Finding the perfect or the best tv of 2024 can be tricky since everyone’s needs are different. But don’t worry; you can simplify your search by considering your budget first. High-end TVs offer amazing picture quality but come with a higher price tag. If you’re looking to save some money, you might have to compromise on a few features, but most 4K TVs these days are pretty good for regular viewing.
Your choice also depends on what you like to watch and where you’ll put the TV. If you enjoy watching movies or shows in 4K HDR, you’ll want a top-notch TV. But if you’re mainly catching up on the news in a dimly lit room, you can get away with something more budget-friendly.
We’ve tested over 425 TVs, and we’ve picked out the best ones for you. Here is a curated selection of the top-performing TVs from our extensive testing, tailored to meet your viewing preferences and needs. Enjoy the unparalleled visual experience these exceptional televisions have to offer!
What’s the best TV right now?
After trying out several top TVs this year, we’ve concluded that this stands out: the TCL QM8 series. It’s now our top pick for a few reasons. First off, the picture quality is fantastic across the board. Plus, it’s got all the modern features you could want in a TV, like 4K/120Hz input and variable refresh rate, which really enhance your gaming experience with consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. And perhaps best of all, it comes with a price tag that won’t break the bank.
Whenever a friend asks me for TV recommendations in the 65 to 98-inch range, I always point them to the TCL QM8 series. It’s just that good.
Now, there are definitely other great options out there, especially if you’re looking for something smaller than 65 inches. While the QM8 is my personal favorite for most people, it might not fit everyone’s preferences or budget.
So, if you’re in the market for a new TV, definitely give the TCL QM8 series a serious look. But remember, there are plenty of other great choices too! Here’s a quick rundown for the best tvs in affordable range.
Our top TV Picks
- Best overall TV: TCL QM8
- Best 55-inch TV: Hisense U8K
- Best high-end TV: LG OLED C3
- Best budget smart TV: TCL 4-Series
- Best TV picture quality: LG OLED G3
- Best TV color quality: Samsung OLED S95C
- Best high-end non-OLED TV: Samsung QN90B
- Best mid-priced smart TV system: Roku Plus Series
- Best budget TV for picture quality: Vizio V-Series
TCL QM8 (Best 55 inch tv and the best TV of 2024)
TCL has consistently impressed with their TVs, they also are one of the best tv brands, and the latest addition, the QM8, takes things to a whole new level. In my tests, it outshone its predecessors with its incredible brightness and impact, all while maintaining fantastic contrast levels. This is largely thanks to its mini-LED technology and top-notch full-array local dimming. Plus, it looks sleek with its center-mount stand.
One thing to note is that the QM8 is only available in larger sizes, starting from 65 inches and up. However, if you’re in the market for a 55-inch TV, I’d suggest checking out the Hisense U8K instead.
While the QM8 runs on Google TV, which might not be everyone’s favorite compared to Roku TV, it still offers a solid smart TV experience.
Overall, if you’re after a TV that combines impressive brightness, great contrast, and a stylish design, the TCL QM8 is a top choice, especially if you’re eyeing a larger screen size. Up to this point, this television could arguably be considered the best tv in the world.
Pros:
- Priced reasonably
- Fantastic picture quality overall
- Superb brightness and contrast levels
- Comes with a powerful Google TV system
Cons:
- Slightly less precise than some other options
- Only comes in sizes 65 inches and larger
Hisense U8K (Best 55-inch TV)
Looking for the best bang for your buck in TVs? Look no further than the Hisense U8K. If the TCL QM8 is too big for your space or budget, the U8K is a fantastic alternative. Even though I slightly prefer the QM8, the U8K has a great advantage: it comes in a 55-inch size, perfect if 65 inches is too much for you.
Both TVs boast top-notch image quality and reasonable prices, thanks to features like mini-LED backlights and full-array local dimming. They also offer similar gaming features and run on the user-friendly Google TV operating system. Plus, they’re much cheaper than other big-name brands offering similar quality.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great image quality
- Easy-to-use Google TV system
- Offers a 55-inch option
Cons:
- Not as bright or dynamic as some competitors
- “Theater” picture modes activate motion smoothing by default
LG OLED C3 (Best high-end TV)
Looking for the cream of the crop in high-end TVs? Look no further than the LG OLED C3. It’s a bit pricier than other options, but boy does it deliver! With picture quality that beats out any non-OLED TV out there, you’re in for a treat. The C3 boasts perfect black levels, stunning contrast, and top-notch off-angle viewing, making it stand tall even against mini-LED models. While it might not be the brightest star in the room, its performance remains stellar in various lighting conditions.
One of the coolest features is its feather-light design, thanks to its carbon-fiber construction. Seriously, the 65-inch version weighs only 37 pounds with its stand which is another great thing for considering this.
Pros
- Unmatched picture quality compared to non-OLED TVs.
- Incredible contrast and viewing angles
- Gaming features that are second to none
- Sleek and lightweight design that’s a joy to look at
Cons
- While it’s bright, it’s not the brightest OLED out there
- If you’re coming from the C2, don’t expect major upgrades
TCL 4-Series (Best budget smart TV)
The TCL 4-Series Roku TV falls just slightly behind the Vizio V-Series in picture quality, but you’d really need to compare them side by side to notice any difference. The Vizio offers extras like Dolby Vision, Bluetooth, and AMD FreeSync with variable refresh rate, which the 4-Series lacks.
However, the 4-Series has its own advantages. It comes with the fantastic Roku Smart TV system built right in, making it a great choice for anyone who wants an all-in-one smart TV solution without needing extra devices.
It’s worth noting that TCL hasn’t made many changes to the 4-Series over the years in terms of image quality or features, but they have recently introduced some larger screen sizes, including an impressive 85-inch option. I would suggest this as the best smart tv for the money you spend.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Fantastic Roku Smart TV system
Cons:
- Slightly behind in picture quality and features compared to some other entry-level TVs
LG OLED G3 (Best TV picture quality)
The LG OLED G3 has blown away all my expectations in my decades of TV reviewing. Its brightness surpasses any other OLED TV, and its anti-reflective screen ensures stunning performance whether you’re in a bright or dark room. Even though it falls slightly behind the Samsung S95C in color, its outstanding features make it the best TV I’ve ever tested.
Both the G3 and the S95C come with a higher price tag compared to more affordable OLED TVs like the LG C3. For most folks, the extra cost might not seem worth it.
The G3 is the successor to last year’s G2 and boasts an improved screen technology called MLA (Micro Lens Array), which LG credits for its remarkable brightness. It’s available in four sizes (55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch), though the 83-inch model lacks the MLA tech, so its performance might not match up to the others.
Pros:
- Best picture quality ever tested
- Incredible contrast and off-angle image
- Outstanding performance in bright rooms
- Sleek, wall-friendly design
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Samsung S95C has slightly better color
Samsung OLED S95C – Best TV color quality
When I put the Samsung S95C and LG G3 side by side, the G3 won me over, but the S95C came impressively close. Its standout feature was its stunning color, thanks to Samsung’s QD-OLED technology. Flowers, sunsets, and other vibrant scenes looked exceptionally natural and vivid on the S95C, even compared to the G3 and other OLED TVs I’ve tested. While the G3 had a slight edge in brightness and overall performance, the difference was minimal.
I also appreciated Samsung’s design, especially the external One Connect input box. Instead of cluttering the back panel with inputs, Samsung neatly houses them in a separate box that connects to the TV with a single cable, making setup a breeze. Plus, the S95C’s panel is thinner than the G3’s.
The S95C is the successor to the S95B and is one of Samsung’s QD-OLED series, along with the S90C. Samsung claims the S90C isn’t as bright and costs less, featuring standard inputs on the back panel. In the affordable range this is a good recommendable samsung tv.
Pros:
- Outstanding image quality with top-notch color
- Excellent contrast and viewing angles
- Great gaming features
- Sleek design with an external input box
Cons:
- Pricey
- LG G3 has a slightly better overall picture
Samsung QN90B (Best high-end non-OLED TV)
If you’re after top-notch image quality but prefers to steer clear of OLED, the Samsung QN90B is a stellar choice. It boasts QLED technology enhanced by mini-LED for a remarkably bright display that rivals OLED TVs. While OLED still reigns supreme in terms of contrast, the QN90B comes impressively close.
Among Samsung’s QLED lineup, the QN90B sits at the high end, just below the 8K resolution versions. Although it’s a 2022 model, the newer QN90C offers similar features and likely matches its excellent image quality.
Pros:
- Best picture quality we’ve seen in a non-OLED TV
- Remarkable brightness with minimal blooming
- Sleek design loaded with features
Cons:
- Pricey
- Slightly lower contrast, off-angle viewing, and uniformity compared to OLED
Roku Plus Series (Best midpriced smart TV system)
The Plus Series TV has stepped into the ring in the mid-range market, adding some fresh competition. It’s a Roku-exclusive model, packing QLED and full-array local dimming for a better picture compared to TCL’s 4-Series. While it doesn’t match up to the impressive Vizio MQX, especially for gaming with its lack of 120Hz, it still offers solid value.
This marks Roku’s debut with its own TV brand, moving away from partnerships with TCL, Sharp, and others. There’s also a more basic version called the Roku Select Series, which lacks some features like local dimming.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Improved picture quality with local dimming
- Excellent smart TV system
Cons:
- Doesn’t have gaming extras like 120Hz refresh rate
- Not as bright as some similarly priced competitors
Vizio V-Series (Best budget TV for picture quality)
When we put the top budget TVs side by side, Vizio’s V-Series stood out with its impressive picture quality. It offered the most balanced and accurate visuals in our comparisons and comes packed with handy extras like Dolby Vision support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and a variable refresh rate for smoother gaming. However, its smart TV platform, Vizio SmartCast, is a letdown. It’s cluttered, sluggish, and filled with ads. Despite this, even if you add the cost of a separate streaming device, the V-Series remains the best entry-level TV we’ve tested.
Vizio hasn’t announced any updates to the V-Series yet.
Pros:
- Solid picture quality for an entry-level TV
- Loaded with features like VRR and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons:
- Disappointing built-in smart TV system
