A new smart TV purchase might be extremely confusing due to the abundance of options and technical terms. However, it doesn’t have to be so difficult. Nowadays, the majority of brand-new TVs have smart features that enable you to access streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus. Additionally, unlike older TVs, you won’t even need a specialized streaming device like a Roku. But it might be difficult to tell what makes a good smart TV stand out from a subpar one, so we’re here to assist.
While we consider smart TV systems in our reviews, we believe that when purchasing a new TV, picture quality for the money is typically more crucial. That’s because a good streaming device, the majority of which cost less than $50, can always “replace” the TV’s built-in system. The exception is low-priced TVs, where the cost of the new streaming device may account for a sizeable portion of the price. For this list, we gave budget model TVs a larger weighting for the significance of the smart TV system.
At The Tech Job, I compare the image quality for gaming, home theater, and bright-room applications while testing TVs side by side in a cutting-edge testing facility. With 20 years of expertise reviewing TVs, I can help you find the greatest smart TV overall as well as the best smart TV for your budget.
The TVs on the list below are normally listed in order of which ones offer the best picture for the money, but we also include our opinions about the integrated smart TV system.
What is the best smart TV right now?
For a variety of reasons, the TCL 6-Series Roku TV is at the top of our list of the finest TVs and smart TVs. It delivers the greatest smart TV platform, Roku, at a low price, and excellent picture quality. Additionally, it has gaming capabilities like variable refresh rate and 4K/120Hz input that may maximize the performance of gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. If money is still a concern and a friend asks me what TV to buy between 55 and 85 inches, I recommend the TCL 6-Series.
Although the 6-Series is now my favorite for most people, there are many other good options available, so it might not be the best fit for your preferences or financial situation.
Best smart TVs in 2023
Best overall smart TV
TCL 6-Series Roku TV
The TCL 6-Series has been our favorite budget television for the past five years, and the 2022 model, also known as the R655 series, is no exception. Mini-LED technology and well-executed full-array local dimming help this TV outperform nearly every other TV at this price point in terms of image quality. Although the new 85-inch dimension has normal legs, it improves on the previous R635 series with more gaming features and a redesigned center-mount stand that can be raised to make place for a soundbar. Finally, our top pick for an operating system is Roku TV.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Roku smart TV is simple, capable
- Improved design with central stand
Cons:
- Some competing mini-LED TVs can get brighter
It should be noted that several 6-Series models, in addition to the R635, which this TV replaces, were released in 2021 and are still available. The R646 series has comparable specifications to the R655 devices examined here, however it runs on the Google TV operating system. The R648 series is substantially more expensive and boasts 8K resolution.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Best budget smart TV
TCL 4-Series
In our 2023 cheap TV test, the TCL 4-Series Roku TV’s picture quality behind the Vizio V-Series (below) by just a hair, but we preferred its Roku smart TV platform over Vizio’s SmartCast, so the TCL takes the top spot on this list. The Vizio has Dolby Vision, Bluetooth connectivity, and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh rate whereas the 4-Series does not. However, in our opinion, improved smart TV streaming is more crucial at the entry-level price point.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent smart TV system
Cons:
- Image quality and features lag some entry-level TVs
Note that 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 option.
The prices shown below are for the 50-inch size.
Best high-end smart TV
LG OLED C2
The C2 offers the highest level of picture quality at a price that is, while expensive, not outlandish. With its flawless black levels, unmatched contrast, and excellent off-angle viewing, it surpasses every non-OLED TV on this list, including the Samsung QN90B below. Additionally, it offers excellent gaming features that make it the ideal mate for an Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5, or both. The C2 is also available in a wide range of sizes, however the larger variants are somewhat pricey.
Second best overall smart TV
Hisense U8H Google TV
In our side-by-side assessment of mid-priced devices, we somewhat preferred the TCL 6-Series, but this Hisense is a solid competitor. Best-in-class brightness, which enhances picture quality in bright environments and makes HDR TV movies, shows, and games really shine, is the foundation of its exceptional image quality. Although it is brighter and has better contrast than the TCL, the TCL ultimately won out because of its slightly more accurate image. In contrast to the TCL, the Hisense uses Google TV instead of Roku, and the U8H has an ATSC 3.0 tuner. Actually, any one is a good choice.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Best-in-class bright room picture
- Capable Google TV system
Cons:
- Slightly less refined image than some competitors
- “Theater” picture modes engage motion smoothing by default
This is a 2022 model, but the U8K series, which will be available in 2023, looks roughly the same with the exception of the addition of a 75-inch option. We have not yet reviewed it. Currently, it costs a few hundred dollars more than the U8H.
The 65-inch size is represented by the pricing shown below.
Best budget smart TV for picture quality
Vizio V-Series
When we analyzed the top affordable TVs, the Vizio V-Series’ picture quality stood out as the best overall. During our comparisons, the Vizio provided the most accurate and balanced image, and it has some convenient additions like Dolby Vision support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth compatibility, and variable refresh rate for perhaps smoother gaming.
The Vizio’s smart TV platform, Vizio SmartCast, is by far its largest drawback. It’s clogged up, sluggish, and covered in adverts for services like Tubi and Kidoodle TV. The TCL 4-Series with Roku is given the top spot as a result. That being said, you can always add a different streaming device to this Vizio if you value its image quality and added capabilities.
Pros:
- Solid image quality for en entry-level TV
- Lots of features, including VRR and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons:
- Poor built-in smart TV system
Vizio hasn’t announced a 2023 version of the V-Series yet. The prices shown below are for the 50-inch size.
Best midpriced smart TV runner-up
Roku Plus Series
The Plus Series is the newest entry in 2023 as competition among TVs in the intermediate price range intensifies. This Roku TV is purely Roku, with no other brands included, in contrast to the TCL Roku TVs that are higher on this list. QLED and full-array local dimming are two step-up features that it provides to assist deliver a better picture than, say, the TCL 4-Series. However, because it lacks 120Hz for gaming and has worse overall picture quality than the Vizio MQX, it is not as stunning. The Vizio is worth paying up for if you value those things, but if not, the Roku Plus Series is a much better deal.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good picture quality thanks to local dimming
- Great smart TV system
Cons:
- Lacks 120Hz refresh rate and other gaming extras
- Not as bright as some similarly priced TVs
Roku has never before created a TV under its own name rather than working in tandem with a company like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer, or Hisense. The Roku Select Series is a version that was also made available by the company, although it had less capabilities and no local dimming.
The price shown below is for the 65-inch size.
Best high-end smart TV that’s not an OLED
Samsung QN90B
Don’t want an OLED but want a high-end TV with amazing visual quality? Your best option is the Samsung QN90B. For a brighter image than any OLED TV, this TV employs mini-LED technology in addition to QLED TV technology. In our side-by-side tests, OLED’s stunning contrast still prevailed, but the QN90B QLED screen came closer than ever.
The QN90A, an earlier model of this TV, is still available for hundreds less. It performs just as well, although it’s a little bit less bright than the QN90B. Additionally, it misses some of the capabilities of the 2022 model, such as the brand-new game hub with cloud gaming.
Pros:
- Best non-OLED picture quality we’ve ever tested
- Incredible brightness with minimal blooming
- Stylish design, packed with features
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slightly worse contrast, off-angle and uniformity than OLED
Aside from models with 8K resolution, Samsung makes a number of QLED TVs, although the QN90B is among the most expensive. This is a 2022 model, but the QN90C, which will be released in 2023, appears to have many of the same capabilities. Although we haven’t examined it, we anticipate that it will produce images of a similar quality. Additionally, the price is substantially higher.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Best design in a midprice smart TV
Samsung Q60B
The Q60 series is one of Samsung’s most well-known TV models, which is the brand that sells the most TVs overall. Even though the ultrathin OLED versions are more svelte, its sleek QLED screen design shines out in comparison to the other TVs on this list. It also offers more sizes, greater features, and better image quality than models like the TCL 4-Series and Sony X80K. Although all of the TVs in this post are better bargains than this one, if you want a Samsung TV but can’t afford the QN90A, this is a fantastic alternative.
Pros:
- Sleek design and excellent remote
- Bright image with solid contrast
- Informative status screen for gaming
Cons:
- More expensive than competing TVs with better picture quality
- Cluttered smart TV menus
This is a 2022 model, but the Q60C, which will be available in 2023, appears to be very similar in terms of specs, style, and cost. Although we haven’t examined it yet, we anticipate that the image quality will be comparable.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
One of the more affordable TVs with full-array local dimming is the Vizio MQX, which reproduces TV episodes, movies, and video games with sufficient contrast and pop to do HDR credit. The MQX offers 16 zones on the 50-inch screen, 30 on the 65-inch screen, and 42 on the 75-inch screen, which is more than enough for excellent overall picture quality with bright highlights, dark black levels, punchy contrast, and accurate color. The MQX has fewer dimming zones than more expensive TVs like the TCL 6-Series and Hisense U8H, but it does so at a lower cost.
Best alternative smart TV for tighter budgets
Vizio MQX
One of the more affordable TVs that supports full-array local dimming is the Vizio MQX, which enables it to replicate games, movies, and TV shows with sufficient contrast and pop to do HDR justice. The MQX has fewer dimming zones than more expensive TVs like the TCL 6-Series and Hisense U8H, but it still has 16 zones on a 50-inch screen, 30 on a 65-inch screen, and 42 on a 75-inch screen, which is more than enough for excellent overall picture quality with bright highlights, deep black levels, punchy contrast, and accurate color.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent picture quality
- Game-friendly extras like variable refresh rate and 4K/120Hz input
Cons:
- Weak smart TV system
- Slightly more expensive TVs perform better
The MQX, which differs from the M7 from 2021 in having a real 120Hz refresh rate, performed admirably in our tests and is compatible with 4K/120Hz transmissions from gaming consoles including the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Both of the popular HDR formats, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, are supported by Vizio in the M-Series. The Vizio MQX is a great compromise if you can’t save up for a TCL or Hisense but still want a better picture than the TCL 4-Series or Vizio V-series.
Vizio hasn’t announced a 2023 version of this TV.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
How The Tech Fun tests smart TVs
Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. 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 8×8 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, and 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.
Light output in nits
| TV | Brightest mode (HDR) | Accurate mode (HDR) | Brightest mode (SDR) | Accurate mode (SDR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN65Q90B | 3,316 | 1,981 | 2,625 | 974 |
| Hisense U8H | 1,867 | 1,867 | 1,605 | 1,605 |
| TCL 65R655 | 1,387 | 1,194 | 1,292 | 624 |
| Vizio M65QXM-K03 | 939 | 742 | 958 | 608 |
| LG OLED65C2 | 812 | 759 | 413 | 389 |
| Roku TV Plus (65-inch) | 514 | 455 | 579 | 404 |
How to choose a TV
It might be challenging to determine what’s important with all of the TVs that are available today and all of the technical phrases and jargon related with television technology. This short tutorial can help you sort 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. And we almost never 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. And among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet.
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