Top 5 Best LED TV for 2019

Find the best LED TV, learn about the top feature and get the set that is right for you.

LED stands for light-emitting diode, and when it comes to the best LED TV in 2019, this means that the screen uses LCD (liquid crystal display) technology to create the image, and uses LED lights to illuminate that image via a secondary panel section behind the first.

Read: Last Minute Superbowl TV Deals

LED lighting can produce some of the highest-quality pictures in the TV world and allow for some truly slim TV screens. Even better is the newer OLED TVs, which uses a single, self-illuminating panel for unparalleled color and appearance. Though at a much greater price.

LED TVs are popular because their backlighting is more efficient, more stable, and takes up much less space than traditional LCD backlighting using cathode fluorescent lights (plasma TVs are something entirely different, but LED TVs have made them much less popular as well). So the best LED TV can save you money and space while also avoiding some traditional problems associated with large flat screens, like burn out.

What factors makes the best LED LCD screen? The type of panel, backlighting, and of course the resolution are all important. If it’s been a while since you have picked out a new TV, you can find a significant upgrade by picking one of the new, superb models from 2017 and 2019 with a price ranging any where from $500 to $2000.

Best LED TV For 2019

	Samsung UN65JU7100	LG Signature OLED TV W	Sony Bravia OLED A1E	TCL Roku TV C-Series 2017	TCL 55FS3700
Rank	#1 - Editor's Choice/ Best Large 4K TV	2 - Best Connection Options	3 - Best Samsung 4K TV	4 - Best Screen Size Choices	5 - Best Smart TV Interface
Amazon Rating		Pending	Pending	Pending
4k Capable
Resolution	3840 x 2160	3840 x 2160	3840 x 2160	3840 x 2160	1920x1080
Refresh Rates	240CMR	Pending	Pending	Pending	120hz
Local Dimming
HDMI Inputs	4	4	4	3	3
WiFi
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

#1 Pick Samsung UN65JU7100 UHD TV – Best Large 4K TV

This Samsung JU7100RS is one of the best LED TVs around thanks to 4K and plenty of size options.

Why we picked it: Plenty of options for size and a great 4K TV at a very affordable price make this line-up the best around.

Samsung has been making some great TVs for years now, and when 4K rolled along the company was ready with new models to take advantage of it. In addition to the extra-high resolution, this TV comes with 4 HDMI ports and 3 USB ports. We know that we just got finishing talking about how all those buzzwords and terms that TV makers throw around can be safely ignored, but we would like to point out that this model does come with UHD dimming, which automatically adjusts backlight based on sensors reading – you may or may not notice the effects, but it is a cool little addition.

Note also that we picked the 65-inch version of this TV to highlight, because this is a great size to emphasize the clarity of 4K definition while still being small enough to fit into the average entertainment system. However, you can choose a different size very easily if you prefer a smaller or larger model. Just remember to not go too small, since this can negate the amazing effects of 4K definition.

View on Amazon – $1897.99

#2 Pick Sharp LC55UB30U 4K LED TV – Best Connection Options

The LC65UB30U is a solid 4K, LED TV at an incredible price.

Why we picked it: Great connectivity and an amazing price point set this 4K LED TV apart, especially for those on a budget.

Compared to the average 4K TV on the market this Sharp model is cheap, cheap, cheap – but don’t mistake that for a lack of quality – this is one of the best LED TV options for the price. Two features immediately stand out: First, it has Sharp’s SmartCentral browsing options, which may not be the best around but are definitely not the worst if you don’t have a set-top box. Second, this TV has more connectivity than usual with 2 USB ports, 4 HDMI ports, a component port, a composite port, an Ethernet port, a Digital Optical Audio Out port, and a couple others…an ideal set-up for an entertainment system.

We should add, however, that the refresh rate is a bit low at 60Hz. This is completely tolerable, but for really fast action or other specific image demands you may notice the difference from, say, a 120Hz TV.

As with the Samsung model and some of our other picks, there are multiple sizes available for this Sharp TV, ranging from 43-inch models to 65-inch options. Prices increase predictably along with size, so choosing a smaller model is a great way to save even more money.

View on Amazon – $939.98

#3 Pick Samsung UN55JS8500 4K LED TV – Best 3D 4K TV

LED TV Samsung UN55JS8500

Why we picked it: Affordability and great image quality for a 4K, 3D TV make this model stand out once we clear away the OLEDs.

There are several entries in the JS8500 series, but the 55-inch model is an ideal candidate for best LED TV, and chances are good that you will really how much lower the price is compared to some of the other models out there (particularly OLED). This screen is 4K and comes with 3D capabilities, but it is not OLED, which is why both the picture quality and the price take a big hit.

Read: Samsung UN65JS8500 Review

Other features include Samsung’s strong smart TV features and compatibility with other Samsung devices, including your phones – as well as options for mobile streaming. Ports including four HDMI, three USB, one component, and one composite. Samsung likes to tout its UHD upscaling features, but be warned here that you want to avoid upscaling when possible, because it can screw with picture quality.

View on Amazon – $1,797.99

#4 Pick Vizio M Series – Best Screen Size Choices

Viziers LED TV offer 4K and more for a reasonable price.

Why we picked it: Tons of size options and a quality screen at a low price make these models hard to beat.

The M Series is massive and spans years, so for this particular screen we need to focus on the 2015 models, which provide 4K resolutions at an incredibly affordable price. We didn’t list a particular model number for these Vizios because they come with a variety of different sizing options, from 43 inches to 70 inches and beyond. Pick the one that’s right for you.

Read: Best 55 Inch TV

All of the models have certain things in common – specs are a bit bare-bones but still solid enough. Notably, there are 5 HGMI ports but only one USB port. The LED backlighting is full array with dozens of different active zones for better clarity. The Vizio Smart TV experience is also here, but you may prefer relying on your other smart devices instead.

View on Amazon – $848

#5 Pick  TCL FS3700 Roku LED TV – Best Smart TV Interface

The TCL 55FS3700 is a budget set with great features.

Why we picked it: An affordable large screen with Roku’s easy to use smart tv interface.

Price, price and price.  Okay, that’s not the only reason TCL’s 55FS3700 55-inch set made our list, but it was a big factor, especially if you’re looking for bang for buck.  In addition to a price tag of below $600, this set offers Roku’s slick and well vetted smart tv interface, which includes Netflix, HBO Go, YouTube and many, many more.

If that doesn’t satiate your needs, you’ll also appreciate the 120hz refresh rate, 3 HDMI inputs and fairly thin bezel.  Providing the impression that this set isn’t on the budget side.

View on Amazon – $549.99

Key Indicators of a Top LED TV

Black Shades: Let’s talk about TV specs for a minute – you can ignore most of them. All those numbers and fancy terms that are used to describe TVs don’t really mean anything at all. Contrast ratios? Easy to fudge however you want. Luminance? Not very important. Color improving technology? It can do more harm than good. You get the idea. However, what will always be important is how well the best LED TV can reproduce quality blacks that actually look black instead of gray. Look for screens that are reviewed to have particularly good black levels.

Color Saturation: It’s not as important as some factors, but color saturation refers to how faithfully the TV can produce colors. This is generally similar across LED TVs and can often be adjusted anyway, but look for TVs that have great color saturation.

Size: Yes, bigger really does tend to be better, especially when it comes to your TV. The size will still have a direct effect on picture quality. Bigger TVs allow higher resolutions to show up more clearly, so for the best picture aim for something that is at least 55-inches.

Curved or Flat: Curved screens are the big new factor that most brands are using in their marketing. When possible choose a flat screen. A curved screen adds little to the picture quality, though some say those seated off center will feel more engaged and it might slightly reduce reflections.

Reflections: A TV’s glass facade, by its nature, will be reflective.  However, a well made TV will reduce reflections and in turn improve picture quality.

Most Important LED TV Features

Resolution

• As we have mentioned, look for resolution numbers that is at least “1080”.  That’s full HD.
• Keep in mind that higher resolution sets may be called 4K or Ultra, depending on the brand.
• Resolution is more noticeable the larger the screen.

Screen Type

• There are actually a few different types of LED TVs to consider. All use some form of innate backlighting, but in different ways.
• The best LED TV options use OLED or organic light-emitting diodes. These screens have an organic compound on each diode that allows the diode to glow when it produces color (a little like a glowing jellyfish, if that helps). This means that the screen and the backlighting are literally the same thing, and that one ultra-thin panel can produce brighter, better colors than any other type of LED TV. The downside is that OLEDs are still pretty expensive to produce and so the MSRP tends to be too much for many wallets.  And hence why this article doesn’t include any.
• In absence of OLED, look for LED screens that have full backlighting instead of just backlighting around the edges (aka edge lit). This tends to improve the image quality in most circumstances and often means local dimming, allowing the TV to turn off LEDs in smaller area thus improving blacks and reducing light leak.

Refresh Rates

• The refresh rate refers to how quickly the image is updated, and is typically measured in Hz. Does this refresh rate matter? A little – which is why we are mentioning it. If two TVs with absolutely everything else in common, the TV with the higher refresh rate is usually better at sports, games and action scenes, depending on content.
• Look for 120Hz and 240Hz screens instead of 60Hz. Generally anything higher than 60Hz is better, but don’t let this become a selling point.

Connectivity

• Nearly every TV these days has some smart features. If you rely on TV smart features instead of a set-top box or console to access apps like Netflix and so on, make sure that your TV has the right smart features and works with your favorite brands and apps.
• We tend to go with WiFi enabled TVs for convenience.  But those on a budget might wanna consider those without, like our #5 pick.

Which LED TV Is Right for You

As often happens, your choice comes down to how much TV you can afford. A large OLED TV like those offered by LG and now Panasonic will give you the best blacks and picture possible, but are often incredibly expensive. Fortunately, 4K TVs are currently hitting the sweet spot in terms of price, so if you are stuck with traditional LED and a practical budget, look into Samsung and Vizio. We put Samsung a bit head because of reliability and features, but Vizio’s options are certainly worth a look, too.

Also Read: Best TV For Gaming