The best TVs of 2026: Expert tested and recommended
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ZDNet
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15 min read
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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
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If you want to upgrade your home theater with a high-end OLED TV or just need a budget-friendly second screen , there are tons of great options from brands like Samsung, Sony, TCL, and Hisense . With updates like improved OLED panels and object tracking sound, it's easier than ever to find a quality TV, no matter your budget.
Almost all new TVs on the market come with a variety of smart features as standard, like a suite of popular, preloaded streaming apps, integrated voice controls, and automatic picture modes for streaming and console gaming . Many new sets also support VRR technology like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, as well as refresh rates of 120Hz or higher for smoother action during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes.
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At ZDNET, we've extensively tested TVs from Samsung, Sony, TCL, and more. Our choice for the best TV overall is the Samsung QN90F for its object-tracking sound, excellent picture quality, and integrated security chip. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung QN90F, as well as my other top picks for the best TVs you can buy.
In our August update, we added the LG C6 as a top pick.
Why we like it: The Samsung QN90F is a well-rounded TV with 4K resolution and HDR10+ support. It also supports both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung's own Object Tracking Sound+ technology to create a more immersive experience while streaming or gaming. The QLED panel also features a matte coating to help cut glare for better visibility in bright spaces. A dedicated gaming mode has VRR support for up to a 144Hz refresh rate, cloud gaming support, and automatic low latency for better response times.
Who it's for: Both console gamers and movie buffs can get a lot out of the Samsung QN90F, with great picture and audio that produce bold colors and clean sound. With plenty of ways to connect all your devices, you'll be able to set up the perfect entertainment space with home audio, DVD players, and more. In addition, the QN90F supports hundreds of apps like Netflix and Spotify as well as screen sharing and access to free live TV via the Samsung TV Plus app.
Who should look elsewhere: The Samsung QN90F is an excellent TV at any screen size, but these premium features come with a steep price if you want a larger display. It's capable of impressive picture and audio quality, but if you want the absolute best, check out an OLED option.
Why we like it: The Hisense U8QG boasts a max brightness of 5,000 nits. This means that you'll get a great picture even in harsh overhead lighting or bright sunlight. It's also backed up by a 165Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision IQ HDR support, and an IMAX Enhanced mode for streaming films and shows as their creators intended. With support for Dolby Atmos, you get rich, room-filling virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience.
Who it's for: With high quality picture and audio, the U8QG is a great option for streaming, live TV, and console gaming. The 165Hz refresh rate gives you smooth motion in fast-paced scenes so you never miss a second of the action in live sports, movies and shows, or games. With a Pantone Validated screen, you know you're getting some of the best color accuracy you can buy outside of an OLED model.
Who should look elsewhere: The Hisense U8QG is a high-quality, mid-range TV that will fit into just about any living room or home theater. But if you're looking to stick to a budget, there are more affordable options from Hisense and other brands.
Hisense U8QG tech specs Screen size: 55 - 100 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Why we like it: The picture quality is top-notch with the LG C6, offering some of the boldest and brightest colors we've seen in an OLED at our lab. The refreshed panel provides better contrast by controlling color bleed and backlight blooming, reducing the risk of a halo effect around objects set against a dark background.
Who it's for: With seven pictures and four sound modes, you can mix and match to suit your space and personal preferences. Or you can let the AI modes automatically calibrate images and sounds to give you the best viewing experience for your space. And if you prefer total control, you can fine-tune everything from RGB saturation to white balance.
From our tests, the LG C6 also handles console gaming with ease, offering a dedicated Game Optimizer picture mode that automatically lowers input latency and uses Nvidia G-Sync VRR for buttery-smooth motion across genres.
Who should look elsewhere: The asking price may not be for everyone's budget. The 65-inch (which is the model we tested in our lab) starts at $2,700. The screen could also be brighter for this high price range.
Why we like it: Sony is one of the top names in the OLED TV business, and the Bravia 8 II continues to prove why. With a studio-calibrated OLED panel, you'll get even better color accuracy and contrast to get the most out of your favorite shows, movies, and video games. Each picture mode allows you to customize settings for the perfect viewing experience while Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology turns the entire screen into a speaker for object-tracking sound.
Who it's for: The Bravia 8 II is an almost perfect choice if you have the cash to spend on a high-quality, premium OLED TV from a top brand. With excellent picture and audio quality, you'll be able to make everything from live sports and Hollywood classics to the newest blockbusters and triple-A games look and sound their best.
Who should look elsewhere: All of these premium features unfortunately come with a very high retail price -- the Bravia 8 II regularly retailing for about $3,300. While there are frequent sales, the cost might be a bit high for a lot of customers just looking for a quality TV. Thankfully, Sony and other brands offer a variety of LED and QLED models at much more affordable prices.
Sony Bravia 8 II tech specs Screen size: 55 or 65 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Google Assistant
Why we like it: Roku continues to develop and release their own line of smart TVs. The latest models offer quality picture and audio as well as tons of smart features for a fraction of the price of competitors. Just because it's budget-friendly doesn't mean you have to sacrifice premium features like voice controls and screen sharing.
Also: Is your Roku TV tracking you? Short answer: Yes, but there's a way to stop it
Who it's for: If you want to upgrade your main TV or pick up a second screen on a budget, try the Roku Smart TV. Even at the largest 65-inch screen size, these sets typically retail for under $1,000.
Who should look elsewhere: Since this is a stripped-back version of a smart TV, you'll get standard support for popular apps like Netflix and HBO Max. But if you want more premium features like Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos virtual surround, or VRR support for console gaming, you'll have to spring for a slightly more expensive model from a different brand.
Roku Smart TV tech specs Screen size: 50 - 65 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10 | Audio: Dolby Digital | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Why we like it: The TCL QM6K offers one of the biggest screens you can get at 98 inches, and all that screen real estate is backed up by cool features like a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision IQ HDR support, and integrated voice controls via Alexa and Google Assistant.
Who it's for: If you're looking to upgrade your home theater with a truly cinema-sized screen, the TCL QM6K is an excellent choice. And with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, you'll get rich, full audio to match the great picture quality. With 4K resolution, you'll get better detailing while Dolby Vision IQ gives you sharper contrast.
Who should look elsewhere: While the TCL QM6K is available in smaller screen sizes, the smallest model is still 65 inches. Which means if you need a small-screen model for your bedroom, dorm, or apartment, you'll need to take a look at other TCL models or even other brands.
TCL QM6K specs: Screen size: 65-98 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual: X | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
My choice for the best TV is the Samsung QN90F for it's exceptional picture quality thanks to the updated QLED panel and anti-glare coating. It also features virtual surround sound via Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology to give you a more immersive experience without having to set up extra speakers.
HDR10+, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound+
Dolby Vision, HDR 10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos/Acoustic Surface Audio+
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary on retailer, screen size, and available promotions or discounts.
After determining your budget, it's important to ensure that your new TV will fit comfortably in your space. Start by measuring the distance (in inches) between your couch and where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. Divide that number in half to find the ideal TV size for your room. For example, if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) away from your TV, the recommended TV size for your room would be about 60 inches.
Additionally, it's a good idea to consider accessibility features such as voice controls, screen readers, and closed captioning to ensure that everyone can enjoy the entertainment. These features can provide an enhanced viewing experience for those who are hearing or visually impaired, and they can be especially helpful for households with young children or elderly family members.
A well-rounded TV for everything from live news and sports to console gaming and streaming.
A TV with a very high max brightness setting for better visibility in harsh overhead lighting or sunlight.
A TV with some of the best color accuracy we've seen and tested.
A premium OLED TV for some of the best audio and picture quality you can buy in a TV.
A budget-friendly smart TV that supports popular apps and features like screen sharing and voice controls.
A TV that is available in screen sizes up to 98 inches for creating a cinema-quality experience at home.
While shopping for a new TV for your home theater or a second screen for your bedroom, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
While testing and researching the TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:
For a more detailed look, check out our extensive TV testing methodology .
ZDNET awarded two TVs a Lab Award badge in Aug. for the most accurate color reproduction: the LG C6 and the Hisense U8. Our lab team evaluated each TV's color reproduction across different picture modes using the industry-standard display color calibration software, Calman, and calculated both color gamut and color accuracy to determine the winners. The TCL Q8ML also impressed us with its color accuracy, earning it third place in our Filmmaker mode testing.
IT depends on your personal preference. Both platforms have pros and cons. Roku TVs tend to be some of the most affordable on the market while still providing a great streaming experience via a suite of preloaded, popular apps. Roku TVs also have a simplified home menu with your most-used apps and HDMI-connected devices in one easy-to-navigate hub, so you never have to scroll through confusing menus or memorize input locations. The downside? They often don't have native voice control or support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.
Android-based televisions are a bit more expensive, but you get more features, like built-in voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, support for variable refresh rate technology, as well as Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound processing.
When comparing Roku and Android-based TVs, consider your must-have features so you can choose the model that best fits your needs and budget.
The best way to find your ideal TV screen size is to measure the distance (in inches) between your couch and where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a dedicated stand. Next, divide that distance by two. So if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) from where the TV will be, the ideal size would be 60 inches.
You can always go a bit bigger or smaller depending on your budget and what's available, but you don't want to go wild and get a huge screen if you don't need to. Not only do you run the risk of having your new, expensive TV not fit your space, but a screen that's too big can overwhelm a room and even cause motion sickness. On the other end of the spectrum, while smaller screens tend to be more affordable, a TV that's too small for a room can make the space feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around in order to see.
As of right now, we're inclined to say no. Not only are 8K televisions very expensive, but there isn't any 8K content available over broadcast, streaming, or gaming outlets to justify buying one. A conservative estimate would say that 8K streaming and gaming will be available within the next five years or so, and it will require a very fast internet connection to handle the bandwidth needed to stream consistently in ultra-high definition.
If you've always been an early adopter of tech, want to get a jump on future-proofing your home theater, and have extra cash to spend, you might get more value out of an 8K television than someone who just wants to watch Succession on HBO Max.
If you're looking for an 8K panel, I personally recommend checking out the Samsung QN900C. I had a chance to check it out, and during my initial testing , I really, truly enjoyed the display.
OLED and QLED panel types use the same basic components to create images on screen: a power source, a light source, and a color source. The key differences are exactly how these panels get power, light, and color.
A QLED screen, mostly seen in Samsung , TCL, and Hisense models, uses a modified LED panel and a "quantum dot" screen to create images. The "quantum" in QLED seems to be more of a catchy marketing term than an allusion to actual quantum tech, but it does give you enhanced color and detailing over a regular LED display.
An OLED panel, found in LG , Sony , and Vizio TVs, uses an array of mini LED lamps that are individually lit along with organic substrates for color. The individual LEDs allow for true blacks to create stunning contrast and make colors pop. It's an expensive technology to produce, so OLED TVs are pretty pricey. But if picture quality is your top priority, it's a worthwhile investment.
The best TV for a living room can vary depending on the size of the room and your budget. However, some of the best options available include the Samsung QN90B, the LG C2, and the Sony X80K. These TVs provide excellent picture and sound quality, a range of features, and a variety of screen sizes to suit different room types.
It really depends on your preferences and the TV model you choose. Some TVs have excellent built-in speakers that provide ample sound quality for most viewers, while others may benefit from a separate soundbar or audio system for a more immersive audio experience. If you're a movie or gaming enthusiast, you may want to consider investing in a soundbar or dedicated audio system to complement your TV.
The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is a great option for those who want a feature-packed TV with Alexa voice controls and Fire TV built-in.
The TCL QM8L got third place in our color accuracy lab tests. It also has a cleaner, richer sound than its predecessor, with Bang & Olufsen-designed speakers and Dolby Atmos support for virtual surround sound.
Looking for more ways to optimize your home theater experience? Check out how to disable motion interpolation on your TV, and how to mirror your Android phone to your TV in three easy ways.
