Buying Guide for the Best TVs
Buying a TV can feel overwhelming given the many features and sizes, but the goal is to find one that matches your room, your viewing habits, and how you plan to use it. Start by thinking about where you'll place the TV and how far away you'll be sitting, what you like to watch most (movies, sports, gaming, channels), and the lighting in your room. Balancing these will help you choose the TV that fits you best.Screen SizeScreen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner and tells you how large the TV display is. It’s important because it affects how immersive your viewing experience will be and how well the TV fits in your space. Small sizes, such as 32-43 inches, are good for bedrooms or kitchens; medium sizes, 50-65 inches, work well for most living rooms; large screens, 70 inches and above, are meant for home theaters or big family rooms. To pick the right size, consider both the size of your room and how far you’ll be sitting from the screen; sitting too close to a big screen can make the picture look pixelated, while sitting too far from a small one makes it harder to see details.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen and determines how sharp and detailed the picture looks. The common resolutions are HD (720p), Full HD (1080p), and Ultra HD/4K (2160p). Higher resolution means clearer and crisper images, especially on bigger screens. For small TVs in casual settings, HD might be enough, but for medium to large TVs, Full HD or especially 4K makes movies and games look much better, especially if you like close-up details. If you tend to stream the latest shows or watch high-quality content, go for higher resolutions like 4K.
Panel TechnologyPanel technology impacts color, contrast, viewing angles, and brightness of the TV. The common types are LED/LCD, QLED, and OLED. LED/LCD TVs are the most widespread and generally offer good quality at reasonable prices, but can struggle with deep blacks. QLED TVs use a layer of quantum dots to make colors more vibrant and are brighter, which is good for well-lit rooms. OLED TVs produce richer colors and true blacks because each pixel lights up independently, making them ideal for movie lovers and dark rooms. If you often watch with the lights on or in bright rooms, QLED or LED may work best, but if you want top-notch quality and don't mind paying more, OLED is the top choice.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR is a feature that makes the bright parts of the image brighter and the dark parts deeper, while displaying more colors overall. It’s important because it brings out more detail, especially in scenes with lots of contrast, like sunsets or night skies. There are different types like HDR10 and Dolby Vision, but basically, the more advanced the HDR the more lifelike the picture. If you enjoy movies or gaming, opting for a TV with good HDR support will make your experience much more dynamic.
Smart FeaturesSmart features refer to the built-in software the TV uses to stream content, connect to apps, and offer voice assistants, without needing any extra devices. The importance depends on whether you want to stream from services like Netflix or YouTube directly from your TV. Some smart TVs have more apps and features than others, and some interfaces are easier to use. If you hate clutter and want everything in one place, or plan to stream a lot, look for TVs with an easy-to-navigate smart platform and the apps you care about. If you already use an external device like a streaming stick or box, smart features may be less critical.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is how many times per second the TV updates its picture, measured in hertz (Hz). It affects how smooth motion looks, especially for fast action like sports or video games. Standard TVs have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is enough for most casual viewing. For fast-paced content or gaming, a higher rate like 120Hz reduces motion blur and feels smoother. If you mainly watch sports or play games, pick a TV with a higher refresh rate.
ConnectivityConnectivity means the number and types of ports the TV has for plugging in devices like gaming consoles, soundbars, or Blu-ray players. HDMI ports are the most used, but others might include USB, optical, or audio outputs. It’s important to have enough and the right types of ports for all your devices, so you’re not constantly unplugging things. Make a list of things you want to connect, and make sure the TV has enough suitable ports for your current and future needs.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how clear and loud the TV’s built-in speakers are. Most TVs today are very slim, so their speakers can lack depth and volume, which is noticeable when watching movies or listening to music. Some TVs provide better sound than others, but often people end up adding a soundbar for richer audio. If you’re not planning on external speakers, pay attention to reviews about a TV’s sound performance or look for TVs that include special audio technologies that boost clarity and dialogue.
