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Brands like Hisense , Samsung , and more have introduced truly cinema-sized TVs with new 98-, 115-inch size, and even 130-inch size classes. These gigantic TVs offer movie theater-quality experiences in the comfort of your own home, with object-tracking sound support, enhanced picture quality, and support for thousands of streaming apps. Many 98-inch TVs are also great for console gaming , with high refresh rates and VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.
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I chose the Sony Bravia 5 as the best 98-inch class TV available on the market right now. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, both Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, as well as Dolby Vision and Sony's Acoustic Multi-Audio technology for enhanced picture and sound quality. Keep reading below to find out more about the Hisense U8K and my other picks for the best 98-inch TVs.
In our July update, we added testing insights for models that our TV experts were able to go hands-on with in our dedicated lab.
Why we like it: The Sony Bravia 5 strikes a delicate balance between offering high-end features while also staying relatively affordable. You'll get Sony's Acoustic Multi-Audio technology for sound that follows the on-screen action as well as Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced picture quality. With a host of smart features like integrated voice controls and preloaded streaming apps, you can quickly marry your new TV with your smart home network and get started binge watching your favorite shows and movies.
I got to spend a day with the Sony Bravia 5 in the ZDNET lab, and I put it through a battery of tests, including a Calman color verification, screenings of a variety of black-and-white and color films from different media, and a range of console games. The Bravia 5 may not be an OLED model, but it manages to create an impressive picture with bright, bold colors and crisp contrast. The native 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for everything from classic shows and modern blockbusters to rhythm games and live sports.
Who it's for: The Sony Bravia 5 is a perfect choice for everyone, from those who have cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming to console gamers and movie buffs. You'll get incredible picture quality that rivals some of the best OLED models available, as well as exclusive VRR support for gaming on the PlayStation 5.
Read the review: I replaced my Samsung OLED TV with this Sony Mini LED model for a week - and didn't regret it
Who should look elsewhere: While the Bravia 5 does offer decent features for the price, it can still be rather expensive. If you're looking for a more affordable 98-inch TV, Samsung and Hisense offer budget-friendly models.
Sony Bravia 5 tech specs: Screen size: 98 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Acoustic Multi-Audio | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Why we like it: The Samsung QN90F is the brand's flagship QLED TV, and it's now available with a 98-inch display. You'll get access to thousands of streaming apps as well as free, live TV for sports, news, and entertainment. You'll also get object tracking sound for a more immersive experience while streaming movies, shows, and music.
The Samsung QN90F was another model I got to go hands-on with at the testing lab. The brand's flagship TV is able to give you a picture that rivals its OLED cousin in color accuracy, if not in contrast and detailing. The object-tracking audio was convincing enough in both our sound-treated testing room and simulated home theater, separating right and left channels for a decent 3D effect.
Who it's for: The Samsung QN90F is a premium TV with a price tag to match, especially at this screen size. But if you're looking to get your hands on one of the best TVs outside of an OLED, it's worth every penny. With plenty of high-end smart features like integrated voice controls, AI-assisted 4K upscaling, and an improved processor, you'll be able to create an impressive home theater centered around this TV.
Who should look elsewhere: The high asking price for the QN90F is understandably a turn-off for most customers just looking for a big-screen TV that is going to do everything they ask of it. If you're looking for something much more affordable, Samsung and other brands offer cheaper cinema-sized TVs.
Why we like it: The TCL QM8K is a great option for console gamers looking to level up their space with a cinema-sized TV. With a 144Hz refresh rate, you'll get ultra-smooth motion during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes. You'll also get support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering.
TCL has managed to become one of my surprise favorite brands when it comes to TVs. When I got to test the QM8K in our dedicated lab, I ended up using it as my control screen for comparison against bigger brands like Sony and LG as well as much more expensive technology like OLED panels. For a mid-range model, the QM8K was able to hold its own, even outperforming some premium OLED models when it comes to things like console gaming with its support for AMD FreeSync VRR and 144Hz native refresh rate.
Who it's for: The QM8K has speakers designed by Bang & Olufsen for enhanced audio for gaming as well as streaming movies, shows, and music. With Wi-Fi 6 support, you'll get faster and more reliable internet connectivity so you can pull up guides as you play.
Read the review: This TCL Mini LED model is one of the best TVs we lab-tested
Who should look elsewhere: The TCL QM8K is a great choice for gamers. If you prefer something that is going to look as stunning as it performs, there are high-end options from big brands like Sony, LG, and Samsung to help keep your home theater on the cutting edge of entertainment.
Why we like it: The Samsung DU9000 is already a great value for the price with plenty of smart features and decent picture quality for less than its competitors. Regularly retailing for around $2,500, it's already one of the most affordable cinema-sized TVs on the market. But you can also frequently find it on sale, letting you save even more on the big-screen TV of your dreams.
Who it's for: With a 120Hz refresh rate, object tracking sound, and HDR support, you'll get crystal clear picture and virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience. It also has a dedicated gaming dashboard that allows you to change the aspect ratio, customize the picture settings, and even use a virtual crosshair to help with aiming.
Who should look elsewhere: The Samsung DU9000 is a great, affordable 98-inch TV, but it falls a bit short compared to its siblings in terms of audio and picture. If you're looking splurge on one of the best cinema-sized screens available, there are more premium options on the market.
Why we like it: If you've cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider and moved exclusively to streaming, the Hisense U6 is a great option to upgrade your home theater. With the Google TV platform, you'll get a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ so you can start watching your favorite shows and movies right out of the box.
Who it's for: You'll get support for thousands of other apps like Spotify to turn your TV into the ultimate entertainment hub. Support for Chromecast and Apple AirPlay gives you the ability to share media from your iOS and Android devices for more ways to view videos and photos, stream music, and more.
Who should look elsewhere: The Hisense U6 is a decent 98-inch TV with plenty of cool features, but if you aren't a fan of the Fire TV platform, there are other options available that use Google or a custom operating system for a different user experience.
I chose the Sony Bravia 5 as my pick for the best 98-inch TV on the market for its use of Sony's Acoustic Multi-Audio technology for virtual surround sound as well as Dolby Vision HDR for an enhanced picture quality. It also offers a decent balance between price, performance, and features.
Got your heart set on a 98-inch TV, but aren't sure which one is the right choice? A high refresh rate and VRR support are essential for console gaming. And if you're making the switch to fully streaming your content, support for popular apps as well as great picture and audio quality are key features to consider.
A quality 98-inch TV that offers a great balance between price, performance, and features.
A premium-grade 98-inch TV to help keep your home theater on the cutting edge of entertainment with a matte display, integrated voice controls, and an AI-assisted processor.
A 98-inch TV for console gaming. The TCL QM8K features a 144Hz refresh rate as well as support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR for smoother action.
A cinema-sized TV that isn't going to break the bank. The Samsung DU9000 is one of the most affordable 98-inch class TVs on the market.
A 98-inch class TV for streaming. The U6 supports thousands of streaming apps as well as Chromecast and AirPlay for multiple entertainment options.
Once you've nailed down a budget, here are a few factors to consider when buying a 98-inch TV:
While I and other ZDNET experts test TVs , we keep these criteria in mind:
There's a formula for determining how far away your TV should be from your seating: take the size of your screen and double it. So, if you want a 98-inch TV, you'll want to put your couch at least 196 inches (about 16 feet) from your screen to prevent discomfort.
It is absolutely possible to wall-mount a 98-inch TV if you follow proper protocol and safety measures. Make sure that you can accurately find the distance between wall studs if mounting on a traditional drywall surface or drill into masonry with proper anchors.
Due to the size and weight of a 98-inch TV, it is highly recommended that you purchase a heavy-duty mounting bracket and always mount it to studs or sturdy masonry to prevent it from falling, which may cause damage or you to get hurt.
