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David Katzmaier Editorial Director -- Personal Tech
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
Expertise A 20-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs since the days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. Prior to CNET he worked at Sound & Vision magazine and eTown.com. He is known to two people on Twitter as the Cormac McCarthy of consumer electronics. Credentials
- Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
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Sarah Lord Writer
Sarah Lord covers TVs and home entertainment. Prior to joining CNET, Sarah served as the tech and electronic reviews fellow at Insider, where she wrote about everything from smart watches and wearables to tablets and e-readers. She began her career by writing laptop reviews as an intern and subsequent freelancer at Tom's Hardware. She is also a professional actor with many credits in theater, film and television.
Expertise TVs | Home Entertainment | Streaming | Computers Credentials
- Member of Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association
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Our Picks
Best budget smart TV for picture quality
Vizio V-Series
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Best midpriced smart TV runner-up
Roku Plus Series
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Best high-end smart TV
LG OLED C3
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Best smart TV color quality
Samsung OLED S95C
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Best high-end smart TV that's not an OLED
Samsung QN90B
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CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
Most TVs on the market are "smart" with apps included to make your streamline your viewing. You used to need a streaming device such as a Roku to get onto your Netflix or Disney Plus account, but you can now do that with just your TV. As has always been the case, not all TVs are created equally.
Our reviews take smart TV systems into account, but we think picture quality for the money is usually more important when buying a new TV. That's because you can always "replace" the TV's built-in system with a good streaming device, most of which cost less than $50. The exception is for budget TVs, where the price of the new streaming device can make up a significant percentage of the cost. For this list, we weighted the importance of the smart TV system higher for budget model TVs.
At CNET, I review TVs side by side in astate-of-the-art testing lab, taking hundreds of measurements with specialized equipment and comparing gaming, home theater and bright-room image quality. My 20 years of experience as a TV reviewer helps me determine not just the best smart TV overall but also the best smart TV in your price range.
Our list below is generally arranged in order of which TVs provide the best picture for the money, but we also note how much we like (or dislike) the built-in smart TV system.
What is the best smart TV right now?
After testing some of the best TVs for the money this year, the TCL QM8 series (2023) sits at the top of the list for a couple of reasons. It offers superb picture quality overall, all the features you need in a modern television -- including 4K/120Hz input and variable refresh rate that can get the most out of consoles like thePS5andXbox Series X -- and an affordable price tag. When a friend asks me what TV to buy from 65 to 98 inches, I tell them the TCL QM8 series.
There are plenty of other excellent choices, so although the QM8 is my current favorite for most people, it might not be right for your preferences or budget.
Best smart TVs in 2024
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Best-in-class brightness and contrast
- Capable Google TV system
Cons
- Not as accurate as some competitors
- Only available in 65-inch size and larger
Full Review Read full review
TCL has topped our list of the best TVs for the last few years but the QM8 is something different, and even better than before. In my comparison tests it stood out with superior brightness and impact while still maintaining excellent contrast -- a combination no other TV could match at this price. The key ismini-LED techand well-implementedfull-array local dimming. It also has a sleek design with a center-mount stand. The operating system is Google TV, which I don't like as much as Roku TV, but it's still a solid smart TV. This model replaces the TCL 6-Series Roku TV from last year.
The main downside of the TCL QM8 is that it's only available in large sizes (65 inches and up). If you're looking for a 55-inch TV, I recommend the Hisense U8K instead. Note that prices shown here are for the 65-inch size in the QM8 series.
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Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Capable Google TV system
- Offers a 55-inch screen size
Cons
- Not quite as bright or dynamic as some competitors
- "Theater" picture modes engage motion smoothing by default
Full Review Read full review
If you're looking for the best smart TV for the money and the TCL QM8 is just too big, the Hisense U8K should be your go-to. I compared the two 2023 TVs side-by-side, and while I liked the QM8 just a bit better, the U8K has one medium-size advantage: a 55-inch screen option. So if 65 is too large for your room, your budget, or your tastes, the choice between the two is simple: Get the 55-inch Hisense UK8.
Both offer excellent image quality and affordable prices thanks to mini-LED backlights and full-array local dimming, as well as similar gaming features and the Google TV operating system. And both cost hundreds less than you'd have to pay to get similar image quality from a better-known brand.
Note that while I tested the 65-inch size in the U8K series, the prices shown here are for the 55-inch size.
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The picture quality of the TCL 4-Series Roku TV was only a slight step behind the Vizio V-Series (below) in our budget TV test, but we liked its Roku smart TV system better than Vizio's SmartCast, so the TCL gets the top spot on this list. The 4-Series lacks the Dolby Vision, Bluetooth connectivity and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh rate, all of which the Vizio offers, but in our book superior smart TV streaming is more important at the budget level.
Note that TCL has been selling the 4-Series for the last few years with little to no change in image quality or features in our tests, although it has recently added some larger screen sizes, including an 85-inch option.
The prices shown are for the 55-inch size.
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When we compared thebest budget TVs, the picture quality of the Vizio V-Series clearly emerged as the leader of the pack. The Vizio offered the most balanced and accurate picture during our comparisons, and it comes with some useful extras such asDolby Visionsupport, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth compatibility, andvariable refresh ratefor potentially smoother gaming.
The biggest downside of the Vizio is its smart TV platform, Vizio SmartCast. It's crowded, slow, and littered with ads for platforms such as Tubi and Kidoodle TV. That's why the TCL 4-Series with Roku gets the top slot. If you value its image quality and extra features, you can always add a separatestreaming deviceto this Vizio.
The prices shown are for the 50-inch size.
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Competition among TVs in the middle pricing band is heating up, and the Plus Series is the latest entrant. Unlike the TCL Roku TVs higher on this list, this one is all Roku, with no other brands on board. It adds a couple of step-up extras, including QLED and full-array local dimming, which help deliver a better picture than the TCL 4-Series, for example. It's not as impressive as the Vizio MQX since it lacks 120Hz for gaming and has worse picture quality overall. If you value those extras, then the Vizio is worth saving for, but if not the Roku Plus Series is a very good value.
This is the first TV Roku has produced under its own brand, as opposed to partnering with a brand like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer, or Hisense. The company also released a version with fewer features and no local dimming, called theRoku Select Series.
The price shown below is for the 65-inch size.
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Pros
- Better picture quality than any non-OLED TV we've tested
- Superior contrast and off-angle image
- Best-in-class gaming features
- Sleek styling with ultralight, thin panel
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as bright as higher-end OLED TVs
- No major improvements over the C2 from 2022
Full Review Read full review
The C3 represents better picture quality than any non-OLED TVon this list at a price that's definitely higher, but still not stratospheric. Its perfect black levels, unbeatable contrast, and superb off-angle viewing kept it a notch above the mini-LED models in my comparison tests, and while its overall brightness isn't quite as impressive, it's still an incredible performer in all kinds of room lighting. The C3 is also one of the lightest TVs we've ever reviewed thanks to its carbon-fiber construction; the 65-inch version weighs just 37 pounds with its stand.
The prices shown here are for the 65-inch size of the LG C3 series.
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Don't look now, but there's a new picture quality champ in town. The LG OLED G3 delivers the best image quality I've ever tested in my 20-plus years of doing TV reviews. It's brighter than any other OLED TV and has a superior antireflective screen, for incredible performance in both bright and dark rooms. Compared directly to the Samsung S95C those traits helped it overcome a slight color deficit to the Samsung and propel it into best-ever territory.
Both it and the S95C cost hundreds more than less-expensive OLED TVs like the LG C3, and for most people, the difference isn't worth it.
The G3 replaces the G2 and has an improved screen technology called MLA (for Micro Lens Array) that LG says is responsible for the G3's superior brightness. The G3 series comes in four sizes (55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inch) but the largest 83-inch size lacks MLA, so I don't expect it to perform as well as the others.
The prices shown are for the 65-inch size.
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I compared this TV side by side with the LG G3 above, and while I liked the G3 better overall, the Samsung S95C looked nearly as impressive. Its biggest advantage was color, thanks to Samsung's quantum dot-infused take on OLED technology, akaQD-OLED. The S95C's flowers, sunsets, and other colorful objects looked a bit more natural and impressive than on the G3 or, frankly, any other OLED TV I've tested. The G3 showed excellent color, too, and looked brighter and better overall, but it was very close.
I also preferred Samsung's design, with its unique external One Connect input box, if that's a factor for you. Instead of inputs on the back panel, this TV houses them in a separate box that connects to the TV via a single cable, easing installation. The panel itself is also thinner than that of the G3.
The S95C replaces the S95B and is one of two QD-OLED series Samsung is making in 2024. The other, the S90C, isn't as bright, according to Samsung, and costs less and has standard inputs on the back panel.
The prices shown are for the 65-inch size.
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Looking for a high-end TV with spectacular image quality, but don't want an OLED? The Samsung QN90B is your best bet. This TV uses QLED TV tech augmented by mini-LED for a brighter image than any OLED TV. The spectacular contrast of OLED still won out in our side-by-side tests, but the QN90B QLED screen comes closer than ever.
The older version of this TV, theQN90A, remains on sale for hundreds less. It's also an excellent performer but it's slightly dimmer than the QN90B. It also lacks some of the 2022 model's features, including the new game hub with cloud gaming.
Samsung produces several QLED TVs, but the QN90B is among the highest-end, aside from versions with8K resolution. This is a 2022 model, but the 2023 version, theQN90C, looks similar in terms of features and while we haven't reviewed it, we expect it to deliver similar image quality. It's also significantly more expensive.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
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Factors to consider when choosing a smart TV
With all of the TVs available today, and all of the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what's important. Here's a quick guide to help cut through the confusion.
Price:TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It's also best to shop for a TV in the fall when prices are lower.
Screen size:Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV, and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other "feature," stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we've heard is from people who didn't go big enough. We almost never hear people complain that their TV is too large.
Capability:Among entry-level TVs the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet.
For more TV buying advice check out our guide onhow to buy a TV.
How CNET tests smart TVs
Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including aKonica Minolta CS-2000spectroradiometer, aMurideo Sig-G4K HDR signal generator, and anAVPro Connect 8x84K HDR distribution matrix. We usePortrait Displays CalMan Ultimatesoftware to evaluate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility, and other factors.
One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how it compares innitsacross select TVs listed above.
Check out our explainer onhow we test TVsfor more details.
Take a Tour Inside CNET's TV Test Lab
Smart TV FAQs
We'll post the answers to commonly asked TV questions below. If you have any others, feel free to reach out on Twitter (@dkatzmaier).
What's the best smart TV system for streaming?
At CNET our favorite is Roku for its simplicity, while Google TV is our runner-up for its impressive integration with other Google services such as Google Photos and YouTube TV. Samsung TV's system is our third choice, with Amazon Fire TV and LG left as some of our least favorite options.
In any case, we don't consider the built-in smart TV system that important, because you can always connect a streaming device to any TV.
What about Amazon Fire smart TVs?
Amazon makes a full range of smart TVs that run on its Fire operating system. The Fire TV platform is not one of our favorites because ads are featured so prominently throughout. We just don't appreciate the TV becoming a giant rotating billboard for content or ads when in screensaver mode. In addition, we've found other TVs tend to have better picture quality than most Fire TVs.
Do smart TVs come with Alexa and Google?
Many smart TVs come with some kind of voice assistant. All Amazon Fire TVs come with Alexa built-in, while Sony, TCL and Hisense TVs that run on Google's operating system offer Google Assistant. Many new Samsung and LG TVs come with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built-in as well. Roku TVs and Vizio TVs, meanwhile, respond to voice commands but don't work with Alexa or Google Assistant.
On most of these TVs, you'll need to speak into the remote to use voice commands, but some also respond to hands-free "Alexa" or "Hey Google" wake words, just like a smart speaker. Many TVs can also be paired with a smart speaker, such as an Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini, to receive voice commands.
How big a TV should I get?
In our opinion bigger is better, and your money is best spent on large screen sizes rather than a slight upgrade in image quality. The answer also depends on room size and seating distance: If you have a big room and sit farther away, you'll want a bigger TV. Theanswer also depends on room size and seating distance.
How do I get the best TV sound?
Most TVs sound terrible because their thin cabinets don't have room for decent-sized speakers or bass. If you want to get good sound you should buy an external audio system. Even an inexpensive soundbar will deliver much better audio quality than a TV's built-in speakers. The Roku Streambar is a good example of a device that integrates a streaming system with a soundbar into one product.
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