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Best TVs for 2026

Our expert's top picks, plus some shopping tips

In this article: My top TV picks...

  1. Best TV for movie lovers — Samsung S95H OLED
  2. Best TV for gamers — LG C6 OLED evo
  3. Best TV for bright rooms — Sony BRAVIA 9 II True RGB
  4. Best TV for displaying art — Samsung The Frame Pro

...along with some helpful shopping tips.

This year's TVs are better than ever, but the best TV for you still comes down to where and how you're going to use it. Here are a few of our favorites for different scenarios.

Samsung S95H

Best TV for movie night — Samsung S95H

The S95H is Samsung's flagship OLED TV. I got to see this TV at a recent training, and I was not disappointed. With inky blacks, punchy highlights, and a brighter-than-ever panel, it delivers a dramatic movie viewing experience — day or night. The S95H also has an incredibly wide viewing angle, so everyone on the couch can enjoy a sharp, colorful picture.

Details

  • available in 55”, 65”, 77", and 83” sizes
  • each pixel can brighten, dim, or power off completely, displaying exceptional picture detail, contrast, and depth
  • Glare Free technology eliminates nearly all screen reflections
  • 4K AI Upscaling Pro enhances standard-def and high-def video signals for optimum display on a 4K screen
  • new mounting design and sleek metal bezel for a floating look when wall-mounted
  • free movies and shows with Samsung TV Plus; built-in hubs for gaming, streaming, and SmartThings

LG C6 4K OLED TV

Best TV for gamers — LG C6

The C6 is as stacked with features as you'd expect from one of LG's premium 4K OLED TVs. Movies, shows, and sports will look awesome, but with a lightning-fast response time and four HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K at up to 165Hz, it's also a perfect partner for your PC or next-gen gaming console. Check out our 4K Gaming Guide for more features to look for.

Details

  • available in 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", and 83" sizes
  • Game Optimizer gives you quick access to your gaming settings
  • supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smooth graphics without frame tearing or stuttering
  • AMD FreeSync Premium™ and Nvidia G-SYNC® compatible
  • Gaming Portal with support for cloud gaming
  • LG's evo panel uses a stronger emissive material to improve both the overall brightness and luminance
  • 77" and 83" sizes feature LG's "four-stack" RGB OLED panel for an incredibly bright, high-contrast image with rich color fidelity

Sony BRAVIA 9 II True RGB TV

Best TV for bright rooms — Sony BRAVIA 9 II

Sony's stunning BRAVIA models are consistently some of the most highly rated TVs available. And their top-of-the-line BRAVIA 9 II uses a cutting-edge True RGB backlight that makes it Sony's brightest, most colorful TV ever. Its dense array of tiny red, green, and blue LEDs is paired with Sony's excellent processor for incredibly precise control over light and color. I was very impressed with its vibrant picture and deep black levels when I saw it in person. It also has a premium anti-glare screen for reduced screen reflections, even in sunny rooms.

Details

  • available in 65”, 75”, 85”, and 115" sizes
  • True RGB backlight powered by RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro for precise brightness control (local dimming)
  • Immersive Black Screen Pro reduces reflections for a clear picture even in bright rooms
  • supports Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®
  • IMAX Enhanced certification for improved performance with IMAX Enhanced 4K/HDR content
  • includes access to exclusive content on Sony Pictures Core

Samsung The Frame Pro

Best TV for art lovers — Samsung The Frame Pro

Samsung's The Frame has been the coolest way to hide your TV in plain sight for nearly 8 years. It has a canvas-like matte screen that can display a selection of masterworks from museums around the world alongside photos from your last vacation. The Pro model uses an improved version of its edge-lit backlight with Mini LEDs for better picture quality.

Details

  • available in 55", 65”, 75”, and 85” sizes
  • adjust your photos and art using the many filter, matte, and layout options
  • included Art Store Streams service delivers a rotating gallery of 30 pieces of professionally curated digital art to your Frame TV every month
  • Glare Free technology with matte screen for reduced reflections and more art-like look
  • includes Wireless One Connect Box and Slim Fit Wall Mount for super-clean, clutter-free installation

TV shopping tips

Choosing the model that's best for you mostly comes down what types of content you watch and what your room is like.

Screen size and viewing distance

As a rule, we suggest you go with the largest screen your room, viewing distance, and budget will accommodate. For help calculating viewing distance, check out our article on TV placement.

LED or OLED?

LED and OLED TVs differ in how their panels light the image. LED TVs shine a backlight through a liquid crystal layer while OLED TVs are self-illuminating. OLEDs have incredible contrast, so movie nights in a darkened room will be jaw-dropping. But if you watch a lot of TV during the day, and your room is bright, an LED might be a better fit.

For more shopping tips, see our complete TV buying guide.

Need help choosing?

Have questions? Our expert Advisors know the gear inside and out.

Your Advisor can send specific Crutchfield pages to your screen, saving you a lot of browsing time. You'll get a shopping cart loaded up with everything you need for your new home theater.

Contact us today.

Check out our setup guide for help getting your new TV up and running. And if you need some one-on-one assistance, just ask. We offer free lifetime tech support with every Crutchfield purchase.

Popular questions customers ask

There are two main types of TVs, LED and OLED. LED TVs use a backlight behind the screen. That makes them brighter, so they're a good choice for rooms with a lot of sunlight. OLED TVs don't need a backlight because their pixels are self-lighting. Their superior picture contrast and black levels make them look amazing.

When it comes to TV screen size, "bigger is better" is a good rule of thumb. Viewing distance plays an important role. You want your TV to be big enough so you don't miss out on any picture details from where you're sitting.

Smart TVs have Wi-Fi and built-in apps for streaming movies and TV shows directly from subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Most smart TVs also have built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control.

A 4K TV will let you take full advantage of the great-looking 4K streaming content available through popular streaming services. 4K TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which boosts contrast and color for a more lifelike picture. They can also upscale non-4K video content for the best possible picture.

Mounting your TV involves locating and drilling into wall studs and using basic tools like a socket wrench and bubble level. It's a good idea to have a friend or partner on hand to help with parts of the job. Our DIY guide contains a video that should help you decide whether you're up to the task.

  • Lloyd

    Posted on 10/13/2023

    Is there any advantage to get an 8K TV if I get one at a great price?

  • Daniel Hart from Newton

    Posted on 8/21/2023

    How about reviewing portable televisions for use on a nightstand?

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 8/22/2023

    Hi Daniel! We don't carry any portable TVs, so I'm not that familiar with them. Thanks for the suggestion, though!
  • John from Louisa

    Posted on 7/26/2023

    Are any tv brands making 3D televisions now?

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 8/22/2023

    Hi John! I don't think they are, actually. If you are into 3D content, you might want to look at a projector system — many of them are 3D compatible.
  • Matthew bush from Stanwood

    Posted on 3/29/2023

    Looking for the sound in a tv. My 69 year old ears pickup all of the background noise/music but I don't get conversations very clearly. Our current Hisense tv has very poor sound quality.

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 4/19/2023

    Hi Matthew! It's true — today's slim TVs don't leave a lot of room for speakers. If you're otherwise happy with your current TV, you could try adding a sound bar with dialogue enhancement. But if you're in the market for a new TV and want one with a more robust built-in speaker system, you generally need to look in the higher end of the lineup. For example, Sony's OLED TVs feature their cool "Acoustic Surface Audio" that turns the whole screen into a speaker.

  • Steve Axmacher

    Posted on 3/23/2023

    Will the Sony A95 master series platform offer an 83 inch size TV this year (2023)?

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 4/19/2023

    Hi Steve! The biggest A95 in this year's lineup is 77". Thanks for the question.
  • NANCY WHELAN from groveland fl

    Posted on 1/21/2023

    thank you now I know about smart TV.

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 1/27/2023

    Glad we could help, Nancy!
  • Jose Rivera from Palm coast

    Posted on 11/27/2022

    Can you add another category "Best for Sports"

  • Wayne R Sharaf from Watkins Glen

    Posted on 6/15/2022

    Emily S, I love your review! You gave the important information right upfront, so that people won't have to read extra information that wasn't appropriate to their situation. Kudos to you!

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 6/16/2022

    Thanks for the lovely comment, Wayne. Glad to hear it was helpful.
  • Matt from Johnson City TN

    Posted on 3/29/2022

    What would you say is the best 65" tv that is in the $800 or so price range....? This would be the main TV in the house - but where it has to be placed has a large window to the right and a sliding glass door to the left... We don't watch too much TV in the daylight hours, but are semi-concerned about glare, etc. Any thoughts / input would be appreciated...!!

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 4/8/2022

    Hi Matt! I would say the Sony X 85J is probably the best option currently available in that price range. It's last year's model, so it's actually a bit of a bargain right now. And it has a few features that other models in that price range don't have, including 4k/120Hz and HDMI 2.1. It doesn't have anything special in terms of anti-glare, but it's an LED TV so should get bright enough to cut through the light from those windows. I hope that helped!

  • Marlene from Venice, fl

    Posted on 1/7/2022

    What 55" tv would you recommend? Thinking of a Sony

    Commenter image

    Emily S. from Crutchfield

    on 4/8/2022

    Marlene, I'm so sorry I missed this comment. I hope you have already found your TV. Truly, it's hard to go wrong with a Sony, and they have a ton of great options still available from last year in addition to this year's models. Please give us a call if you still have questions. Sorry again for the delayed reply.
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