I’ve been reviewing TVs for 10 years and these are the best of 2025

If you're looking to upgrade your home theater with a high-end OLED TV for the ultimate entertainment center or just need a budget-friendly second screen, there are tons of great options from both big brands like Samsung and Sony, as well as smaller brands like TCL and Hisense. With updates like improved OLED panels and object tracking sound, it's easier than ever to find a quality TV no matter your budget.

For anyone who has cut the cord with their cable or satellite provider, almost all new TVs on the market come with a variety of smart features as standard like a suite of popular, preloaded apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, integrated voice controls, and automatic picture modes for streaming and console gaming. Speaking of console gaming, many new TVs also support VRR technology like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, as well as refresh rates of 120Hz or higher for smoother action during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes. 

What is the best TV right now?

At ZDNET, we've extensively tested TVs from Samsung, Sony, TCL, and more. Our choice for the best TV overall is the Samsung S95D for its object-tracking sound, excellent picture quality, and integrated security chip. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung S95D, as well as my other top picks for the best TVs you can buy.

Also: Best VPNs for smart TVs

The best TVs of 2025

Why we like it:  The Samsung S95D is a great OLED TV with an incredible picture. It also features support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound as well as object-tracking sound for audio that follows the on-screen action. It has a refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for console gaming. And with a dedicated gaming dashboard, you can get access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass to play your favorite titles without a PC or console.

Read more: Samsung's S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and the best in the world right now 

Who it's for: The Samsung S95D is an almost perfect choice for anyone who has been looking to invest in an OLED TV as their main screen. With HDR support and high refresh rate, it's great for everything from catching up with local news and sports to bingeing your favorite comfort shows or teaming up with friends for online games on the weekends.

Who should look elsewhere: Since the S95D is an OLED model, it has a higher retail price than its Mini LED or QLED cousins. So if you're looking to upgrade on a budget, or don't necessarily need all the fancy extra features that come with this TV, there are some more affordable options on this list.

Samsung S95D specs: Screen size: 55-77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: OLED HDR Pro | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google

• Up to 144Hz refresh rate
• Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+
• Anti-glare screen coating

• Expensive at larger screen sizes
• No Dolby Vision support

Why we like it:  The Samsung S95D is a great OLED TV with an incredible picture. It also features support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound as well as object-tracking sound for audio that follows the on-screen action. It has a refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for console gaming. And with a dedicated gaming dashboard, you can get access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass to play your favorite titles without a PC or console.

Read more: Samsung's S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and the best in the world right now 

Who it's for: The Samsung S95D is an almost perfect choice for anyone who has been looking to invest in an OLED TV as their main screen. With HDR support and high refresh rate, it's great for everything from catching up with local news and sports to bingeing your favorite comfort shows or teaming up with friends for online games on the weekends.

Who should look elsewhere: Since the S95D is an OLED model, it has a higher retail price than its Mini LED or QLED cousins. So if you're looking to upgrade on a budget, or don't necessarily need all the fancy extra features that come with this TV, there are some more affordable options on this list.

Samsung S95D specs: Screen size: 55-77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: OLED HDR Pro | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google

Why we like it: The TCL U65 is an affordable smart TV that comes in a range of screen sizes from as small as 43 inches to a truly cinema-sized 98-inch model. With support for both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, you get great picture and audio quality for the price, while integrated voice controls give you hands-free use over your new TV and connected devices.

Who it's for: If you're looking to upgrade your main home theater screen on a budget, or if you need an affordable small-screen for your college dorm or apartment, the TCL U65 is a great option. With a 60Hz refresh rate, you'll get cleaner motion while watching movies, shows, and live sports.

Who should look elsewhere: While this TV has a lot of cool smart features, it's lower refresh rate might turn off some users who watch a lot of live sports or fast-paced movies and shows. It also uses a regular LED panel, which can't create as many colors as QLED, Mini-LED, or OLED panels can.

TCL U65 specs: Screen size: 43-98 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit

• Affordable at any size
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
• Built-in voice controls

• Only 60Hz refresh rate
• No G-Sync or FreeSync VRR support

Why we like it: The TCL U65 is an affordable smart TV that comes in a range of screen sizes from as small as 43 inches to a truly cinema-sized 98-inch model. With support for both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, you get great picture and audio quality for the price, while integrated voice controls give you hands-free use over your new TV and connected devices.

Who it's for: If you're looking to upgrade your main home theater screen on a budget, or if you need an affordable small-screen for your college dorm or apartment, the TCL U65 is a great option. With a 60Hz refresh rate, you'll get cleaner motion while watching movies, shows, and live sports.

Who should look elsewhere: While this TV has a lot of cool smart features, it's lower refresh rate might turn off some users who watch a lot of live sports or fast-paced movies and shows. It also uses a regular LED panel, which can't create as many colors as QLED, Mini-LED, or OLED panels can.

TCL U65 specs: Screen size: 43-98 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit

Why we like it: The LG G4 OLED is a high-end TV stuffed to the brim with cool features like integrated Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a preloaded suite of popular streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR.

Read the review: The LG G4 was the best TV I saw this year

Who it's for: If you're looking to invest in a very high-end OLED TV that will last for years to come, you can't do much better than the LG G4. With screen sizes from 65 to 97 inches, you'll be able to find a model that perfectly complements your space.

Who should look elsewhere: The LG G4 OLED is a premium-grade TV with a price tag to match. So if you're looking to stick to a budget, or are looking for a more affordable OLED option, there are plenty to choose from on this list.

LG G4 specs: Screen size: 65-97 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google

• G-Sync and FreeSync VRR support
• Signature OLED picture quality
• Dolby Vision HDR

• Pricey, especially at larger screen sizes

Why we like it: The LG G4 OLED is a high-end TV stuffed to the brim with cool features like integrated Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a preloaded suite of popular streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR.

Read the review: The LG G4 was the best TV I saw this year

Who it's for: If you're looking to invest in a very high-end OLED TV that will last for years to come, you can't do much better than the LG G4. With screen sizes from 65 to 97 inches, you'll be able to find a model that perfectly complements your space.

Who should look elsewhere: The LG G4 OLED is a premium-grade TV with a price tag to match. So if you're looking to stick to a budget, or are looking for a more affordable OLED option, there are plenty to choose from on this list.

LG G4 specs: Screen size: 65-97 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google

Why we like it: The Samsung QN90D is an almost perfect choice for console gamers, or even PC gamers looking to add another screen to their setup. With support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, screen tearing and stuttering is a thing of the past. And the 144Hz max refresh rate ensures smoother motion during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes.

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