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With so many smart TVs flooding the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one to buy. Just because one claims to be the best smart TV doesn’t mean it is. That’s why we’re here. We cut through the empty statements to show you only the ones that matter.
We scoured the internet to bring you our personal top picks. We narrowed down the 10 best, making it easier for you to choose the right model for your needs.
Whether you’re upgrading your old unit or looking to buy your first one, we’re confident we have a smart TV just for you. Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to check out a couple of entries that stood out to us.
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As the best one overall, LG’s C9 is an exceptional piece of hardware that will leave you stunned. Its thin display is as incredible as the picture itself, with realism that’s hard to beat. And with LG’s webOS system, you’ll find this wonder to be very user-friendly.
If you’re looking for a deal, you’ve come to the right place. VIZIO provides the perfect solution for those who’d like to save money. The Quantum may be a little shy on features, but it makes up for it by delivering solid picture quality and crisp audio.
There are many more awaiting your discovery, and we can’t wait to show you. We hope that we’re able to provide you with the best information so you make the best buying decision.
LG has been leading the way with some truly innovative products as of late. Perhaps no other speaks to this quite like the C9. Including everything but the kitchen sink, this beauty is sure to wow you.
You may think it is just like any other… until you look at it from the side. This TV is ridiculously thin. How LG was able to pull this off while maintaining stellar 4K imagery is a question for the ages. But they did, and boy, does it look incredible. That’s the magic of an OLED display, ladies and gents.
You can enjoy programs like never before thanks to the fine craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology of the C9. Pictures look bright and vivid, adding a layer of realism not typically found on TVs.
Couple that with the crystal-clear sound system and you’re ready to be drawn in like never before. For even greater immersion, add a receiver and a set of external speakers. Heck, you can add a wireless sound system if you like and eliminate those pesky cords. That’s right, the C9 is wireless-ready, allowing you to more easily position your speakers.
Picture and sound are one thing. What about smart capabilities? Fear not. The C9 is chock-full of all the smarts you could ever want. Well, at least until the next big thing comes out. Using LG’s proprietary webOS software, the C9 is equipped with Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant.
Now you can chat your way to your favorite shows without lifting a finger. The built-in, user-friendly dashboard is a dream to use and allows you to better access programs and features. You’ll never want to control your TV any other way.
Another big plus is what the C9 does for video games. If you’re a gamer, be prepared to experience games in a whole new light – literally. Thanks to compatibility with NVIDIA G-SYNC, colors are more intense, blacks are deeper, frame rate is smoother, and more.
The addition of Alexa and Assistant make all the difference here. The voice commands provide effortless control over the C9. This TV is smart in every sense of the word. Sync your smart home from the dashboard for even greater control.
If you’d rather not pay thousands of dollars on some of the premium smart TVs, VIZIO has your back. They offer a mighty impressive model for a fraction of what you’d pay for higher-end brands.
Now granted, you’re not getting quite the same level of robustness that you find in an LG smart TV. In fact, VIZIO’s apps are rather limited by comparison. But the Quantum still delivers a jaw-dropping picture for the price.
If you have an Alexa- or Assistant-enabled device, you can sync the two for voice controls. There’s plenty more to work with and you get quite a bit of freebies thrown in for good measure.
We like the screen technology VIZIO uses here. The picture always looks fantastic thanks to its HDR-capable setup. This means colors pop and everything is more vivid and vibrant. We were very pleased with its 4K performance, as well.
It’s nice seeing Google’s Chromecast built right in. This lets you more easily access apps, like YouTube and Netflix, for example.
Given the price, it’s hard to complain about anything. But it wouldn’t be fair if we just ignored it. And that is the TV is slow at times. Booting up and loading apps can struggle for a bit before firing up.
On a couple of occasions, they froze and we had to restart the TV. This is a rare occurrence, however, so don’t let it deter you from giving this impressively affordable entry a look. VIZIO just keeps getting better and better. The Quantum is proof positive that they are striving hard to get your business.
Thanks to compatibility with AirPlay and HomeKit, Apple users can control the Quantum more extensively. If you’re not in the Apple camp, an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device adds equally great versatility.
It should come as no surprise that Sony easily makes the top 3. This OLED smart TV is overflowing with the quality we’ve all come to expect from the Japanese conglomerate. The picture alone would make this unit well worth its somewhat steep price.
But what sets the A9G far above the competition is the incredibly rich sound. The way in which this works in quite amazing. Using the latest Acoustic Surface Audio+, sound comes directly out of the screen!
This is no small feat. And in execution, it works flawlessly. You’ll experience some of the truest, most natural sounds possible thanks to this bleeding-edge technology. There’s something very special in the way this works, adding a layer of immersion not found anywhere else.
The sound is so rich that it easily surpasses many high-end sound systems. We were shocked and amazed by the quality on tap. It puts this TV in a class of its own and paves the way for even greater things to come.
The A9G uses Android TV, giving you a wonderful user experience. Operating the interface is a breeze and serves to put you in total control. Combined with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, you’ll wonder how you ever went without these kinds of features.
As stated, you can expect to pay a handsome sum for Sony’s groundbreaking A9G. But it’s not over-inflated just because it’s a Sony product. You’re getting truly revolutionary features, with imagery and sound that will blow your socks off.
Android TV is readily-equipped with Google Assistant, meaning you can get the most out of your user experience with voice commands. Or, if you prefer Alexa and have a capable device, you can use it just the same.
TCL makes the list thanks to the Class 6-Series Roku-ready smart TV. This behemoth is built tough and stands ready to entertain. It’s nice to see a loaded unit for such a great price. Sporting a QLED display, you’ll see crisper images and brighter colors.
This is the kind of detail we like, drawing you into the picture with clarity you usually only see on big-budget models. And splashed across the giant 65-inch screen helps to immerse you into the program.
The backlighting really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. It does wonders for the picture, especially when 4K is being displayed. The level of clarity is easily some of the best you’ll find for the price.
Being a Roku TV, you get access to a gaggle of programs, games, apps, and more. If versatility on the cheap is what you’re after, TCL makes it happen. The user interface is highly-accessible with its user-friendly experience, all courtesy of Roku.
The build-quality is also surprisingly sound. We really like the effort TCL put into delivering this rock-solid TV. From the shell to the stand, everything feels strong and durable.
Roku TV makes this unit easy to use thanks to its tried-and-true interface. We had absolutely no trouble accessing its half a million movies and shows. And if you’re a gamer, the built-in automatic gaming mode ensures you get the best experience. This works by reducing any latency and pumping up the picture settings.
Are you on a strict budget that doesn’t typically include you buying a smart TV? VIZIO wants to make sure you don’t miss out on a chance to own one. So they’re offering up a solid 50-inch unit that’s 4K-capable and SmartCast-ready.
This is VIZIO’s software that lets you control the TV and search for media. While it’s not as robust as something like LG’s webOS, you still get plenty to work with. There are enough features to keep you busy, especially if you’re a first-time owner.
If that’s the case, you’ll likely be blown away by everything provided by VIZIO. If you just need a replacement on the cheap, you’ll find V505-G9 to be adequate for displaying your programs and movies. It’s certainly not the best in the world, but it’s no slouch, either.
Google’s Chromecast is built right in, allowing you to browse with ease. What’s more, if you have an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device, you can sync it to the TV. This will let you control many features and settings with your voice, completely hands-free.
In our tests, we were plenty pleased with the picture quality on display here. The 4K Ultra HD looks sharp and vivid, although it’s not quite up there with higher-end models. But it will definitely get you well on your way to enjoying movies in 4K.
Even better, VIZIO includes their WatchFree service. As its name suggests, you get access to tons of free movies and programs. Not a bad deal considering the low price you’ll be paying for the TV.
The biggest bummers we found are the sound and the remote. The audio quality just isn’t there, especially compared to the competition. The volume is too low, even at its loudest setting.
And the remote feels flimsy and cheap. You’ll probably want to invest in a really good smart remote and chuck this one in a drawer as a backup.
If you’re new to smart TVs, you might struggle with the setup process. It’s pretty in-depth and will take a good chunk of your time. That being said, the level of customization is incredible. If you enjoy tweaking settings and things of that nature, you’ll absolutely love it.
There are plenty of ports in the back of the TV for hooking up speakers, game consoles, Blu-ray players, and more.
Samsung makes its first appearance on our list with the Q90. We’re back to a more expensive unit, but for what it offers, you may find it’s worth the price of admission. It features QLED technology and an LCD display.
The Q90 is 4K-ready and delivers some truly remarkable picture qualities. The backlighting plays a big role here, making imagery come alive with amazing detail. They are brilliant on the massive 65-inch monitor.
If you watch movies regularly, you’ll be quite pleased with what the Q90 has to offer. Now, picture is one thing, but what about sound quality? How does it hold up next to the excellent display?
We’re pleased to report that it provides solid immersion right out of the box. But if you want the best, consider grabbing the bundle that comes with the Q90R sound bar. Simply stunning.
We like that you can use voice commands, although Samsung’s Bixby software is an acquired taste. If it’s not your cup of tea, you can always sync up something like Amazon Alexa to do your bidding.
There are some really unique features built into the Q90 that makes it stand out from the crowd. But are they enough to justify the high price tag? The good news is that this unit has dropped considerably in recent months.
If you’re able to find it at a decent price, you might want to go ahead and get it. The picture is rivaled only by big-budget models. And being 65 inches is the icing on the cake.
Samsung gives you plenty to play with here, making this the perfect match for the tech-centric. Bixby voice control certainly works, but it’s nowhere near as fluid as Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant.
The overall setup of the Q90 is a breeze. Samsung makes it easy to get up and running in no time. Installation can be a bit of a bear, so you’ll be best served by having an extra set of hands to assist with the process.
Amazon’s Fire TV is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. If you’re at all familiar with the popular Roku system, you should feel right at home with Fire TV. It’s unique in its own ways, with die-hard fans claiming it to have already surpassed Roku in terms of user-friendliness.
Roku is known for its ease of use and slick navigation. Never to be outdone, Amazon has made some refinements that are sure to win over any user. Insignia makes use of Fire TV really well, delivering a solid performer that boasts great image quality and respectable sound.
A huge advantage is having Amazon’s Alexa built right into the unit. If you loathe messing with a remote or misplace them often, you will absolutely adore Alexa on the Insignia. You can kick back and relax while your voice gives the commands.
You’re getting a much smaller screen than previous entries. But for the price and great audio/video quality, it’s hard to complain. At 43 inches, you’re still getting a decent screen size. All of Amazon’s Fire TV capabilities show up crystal-clear and are clearly legible.
With Alexa at the helm, controlling the Insignia and the Fire TV app has never been easier. You can easily and accurately browse Amazon’s growing catalog with just your voice. Setting up the Insignia is fairly straightforward, making this a great entry-level unit. If you often get overwhelmed with features and settings, you will feel comfortable with the layout here.
VIZIO is back yet again. Who would have guessed? This is more clear evidence that they are really ramping up their electronics in their quest to cater to anyone and everyone. And a fine job they are doing. They offer a wide range of smart TVs that are nothing to sneeze at. Now you can own a big-screen display at an affordable price.
We were very impressed with the image quality delivered on the Quantum X. The mammoth screen measures 65 inches and never loses a bit of clarity. VIZIO’s stellar backlight works its magic here, giving users deep blacks and vivid colors.
The sound is a bit limited, although you’ll likely want to get a sound bar for the best experience anyway. All in all, it’s just a beefier version of VIZIO’s 55-inch Quantum. That means you’re still going to have to use SmartCast for all your browsing and TV needs.
You’re going to be quite limited in terms of apps and movies. But at least you can sync up an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device for total hands-free voice operation. We were very pleased with how well it worked on VIZIO’s set.
We also like the build-quality found here. You get a thin display that’s easy to mount, allowing you to put it just about anywhere you see fit. Aesthetically, there isn’t much to boast about. It’s your typical black slab with so visual characteristics that set it apart. But for many, that’s a good thing.
We were glad to see voice control compatibility expanded to Siri, Alexa, and Assistant. You have a lot more versatility that goes a long way on smart TVs.
If you’re the type of person who has to have the biggest and best, Sony has you covered with this massive 75-inch model. Its 4K resolution looks nothing short of amazing, and the price is surprisingly acceptable considering all that you get.
The X950G is powered by Android TV, meaning you’re getting an excellent user experience. The interface is a blast to use, and the addition of Chromecast makes it the perfect combination of browsing bliss.
You’ll probably want to get a sound bar if you’re serious about media playback. There just isn’t enough volume to immerse you, especially when compared to Sony’s Master Series A9G. For a picture this large, you want an equally rocking sound system to accompany it.
Other nice features include crystal-clear side viewing and no motion blur. These combine to deliver one of the finest big-screen experiences. Throw in Alexa or Assistant voice control and you’ve got yourself one fine entertainment rig.
Android TV and Chromecast make all the difference here in delivering an excellent user experience. The interface is a breeze to learn and operate, and the addition of voice controls sweeten the deal.
If you’re one who likes to host gatherings outside, like for sports games, you need a smart TV that can withstand the elements. Most of us wouldn’t be caught dead lugging our prized indoor model outside. That’s where SunBrite comes in.
They are the makers of some of the finest outdoor TVs. Their units are built to last and can easily hold up in extreme temperatures – both hot and cold. Equipped with strong and durable shells, you never have to worry about the inner components or screen getting damaged.
These TVs are made to deliver the best outdoor experience. They sport high-quality speakers that provide theater-rich sounds. Even bright sunlight won’t wash out the picture. Your guests can enjoy every second of the game without missing the action.
The 55-inch Veranda is protected from water, too. So if you’re having a pool party, guests can enjoy all the features a smart TV has to offer without fear of water damage.
The Veranda is equipped with IR-blasters and plenty of connectivity. You can use Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant for versatile voice commands. You’ll need to follow SunBrite’s mounting recommendations to find the proper hardware if you choose to mount the Veranda.
None come with it, which is a bit of a bummer. But since it’s protected, you can place it just about anywhere without fear of it getting damaged.
Best smart TVs can greatly improve the entertainment in your home. You can use them to watch movies, TV shows, stream Netflix and other on-demand content services, play video games, and plenty more.
But, not all of the smart TVs are created equal. Unfortunately, some of them aren’t worth spending money on. The problem is that all of them look the same until you take a careful look.
Before you can distinguish between a smart TV that will last you a long time and a smart TV that isn’t worthy of your money, you need to know a couple of things. Unfortunately, searching for all of the relevant info will take you a long time.
Luckily, we have dedicated a lot of time to gather all of the useful information, so you don’t have to.
To put it short, OLED is the best picture technology. LED TVs are backlit, while the OLED ones are not. OLED TVs use every pixel by turning it on and off, they don’t need a backlight. The result is picture quality that is superior to LED TVs.
When it comes to working under different lighting conditions, LED TVs work well in well-lit spaces. On the other hand, OLED TVs look great in dim rooms.
Since LED TVs can’t go completely dark, the shadows won’t look as good as on OLED TVs. More importantly, OLED TVs make the colors pop, so the contrast is true to life. When it comes to black levels, OLED TVs take another victory.
LED TVs have problems with viewing angles – they force you to sit directly in front of them. Contrarily, OLED TVs can be viewed from almost any angle. If you want a slim smart TV, go for an OLED TV – they are slimmer than LED TVs.
The only superiority that the LED TVs have over OLED TVs is the price. So, if the price is an issue, then an LED TV might be a better choice. Fortunately, OLED TV prices are dropping, so you might want to wait with your next purchase.
UHD (Ultra High Definition) TVs allow you to enjoy movies and video games in the 4K resolution. While most of the smart TVs come in UHD, some of them support only the 1080p resolution. Some people might tell you that they can’t see the difference between 4K and 1080p, but we sure can, especially on a high-quality smart TV. But, if you are curious if you can spot the differences, you can try to do it in any well-stocked shop.
Since 4K resolution has become a standard, we have to say that it is worth spending money on it. On the other hand, 8K resolution is pretty new, and there is almost nothing to watch in such a high resolution. So, if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, feel free to ignore 8K TVs.
If you want to see a big improvement of the picture quality, go for a TV that is compatible with HDR (High Dynamic Range). Bear in mind that you will need to watch HDR content if you want to get the most use out of it.
In conclusion, if you want the best picture quality, then go for a 4K HDR smart TV.
Now that you know what kind of a smart TV to look for, you need to know about a few important factors.