If it’s been up to a decade since you last bought a TV, you may find the latest jargon (e.g. Ultra HD, Smart LED, 4K, 8 THOUSAND, OLED, QLED, 120Hz, HDR, and HDMI 2.1) be a little overwhelming. As someone who has been checking TVs for days plasma and Rear projectionI try to keep it simple by focusing on one concept: the best image quality for the money.
The following list contains the best TVs that I checked in the CNET test lab. There I compare them side by side to determine which ones are best worth buying. Here are my latest recommendations, with the following tips in mind.
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OLED televisions are the kings in picture quality, but they are not cheap. The TV’s OLED displays use organic LED technology to achieve a contrast ratio, viewing angle and a wide range of colors that no LCD TV (or QLED TV) can match. All 2019 OLED models from LG contain the latest version of the HDMI standard: 2.1. This means that their HDMI connections can process 4K at 120 fps and two player-friendly extras: variable refresh rate and automatic mode with low latency (also known as automatic game mode). As the cheapest OLED TV, the B9 is our favorite for high-end buyers. In our tests, it just missed the image quality of the C9 a little, but the differences are tiny – and since it’s cheaper than the C9, it’s a better value.
Sizes: 55, 65, 77 inches.
Read our review of the LG OLEDB9P series.
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No television I have ever tested offers so much picture quality for this little money. The latest version of the TCL 6 series offers an even better image quality than its predecessor thanks to improved color. Thanks to the well implemented full array local dimming, it can circle almost any other TV at this price. As if that wasn’t enough, the Roku TV operating system is our absolute favorite.
Sizes: 55-, 65-inch.
Read our review of the TCL 6 series (2019 Roku TV).
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What are you saying? You only want the best television, money is not an object? You are welcome. In my side-by-side tests, the C9 is the best TV I’ve ever tested. It barely surpassed the B9 (above), although the B9 has a superior value – almost as good and a lot cheaper. But if that is “hardly” important to you, the C9 may be worth the extra money.
Sizes: 55, 65, 77 inches.
Read our review of the LG OLEDC9P series.
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Can’t afford an OLED TV? Still willing to pay extra – but not The much extra – for good color and excellent image quality? The Vizio PX is our choice for you. It offers an excellent light output that no OLED can keep up with, first-class local dimming and the associated high-contrast enjoyment of the dynamic range. Its closest competitor is the TCL below – but this Vizio is the superior value.
Sizes: 65-, 75-inch.
Read our Vizio P-Series Quantum X review.
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Roku is our favorite platform for live TV streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video and is even better integrated into the TV. This TCL 4 series cannot outperform any of the above models in terms of image quality – its 4K resolution and HDR compatibility doesn’t add to the image – but it’s perfectly fine for most people, especially at this price.
Sizes: 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-inch. (The price below is for the 43-inch size.)
Read our test report for the TCL S425 series (Roku TV).
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Best image quality in a non-OLED
TCL 8 series
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Speaking of first-class: This TCL has mini-LED, a technology that is currently not available on any other television. The result is excellent contrast, brightness and a high dynamic range that surpasses the Vizio PX by a nose, although it does not quite reach the OLED values. However, we still think the PX is a better OLED alternative because its image quality is almost as good and it costs a lot less, especially in the 75-inch size.
Sizes: 65-, 75-inch.
Read our review of the TCL 8 series (2019 Roku TV).
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The QLED TV from Samsung is basically a chic, intelligent LCD TV – don’t confuse it with OLEDs. The Q70R has an excellent picture and a lot of Samsung design and offers extras at a price that is relatively affordable, if not exactly “budget”. If you are not interested in a TCL or Vizio and do not want to opt for an OLED, the Q70 is an excellent choice.
Sizes: 49-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 82-inch.
Read our review of the Samsung Q70 series (2019).
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Sarah Tew / CNET
Aside from the TCL 6 series above, this is the runner-up for the best television for the money. No television offers so much picture for this little money. In my comparisons, the TCL won slightly in some important areas, especially HDR brightness and contrast, and black levels. I would also recommend the TCL to streaming-centered viewers because of its superior Roku Smart HDTV system. It is great for watching Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV and more. And its color accuracy – with quantum dot colors – is excellent. Still, the Vizio is still an excellent choice and sometimes available for less than the TCL – just make sure you get the M8 and not the M7.
Sizes: 55-, 65-inch.
Read our test report for the Vizio M series Quantum M8 (2019).
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Sarah Tew / CNET
For sizes under 55 inches and for people who value smarts and picture quality, these non-4K Roku televisions make the most sense. The picture is “good enough” and the built-in smarts are excellent – just enough to watch the last season of “The Office” or “Friends” content. And the price is perfect for a nursery or an adjoining room where you don’t need a big screen.
Sizes: 28-, 32-, 40-, 43-, 49-inch. (The price below is for the 40-inch size.)
Read our test report for the TCL S325 series (Roku TV).
Learn more about buying a new TV
I’m pretty sure you’re happy with one of the TVs mentioned above, but a new device can be a big investment. Maybe you’re looking for a little more information. Here’s a quick and dirty list.
- The prices for TV sets from 2019 reached their lowest level at the end of November (for Black Friday) and will continue to be available until spring.
- In the spring New TV models will arrive in 2020, but since TVs are generally a mature technologyIt is not worth waiting for if you want a television now.
- In my opinion, bigger is better. Large televisions are cheaper than ever, and your money is best spent on large screens rather than slightly improving picture quality.
- If you don’t like the integrated smart TV system, you can add a media streamer at any time. They are cheap and easy to use and receive updates more often than most smart TVs. Check out our selection of the best media streamers.
- Most of the built-in speakers sound awful, so it’s worth pairing your new device with a soundbar or other speaker system. Good ones start at around $ 100. See the best sound bars.
Are you looking for more information? Here you will find everything you need to know Purchase of a new TV in 2020.
Originally released last year. Is updated regularly with new recommendations.