The best 4K TVs in 2024

If you’re shopping for a brand new TV at this time, it actually needs to be a 4K TV. Those 1080p fashions can nonetheless sustain at smaller sizes, however the centerpiece of your lounge actually deserves the complete 2160p expertise. And positive, 8K remains to be crawling alongside on the subject of reasonably priced TVs and out there native content material, making 4K actually the candy spot … and it is going to be for a while. However, selecting a selected mannequin could be difficult. What backlight expertise would you like? Do you want a 120Hz refresh fee? What the heck is VRR? Luckily, we’re right here to interrupt down these variables and supply knowledgeable perception into which TV ought to deal with most of your binge-watching and video gaming wants. Let us allow you to decide the best 4K TV—whether or not it’s our best total, Samsung S95D OLED, or one in all our different decisions matched to your house, funds, and viewing habits.

How we selected the best 4K TVs

The editors and writers at Popular Science have many years of collective expertise on the subject of protecting, reviewing, and customarily nerding out over TVs. The authors of this story have written for numerous publications, from normal to fanatic, together with Maxim, Men’s Journal, Engadget, and Sound & Vision.

We’ve tapped into our collective expertise to parse the precise variations between fashions for these alternatives. These alternatives are based mostly on a basis of private hands-on expertise, spec comparisons, person suggestions, and opinions from different trusted names in the business. We nerd out about TVs in our free time, too.

The best 4K TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you understand what to search for when choosing out the best 4K TV for you, you possibly can exit and take your decide. Of course, if you happen to need assistance getting began, our listing options the cream of the crop. For most individuals, one in all these 5 fashions would be the best 4K TV.

Best total: Samsung S95D OLED

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Specs

• Size: 55”, 65”, 77”
• Display: OLED
• Refresh fee: 144Hz
• HDR: HDR10, HDR 10+
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, RF, Ethernet

Pros

• Excellent colour accuracy and distinction, as you’d count on from OLED
• Exceptional brightness due to Quantum Dot tech
• Anti-glare coating works phenomenally
• Ports and connectors stay on a field related to the show by a single wire for versatile set up
• Built-in audio system present clear, crisp audio that makes dialog simple to listen to (credit score to Samsung processing)
• Low enter lag
• Responsive working system

Cons

• Anti-glare tech comes with very slight compromises in phrases of pure image high quality
• While the audio system present wonderful readability, they’re not overly highly effective

Brighter isn’t at all times higher, however the S95D adjustments the maths on that outdated rule. Sitting in a sunny lounge at two in the afternoon, and this OLED show was blasting over the ambient gentle with out hesitation. The S95D is noticeably brighter than its predecessor or actually any OLED TV we’ve ever seen. The S95D is simply plain vibrant and actually improves its total efficiency. In addition, the S95D will get the complete anti-glare remedy, giving it a extra matte look than its shiny ancestors and competitors. Even when a lightweight shines straight onto the floor, the anti-glare floor renders it almost invisible. This does come at a slight value, making the perceived black degree appear a bit brighter than a shiny display screen would, however the advantages will drastically outweigh that tiny criticism for almost all of the TV-watching public. The anti-glare tech severely adjustments the OLED recreation.

You can’t get away from AI in the gadget world, and this TV isn’t any exception. The S95D comes toting Samsung’s newest picture processing chip, and a number of neural networks analyze each single picture and body to emphasise topics, upscale the image, and enhance audio efficiency. The deep blacks retain tons of element, although simply barely lower than a high-end Mini-LED. But the inkiest blacks are why you go OLED. You need that distinction, and the S95D dishes it out in spades. When it involves 4K upscaling, the S95D does an incredible job throughout the board. The closing end result will differ relying on the bitrate and high quality of the unique content material however don’t count on additional artifacts or different upscaling nastiness to develop into obvious fairly often, if in any respect. 

Several options apply particularly to gaming efficiency, together with the utmost 144Hz efficient refresh fee. Input lag is almost non-existent, important if you would like a superb gaming TV. Response instances are additionally miniscule, which fares properly for quick on-screen motion. While OLEDs typically excel in phrases of image high quality, their super-thin panels don’t depart a lot room for audio firepower. Samsung packed in a complete of eight round audio system onto the again of the show. They gained’t blow you away with energy, particularly on the low finish, however Samsung has emphasised its strengths, that are readability and understandability. The AI-powered chip allows Dolby Atmos compatibility and localized audio, which creates a discernible directional audio impact relying on which on-screen object is making noise. Pair it with a wi-fi encompass sound system, particularly the Samsung HW-Q990D, for the best expertise.

Just about each OLED TV seems to be phenomenal in the darkish, however the S95D’s skill to shine (actually) in a room stuffed with ambient gentle makes it some of the spectacular items of TV expertise to return round in years and our decide for best splurge. [Check out our full review if you want even more details.]

Best funds OLED: LG C2

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Specs

• Size: 42, 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, 83”
• Display: OLED evo
• Refresh fee: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 3, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Sharp, vibrant image
• 4K/120Hz help
• Four HDMI 2.1 ports
• Up to twenty % brighter than earlier fashions

Cons

• OLED panel might be brighter

The LG C2 has nearly the whole lot you would need out of a TV, though it’s technically a last-generation mannequin. As the OLED designation suggests, it supplies spectacular colour and distinction. But, due to the most recent era OLED evo panel, it’s additionally 20 % brighter than its predecessor. It maintains the deep blacks for which OLED TVs are famend whereas pumping up the utmost brightness and overcoming one in all OLED’s solely inherent weaknesses. As a end result, the C2 is an exceptional all-around TV that may match in nearly any house or use case. It provides a full suite of HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting to recreation consoles and streaming units. It provides an array of variable refresh fee modes to forestall artifacts and jaggies throughout gaming classes. Plus, it helps nearly each type of HDR you would need.

Best QLED: Samsung QN90C

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Specs

• Size: 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″
• Display: QLED
• Refresh fee: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 3, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Very vibrant
• 4K/120Hz help
• Four HDMI 2.1 ports
• Excellent total image high quality

Cons

• Ports stay on the TV as an alternative of on an auxiliary field

If you desire a vibrant show, QLED nonetheless reigns over nearly the whole lot else available on the market. It’s not nearly brute drive brightness, nevertheless. Samsung has been refining its QLED TVs for years, and the corporate has managed to squeeze distinctive image high quality out of its QLEDs at each degree. This is the high-end stuff, although, and it’s price the additional funding. The best Samsung TVs make use of a few of the strongest picture processing in their shows, which permits it to excellently upscale content material of nearly all types.

Despite its comparatively skinny stature, this TV provides wonderful built-in sound. I used to be genuinely impressed with the inventory sound efficiency throughout my assessment interval with the TV. I fired up Godzilla vs. Kong on Blu-ray, and the visuals have been predictably meticulous, however the sound was additionally impressively boomy and clear regardless of the dearth of additional assist.

I nonetheless discover Samsung’s TV UI clunky. I usually simply keep in mind the buttons that get me the place I need to go moderately than making an attempt to navigate the on-screen menus. And I’d have beloved for Samsung to place the ports on an exterior field prefer it has with the OLEDs and different high-end fashions. But that’s not a deal breaker.

At the top of the day, it is a killer TV that may carry out in actually any room. While it’s able to spectacular brightness, it doesn’t depend on it as a promoting level. With Film Maker Mode turned on, it might probably reproduce all the colour and distinction precisely and elegantly.

Best for gaming: Samsung QN90D

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Why it made the minimize: The Samsung QN90D is a showcase for QLED expertise whereas providing help for next-gen gaming options.

Specs

• Size: 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, 98″
• Display: QLED
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• HDR: HDR10, HDR 10+
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Thin, attractive design
• 144Hz refresh fee for gaming mode
• Advanced Dolby Atmos audio system

Cons

OLED TVs usually get all of the accolades as a result of their wonderful image high quality, however the Samsung QN90D proves there are reputable options that don’t require huge sacrifices.

The Mini-LED TV is powered by Samsung’s NQ4 AI GEN2 processor, which is used to optimize its image high quality, upscale HD content material to look good on a 4K set, and powers its Dolby Atmos sound system. Most impressively, Samsung says this TV can “remaster” non-HDR video in real-time to enhance highlights and particulars. If you play HD video games launched in the pre-HDR period, this increase in constancy will come in useful. Samsung nonetheless doesn’t help Dolby Vision HDR, choosing its personal HDR10+, which can be contentious for some based mostly on how sure video games have been mastered.

The QN90D’s show usually refreshes at 120Hz, which is ok for watching motion pictures and TV reveals however not superb for enjoying the most recent cutting-edge titles the place each body counts. Samsung understood this and designed its gaming mode to spice up the TV’s refresh fee to a gamer-friendly 144Hz due to a characteristic referred to as Motion Xcelerator. All 4 of this TV’s HDMI ports help 144Hz, so that you gained’t have to fret about swapping out cables if you happen to’ve received a number of current-generation consoles and a gaming PC.

If you don’t have room for a standard dwelling theater system, the QN90D will simulate the expertise of getting one courtesy of a characteristic referred to as Object Tracking Sound+. This permits the tv to pinpoint specific gadgets in your display screen and play audio from the closest corresponding speaker. This gained’t absolutely substitute a standard multi-speaker dwelling theater system, but it surely’s nonetheless nicer to have than a pair of built-in stereo audio system.

Players searching for a 4K TV that may ship world-class gaming in their lounge or dwelling theater ought to contemplate Samsung’s QN90D earlier than another set.

Best worth: Roku Pro Series

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Specs

• Size: 55″, 65″, 75″
• Display: QLED
• Refresh fee: 120Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 1, USB-C x 1, Ethernet, Optical, Headphone jack

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Great image high quality for the worth
• Support for 4K 120Hz
• Updated distant

Cons

• Inconsistent outcomes when watching sports activities

Roku launched its first TV {hardware} in 2023, but it surely upped its recreation considerably in 2024 with the discharge of the Pro Series. It’s simply the best-sounding TV we’ve ever heard in its worth vary, and it’s aggressive on the video entrance, too.

The greatest power the Roku Pro Series TV has out of the field is that it runs on the corporate’s intuitive working system and comes bundled with its simple-to-use distant. The new second-generation Roku Voice Remote Pro has been up to date this time round with USB-C charging (lastly) and backlit keys. New buttons assist you to deliver up the Roku Channel Guide or robotically take you to a specific app, or toggle a setting. The Roku Voice Remote Pro stays the easiest-to-use controller for any TV we’ve examined, and the enhancements Roku made this time round are welcome.

We watched an assortment of HD and 4K movies from Netflix, YouTube, and broadcast tv throughout our checks, and the Pro offered a constant viewing expertise all through. There was some muddiness when watching soccer on broadcast tv even on sports activities mode, however even that was variable on a game-by-game foundation. We have been happy with how good video appeared on the set total, with spectacular distinction and correct colours. Switching between the tv’s image modes did yield substantial variations, and we advocate taking part in round with these settings if you happen to’re persnickety. The default auto mode is a cheerful medium for most individuals because it handles all of the heavy lifting for you and usually does a superb job adjusting to the right settings.

The greatest welcome shock we discovered when testing this TV was its side-firing audio system. This often is the solely tv we’ve tried in latest reminiscence that didn’t have us instantly working to advocate a soundbar (although it by no means hurts to get a correct home-theater sound system). Again, Roku provides some completely different sound modes, however we discovered the default was good for watching any sort of film or TV present. We didn’t even really feel the necessity to decide on the dialogue mode to spice up the sound of voices exterior of performing some AB testing. Roku’s engineers needs to be happy with the work they’ve finished, and it goes to point out what can occur if you enable a TV to be on the thicker aspect.

It’s onerous to seek out any vital fault with the Roku Pro Series TV, particularly in its worth vary. If something, it underscores the corporate’s real enthusiasm for its personal {hardware} and that we must always count on extra from TV producers regarding ease of use and audio high quality.

Best funds: TCL Q6

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Specs

• Size: 55”, 65”, 75”
• Display: QLED
• Refresh fee: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 3, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Mini-LED QLED 4K show
• Three HDMI 2.1 ports
• 4K/120Hz
• Affordable

Cons

• TCL makes three “6-Series” TVs, which may get complicated

The 2022 QLED mannequin of TCL’s 6-Series is so good that it earned a spot in our information, however the firm has continued to defy our expectations of what to anticipate from a TV beneath $1,000 with its successor, the Q6. We’ll minimize to the chase: This is the TCL TV you need to get until you have got actually specialised wants or a really strict funds. In our checks, which included taking part in Nintendo Switch video games and streaming native 4K content material from Netflix, YouTube, and different streaming companies, the Q6 couldn’t have carried out significantly better.

We observed the most important variations when watching reveals with plenty of distinction—like “Star Trek: Picard”—in which dimly lit scenes are sometimes punctuated with pops of sunshine and colour. We can affirm every shot from a phaser was pleasing to the attention, and particulars in darkish house on ships have been current. The Q6 was in a position to present colours extra precisely, too. In video games like Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, foliage appeared lush, dragons appeared imposing, and “The Depths” felt isolating.

Gamers taking part in on extra highly effective consoles or PCs can push the Q6 and gaming {hardware} to its limits due to the TV’s 120Hz panel. Additionally, options like TCL’s Game Accelerator Enhanced Gaming and Auto Game Mode with AMD FreeSync will robotically optimize the Q6 to decrease latency (lag) for the smoothest expertise. Whether you’re an off-the-cuff gamer or somebody who spends their nights taking part in on-line titles with buddies, the Q6 has you lined.

The TCL Q6 units up shortly and simply. The mannequin we examined ran Google TV, and we might run via many of the setup course of on our telephone utilizing the Google Home app, which is accessible on iOS and Android. It took about 10 minutes to signal into our Google account, sort out the everyday gauntlet of safety questions, and obtain a software program replace. Similarly, Google’s working system was simple to navigate, and streaming apps loaded shortly. Shortcut buttons on the Q6’s distant made opening the commonest streaming apps a single button push away.

We don’t have any complaints with the TCL Q6’s efficiency, however we have been somewhat confused by the default image setting being a low-power mode. We’re used to seeing regular in its place and didn’t need to restrict the display screen’s brightness for energy financial savings. We ended up utilizing the Q6’s Smart HDR setting for almost all of our checks, which labored properly for each taking part in video games and watching movies.

If you desire a dependable TV that runs properly and appears even higher, we will’t discover a lot fault with TCL’s Q6, which is aggressive not solely with the corporate’s different units however what’s out there from its competitors.

What to contemplate when selecting the best 4K TVs

When looking for the best 4K TVs, we targeted on discovering fashions that stability show high quality, colour accuracy, port choice, gaming options, and worth. Together, these components assist us distinguish between a superb TV and an incredible one.

QLED vs. OLED

Two luxurious show applied sciences are central in lighting up the best 4K TVs. On a technical degree, OLED and QLED take completely different approaches, however each improve the brightness and distinction of your TV, bettering its image high quality over older fashions.

Organic Light-Emitting Diode shows, or OLED for brief, are presently thought-about the cream of the crop amongst high-end 4K TVs. Though it shares three letters with “LED” TVs you’re extra acquainted with, OLED is definitely a wholly new show expertise. In OLED TVs, every pixel generates its personal gentle, permitting these units to show particular person pixels on and off. This provides viewers extra life-like blacks moderately than the darkest potential grey. You additionally gained’t see any gentle bleeding out into on-screen shadows, as they do on older LCD TVs.

Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode shows, generally generally known as QLED, are a next-generation improve of the standard LED TV. QLED TVs characteristic a transmissive layer of “quantum dots” in the display screen panel, enhancing a TV’s colour, brightness, and distinction. High-end QLED TVs pair that with a backlighting characteristic referred to as “local dimming,” which permits your TV to reinforce or cut back its brightness in particular areas to enhance distinction, not in contrast to OLED shows.

OLED shows provide sharper distinction and “true” blacks that QLED can’t replicate, so they’re the premier alternative if cash isn’t any object. On the opposite hand, OLED TVs characteristic comparatively low brightness, which can be a legal responsibility in a lounge with plenty of pure gentle. However, producers have begun to treatment that downside by introducing new supplies into the OLED formulation.

Since QLED panels are based mostly on LED expertise, you’ll find them in a greater variety of worth factors than OLED. That stated, there’s a giant distinction between an reasonably priced QLED TV with reasonably enhanced colours and a top-of-the-line QLED mannequin with native dimming and different enhancements.

As at all times, the best method to discover your choice is to go to a showroom and see the distinction for your self. Short of that, we advocate letting worth and logistical concerns information you to 1 sort of TV or the opposite.

High dynamic vary (HDR)

High Dynamic Range, or HDR, is a show expertise that enables your TV to robotically its brightness to create extra distinction between well-lit and darkened on-screen components. In conditions with difficult lighting, it enhances the general picture with larger element and colour depth. Let’s say you’re trying right into a darkish room from the skin: HDR can concurrently show element in the brilliant house inside and outside the dimly lit room. TVs with HDR are additionally able to displaying extra vibrant, various colours. In addition to enabling extra exact distinction, vibrant colours will look extra full and vibrant.

There are just a few completely different requirements of HDR, together with HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. HDR10 is probably the most extensively adopted and is an open, free normal supported by the whole lot from 4K TVs to Blu-ray gamers. Dolby Vision provides just a few benefits over HDR, together with “dynamic” metadata, which permits your TV to regulate its brightness on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame foundation. HDR10 makes use of “static” metadata, which implies it units brightness ranges as soon as for the content material you eat. HDR10+ additionally makes use of dynamic metadata much like Dolby Vision.

Generally, at this time’s high TVs characteristic help for just a few completely different HDR requirements, however for the best potential HDR expertise, you’ll need Dolby Vision or HDR+.

Refresh fee

Refresh fee, measured in Hz (Hertz), refers back to the frequency your TV refreshes what’s on the display screen each second. Refresh fee has been a core characteristic on pc displays for a while however has solely develop into a severe consideration for TVs in the final two years. If you’re shopping for a high-end TV for gaming and personal both a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you need to maintain out for one which helps the next refresh fee.

Prior to 2020, all TVs supported the identical 60Hz refresh fee. Most TVs nonetheless do, and that’s completely effective for watching streaming companies, cable, motion pictures, and taking part in most consoles. With the PS5 and Xbox Series X, although, you have got the power to play some video games at as much as 120 frames per second, unlocking smoother animations. Likewise, some stay sports activities broadcasts will profit from the next refresh fee.

HDMI 2.1

To allow 4K at 120fps, your TV should help HDMI 2.1, the latest model of the usual TV connection for plugging the whole lot from cable containers to recreation consoles to streaming units.

HDMI 2.1 can switch information at as much as 48Gbps, theoretically permitting you to observe 10K video at 120Hz on the best TV. For now, you solely want it to observe or play in 4K at 120Hz on the small variety of video games that help these specs on PS5 and Xbox Series X. 

There are different causes you’ll need it, although. HDMI 2.1 helps many different options that may improve your viewing and gaming experiences, together with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), a characteristic that permits Game Mode in your TV (if that characteristic is accessible) and usually reduces enter lag. It additionally opens the door for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) over HDMI, which may stabilize risky body charges in video games.

Unfortunately, TVs outfitted with HDMI 2.1 don’t at all times help each characteristic launched by the most recent normal. Making issues worse, producers aren’t at all times clear concerning the HDMI 2.1 options supported by their TV. You’ll should pay shut consideration to what the producer says when buying … after which get coordinating HDMI cables.

FAQs

Q: How a lot does a 4K TV value?

Since shopping for a brand new TV nearly at all times means shopping for a 4K TV, costs vary from just a few hundred {dollars} for a funds 40-inch TV to upwards of $4,000 for a top-of-the-line 70- to 80-inch OLED. Beyond measurement, model title, show expertise, and different elements might influence the worth from mannequin to mannequin. We’ve damaged down the highest TVs by measurement, show expertise, and extra, so examine with our different, extra particular guides if you happen to’d like extra assist narrowing down your choices.

Q: What measurement 4K TV ought to I select?

Ideally, you need to decide the dimensions of your show based mostly on the dimensions and format of the room the place you’ll put it. According to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, you need to place your TV far sufficient away in order that it fills up no less than 30 levels of your horizontal subject of view.  For a 55-inch 4K TV, superb for bedrooms and dorm rooms, you need to sit about 7.5 toes away. That is the goal, however getting somewhat nearer or additional away is ok, relying in your room and what measurement TV you possibly can afford.

For extra assist determining the place to place your TV, try our useful information.

Q: Should I get an 8K TV?

Short reply? No, not but.

While producers are pushing the technological envelope with big 8K TVs, there may be presently little to no 8K content material out there proper now. An 8K TV can upscale 4K content material, making it look sharper, however we wouldn’t advocate shopping for an 8K TV only for that. Realistically, there will likely be higher, extra highly effective, and extra reasonably priced 8K TVs available on the market by the point it is sensible for even a distinct segment dwelling theater fan to purchase an 8K TV.

Final ideas on the best 4K TVs

You can’t go flawed with our suggestions if you wish to improve to a 4K TV. You’ll get top-notch image high quality, ample port choice, and help for next-generation expertise, together with HDMI 2.1 and the most recent HDR requirements. The excellent news is there has by no means been a greater time to leap on the bandwagon with extra methods to get pleasure from 4K content material, due to streaming companies and next-generation consoles. The LG C1 is, pound-for-pound, the best 4K TV out there, hitting all of the important benchmarks whereas providing an unbelievable OLED picture. Once you see the upper decision your self, you’ll marvel what took you so lengthy to improve.

Why belief us

Popular Science began writing about expertise greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” once we printed our first difficulty in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we’d have been throughout it. Here in the current, PopSci is absolutely dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of units available on the market proper now.

Our writers and editors have mixed many years of expertise protecting and reviewing client electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however once we’re reviewing units exterior of our fast wheelhouses, we do our best to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information individuals to the very best suggestions. We know we don’t know the whole lot, however we’re excited to stay via the evaluation paralysis that web buying can spur so readers don’t should.