More pixels means more details, sharper contrast, and better viewing at close range (like when you’re on your couch). If you’re ready to get on the bandwagon, now’s the time. But just remember, not all of them are created equal. They’re equipped with different screen technology, interfaces, and sound features. This 4K TV review will take a deep dive into the details so that you know which TV is best for you before you shell out your hard-earned cash. This LG model may not be the cheapest, but cutting corners to save money doesn’t get you the best 4K TV on the market. Here’s a look at all of the fancy stuff that makes this machine tick. OLED screens like this one tout nearly perfect black levels, an infinite contrast ratio, a huge viewing angle, and can cover almost 100% of the P3 wide color gamut. This LG model also supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG formats. With all that and a 120 Hz refresh rate, you might want to install a seatbelt on your couch. Let us put all that into plain English: your video quality is going to be crisp, clear, and colorful. You’ll be able to see what’s creeping in the dark corners while watching American Horror Story and those majestic mountains in Planet Earth II will basically pop out of the screen. The burned-in image will stay present, like a ghost, even when the picture changes to something else. It is permanent (yikes!) and has been reported on TVs like those used to display airport departures and arrivals.(1) Companies are working to improve the technology, but have stated that OLED TVs should work fine in normal conditions for at least ten years. Because it’s such a rare phenomena, and the image quality is so awesome, we still think OLED is the best kind of 4K TV available. The LG C9 OLED has a sleek, thin, and elegant design but still manages to boast a 2.2 channel 40W speaker system. That’s going to be plenty of audio for casual viewing, but dedicated Trekkies will probably want to upgrade to surround-sound before streaming the new season of Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount Plus. This TV also features a “magic” remote that has Alexa and Google Assistant built right in. With LG ThinQ AI technology, you can command nearly every smart device in your house using voice controls. (You’ll basically be living in the future!) The Sony X800G 65-inch TV has a big, bright screen that can handle wide viewing angles with minimal reflection. Perfect for those afternoon games when you’ve got light coming in through the windows. Here’s a rundown of the specifications. Most sports games that are broadcast on cable are in 720p, which is a much lower resolution than 4K. And unlike some other 4K TVs, the Sony X800G actually handles this lower resolution quite gracefully. This TV has a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, but testing shows that its response rate is lightning-fast (which is important when you’re streaming NBA games live). This tube has a sleek, durable look with plenty of ports, and is equipped with the latest Android operating system. That means that it can support a generous selection of apps (like Netflix, Twitch, and Sling TV). It also comes with a standard Sony remote that is loaded with Bluetooth and integrated voice control features. (“Beam me up, Sony X800G!”) At just under $1,000, this TV is in the middle price range compared to other 4K TVs. It’s definitely cheaper than the LG C9 OLED, but it’s a good deal more expensive than our budget pick. If you’re excited about the X800G but want something a bit fancier, you can upgrade to the best Sony 4K TV available: the Sony X950G. This TV has the same basic structure but comes with a faster processor, better audio, and more extra video features. This Roku-powered TV has plenty of smart features, exceptional screen quality, and decent response time for gaming. Sure, it’s not going to win any awards for the best built-in speakers or the most extra features, but it’s hard to complain about a TV that costs less than half the price of most other 4K devices. Testing indicates that the TCL S517 has a fast response time. (It does have 120 Hz refresh rate, after all.) This is good news for all you vault hunters who like causing mayhem in Borderlands 3. The two 8W speakers on this machine are weaker than any of the other TVs on the list, but they should provide enough sound for casual viewing. Those who want something more robust should consider getting a sound bar. The TCL S517 makes up for some of these design flaws with an awesome user interface. Roku’s simple, intuitive design supports thousands of apps, making it ideal for pairing with a streaming TV service. The Roku smart remote is included with the TV. Gamers, meet the Samsung Q80. This is hands-down the best 4K TV for gaming that (a lot of) money can buy. It will also look beautiful streaming 4K movies and shows. Here’s everything you need to know about this beast of a TV. While nothing can beat OLED TVs when it comes to “perfect” black levels, this TV has a Dynamic Black Equalizer feature that will help up the contrast and bring out the details lurking in those dark corners in Control. But what really makes the Q80 the best TV for gaming is its low-input lag and FreeSync technology, which allow for a variable frame rate. That means tear-free gaming, so your screen won’t look like it’s split into two or more frames at once. Just make sure you have an internet connection that can keep up. Most of the TV’s components are housed in a separate box that’s connected to the screen by a single cord. That means you can easily mount the screen flat against the wall almost like a picture frame (and you can even use the TV’s “Ambient Mode” to display your favorite artwork while you aren’t using it). This stellar design includes the some of the highest quality built-in speakers available, plenty of USB/HDMI ports, and a decent Samsung remote. In terms of smart technology, the Q80 features Bixby. Bixby is basically a wannabe Alexa that’s not quite as useful. But if you have other Alexa-enabled devices, you can hook them up to the Q80 and control your TV that way. If you’re looking for privacy and making sure no one is watching what you’re watching, Samsung smart TVs are also a great candidate for VPNs. If you’re worried about the state of your savings account, you can still get an incredible gaming experience with our pick for the overall best 4K TV: the LG C9 OLED. Even the budget TCL models will be sufficient for most casual gaming. In fact, with its stellar QLED screen and decent price tag, this TV probably deserves the runner-up spot for best 4K TV overall. Let’s dive into the specifics. With 120 Hz refresh rate and low-input lag, this wide-screen TV is perfect for an immersive gaming experience (although it lacks Samsung’s seamless FreeSync technology). The two 15 watt speakers will pump out enough sound for watching reruns of The Office, but you’ll probably want some sort of sound bar or surround sound system for movie night. The TV’s smart features are not the best, but they aren’t the worst, either. VIZIO’s SmartCast supports plenty of apps and Chromecast is built-in. But the system lacks the seamless feel of Roku or Android. Here’s a quick recap of our picks and what they’re best for. Best overall: The LG C9 OLED TV has the best of everything: picture quality, smart features, and a sleek design. It’s perfect for families that use the TV a lot and in multiple ways. Best for watching sports: The Sony X800G is the best 4K TV for sports viewing because of its rapid response time, big screen, and crystal-clear picture. Best budget pick: The TCL S517 is so cheap that it almost feels like stealing. The TV’s picture quality holds up, and its Roku interface is fantastic. Best for gaming: The Samsung Q80 is a heavy-hitter. QLED screen, Dynamic Black Equalizer, and Freesync technology are just some of the features that make this the best 4K TV for gaming. Best big screen: The VIZIO P-Series Quantum is not just a great TV. It’s a great big TV that will make your living room feel like a theatre. Whichever 4K TV you end up with, you’ll want to maximize your viewing experience with a premium TV service. (Otherwise, what’s the point?) That’s it for our review, but we’d love to hear what you think. Do you love your 4K TV? Have you got complaints? Chime in below in the comments section!
