Home / Features / Best 4K TV in 2024 including OLED, QLED and LED for every budget reviewed
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From affordable displays to bank-breaking screens, these are the best 4K TV options for every budget, all reviewed by us
Esat DedezadeFollow @esatdedezade
Spencer HartFollow @ItsSpencerHart
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Forget going out – the best 4K TVs can give you the home theatre experience right in your living room. Save the money you’d spend on multiplex tickets and stick it into a new television. Even with limited cash to spend, you can treat your eyes to an entertainment upgrade.
And if you’ve got a blockbuster budget, there’s no shortage of classy gear to transform your movie room. Need help to pick the right panel for your pad? We’ve tested a battalion of big-screen TVs to bring you the best 4K TVs fit for every budget (need to upgrade your audio? Check out the best soundbar too)
What’s the best 4K TV in the UK?
Best cheap 4K TV
The Hisense A6BG (buy now) offers a large 65in 4K screen, decent picture, and Alexa/Google Assistant support? At this price? Officially a bargain, especially if you’re not fussed about HDMI 2.1 ports (which it lacks).
Best mid-range 4K TV
The Samsung S95B OLED (buy now) offers stunning performance and picture quality. It wasn’t long ago that OLED performance used to require a second mortgage, so this feels like a great deal.
Best premium 4K TV
The Sony XR-55A95K (buy now) combines the brightness of QD-OLED, accurate colours, natural tones, and slick gaming performance, this is one of the best TVs that money can buy, with a price tag to match.
Best 4K TV for gaming
The LG C2 (buy now), specifically the 42in variant, is an incredible double-duty screen, capable of acting as a superb PC gaming monitor, with plenty of real estate for punchy media performance too.
Best cheap 4K TV in the US
The TCL 5-Series (buy now) is a 4K TV at a more affordable price, with flagship-matching connectivity and video/audio standard support? What’s not to love?
The best cheap 4K TVs:
1. Samsung UE43AU71000
Stuff Verdict
An almost ideal compromise between performance and price
Pros
- Accomplished 4K images
- Predictably impressive smart TV interface
Cons
- No Dolby Vision HDR
- Upscaling has its limits
Samsung UE43AU71000 specs | |
---|---|
Display | 43in 3840×2160 LCD/LED |
Supported formats | HLG, HDR10+ |
UI | Tizen |
Connectivity | 3x HDMI, CI, USB, RF, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 |
When we go shopping for a new TV, few of us are looking for a flagship model. Buying an entry-level box? Samsung’s AU7100 doesn’t require you to make too many sacrifices.
With detailed, vibrant images, a solid build and a slick interface, the AU7100 represents excellent value – especially if you opt for the 43in version. Its materials might not be the most indulgent, but the AU7100 is flawlessly finished and built to last.
Front and centre is an LCD/LED panel with edge-positioned backlighting. It works best with native 4K content, serving up detailed, realistic images with nuanced tones – especially when there’s HDR10+ dynamic metadata involved. Motion is handled confidently, too. Things only really deteriorate when you drop below 1080p.
Sound from the 20W drivers is better than you might expect, although there’s no low-end punch. As long as you don’t watch lots of vintage content – and you’re not expecting the quality of the audio to match the quality of the pictures – this is one of the best ‘real world’ TVs around.
- Read more: Samsung UE43AU71000 review
2. Hisense A6BG
Stuff Verdict
This isn’t the highest-spec TV at this price, but it’s a big bargain.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Super affordable price
Cons
- 2.0 HDMI ports
- Limited viewing angles
Hisense A6BG specs | |
---|---|
Display | 43/50in 3840×3160 VA LCD |
Supported formats | HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | VIDAA |
Connectivity | 3 x HDMI, 2 x USB, Ethernet, Optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Hisense knows its stuff when it comes to delivering very good entry-level TVs, and this large 65in offering is an absolute bargain at this price. Serving up 4K resolution with HDR (including Dolby Vision support), there’s also an auto low latency mode for gamers, along with built-in Freeview HD. Oh, and it works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa too.
Naturally, given its price, there are a few compromises. The HDMI ports are 2.0, not 2.1, for starters, and the screen itself had fairly limited viewing angles and can struggle with darker scenes. But there’s a comprehensive selection of streaming apps on offer, and again, there’s not much to complain about at this price.
The perfect choice if you’re looking for something simple, straightforward, and really rather massive.
3. TCL 55C645
Stuff Verdict
Keep your expectations realistic and there’s plenty to like about the TCL 55C645, especially if you don’t really listen to it all that much
Pros
- Impressive specification at the money
- Stable, colourful images
Cons
- Pictures lack brightness and contrast
- Smart TV can take a while to do its thing
Hisense A6BG specs | |
---|---|
Display | 43, 50, 55 (version tested), 65, 75, 85in, 3840×2160 |
Supported formats | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
UI | Google TV |
Connectivity | 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, digital optical audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
The TCL 55C645 gives us 90 percent of the performance we want for a lot less than 90 percent of the price. It’s got the technology, the functionality and the specification of a TV costing three or four times its asking price.
In terms of actual performance, the TCL 55C645 is pretty decent. The colour palette is quite extensive and the colour balance is naturalistic, it manages to keep a solid grip on on-screen movement of all kinds, and, although not an especially bright TV, the white tones it generates are clean and every bit as varied as its black tones
Now of course, you can’t expect perfection when you’re shopping at the entry-level – and sure enough, the TCL 55C645 isn’t perfect, but it gets way more right than it gets wrong, though, and in many ways, it outperforms its asking price to a significant degree.
- Read more: TCL 55C645 review
The best mid-range 4K TVs:
1. Philips 55OLED807
Stuff Verdict
A new benchmark for mid-range OLED performance, the 55OLED807 is competitive in every respect – not least its profoundly impressive 4K HDR images
Pros
- Great picture quality in almost every circumstance
- Competitive build, finish and specification
- Ambilight is always worth having
Cons
- Interminable set-up menus
- Sounds a bit hesitant in the upper register
Philips 55OLED807 specs | |
---|---|
Display | 55in 3840×2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | Android TV 11 |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, CI+, Optical, Ethernet, Headphone, Satellite |
Philips has established itself as a hero of the 4K TV sweet spot, delivering great sets where affordability meets performance. And the 55OLED807 knocks it out of the park again. Nicely designed and robustly built, it shows no signs of corner cutting. Philips has even added some swivel adjustment for easier positioning.
Its feature set doesn’t come up short, either. The 55OLED807 works with every mainstream HDR standard and offers a stack of inputs, including a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen console compatibility. Four-sided Ambilight also remains a perfect complement to pictures. We still found setup menus complex and relentless in testing, but the remote at least made it easier to battle through. And the reward is great picture quality in almost every circumstance.
Peak brightness is right up there with the best OLED panels, resulting in incredible contrast, with both white and black tones packed with detail. The colour palette is extensive yet natural, too. Spend time tweaking and you can also achieve smooth, expertly rendered motion. Upscaling is similarly effective and even the 2.1-channel sound system is pretty composed for the set’s size. In short, this is one of the best pound-for-pound TVs around right now.
- Read more: Philips 55OLED807 review
2. Samsung S95B OLED
Stuff Verdict
You’ll find a rather impressive picture with vibrant colours and the best brightness on an OLED telly… but you’ll have to fiddle around to get there.
Pros
- The brightest OLED we’ve seen
- Vibrant colours, with smartphone calibration
- A beautifully slim design
Cons
- Sluggish software that slows you down
- Picture settings need tweaking for brightness
Samsung S95B OLED specs | |
---|---|
Display | 55in 3840×2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR, HDR10+, HLG |
UI | Tizen OS |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Samsung’s S95B is incredibly bright for an OLED, although not as bright as any QLED (which is to be expected. Still, it’s bright enough, and colours are beautifully vivid, if not the most realistic. If you’re a stickler for colour accuracy without any tweaking, then you might want to look elsewhere. Most people though, seem to like punchy, saturated colours, and if you’re one of them, then all the more power to you.
Another thing to bear in mind, are the size options available. The S95B has two models: 55in and 65in. If size is key, and you’re after something bigger (or smaller), then you might want to look elsewhere. If it ticks all your boxes though, then you definitely won’t be disappointed.
- Read more: Samsung S95B OLED review
Hisense 65U7KQTUK
Stuff Verdict
Thought your budget wouldn’t stretch to a big, well-specced TV with all the trimmings? Think again…
Pros
- Mighty specification
- Vibrant, high-contrast and convincing images
- Good smart TV features
Cons
- Audio isn’t up to much
- Has definite upscaling limits
Hisense 65U7KQTUK specs | |
---|---|
Display | 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p Mini-LED |
Supported formats | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) |
UI | VIDAA |
Connectivity | 2x HDMI 2.1 (1 x eARC), 2 x HDMI 2.0, Composite, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Audio or video, it doesn’t matter; you can rely on Hisense to take any expensive new tech and democratise it. Can you think of another TV brand able to combine quantum dot panel technology with MiniLED backlighting and every worthwhile HDR standard in a TV, and then charge less than £1500 for a 65in version? There’s only one brand that can offer that – Hisense.
Treat it to some native 4K content, ideally with an HDR element to it for good measure, and the 65U7KQTUK really impresses. An HDR10-equipped UHD Blu-ray of Christopher Nolan’s borderline-incoherentTenet, for example, looks an absolute treat.
For an LCD TV, the 65U7KQTUK does really well with black tones, the colour palette is extensive, and it does good work controlling on-screen movement.
A big screen with a big specification but not all that big a price – and given the right stuff to work with, the Hisense 65U7KQTUK turns in a pretty big performance. At least as far as picture quality is concerned, anyway…
- Read more: Hisense 65U7KQTUK review
The best premium 4K TVs:
1. Sony XR-55A80L
Stuff Verdict
Sometimes ‘the current thing done really well’ is just as good as ‘the brand-new thing’. This is one of those times
Pros
- Excellent across-the-board picture quality
- Good gaming support
Cons
- Just two HDMI 2.1 sockets
- Not the most wall-hangable design
Sony XR-55A80L specs | |
---|---|
Display | 48in 3840×2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | Google TV |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay |
In short, the Sony XR-55A80L is a great TV. Subtle, and vibrant, it makes the very best of any content you feed into it. No, it’s not the brightest OLED panel around, but the white tones it creates are clean, and there’s detail and nuance in spades — especially when it comes to accurate colour tones such as those found on skin.
HDR performance is solid, as is motion control, with smooth edge definition too. Combined, all of these attributes result in a beautiful, pleasant viewing experience, bolstered by strong upscaling performance and slick gaming capabilities. You’ll want to upgrade the sound with speakers or a soundbar though, as is the case for most of the picks on our list.
- Read more: Sony XR-55A80L review
2. Sony XR-55A90J
Stuff Verdict
Everything this TV does, it does to a dizzily high standard. In the end, the price seems fair enough
Pros
- Outstanding picture quality in every respect
- Unusual and effective sound system
- Nice new Google TV interface
Cons
- Not the wall-hangiest TV you can buy
- Not cheap
Sony XR-55A90J specs | |
---|---|
Display | 54.6in 3840×2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | Google TV |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay |
Throwing money at something isn’t always a solution. But in the case of the Sony XR-55A90J OLED, it very much is. Yes, it’s super expensive for a 55in television, but it’s also worth every penny. There’s a lot of cutting-edge tech here: the super-fast and deeply intelligent XR processor is present, with Acoustic Surface Audio+ trickery. Google TV has replaced Android TV, which is a major upgrade. Sony’s exclusive Bravia Core streaming service is included, too.
Performance, as the price demands, is profoundly impressive. The A90J is very bright by OLED standards, so contrasts absolutely pop from the screen. This TV can call on a seemingly limitless array of colours, and easily describe minute differences in shade and texture. It handles on-screen motion with casual effortlessness and can bring detail and subtlety to inky black tones. Plus it also upscales low- resolution content without having a panic attack.
The A90J’s feet can sit low or stand high enough to fit a soundbar beneath, but Sony is so pleased with its in-built audio that it’s fitted speaker binding posts on the back panel, so the entire screen can be the centre channel in a surround-sound setup.
- Read more: Sony XR-55A90J review
3. LG OLED65C3
Stuff Verdict
Add the C3 to the long list of brilliantly accomplished OLED TVs LG has delivered over the last decade
Pros
- Brilliant all-around picture quality
- Great for gaming
- Upgraded webOS interface
Cons
- Sound is underwhelming
- Not particularly affordable
LG OLED65C3 specs | |
---|---|
Display | 65in 3840×2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | WebOS 2.3 |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, optical, line out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
The LG OLED65C3 has some obvious advantages over the C2 it replaces, not least in its HDR picture processing enhancements and the revision to its UI. Is that enough to tempt C2 owners into a costly upgrade? Probably not. The rest of us, though, can simply be impressed by what is the latest in a long line of high-achieving LG OLED TVs.
From strong gaming and upscaling performance to natural colour balance, true blacks, and wide-ranging contrasts, it’s a joy to behold. As is usually the case though, you’ll want to beef up it stock speakers with some external gear to do justice to the on-screen action.
- Read more: LG OLED65C3 review
4. Sony XR-55A95K
Stuff Verdict
Unapologetically premium, Sony’s top-spec telly isn’t a huge leap forward, but it still proves that QD-OLED is the real deal
Pros
- Lovely natural picture balance
- More varied bright tones than OLED seems capable of
- Punchy, assertive sound
Cons
- Superfluous Bravia Cam
- Not the great leap forward we might have been expecting
Sony XR-55A95K specs | |
---|---|
Display | 55in 3840 x 2160 QD-OLED |
Supported formats | HDR 10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | Android TV |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast |
First out of the blocks with a QD-OLED telly, Sony’s A95K promises to combine the advantages of OLED – deep blacks and vivid colours – with the brightness of LCD. In practice, it’s one of the best out-of-the-box TVs you can buy.
All-screen from the front, build quality is everything you’d expect from a premium Sony product. Read: basically flawless. Its feature set is similarly superlative, with two out of four HDMI inputs supporting 4K at 120Hz. Less useful is the Bravia Cam, which attaches magnetically to the top. It will one day adjust settings based on ambient conditions, but for now it’s a glorified webcam.
Like all of Sony’s OLED TVs, the A95K’s screen itself acts as a speaker, reinforced by a couple of rear-firing subs. When it comes to fidelity, detail and outright punch, it can sonically match any TV without a separate speaker bar.
Star of the show, though, is the picture. While it isn’t startlingly brighter than the best non-QD OLEDs, the A95K can generate the most convincing and nuanced brightness of any OLED currently available. Detail is high across the board, colour fidelity is effortlessly natural and depth of field is almost three-dimensional, given the right material. All of which means the A95K is as enjoyable as 4K televisions get right now.
- Read more: Sony XR-55A95K review
The best luxury 4K TVs:
1. Philips 65OLED937
Stuff Verdict
The Philips OLED+937 not only has it where it counts, it has it to an almost indecent degree
Pros
- Bright, vibrant, immersive images
- Big, convincing, immersive sound
Cons
- Takes forever and a day to set up
- Remote control needs a refresh
Philips 65OLED+937 specs | |
---|---|
Display | 65in 3840 x 2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR 10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | Android TV |
Connectivity | 2x HDMI 2.1 2x HDMI 2.0, 3x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast |
Ever since Philips began collaborating with Bowers & Wilkins for its high-end TV audio systems, the company has set itself apart with high-quality sound, in addition to the brilliant Ambilight feature. In a market where most televisions seem to be far too similar to each other, this has certainly been a refreshing development. Of course, this sort of differentiation doesn’t come cheap. But it’s worth it.
Philips’ gorgeously large eOLDE set delivers both stunning picture quality, and wide, immersive sound, thanks to the aforementioned partnership. A perfect,t high-quality TV for those who want the best experience with minimal faff, it’ll hit your wallet hard, and your eyes and ears even harder. Worth it.
- Read more: Philips 65OLED+937review
2. LG G2 77in OLED
Stuff Verdict
Picture-perfect quality in a properly premium TV package, the G2 is one of the best and brightest OLED tellies on the market
Pros
- Excellent colour accuracy and perfect inky blacks
- Intuitive smart TV software
- Dazzlingly bright
Cons
- Pricey, and the stand is sold separately
- Sluggish setup process
LG G2 77in OLED specs | |
---|---|
Display | 76.7in 3840 x 2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR 10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | webOS |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast |
LG’s long been an OLED pioneer and the G2 is a top-spec telly to cement its reputation. With an upgraded panel, brand-spanking processor and improved heat dissipation, it promises brightness to rival the best LCDs.
LG calls the G2 its “Gallery Edition” for good reason: it’s designed to be wall-mounted. And in 77in guise, it does plenty to justify the framing, as well as the Picasso price tag. Hues are vivd, yet colour accuracy is second to none. Blacks are as inky as you’d expect, while its OLED evo panel is dazzlingly bright. Image clarity is similarly excellent, with clever AI upscaling to make older content look good in 4K. All of which combines to produce a masterpiece and definitely one of the best 4K TV options around.
Besides the occasional bug, LG’s updated webOS interface remains intuitive and clutter-free. A new gaming menu lets you tweak refresh rates, with all four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 120fps. The G2’s down-firing speakers also pull off a convincing Atmos experience, simulating virtual surround with decent punch – which you can’t say of many integrated TV speakers.
- Read more: LG G2 77in OLED review
3. Samsung S90C
Stuff Verdict
Samsung has seen the OLED light – and it is good
Pros
- Confident, convincing and absorbing picture quality
- Surprisingly accomplished sound
- Good-looking and well made
Cons
- No Dolby Vision HDR
- Smart TV interface takes its time
Samsung S90C specs | |
---|---|
Display | 65in 3840×2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR10+, HLG |
UI | Tizen |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Samsung’s OLED beast serves up glossy blacks and bright whites to deliver some seriously impressive performance, with plenty of nuance and shade in the tone department. Full HD upscaling is, as expected, formidable, with high details and solid contrasts on offer.
Gamers too, will appreciate the specs on offer here, which include more than enough HDMI 2.1 ports to satisfy multiple consoles, along with a low input lag and 4K 144Hz gaming. That’s pretty impressive for a TV whichever way you slice it, beating other 4K/120Hz sets in the refresh rate department.
Best of all, given the fact that most TV speakers tend to sound rather anaemic, the S90C’s built-in audio hardware actually provides a relatively decent experience — one that’s good enough to stop you from automatically hooking up a soundbar. Not that that would be a bad idea, mind.
- Read more: Samsung S90C review
The best 4K TVs in the US:
1. Samsung S95B
Stuff Verdict
You’ll find a rather impressive picture with vibrant colours and the best brightness on an OLED telly… but you’ll have to fiddle around to get there.
Pros
- The brightest OLED we’ve seen
- Vibrant colours, with smartphone calibration
- A beautifully slim design
Cons
- Sluggish software that slows you down
- Picture settings need tweaking for brightness
Samsung S95B OLED specs | |
---|---|
Display | 55in 3840×2160 OLED |
Supported formats | HDR, HDR10+, HLG |
UI | Tizen OS |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
The S95B is one of the best 4K TVs for most people in the US, especially for those already used to (and happy with), Samsung’s TV experience, which includes fancy extras like its cloud Gaming Hub.
Gamers will be able to enjoy 4K, 120Hz gaming, thanks to a generous array of HDMI 2.1 ports, and other features like FreeSync.
Being a QD OLED affair, it offers a brighter viewing experience compared to something like the LG C2 OLED, while its single-stand design makes for convenient placement, even in the larger-screened models.
- Read more: Samsung S95B OLED review
2. Sony Bravia XR A95K
Stuff Verdict
Unapologetically premium, Sony’s top-spec telly isn’t a huge leap forward, but it still proves that QD-OLED is the real deal
Pros
- Lovely natural picture balance
- More varied bright tones than OLED seems capable of
- Punchy, assertive sound
Cons
- Superfluous Bravia Cam
- Not the great leap forward we might have been expecting
Sony XR-55A95K specs | |
---|---|
Display | 55in 3840 x 2160 QD-OLED |
Supported formats | HDR 10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
UI | Android TV |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast |
Sony’s A95K set is one of the most expensive 4K TVs around right now, and with good reason. Like Samsung’s excellent S95B, Sony’s offering also offers a stunning, bright QD-OLED screen, but also throws in some additional advantages — namely, support for Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby DTS:X audio.
These extras, coupled with the A95K’s impeccable colour accuracy for enjoying content like the creator’ intended, make it one of the best premium TVs around. Until its successor lands, that is.
- Read more: Sony XR-55A95K review
3. TCL 5-Series
Stuff Verdict
A Quantum Dot LED TV at this price is nothing to be sniffed at – this affordable TV is great for gaming and general viewing
Pros
- Great contrast and response time
- Excellent price
Cons
- Not the best viewing angles
- Blooming local dimming
TCL 5-Series specs | |
---|---|
Display | 55in 3840 x 2160 OLED |
Supported formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
UI | Roku TV |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
A Quantum Dot LED TV at this price is nothing to be sniffed at, which is why TCL’s 5-Series is our pick for the best budget 4K TV to buy in the US. With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG, you’re getting plenty of options for your money too.
HDR performance is, as expected, not the best you’ll find around, and you might find the highlights lacking in particular. Once you remember its comparative price though, it’s easy enough to forgive —
4. LG C2
Stuff Verdict
Looking for a television that can double up as a gaming monitor? The 42in LG C2 is the perfect option
Pros
- Bright, vibrant picture
- Unbeatable for gaming
Cons
- Not as bright as QD OLED
LG C2 specs | |
---|---|
Display | 42in 3840 x 2160 OLED |
Supported formats | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG |
UI | LG webOS 22 |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 |
Despite not having the latest QD OLED tech (and therefore not reaching the same brightness levels offered by the Sony and Samsung offerings on our list), the LG C2 remains one of the best 4K TVs in the US. Plenty bright enough (especially for viewing in dimmer rooms), it offers all the superb blacks and punchy colours that OLED displays are famed for.
Our pick of the range is the 42in model, which is not only easier on your wallet, but also ideal for use as a dual PC monitor/TV setup — especially when you take its more manageable screen size, 4K resolution, HDMI 2.1 support, and 120Hz gaming performance into account.
5. Hisense U8H
Stuff Verdict
Packing in as many features possible, all why maintaining a relatively sensible price tag, the Hisense U8H is a great option if you want something different to the big three brands
Pros
- Great contrast, despite being LED
- Decent gaming features
Cons
- Viewing angles could be better
- International varients are essentially completely different TVs
Hisense U8H specs | |
---|---|
Display | 65in 3840 x 2160 ULED |
Supported formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
UI | VIDAA U6.0 / Google TV |
Connectivity | 4x HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Hisense’s U8H is a very solid mid-range offering that serves up a 4K LED screen, powered by Google TV for access to all of your favourite apps and games at the touch of a button. Another win, especially at this price, is support for both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR, which is something that cannot be said of its Samsung rival.
Obviously, given the nature of its LED panel, it can’t compete against the inky blacks and in-your-face immersion offered by OLED alternatives, but it gets plenty bright, with two HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen gaming at a fluid 120Hz.
How to choose the best 4K TV for you
Buying a television is a big purchase, one that you’ll have to live with for a long time (much longer than a smartphone), so when buying a 4K TV there several crucial factors that should guide your decision-making process.
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the screen size. You need to get a TV that best suits your viewing environment. A larger screen can offer a more immersive experience, but it must fit comfortably within your available space.
There are also plenty of important specs and features you’ll want to look out for, such as HDR, OLED, refresh rates, and viewing angles.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) support is a must when buying a modern television. HDR enhances contrast and colour range, resulting in more vivid and lifelike images. Look for TVs that support popular HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
The type of panel is also important. OLED panels tend to offer superior contrast and colour accuracy but may come at a higher price point. LED/LCD TVs, on the other hand, are generally more budget-friendly, but can’t match OLED for contrast and colour accuracy.
The refresh rate is a key specification for reducing motion blur. This is especially important if you’re into gaming or watching fast-paced sports. Higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 240Hz can provide smoother motion.
Viewing angles can be important, especially if you have a wide seating arrangement. OLED TVs typically offer wider viewing angles compared to certain LED/LCD models.
Now, most modern 4K TVs are equipped with smart features, such as built-in streaming apps, voice control, internet connectivity, and the ability to stream content from your smartphone. If you have a favourite streaming service, make sure it’s available on the television before you buy it.
If you own multiple game consoles, media players, set-top boxes and streaming sticks, ensuring you have sufficient ports and connectivity options for your devices is crucial. You want to aim for around four HDMI ports, and if you plan to use your TV for gaming with next-gen consoles, make sure these ports have HDMI 2.1 support.
The TV’s audio quality should not be overlooked. While some 4K TVs have better built-in speakers than others, if you’re really serious about audio you’ll want to upgrade to an external sound system, like soundbars or home theater systems.
Finally, it’s important to note that design and aesthetics matter too. You’ll want a TV that fits well with your room’s decor. Slim bezels and sleek designs are popular choices, while you can now also get televisions that look like paintings when in standby mode.
OLED vs LCD: which one is better?
OLED and LED are two different technologies used in displays. Liquid Crystal Displays use LEDs for backlighting. LCD displays are known for their brightness and energy efficiency, making them suitable for well-lit environments. However, because they rely on a backlight, they can struggle with deep blacks and high contrast ratios.
OLED displays, on the other hand, use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. Each pixel in an OLED display is its own light source, meaning there’s no need for a separate backlight. This allows OLED displays to achieve true blacks by turning off individual pixels entirely, resulting in excellent contrast ratios and more vibrant colours. Additionally, OLED displays tend to have better viewing angles and faster refresh rates compared to LED displays. However, OLED technology can be more expensive and has a potential for burn-in, where static images can leave a permanent mark on the screen over time.
OLED is generally better if you value image quality, contrast, and colour accuracy, while LED displays are often more cost-effective and are better suited for brighter environments.
How we test the best 4K TVs
We have used and reviewed most 4K TVs on this list, so you can trust us when it comes to recommending the best television to buy.
We usually spend a week or longer reviewing 4K TVs, testing out all of the software features, picture quality and audio chops. Our reviews are very comprehensive, testing every single aspect of a TV, including UK, viewing angles, and testing them with different media (games, TV, movies, etc).
For more information on Stuff’s rating and review process, read our page onhow we test products.
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Esat DedezadeContributor
About
Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.
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Spencer HartFollow @ItsSpencerHart