The Best 4K TVs Bring Everything You Watch and Play to Life

The Best 4K TVs Bring Everything You Watch and Play to Life

ProsFantastic picture qualityExcellent gaming performanceFeature-rich platformAvailable in many screen sizesConsNot the best at handling light reflectionsThe LG C5 remains our top TV recommendation for most consumers this year, despite the fact that the brand has released a successor model, the LG C6. The 2025 mid-range OLED is impressively slim and elegant, capable of delivering a stunning picture with infinite contrast and vibrant colors, and equipped with an intuitive platform. And while the C6 offers some interesting improvements, especially in its largest sizes, the tech upgrades do not bridge the gap in price. The C5 remains the practical option, so long as it’s still available.With millions of individually backlit pixels, the OLED display of the C5 is a rock-solid contender for the best in its price range. The panel’s flawless black reproduction delivers perfect contrast and vivid colors, making any content—from a newscast to a blockbuster movie to an AAA video game—look its best.Speaking of gaming, the C5 is among the best on the market. In addition to being a wonderful companion for the latest gaming consoles, the TV can also double as a top-tier gaming monitor, courtesy of AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync support. Unlike many of its rivals, it can also deliver high-powered gameplay via an Nvidia GeForce Now subscription.As with previous years, the C5 also gets extra credit for its wide size range. Depending on your needs and budget, you can opt for a compact 42-inch, a private movie theater-worthy 83-inch model, or one of several additional sizes sitting in between.Shop by Size42-Inch 48-Inch 55-Inch 65-Inch 77-Inch 83-InchKey SpecsDisplay4K OLED, 120Hz maximum refresh rateHDRDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLGPlatformLG WebOSConnectivityFour HDMI ports, WiFi 6E, Apple AirPlay 2Gaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync, ALLM, VRRProsExcellent picture quality Plenty of wired and wireless connectivity featuresGood sound out of the boxConsNot great at handling direct light reflections With a price cut shortly after launch, the TCL QM8L is ready to replace its predecessor, the QM8K, as the top Mini-LED TV. It looks incredibly sleek sans top and side bezels, and the picture looks just as impressive. While OLED technology still broadly produces the richest and sharpest image quality, mini-LED TVs are no slouch, delivering great detail and a brighter screen that improves performance in less-than-stellar lighting conditions.With thousands of local dimming zones and an upgraded AI-powered processor to control them, the QM8L’s super quantum-dot mini-LED screen delivers a captivating picture with rich colors and deep contrast. The TV’s picture quality is not far from that of a top-tier OLED TV. Its higher peak brightness and lower cost sufficiently make up for its lack of individually backlit pixels.If you are looking for a mini-LED 4K TV with SQD color proficiency on a tighter budget, I think this model’s more affordable cousin, the TCL QM7L, is also a very good choice. You lose some peak brightness and local dimming zones, but it still provides strong performance for its much lower price.TCL QM8L 4K SQD Mini-LED TV ReviewTCL QM7L 4K SQD Mini-LED TV ReviewShop by Size65-Inch 75-Inch 85-Inch 98-inchKey SpecsDisplay4K SQD Mini-LED, 144 HzHDRDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGPlatformGoogle TVConnectivityFour HDMI ports, WiFi 6E, Apple AirPlay 2, Google ChromecastGaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium, ALLM, VRRAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBright and vibrant mini-LED screen165Hz screen refresh rate is great for gamingClass-leading warrantyConsBelow average off-angle viewingThe 2025 Hisense U8 is still one of the brightest, most feature-packed, and best-sounding LED TVs I've tested, thanks to a quantum-dot-enhanced mini-LED screen. It is more generously (and frequently) discounted than competitive sets, which makes the upgrade even sweeter.In addition to its staggeringly high peak brightness, the U8 features a dedicated filter to reduce glare and reflections, resulting in a top-tier viewing experience in bright spaces. And it supports a high 165Hz refresh rate, cutting down latency in video games and smoothing out blurred movement during intense plays during live sports. I’m also a big fan of the fact that the U8 supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR, which is still not a given these days.Feature-wise, the U8 offers top-notch sound for its form factor, a robust set of up-to-date connectivity features, and an intuitive platform. It is available in multiple sizes, too. I also like that the TV has a longer-than-average two-year warranty. If you want to stretch your dollar, this is a great choice.Shop by Size55-Inch 65-Inch 75-Inch 85-Inch 100-InchKey SpecsDisplay4K QD Mini-LED, 165Hz maximum refresh rateHDRDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGPlatformGoogle TVConnectivityThree HDMI ports, WiFi 6EGaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium, ALLM, VRRProsFantastic picture quality for the priceTop-tier gaming performanceAvailable in many screen sizesConsNo WiFi 6 connectivityTCL’s QM6K is my favorite 4K TV on a budget. Spending less than $600 before additional deals and discounts gets you a TV with a sleek design, superb picture quality, a feature-packed platform, and an abundant set of connectivity options. With a high-performance game mode and support for variable refresh rate, the TV is also a top-notch gaming console display.The overall picture quality and color rendering of the TCL QM6K are superb for a TV at such an agreeable price point. Its quantum-dot mini-LED display panel with hundreds of local dimming zones produces punchy colors and dramatic contrast that defy its price category. I can’t think of a better 4K TV for the money.On the audio front, the TV is as impressive as it is in terms of picture quality. Its speaker system, tuned by Onkyo, has a built-in subwoofer, allowing it to deliver immersive sound with surprisingly powerful bass.TCL offers the QM6K in several screen sizes, with the 98-inch model as the largest. The biggest screen size costs a little over $2,000, which is quite a bargain for the full-blown private movie theater experience it provides. The 85-inch version at a tad above $1,000 is also a great value for money.Shop by Size55-Inch 65-Inch 75-Inch 85-Inch 98-InchKey SpecsDisplay4K Mini-LED, 144 HzHDRDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGPlatformGoogle TVConnectivityFour HDMI ports, WiFi 5Gaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, VRRAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFantastic picture quality regardless of the lightingIncredibly elegant design with a metal frameGreat for any type of gamingSleek solar remoteThe Samsung S95H is the 4K TV to get if you want stunning design and picture quality to match. The TV’s metal frame gives it a unique presence, especially when wall-mounted, and makes any rival look generic in comparison. Its super-bright QD-OLED display predictably produces vibrant colors and deep contrast. In addition, a highly sophisticated onboard processor with access to AI neural networks ensures lower-resolution content looks sharper and better than ever.Most importantly, the Samsung S95H can effortlessly deliver this viewing experience from any angle, even in bright spaces. The TV’s screen has a glare-free finish, which makes it practically impervious to light reflections. This means that its picture quality will remain superb even if it’s facing a lamp, a window, or another light source. This quality alone makes the TV worth every penny.In keeping with its price category, the Samsung S95H is also a bona fide gaming powerhouse, capable of delivering exceptional visuals when connected to a gaming console or a high-powered computer. Samsung’s Tizen platform also supports cloud gaming, so all you need is a wireless controller and a monthly subscription to enjoy AAA titles.We like that the TV’s intuitive remote has a rechargeable battery that can be charged via a light source or a USB-C port, ensuring you never have to swap batteries. Its multi-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system, on the other hand, defies its form factor.Samsung S95H 4K OLED TV ReviewShop by Size55-Inch 65-Inch 77-Inch 83-InchKey SpecsDisplay4K QD-OLED, 165Hz maximum refresh rateHDRHDR10+ Advanced, HDR10, HLGPlatformSamsung TizenConnectivityFour HDMI 2.1 ports, Wi-Fi 6EGaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync, ALLM, VRRProsIncredible picture qualityPowerful and easily customizable soundElegant design and top-tier build qualitySleek remoteConsOnly available in large screen sizesThe TCL X11L is the absolute best big-screen TV available today, featuring an elegant design, outstanding picture quality, and immersive sound tuned by Bang & Olufsen. We often think of TCL as the bang for your buck, but this set shows that the brand can also make something out of this world for folks who want to spend a lot for the best possible picture.The secret is the X11L's first-of-its-kind SQD Mini-LED display—that's "Super Quantum Dot"—which blends the brightness-enhancing quantum dot technology and Mini-LED dimming zones, which enhance high-dynamic range. At $7,000, it's hard to imagine not insisting on an OLED TV, but color accuracy and contrast are both top-notch. The picture quality is comparable, and it offers tremendous, but controlled brightness that doesn't create blooming in bright scenes. Frankly, I’d take the TV over any OLED on the market today.TCL X11L 4K SQD Mini-LED TV ReviewShop by Size75-Inch 85-Inch 98-InchKey SpecsDisplaySQD Mini-LED, 144Hz maximum refresh rateHDRDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGPlatformGoogle TVConnectivityFour HDMI ports, WiFi 6, Apple AirPlay 2, Google ChromecastGaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, VRRAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTop-notch picture qualityOutstanding Amazon Alexa integrationSolid gaming performanceConsYou can get higher peak brightness for the moneyThe Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series is unsurprisingly the best for most consumers who prefer the tech giant’s own smart TV platform with deep Alexa integration. Amazon’s powerful virtual assistant is available via a button on the TV’s bundled remote or through direct voice commands.Conveniently, the smart TV can also display feeds from compatible security cameras and smart doorbells. It can also double as a large smart display, showcasing artworks or providing convenient information like a calendar, weather, and connected home controls.Like all mni-LED TVs, the Amazon Fire TV Omni delivers excellent picture quality with intense colors and deep contrast. However, it’s important to note that the product can’t match the similarly priced Hisense U8 Series in peak brightness and maximum refresh rate. I’d choose the Amazon product over its direct Hisense competitor if the Fire TV platform and seamless Alexa integration are top priorities.A considerably more affordable Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series is also available if you are shopping on a lower budget. On the other hand, the Panasonic S95B Series OLED TV with Amazon Fire TV is one of the best in its class. I’ve tested it and can confirm it is worth splurging on.Shop by Size: 55-Inch 65-Inch 75-Inch 85-inchKey SpecsDisplay4K Mini-LED, 120Hz maximum refresh rateHDRDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGPlatformAmazon Fire TVConnectivityFour HDMI ports, WiFi 6EGaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, VRRProsExcellent picture qualityElegant designIntuitive platform and remoteConsRivals' screens offer higher refresh rateIf you are a longtime user of Roku’s easy-to-use smart TV platform, the Pro Series TV from the same maker deserves a spot on your shortlist of upgrade options. In addition to providing a super intuitive user interface and bundled remote, the TV delivers excellent picture quality, top-notch sound for a product in its price category, a rich set of connectivity features, and an elegant design with a nifty cable management setup. The TV is also easy to integrate into any smart home platform.The quantum-dot mini-LED display panel with local dimming of the Roku Pro Series delivers excellent picture quality with vibrant colors and stellar contrast. The TV is one of the best in its price range in this critical department, though it’s important to note that similarly priced TCL and Hisense models are a step ahead in brightness and gaming-focused features.Roku’s signature remote for the Pro Series TV impressed me with backlit buttons and a convenient USB-C charging port. I also liked the gadget’s integrated finder, which allowed me to track it down by pressing a button on the TV or via the Roku app.You can order the Roku Pro Series TV in three screen sizes. A lower-priced Roku Plus Series TV is also available, but I recommend the Pro for its higher screen refresh rate and superior contrast.Shop by Size: 55-Inch 65-Inch 75-InchKey SpecsDisplayQLED mini-LED, 120 HzHDRDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGPlatformRoku TVConnectivityFour HDMI ports, WiFi 6Gaming FeaturesAMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, VRRStefan is an award-winning consumer technology editor with over a decade of experience in reviewing gadgets, particularly smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, desktop and laptop computers across multiple form factors and platforms, as well as accessories for them. He also covers televisions and audio equipment, including headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers, and soundbars. Since joining Hearst in 2015, Stefan has contributed to BestProducts, Popular Mechanics, and numerous other publications. Prior to his current role, he served as the US Editor for GSMArena.com.Mike Epstein is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst Enthusiast Group, producing reviews for buying guides Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products. Prior to joining Hearst, he was a video game and technology critic for over 10 years, with bylines at IGN, Gamespot, Variety, Lifehacker, Kotaku, GamesRadar, Flavorwire and Digital Trends, among others. Now, he’s a jack of all trades, helping reviewers share everything they know about all kinds of technical gear, from snowblowers, to running shoes and bicycles, and every kind of gadget imaginable.

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