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David Katzmaier Editorial Director -- Personal Tech
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
Expertise A 25-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs since the days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. He created CNET's methodology for testing TVs, streaming services and AI tools. Prior to CNET he wrote for Sound & Vision magazine and eTown.com. Credentials
- Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
Nowadays most TVs have 4K resolution. There are a few very expensive 8K TV available, and some smaller budget TVs with full-HD resolution, but most TVs are 4K TVs. 4K resolution just means the TV has a certain number of pixels, 3,840x2,160 to be exact, along with the ability to display 4K TV shows, movies and games from streaming services, devices and game consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5. There's a lot more to picture quality than resolution, however, and factors like contrast, color accuracy, HDR performance and peak brightness are more important than pixel counts. The best-performing TVs in our reviews excel in these areas.
What are the best 4K TVs right now?
When it comes to TVs, there's no shortage of options to choose from -- both online and in-store. Whether you choose a new version or last year's (we still recommend 2023 TVs, if available, for the best value), the best 4K TV options encompass a wide variety of models at budget and premium prices. One of our favorite affordable models is the TCL QM8 (2024), which starts at less than $1,000 For a more premium pick, we love the LG OLED C4 -- just keep in mind that it can get pricey.
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The following list represents the best 4K TVs (which are the best TVs, in my opinion) that I've reviewed in CNET's test lab, where I compare them side by side.
Read more: Change These TV Settings for the Optimal Picture
Best 4K TVs in 2024
TCL has topped our list of the best TVs for the last few years, but the latest 2024 TCL QM8 raises the bar even higher, especially for fans of 4K resolution. In my comparison tests, the QM8 distinguished itself with superior brightness and impact without sacrificing the deep contrasts that are crucial for 4K viewing. This performance is largely thanks to its advanced mini-LED technology and effective full-array local dimming. The design is sleek and modern, featuring a center-mount stand for easy setup.
The main downside of the TCL QM8 is that it's available only in large sizes (65 inches and up), which might be a drawback if you're in the market for something smaller. If that's the case, I recommend the Hisense U8N instead, which offers sizes as small as 55 inches. The QM8 also operates on Google TV, which I find less user-friendly compared to Roku TV. Even so, the QM8 still offers an excellent smart TV experience, making it a top contender in the 4K TV market. Note that prices shown here are for the 65-inch size in the QM8 series.
The LG C4 series stands out as an excellent choice for 4K TV enthusiasts. While slightly more expensive than comparable models, it offers better picture quality than any non-OLED TV on this list. The C4's perfect black levels and unmatched contrast enhance the depth and detail of 4K content, while its superb off-angle viewing ensures a great picture from almost any position in the room. Although it may not match the peak brightness of some mini-LED models, the C4 is still an incredible performer in all kinds of lighting, making it a versatile choice for any home.
The prices shown here are for the 65-inch size of the LG C4 series.
The picture quality of the TCL 4-Series Roku TV trailed slightly behind the Vizio V-Series in our budget TV test, but the differences are slight enough that you'd only notice them when the two TVs are viewed side-by-side. The 4-Series also does not support Dolby Vision, lacks Bluetooth connectivity and does not offer AMD FreeSync with variable refresh rate, all of which are available with the Vizio model and can enhance the 4K viewing experience.
Despite this, the TCL 4-Series has one significant advantage: it incorporates the highly-acclaimed (and our favorite) Roku Smart TV platform. That makes it a great choice for those seeking an all-in-one 4K smart TV solution, without having to add additional streaming devices.
It's worth noting that the TCL has been selling the 4-Series for the last few years with little to no change in image quality or features in our tests, although it has recently added some larger screen sizes, including an 85-inch model.
The prices shown are for the 55-inch size.
The Samsung S95D stands out in the 4K OLED TV market -- and not just for its superior picture quality. The S95D's matte finish nearly eliminates reflections, making it the best option for 4K viewing in brightly-lit rooms among all OLED TVs we've tested. While matte screens are common in non-OLED models, the S95D is the first time they've been available in an OLED TV, a display technology that has always delivered the best picture available for 4K viewing. That matte finish really works, minimizing glare from windows and other sources to dimmer blobs instead of super-bright, mirror-like distractions. The S95D also has an external box, allowing for a cleaner look with the option to hide HDMI connections and the power cord out of sight.
Overall, the Samsung S95D offers unparalleled 4K image quality, beating both the G4 and last year's winner, the G3, as well as any other non-OLED TV. But it also costs a ton, and most people -- even those with bright rooms -- will be perfectly happy with a less expensive TV.
The prices shown are for the 65-inch size.
Competition among mid-range 4K TVs is heating up, and the Roku Plus Series is the latest entrant. The Plus Series stands out as an entirely Roku-manufactured TV, unlike other Roku collaborations with brands like TCL higher on this list. It adds a couple of step-up extras for 4K viewing, including QLED and full-array local dimming, which help deliver a better picture than the TCL 4-Series, for example.
This model marks Roku's first venture into producing TVs under its own brand, diverging from its usual strategy of partnering with manufacturers like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer or Hisense. Roku also offers a more basic model, the Roku Select Series, which comes with fewer features and no local dimming.
The prices shown are for the 65-inch size.
Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of reviewing TVs. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility as well as other factors.
One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how it compares in nits across select TVs listed above.
Check out How We Test TVs for more details.
With all of the TVs available today, and all of the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what's important. Here's a quick guide to help cut through the confusion.
Price: TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It's also best to shop for a TV in the fall when prices are lower.
Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV -- and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other "feature," stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we've heard is from people who didn't go big enough. We rarely hear people complain that their TV is too large.
Capability: Among entry-level TVs, the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet.
For more TV buying advice check out our page on how to buy a TV.
We'll post the answers to commonly asked TV questions below. If you have any others, feel free to reach out on X (@dkatzmaier) or by clicking the three dots then the little envelope icon on my CNET profile page. Doing so will let you send a message straight to my inbox.
At this point, yes, they are. Almost all new TVs are 4K TVs, so the chance that your next set will be in 4K is highly likely. As of now, you can easily find TVs that are 43 inches and above with a 4K display. They come in many different sizes and prices and are unquestionably the type of TV that we recommend. There are still non-4K TVs on the market, but they tend to occur at either the high or low ends of the price/size spectrum. Smaller, cheaper TVs in the 32-inch class and smaller still tend to offer HD-only displays, while a few 8K TVs are available in large sizes with corresponding price points. We don't think 8K TVs are worth it right now, as there is little content available to take advantage of the technology. HD-only displays are fine for small rooms, but you will likely be able to get a 4K TV for a similar sale price.
Are 4K TVs good for gaming?
Yes, they are. All 4K TVs will be able to display games in 4K resolution, although high-end 4K TVs will have extra gaming perks like a Variable Refresh Rate and 4K/120 fps, which are features that are made to take advantage of the latest gaming consoles. Even cheaper 4K TVs can have specialized game modes that offer low input lag for console gaming.
Are there downsides to a 4K TV?
Not really. 4K TVs from reputable brands will generally offer a solid viewing experience. All 4K TVs come with some kind of smart TV system, and some are better than others. You might consider it a downside If you've wound up with a TV with a less-than-stellar smart system. Luckily, you can mitigate this problem by connecting a streaming device to any TV. At CNET, our favorite is Roku for its simplicity, but different systems like Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung and LG have different strengths, in particular for voice commands.
What size TV should I buy?
How much should I spend on a TV?
Prices vary widely by size and features, from less than $100 for basic 24-inch TVs to more than $2,000 for big OLED models. TVs last a long time, so we think it's worthwhile to spend a little extra beyond the bare minimum to get a bigger screen, better picture quality or better features. With that in mind, here are some ballpark prices that will get you a very good TV in 2024.
- 55-inch: $700
- 65-inch: $1,000
- 75-inch: $1,300
You could pay (much) more or less. The fact is, just about any TV will produce a picture decent enough to satisfy most viewers. Most complaints you read in user reviews aren't about picture quality. Instead, they're about ease of use, smart TV menus or sound (or a broken TV).
Which is better, OLED or LED?
In our reviews, OLED TVs, which use organic light-emitting diode technology, have always had better picture quality than LED TVs, which are LCD TVs that use LED backlights. The main reason is that OLED TVs can produce a perfectly dark shade of black with no stray illumination of blooming, which leads to better contrast and pop. LED TVs can get brighter and usually cost less than OLED TVs.
What is the best smart TV system for streaming?
At CNET, our favorite is Roku for its simplicity, but different systems like Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung and LG have different strengths, in particular for voice commands. In any case, we don't consider the built-in smart TV system that important because you can always connect a streaming device to any TV.
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