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As we set out on our quest to find the best LED TV for 2023, we started online. There are hundreds of options to sift through, which can be overwhelming in and of itself, so we took care of that legwork for you. In our online research, we created a list of the top 20 LED TVs, which had the most and best customer reviews, along with the features we were looking for – 4K resolution, plenty of input ports, and sleek designs. If you follow our guide, it should be easy to find the best TV.
After we finished our online research, we purchased all of the TVs on that list of 20, so we could plug them in at home and put them through some real-world testing. This way we would know which new TV had the best features. During our hands-on testing, we measured things like color accuracy, picture quality, and ease of use. Once we had watched everything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we eliminated all but 5 LED TVs and created our top 5 list. At the top of that list is the Samsung UN65RU7100FXZA, which offers a superb picture at a fantastic price. Samsung is definitely a great TV, as are the rest of the best TVs on this list. Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about our top pick and the other TVs that made the list.
Award: Best Large 4K TV
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 3 HDMI ports and 2 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 the 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. For a smaller TV, you’d want a 21-inch LED TV. But, if you’re interested in TVs with amazing 4K definition, you may want to check out our guide to the best OLED TVs.
View on Amazon – $1897.99
Award: Best Connection Options
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 Sony 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 a ton of different smart TV options, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, Android TV, and PlayStation Vue. Second, this TV has more connectivity than usual with 3 USB ports, 4 HDMI ports, a component port, a composite port, an Ethernet port, a Digital Optical Audio Out port, and a couple of others, which is 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 Sony TV, ranging from 43-inch models to 65-inch options. This variability in size makes this the best TV, no matter your space limitations. Prices increase predictably along with size, so choosing a smaller model is a great way to save even more money. If you want the best 55-inch TV, consider the Sony X950G TV instead.
View on Amazon – $699.61
Award: Best Budget LED TV
Why we picked it: Affordability and great image quality for a 4K TV make this model stand out once we clear away the OLEDs.
There are several entries in the H8F series, but the 50-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 plenty of smart TV options, 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 HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR, as well as a full array of local dimming for a more dynamic viewing experience. This High Dynamic Range will make for the perfect viewing experience. Ports include four HDMI, two USBs, and one composite. Hisense 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. Compare this with the Vizio P Series, Quantum X, for a TV if you want a TV that offers Quantum Dot technology. And, if you’re looking for more HDR TV options, then check out our best HDR TV guide.
View on Amazon – $349.99
TCL’s LED TVs offer 4K and more for a reasonable price.
Award: Best Screen Size Choices
Why we picked it: Tons of size options and a quality screen at a low price make these models hard to beat.
The TCL S425 series is quickly gaining popularity amongst budget TV shoppers, and it’s easy to see why. For this particular screen, we have focused on the 2023 models, which provide 4K resolutions at an incredibly affordable price. We didn’t list a particular model number for these TCLs because they come with a variety of different sizing options, from 43 inches to 75 inches. Pick the one that’s right for you. This TV beat out the Vizio P-Series this year due to its extreme affordability.
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 3 HDMI ports but only one USB port. The TCL is also a Roku TV, which means you’ll get the Roku interface whenever you use the smart functionality of the TV. We’ve never had a problem with this interface, though, so we don’t think you’ll have a problem either. If you’re looking for something affordable with tons of options still, this is the LED TV for you. Compare this with the TCL 6 series if you’re looking to upgrade your TV.
View on Amazon – $299.99
Award: Best Smart TV Interface
Why we picked it: An amazing OLED 4K TV with LG’s easy-to-use webOS interface.
OLED, OLED, and OLED. Okay, that’s not the only reason LG’s OLED55B8PUA 55-inch set made our list, but it was a big factor, especially if you’re looking for a bang for your buck. In addition to absolutely stunning picture quality, this set offers LG’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 60hz refresh rate, 4 HDMI inputs, and super thin bezel. Plus, the look of the TV goes well anywhere. What can we say? It was love at first sight for us.
View on Amazon – $1,199.95
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. You can find some great ones in our lists of the finest Mitsubishi TVs, high-end curved TVs, and top-tier OLED TVs.
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. Although keep in mind that you want a TV with a strong resolution, the more powerful the TV is, also means it won’t be the most energy-efficient TV.
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. However, if you do need a smaller TV, there are options that are LED as well. You can read our LG 24LJ4540 TV review for one such option.
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.
Resolution
Screen Type
Refresh Rates
Connectivity
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 is 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 ahead because of its reliability and features, but Vizio’s options are certainly worth a look, too.
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