Pros: Stunning contrast and colors with quantum dots, deep black levels, wide viewing angles, extensive gaming support
Cons: Doesn't support Dolby Vision, interface can be a little sluggish
Samsung's S95B delivers the best balance between picture performance and price of any 4K TV on the market. The display uses an OLED panel with quantum dots, which enables an infinite contrast ratio, a wide range of colors, and a brighter image than most competing TVs of this type. And best of all, it does this for less money than comparable models from LG and Sony.
The OLED tech gives the TV inky black levels and wide viewing angles, while the display's use of quantum dots allows it to produce brighter 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, Netflix, 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, Google Assistant, 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 cloud services like Xbox Game Pass to stream games without a console.
The only notable con here is the TV's lack of Dolby Vision support. Dolby Vision is an advanced HDR format that tells a display how to properly render colors and brightness. 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 2023 TVs on the market, including Samsung's own S95C, but they cost more. At a typical street price of around $1,600, the 65-inch S95B is easily the best 4K TV you can get for the money. Just keep in mind that stock will become limited as the year goes on, so if you're interested in this model you should snag it while it's still available.
Read our Samsung S95B OLED 4K TV review.
Pros: Excellent contrast and black levels, Dolby Vision HDR support, Alexa and Google voice control, tons of size options
Cons: Not as bright as more expensive OLED models, color isn't as good as OLEDs with quantum dots
The C2 is a truly impressive TV, and if it wasn't for the Samsung S95B's competitive price, it might even earn the top spot on this list. Though it lacks the quantum dot tech that gives Samsung's OLED a boost in brightness and color volume, the C2 still delivers great picture quality and reliable smart TV performance.
Like all OLED displays, the C2 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 also solid for a mid-range OLED, at around 800 nits, but it can't match the 1,000+ nits that more expensive OLED models can achieve.
On the plus side, the C2 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 LG is selling a new 2023 version of this TV, called the C3, it only offers minor improvements and costs more. At a current street price of around $1,600, the C2 remains a great value.
Read our LG C2 OLED 4K TV impressions.
Pros: OLED contrast with quantum dot color, advanced picture processing for top-of-the-line accuracy and upscaling, Dolby Vision support
Cons: Expensive compared to direct competitors
If you want the best high-end OLED TV for a home theater, the Sony A95K is the current champ. Like our best overall pick, it uses an advanced OLED panel with quantum dots to achieve a brighter picture with better color volume than a typical OLED display.
But unlike Samsung's S95B, Sony's top-of-the-line TV also supports Dolby Vision and benefits from the company's proprietary picture processing to optimize the image and upscale lower quality sources. Samsung's high-end OLED TVs can get a bit brighter in peak highlights, but Sony is the leader when it comes to delivering a truly accurate picture for the best movie-watching experience.
The A95K also boasts solid smart TV capabilities powered by the Google TV operating system, so you can stream all your favorite services. A handy voice remote is included with Google Assistant as well, but unlike LG TVs it doesn't also have Alexa built-in.
Though the A95K is our current pick for the best high-end OLED, buyers should keep in mind that Sony has a 2023 version of this TV, called the A95L, that's set to launch in mid-October. Sony claims that the new model will deliver an impressive 200% increase in brightness. If the A95L lives up to that promise, it could easily take this spot. The 65-inch A95L costs $3,500. That's about $700 more than the A95K, but if budget isn't a concern, we recommend waiting for the new model.
Read our Sony A95K OLED 4K TV impressions.
Pros: Great bang-for-your-buck performance, quantum dot color and full-array local dimming, extensive HDR support
Cons: Mediocre viewing angles, some blooming visible
The Hisense U7H 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. The QLED panel delivers up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, and it has full-array local dimming to control contrast in specific zones across the screen.
Of course, there are tradeoffs you get when going with a midrange set, but the U7H impresses for the money. Though brightness can't match the more expensive Samsung QN90B, the U7H has good HDR performance, and it supports all of the major formats, including Dolby Vision.
On top of all that, the TV even has a 120Hz panel with HDMI 2.1, so it can support advanced gaming features when paired with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The display's Google TV platform isn't our favorite interface, but you still get access to every app you could want, along with Google Assistant voice control.
For sale prices as low as $640, the U7H offers exceptional value. You'll need to pay more if you need something brighter and with wider viewing angles, but if you want a solid home theater display that has good gaming performance on a budget, the U7H should be high on your list.
Pros: Incredibly bright image, high color volume with quantum dots, Mini LED panel with full-array local dimming, wide viewing angles for a QLED
Cons: Contrast can't match an OLED, doesn't support Dolby Vision
The Samsung QN90B is an impressive QLED TV, and it provides one of the brightest images you can get. With a peak of around 2,000 nits, the 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. The backlight's dimming isn't as precise as an OLED panel, however, so you might see some minor blooming and haloing around bright objects. But, compared to cheaper QLED models, the QN90B 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 a good choice for living rooms that let in a lot of ambient light. And it has some of the widest viewing angles we've seen on a TV of this type. 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 models with OLED technology thanks to their superior contrast handling, but the QN90B is an excellent QLED TV for buyers who want an extra-bright display and don't want to ever think twice about burn-in.
Pros: Budget-friendly price, quantum dot display with local dimming, comprehensive HDR format support
Cons: HDR brightness and contrast are limited compared to more expensive TVs, 60Hz panel doesn't support advanced gaming features, mediocre viewing angles
Though we previously had the TCL 5-Series as our pick for the best 4K TV on a budget, that model has become difficult to find in stock. With that in mind, we think the Hisense U6H is an excellent alternative for anyone who wants an affordable 4K TV 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. At a typical sale price of just $500, the U6H delivers incredible value for what you get. The TV's contrast performance isn't on par with more expensive sets that have more dimming zones, like the U7H or Samsung QN90B, but that's understandable given the difference in price. 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 of 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 we prefer Roku's interface for its simplicity, the U6H's Google TV operating system works well, and the set supports Google Assistant voice search.
If you're looking to dip your toes into the 4K HDR market, the Hisense U6H is a great entry-level choice. It's affordable without sacrificing features that really make a 4K HDR TV worth owning.
Pros: One of the brightest OLEDs on the market, impressive quantum dot color, infinite contrast ratio, 144Hz panel for high frame rate PC gaming, support for cloud gaming services
Cons: Doesn't support Dolby Vision, pricey compared to the very similar S95B
Most of the TVs in this guide will deliver good gaming performance, and a lot of them support advanced features like variable refresh rate (VRR), automatic low latency (ALL), and 120Hz motion. But Samsung's brand-new OLED for 2023, the S95C, has an edge over them all.
Not only does this display offer some of the best picture quality on the market, but it also has 144Hz capabilities and built-in support for cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. The cheaper S95B also has cloud gaming but it lacks the higher refresh rate.
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 also 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. And on top of all that, this is one of the brightest OLEDs we've ever seen, with a peak of about 1,360 nits.
Though our pick for best 4K TV overall, the S95B, delivers similar performance for a lot less money, the S95C's higher refresh rate and brighter image makes it an even better TV for high-end gaming.
Read our Samsung S95C OLED 4K TV review.
Pros: OLED Evo panel delivers impressive brightness, Dolby Vision HDR support, uniformly thin design, gorgeous contrast
Cons: Need to buy a stand separately, doesn't use quantum dots like competing Sony and Samsung OLEDs
LG's G2 OLED is specifically designed to hang flush on your wall with virtually no gap. It features a uniformly thin design that measures just one inch, and it looks simply beautiful when wall mounted.
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 G2 manages to maintain 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, but its peak brightness is almost as high as QD-OLED models like the S95B or A95K. It supports Dolby Vision for fantastic HDR quality, and it has all the high-end bells and whistles you could want in a flagship OLED TV.
Keep in mind, however, the G2 really is 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, so we recommend going with a different model if you want something to rest on an entertainment console.
It's also important to note that LG now has a 2023 version of this display, called the G3, that promises a nice jump in peak brightness while maintaining the G2's gorgeous design. However, the G3 costs more than the G2. If you're looking for a stylish display to wall mount, the G2 remains one of the best 4K TVs to hang in your living room.
Read our LG G2 OLED 4K TV review.
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.
To measure a TV's brightness and color capabilities we use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter with test patterns found on the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray.
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.
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, there are budget brands like Toshiba and Insignia that 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.
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 people may prefer one platform over the other.
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. Navigation style, personalization options, and extra features differ across each system, however.
We prefer Roku's interface for being the simplest, most user-friendly, and 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 to watch movies in a dark home theater.
QLED TVs, meanwhile, are a type of LED TV that rely 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?
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 personally owned an LG CX OLED TV for almost two years now, 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 or not to buy an OLED.
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