Reviewed: The 14 Best TVs of 2023 for Every Budget
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All year long, we’ve been on a mission to find the best TVs of 2023, and we’ve tested the top models from Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, Toshiba and Amazon to find the top screens for every budget.
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The best TVs are much more than just a screen and some speakers. Today, the family TV serves as an exciting gateway into a world of limitless entertainment. And whether you’ll be using your new TV for everyday cable-watching or binge-watching shows from your favorite streaming services, that glorious 4K picture should look absolutely stunning.
Of course, when we break things down into nickels and dimes, picture quality is always relative. This isn’t to say that you can’t get a great-looking picture quality on an affordable flat-screen TV, but if you’re looking for something state-of-the-art (like mini-LED lighting or a QD-OLED display, for instance), it’s not the worst idea to judge a book by its price tag. After all, the bigger sticker prices tend to translate into better tech for consumers.
That being said, with fundamentals like 4K resolution long-cemented, TVs aren’t quite as expensive as they used to be. In fact, some of the best models from highly-sought brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG can be had for less than $3,000 in many cases, and we’re not talking about small screens either.
In the SPY guide to the best TVs of 2023, we included models with a wide price range, and there are great TVs to be had no matter your budget. Today, you can buy a decent 65-inch flat-screen for under $500, and even the thinnest TVs with the most advanced displays can be purchased for $1,000-$2,000. Of course, if you want a massive TV with a cutting-edge OLED display, then Samsung, LG and Sony have a variety of premium TVs in the $3,000-$10,000 range, not to mention a truly mind-blowing $500,000 TV from Samsung.
Whether you’re in the market for the latest and greatest, or simply want a solid TV for a solid price, we here at SPY are the experts you can rely on to help you figure out which TV is best for your home.
Keep reading to see the best TVs we reviewed in 2023, from budget models to premium OLED TVs. And if you’re shopping for a specific size, then be sure to check out our guides to the Best 65-Inch TVs, the Best 75-Inch TVs and the Best 85-Inch TVs.
BEST OVERALL
LG OLED C2 Series
Buy Now On Amazon
$1,699 at best buy
$1,599 At walmart
Best For: Those of us looking for the most authentic picture possible, especially when it comes to colors, contrast, and overall black levels.
Why We Chose It: The LG C2 uses the company’s new and improved Evo panel, delivering impressive brightness for an OLED screen, on top of rich colors, incredible motion capabilities, and an excellent user interface.
Full Review: Is the LG C2 Series OLED Worth It?
Key Specs:
4K/120Hz with four HDMI 2.1 inputs
webOS user interface
Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos
Year after year, we’ve named the latest flagship flat-screen TV from LG as the best TV of the year, and for the third year in a row, LG comes out on top. This year, the LG C2 OLED TV is the best TV of 2023. LG has been making headlines over the last several years for its amazing OLED technology, which has unbeatable color and contrast and near-perfect black levels. Such is certainly the case with one of LG’s latest offerings, the amazing C2 Series (available in sizes as small as 42 inches and as large as 83 inches).
Powered by LG’s cutting-edge a9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K and state-of-the-art OLED Evo panel, movies, TV shows, and video games will look bigger and more realistic than ever before. Delivering both picture and audio upscaling, LG’s latest chip is designed to bring all sources to peak levels of clarity and immersion. That’s also bolstered by the C2’s built-in Brightness Booster that drives home the unbelievable illumination that the TV is capable of.
In our hands-on review of the LG C2, we put through the TV through a number of picture quality tests, using both HDR and SDR sources, and the OLED delivered across the board. While the brightness level only peaked around 740 nits, keep in mind that this is an OLED panel we’re talking about. With no actual backlighting in place (OLED TVs use self-emissive pixels instead of traditional LED lighting), that 740 is actually a pretty strong number, and a chart-topping peak measurement we can thank the Evo panel for.
In the case of a TV like the LG C2, things like color gamut and contrast are far more important criteria to consider, and trust us: as far as richness and clarity goes, the C2 is going to knock your socks off. And with the C2’s onboard support for leading HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, lifelike hues gain new heights, with added HDR-punch pushing colors and contrast into all-new terrain. Our favorite episodes of “Better Call Saul” have never looked as good.
With its four HDMI 2.1 inputs, one of which doubles as an eARC connection, the LG C2 is going to be future-proofed for years to come, ensuring that the next several next-gen gaming systems you hook up to it are all going to look great and play as smooth as butter. Sure, it’s not an 8K TV, but that doesn’t make the C2 any less impressive. Besides, 8K content is still about as tough to find as 4K TV channels through your local cable provider (although we do love our 8K screens, and have a solid recommendation for one further down this list). It’s no wonder why it’s one of the best OLED TVs around.
Pros
Unbeatable colors and contrast
Evo screen is exceptionally bright
Powerful picture upscaling
webOS is fast and responsive
Cons
Doesn’t support HDR10+
RUNNER UP
Samsung QN55S95B S95B Series
Buy Now On Amazon
$1,499 at best buy
$1,499 at samsung
Best For: Fans of the perfect contrast and rich colors of an OLED set, but one with a bit of added punch when it comes to color brightness.
Why We Chose It: The Samsung S95B is one of the very first QD-OLED TVs on the market, a kind of TV that breaks down LED-LCD and OLED models, re-amalgamating to deliver the best of both worlds.
Read More: The Best Samsung TVs of 2023 Include the Company’s First OLED TV
Key specs:
Brand-new QD-OLED technology
4K/120Hz with four HDMI 2.1 inputs
Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos
It’s no surprise that Samsung made one of the best TVs of 2022, but it is a bit of a surprise that Samsung went back to a picture tech they tried and abandoned years ago — OLED. Going toe to toe with LG’s phenomenal OLED Evo panel, the S95B is Samsung’s first true foray into a traditional OLED display, making a compelling case for being one of the best TVs around. The QN55S95B is properly billed as a QD-OLED TV (the QD standing for Quantum Dot), you may be asking yourself what advantages you’ll get by going with a Samsung OLED versus an LG set.
While this mostly boils down to a matter of preference, Samsung’s integration of quantum dot lighting, on top of 8.3 million individually controllable pixels, brings a whole new layer of color clarity, saturation, and overall brightness to the viewing experience. Plus, when you add in tech like Samsung’s Quantum Processor with 4K Upscaling, HDR, and Dolby Atmos sound, you’ve got all the makings of a TV that will deliver for years to come.
Gamers and movie fanatics will also appreciate the S95B’s four HDMI 2.1 inputs, Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ for improved motion clarity, and Samsung’s Tizen OS for everything you could want from a smart TV (and more).
Pros
A brilliant blend of QLED and OLED tech
Near-perfect black levels
Excellent gaming capabilities
Tizen OS is a solid interface
Cons
Expensive
First of its kind
BEST QLED TV
Samsung 55QN90B
Buy Now On Amazon
$1,297 at walmart
$1,299 at best buy
Best For: TV fans looking for a bright and powerful picture with the kind of contrast levels you’d see on an OLED TV.
Why We Chose It: The Samsung QN90B isn’t without its minor hitches, but when it comes to overall picture and motion performance, there’s no QLED like it on the market.
Full Review: The Samsung QN90B is One of the Best QLEDs in 2023
Key specs:
4K/120Hz with four HDMI 2.1 inputs
Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Tizen user interface
Over the last several years, Samsung has been leading the charge when it comes to QLED TVs, and the brand shows no signs of stopping. New for 2022, Samsung’s QN90B is one of the best TVs we’ve ever had the honor of testing, and it’s a set we’ll be boasting about for quite some time.
Black levels are always a tricky bit of business when it comes to traditional LED-LCD sets, and while the QN90B isn’t without its minor light-blooming troubles (most prevalent when there’s nothing on the screen but titles), this Samsung performs a lot like an LED wearing an OLED jacket — or whatever clothing-adjacent hyperbole you’d like to imagine. In a nutshell, that near-perfect contrast meets the powerful illumination of full-array LED lighting and color-rich quantum dots.
In our testing of the TV, we found peak HDR levels of 2,800 nits (specular highlights) and around 1,600 nits sustained, along with 2,200 nits for peak SDR levels and 900 sustained. Those are strong numbers, and when you join the overall brilliance with the TV’s amazing color brightness capabilities, not to mention the 4K upscaling, you get one of the best QLED pictures we’ve ever seen.
That’s on top of the QN90B’s four HDMI 2.1 inputs, optimized gaming features, and user-friendly Tizen interface for all things smart TV and streaming-adjacent.
Pros
Phenomenal brightness levels
Near OLED-like contrast
Excellent gaming tech
Great 4K upscaling
Cons
Minor light blooming issues
Tizen OS can be a bit busy
BRIGHTEST QLED TV
Hisense U8H
Buy Now On Amazon
$1,197 at Walmart
$900 at best buy
Best For: Brightness, colors, and contrast — but at levels you’d find on much higher-priced sets, now at a cost that everyone can get on board with.
Why We Chose It: In 2022, we became huge Hisense fans here at SPY, and not simply for the competitive pricing either. In fact, we’re confident in saying that the Hisense U8H is one of the best budget-friendly TVs we’ve ever laid eyes upon.
Full Review: All Hail Hisense, the New King of Budget Premium TVs
Key specs:
4K/120Hz with four HDMI 2.1 inputs
Supports all major HDR formats
Google TV user interface
As a brand, Hisense rows in the same boat as TCL and Vizio: mid-range TVs that don’t break the bank, while also not skimping on vital things like picture quality. And year after year, Hisense has slowly crept its way into a marketplace position worthy of some sincere spotlighting — especially in the case of the 2022 U8H, Hisense’s golden goose egg of a QLED TV.
Reading up on this bad boy, you’ll find a lot of “ULED” thrown around in product descriptions. This is just what Hisense chooses to call their QLED TVs. Outside of the name, the U8H uses mini-LED lighting in unison with quantum dots to produce a jaw-dropping picture that screams $2,000, but get this — the U8H can be had for as little as $900 (for the 55-inch model). Considering the kind of visuals you’re going to get with this TV, that’s more than a steal.
In our testing of the U8H, we clocked sustained brightness levels of 950 nits in HDR and around 705 nits in SDR, with highlights delivering at around 1,760 nits in HDR and close to 1,400 in SDR. Measuring nits is one of the best ways to understand just how bright your TV is capable of getting, and the U8H brings some mighty illumination to the table.
This is also a great set for future-proofed gaming and whatever other A/V components you may want to add at a future date. Rocking four HDMI 2.1 inputs, along with support for leading HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, the U8H should be able to keep up with the best-looking content for years to come, and with Game Made Pro, support for AMD FreeSync Premium and an Automatic Game Mode make this an ideal QLED for console and PC gamers alike.
Yes, this is an LED-LCD we’re talking about, which means that off-angle viewing isn’t exactly the strongest. Color fidelity tends to wan when viewing away from the center of the U8H screen, so it’s best to do your watching as straight-on as possible. And in terms of sound quality, the U8H doesn’t exactly deliver a sensational audio experience (even with its built-in subwoofer), so if you don’t have a soundbar already, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to invest in one.
But don’t let these minor detractors dissuade you. Considering the price and features, the Hisense U8H is one of the best and brightest QLED TVs you’ll be able to find.
Pros
Incredible peak and color brightness
Automatic Game Mode Pro
Excellent value
Cons
Color fades with off-angle viewing
Google TV can be quirky
BEST BUDGET TV
Hisense U6H
Buy Now On Amazon
$497 At walmart
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$500 at best buy
Best For: Those shopping on a tight budget that want to invest in a great TV that won’t drain the bank account.
Why We Chose It: The Hisense U6H isn’t Hisense’s best TV, but if you’re looking for a bright and colorful TV for under $700, this is one of our favorites.
Full Review: The Hisense U6H is a Budget TV That Goes Way Above and Beyond
Key specs:
4K/60Hz with HDMI 2.0
Google TV user interface
Works with with Alexa
When a budget TV brand like Hisense or TCL produces a super low-cost TV, you may be thinking “wow, this must be a really cheaply made TV.” Truthfully, this isn’t a completely false judgment. Even top brands like Samsung and LG make special holiday models that you’ll only find around Black Friday and Christmas time that are priced low and give you an “okay” picture. This isn’t the case though with the Hisense U6H.
Before we unleash the praise, let’s make a few things clear. This is a budget TV, so you’ll only be working with a 60Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.0 (instead of HDMI 2.1). You’ll also probably notice a little more light blooming in the image, some blurry motion from time to time, and weaker 4K upscaling, especially when compared to the U8H. All that being said though, this is a great Hisense for those with softer buying power.
Thanks to a layering of quantum dots, the U6H still delivers some astonishing color brightness and peak brightness levels, especially for the price you’ll be paying. And like the U7H and U8H, you’ll still be able to enjoy the Google TV smart experience.
Pros
Very budget-friendly
Exceptionally bright
More colorful than most TVs at this price
Cons
Only 60Hz
No HDMI 2.1 support
Light blooming during dark scenes
MOST COLORFUL TV
TCL 6-Series
Buy Now On Amazon
$599 At Best Buy
Best For: Those looking for an LED-LCD with minimal light blooming and powerful brightness and colors, but for an affordable price.
Why We Chose It: Next to Hisense, TCL is another one of our favorite budget TV brands, and the Google TV-powered 4K 6-Series is a great set you should consider.
Read More: TCL’s New 85-Inch 6-Series Proves that TCL Can Compete with Samsung and LG
Key specs:
4K/120Hz
Includes Game Studio Pro
Supports HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
The word “budget” is coming up a lot in this roundup, and before you run for the hills, thinking that we’re recommending bargain bin TVs and nothing else, we ask you to halt, dear friend. Reputable TV names like Hisense and TCL are all about producing lower-cost TVs that perform much like the higher-priced Samsung and LG TVs that draw a lot more attention. But frankly, if we had a smaller budget, we wouldn’t be investing in an entry-level Samsung — we’d go for something like the TCL 6-Series instead.
Available in 55, 65, and 75-inch sizes, the TCL 6-Series uses a powerful mini-LED backlighting system and some impressive local dimming to achieve the kind of brilliance and color volume that is typically reserved for higher-priced TVs. And like many mini-LED models, there’s also a layer of quantum dots for even bigger and better colors. That’s on top of a bevy of HDMI inputs, a Google TV platform, an Auto Game Mode for all your next-gen console needs, and impressive HDR specs.
In our testing of this TV, we clocked sustained brightness levels at around 740 nits in HDR and 700 nits for SDR viewing. While these measurements don’t exactly leap off the screen, consider the fact that we measured peak HDR brightness at around 1,300 nits. That’s pretty bright for a TV that costs less than the rest.
Pros
mini-LED lighting
Excellent colors and contrast
Great for gaming
Google TV user interface
Cons
Some light blooming
BEST FIRE TV
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series
Buy Now On Amazon
$600 At Best Buy
Best For: Fans of the QLED picture technology that want to score the best deal possible on a TV.
Why We Chose It: We were already big fans of the Amazon Omni, but with the introduction of quantum dots to the Amazon lineup, picture quality gets even better.
Full Review: The First Amazon Fire QLED Series Is a Satisfying Upgrade
Key specs:
4K/60Hz
Supports Dolby Vision IQ+ and HDR10+ Adaptive
Works with Alexa
The Amazon Fire TV Omni Series is one of the most popular budget TVs on the market and is one of the best ways to build a smart ecosystem with Alexa at the helm. And while we’re pretty big fans of the O.G. Omni’s picture quality, we felt it was lacking in a couple of categories, especially 4K upscaling and light blooming. But Amazon isn’t one to rest, and the company’s all-new Omni QLED is a force to be reckoned with.
In our hands-on review of the TV, we measured sustained brightness output at around 750 nits, which is right on par with competitive QLEDs from the likes of Hisense and TCL. And while brightness definitely isn’t everything, the quantum dots really make the colors pop on the Omni QLED, a feat that the previous Omni struggled with a bit.
One solid “blast from the past” feature is the Fire TV platform, which provides a seamless means of connecting to apps like Netflix and Hulu, while also allowing you to control the smart devices in your home. Plus, you’ll be able to use Alexa to stream music, play games, and ask questions, even when the TV is turned off (it’s a great little feature called “Ambient” mode).
Pros
Amazon’s best first-party TV
Striking brightness and colors
Fire TV platform
Great price
Cons
Only 60Hz
CONTENDER
LG OLED C1 Series
Buy Now On Amazon
$1,796 at walmart
$1500 at best buy
Best For: LG OLED fans that want to score a great deal on a 2021 set.
Why We Chose It: In terms of picture quality, the LG C1 is very close to the kind of performance you’ll get with the 2022 C2 Series, and it costs less, too.
Read More: The Best OLED TVs of 2023 Have Unbeatable Picture Quality
Key specs:
4K/120Hz with four HDMI 2.1 inputs
Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos
webOS user interface
If you’ve been on the fence about buying an OLED TV, the C1 from LG is all the convincing you need to take the plunge. It has millions of individually lit pixels to create near-perfect blacks and brighter whites for enhanced contrast as well as billions of colors for vivid, lifelike images. It works with Dolby Vision IQ HDR and Dolby Atmos to create an immersive, cinematic experience while streaming movies, shows, and music, and the updated processor uses deep-learning AI to provide excellent native and upscaled 4K resolution.
It also has a Filmmaker Mode that works with Netflix to recreate shows and movies as their creators intended, making everything from Hollywood classics to the latest blockbusters look their best. The ultra-thin design is also a plus, giving it a super sleek, modern look that will fit into just about any decor and elevate your home theater.
Pros
Powerful OLED picture
Filmmaker Mode
Great 4K upscaling
Often on sale
Cons
Doesn’t support HDR10+
BEST SONY TV
Sony A90J Bravia OLED TV
Buy Now On Amazon
$1,796 at walmart
$1800 at best buy
Best For: Sony fans that have always wanted their favorite TV company to incorporate an OLED panel.
Why We Chose It: Sony has always delivered some of the best TVs, and the A90J is just another example of the brand’s long-standing “white glove” reputation.
Read More: The Best 65-inch TVs for Every Budget
Key specs:
4K/120Hz
Supports Dolby Vision, Netflix Calibrated Mode, IMAX Enhanced, and Dolby Atmos
Works with Google Assistant
The Sony A90J is another excellent option if you’re looking to buy an OLED TV. It uses Sony’s proprietary XR technology to give you improved contrast, motion smoothing, and 4K upscaling on top of the incredible colors and detailing that come with the OLED panel. It also works with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for the best cinematic-quality experience you can get at home; and with Bravia Core and Google TV, you can get the most out of these features by streaming thousands of free movies and shows.
Until recently, LG and Sony were the only TV manufacturers producing OLED TVs, but now you can find premium options from Samsung and budget options from Vizio. As a result, Sony’s line of Bravia OLED TVs is still impressive, but not quite as impressive as they used to be.
Pros
Incredible picture
Solid 4K upscaling
Acoustic Surface Audio+
Google TV user interface
Cons
Slightly older model
MOST VALUE
Amazon Fire TV Omni Series
Buy Now On Amazon
$440 at best buy
Best For: Those looking for an Alexa-powered TV for one of the best prices around.
Why We Chose It: Amazon’s Fire TV platform is one of the zippiest ways to connect with streaming apps, and the Omni Series also has a solid picture and decent 4K upscaling.
Full Review: We Put Amazon’s First Smart TV To the Test
Key specs:
4K/60Hz
Works with Alexa
Supports HDR10
While there are many TVs that use the Fire TV platform, the best one comes from Amazon itself. The Omni Series has Alexa built-in for hands-free controls as well as a suite of preloaded apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ so you can start streaming your favorite shows and movies right out of the box. You can also download Alexa Skills to turn your new TV into the ultimate entertainment hub.
It supports HDR10 as well as Dolby Digital Plus audio for great 4K resolution and sound. You can even make video calls with your TV via the built-in camera and microphone. And don’t worry about protecting your privacy; there is a microphone kill switch so nobody can listen in on you while you’re watching old episodes of True Blood.
The Omni Series can double as a smart speaker, and it’s great for integrating with other Alexa products, even if it is a bit short on the “wow” factor. This TV sometimes goes on sale, and it’s a much better value when it’s priced at $600 or below.
Pros
Inexpensive
Fire TV user interface
Can be used as an Alexa speaker when turned off
Cons
Issues with light blooming
Color is a little washed out
Only 60Hz
BEST SMALL TV
TCL 3-Series
Buy Now On Amazon
$138 at walmart
$144 at best buy
Best For: Those looking for a small TV that has a great picture and plenty of smart TV features.
Why We Chose It: If you’re looking for a solid set for the bedroom or dorm space, the TCL 3-Series will more than get the job done.
Read More: 13 Best Small TVs for Sale in 2021
Key specs:
720p HD
Works with Google Assistant
Has Bluetooth connectivity
The TCL 3-Series Android TV is an excellent option for anyone looking to buy their first smart TV and is working with a limited budget or wants a cheap, second TV for the bedroom or kids’ playroom. It uses the Android TV operating system to give you access to thousands of streaming apps, and it has Google Assistant built-in for hands-free voice controls. It also has Chromecast for sharing music, photos, and videos from your smartphone or tablet. It even has Bluetooth connectivity so you can set up wireless soundbars for a custom home audio configuration.
We previously named the TCL 4-Series one of the best affordable flat-screen TVs, but if you’re really looking to save some money, this is a solid smart TV that almost anyone can afford.
Pros
Excellent value
Android TV user interface
Integrated Chromecast casting
Cons
Only 720p
Isn’t going to win any picture awards
ALSO CONSIDER
LG A1 Series
Buy Now On Amazon
Best For: OLED fans that want one of the biggest screens they can get their hands on.
Why We Chose It: The A1 Series delivers a truly beautiful picture with excellent colors and contrast, and it’s one of our favorite 65-inch-plus TVs.
Read More: The 15 Best 75-inch TVs of 2023
Key specs:
4K/120Hz
webOS user interface
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
If you’re willing to spend more in order to get every feature you want from your dream TV, then the 77-inch LG A1 is a perfect choice. With millions of individually lit pixels, the OLED panel gives you the best contrast, color, and detail you can get in home entertainment. The fourth-generation a7 processor scans movies and shows scene-by-scene for the best native and upscaled 4K resolution as well as AI-enhanced audio.
You can use Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free controls, and you can also connect wireless soundbars, subwoofers, and speakers for a custom home audio setup. The Sports Alert feature lets you stay up-to-date on scores, league standings, and team stats, making it perfect for fantasy football players and sports enthusiasts alike. It also has a Game Optimizer mode that automatically adjusts refresh rates, input response times, and picture settings to give you a smoother experience.
Pros
Great price for the size
Stunning OLED picture
Solid 4K upscaling
Cons
No Evo panel
BEST 75-INCH UNDER $1,000
Vizio V-Series 75-Inch
Buy Now On Amazon
$650 at best buy
Best For: Movies, TV shows, and streaming content. The Vizio V-Series delivers an impressive picture and smart features, and it’s one of the cheapest 75-inch models you’ll find.
Why We Chose It: The V-Series adds convenient voice assistant features from Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, along with Vizio’s SmartCast platform for all things smart TV-related.
Key specs:
4K/120Hz
Supports HDR and HDR10
SmartCast
Works with Chromecast and AirPlay 2
It’s easier than ever to find a budget-friendly big-screen TV, and the 75-inch Vizio V-Series is not only easy on your wallet, it’s still packed to the brim with cool smart features. It works with Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced contrast and detailing as well as a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother motion. You can connect this TV to your Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Homekit devices for hands-free voice controls. The remote has fast-navigation buttons to instantly launch popular apps like Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video as well as simplified controls for easier use.
Pros
Great value
Bright and colorful
Great 4K upscaling
Works with a number of voice assistants
Cons
Limited availability
Only 60Hz
MOST AFFORDABLE 8K TV
TCL 6-Series 65-Inch 8K TV
Buy Now On Amazon
$1,100 at best buy
Best For: Those of us that want a future-proofed TV that delivers incredible 8K picture upscaling for all sources.
Why We Chose It: TCL is a trusted name in the world of TVs, and the company’s mini-LED powered 6-Series is one of the best ways to get ready for 8K content (whenever it may arrive in earnest).
Read More: Future-Proof Your Home Theater with an 8K TV
Key specs:
8K/120Hz
Roku TV user interface
Supports Dolby Vision
Since 8K technology is still so new, these TVs tend to be on the more expensive side, but the 65-inch 6-Series from TCL is the most affordable 8K TV on the market. For under $2,000, you’ll get excellent 8K resolution with Dolby Vision support as well as variable refresh rate support and a native refresh rate of 120Hz. The best TVs offer a combination of exciting new tech and smart TV features, and the TCL 6-Series offers all of that at an affordable price point.
It uses the Roku platform to put all of your favorite streaming apps and connected devices in a simplified hub menu for easier access. The all-new processor uses machine learning algorithms to intelligently analyze and adjust everything from contrast and upscaling to HDR and audio.
Pros
Bright and colorful picture
Mini-LED lighting
Solid 8K upscaling
Cons
Not much in the way of 8K content
What To Consider Before Buying a TV in 2023
Whichever TV you end up buying depends on what you want to use your TV for. Do you exclusively stream your entertainment from streaming services? Are you a movie buff? Then you may want to invest in an OLED model for an optimal viewing experience. If you still use a cable or satellite provider, or even over-air TV, in addition to streaming, you can get away with a QLED TV; you’ll get a good picture across all mediums and save a bit of cash to boot.
Even though we’ve answered some of the more pressing questions you may have about new TV models, there are still a few points to consider when shopping for a new TV:
Price – Determining your budget is the most important factor when deciding which TV to buy. This helps keep you from overspending as well as narrow down your choices to get the most features and best picture quality for your money. And even if you’re working with a very limited budget, you can still find great 4K TVs from brands like TCL, Hisense, and even Samsung.
Connectivity – So you’ve locked in a budget and have a few different TVs in mind. The next thing to look at is how your TV connects to playback devices, audio equipment, game consoles, and smart speakers. You want to choose a TV that has enough HDMI inputs to accommodate all of your devices so you don’t have to buy an HDMI switcher or fiddle with unplugging anything to connect different things. If you want a wireless home theater setup, look for a TV with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to use soundbars, subwoofers, and even headsets. You’ll also want to make sure your new TV’s WiFi connectivity is going to be able to handle things like streaming. Nothing ruins family movie night or a watch party with friends like a constantly buffering video.
Screen Size – For a lot of folks, finding the right screen size for their space is almost like an afterthought, but it’s still important. To find the optimal screen size for your space, measure (in inches) the distance from your seating to where your new TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a dedicated stand. Then divide that distance in half to find the maximum screen size for your living room. For example: if your couch is 10 feet (120 inches) from your TV, the biggest screen size you should get is 60 inches. You can, of course, go a bit bigger or smaller depending on what’s available from brands and what fits your budget, but a screen that is too big can overwhelm your space and even cause motion sickness.
We want you to be able to find the best TV that suits your space and entertainment needs, so we’ve gathered the best TVs of 2023 from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL (some TVs originally released in 2021 still made the cut). In our guide above, we featured the best TV models at every price point, with options under $500 and premium models that will cost you as much as some used cars.
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1. LG OLED C2 Series
Powered by LG’s cutting-edge a9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K and state-of-the-art OLED Evo panel, movies, TV shows, and video games will look bigger and more realistic than ever before. Delivering both picture and audio upscaling, LG’s latest chip is designed to bring all sources to peak levels of clarity and immersion. That’s also bolstered by the C2’s built-in Brightness Booster that drives home the unbelievable illumination that the TV is capable of.
In our hands-on review of the LG C2, we put through the TV through a number of picture quality tests, using both HDR and SDR sources, and the OLED delivered across the board. While the brightness level only peaked around 740 nits, keep in mind that this is an OLED panel we’re talking about. With no actual backlighting in place (OLED TVs use self-emissive pixels instead of traditional LED lighting), that 740 is actually a pretty strong number, and a chart-topping peak measurement we can thank the Evo panel for.
With its four HDMI 2.1 inputs, one of which doubles as an eARC connection, the LG C2 is going to be future-proofed for years to come, ensuring that the next several next-gen gaming systems you hook up to it are all going to look great and play as smooth as butter.
Pros: Unbeatable colors and contrast, Evo screen is exceptionally bright, Powerful picture upscaling, webOS is fast and responsive
Cons: Doesn’t support HDR10+
LG OLED C2 Series
2. Amazon Fire TV 65" Omni QLED
The Amazon Fire TV Omni Series is one of the most popular budget TVs on the market and is one of the best ways to build a smart ecosystem with Alexa at the helm. And while we’re pretty big fans of the O.G. Omni’s picture quality, we felt it was lacking in a couple of categories, especially 4K upscaling and light blooming. But Amazon isn’t one to rest, and the company’s all-new Omni QLED is a force to be reckoned with.
In our hands-on review of the TV, we measured sustained brightness output at around 750 nits, which is right on par with competitive QLEDs from the likes of Hisense and TCL. And while brightness definitely isn’t everything, the quantum dots really make the colors pop on the Omni QLED, a feat that the previous Omni struggled with a bit.
One solid “blast from the past” feature is the Fire TV platform, which provides a seamless means of connecting to apps like Netflix and Hulu, while also allowing you to control the smart devices in your home. Plus, you’ll be able to use Alexa to stream music, play games, and ask questions, even when the TV is turned off (it’s a great little feature called “Ambient” mode).
Pros: Striking brightness and colors, Fire TV platform, Great price
Cons: Only 60Hz
Amazon Fire TV 65" Omni QLED
3. Hisense ULED 4K Premium 65U6H Quantum Dot QLED
Before we unleash the praise, let’s make a few things clear. This is a budget TV, so you’ll only be working with a 60Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.0 (instead of HDMI 2.1). You’ll also probably notice a little more light blooming in the image, some blurry motion from time to time, and weaker 4K upscaling, especially when compared to the U8H. All that being said though, this is a great Hisense for those with softer buying power.
Thanks to a layering of quantum dots, the U6H still delivers some astonishing color brightness and peak brightness levels, especially for the price you’ll be paying. And like the U7H and U8H, you’ll still be able to enjoy the Google TV smart experience.
Pros: Very budget-friendly, Exceptionally bright, More colorful than most TVs at this price
Cons: Only 60Hz, No HDMI 2.1 support, Light blooming during dark scenes.
Hisense ULED 4K Premium 65U6H Quantum Dot QLED
4. SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class QLED 4K LS03B The Frame
The Frame proves Samsung's love of experimentation and innovation. The TV is designed to look like a work of art in a gallery, allowing for super-flush wall mounting. That means your TV will blend in with paintings and wall art, or be a centerpiece on its own. You can choose between your own photos and art to display, or you can purchase images of famous paintings via the Art Store and choose custom frame colors and bezels to match your current decor. You can choose between 5 matting options in 16 colors to make your TV look like a professionally mounted print as it cycles through images.
Finally, when you want to use your TV as intended, you’ll get access to thousands of streaming apps like Spotify and Disney+, voice controls, and screen mirroring so you can share images, music, and video from your mobile devices. The best Samsung TVs include some truly innovative technology, and The Frame is one of our favorite TVs of the moment for its ability to enhance your home decor even when not in use.
Pros: Innovative design that blends into decor. Glare-resistant for matte display. High-quality 4K picture when watching TV.
Cons: Pricier than some other options.
SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class QLED 4K LS03B The Frame
5. SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class QLED 4K
It’s no surprise that Samsung made one of the best TVs of 2022, but it is a bit of a surprise that Samsung went back to a picture tech they tried and abandoned years ago — OLED. Going toe to toe with LG’s phenomenal OLED Evo panel, the S95B is Samsung’s first true foray into a traditional OLED display, making a compelling case for being one of the best TVs around. The QN55S95B is properly billed as a QD-OLED TV (the QD standing for Quantum Dot), you may be asking yourself what advantages you’ll get by going with a Samsung OLED versus an LG set.
While this mostly boils down to a matter of preference, Samsung’s integration of quantum dot lighting, on top of 8.3 million individually controllable pixels, brings a whole new layer of color clarity, saturation, and overall brightness to the viewing experience. Plus, when you add in tech like Samsung’s Quantum Processor with 4K Upscaling, HDR, and Dolby Atmos sound, you’ve got all the makings of a TV that will deliver for years to come.
Gamers and movie fanatics will also appreciate the S95B’s four HDMI 2.1 inputs, Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ for improved motion clarity, and Samsung’s Tizen OS for everything you could want from a smart TV (and more).
Pros: Blend of QLED and OLED tech, Near-perfect black levels, excellent gaming capabilities, Tizen OS is a solid interface
Cons: Expensive.
SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class QLED 4K
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