#The best 4K TVs: From OLED to QLED, Samsung to TCL, and more

TCL is great for budget-minded shoppers — in fact, its 4-Series is our pick for the best budget 4K TV. However, the TCL 6-Series is probably a better TV overall, and unless you’re set on a more well-known brand, it’ll get the job done for most people. In particular, reviewers like the TCL 6-Series for gaming, praising its picture quality and smoothness for gameplay. It also supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and hybrid log gamma (HLG).
“Dollar for dollar this unit cannot be beat,” writes one reviewer, who says they use the TV both for PC gaming (including at 120fps) and for watching shows like Planet Earth II in 4K HDR. “I am shocked that this picture quality can be achieved at this price. Again, you aren’t going to achieve those inky blacks that OLED gives you, but the difference isn’t that great between the two.”
The one major downside of this TV is its thickness — it’s not as thin and sleek as some of the other TVs on this list. Still, unless you’re putting it on a very narrow shelf (which is precarious anyway; don’t do it!) you should be fine.

Sony TVs are consistently great options, and the X900H is just another example.
One reason: the X1 processor that’s under the screen. The X1 is the standard processor Sony uses in all their 8-Series, 9-Series, and OLED TVs. The X900H in particular uses the X1 Extreme, which provides excellent HDR quality. It also helps with clarity, to make sure there’s no motion blur during action-packed moments.
The Sony X900H is an Android TV with Google Assistant. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Apple AirPlay, so you should have no trouble connecting it to all your other devices. It’s also frequently discounted, so you’ll likely be able to snag it for less than the list price.
Here’s a detail-packed review from one Amazon user, who loves this TV’s color and light performance:

When I calibrate my personal TVs, I aim for accuracy. My living room is light controlled. I use test patterns to set the black level, the white level, and the color saturation using those old school blue THX glasses. Yeah, I’m that guy. I do it all by eye, I haven’t paid to have someone come out with a Colorimeter and CALMAN and get this thing science-lab perfect, okay? On the weekends I’m a regular joe with a remote control and snacks that wants to watch some TV and wants it to look “correct”. Having said all of that – I’m blown away by this TV’s performance. I’ve got it calibrated to my liking and this thing makes content look like it’s coming right out of the studio. I feel like my living room is my edit bay and this is the reference monitor.

The Samsung Q90 Series QLED Smart TV is pretty much universally beloved among tech publications — and equally popular with reviewers. Though it’s on the pricier end of the 4K options on this list, it’s also more “premium” than some of the less expensive ones, making it ideal for a home theater setup.
This TV runs Samsung’s own smart TV platform and is also equipped with the Bixby voice assistant. Design-wise, it’s thin and sleek, in part because all the ports are on the included One Connect Box instead of on the television itself. It also packs 60-watt speakers (though you’ll probably want a soundbar). PCMag also praised its color and contrast, which is no small accolade, particularly for a QLED TV.
Here’s a particularly glowing review from one Amazon user:

This is the brightest television I have ever seen. The operating system works very well as opposed to others I own. It is instantaneous. The resolution is phenomenal. Adjustments to lighting and screen preferences are easy and effective. The killer part of this is the remote box for connection to all inputs, with one tiny optical cable for power and video. No more upside down and backwards work. It is insanely thin and the flush mount tucks it close to the wall. There might be something better coming, but it would have be stupendous to be better than this.

OK, yes, this is by far the priciest 4K TV on this list. But there are a few reasons why. (Including a stock issue: The other prices on this list are for TVs between 50 and 65 inches, but this was only in stock at 77 inches at the time of writing.) It’s also the only OLED option on this list, which means it has the best picture by a long shot. In fact, PCMag’s review called it “one of the best pictures you can get” — and also noted that, actually, it’s pretty affordable for an OLED TV. 
If you’re hesitant about the price tag, also note that this TV goes on sale often — you likely won’t have to pay full price. (The last time we checked, it was marked down to $3,499.99 at Best Buy.) However, it’s mostly a good investment for people who watch lots of HDR content or really, really value the nuances of picture quality. If you’re just looking for a really good TV, an LED option will do just fine.
This TV is thin and sleek, which means it’ll blend in well if you mount it to the wall. (Just be careful not to bend it.) Like the LG NanoCell 85 Series, it runs LG’s webOS smart TV platform, which is easy to use, has the apps you’ll need (probably), and comes with a smart remote.
Unsurprisingly, reviewers report that the color is remarkable: Contrast outpaces LED TVs, black shows up well even in dark rooms, and colors are remarkably vivid and accurate. 
Here’s one Best Buy reviewer’s take:

To the picture: it’s great with all types of video (we’ve watched true 4k HDR, 1080p, and even some SD stuff), with good resolution and accurate color matching. But it’s really with the HDR material that this shines, and honestly OLED is probably not worth the price premium over LED/LCD options if you’re not going to watch a significant amount of HDR content. If you are… WOW. Colors pop where they’re supposed to, are subtle where they’re supposed to be, and great shadow detail. The truly black blacks of OLED are amazing, and in a dark room it really looks like the image is projected on the wall even with 2.39:1 content where there are black bars on the top and bottom – you can’t see them  AT ALL.

Among LG’s 2020 4K offerings, this one offers a lot of bang for your buck. Reviewers particularly appreciate LG’s webOS smart TV platform, which they find intuitive and easy to use, as well as the remote. (Sounds like small potatoes, we know, but anyone who’s used a shitty TV remote knows it can get old fast.) 
This TV has edge lit local dimming, which means that the LED lights are placed around the edge of the screen. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR, which means it’ll show you a more complex, vivid image overall — though a few reviewers still preferred other brands’ picture quality over LG’s, particularly Samsung’s (QLED!).
This TV delivers perfectly fine sound on its own, but as with many of the other 4K TVs on this list, you’ll likely want to invest in a soundbar or external speakers here. You can connect them via Bluetooth, though, which will make it a bit easier.
Here’s one notably balanced review from an Amazon user:

I bought the 55″ model. This TV is surprisingly light, very thin, and the sound is actually decent… For a LCD TV. I do suggest getting a sound bar at the very least if this is going to be your “main” TV… Some apps and or channels can be louder/quieter which is annoying but with a sound bar or surround sound set up that basically goes away. The picture options are great, crisp colors, sharp lines, this TV is better than plasma back in the day lol. The price is well worth it for what you are getting. The remote is by far the best remote I’ve ever seen for a standard TV remote. The point and click is so easy to use.

TCL has basically cornered the budget market for 4K TVs. If you’re looking to spend as little as possible for a still-great TV, consider the TCL 4-Series, which is a super solid entry-level option with a built-in Roku. (You’ll need a Roku account and can use your phone as a remote if you don’t like the included one, but most reviewers seem to be fine with it.) 
According to PCMag, the 4-Series is a little bulkier, dimmer, and less radiant than its 6-Series counterpart. However, it’s also significantly less expensive — enough to retain its attractiveness for most buyers. It’s particularly good at displaying dark colors in dark rooms.
Here’s a promising review from a Best Buy buyer, too:

I’m very pleased with my TV. The picture, sound, and ease of operation is great. I’ve had it for a month now and no problems or concerns. The set-up was very understandable. Everything I needed to start enjoying the TV was included in the box. The remote is user friendly.