TVs can be tricky to buy. Whether you read my exquisite guide to the Best TVs or not, you probably won't find every top model at your local Walmart, Best Buy, or Costco. And when you're browsing retail websites, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by marketing speak like HDR or 'local dimming.' That's why I've collected a few tips, tricks, and terms to help you shop smarter when buying a new TV. Think of these as a checklist to consider before you head to the store (or Amazon) to buy your next big screen.
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Updated May : We've updated this guide to reflect modern pricing and information about the TV market.
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What Size TV Should You Get?
TCL 6-Series
Photograph: TCL
Bigger screens are always better, right? When it comes to TVs, sure, but that doesn't mean you should always spring for the largest size. Pricing on bigger models can get out of hand, and you should always make sure you have room for all that screen footage.
Under 55 Inches
Some high-end OLED TVs have smaller sizes so they can double as computer monitors, but most TVs below 55 inches are largely nonstandard these days. Many manufacturers still make models below this size, but you likely won't be getting the latest and greatest performance.
55-Inch TVs
This is the smallest standard size for modern TVs. It's ideal for the average room in a home or apartment, but if you have a larger space, you may want to size up. Be aware that TVs this size and larger often come with feet on both ends of the screen; if you're not wall-mounting, make sure you measure the width of your TV stand to ensure it can hold your new TV.
65-Inch TVs
This is a good option for larger living rooms or for spaces where you're going to have many eyes watching at once. If you have the extra cash and space, it is worth the upgrade for those who love seeing details even closer in films and TV shows.
75 Inches and Above
I only recommend TVs this size and larger for people who have huge rooms and are looking for a truly cinematic experience. Buyer beware: Pricing on TVs this large can get exorbitant (into the tens of thousands for high-end models). Cheaper ones (under $1,000) might not look great due to limitations in processing and panel lighting. Be prepared to have a professional or a group of friends help you move and mount a screen this large.
What Screen Resolution Do You Need?
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TCL 8K TV
Photograph: TCL
Resolution means the number of pixels on your screen. Modern TVs come in p 'Full HD' resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels), 4K 'UHD' (3,840 x 2,160), and 8K '8K UHD' (7,680 x 4,320) variants. The former and the latter are somewhat rare, but for opposite reasons: Full HD screens are now old tech and are reserved for only the smallest and cheapest offerings; 8K resolution is available mostly on expensive, very large TVs.
Higher-end LCD TVs offer better brightness, color, and contrast than their budget-oriented siblings do, and the best LCD TVs can almost match OLED TVs in quality'for a more tolerable price. The TCL QM8 Series is the best LCD/LED TV for because it has the advanced features to satisfy both movie lovers and gamers, and it boasts picture quality rivaling that of much pricier TVs.
This TV comes very close in performance and features to our top pick but falls short in a few areas. However, this one is available in a 55-inch size and has an ATSC 3.0 tuner.
Capable of dazzling brightness and vivacious colors, this TV is a standout performer among LCD/LED TVs, but it's available only in larger screen sizes.
We looked for 4K TVs that support a variety of HDR formats and have the brightness and color capabilities to make HDR look great.
We prioritized LCD TVs that use quantum dots, mini-LED backlights, and 120 Hz refresh rates for better color, contrast, and motion.
The TCL QM8 Series is the company's premium TV line, and it shows in both performance and features. This 4K TV employs a mini-LED backlight for improved contrast, quantum dots for more vibrant color, and a 120 Hz refresh rate for cleaner, smoother motion. (You can learn more about those tech terms and others in our TV buying guide.)
The QM8 is brighter than anything else we've tested around this price, and it's capable of producing the rich, saturated color that makes HDR movies and video games look terrific. It shines in the brightest of rooms, yet it also achieves great contrast and satisfyingly dark shadow tones for movie night.
Low input lag and a native 120 Hz refresh rate make the QM8 a solid choice for gamers, too, and it offers built-in Google TV, our favorite smart-TV platform.
As for drawbacks, the QM8 is available only in large screen sizes, namely 65, 75, 85, and 98 inches. If you're looking for a 55-inch option, check out our runner-up pick. In addition, like many LCD TVs, the QM8 loses some image fidelity when you sit off-center, but that's less of an issue with this model than with some competitors. Lastly, the QM8 isn't equipped with an ATSC 3.0 tuner, so it limits over-the-air broadcasts to a maximum resolution of p.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe Hisense U8K Series is extremely similar to the TCL QM8 Series, boasting the same advanced performance technologies, smart-TV platform, and HDMI features. But during our head-to-head testing, the QM8 just barely outpaced the U8K in certain key performance areas, as the U8K was not as accurate out of the box, it didn't look as cinematic with movies, and it introduced a bit more input lag during video-game playback.
Admittedly, those differences were minimal, and the U8K has a couple of features that may make it a better fit for some shoppers. It's available in the smaller, 55-inch screen size, and it has an ATSC 3.0 tuner, so if you want the ability to pull in over-the-air 4K broadcasts using an antenna, this model is the best choice.
Samsung's top 4K Neo QLED model, the Samsung QN95C Series, is the LCD TV to buy if price is no object and you want blue-ribbon features, including better audio performance and build quality. Just be prepared to spend OLED-level money to get it.
In performance, the Samsung QN95C outpaces the TCL QM8 in small but meaningful ways. But where it really justifies its price is in its design and features: It's an extremely sturdy but svelte-looking TV equipped with four HDMI 2.1 inputs, and its onboard gaming hub and better video processing push it into fancier territory than our top pick and runner-up can quite achieve.
As for drawbacks, the QN95C is available only in three screen sizes'65, 75, and 85 inches'and like all Samsung TVs, it can't play Dolby Vision HDR content. Since it isn't meaningfully brighter or more colorful than our top pick, we recommend buying it only if you want a TV that's as rich in design and features as it is in picture quality.
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