Most TVs on the market today are "smart," coming with built-in apps for streaming, making it easier than ever to access services like Netflix or Disney Plus without needing a separate device like a Roku. Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for a great holiday gift, there are a lot of smart TVs to choose from. But, as always, not all TVs are equal in quality.
While we consider smart TV systems in our reviews, picture quality for the price is usually the most important factor when choosing a new TV. That’s because if you're not happy with a TV's built-in system, you can add a streaming device, many of which cost under $50. However, for budget TVs, the price of an external streaming device can significantly affect overall cost. With this in mind, we give more weight to the built-in smart system for lower-priced models.
At CNET, I review TVs side by side in a cutting-edge testing lab, using specialized equipment to take hundreds of measurements and comparing the image quality for gaming, home theaters, and bright rooms. My 20 years of experience as a TV reviewer allows me to identify not only the best overall smart TVs but also the best options within various price ranges.
Our list below is generally arranged to highlight TVs offering the best picture for the money, with added notes on our impressions of each built-in smart TV system.
What is the best smart TV right now?
After testing some of the best-value TVs this year, the TCL QM8 series (2023) stands out at the top of the list for several reasons. It delivers excellent picture quality, all the essential modern TV features—like 4K/120Hz input and variable refresh rate to maximize gaming on consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X—and comes at an affordable price. When friends ask for a TV recommendation from 65 to 98 inches, I suggest the TCL QM8 series.
While the QM8 is my top pick for most, there are other great options that might better suit your preferences or budget.
Best smart TVs in 2024
Best Overall Smart TV: TCL QM8
TCL has topped our list of best TVs in recent years, but the QM8 series takes things to a new level. In my comparison tests, it impressed with its exceptional brightness and visual impact while maintaining excellent contrast—a feat unmatched at this price point. The QM8 achieves this with mini-LED technology and well-executed full-array local dimming. It also features a sleek design and a center-mount stand. While it runs on Google TV (which I prefer slightly less than Roku TV), it's still a robust smart TV experience. This model replaces last year’s TCL 6-Series Roku TV.
The primary downside of the TCL QM8 is its limited size options, starting at 65 inches. If you're after a 55-inch model, I recommend the Hisense U8K. Note that the prices listed here are for the 65-inch QM8 model.
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Best 55-Inch Smart TV: Hisense U8K
If you want the best value in a smart TV but find the TCL QM8 too large, the Hisense U8K is an ideal alternative. In my side-by-side comparison of these 2023 models, I found the QM8 slightly superior, but the U8K has a key advantage: a 55-inch screen option. So, if 65 inches is too big for your room, budget, or taste, the choice is easy—go with the 55-inch Hisense U8K.
Both TVs deliver excellent picture quality at affordable prices, thanks to mini-LED backlighting and full-array local dimming. They also offer similar gaming features and run on the Google TV platform, costing hundreds less than comparable models from more recognized brands.
While I tested the 65-inch U8K, the prices here are for the 55-inch model.
Best Budget Smart TV: TCL 4-Series
In our budget TV comparison, the TCL 4-Series Roku TV came in just behind the Vizio V-Series in picture quality, but its superior Roku smart TV system made it our top budget choice. The 4-Series doesn’t include Dolby Vision, Bluetooth, or AMD FreeSync with variable refresh rate—features available on the Vizio—but we believe a better streaming experience is the priority at this price range.
TCL has kept the 4-Series mostly unchanged in terms of image quality and features over recent years, though it recently introduced larger screen sizes, including an 85-inch option. The prices listed here are for the 55-inch model.
Best Budget Smart TV for Picture Quality: Vizio V-Series
Among budget TVs, the Vizio V-Series stood out for its excellent picture quality, offering the most balanced and accurate visuals in our tests. It also includes valuable extras like Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth compatibility, and variable refresh rate for smoother gaming.
The main drawback of the Vizio is its SmartCast platform, which feels cluttered, slow, and filled with ads for services like Tubi and Kidoodle TV. For this reason, the TCL 4-Series with Roku takes the top spot. However, if you prioritize Vizio’s image quality and additional features, you can easily add a separate streaming device.
Prices listed here are for the 50-inch model.
Best Mid-Priced Smart TV Runner-Up: Roku Plus Series
As competition heats up in the mid-priced TV market, the Roku Plus Series emerges as a strong contender. Unlike the TCL Roku TVs higher on this list, this model is fully branded by Roku, without any partner brands involved. It features several upgraded elements, including QLED technology and full-array local dimming, which provide a superior picture quality compared to the TCL 4-Series. However, it doesn’t quite match the Vizio MQX, as it lacks 120Hz for gaming and overall picture quality.
If those advanced features are important to you, it might be worth saving for the Vizio. But if not, the Roku Plus Series offers excellent value.
This is the first TV Roku has launched under its own brand, rather than collaborating with brands like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer, or Hisense. The company has also introduced a more basic version called the Roku Select Series, which has fewer features and no local dimming.
The price listed here is for the 65-inch model.
Best High-End Smart TV: LG OLED C3
The LG OLED C3 offers superior picture quality compared to any non-OLED TV on this list, priced higher but still within reason. Its perfect black levels, exceptional contrast, and excellent off-angle viewing make it stand out against mini-LED models in my comparison tests. While its overall brightness isn't quite as high, it still performs impressively in various room lighting conditions. Additionally, the C3 is one of the lightest TVs we’ve ever reviewed, with the 65-inch version weighing just 37 pounds, thanks to its carbon-fiber construction.
The prices listed here are for the 65-inch LG C3 model.
Best Smart TV for Picture Quality: LG OLED G3
There's a new champion of picture quality, and it's the LG OLED G3. In my 20-plus years of TV reviews, it delivers the best image quality I've ever tested. It outshines all other OLED TVs with its remarkable brightness and advanced antireflective screen, ensuring outstanding performance in both bright and dark rooms. When compared directly to the Samsung S95C, these features allowed the G3 to compensate for a slight color deficit and reach an unparalleled level of excellence.
Both the G3 and the S95C come with a higher price tag than more affordable OLED models like the LG C3, and for many viewers, the premium may not be justified.
The G3 replaces the G2 and features improved screen technology called MLA (Micro Lens Array), which LG claims contributes to its exceptional brightness. The G3 series is available in four sizes (55, 65, 77, and 83 inches), but the largest 83-inch model does not include MLA, so I don't expect it to perform as well as the others.
The prices listed here are for the 65-inch model.
Best Smart TV for Color Quality: Samsung OLED S95C
In a side-by-side comparison with the LG G3, I found that while I preferred the G3 overall, the Samsung S95C was nearly as impressive. Its standout feature is its color performance, thanks to Samsung's quantum dot-infused OLED technology, known as QD-OLED. The S95C rendered flowers, sunsets, and other colorful scenes more naturally and vividly than the G3 or any other OLED TV I've tested. While the G3 excelled in brightness and overall quality, the difference was marginal.
I also favored Samsung's design, which features a unique external One Connect input box. This design separates the inputs from the TV itself, connecting via a single cable, making installation easier. Additionally, the panel is thinner than that of the G3.
The S95C replaces the S95B and is part of Samsung's two QD-OLED series for 2024. The other series, the S90C, is less bright and has standard inputs located on the back panel, but it is also more affordable.
The prices listed here are for the 65-inch model.
Best High-End Smart TV That’s Not an OLED: Samsung QN90B
If you’re searching for a high-end TV with exceptional image quality but prefer to avoid OLED, the Samsung QN90B is your top choice. This model utilizes QLED technology enhanced by mini-LED, resulting in a brighter image than any OLED TV. While the remarkable contrast of OLED still edges it out in our side-by-side tests, the QN90B’s QLED display comes closer than ever.
The previous version, the QN90A, is still available at a significantly lower price and is also an excellent performer, though it is slightly dimmer and lacks some features found in the 2022 model, such as the new game hub with cloud gaming capabilities.
Samsung offers several QLED TVs, but the QN90B ranks among the highest-end options, aside from its 8K counterparts. Although it’s a 2022 model, the 2023 version, the QN90C, is similar in features, and while we haven’t reviewed it yet, we anticipate it will provide comparable image quality, albeit at a higher price.
The prices listed here are for the 65-inch model.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart TV
With the vast array of TVs available today and the technical jargon that comes with television technology, it can be challenging to determine what really matters. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the options:
Price: TVs can range from $100 to over $2,000. Smaller screens are generally cheaper, while well-known brands tend to be pricier. Spending more can often lead to better image quality. Most entry-level TVs offer a satisfactory picture for most viewers, but since TVs are long-term investments, it may be worth spending a bit more for enhanced quality. Additionally, shopping for a TV in the fall can yield lower prices.
Screen Size: We believe bigger is better. For a bedroom TV, we recommend a minimum size of 43 inches, while a living room or main TV should ideally be at least 55 inches; 65 inches or larger is even better. Upgrading to a larger screen is often the best use of your money. One of the most common regrets we hear from buyers is not opting for a bigger size, whereas complaints about a TV being too large are rare.
Capability: For entry-level TVs, the most crucial factor is the smart TV platform it uses. In midrange models, look for features like full-array local dimming, mini-LED technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate, as these significantly enhance picture quality. For high-end TVs, OLED technology is the top choice.
For more comprehensive TV buying advice, check out our guide on how to purchase a TV.
How CNET Tests Smart TVs
Our TV reviews adhere to a rigorous and impartial evaluation process refined over nearly two decades. Our primary testing lab is equipped with specialized tools for measuring light and color, including the Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator, and AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We utilize Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to assess every TV we review.
In each CNET TV review, we compare three or more similar models side by side under various lighting conditions, testing a range of media, including movies, TV shows, and games. We evaluate performance across multiple categories, such as color accuracy, video processing, gaming, and HDR capabilities. Our assessments also consider design, features, smart TV functionality, HDMI inputs, gaming compatibility, and other essential factors.
One crucial aspect of image quality that we test is overall brightness. Here’s how select TVs compare in terms of nits.
Smart TV FAQs
Below, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about smart TVs. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us on Twitter (@dkatzmaier).
What’s the best smart TV system for streaming?
At CNET, we prefer Roku for its user-friendly interface, with Google TV as a close runner-up due to its impressive integration with other Google services like Google Photos and YouTube TV. Samsung’s TV platform ranks third, while Amazon Fire TV and LG are among our least favored options.
That said, we don't think the built-in smart TV system is crucial since you can always connect a streaming device to any TV.
What about Amazon Fire smart TVs?
Amazon offers a full range of smart TVs powered by its Fire operating system. However, the Fire TV platform isn’t one of our favorites due to the prominence of ads, which can turn the TV into a giant rotating billboard when in screensaver mode. Additionally, we’ve noticed that other TVs typically provide better picture quality than most Fire TVs.
Do smart TVs come with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Many smart TVs are equipped with voice assistants. All Amazon Fire TVs come with Alexa built-in, while Sony, TCL, and Hisense TVs that use Google’s operating system feature Google Assistant. Many newer Samsung and LG models offer both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa as well.
Roku TVs and Vizio TVs can respond to voice commands but do not support Alexa or Google Assistant. On most of these TVs, you'll need to use the remote to issue voice commands, although some models respond to hands-free wake words like "Alexa" or "Hey Google," similar to a smart speaker. Many TVs can also connect with smart speakers, such as the Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini, to receive voice commands.
How big a TV should I get?
In our view, bigger is better. Your money is best spent on larger screen sizes rather than minor upgrades in image quality. The ideal size also depends on your room size and seating distance; if you have a large room and sit farther away, a bigger TV is recommended.
How do I get the best TV sound?
Most TVs have subpar sound quality because their slim designs lack the space for decent-sized speakers or bass. To enhance your audio experience, consider investing in an external audio system. Even an affordable soundbar will significantly improve sound quality compared to built-in TV speakers. The Roku Streambar is a great example of a device that combines streaming capabilities with a soundbar in one product..
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