Great TVs are often 4K, but their prices can range from the pricy OLED technology to the less expensive LCD technology, with stops in between.
With all of the new models and information at CES 2023, the future of TV technology is promising. Among the astounding innovations we saw were sets with completely wireless connectivity and enormous OLED screens. Although the exact release date of these innovations is unknown, they will undoubtedly be costly.
Fortunately, there are several high-quality TVs that are currently offered at affordable prices. This is due to the fact that the best TV sales cycle through the fall and into the winter when retailers reduce prices and TV manufacturers compete for your money. What TVs are the best, though? To pick the best TV for you, from expensive OLED and QLED models to low-cost LCD TVs and everything in between, use our list, which compares TVs we’ve tested side by side.
1. TCL 6-Series Roku TV
The TCL 6-Series, commonly known as the R655 series, has been our favorite affordable TV for the past five years, and the 2022 model is no different. Mini-LED technology and well-executed full-array local dimming help this TV outperform nearly every other TV at this price point in terms of image quality. The new 85-inch size has normal legs, but the R635 series is enhanced with better gaming accessories and a redesigned center-mount stand that can be raised to accommodate a soundbar. Finally, our top pick for an operating system is Roku TV.
It should be noted that several 6-Series models, in addition to the R635, which this TV replaces, were released in 2021 and are still available. The R646 series has comparable specifications to the R655 devices examined here, however it runs on the Google TV operating system. The R648 series is substantially more expensive and boasts 8K resolution.
The 65-inch size is represented by the pricing shown below. Read our evaluation of the TCL 6-Series (2022 Roku TV).
2. LG OLED C2
The C2 offers the highest level of picture quality at a price that is, while expensive, not outlandish. With its flawless black levels, unmatched contrast, and excellent off-angle viewing, it surpasses every non-OLED TV on this list, including the Samsung QN90B below. Additionally, it offers excellent gaming features that make it the ideal mate for an Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5, or both. The C2 is also available in a range of sizes, however the larger models are more expensive.
The 65-inch model we reviewed weighs about 37 pounds with its stand, compared to 72 pounds for the 65-inch C1; improvements over the C1 from the previous year include additional changes to game mode and a new “always ready” feature. Carbon-fiber construction allows for up to 47% less weight.
The 65-inch size is represented by the pricing shown below. Read our review of the LG C2 series OLED TV.
3. TCL 4-Series
In our test of budget TVs, the TCL 4-Series Roku TV’s picture quality lagged the Vizio V-Series, but the variations between the two are so minute that you’d have to compare them side by side to tell any difference at all. The Vizio provides Dolby Vision, Bluetooth, and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh rate, all of which are absent from the 4-Series.
The superb Roku Smart TV system is incorporated into the 4-Series, giving it an edge over the Vizio. It is therefore a fantastic option for anyone seeking a complete smart TV solution without the need to add an additional streaming device.
The 50-inch size is represented by the pricing listed below.
4. Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV
One of the best TV displays we’ve ever tested is the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV, which combines Samsung’s highly developed quantum dot technology with the exacting control of mini-LED illumination. For instance, the QN90A’s brightness rating in our tests was 1813.83 nits, which is more than four times the LG G1’s rating of 412.05 nits. The color reproduction rate was 99.51%, which is comparable to other top-notch non-OLED sets but less than what you get from the best OLEDs. Samsung combines this image quality with a plethora of smart TV features and genuinely clever features, such as a solar-powered remote control that does away with the need for batteries, to give unparalleled convenience and eco-friendly design.
The entire package, which includes a vast array of useful features, powerful Dolby Atmos audio, and some of the best performance we’ve ever seen, is housed in a stunning 1-inch-thick design. Because of its many dedicated capabilities and amazing 12.6-millisecond lag time in our testing, HDMI 2.1 connectivity is a great choice for gamers and comes as standard. Overall, it’s the greatest TV we’ve seen in the last 12 months. The one tiny drawback is that it only supports HD10+ and not Dolby Vision as well, which means it’s not nearly as adaptable as some sets. Samsung’s 2022 televisions will be up for review very soon.
5. LG G2 OLED
The magnificent 2022 model of LG’s high-end G-series OLED TVs is now available. The LG G2 OLED ups the ante in terms of screen technology over the G1 from a year ago in practically every way. In our tests, we discovered that the LG G2 achieved 590.54 nits, which is significantly brighter than the G1’s 412.05 nits but not quite as bright as the Sony A80J’s 713.65 result. Additionally, its performance wowed us in other areas as well, including color accuracy, color gamut, and lag times. Brightness was just one of these areas. You also get the rich blacks that we have come to anticipate from OLED, of course.
Being a member of LG’s “Gallery” line, this TV has a stunning design with a silver frame that is so simple that it almost appears to have no bezels. Along with offering a full-featured smart TV platform that should please most households, while not exactly being the greatest, it is also well-equipped with ports, has superior audio quality than virtually any OLED we’ve ever heard, and is well-equipped with ports. This is the best OLED TV you can buy right now. The LG C2, which we’re presently testing, might wind up being a superior choice for most consumers.
6. TCL 5-Series Google TV
We were impressed by the TCL 5-Series Google TV (S546blend )’s of smart TV capabilities, reliable performance, and excellent value for money. The affordable 4K smart TV now has a more premium smart TV platform, one that offers personalized and customizable suggestions, a wide range of smart features, and deep Google Assistant integration that makes it a viable hub for the entire home of connected devices. This builds on the already solid 5-Series platform.
But it also improves other facets of television. The 5-Series Google TV is a more refined version of the 5-Series TV when it comes to everything from color quality to lag times, as we discovered in our in-depth testing. Along with a fantastic QLED 4K display, this TV also has a sleek remote control and a surprising number of gaming capabilities for a 60Hz TV. It’s undoubtedly one of the greatest TVs available for a smart TV that costs less than $1,000 for the majority of size possibilities.
