TVs
Panel technology, peak brightness, refresh rate and gaming features make or break a modern TV. We break down what each model actually delivers.
What to know before buying a tvs
What to look for in a TV
A TV is a long-term purchase, so it's worth matching the panel technology to your room and viewing habits. The brightest, most colorful set isn't always the right pick — a dim room, a bright living room and a sports-heavy household each favor different strengths.
Important specifications explained
- Panel type: OLED offers perfect blacks and contrast; mini-LED/QLED offers higher brightness for sunny rooms.
- Refresh rate: 120Hz panels smooth out motion and are great for sports and gaming.
- Peak brightness: Higher brightness fights glare in well-lit rooms; OLED excels in dark rooms.
- HDR support: Dolby Vision and HDR10+ adjust scene-by-scene; wider color and contrast need a bright panel to shine.
- HDMI 2.1: Enables 4K@120Hz and VRR for modern game consoles.
- Smart platform: The built-in app experience varies; consider how often you'll use it vs a streaming stick.
Different types of buyers
- Movie lovers in dark rooms lean toward OLED for contrast and black levels.
- Bright living rooms benefit from high-brightness mini-LED/QLED.
- Gamers should insist on HDMI 2.1, 120Hz and low input lag.
- Sports fans want good motion handling and brightness for daytime viewing.
Price ranges
- Under $600: Good for secondary rooms; basic HDR and 60Hz.
- $600–$1,500: Strong mid-range with 120Hz and decent brightness.
- $1,500+: Premium OLED or high-peak-brightness mini-LED with full HDR.
This guide reflects general product-category knowledge, not hands-on testing. Always confirm important specifications and pricing with retailers and manufacturers.
Featured in this category
If you watch mostly in a dim room or game on a console, the C3's OLED contrast is hard to beat. In bright rooms or for heavy static-content use, a strong mini-LED may be the safer pick.
Filter & sort
The LG C4 is a top-tier 4K OLED that refines the winning formula of its predecessor with a faster 144Hz refresh rate and improved brightness, making it an excellent choice for gamers and movie enthusiasts alike.
The TCL QM7K is a strong mid-range contender that bridges the gap between budget panels and flagship models, offering impressive brightness and contrast for the price.
The Sony X90L is an excellent mid-range choice for users who want a high-quality, reliable TV that excels at both movies and gaming. It balances performance and price effectively, making it a strong contender for most living room setups.
If you watch mostly in a dim room or game on a console, the C3's OLED contrast is hard to beat. In bright rooms or for heavy static-content use, a strong mini-LED may be the safer pick.
For bright rooms and daytime viewing, the QN90C's mini-LED brightness and burn-in-free panel make it the safer, more practical choice over an OLED like the C3.
Recently added
The LG C4 is a top-tier 4K OLED that refines the winning formula of its predecessor with a faster 144Hz refresh rate and improved brightness, making it an excellent choice for gamers and movie enthusiasts alike.
The TCL QM7K is a strong mid-range contender that bridges the gap between budget panels and flagship models, offering impressive brightness and contrast for the price.
The Sony X90L is an excellent mid-range choice for users who want a high-quality, reliable TV that excels at both movies and gaming. It balances performance and price effectively, making it a strong contender for most living room setups.
If you watch mostly in a dim room or game on a console, the C3's OLED contrast is hard to beat. In bright rooms or for heavy static-content use, a strong mini-LED may be the safer pick.