In 2025, smart TVs are revolutionizing home entertainment with breathtaking 4K resolution, vibrant OLED contrasts, and efficient LCD innovations-making the hunt for the best TVs more exciting than ever. As showcased at CES 2025, tech reviewer Lee Neikirk and Wirecutter praise standouts like the Hisense U8QG and TCL QM6K for their value and picture quality. This guide breaks down essential features, from display tech to smart OS, empowering you to buy confidently and future-proof your setup.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Opt for OLED for superior contrast and blacks, QLED for vibrant colors in bright rooms, or Mini-LED for balanced performance; 4K remains essential, while 8K suits future-proofing large screens.
- Choose Roku for user-friendly simplicity, Android TV for app variety, or webOS for seamless integration; prioritize voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control.
- Ensure Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, multiple HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming with low input lag and support for refresh rate up to 120 Hz, and Dolby Atmos support for pairing with a soundbar or bookshelf speakers; budget $500-$2000 for budget TV to premium LCD based on brand like Samsung or LG, watching for AI upscaling trends.
Key Display Technologies in 2025
In 2025 televisions, advanced display technologies-such as OLED panels, which deliver perfect black levels, and Mini-LED backlighting, which achieves peak brightness of up to 2000 nits-play a critical role in defining picture quality across both premium and budget models.
OLED vs. QLED vs. Mini-LED
OLED technology provides superior black levels through self-emissive pixels, resulting in infinite contrast ratios, whereas QLED enhances color reproduction via quantum dots for 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. Mini-LED improves LCD performance by incorporating up to 1,000 dimming zones, as exemplified in the Hisense U8QG model.
To select the appropriate television, compare these technologies through specific models. OLED delivers perfect black levels but is susceptible to burn-in, a risk mitigated by pixel-shifting features in LG’s product lineup.
QLED performs exceptionally in brightly lit rooms due to its anti-glare coatings, making it well-suited for sports viewing. Mini-LED offers strong value with its superior motion handling capabilities.
| Technology | Model (55-inch) | Price | Peak Brightness (nits) | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | LG C5 | $1,500 | 800 | Infinite contrast | Dark rooms, movies |
| QLED | Samsung QN90F | $800 | 1,500 | Vibrant colors, 100% DCI-P3 | Bright rooms, sports |
| Mini-LED | TCL QM6K | $600 | 1,000+ | Local dimming, wide viewing angles | Gaming, value setups |
Laboratory tests by Rtings.com indicate that Mini-LED exhibits 20% superior motion handling compared to QLED, benefiting from high refresh rates like 144 Hz and low input lag ideal for gaming. Selection should be based on room lighting conditions, screen size, and budget to ensure optimal viewing performance.
Resolution: 4K, 8K, and Beyond
The 4K UHD resolution, measuring 3840×2160 pixels, continues to serve as the prevailing standard for approximately 95% of televisions available in 2025. This resolution provides exceptional clarity and detail, particularly when rendering Dolby Vision HDR content.
For those seeking enhanced future-proofing, select 8K models, such as the Sony Bravia 8 II, support resolutions up to 7680×4320 pixels.
To fully comprehend the implications of resolution on viewing experiences, consider the following structured approach:
- Begin by understanding the fundamentals of 4K resolution. Streaming services like Netflix typically deliver content at bitrates of 15-25 Mbps, which is optimal for various screen sizes such as 55-inch displays viewed from a distance of 6-8 feet, in accordance with UHD Alliance standards. These standards also ensure compatibility with HDR technology, capable of achieving peak brightness levels of 1,000 nits.
- Evaluate the benefits of 8K resolution. While platforms such as YouTube provide occasional 8K demonstration videos, native 8K content constitutes less than 1% of available streams. Consequently, 8K may be excessive for viewing environments with screens smaller than 100 inches.
- Utilize advanced upscaling technologies, such as the artificial intelligence features integrated into LG C5 OLED televisions. These systems can upscale 1080p content to approximate 4K quality in as little as two seconds through sophisticated neural network processing.
For smaller screen sizes like 32-inch budget TVs, options such as the Samsung UN32F6000F and Samsung QN32Q8F provide excellent value, while the 43-inch Samsung QN43QN90F offers premium QLED performance in a compact form. It is advisable to refrain from purchasing an 8K television without sufficient 4K content sources, as this can result in an inefficient expenditure of over $500 on underutilized pixels. For the majority of home setups, prioritizing 4K resolution is recommended unless employing exceptionally large displays.
Smart Operating Systems Explained
Advanced smart operating systems, such as webOS employed in LG televisions and Google TV integrated into Hisense models, leverage artificial intelligence to enable seamless navigation. These platforms support over 5,000 applications and provide voice control capabilities through compatibility with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Roku, Android TV, and webOS
Roku OS excels in simplicity on the TCL QM6K, offering free access to over 500,000 titles across channels. Android TV provides comprehensive integration with the Google ecosystem on the Sony Bravia 8 II, while webOS features gesture-based controls via the Magic Remote on the LG C5 Series.
| Operating System | Price (Built-in) | Key Features | Best Suited For | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku | Free | Universal search, easy setup | Beginners | Pros: Minimal advertisements; Cons: No native gaming support |
| Android TV | Free | Chromecast built-in, app sideloading | Google ecosystem users | Pros: Extensive app ecosystem; Cons: Occasional bloatware |
| webOS | $0 | AI-generated thumbnails, over 100 apps | LG TV owners | Pros: Fluid user interface; Cons: Exclusive to LG devices |
| Tizen OS | Free | Samsung ecosystem integration, Bixby voice assistant | Samsung ecosystem users | Pros: Seamless smart home connectivity; Cons: Limited third-party app availability |
For novice users, Roku OS is particularly noteworthy due to its rapid five-minute setup process, which facilitates immediate access to streaming content. This attribute was commended in PCMag’s 2023 reviews for its low-frustration experience.
Conversely, webOS presents a more challenging learning curve, primarily attributable to its gesture-oriented Magic Remote, which may intimidate beginners despite the platform’s intuitive thumbnail previews.
Ultimately, Roku’s straightforward plug-and-play functionality aligns more effectively with the needs of casual users compared to the sophisticated capabilities of webOS.
App Ecosystems and Voice Assistants
The app ecosystems available on Google TV encompass over 10,000 downloads, enhanced by AI-driven recommendations that personalize user feeds. Similarly, voice assistants such as Siri on webOS facilitate hands-free control for approximately 80% of users, according to a 2024 Gartner report.
To optimize the utilization of these features, adhere to the following best practices:
- Prioritize app selection by focusing on essential services like Netflix and Disney+, which require approximately 2 GB of storage space. Install these applications through the Google Play Store to ensure seamless integration.
- Configure voice control by pairing Alexa in under one minute via the Tizen settings on Samsung televisions. Position the remote at a distance from potential echo sources to minimize feedback interference.
- Capitalize on AI capabilities by activating the ‘For You’ row on Google TV, which can increase watch time by 30%. Perform quarterly updates on all applications to maintain compatibility and relevance.
During Google I/O 2024, announcements highlighted enhancements that reduce navigation time by 50% on 65-inch screens, as demonstrated in official presentations.
Learn more, Voice Commands on Smart TVs: How does it work and …
Connectivity and Smart Features
Contemporary smart televisions are equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports that facilitate 4K resolution at up to 165 Hz passthrough, including 120 Hz and 144 Hz options with VRR and ALLM for gaming, complemented by Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for seamless, lag-free streaming. These devices also support the ATSC 3.0 standard, enabling next-generation broadcasting capabilities, as demonstrated in models such as the Hisense U8QG.
Ports, Wi-Fi Standards, and Streaming
Premium televisions, such as the LG C5, feature four HDMI 2.1 ports that support enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality. These are complemented by Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, delivering speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps to facilitate seamless 4K streaming at 100 Mbps without interruptions.
To optimize your setup, adhere to the following numbered steps:
- Allocate ports: Assign HDMI 1 to your gaming console to enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, a process that can be completed in approximately 10 minutes via the television’s input menu.
- Optimize Wi-Fi: Switch to the 5 GHz band to minimize interference-steer clear of channel overlap on the 2.4 GHz band, a prevalent issue that can reduce speeds by 30%. Employ your router’s application for efficient adjustments.
- Test streaming: Activate the ATSC 3.0 tuner for 4K over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, an upgrade from ATSC 1.0 that yields 50% sharper image quality according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) studies. The complete setup requires about 20 minutes.
For upcoming developments, consult previews of IEEE 802.11be standards, which will introduce Wi-Fi 7 in 2025 models with potential speeds of up to 46 Gbps. These advancements make the best TVs even more appealing for connectivity.
Audio and Performance Enhancements
To elevate the television audio experience, incorporate Dolby Atmos soundbars such as the Sonos Arc, priced at $900, which delivers immersive 5.1.4 surround sound. Complement this with a 120 Hz refresh rate to ensure seamless motion handling in dynamic, fast-paced content.
Soundbars, Dolby Atmos, and Refresh Rates
Consider pairing the Vizio 5.1 soundbar, priced at $400, with Dolby Atmos technology to enable height channels that simulate overhead sound effects. This configuration complements the 144 Hz refresh rate of the TCL QM6K television, delivering smooth, blur-free 4K playback at 60 frames per second.
To select an appropriate audio setup, it is advisable to evaluate the following options:
| Tool | Price | Key Features | Best For | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vizio 5.1 Soundbar | $400 | Dolby Atmos, 5.1 channels, wireless sub | Home theater | Pros: Immersive sound; Cons: App glitches |
| Sonos Beam | $500 | Atmos, wireless, voice control | Apartments | Pros: Compact; Cons: Bass limited |
| Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers | $600/pair | Stereo, wired, high-fidelity | Music listening | Pros: Accurate audio; Cons: Needs amp |
For integration, follow these steps:
- Connect via HDMI eARC (approximately 5 minutes) to support lossless audio transmission.
- Calibrate the television’s refresh rate to 120 Hz through the settings menu.
It is critical to avoid pairing Dolby Atmos with incompatible televisions, as this will deactivate the height channel effects. According to a 2022 study by Dolby Laboratories, the implementation of Atmos results in a 25% increase in user engagement.
Gaming Capabilities for Smart TVs
Smart televisions, such as the LG C5 Series, provide advanced gaming capabilities, including input lag below 10 ms, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support up to 120 Hz or even 165 Hz in select models, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) via HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
To optimize these features, adhere to the following procedures:
- Activate Game Mode in the television settings, which reduces lag to 9 ms on the LG C5 model-a process that takes approximately 2 minutes through the remote control menu;
- Utilize HDMI 2.1 ports when connecting consoles such as the PlayStation 5 to enable full VRR functionality and 4K resolution at 120 Hz (refrain from using HDMI 2.0 ports to avoid screen tearing);
- Conduct performance testing using NVIDIA’s FrameView software, aiming for a target of 60 frames per second in esports applications.
According to NVIDIA’s 2023 study, this configuration reduces input lag by 50 percent, thereby enhancing accuracy by 20 percent in competitive gaming scenarios. Demonstrations at CES 2024 illustrated the automatic activation of LG’s ALLM for mobile gaming; however, a frequent error is disabling this feature, which can result in a significant increase in latency.
Pricing, Brands, and Buying Tips
Budget TV options are available starting at $150 for the 32-inch Samsung UN32F6000F model, while premium LCD options, such as the 65-inch LG C5, reach up to $2,000. According to Wirecutter reviewer Lee Neikirk, the TCL QM6K offers exceptional value at $500, delivering strong mini-LED performance.
| Model | Price | Size | Best For | Pros/Cons | |—————-|——-|———-|———————–|————————————|| Model | Price | Size | Best For | Pros/Cons | | |
According to Consumer Reports’ 2025 data, television prices typically fluctuate by 10-20%.
Key purchasing considerations include the following:
- Select a screen size appropriate for the viewing distance (e.g., 55-inch for 8-10 feet).
- Review ratings from sources like Rtings, targeting scores above 8.0.
- Take advantage of seasonal promotions, such as Black Friday sales, which can offer savings of up to 30%.
For a mid-range television priced at $1,200, the built-in streaming capabilities can provide a return on investment of $1,200 within two years by eliminating the need for traditional cable subscriptions.
Future Trends to Watch in 2025
During CES 2025, prototypes of Micro LED displays are expected to deliver a brightness level of 10,000 nits without the risk of burn-in, surpassing traditional RGB LED backlighting. Concurrently, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven upscaling with advanced AI features in QD-OLED televisions, including forthcoming models from Samsung, will facilitate real-time enhancement of 1080p content to 4K resolution.
The primary trends influencing television technology include:
- The adoption of Micro LED technology, as evidenced by Samsung’s demonstrations of 75-inch models priced in excess of $10,000; recommendation: defer purchase until prices decline below $5,000 by 2026, in accordance with forecasts from IEEE Spectrum.
- AI enhancements, such as those in Google TV’s neural networks, which yield a 40% improvement in upscaling performance (MIT study, 2023).
- The implementation of ATSC 3.0, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for 4K broadcasts commencing in 2025, thereby enabling advertising targeted by zip code.
- The incorporation of sustainable materials, prompted by European Union regulations on OLED recycling, which aim to reduce electronic waste by 30% by 2030.
Case Study: Sony’s 2024 AI-enabled television achieved a 25% increase in viewer engagement through personalized recommendations (IEEE Spectrum, 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Smart TV, and why should I consider one in 2025?
In “Smart TVs Explained: What to Know Before You Buy in 2025,” a Smart TV is defined as a television with built-in internet connectivity and interactive features, allowing access to streaming services, apps, and voice controls without external devices. In 2025, they’re essential for seamless home entertainment, offering improved AI integration and 8K resolution for future-proofing your setup.
What are the key features to look for in Smart TVs in 2025?
According to “Smart TVs Explained: What to Know Before You Buy in 2025,” prioritize features like OLED or LCD displays alongside Mini-LED for superior picture quality, support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, built-in voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa, and compatibility with major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+. Energy efficiency and HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming are also crucial for modern buyers.
How do different Smart TV operating systems compare in 2025?
“Smart TVs Explained: What to Know Before You Buy in 2025” highlights that popular OS include webOS (LG), Tizen (Samsung), Google TV (Sony, TCL), and Roku OS. Google TV excels in app variety and personalization, while Roku offers simplicity and a neutral interface. Choose based on your ecosystem-Android users may prefer Google TV for seamless integration.
What should I know about Smart TV sizes and resolutions for 2025 purchases?
As detailed in “Smart TVs Explained: What to Know Before You Buy in 2025,” select sizes from 55 to 85 inches for most living rooms, matching your viewing distance (about 1.5 times the screen diagonal). Resolutions like 4K are standard, but 8K models are gaining traction with better upscaling tech. Ensure the TV supports high refresh rates (120Hz+) for smooth sports and gaming.
Are there privacy and security concerns with Smart TVs in 2025?
“Smart TVs Explained: What to Know Before You Buy in 2025” advises awareness of data collection via cameras and mics on Smart TVs. Opt for models with robust privacy settings, automatic updates, and VPN compatibility. Brands like Samsung and LG have improved encryption, but always review app permissions and disable unnecessary features to protect your information.
How much should I budget for a quality Smart TV in 2025?
In “Smart TVs Explained: What to Know Before You Buy in 2025,” budgets range from $300 for entry-level 4K models to over $2,000 for premium 8K OLEDs with advanced features. Mid-range options around $800-1,200 offer great value, including smart capabilities and soundbars. Factor in sales events and warranties for the best deals without compromising on longevity.
