These are our top picks for the best TVs of 2024 to make the most of your holiday shopping, based on side-by-side testing in CNET's lab.
Our Experts
Written by
David Katzmaier
Ty Pendlebury
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
David KatzmaierEditorial 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.
ExpertiseA 25-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs since the days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. He created CNET's methodology for testing TVs, streaming services and AI tools. Prior to CNET he wrote for Sound & Vision magazine and eTown.com.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.
Ty Pendlebury has worked at CNET since 2006. He lives in New York City where he writes about streaming and home audio.
ExpertiseTy has worked for radio, print, and online publications, and has been writing about home entertainment since 2004. He is an avid record collector and streaming music enthusiast.Credentials
Ty was nominated for Best New Journalist at the Australian IT Journalism awards, but he has only ever won one thing. As a youth, he was awarded a free session for the photography studio at a local supermarket.
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
What to consider
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.
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.
Capability
Finding a worthwhile smart TV system is most important for entry-level TVs. High-end TVs are more about picture quality.
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
What to consider
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.
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.
Capability
Finding a worthwhile smart TV system is most important for entry-level TVs. High-end TVs are more about picture quality.
If you're looking to buy a new TV, there are so many things to take into consideration. Mainly, how big a TV do you need and what is your budget? There's also a bunch of competing technologies when it comes to modern TVs, namely, do you want to buy LED or OLED, and what's the difference anyway?
At CNET, I review TVs side by side in a state-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 which is the best TV overall and the best TV in your price range.
Our recommendations for the best TVs of 2024 are as follows, but you can also check out the best TVs for the holidays for more options.
Given the multitude of options, the latest TCL QM8 series has replaced the 2023 model at the top of our best TV list for a number of reasons. The TCL QM851 offers a number of upgrades on the previous year, including a better backlight, superb picture quality overall 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.
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There are many other great TVs from popular brands like Sony, Samsung and Roku on sale as the holidays approach. Although the QM8 is my current favorite, it may not be right for your preferences or budget.
Best TVs in 2024
mini-LED tech</a> and well-implemented <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/led-local-dimming-explained/">full-array local dimming</a>. 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. </p><p>The main downside of the TCL QM8 is that it's available only in large sizes (65 inches and up). If you're looking for a 55-inch TV, I recommend the Hisense U8N instead. Note that prices shown here are for the 65-inch size in the QM8 series.</p>" page-position linktext="Read full review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/tcl-qm8-2024-review-mini-led-tv-gets-brighter-richer-picture/" like="~Relatively affordable ~Excellent overall image quality ~Best-in-class brightness and contrast ~Capable Google TV system" dislike="~Not as accurate as some competitors ~Available only in 65-inch size and larger" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"5d5f1719-fbe9-43db-ab95-c1ed81009e64","label":"\"TCL - 65\"\" Class QM8-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV (2024)\"","slug":"tcl-65-class-qm8-series-4k-uhd-hdr-qd-mini-led-smart-google-tv-2024","edition":["us"],"imageId":"","imgUrl":"","imageHeight":0,"imageWidth":0,"typeLabel":"Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":""}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"5d5f1719-fbe9-43db-ab95-c1ed81009e64","slug":"tcl-65-class-qm8-series-4k-uhd-hdr-qd-mini-led-smart-google-tv-2024","name":"\"TCL - 65\"\" Class QM8-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV (2024)\"","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1733500522782}" overridecredit="Ty Pendlebury/CNET" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"c4575ba9-bf31-426c-861a-f12d21469dae","alt":"tcl-qm8-1.jpg","caption":null,"credits":"Ty Pendlebury/CNET","imageData":{"id":"c4575ba9-bf31-426c-861a-f12d21469dae","filename":"tcl-qm8-1.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1885228075abb6c1db65bbdfd25b530225087301/hub/2024/10/28/c4575ba9-bf31-426c-861a-f12d21469dae/tcl-qm8-1.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-10-28 19:16:10.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1885228075abb6c1db65bbdfd25b530225087301/hub/2024/10/28/c4575ba9-bf31-426c-861a-f12d21469dae/tcl-qm8-1.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":null,"imageCredit":"Ty Pendlebury/CNET","imageAltText":"tcl-qm8-1.jpg","imageFilename":"tcl-qm8-1.jpg","imageWidth":1920,"imageHeight":1183,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-10-28","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"pe1p6vi0usf8zni","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__81323473-8ce4-4093-b627-de81a8da853b" index="1" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="Best List - Precap" tagslugs="project-save,walmart-2024,walmart,amazon-prime,hv7,amazon-sale,sponsored-listicle,4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,vizio,tcl" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Ty Pendlebury/CNET" imagealttext="tcl-qm8-1.jpg" class="c-bestListListicle">
TCL has topped our list of the best TVs for the last few years and the QM8 is even better than before. In my comparison tests, it continues to stand out with superior brightness and impact while still maintaining excellent contrast: a combination no other TV could match at this price. The key is mini-LED tech and well-implemented full-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.
The main downside of the TCL QM8 is that it's available only in large sizes (65 inches and up). If you're looking for a 55-inch TV, I recommend the Hisense U8N instead. Note that prices shown here are for the 65-inch size in the QM8 series.
Whether you’re looking for a budget option for your dorm room or a giant OLED display for the family living room, Walmart has great deals on top TVs in every size and budget. It’s not just during the holidays: Walmart has low prices all season long. Order online or reserve to pick up at your local store and get your new TV for less today.
If you're looking for the best TV for the money and the TCL QM8 is just too big, the Hisense U8N should be your go-to. I compared the two TVs side by side, and while I liked the picture quality of the QM8 better, the U8N has one medium-size advantage: a 55-inch screen option. 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 U8N.
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. 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 U8N series, the prices shown here are for the 55-inch size.
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any non-OLED TV</a> on this list at a higher price, and it's still not outrageously expensive. 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. </p><p>The C4 replaced the C3, and while we'll almost always recommend <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/want-to-save-money-on-a-new-tv-consider-buying-last-years-model/">buying last year's version of a TV</a>, the C4 is available for around the same price and so is the model to go for.</p><p>The prices shown here are for the 65-inch size of the LG C4 series.</p>" page-position linktext="Read full review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/lg-oled-c4-review-high-end-staple-balances-picture-quality-and-value/" like="~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" dislike="~Expensive ~Not as bright as higher-end OLED TVs ~No major improvements over the C3" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"75282651-c28b-4567-9f54-2f1f82b50e03","slug":"lg-65-class-c4-series-oled-evo-4k-uhd-smart-webos-tv-2024","name":"LG 65\" Class C4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2024)","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"EZMONEY","mod":1733500526476}" overridecredit="Josh Goldman/CNET" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"b3b35284-1d0c-4c27-8676-954abc2fad8a","alt":"The 2023 LG C3 OLED TV","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"Josh Goldman/CNET","imageData":{"id":"b3b35284-1d0c-4c27-8676-954abc2fad8a","filename":"lg-c3-oled-tv-2023-07.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/f9124ebc2c5acd5c175f1a752e671363bc71e720/hub/2023/06/09/b3b35284-1d0c-4c27-8676-954abc2fad8a/lg-c3-oled-tv-2023-07.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2023-06-09 13:29:16.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/f9124ebc2c5acd5c175f1a752e671363bc71e720/hub/2023/06/09/b3b35284-1d0c-4c27-8676-954abc2fad8a/lg-c3-oled-tv-2023-07.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"Josh Goldman/CNET","imageAltText":"The 2023 LG C3 OLED TV","imageFilename":"lg-c3-oled-tv-2023-07.jpg","imageWidth":4787,"imageHeight":2696,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2023-06-09","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="false" ng-block="{"id":"1jm2gyqdt7gvs5j","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__7ad05b55-c147-4039-8085-067e679c0260" index="4" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="Best List - Precap" tagslugs="project-save,walmart-2024,walmart,amazon-prime,hv7,amazon-sale,sponsored-listicle,4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,vizio,tcl" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Josh Goldman/CNET" imagealttext="The 2023 LG C3 OLED TV" class="c-bestListListicle">
The C4 has better picture quality than any non-OLED TV on this list at a higher price, and it's still not outrageously expensive. 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 C4 replaced the C3, and while we'll almost always recommend buying last year's version of a TV, the C4 is available for around the same price and so is the model to go for.
The prices shown here are for the 65-inch size of the LG C4 series.
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best picture available</a>. That matte finish really works, reducing windows and other glare to dimmer blobs instead of super-bright, mirror-like distractions. The S95D also has an external box, allowing for a cleaner look with the option to store HDMI connections and the power cord out of sight.</p><p>Between its versatile matte screen and awesome picture overall, the Samsung S95D delivers the best image quality of any TV we've tested, beating both the G4 and last year's winner, the <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/lg-g3-oled-tv-review-the-new-picture-quality-champ/">G3, as well as any other non-OLED TV. But it also costs a ton, and most people -- even those with bright rooms -- will be perfectly happy with a <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/">less expensive TV</a>.</p>" page-position linktext="Read our Samsung S95D review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/samsung-s95d-oled-tv-the-best-picture-quality-bright-room-or-dark/" like="~Best overall image quality we've tested ~Best-in-class glare reduction in a bright rooms ~Superior contrast and off-angle viewing ~Ultrathin panel with external input box" dislike="~Expensive ~Slightly diminished contrast in bright rooms" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"04f49d6a-2318-497f-b898-243e044b40eb","label":"Samsung - 65” Class S95D Series OLED 4K Smart Tizen TV","slug":"samsung-65-class-s95d-series-oled-4k-smart-tizen-tv","edition":["us"],"imageId":"6b4a277e-f480-4b14-a98b-164f6830f68a","imgUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/490ec7fb9d88e2fd38a1b303c98d807a34e4db15/hub/2024/03/21/6b4a277e-f480-4b14-a98b-164f6830f68a/6576556-sd.jpg?auto=webp&width=300&height=300&fit=crop","imageHeight":0,"imageWidth":0,"typeLabel":"Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":""}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"04f49d6a-2318-497f-b898-243e044b40eb","slug":"samsung-s95d-series-65-oled-4k-smart-tizen-tv","name":"Samsung S95D Series 65\" OLED 4K Smart Tizen TV","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1733500522712}" overridecredit="Josh Goldman/CNET" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"8aeff322-665a-4b54-b224-0fedb9bd4a28","alt":"samsung-s95d-02.jpg","caption":null,"credits":"Josh Goldman/CNET","imageData":{"id":"8aeff322-665a-4b54-b224-0fedb9bd4a28","filename":"samsung-s95d-02.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/c5b13660393c9e4f568839f789841fb98b855ebf/hub/2024/05/20/8aeff322-665a-4b54-b224-0fedb9bd4a28/samsung-s95d-02.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-05-20 19:02:02.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/c5b13660393c9e4f568839f789841fb98b855ebf/hub/2024/05/20/8aeff322-665a-4b54-b224-0fedb9bd4a28/samsung-s95d-02.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":null,"imageCredit":"Josh Goldman/CNET","imageAltText":"samsung-s95d-02.jpg","imageFilename":"samsung-s95d-02.jpg","imageWidth":5184,"imageHeight":2920,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-05-20","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"6o4oz00c3u5mgvw","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__bcb4186c-1703-4199-b0c9-ce2678403b09" index="5" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="Best List - Precap" tagslugs="project-save,walmart-2024,walmart,amazon-prime,hv7,amazon-sale,sponsored-listicle,4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,vizio,tcl" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Josh Goldman/CNET" imagealttext="samsung-s95d-02.jpg" class="c-bestListListicle">
The Samsung S95D's matte finish does more than reduce reflections, it nearly eliminates them, improving image quality in bright rooms more than any OLED TV we've tested. Some non-OLED models have matte screens, but this is the first time they've been available in an OLED TV, a display technology that has always delivered the best picture available. That matte finish really works, reducing windows and other glare to dimmer blobs instead of super-bright, mirror-like distractions. The S95D also has an external box, allowing for a cleaner look with the option to store HDMI connections and the power cord out of sight.
Between its versatile matte screen and awesome picture overall, the Samsung S95D delivers the best image quality of any TV we've tested, beating both the G4 and last year's winner, the G3, as well as any other non-OLED TV. But it also costs a ton, and most people -- even those with bright rooms -- will be perfectly happy with a less expensive TV.
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Roku Plus Series</a>, for example. On the other hand, as expected, slightly more expensive models like the <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/tcl-qm8-review-tv-value-champ-gets-bigger-brighter-and-better/">TCL QM8</a> and <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/hisense-u8k-review-a-blissful-balance-of-tv-picture-quality-size-and-price/">Hisense U8K</a> were better, with brighter images and higher contrast. </p><p>One major drawback is the Quantum Pro's lack of size offerings; it comes only in <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-65-inch-tv/">65- or 75-inch sizes. We reviewed the 65-inch model, but the review also applies to the 75-inch version since the specs and picture quality should be similar regardless of size.</p><p>If you're looking for a smaller TV in this price range, you might instead turn to the Roku Plus Series, which offers a 55-inch model and a superior smart TV system. Vizio will also continue to offer this TV's predecessor, the <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/"https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/vizio-m-series-quantum-x-review-bright-hdr-picture-made-affordable/">M-Series Quantum X</a>, in the 50-inch size.</p>" page-position linktext="Read the full review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/vizio-quantum-pro-tv-review-solid-picture-quality-but-only-available-in-two-big-sizes/" like="~Bright, high-contrast image for the price ~Preserves picture well from off-angle" dislike="~Slightly less accurate color ~Available in only two sizes" can-collapse="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"6bff091e-221b-4cb8-98a3-56aed34bd168","label":"VIZIO Quantum Pro 4K QLED","slug":"vizio-quantum-pro-4k-qled","edition":["us"],"imageId":"","imgUrl":"","imageHeight":0,"imageWidth":0,"typeLabel":"Series","objectType":"content_product_series","icon":""}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"6bff091e-221b-4cb8-98a3-56aed34bd168","slug":"vizio-quantum-pro-4k-qled","name":"VIZIO Quantum Pro 4K QLED","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1733500522780}" overridecredit="Josh Goldman/CNET" overridecaption="<p></p>" imagegroup="{"uuid":"4b26528b-fd3b-449e-88d7-62c86c6f59d4","alt":"vizio-vqp65c-84-10","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"Josh Goldman/CNET","imageData":{"id":"4b26528b-fd3b-449e-88d7-62c86c6f59d4","filename":"vizio-vqp65c-84-10.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/f2ac867fe388338c03edb9bb24e1c8d6f46c8d1c/hub/2024/04/11/4b26528b-fd3b-449e-88d7-62c86c6f59d4/vizio-vqp65c-84-10.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-04-11 16:02:43.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/f2ac867fe388338c03edb9bb24e1c8d6f46c8d1c/hub/2024/04/11/4b26528b-fd3b-449e-88d7-62c86c6f59d4/vizio-vqp65c-84-10.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"<p></p>","imageCredit":"Josh Goldman/CNET","imageAltText":"vizio-vqp65c-84-10","imageFilename":"vizio-vqp65c-84-10.jpg","imageWidth":5022,"imageHeight":2824,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2024-04-11","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"hxwp4hkul3isel7","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__07ca7c36-06d5-42ad-b6d3-8b28197bfe70" index="6" contenttype="Best List - Precap" pagelayout="Best List - Precap" tagslugs="project-save,walmart-2024,walmart,amazon-prime,hv7,amazon-sale,sponsored-listicle,4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,vizio,tcl" isbestlistredesign="true" imagecredit="Josh Goldman/CNET" imagealttext="vizio-vqp65c-84-10" class="c-bestListListicle">
In our tests over the years, Vizio TVs have produced very good picture quality without breaking the bank. The Vizio Quantum Pro continues this trend: it's a solid midpriced TV option, though not without a few notable drawbacks.
In side-by-side comparison tests in our lab, the Quantum Pro performed well for the money, with better contrast than the similarly priced Roku Plus Series, for example. On the other hand, as expected, slightly more expensive models like the TCL QM8 and Hisense U8K were better, with brighter images and higher contrast.
One major drawback is the Quantum Pro's lack of size offerings; it comes only in 65- or 75-inch sizes. We reviewed the 65-inch model, but the review also applies to the 75-inch version since the specs and picture quality should be similar regardless of size.
If you're looking for a smaller TV in this price range, you might instead turn to the Roku Plus Series, which offers a 55-inch model and a superior smart TV system. Vizio will also continue to offer this TV's predecessor, the M-Series Quantum X, in 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.
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 the Roku Select Series.
The price shown below is for the 65-inch size.
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Factors to consider when choosing a 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.
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 so than any "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. And we rarely hear people complain that their TV is too large.
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.
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.
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 a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software 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, among other factors.
LG C3: When we reviewed the C3 in 2023 it was one of our favorite TVs, and this impression continued into the following year. It's still a great TV, but with the pricing on this and the C4 being identical right now it makes sense to go for the newer TV.
Samsung S90D: The S90D performed well, but it suffered some contrast loss compared to the C4. Any differences between the C4 and S90D were subtle.
Watch this: Go Behind the Scenes at CNET's TV Testing Lab
One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how brightness compares in nits across select TVs listed above.
We'll post the answers to commonly asked TV questions below. If you have any others, feel free to reach out on Twitter (@dkatzmaier), or by clicking the little envelope icon on my CNET profile page. Doing so will let you send a message straight to my inbox.
How much should I spend on a TV?
Prices vary widely by size and features, from less than $100 for basic 24-inch TVs to more than $2,000 for big OLED models. TVs last a long time, so we think it's worthwhile to spend a little extra beyond the bare minimum to get a bigger screen, better picture quality or better features. With that in mind, here are some ballpark prices that will get you a very good TV in 2024.
55-inch: $700
65-inch: $1,000
75-inch: $1,300
You could pay (much) more or less. The fact is just about any TV will produce a picture decent enough to satisfy most viewers. Most complaints you read in user reviews aren't about picture quality. Instead, they're about ease of use, smart TV menus or sound (or a broken TV).
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.
In our reviews, OLED TVs, which use organic light-emitting diode technology, have always had better picture quality than LED TVs, which are essentially LCD TVs that use LED backlights. The main reason is that OLED TVs can produce a perfectly dark shade of black with no stray illumination of blooming, which leads to better contrast and pop. LED TVs can get brighter, and usually cost less than OLED TVs.
At CNET our favorite is Roku for its simplicity, but different systems like Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung and LG have different strengths, in particular for voice commands. 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.
Most TVs sound terrible because their thin cabinets don't have room for decent-sized speakers or a 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.
