Best 65-inch TVs 2024: the top models we've tested

LG C4 OLED TV 65 inch
(Image credit: LG Electronics)

In the humble opinion of our very experienced TV experts, 65 inches is the sweet spot when it comes to buying a TV. In a fairly large living room, a 65-inch TV will offer a genuinely cinematic experience without completely dominating the environment, and it's generally the size that offers the best value on a price-per-inch basis.

However, you can't just go out and buy any old 65-inch TV and expect to get a great performance. We test loads of TVs this size every year, and there are unfortunately far too many that simply aren't good enough. What's more, at this size, any imperfections are magnified and impossible to ignore.

The good news is that we're here to help. We have weeded out all of the sub-standard models and put together this list of the very best 65-inch TVs you can currently buy, with each recommendation serving a particular budget or requirement.

Every TV on this list has been independently tested by our team of expert reviewers in our dedicated test rooms and in comparison against its rivals. We have then rated each one on its picture, sound, design, useability, smart platform, gaming features and value. In short, you can trust our buying advice – check out the 'how we test' section below if you want to know more.

If you'd prefer to get straight to the recommendations, simply scroll down.

The quick list

You can see a quick breakdown of all the TVs in this list with a short summary of what they are best at and why we think they are worth your money in the table below. If you want more detail use the jump links to quickly get to the TVs specific entry where we fully explain why it made the list.

Recent updates

5th September 2024
Removed the Sony A80L due to lack of availability and promoted the LG C4 from 'best 2024' to 'best overall'. Made the LG C4 the 'best for gaming' as its discounted price brings it close enough to last year's C3 to become the better option. Also replaced the Philips OLED908 and Panasonic MZ1500 in the 'also consider' section with the Philips OLED809 and Sony Bravia 8. Finally, we added a 'coming soon' section and glossary of common TV terms towards the bottom of the page.

Written by
Tom Parsons
Written by
Tom Parsons

I'm What Hi-Fi?'s TV & AV Editor, and I've been testing TVs (as well as soundbars, AVRs, speaker packages and hi-fi) since way back in 2007. In that time, I'm confident I've reviewed more 65-inch TVs than models in any other size. I also switched to using a 65-inch TV at home about a decade ago and haven't looked back since (though I do change my TV every year or so). For me, it's the perfect size for getting a cinematic experience at home without actually turning the living room into a cinema – and thankfully my wife agrees! You're also spoiled for choice at this size and have the very best features and picture quality available to you.

The best 65-inch TV overall and the best for gaming

The C4 is the best 65-inch TV overall and also the best 65-inch gaming TV

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 42in, 48in, 55in, 77in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Operating system : webOS 24
HDMI inputs : x4, all 2.1 48Gbps
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode, HGiG
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 144 x 4.5cm / 32.5" x 56.7" x 1.8"

Reasons to buy

+
Punchy, sharp, rich and vibrant, yet still natural
+
Much improved sound quality
+
Excellent UI and flawless gaming specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Minor lack of shadow detail in SDR
-
MLA tech would have been nice

Value plays a huge part in our recommendations. That is why the LG C4, despite being brilliant, didn't go straight to the top of this list once we'd tested it. However, thanks to some decent discounts and the discontinuation of last year's Sony A80L, the C4 has now been promoted to the top spot and been made the best 65-inch gaming TV.

LG's C-series OLEDs have long been an irresistible combination of performance, features and price, but last year's C3 slightly disappointed simply because it was barely better than the C2 it replaced. LG has learned its lesson, though, and the C4 is a big step forward – brighter, punchier, more dynamic and more exciting in terms of picture quality, all while retaining the balance and consistency for which LG's OLEDs have become renowned.

Sound has been drastically improved, too, with the dull-as-ditchwater audio of the C3 being replaced by a presentation that is altogether punchier, more dynamic, more detailed and weightier. Don't mistake us – an entry-level soundbar such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2 will still be a significant sonic upgrade, but if you are determined to make do with your TV's built-in sound system, the C4 will do a decent job.

The feature set hasn't changed much but it didn't need to. It would have been nice if LG had introduced brightness-boosting MLA technology but it has chosen to eke more out of the 'standard' OLED panel instead, which is perhaps to be expected. The webOS platform has had some minor tweaks to improve access to recommended content, and it remains a masterclass in streaming service availability and optimisation.

On the gaming front, meanwhile, LG has added 144Hz support (which will only be of use to PC gamers with uber-rigs) while retaining support for 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming and HGiG. All four HDMI sockets are 2.1-spec and can handle all of those features, too – still a rarity away outside of LG and Samsung. In other words, it's got a flawless gaming feature set. It's also got super-low input lag for under 10ms and its brighter, punchier picture quality really makes the most of the latest and greatest blockbuster games.

In summary, this is an absolute belter of a TV for movies, TV shows and games, and it's very good value for a brand-new premium model, too.

Read our LG C4 review

Swipe to scroll horizontally
LG C4 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureBrighter, punchier and sharper than the C3, this is the new mid-range OLED benchmark★★★★★
SoundWhile not perfect, this is a big step up for LG and good overall sound by TV standards★★★★☆
FeaturesFlawless gaming specs and an intuitive, app-packed smart platform★★★★★

The best budget 65-inch TV (UK)

Hands down the biggest TV bargain around

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 55in, 75in and 85in)
Type: QLED
Backlight: Mini LED
Resolution : 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Google TV
HDMI inputs: 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output? : Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 145 x 8.5cm (65-inch model)

Reasons to buy

+
Stunningly bright, contrast-rich and colourful
+
Comprehensive gaming features
+
Incredible value

Reasons to avoid

-
Picture needs careful set up
-
Minor clouding with some HDR images
-
Occasional subwoofer buzzing

If you can't afford to buy an OLED, but still want a solid all-around 65-inch TV, then the C845K is the set we currently recommend.

The C845K was TCL's flagship TV last year, and it remains fantastic value for money in 2024. 

The set features a Quantum Dot display with a Mini LED backlight. Though it didn't match the black levels of this list's OLEDs during our tests, it still performed very well considering its price. The 576 separate dimming zones and a peak brightness figure of 2000 nits match the huge numbers seen on significantly more expensive sets.

It also performed incredibly well in the real world when we put it through its paces in our viewing rooms, to the point some of our testers had to double-check its price.

The picture carries an intensity that's simply better than any other set we've tested at this price. To the point, it outperformed many of the premium sets we ran it against during certain tests. Even MLA and QD-OLED sets like the G3 and Samsung S95C couldn't match the TCL's peak brightness. 

That said, there are some compromises. During some scenes, we noticed the picture is slightly cloudy. This was mainly noticeable during shots and scenes with a bold mixture of very bright and very dark content. Thankfully the issue isn't overly pronounced and subtle enough to not be a major distraction the majority of the time.

On top of that, while it's not the best in class, the C845K’s black-level performance is good for a TV at this price. Shadow detail is particularly noteworthy with it retaining detail lost on most of the competing Mini LED sets we test.

Sharpness and clarity with native 4K sources are solid, and its motion handling is capable enough to please most people. We only had some quibbles with 24p sources where it isn’t quite as refined and natural as OLED rivals, like the C3.

Colour performance is one of its perks. The use of Quantum Dots, coupled with its surprisingly effective light controls, meant it delivered vibrant and rich-looking pictures during all our checks.

For PS5 and Xbox Series X/S it comes loaded with a reasonable assortment of next-gen gaming specs including 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM over two of its four HDMI sockets.

Audio is reliable, and good for a TV this price, with it delivering a surprisingly solid low-end and decent clarity. However, we did notice distortion creeping in during demanding bass-heavy scenes and when running it at high volumes. So we'd still recommend getting a soundbar with it if you can afford it.

Read the full TCL C845L review

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TCL C845K scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureIncredibly bright and vibrant, but also subtle when required★★★★★
SoundThe C845K sounds excellent by the standards of TVs at its price★★★★★
FeaturesQLED, Mini LED, great gaming specs and the Google TV platform★★★★★
TOP TIP
Tom Parsons
TOP TIP
Tom Parsons

I've been hugely frustrated by the lack of quality budget TVs in recent years, so I was thrilled to discover that this TCL is genuinely excellent for the money. I realise it still isn't what many people would consider 'cheap', but it's a bargain for the performance and features it offers and nothing cheaper gets close. It's very much worth stretching to if you can, and do bear in mind that a more affordable 55-inch version is also available.

The best budget 65-inch TV (US)

Lots of features for a low price – and a solid performance, too

Specifications

Screen size: 65-inches (also available in 43, 50, 55, 75)
Type: QLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Fire OS
HDMI inputs : x4
HDMI 2.1: No
Gaming features: VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd without stand): 33" x 57" x 3.2”

Reasons to buy

+
Consistent, balanced picture performance
+
Strong features for the money
+
Clear sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Slight lack of detail, particularly in shadows
-
Occasionally smeary motion

If the other TVs mentioned in this guide are a little over your budget, but you still want a reliable 65-inch TV, then the Amazon Omni QLED is our current recommendation. 

While it's not perfect, and its picture performance doesn't match the more expensive sets, for the money you'll struggle to do better.

Once we got it running in our viewing room, we were immediately impressed by how vibrant and punchy colours were. This lets it deliver a wonderfully immersive experience in most of our checks. The only minor issue we had with colours was that skin tones at times looked a little richer than they should, but not to the point it ruined our viewing experience.

We were also pleased to see Amazon hasn't fallen into the classic pitfall of overprocessing images in a bid to mask shortcomings with the TV's panel, which often happens on affordable sets. Instead, the Omni QLED takes a much more consistent and considered approach. Whether it was moody dark movies like The Batman, or blindingly bright flops like Pan, the Omni QLED delivered a surprisingly even-handed picture that made the films all the more engrossing.

It's a similar story with detail and sharpness. The Omni QLED is far from mind-blowing, but we'd prefer that to films looking oversharpened, as they often do on affordable sets.

That said, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of. Peak brightness is at best adequate, which makes HDR performance a little weaker than we'd like. While motion handling is reliable and blissfully free of the soap opera effect that commonly plagues cheaper TVs, pictures can look a bit smeary at times, particularly during busy scenes.

Dolby Atmos support isn't included, but the audio is otherwise good considering the Omni QLED's price. The audio delivered is undeniably narrow, but it is also direct and clear, which is something we can't say about many other cheap TVs.

For gamers, the set features VRR and ALLM, although 4K 120Hz is off the menu, so you won't get the best performance possible out of a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.

Even with these compromises the Amazon Omni QLED remains a fantastic value-for-money option and our current recommendation for any buyer on the hunt for a big-screen TV that won't break the bank.

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED review

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Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureYou don't get OLEDs deep blacks, but great for the price★★★★☆
SoundA soundbar is recommended, but it's fine for TV★★★★☆
FeaturesGreat connectivity and an app rich operating system★★★★☆

The best premium 65-inch TV

Sony's second-generation QD-OLED is a very special TV indeed

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 55in, 77in)
Type: QD-OLED
Backlight: N/a
Resolution : 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Google TV
HDMI inputs: 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output? : Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 144 x 3.4cm (33" x 57" x 1.4")

Reasons to buy

+
Stunning brightness, contrast and colours
+
But even-handed and authentic, too
+
Crisp, direct and spacious sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Still only two HDMI 2.1 sockets
-
Some gaming features coming later
-
No UK catch-up apps

The Sony A95L is the best premium TV we've tested and the one we'd recommend to buyers who have larger sums of money to burn in their quest for the best picture-quality possible. It's Sony's flagship QD-OLED set, which means it uses the same panel as the Samsung S95C

QD-OLED is a clever screen technology that combines OLED with Samsung's Quantum Dots in a bid to boost a TV's colour accuracy, max brightness and general quality. Having compared the Sony A95L to all its rivals, we can confirm it remains the benchmark for picture quality in 2024.

Comparing it to its step-down sibling, the Sony A80L (now replaced by the Bravia 8) with Pan 4K Blu-ray, the A95L delivered better max brightness levels and colour vibrancy. Switching to a grudge match between it and the MLA-boosted Panasonic MZ2000 the difference was immediately clear, with street lamps in the film's opening scene containing higher peaks and more nuanced blooms. 

Black depth and shadow detail are also excellent, with every detail, crack and clump of dirt in the dim, grimy streets being clearly visible. Our testers were also very impressed with how much better it deals with skin tones than its predecessor, the A95K. Unlike the A95K, which tended to render skin tones with a reddish tinge, the A95L delivers them with wonderful authenticity, making for a much more immersive viewing experience.

The extra contrast it offers also helps give films a more three-dimensional feel, with the edges around foreground and background objects looking wonderfully realistic without ever veering into oversharpened territory, thanks to A95L's fantastic, understated processing.

This is clearly down to the way Sony has set up the panel, as the differences between it and the Samsung's S95C, which has the same screen, were palpable during our checks. The picture offered by A95L was uniformly more authentic in most instances.

Though we'd recommend always investing in a separate soundbar or speaker package when spending this much on a TV, the A95L's audio is also very good by inbuilt speaker standards. The A95L features a slightly tweaked version of the 2.2-channel actuator-based sound system found on the A95K. This works by using two actuators that vibrate the whole screen to produce sound, while two regular woofers add bass. During our tests, the system worked well delivering a directionality and pseudo-Atmos effect that other TVs can't match.

Our only issue with the sound is that, like all TV speakers, the low end is weaker than you'd get using even a moderately priced soundbar.

For gamers, the fact that it only has two HDMI 2.1 sockets (one of which inconveniently doubles as the eARC port) and Dolby Vision gaming isn't coming until a later date will be an annoyance. If you have multiple next-generation consoles and an Atmos soundbar or speaker system, expect to have to deal with some cable swapping.

Of course, if you're not a hardcore gamer, those won't be flaws at all, and if you are, they might still be worth putting up with, seeing as how the A95L is such a stunning performer. We even think it's better overall than the Samsung S95D, which uses a newer-generation QD-OLED panel.

Read the full Sony A95L review

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Sony A95L scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureStunning brightness and vibrancy but with excellent subtlety and authenticity★★★★★
SoundCrisp, clear and direct, but with impressive spaciousness, too★★★★★
FeaturesGood overall but let down slightly by having just two HDMI 2.1 sockets and no UK catch-up apps★★★★☆
TOP TIP
Tom Parsons
TOP TIP
Tom Parsons

If money was no object (oh, to dream!), this is the TV I would have at home. I'm a keen gamer and own both a PS5 and Xbox Series X (and a gaming PC, for that matter), so the limited HDMI 2.1 sockets would be a bit of a pain for me, but this is the one TV available that I would be prepared to make the extra effort for. It really is that good, and a notable upgrade on every other TV on this page.

Also consider

Sony Bravia 8
The brand-new Bravia 8 is the replacement for the Award-winning A80L, which topped this list for a considerable length of time. It's even better than its predecessor, too, with slightly more impactful bright highlights and a richer colour balance (the A80L was a little cool-looking). The only reason the Bravia 8 isn't in the main list is that the LG C4 has stepped things on even further, but it's very close between the two TVs.

LG G4
The C4's more premium stablemate is an exceptional TV. It uses second-generation MLA technology to produce a significantly brighter picture than even last year's G3, yet it still retains the balance and authenticity that you would expect from an LG OLED. A high launch price and fairly weak sound hold it back from a full entry on this page – at least for now.

Samsung S95D
Samsung's new, third-generation QD-OLED TV is comfortably its best yet. It's at least on a par for brightness with the LG G4 and it can produce even more vibrant colours thanks to the use of Quantum Dots. More importantly, Samsung has exercised more restraint in the tuning, so the S95D is less prone to exaggerating colours than its predecessors. It's a great alternative to the G4, but like that TV is currently too expensive to be considered for the main list.

Philips OLED809
The Philips OLED809 is a really strong alternative to the LG C4 and Sony Bravia 8 if you're in the UK (Philips doesn't sell OLED TVs in the US or Australia). Like those TVs, it uses a 'standard' OLED panel, but it delivers a particularly bright and vibrant picture. It's got Ambilight, too, which adds an extra degree of spectacle. It does take more effort than most to get the picture looking its best, though.

65-inch TVs coming soon

Most of 2024's 65-inch TVs have now been released and put through their paces by our team of experts, but there are a few still outstanding that you might want to look out for.

LG B4
The B4 is LG's entry-level OLED TV for 2024 and it looked very good when we went hands-on with it earlier in the year. It will be less bright than the C4, which could be an issue for those who watch TV in a bright room, and it has a less advanced processor, but it should deliver the core LG OLED experience at a much lower price. Expect a review of this model very soon.

Panasonic Z95A, Z90A and Z85A
Panasonic's 2024 OLED TVs have just launched and will be reviewed very soon. The flagship Z95A boasts brightness-boost MLA tech and a Dolby Atmos speakers system that features proper up-firing speakers, the Z90A loses MLA but still has an OLED EX panel and a heatsink, while the Z85A is a 'standard' OLED that will rival the LG C4 and Sony Bravia 8. Unlike previous Panasonic OLEDs, these new models are available in the US as well as Europe and Asia.

Samsung S90D
Samsung's step-down OLED is a confusing one, in that in some regions it's a QD-OLED model and in others it's a standard OLED. The difference in performance is likely to be large, so it's best not to buy until we've got to the bottom of the issue in our review, which will be coming soon. The TV will compete with models such as the LG C4 and Sony Bravia 8.

How to choose the best 65-inch TV for you

Size really does matter with TVs and going big on a 65-inch screen can often be worth sacrificing a little bit of picture quality and next-gen display tech for those few extra inches of screen real estate. But once you have committed to a screen size what else should you consider when weighing up features and price? 

The type of display you choose will have a huge bearing on your TV's picture performance. Without a doubt, OLED has become the premium TV technology of choice, thanks to its perfect blacks, extraordinary contrast and exceptional viewing angles. QLED, which combines LED (or Mini LED) backlighting with ultra-vibrant Quantum Dots, is a strong alternative, though, largely thanks to being capable of greater brightness and punchier colours. Meanwhile, standard LCD TVs (often, confusingly, sold as 'LED' TVs on account of their LED backlights) are more variable in overall quality but, if you shop carefully, can offer excellent bang for your buck.

But visuals aren't everything and it's important to decide if want to combine your new TV with a dedicated sound system. We always recommend doing so, as most TVs, even high-end models, sound passable at best. But if you are determined to keep things neat and rely on the in-built speakers, check our reviews to make sure that they are good – there's little point in a great picture if the accompanying sound is rubbish.

If you're a gamer, it's also worth considering the next-gen gaming features of your prospective new TV. Xbox Series X and PS5 gamers can gain a competitive advantage on certain games if their TV supports 4K 120Hz, while VRR support can result in a smoother gameplay experience. ALLM, meanwhile, simply ensures that you automatically get the best visual experience from both games and movies / TV shows. If you are a more casual gamer or not a gamer at all, you can pretty much disregard these features, and doing so will likely save you a lot of cash.

How we test 65-inch TVs

Testing a 65-inch TV isn’t just a case of sitting down in front of it and sticking a film on. Modern TVs now do so much that thoroughly evaluating all of their strengths and weaknesses is a complex and time-consuming process. As well as assessing its performance when fed multiple content resolutions, from standard-definition to 4K (and sometimes even up to 8K), there are also multiple high dynamic range formats to try – and that’s before you even get to the audio performance and general usability.    

Modern 65-inch TVs also now come with a suite of smart features, and testing them out isn’t just a case of ticking off which streaming apps are installed. Each one needs to be checked to make sure it’s outputting the video and sound formats that the manufacturer claims it can. Just because the Disney+ app is available doesn’t necessarily mean it supports Dolby Vision and/or Dolby Atmos on that specific TV, so each one must be fully tested.

Many people like to plug a PlayStation or Xbox into their 65-inch TVs too, so we hook up both a PS5 and Xbox Series X to establish which advanced gaming features, such as 4K 120Hz, VRR, HGiG, and Dolby Vision, are supported and how well they work. We also check which of the TV’s HDMI ports support these features, and measure input lag using a Leo Bodnar device.

Picture quality on a 65-inch TV isn’t just tested with the latest 4K Blu-rays. We know that plenty of people still watch HD and sometimes even SD content, whether it’s over-the-air, streamed over the internet, or on good old-fashioned DVD, so we feed each set plenty of different sources to see how it copes with each.  

Every 65-inch TV arrives with its own set of factory settings, and while we don’t enlist any professional help when it comes to calibration (you won’t have that at home, so we don’t either), we do spend hours tinkering with them to make sure we’re getting the best out of each set. For this, we use a mixture of test patterns and real-world content to give every TV the best chance to shine.  

Bigger TVs also tend to come with bigger built-in speakers, so while we almost always advise that a new TV is paired with a soundbar or AV amplifier, we also thoroughly test the onboard sound system with a variety of movies and music. Just as with the picture, we’ll also test out the various audio settings and processing modes to see how they affect the sound.

Every 65-inch TV we test is compared to others at its price and size so we can compile a definitive list of the very best – it’s why we keep all of our Award-winners on hand as benchmarks.

All of our testing takes place at our state-of-the-art facilities in London and Reading, which means we have total control over the process and can ensure consistency across the board. None of our reviews are just the opinion of a single writer either, with all verdicts agreed upon by the whole team, so you can be sure they’re consistent and free of personal preference.

With over 100 years’ experience of testing and writing about televisions, the What Hi-Fi? team has the knowledge and authority to only pick out the very best products and include them in our Best Buys. That’s why if you choose to buy a 65-inch TV that’s recommended on this page, or a product from any other Best Buy page, you know you’re getting a What Hi-Fi? approved product.

FAQ

Is 65-inches the best size TV?

That’s a bit like asking: is large the best size for trousers? It depends entirely on your situation. There are 48-inch TVs that are better than 65-inch ones, and 85-inch ones that are better than both, but that doesn’t mean the 85-inch TV is the best choice for everybody.

Most flagship TVs only tend to come in larger sizes, although high-end features are gradually starting to filter down to smaller models, but the key consideration when choosing screen size should be the size of your room and how far away you’re going to sit when you watch the TV. 

Check out our guide if you want a full breakdown on how to choose the right size TV for you.

Is a 65-inch TV good for gaming?

While a bigger screen will usually mean your gaming sessions feel more immersive, the size isn’t the only consideration when it comes to gaming performance. Key things to look for include the number of HDMI 2.1 ports (the more the better) and support for things such as 120Hz 4K, VRR, ALLM, HGiG, and Dolby Vision gaming. The more of those you can tick off, the better the TV is likely to perform when connected to your PS5 or Xbox.

Are cheap 65-inch TVs good?

That very much depends on the model and what you mean by ‘cheap’. The best we’ve seen recently are the Mini LED models, such as the TCL C845K included above, but that will still set you back just over £1000. Whether you consider that to be cheap probably depends on your bank balance, but there are decent alternatives out there for as little as £800.

Glossary

There are a lot of buzzwords and acronyms in the world of TVs, and we understand that can be very confusing, so read below for a quick summary of many of the terms on this page. If a term is clickable, it means we have a dedicated explainer page for those who want to dig deeper.

4K/120Hz
Part of the HDMI 2.1 spec, 4K/120Hz refers to a TV's ability to receive 4K signals at a 120Hz refresh rate – double the typical 60Hz limit. These 4K/120Hz signals can be sent by an Xbox Series X, PS5 or high-end gaming PC when certain games are being played, and the result is super-fluid and responsive gameplay.

4K/144Hz
Some new TVs are going beyond 4K/120Hz and offering support for 144Hz refresh rates. This is something that only PC gamers with very high-end gaming rigs can take advantage of as it's not supported by current consoles.

ALLM
Auto Low Latency Mode is a feature that allows a TV to recognise when a gaming signal is being received and automatically switch to its optimised game mode, which should result in lower input lag.

ARC/eARC
Audio Return Channel (ARC) is a feature that allows a TV to output sound via an HDMI socket that can also receive a picture signal. It can support various sound signals, including compressed Dolby Atmos. Enhanced Audio Return Channel adds support for higher-quality formats, including uncompressed Dolby Atmos. Almost all modern TVs support ARC or eARC and it's now the most common way to connect a soundbar or AV receiver.

Dolby Vision
Dolby's 'dynamic' HDR (high dynamic range) format adapts to the content and the capabilities of the TV playing it in real-time, generally resulting in an even more dynamic but accurate picture than you get with 'static' HDR formats such as HDR10 and HLG. Dolby Vision is supported by at least some of the TVs of most brands, but not those made by Samsung.

HDMI 2.1
The latest core version of HDMI, HDMI 2.1 offers faster data rates than HDMI 2.0, enabling support for formats such as 4K/120Hz, 4K/144Hz and 8K/60Hz. However, having HDMI 2.1 doesn't necessarily mean that a TV can handle any of those features or others such as VRR or ALLM, which is why we specify the type of HDMI sockets a TV has as well as the specific advanced features it can support.

HDR10
Essentially the core version of HDR (high dynamic range), which offers brighter highlights, more contrast and more vibrant colours than SDR (standard dynamic range). All HDR TVs should support this and HLG.

HDR10+
A 'dynamic' version of HDR10 that, like Dolby Vision, adapts to the content and the capabilities of the TV playing it. When done right, it results in an even more dynamic but realistic picture. Samsung is the pioneer of HDR10+, but you will also find support for the format in TVs from Panasonic, Philips, TCL and Hisense.

HLG
Hybrid Log Gamma is the 'static' HDR format used for broadcasting and live streaming via services such as Sky and the BBC. All HDR TVs should support this along with HDR10.

Input lag
The time it takes for presses on a game controller to be represented by on-screen actions. This is measured in milliseconds and the best gaming TVs can now hit less than 10ms, though anything under 40ms is imperceptible to most people.

Mini LED
A type of backlight that involves far smaller LEDs than are found in typical backlights. Because they're so much smaller, many more can be packed in, generally resulting in better contrast and less blooming of light into dark parts of the picture.

OLED
The most popular premium TV technology, OLED features organic light-emitting diodes that can be lit on a pixel-by-pixel basis, resulting in far greater contrast control than a backlit TV can manage.

QLED
A TV technology pioneered by Samsung (but now used by many brands) that combines a backlight (either LED or Mini LED) with Quantum Dots for greater colour vibrancy.

VRR
Variable Refresh Rate allows a TV to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate being sent by a connected games console or PC, resulting in more fluid and responsive gameplay.

Recent updates

  • 5th September 2024
    Removed the Sony A80L due to lack of availability and promoted the LG C4 from 'best 2024' to 'best overall'. Made the LG C4 the 'best for gaming' as its discounted price brings it close enough to last year's C3 to become the better option. Also replaced the Philips OLED908 and Panasonic MZ1500 in the 'also consider' section with the Philips OLED809 and Sony Bravia 8. Finally, we added a 'coming soon' section and glossary of common TV terms towards the bottom of the page.
  • 19th June 2024
    Added the LG C4 as the best 2024 TV and added the LG G4 and Samsung S95D to the also consider section
  • 6th March 2024
    Added new also considered entries, intro, FAQ answers, and how we test sections
Tom Parsons

Tom Parsons has been writing about TV, AV and hi-fi products (not to mention plenty of other 'gadgets' and even cars) for over 15 years. He began his career as What Hi-Fi?'s Staff Writer and is now the TV and AV Editor. In between, he worked as Reviews Editor and then Deputy Editor at Stuff, and over the years has had his work featured in publications such as T3, The Telegraph and Louder. He's also appeared on BBC News, BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4 and Sky Swipe. In his spare time Tom is a runner and gamer.

With contributions from
  • Clbhifi
    Great set of tv’s as always and great advice…..
    But how does this change when the Lg G1 can now be had for under £1900? Find the extra from the C1, if you can wall Mount the G1 is awesome…. Yes sound is no good but who is going to pay this amount and not have a soundbar / home cinema set up?
    enjoy all!
    Reply
  • simonm3
    "Hands down the year’s biggest TV bargain" does not support any of the UK freeview channels e.g. iplayer, itvx. Wonder why this is not mentioned in the review?
    Reply
  • deepoison
    Thanks for the article. As you keep recommending TVs to be paired with external sound systems, should we take the sound rating on TV into account if we plan to purchase a sound system anyway? Sound Quality is something that I dont want to compromise on.

    Context: I was thinking of getting Sony A85L as recommended here. Sony A85L is at $2000 now and LG G3 is at $2300 in US for a 65inch TV or LG C3 for $1500. Financially, LG is making better sense. After pairing up with Soundsystem, does Sony still have upper hand over LG? Or do they play equally at that point?
    Reply