Smart TVs have changed the way we experience entertainment. These televisions connect to the internet, allowing viewers to stream movies and shows without needing external devices like Roku or Fire Stick. They come with an array of smart features, such as voice control and smart home integration, enabling a more interactive viewing experience.
Buying a new TV in 2025 can feel overwhelming with so many models, specs, and marketing buzzwords. This guide breaks down what really matters so you can make the best choice for your budget and needs.
1. Screen Size & Viewing Distance
- Measure your space first. A common rule:
- 55–65″ for small to medium rooms.
- 75–85″ for large living rooms.
- Viewing distance tip: Sit about 1.5× the screen’s diagonal size away for 4K, and closer (1×) for 8K.
2. Display Technology
- OLED (Organic LED): Best for deep blacks, contrast, and cinematic quality. Great for dark rooms.
- QLED / Mini-LED: Brighter, better for well-lit rooms. Often more affordable than OLED.
- MicroLED (emerging): Premium tech with OLED-like contrast and QLED-like brightness, but very expensive.
3. Resolution & HDR
- 4K (Ultra HD): Standard for most TVs. Plenty of content available.
- 8K: Still limited content, but good for very large screens (75″+).
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): Look for support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ for the best picture quality.
4. Gaming Features
If you’re a gamer, prioritize:
- HDMI 2.1 ports (for 4K @ 120Hz or 8K @ 60Hz).
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).
- Low input lag (<10ms recommended).
5. Connectivity & Smart Features
- HDMI 2.1: Future-proof for gaming and streaming.
- Wi-Fi 6/6E: Faster, more stable streaming.
- Smart platforms: Google TV, webOS, Tizen, Fire TV, Roku. Choose one with the apps you use most.
- Voice control & AI recommendations: Common in 2025 models.
6. Sound Quality
- Built-in speakers are improving, but most still benefit from a soundbar or home theater system.
- Look for Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio.
7. Future-Proofing & Extras
- Energy efficiency: Look for Energy Star or eco modes.
- Upgrade cycles: Expect 5–7 years of solid performance.
- Extra features: Multi-view (watching two inputs at once), built-in cameras for video calls, or smart home integration.
8. Budget Guide (2025 Average Prices)
- Entry-level (under $600): 50–55″ 4K LED, basic smart features.
- Mid-range ($800–1,500): 55–75″ OLED/QLED, great HDR, gaming-ready.
- High-end ($2,000+): 75–85″ OLED/Mini-LED, 8K, premium sound, advanced gaming support.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t overspend on features you won’t use. For most people, a good 4K OLED or QLED with HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Vision is the sweet spot in 2025
Best Smart TVs of 2025
1. LG G4 OLED (2025)
- Why it’s great: Best overall OLED TV with stunning picture quality, perfect blacks, and Dolby Vision.
- Best for: Movies, sports, gaming.
- Key features:
- OLED evo panel with MLA (Micro Lens Array) for extra brightness.
- HDMI 2.1 (all ports), VRR, G-Sync, FreeSync.
- Runs webOS 25 with AI recommendations.
2. Samsung S95D QD-OLED (2025)
- Why it’s great: Combines OLED contrast with QLED brightness and color accuracy.
- Best for: Bright rooms, gamers.
- Key features:
- QD-OLED panel with higher peak brightness than LG.
- Excellent for HDR movies and gaming.
- Tizen OS with Samsung Gaming Hub.
3. Sony Bravia A95L QD-OLED (2025)
- Why it’s great: Sony’s processing + QD-OLED = unmatched cinematic quality.
- Best for: Home theaters, film lovers.
- Key features:
- Cognitive Processor XR for natural color and motion.
- Google TV built-in.
- IMAX Enhanced + Dolby Vision + Dolby Atmos.
4. TCL QM8 Mini-LED (2025)
- Why it’s great: Best budget-friendly premium TV with outstanding brightness and contrast.
- Best for: Value seekers, sports fans.
- Key features:
- Mini-LED with 2,000+ dimming zones.
- High peak brightness (great for daylight viewing).
- Google TV or Roku OS (varies by model).
5. Hisense U8N Mini-LED (2025)
- Why it’s great: Affordable high-performance TV with excellent HDR and gaming features.
- Best for: Mixed use (movies + gaming).
- Key features:
- Mini-LED with Dolby Vision IQ & HDR10+.
- HDMI 2.1, 144Hz gaming mode.
- Google TV with hands-free voice.
📝 Quick Recommendation:
- Best overall: LG G4 OLED
- Best for bright rooms: Samsung S95D QD-OLED
- Best for film lovers: Sony A95L QD-OLED
- Best value: TCL QM8
- Best budget premium: Hisense U8N
Key Factors to Consider
Screen Size and Resolution
Bigger isn’t always better. Consider your viewing distance and room size. 4K resolution is now standard for most TVs, offering crisp visuals. 8K TVs exist but are pricier and content is limited.
Panel Technology: LED, OLED, or QLED?
- LED: Most common, budget-friendly, good brightness.
- OLED: Superior picture quality, deep blacks, but more expensive.
- QLED: Enhanced colors and brightness, a good middle ground.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
HDR enhances contrast and color, making images more lifelike. Look for TVs that support HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG formats.
Refresh Rate
Higher refresh rates (120Hz or more) provide smoother motion, ideal for sports and gaming. 60Hz is fine for most viewing.
Smart TV Features and Operating System
Consider the built-in smart platform (Roku, WebOS, Tizen, Android TV, etc.) and its app selection. Ensure it supports your favorite streaming services.
Sound Quality
Built-in speakers are often lacking. Consider a soundbar or surround sound system for a better audio experience.
Connectivity
Ensure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your devices (game consoles, streaming sticks, etc.). Look for HDMI 2.1 ports for the latest gaming features.
Additional Features
- Voice control: Convenient for searching and navigating.
- Gaming features: Low input lag and variable refresh rate (VRR) for smoother gameplay.
- Design and aesthetics: Choose a TV that fits your style.
Price Range and Budget
Set a budget before you start shopping. Prices vary greatly depending on size, features, and brand.
Smart TV Features Comparison
| Feature | Benefit | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 4K Resolution | Sharp, detailed picture | Essential |
| HDR | More lifelike images with enhanced contrast and colors | Highly recommended |
| 120Hz+ Refresh Rate | Smoother motion for sports and gaming | Nice to have |
| Smart Platform | Access to streaming apps, web browsing, and other features | Essential |
| Voice Control | Convenient way to search and navigate | Nice to have |
| Ample HDMI Ports | Connect multiple devices | Important |
| Gaming Features | Low input lag, VRR, and other enhancements for better gaming performance | Nice to have |
By considering these factors and comparing different models, you can find the perfect smart TV that meets your needs and budget.
Overview of Smart TVs
Most Smart TVs are equipped with High Dynamic Range (HDR), which enhances the picture quality by increasing the contrast between light and dark areas of the screen. OLED TVs are a specific type of Smart TV that offers superior color and contrast with individual pixels that light up independently.
Viewers in search of the latest in screen resolution can opt for an 8K TV, which offers four times the resolution of 4K. This results in incredibly detailed and crisp images. However, content availability for 8K is still growing.
As for connectivity, HDMI 2.1 is the newest standard that supports higher video resolutions and faster refresh rates. It’s beneficial for next-gen gaming consoles and high-quality video equipment. Another feature to look out for is full-array local dimming, which improves the screen’s backlighting and can dramatically enhance picture quality by improving the contrast.
To summarize, Smart TVs provide:
- Internet Connectivity: Access to online content directly.
- Streaming Applications: Built-in platforms for services like Netflix.
- Smart Interactivity: Voice control and integration with smart home devices.
- Enhanced Visuals: HDR, OLED technology, and 8K resolution options.
- Advanced Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 for top-notch image and sound quality.
This range of features in a single device makes Smart TVs a versatile option for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup.
Display Technologies
Choosing the right TV can truly enhance your viewing experience. Here we focus on the different types of displays that define image quality, such as OLED TVs, QD-OLED, and Full-Array Local Dimming.
OLED TVs
OLED, which stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, offers exceptional picture quality with true blacks and vibrant colors. Each pixel in an OLED display emits its own light, which means it can be turned off completely to achieve perfect black levels. LG’s C3 and B3, as well as Sony’s A95L, are among the latest models featuring OLED technology. They deliver stunning HDR, including support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring that the content you watch is both deeply immersive and rich in detail.
QD-OLED
The newer QD-OLED technology is an innovation worth watching. It combines the individual pixel illumination of OLED with quantum dot color technology. This results in even greater color accuracy and brightness. The Samsung S95C is a model that exemplifies QD-OLED with its capability to reach impressive brightness levels and maintain excellent color volume, which is particularly noticeable in brighter viewing environments.
Full-Array Local Dimming
Full-Array Local Dimming (FALD) enhances LED TVs by positioning multiple LEDs behind the panel, sectioned into zones that can be dimmed or brightened independently. This vastly improves contrast and the appearance of deeper blacks compared to standard LED TVs. Samsung’s QN900C showcases FALD, featuring precise lighting control that enhances HDR imagery, creating a more dynamic and engaging visual experience.
Smart TV Platforms
Choosing the right smart TV platform can transform your viewing experience, offering easy access to a wide array of apps and services. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular systems available.
Tizen
Samsung is the name behind Tizen, a smart TV platform known for its intuitive interface and integrated features. Tizen supports a variety of apps and is compatible with Samsung’s virtual assistant, Bixby, allowing voice commands for a more interactive user experience. Users can also rely on other voice assistants, like Alexa, ensuring greater flexibility in controlling their TV.
WebOS
LG takes credit for WebOS, a user-friendly platform with an emphasis on simplicity and speed. The WebOS home screen lays out apps in a streamlined fashion, making it simple for viewers to pick what they want to watch without any clutter. Like Tizen, it also supports popular voice assistants, including Alexa.
Roku TV
Roku TV stands out for its extensive range of available apps, known as “channels.” The interface is clean, straightforward, and is appreciated for being very beginner-friendly. With Roku TV, searching across multiple content providers is a breeze, which means less time searching and more time enjoying your favorite shows.
Android TV
Operated by Google, Android TV offers a vast app ecosystem drawn from the Google Play Store. Viewers benefit from the built-in Google Assistant for voice control and smart home integration. Android TV is notable for its customizability and recommendation system, which curates content choices based on the user’s preferences.
Brands and Manufacturers
When scouting for a new smart TV, the brand can be a decisive factor. Each manufacturer has its strengths, and knowing what each offers can help you make an informed choice.
Samsung
Samsung stands tall as a leading figure in the smart TV market, with offerings like the QN95B Neo QLED that showcase innovative display technology. Their use of Tizen operating system provides a streamlined and user-friendly interface that appeals to a broad audience.
LG
LG’s reputation shines in the realm of OLED TV technology, as seen with the LG C2 OLED. Their commitment to quality picture and broad viewing angles positions them as a go-to for those seeking a premium viewing experience.
Sony
Sony is synonymous with excellence in color accuracy and motion handling, with products like the XR-A95K contributing to their esteemed lineup. Sony’s smart TVs are often praised for their sound quality, making them a solid choice for both visual and auditory excellence.
Hisense
Hisense has made a name by offering high-quality TVs like the U8H at competitive prices. They are carving out a space for themselves by providing technology like ULED and other enhancements at a cost that doesn’t break the bank.
TCL
TCL is gaining ground with budget-conscious consumers without skimping on features. The (65R655), for instance, showcases their commitment to delivering substantial quality at a more accessible price point, featuring smart functionality alongside their displays.
Vizio
Another brand that balances cost and performance is Vizio. Their P-Series Quantum X 85-inch (P85QX-J01) is an example of their ability to offer high-quality, feature-rich smart TVs that appeal to consumers mindful of their spending.
Each of these brands has unique strengths, and they collectively push the boundaries of what smart TVs can offer. Whether it’s the picture quality, operating system, or price point, shoppers have diverse options to consider to meet their specific needs.
Performance Features
When you’re choosing a smart TV, certain features can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your favorite games and movies. Let’s look at some key aspects like gaming performance, sound quality, and high dynamic range (HDR) that truly enhance your viewing experience.
Gaming Performance
Modern smart TVs often include features that cater to gaming enthusiasts. HDMI 2.1 is one such feature that’s critical for high-definition gaming; it supports higher frame rates and resolutions, reducing lag and providing smoother motion. For example, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) detects when a gaming console is connected, switching the TV to a mode that minimizes input lag.
Sound Quality
The sound performance of a smart TV can immerse viewers in the action or keep them at arm’s length. Some TVs come equipped with Dolby Vision and compatible sound technologies like Dolby Atmos, which deliver clearer, more impactful sound. Listeners can often feel like they’re in the middle of the scene, with sounds coming from all directions.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR significantly improves your TV watching adventure. It amps up the contrast and color of the picture, making the whites brighter and the blacks darker. There are several types of HDR, but HDR10+ stands out by optimizing color and brightness levels for each scene. Meanwhile, Dolby Vision is a popular form of HDR that ensures scenes look lifelike, full of vivid colors and details.
Purchasing Advice
When picking a smart TV, the buyer should tune in to not just the price tag but also factors like size, technological features, and picture quality.
Choosing the Best TV
When selecting a best-in-class TV, Samsung’s S90C OLED often makes the top of the list due to its outstanding picture quality. Tech publications like TechRadar frequently highlight the importance of impeccable contrast ratios and color accuracy when choosing a set. It’s not just about the brand, though. One must also consider the smart features offered, such as compatibility with streaming services and the inclusion of voice control or home automation integration.
Price Considerations
Budgeting for a new smart TV requires understanding that prices vary significantly. While high-end OLEDs like the Samsung S90C offer premium viewing experiences, they also demand a premium price. For those watching their wallet, various brands offer diverse options that balance quality and cost. Here’s a quick rundown:
- High-End: OLEDs > $2000
- Mid-Range: LEDs $1000 – $2000
- Budget-Friendly: Basic Smart TVs < $1000
Size and Setup
Choosing the right size is critical for the user’s viewing experience. A vast 65-inch TV might not be a perfect fit for a small room, as it can be overwhelming and too close for comfort. Conversely, placing a 32-inch TV in a large living room may leave viewers squinting. Here’s a basic guide:
- Small Rooms: 32 – 43 inches
- Medium Rooms: 49 – 55 inches
- Large Rooms: 65 inches and up
Where one places their TV has an effect on the overall experience. It should be at eye level to avoid neck strain, and away from windows to prevent glare. It’s also worth considering mounting options, or if a stand is more suitable for the user’s space.
Connectivity Options
When setting up a Smart TV, one encounters various connection methods. The most common is Wi-Fi, which links the TV wirelessly to the home network. This offers a clutter-free setup, enabling streaming and browsing.
For a more stable connection, an Ethernet cable can directly tether the TV to the router. Wired connections often ensure consistent speed, vital for high-definition content.
Smart TVs also sport multiple HDMI ports, one of which might be HDMI 2.1. This latest version supports higher resolutions and faster refresh rates, ideal for next-gen gaming consoles and high-performance streaming devices. It’s important to ensure the HDMI cable matches the port’s capabilities to get the full benefit of HDMI 2.1 features.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wireless convenience |
| Ethernet | Stability and speed |
| HDMI 2.1 | High resolution and refresh rates |
For picture quality, many OLED TVs offer unparalleled black levels and contrast ratios. Additionally, some models feature full-array local dimming, improving the viewing experience by selectively dimming areas of the screen to enhance black levels and contrast.
Mostly, setup involves:
- Powering the TV.
- Selecting the network setup option from the menu.
- Choosing between wired or wireless.
- Following the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
By considering the connection options and their pros, viewers can maximize their Smart TV’s performance for a top-tier home entertainment experience.
Future Trends in Smart TVs
As technology advances, smart TVs are undergoing significant changes that impact how viewers engage with content. Two key areas to watch are the rise of 8K resolution and innovative features that enrich the viewing experience.
8K TV Evolution
8K TVs are setting the bar for high resolution, providing an image that’s remarkably sharp. Samsung’s QN900C and QN90C models highlight this move towards 8K, catering to those who crave the most pixels. TCL’s QM8 follows suit, bringing its own distinctive features to the 8K landscape. With manufacturers like Hisense joining the fray with models such as the U6K and U8K, these TVs are not just about higher resolution. They also come with enhanced color and contrast capabilities, making the picture quality breathtakingly lifelike.
Technological Innovations
Innovation in smart TVs isn’t confined to better screens; it’s about refining the full experience. Samsung’s S90C, for example, has introduced Glare-Free technology, reducing reflections and ensuring that nothing gets in the way of your viewing pleasure. These TVs aren’t just displays; they’re becoming more intelligent, with operating systems that integrate seamlessly with various streaming services and smart home devices. The focus is on user-friendly interfaces and predictive technologies that suggest content aligned with viewers’ tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about smart TVs, outlining their unique features, shopping tips, brand insights, and internet requirements, while also touching on potential drawbacks.
What functions can a smart TV perform that differ from a regular television?
Smart TVs connect to the internet, allowing users to stream videos, browse the web, and download apps. In contrast, regular TVs typically can only play content from cable or external devices.
What should be considered when looking for deals on smart TVs?
When hunting for smart TV bargains, consider the TV’s resolution, refresh rate, HDR capability, and the range of available apps. Also, research the price history to ensure the deal is genuine.
What are the pros and cons of various screen sizes for smart TVs?
Large-screen smart TVs offer a more immersive viewing experience but may dominate small rooms and require a higher budget. Smaller screens are more budget-friendly and space-efficient but may not support the same high resolutions as larger models.
Are there particular smart TV brands that stand out in terms of quality and features?
Brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony are often praised for their picture quality and wide range of smart features. These brands also tend to update their devices with the latest software more frequently.
Is an internet connection essential for using a smart TV, and what are the implications?
An internet connection isn’t crucial for a smart TV to function, but it’s necessary to access streaming services, apps, and firmware updates. Without it, a smart TV’s capabilities are significantly reduced.
What are the common drawbacks of owning a smart TV that consumers should be aware of?
Some smart TVs may have privacy concerns due to built-in cameras and microphones. Additionally, they may become outdated quicker than non-smart TVs, as new apps and services emerge that may not be supported on older models.
