Best 8K TV

Updated: Feb 5, 2024 11:11 PM
156

Total TVs Models

718.5k

Reviews Analyzed

17

Total TVs Brands

156

Total TVs Models

156

Reviews Analyzed

17

Total TVs Brands

What are the features that make for the best 8K TV? These next-gen televisions offer the best image quality around. To take advantage of that enhanced visual experience, you’ll want an option with upscaling capabilities, solid color accuracy, and a fast refresh rate.

You should also look for an 8K TV that fits your budget while recognizing that they are much more expensive than 4K TVs because they’re so new. Fortunately, the premium features included with most 8K TVs enhance the overall user experience, even if native 8K content still isn’t widely available.

If you’re planning on playing video games on your 8K TV, consider an option with low input lag, fast response times, and a variable refresh rate. This way, your gaming experience will be seamless enough for even the most competitive gamers.

Keep reading to learn more about the best 8K TVs and the best TVs in general, and how to pick the right option for you.

Product
True Score
Price
1
Samsung QN900B Neo QLED TV

Samsung QN900B Neo QLED TV

  • Best for Bright Room

89
$2,137.99
$2,348
SAVE $210
2
Samsung Q900TS
84
$4,997.99
$5,500
SAVE $502
3
Samsung QN800A
80
$1,777.97
4
TCL 6 Series 8K Roku
79
$1,189.99
$1,400
SAVE $210
5
Samsung QN900A 8K QLED
73
$2,598.95

Top 8K TVs

  • Samsung

    Samsung QN900B Neo QLED TV

    • Best for Bright Room

    The Samsung QN900B Neo QLED TV is a top-tier 8K TV for tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge technology. It’s not cheap, but worth it if you’re looking for the latest in picture quality, especially in brightly-lit rooms.

    Read Full Review → : Samsung QN900B Neo QLED TV

    True Score

    89
    92
    10

    Experts

    78
    91

    Customers

    Award Icon
    Absolutely Fresh
    SAVE $210
    $2,347.95
    $2,137.99
  • Samsung

    Samsung Q900TS

    The Samsung Q900TS QLED 8K is a flagship TV with excellent peak brightness, judder removal, fast response time, and excellent reflection diffusion. But, be aware of the poor viewing angles and lack of Dolby Vision.

    Read Full Review → : Samsung Q900TS

    True Score

    84
    86
    3

    Experts

    88
    239

    Customers

    Award Icon
    Absolutely Fresh
    SAVE $502
    $5,499.99
    $4,997.99

    Category Snapshot

    TVs

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      17 Brands, 156 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      LG, Hisense

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $400-$2000

    • Average True Score

      79.65

    • Important Test Criteria

      Brightness (cd/m2)
      Contrast Ratio (1000:1)

    • Most Trusted Testers

    • Recommended Retailer

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

    • Test Methodology

      TV Testing Methodology

  • Samsung

    Samsung QN800A

    A low contrast ratio, narrow viewing angles, and missing USB 3.0 ports may discourage some people from the Samsung QN800A, but superb motion handling, a 120Hz refresh rate, high brightness, and SpaceFit sound functionality make it worth considering.

    Read Full Review → : Samsung QN800A

    True Score

    80
    83
    2

    Experts

    90
    164

    Customers

    Award Icon
    Absolutely Fresh
    $1,777.97
  • TCL

    TCL 6 Series 8K Roku

    The premium TCL 6 Series 8K Roku is outstanding for immersive gaming with its low input lag, 120 Hz refresh rate, and VRR. Its high brightness and contrast make it great for movies and sports, but group viewing isn’t optimal owing to the narrow viewing angle.

    Read Full Review → : TCL 6 Series 8K Roku
    TCL - 65

    True Score

    79
    80
    6

    Experts

    85
    105

    Customers

    SAVE $210
    $1,399.99
    $1,189.99
  • Samsung

    Samsung QN900A 8K QLED

    The QN900A 8K QLED is a favorite among critics, owing to its fantastic viewing angles. It does have its drawbacks, like a very reflective screen, but don’t let these few flaws deter you from one of Samsung’s best TVs.

    Read Full Review → : Samsung QN900A 8K QLED

    True Score

    73
    81
    1

    Experts

    78
    161

    Customers

    Award Icon
    Absolutely Fresh
    $2,598.95

Beginner’s Guide to 8K TVs

What Are 8K TVs?

Simply put, an 8K TV is a piece of display technology that you use to watch movies or TV shows, play video games, or look at pictures. An external device like a gaming console or Blu-ray player sends visual data to your TV, which displays it in a way your eyes and brain can interpret. They have their differences from 4K TVs, which has become one of, if not, the most common TV resolution in today’s market.

4k vs 8k tv table

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I know if my TV is 4K or 8K?” you probably don’t have an 8K TV. But resolution plays a huge part in telling the difference.

8K TVs vs. Traditional TVs

8K televisions are the latest offering in display technology. While they provide the same form and function as traditional televisions, 8K TVs provide the newest features and the highest screen resolution.

For starters, they feature a 7680×4320 pixel resolution. This is 16 times greater than the standard 1920×1080 pixel resolution for TVs. An 8K screen resolution creates an image quality that is more detailed and sharper than any other TV on the market today.

In general, 8K TVs are also larger than traditional options, which range in screen size from anywhere from 22 inches all the way up to 85 inches. Because the difference between an 8K resolution and a 4K resolution is much more noticeable on a huge screen, most manufacturers only produce 8K TVs in sizes larger than 65 inches. On the other hand, if you prefer smaller-sized TVs, take a look at the best small TVs for some ideas.

How 8K TVs Work

An 8K TV doesn’t work any differently than standard television. First, you plug the TV into a power source so it can turn on. Then, you connect it to a streaming device, Blu-ray player, or gaming console so it can display the visual signals coming from those devices.

Like many modern display devices, an 8K TV uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology to create the images on the screen. LCD TVs use two panes of glass to contain a material called liquid crystal. Once the TV is powered on, it sends an electric current through the liquid crystal, which then rearranges to filter light in a way that forms images and color.

8K TVs typically use one of four different backlighting methods:

  • LED: These TVs use a simple array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting. The individual lights create a more consistent lighting experience and wide viewing angles overall. Some LED TVs also utilize edge lighting to achieve higher peak brightness levels. That means if you want a great TV for a bright room, stick with LED.
  • QLED: These TVs use both LED lights and a quantum dot filter below the LCD panels. They offer the same consistent performance, and wide viewing angles as a standard LED but with brighter and more vibrant colors thanks to the quantum dot layer. If you want rich colors, then a QLED option is a good choice.
  • Neo QLED: TVs that use Neo QLED technology are simply an evolution over standard QLED TVs. Instead of using a full-array LED panel, a Neo QLED TV uses tens of thousands of mini LEDs for more precise brightness control. This precision is much better for 8K screens where even the most minute details matter.
  • OLED: These TVs use organic LEDs for lighting instead of standard LEDs. OLED TVs are the most expensive of the lot, but they are also the best in every way. The pixels on OLED TVs are self-contained and can power on and off as needed. This creates true black on your 8K TV, which is impossible to replicate in any other kind of display technology. If you can afford it, we recommend purchasing an OLED 8K TV over any other option.

Do You Really Need an 8K TV?

8K TVs are still relatively new, and there isn’t much native 8K content available to consume. So, is it even worth it to buy an 8K television? Whether you want the newest technology or you simply want a future-proof TV, an 8K option is an excellent choice.

However, if you’re not ready to splurge on 8K, you can do well with a 60-inch, 4K TV to buy instead.

Even though native 8K content is scarce, the increased pixel count and overall image quality of 8K TVs are impossible to beat. These TVs make movies, TV shows, and video games look amazing. Plus, even the lower-end 8K models offer more premium features than any other TV. If you want a TV specifically for gaming, check out our guide to the best 4k TV for gaming.

Is an 8K TV Worth Buying?

  • You Want a Truly Cinematic Experience: 8K TVs provide a cinematic experience that is as close to an actual movie theater as you’ll ever accomplish in your own home. The extra pixels, high refresh rate, wide viewing angles, and fantastic color accuracy these TVs offer work together to create an immersive media experience.
  • You Want the Latest and Greatest Technology: 8K TVs offer the newest technology, which is very enticing to tech and home theater enthusiasts. If you need to have the best, then 8K TVs will give it to you. This includes smart features and home theater features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
  • You Want a Next Level Gaming Experience: The newest gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are compatible with 8K resolution. So, when 8K games release, you’ll be set for an enhanced gaming experience. Still, even for games with a 4K resolution, 8K TVs create the most visually stunning gaming experience possible.

Why an 8K TV May Not Be For You

  • You’re On a Budget: 8K TVs are the most expensive options available on the market today. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll likely want to stick with something in the 4K or 1080p categories.
  • You Want to Watch Native 8K Content: Since there isn’t much native 8K content available today, you may not think it’s worth it to buy an 8K TV. Buying a product that you can’t use to its fullest ability may be a detracting factor for many people.

How Long Will an 8K TV Last?

Most 8K televisions use some form of LED technology for backlighting, which is the part of the TV that is most likely to wear out the quickest. According to professionals at Visual LED, you can expect your LED 8K TV to last you between 60,000 and 100,000 hours of view time.

How to Choose the Best 8K TV

If you’re in the market for a new 8K TV, there are a few key factors to consider during the buying process. You’ll want to think about things like budget, screen size, image quality, and premium features like smart functions or Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.

Read through the following questions to learn more about the exact factors to consider while you shop.

8K TV Key Factors to Consider

1. What screen size and design factors work best for 8K TVs?

We recommend opting for something with a larger screen to get the most out of your new 8K television. Most manufacturers are only producing 8K TVs that are 65 inches or larger. You can find smaller models, but the enhanced image quality is harder to see on smaller screens.

When it comes to design, we recommend purchasing an 8K with an infinity screen, which simply means it has minimal bezels. TVs with an infinity screen design offer a more immersive viewing experience.

2. What image quality and performance features do you need to consider?

Consider these features when looking at image quality:

  • Color reproduction: Most 8K TVs offer astonishing color accuracy, but some models do better than others. Neo QLED TVs tend to provide the best mix of affordability and vibrant colors, although an OLED TV will always win in color reproduction if you have the budget for it. You’ll find some in our list of top-tier LG TVs.
  • Contrast ratio: A TV’s contrast ratio indicates how well it reproduces images with opposite colors, usually black vs. white. A high contrast ratio means you’ll get deeper blacks for better dark-scene performance
  • HDR vs. Dolby Vision: Virtually all 8K TVs support high dynamic range or HDR. This feature extends your TV’s brightness levels to create more accurate colors. If you want the best HDR experience, look for an option with Dolby Vision support. However, HDR10 is also good if you want to save some money.
  • Refresh rate: Your TV’s refresh rate is a measurement of how fast it can update with a new frame every second. Most 8K TVs will offer a 120Hz refresh rate, but there are options with a 240Hz refresh rate if you want even less screen tearing and motion blur.
  • Upscaling technology: Since there isn’t nearly as much 8K content available, you’ll want an 8K TV that can upscale 1080p and 4K content to 8K quality. Upscaling technology isn’t as good as native 8K content, but it’s better than nothing.

3. What kind of connectivity ports should your 8K TV include?

All 8K TVs offer at least one HDMI 2.1 input port. HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard for display technology, and it’s necessary for 8K TVs since it’s the only option that is fast enough to support 8K signals.

We recommend purchasing an 8K TV with more than one HDMI 2.1 port so you can connect multiple devices without worrying about a decrease in image quality.

You may also want to consider purchasing a TV with USB ports for media storage devices and an optical audio port for soundbars.

4. What gaming features do you need for your 8K TV?

If you’re planning on playing video games on your 8K TV, then you’ll want to consider an option with these features:

  • Variable refresh rate: A TV with a variable refresh rate, also sometimes known as adaptive sync technology, can match the frame rates coming from your gaming console’s graphics card. This way, you’ll get a smooth and seamless gaming experience, even with fast-paced action games.
  • Low input lag: Your TV’s input lag is a measurement of how quickly you’ll see the action you perform on your controller on the screen. A low input lag is essential for gaming.
  • Fast response time: Your TV’s response time is a measurement of how fast it can switch between colors. We recommend purchasing a TV with a response time of 5ms or under for the best gaming experience.
  • Auto low-latency mode: TVs with an auto low-latency mode (ALLM) will automatically switch to a more responsive gaming mode whenever you turn on your gaming console. This way, you won’t have to worry about manually enabling it every time you want to play video games.

5. What other premium and smart features should you consider for your 8K TV?

Most 8K TVs offer a host of premium features and smart functionality. Let’s take a look at some of the most important offerings:

  • Voice assistant compatibility: If you have a smart-home setup, then you’ll want your TV to be compatible with your preferred voice assistant. Most 8K TVs offer compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri.
  • Dolby Atmos support: TVs with support for Dolby Atmos create a cinematic experience by tricking your ears into thinking they hear surround sound. If you don’t want to pair your TV with external speakers, then Dolby Atmos compatibility is a must.
  • Smart platform: Most 8K TVs include a built-in smart platform with Wi-Fi connectivity so you can enjoy all of your streaming services without the need for an external device.

Best 8K TV Questions (FAQ)

Learn More About TVs



TVs Reviews