to the best streaming devices and best Fire TVs for more details.
What's the difference between OLED and QLED?
OLED and QLED TVs are two of the most popular display types on the market, and each has its own pros and cons.
OLEDs have self-illuminating screens. This means they can dim and brighten each pixel to create an infinite contrast ratio. This makes OLED the ideal choice for people who want the absolute best image quality, especially if you like watching movies in a dark home theater.
QLED TVs, meanwhile, are a type of LED TV that relies on older LCD panel technology that requires a backlight to illuminate their pixels. These backlights can include multiple zones to brighten and dim specific areas, but even the most advanced QLED models can't match the pixel-level contrast of an OLED. This can cause an uneven look in dark scenes where you can see halos around bright objects or washed-out black levels that look gray.
Where QLED TVs have an edge, however, is with max brightness. Midrange and high-end QLED TVs can get brighter than most OLEDs. QLED models also tend to be less expensive than OLED TVs, and they present no risk for burn-in. For more details on the differences between each panel type, check out our QLED vs. OLED comparison.
What is burn-in?
Even the best OLED TVs are technically susceptible to an issue called burn-in. If a static image is left on the screen for hours on end — the CNN or ESPN logo in the corner, for example — a faint, ghostly image can get left stuck on the TV.
Though OLED owners should be aware of this risk, OLED TVs have specific measures built-in to prevent burn-in, including pixel-refreshers and pixel-shift modes. Publications like Rtings have conducted long-term tests with OLEDs, and while their results do show that burn-in is possible, their tests show that people with regular viewing habits don't need to worry about it.
I've owned an LG CX OLED TV for over two years, and the display has no signs of burn-in. Though burn-in is something that QLED TV owners don't have to think twice about, in my experience, as long as you don't plan on watching CNN all day long, burn-in shouldn't be a factor when deciding whether to buy an OLED.
What is HDMI 2.1?
Many 4K TVs in the mid and premium tiers now include one or more inputs that support the HDMI 2.1 standard. HDMI 2.1 enables 4K signals at 120Hz (some brands even support 144Hz with a PC), along with features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) to provide smooth gaming performance with less lag.
Every device in your home entertainment chain needs to be compatible with the HDMI 2.1 specification to enable its features. So, if you have a gaming console hooked up to a soundbar that's connected to your TV, all three components need to support HDMI 2.1. Likewise, you need to use ultra-high-speed HDMI cables rated for 48Gbps to transmit the necessary bandwidth for an HDMI 2.1 signal. Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for affordable recommendations.
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The Samsung S90C delivers the best balance between picture performance and price of any 4K TV we've reviewed. The TV uses an OLED panel with quantum dots, enabling an infinite contrast ratio, a wide range of colors, and a brighter image than direct competitors from LG and Sony.
OLED tech gives the S90C inky black levels and wide viewing angles, while the display's use of quantum dots allows it to produce richer colors than a regular OLED. This makes the TV a great fit for average living rooms and dark home theaters alike. HDR movies and shows from 4K Blu-rays or streaming services like Prime Video and Disney Plus look especially stunning using the HDR10 and HDR10+ formats.
Smart TV features are also robust, with access to every popular app there is, along with Alexa and Bixby voice control. Though we do wish navigation was a little smoother, the interface is solid, and it even includes a Gaming Hub that lets you access services like Xbox Game Pass to stream games without a console. And if you pair the TV with a gaming PC, it can support a smooth 144Hz refresh rate.
The only notable con here is the TV's lack of Dolby Vision support. Most Dolby Vision content will instead play in standard HDR10, which isn't quite as precise, but the TV's HDR10 performance is so strong that most people won't notice a difference.
There are better-looking TVs on the market, including Samsung's own S95C, but they cost a lot more. With deal prices as low as $1,600 for the 65-inch model, the S90C is easily the best 4K TV — and the best TV period — that you can get for the money.
Check out our Samsung S90C 4K TV review.
*The 83-inch version of the S90C does not use quantum dots, so its color performance is not expected to match that of smaller models.
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The Hisense U6K is the best 4K TV for anyone who wants an affordable QLED display that doesn't skimp on picture quality.
The TV uses quantum dots and full-array local dimming, which are features typically reserved for midrange and high-end display models. Even better, the U6K also uses a Mini LED backlight, which gives it even better control over its light output. At a typical sale price of just $550, the 65-inch U6K is the most affordable Mini LED TV we've ever seen.
The TV's contrast performance isn't on par with pricier QLEDs, and during testing, its black levels proved to be less deep than what we saw on the more expensive U7K, Samsung QN90C, or TCL QM8. But that's all understandable, given the difference in cost. You still get a wide color gamut and up to 600 nits of brightness, which is enough to start seeing the benefits of HDR content. You even get Dolby Vision support to produce the most accurate HDR image the TV is capable of.
On the downside, the display is limited to a 60Hz panel, so you can't get 120Hz support with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Viewing angles aren't the best either, but they're on par with what you can expect in this price range. And though the Google TV interface lags more than we'd like, it still performs well enough for a budget set.
If you're looking to dip your toes into the 4K HDR market, the Hisense U6K is a great entry-level choice. It's affordable without sacrificing features that really make a 4K HDR TV worth owning.
Check out our Hisense U6K 4K TV review.
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The Hisense U7K delivers performance that's on par with many displays that cost quite a bit more, making it one of the best 4K TVs you can get for under $800. Like the cheaper U6K, the display uses a QLED panel and a Mini LED backlight for precise local dimming and contrast control. But this model has a higher peak brightness of 1,000 nits, and we saw noticeably richer black levels during our tests.
Of course, you get tradeoffs when going with a midrange set, but the U7K impresses for the money. Though brightness can't match more expensive QLED TVs like the step-up U8K or TCL's QM8 and Samsung's QN90C, the U7K has good HDR performance and supports all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision.
On top of that, the TV has a 120Hz panel with HDMI 2.1, so it can support advanced gaming features when paired with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Its refresh rate can even go up to 144Hz if you pair it with a compatible gaming PC. The display's Google TV platform can lag a little, but you still get access to every app you could want, along with Google Assistant voice control.
The 65-inch model is often on sale for as low as $680; the U7K delivers unmatched value at that price. You'll need to pay more if you want something brighter and with wider viewing angles, but if you're looking for a solid home theater display that has great gaming performance without breaking the bank, the U7K should be your top choice.
Check out our Hisense U7K 4K TV review.
Amazon
The Samsung QN90C delivers one of the brightest images you can get. With a peak of around 2,000 nits, the Neo QLED display is able to make high dynamic range highlights really pop, making it an excellent choice to show off HDR movies and shows using the HDR10 and HDR10+ formats.
The TV also makes use of quantum dots to enable excellent color volume and a Mini LED backlight with full-array local dimming to produce deep black levels. However, the backlight's dimming isn't as precise as an OLED panel, so you might see some minor blooming and haloing around bright objects. But, compared to cheaper QLEDs like the Hisense U6K andU7K, the QN90C gets remarkably close to OLED-level contrast while delivering nearly double the peak brightness of a typical OLED.
The TV's high brightness capabilities also make it an ideal choice for living rooms that let in a lot of ambient light. Though the previous-generation model used a screen filter that caused some rainbow streaks when it reflected light from certain angles, the QN90C is able to minimize glare and reflections without this distracting side effect. And it has wide viewing angles for a QLED, giving it an edge over less expensive options in this class, like the Hisense U8K and TCL QM8. Smart TV capabilities are also solid, with access to plenty of apps and Samsung's Gaming Hub.
When it comes to high-end TVs, we still prefer OLEDs thanks to their superior contrast handling, but the QN90C is an excellent QLED TV for buyers who want an extra-bright display with good viewing angles and don't want to ever think twice about burn-in.
Best Buy
Year after year, LG's C-Series remains a top contender for the best 4K TV you can buy. And the C3 is no different. In fact, if it weren't for the Samsung S90C's competitive price, the C3 would likely earn the top spot on this list. While it lacks the quantum dot tech that gives Samsung's OLED a boost in brightness and color volume, the C3 still delivers great picture quality and reliable smart TV performance.
Like all OLED displays, the C3 has an infinite contrast ratio with deep black levels that look fantastic when watching movies in a dark room. It also has wide viewing angles, so the image doesn't distort or fade if you're sitting toward the side of the TV. Peak brightness is solid for a midrange OLED, at around 800 nits, but it can't match the 1,000+ nits that more expensive OLEDs can achieve.
On the plus side, the C3 does have one picture-quality perk that our top pick lacks: Dolby Vision support. Dolby Vision is regarded as the best HDR format since it can more precisely tell your TV how to display contrast and colors, and Dolby Vision is supported on tons of streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs.
LG's webOS platform also works well to provide easy access to popular apps, and the TV's unique Magic Remote allows you to navigate menus by pointing at the screen.
Though we do think the Samsung S90C has an edge over the C3 when it comes to image performance at this price point, the C3 is an excellent alternative for buyers who prefer the LG brand or who consider Dolby Vision support to be essential.
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If you want the best high-end OLED 4K TV for a home theater, the Sony A95L is the current champ. Like Samsung's OLEDs, it uses an advanced panel with quantum dots to achieve a brighter picture with better color volume than a typical OLED.
But while Samsung's top OLEDs max out at around 1,350 nits, we measured a peak of 1,500 nits on the A95L during our tests. That's 50% brighter than Sony's previous-gen A95K, and it makes the A95L's image truly pop during scenes with especially bright highlights.
And unlike Samsung OLEDs, the A95L also supports Dolby Vision and benefits from the company's proprietary picture processing to optimize its images and upscale lower-quality sources. Sony remains the leader when it comes to delivering a truly accurate picture for the best movie-watching experience.
The A95L's Google TV operating system also works well so that you can stream all your favorite services. A handy voice remote is included with Google Assistant voice control, and it has a backlight that turns on when you pick it up. The TV's stand can even be set up in either a high-profile arrangement (if you want to put a soundbar in front) or a low-profile mode for a flush look on your entertainment console.
It's expensive, but the Sony A95L OLED is the best 4K TV you can buy for truly high-end performance. Most people will be satisfied with something cheaper, like the Samsung S90C, but if you can afford it and you really want a premium TV that does it all, the A95L is the display to buy. The only notable downside is its lack of a 144Hz gaming mode, but that's a feature that will only benefit dedicated PC gamers.
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For the most part, we consider our top overall pick, the Samsung S90C, to be the best 4K TV for gaming. But if you're looking for an even more high-end alternative that can deliver a slightly more premium experience, Samsung's step-up S95C model is also a fantastic buy.
The S95C has all of the essentials that gamers look for, including VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Like the S90C, it's also one of the few OLED TVs that has 144Hz capabilities and built-in support for cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now.
With a 144Hz panel, you can connect a gaming PC or gaming laptop to the TV to get incredibly smooth gameplay, so long as your computer is powerful enough to output 144 frames per second. And though the PS5 and Xbox Series X don't support 144Hz, they do support 120Hz through the S95C.
The S95C has very low input lag, so there's little delay between button presses and their corresponding actions on screen. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync are both supported as well to reduce screen tearing.
The cheaper S90C also offers the above features, but the S95C steps things up with a 30% brighter image that's capable of a peak of around 1,360 nits. That's one of the brightest pictures we've ever measured on an OLED, and it's only a bit behind what the Sony A95L and LG G3 can offer. But while brighter, those competing OLEDs do not support 144Hz.
The S95C also boasts a more premium design than the S90C. It has a uniformly thin profile and a separate One Connect Box for all of its inputs, which could make it easier to hide all your cables from view.
Again, we still recommend our best overall pick, the S90C, as the top gaming TV for most people. But the S95C delivers an even more high-end experience for shoppers who want a little extra. When it comes to pure picture quality, this is the best Samsung TV you can buy.
Check out our Samsung S95C 4K TV review.
Best Buy
LG's G3 OLED is specifically designed to hang flush on your wall with virtually no gap. It features a thin design measuring just under an inch and looks beautiful when wall-mounted. The G3 serves as the successor to the LG G2 OLED 4K TV. While that model was already stellar, the G3 offers a nice jump in brightness.
Though there are OLED TVs with thinner profiles, like the Samsung S95C, that display requires a separate connection box to house its ports and processing components. The G3 maintains a slim design while keeping everything within the TV's cabinet.
And thankfully, the display's picture performance is just as impressive as its elegant styling. The panel doesn't use quantum dots like Sony and Samsung OLEDs but uses "Micro Lens Array" (MLA) technology to produce similar peak brightness levels. In fact, we measured a peak of around 1,470 nits, which is just under the highest measurement we got with the Sony A95L. On the downside, its lack of quantum dots does mean that color volume isn't as high as what you'd get on the A95L or Samsung's OLEDs.
It's also important to note that the G3 is really built with wall mounting in mind. So much so that it doesn't even come with a traditional TV stand. You can buy one separately, but that adds to the cost, and we don't love how the screen tilts back slightly when placed on the stand. We recommend going with a different model if you want something to rest on an entertainment console.
Steven Cohen/Insider
To test TV models for consideration in our best 4K TVs guide, we evaluate a series of key factors, including picture clarity, high dynamic range (HDR) performance, color gamut, contrast, viewing angles, smart TV capabilities, navigation speed, and value.
We use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter with test patterns found on the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray to measure a TV's brightness and color capabilities.
We also use a series of demo scenes and real-world content to evaluate each TV's overall picture quality, with a specific focus on scenes that emphasize black levels, specular highlights, color fidelity, and sharpness with native 4K, high-definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) material via streaming services, cable, and Blu-ray players.
Smart TV functionality is also considered, with tests to measure how long apps take to launch and how smooth menu navigation is. We also evaluate voice search responsiveness and digital assistant capabilities.
Steven Cohen/Insider
When will 2024 4K TV models be released?
New 4K TV models are typically released in the spring of every year. Most companies announced their 2024 TV models at the CES tradeshow in January, but official pricing and exact release dates have not been detailed yet.
Once 2024 4K TVs hit stores, 2023 models will remain available while supplies last. Though new models will offer some performance upgrades, they'll likely launch at much higher prices than their 2023 counterparts currently sell for. Generally, we think 2023 4K TV models will remain a better value while they're still available.
What are the best brands for 4K TVs?
LG, Samsung, and Sony are among the top TV brands. Though typically more expensive than other options, these companies' TVs are known for delivering cutting-edge technology, modern designs, and great quality control. If you're in the market for a premium TV, you can't go wrong with flagship models from these manufacturers.
Meanwhile, brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio are top players in the midrange and value-priced TV market. Though build quality isn't always on par with more expensive brands, these companies offer advanced features, like quantum dots and Mini LED dimming, for less than the competition. If you want the best bang for your buck in a midrange TV, these are the brands you should consider first.
Companies like Amazon and Roku have also started to manufacture their own entry-level and midrange TVs with mixed results. Their flagship offerings are decent options when on sale, but you can typically find better displays for less money from TCL, Hisense, or Vizio.
Finally, budget brands like Toshiba and Insignia are known for selling entry-level LED displays that use Amazon's Fire TV operating system. Though inexpensive, these sets are about as basic as TVs get. We typically recommend paying a bit more to get one of our picks for the best 4K TVs listed above, but these displays are decent enough if you just want a cheap TV for casual viewing, especially in a smaller screen size.
What size 4K TV should I get?
What size 4K TV you should buy really comes down to how much space you have, how far you're going to sit from your display, and what your budget is. In general, bigger TVs cost more than smaller ones with comparable features, and you'll need to have enough wall space or a large enough TV stand to accommodate whatever display you get.
TV sizes typically start as small as 24 inches and can go up to 98 inches. A few manufacturers have premium models that are even larger. A lot of companies reserve their best picture quality and design features for their bigger sizes. Though not a hard rule, midrange features are often reserved for models that are 50 inches or larger, and high-end features tend to start in 55-inch models.
Most companies use 65 inches as their flagship size to highlight their best 4K TVs, and for many people, 65 inches hits just the right sweet spot to offer a solid home theater experience without taking up too much real estate or totally breaking the bank. Check out our best 65-inch TV guide for more display recommendations for that size. And if you want something a little smaller, be sure to visit our guide to the best 55-inch TVs.
If space and budget aren't a concern, what size 4K TV you should get can be best determined by how far you plan to sit from your display. This is because the benefits of 4K resolution become most noticeable when you sit at a distance of about one to 1.5 times the size of your TV. For instance, to get the most out of a 65-inch 4K TV, you should sit between 5.4 and 8.1 feet from your TV. Crutchfield has a handy chart that provides recommended 4K TV sizes based on your seating distance.
What are the best smart TV interfaces?
Practically any new 4K TV you buy will be a smart TV, which means it features built-in support for accessing popular apps and streaming services. However, different companies use different smart TV interfaces, and some may prefer one platform over another.
Here's a rundown of different smart TV interfaces with details on which TV manufacturers use them:
- Tizen: Samsung
- webOS: LG
- SmartCast: Vizio
- Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense
- Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense
- Fire TV: Amazon, Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense
Though a few services may be missing here and there, all of the major streaming players are supported across every platform. However, navigation style, personalization options, and extra features differ across each system.
We prefer Roku's interface for being the simplest, most user-friendly, and most reliable of the bunch, but its visual style is a bit outdated compared to other operating systems that present a more content-focused approach. Ultimately, every system has its own pros and cons, and they all get the job done.
But if you are unhappy with your TV's built-in interface, you can always purchase a separate streaming device with the interface you prefer. Roku and Fire TV options are often on sale for as low as $20.
What's the difference between OLED and QLED?
OLED and QLED TVs are two of the most popular display types on the market, and they each have their own pros and cons.
OLEDs have self-illuminating screens. This means they can precisely dim and brighten each pixel to create an infinite contrast ratio. This makes OLED the ideal choice for people who want the absolute best image quality, especially if you like watching movies in a dark home theater.
QLED TVs, meanwhile, are a type of LED TV that relies on older LCD panel technology that requires a backlight to illuminate their pixels. These backlights can include multiple zones to brighten and dim specific areas, but even the most advanced QLED models can't match the pixel-level contrast of an OLED. This can cause an uneven look in dark scenes where you can see halos around bright objects or washed-out black levels that look gray.
Where QLED TVs have an edge, however, is with max brightness. Midrange and high-end QLED TVs can get brighter than most OLEDs. This makes a QLED TV a better fit for rooms that let in a lot of light. QLED models also tend to be less expensive than OLED TVs, and they present no risk for burn-in.
What is burn-in?
Even the best OLED TVs are technically susceptible to an issue called burn-in. If a static image is left on the screen for hours on end — the CNN or ESPN logo in the corner, for example — a faint, ghostly image can get left stuck on the TV.
Though OLED owners should be aware of this risk, OLED TVs have specific measures built-in to prevent burn-in, including pixel-refreshers and pixel-shift modes. Publications like Rtings have conducted long-term tests with OLEDs, and while their results do show that burn-in is possible, their tests show that people with regular viewing habits don't need to worry about it.
I've owned an LG CX OLED TV for more than two years, and the display has no signs of burn-in. Though burn-in is something that QLED TV owners don't have to think twice about, in my experience, as long as you don't plan on watching CNN all day long, burn-in shouldn't be a factor when deciding whether to buy an OLED.
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