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Which TV Brand Is the Best?
This is a pretty common question, and the short answer is: Don't shop for a TV based on the brand. Every TV manufacturer makes a full range of models in a variety of tiers based on price and performance. Different brands of TVs in the same tier are much more comparable than the same TV brand in different tiers, and you should keep that in mind. For example, just because it's a Samsung TV doesn't mean it's a good or bad Samsung TV; there's a wide spread of performance among Samsung TVs in the first place.
How do smart TVs compare to stand-alone streaming devices?
The best smart TVs deliver solid streaming performance, and most buyers will be satisfied with their built-in interfaces, app catalogs, and features. However, navigation speed and overall app stability tend to be a bit snappier when using a separate streaming device. Likewise, some people may prefer a different interface or digital assistant than the ones that come built into their TV.
If you're unhappy with your smart TV's navigation speed, service selection, or visual design, check out our guide to the best streaming devices. Picks include set-top boxes and streaming sticks from Amazon, Google, Roku, and Apple. Reliable entry-level options are frequently available for under $20, while flagship models typically cost between $70 and $150.
When will 2026 smart TV models be available?
Several TV brands announced new 2026 smart TV models at the CES tech show in Las Vegas. Some models, including TCL's new flagship X11L, are set to launch shortly. However, most 2026 smart TVs are not expected to hit stores until the spring. We'll review new models for consideration in this guide once they become available.
However, it's key to remember that 2025 TV models will still be available for purchase for much of the year. And since they'll be on sale for less than newer 2026 TVs, they will likely remain the better value while supplies last.
I’ve read mixed reviews about Samsung. I want a 70-75 inch smart TV. I currently have a FireTV.
Edit: Thanks for the recommendations everyone! I ended up purchasing the LG - 65" Class C4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV.
Today i'm gonna tell you how to choose the right smarTV for any setup (this is a long post but I think it's good for you to know these before making any purchase).
Dont focus on the brand exclusively cuz the majors all have pluses and minuses, and with mass production, there is always a chance you can end up with a lemon.
It depends on what you are looking for in terms of features and ease of use.
The major brands are divided into tiers:
Tier 1: Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic (Panasonic not available widely in the U.S.), you can check their website here
https://www.lg.com/us/tvs (LG) - https://electronics.sony.com/televisions (Sony) - https://www.samsung.com/smart-tv/ (Samsung)
and these are their best specific models (at every budget range) preferred the most right now imo:
Class Neo QLED QN990F - Class Neo QLED QN90F
LG OLED evo series and LG QNED smart TVs
Class OLED S95F
Samsung Neo QLED and Class Crystal UHD sets
BRAVIA class Mini LED QLED 4K HDR Google TV
Class LG OLED evo AI C5
It’s difficult to overloook Sony and Samsung as lead players in the smart TV game. They’ve been selling smart TVs for almost as long as streaming services have existed. I particularly liked the Samsung Neo QLED 4K QNX1D, choosing the 65” model as a good fit for medium-sized living spaces. The Sony Bravia BRAVIA 9 Mini LED QLED 4K was also high in our estimations, combining the best of Quantum Dot color accuracy with mini-LED contrast and edge crispness.
Tier 2: Vizio - TCL - Hisense (Some models in each of these brands actually do well against the tier-one brands). Also, Skyworth and Konka are beginning to enter the US. market with some models that may be in this group.
Top options for each brand: Quantum Pro 4K Smart TV (Vizio)- QD-mini LED smart TVs and QLED Pro (TCL) - Class U6 Series MiniLED ULED (Hisense)
Tbh, it was quite hard to create a gap between Hisense and TCL, they both offer huge screens with matching advanced display technologies and Google tv streaming. Perhaps TCL has the edge, at least from a quality control viewpoint, but it’s not always easy to judge, especially when reading subjective comments off of forums. Our models, used for this review, performed perfectly well. Vizio might be the tiebreaker here, splitting the difference between budgetary concerns and brand maturity. They’ve simply been around a little longer, long enough to have developed a good reputation among shoppers and a more mature, consistently stable smart TV streaming experience.
Tier 3: Toshiba, Hitachi, Sharp (U.S. models), Insignia, and other store brands.
Tier 4: Lesser know brands: Sceptre, etc…
The best thing to do is to go to a dealer and check these things:
How doers the tv look overall when you are viewiing from directly in front of it??
How does the tv look when you are viewing off-angle....(off to the sides)?
Does the tv screen have glaree (reflects objects in the room)?
How does the tv look at the distance from which you will be viewing?
How bright is the tv?
How does the tv perform with dark scenes? When you see bright objects on the screen against a dark background, do you see halos around the bright objects?
What size tv screen will fit in your space?
If you are looking for a smart tv, does it have the apps and streaming services you want to watch?
How does the tv sound? Since TVs are so thin now there isnt room for good speakers - so consider getting a soundbar or other external audio system to get better sound.
Is the remote control easy to use?
Whatever your choice, while extreme low prices, sub $500 may be attractive, we suggest spending a little more. This is a long-term investment, a device that’ll sit pride of place as part of a living room entertainment system, or mounted on a wall, so save your wages an extra month to buy that ideal model, the one that has every streaming and visual feature you’ve been after for ages. And dont ignore sound.
If tinny sound is a dealbreaker, though, that doesnt mean you have to drop your final choice like it’s a hot potato. Still want that superb screen, gaming refresh rate and popular smart tv OS? Then consider adding a soundbar to your spending limit, stretching the costs to ensure that the perfect display is accompanied by equally perfect sound in the form of immersive, easily installed virtual surround audio.
Hope this helped.