Buying the Best TV in 2025: Expert Tips & Top Picks

Introduction

Buying a new TV can be overwhelming with so many brands, technologies, and features available. Whether you’re upgrading for better picture quality, gaming performance, or smart features, choosing the right TV requires careful consideration. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase, from display types to budget considerations.

1. Understanding TV Technologies: Which One is Right for You?

1.1 OLED vs. QLED vs. LED-LCD: What’s the Difference?

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): Offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles, but can be expensive.

QLED (Quantum Dot LED): Uses quantum dots for brighter colors and better brightness, but lacks the deep blacks of OLED.

LED-LCD: The most common and affordable, but with lower contrast and black levels compared to OLED and QLED.

1.2 Mini-LED: The Best of Both Worlds?

Mini-LED TVs offer improved contrast and brightness by using thousands of tiny LEDs for better backlight control. They’re a great middle ground between OLED and traditional LED-LCD.

1.3 MicroLED: The Future of TV Displays?

Still in its early stages, MicroLED promises OLED-like quality without burn-in risks but comes at a premium price.

2. Choosing the Right Screen Size & Resolution

2.1 How Big Should Your TV Be?

Small Rooms (Up to 10 feet viewing distance): 43-55 inches

Medium Rooms (10-12 feet): 55-65 inches

Large Rooms (12+ feet): 65-85 inches or larger

2.2 4K vs. 8K: Do You Need the Extra Resolution?

4K (Ultra HD): The standard for most TVs, offering sharp and detailed images.

8K: Only useful for very large screens (75″+) and limited content availability.

3. Key Features to Look for in a TV

3.1 High Dynamic Range (HDR): Better Contrast & Colors

HDR10: The most common HDR format.

Dolby Vision: Offers dynamic metadata for better scene-by-scene optimization.

HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma): Used for live broadcasts.

3.2 Refresh Rate: Why It Matters for Gaming & Sports

60Hz: Standard for most content.

120Hz or higher: Ideal for gaming and fast-action sports.

3.3 HDMI 2.1: Essential for Next-Gen Gaming

Supports 4K@120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for smoother gaming.

3.4 Smart TV Platforms: Which One is Best?

Google TV (Android TV): Great app selection and Google Assistant integration.

webOS (LG): User-friendly with a smooth interface.

Tizen (Samsung): Fast and feature-rich.

Roku TV: Simple and budget-friendly.

4. Gaming on a TV: What to Look For

4.1 Low Input Lag for Competitive Gaming

Look for TVs with a Game Mode that reduces input lag below 20ms.

4.2 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) & Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

VRR (FreeSync, G-Sync): Reduces screen tearing.

ALLM: Automatically switches to Game Mode when a console is detected.

4.3 OLED vs. QLED for Gaming

OLED: Better for dark rooms with perfect blacks, but has a slight risk of burn-in.

QLED: Brighter and better for well-lit rooms.

5. Sound Quality: Do You Need a Soundbar?

5.1 Built-in TV Speakers vs. External Audio

Most TVs have weak speakers—consider a soundbar or home theater system for better audio.

5.2 Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Support

For immersive surround sound, look for TVs that support these formats.

6. Budget Considerations: How Much Should You Spend?

6.1 Best Budget TVs (Under $500)

Hisense U6K (QLED, 4K, HDR)

TCL S4 (4K, Google TV)

6.2 Mid-Range TVs ($500-$1,500)

LG B3 (OLED, 4K, 120Hz)

Samsung QN90C (QLED, Mini-LED, 4K, 144Hz)

6.3 Premium TVs ($1,500+)

Sony A95L (QD-OLED, 4K, 120Hz)

LG G3 (OLED, 4K, 120Hz, MLA Technology)

7. Where to Buy & When to Get the Best Deals

7.1 Best Retailers for TVs

Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Costco (for extended warranties)

7.2 Best Times to Buy a TV

Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Super Bowl sales (January-February)

New model releases (Spring & Fall)

Smart TV Platforms: Which One is Best?

Choosing the right smart TV platform is crucial because it affects your daily streaming experience, app availability, and voice control features. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top options:

Google TV (Android TV)

Pros:

Largest app selection (Google Play Store)

Built-in Google Assistant for voice control

Seamless integration with Chromecast

Personalized recommendations

Cons:

Can feel cluttered with ads

Occasionally, slower performance on budget TVs

Best for: Users who want maximum app choices and Google ecosystem compatibility.

webOS (LG TVs)

Pros:

Smooth, intuitive interface

Magic Remote with point-and-click navigation

Supports AirPlay 2 and HomeKit (for Apple users)

Cons:

Fewer apps than Google TV

Somewhat limited customization

Best for: Those who prefer simplicity and LG’s premium hardware.

Tizen (Samsung TVs)

Pros:

Fast and responsive

Strong Samsung ecosystem (SmartThings integration)

Decent app selection (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video)

Cons:

Fewer third-party apps than Google TV

Bixby voice assistant is less potent than Google or Alexa

Best for: Samsung device users who want a streamlined experience.

Roku TV

Pros:

Straightforward, user-friendly interface

Huge app library (including niche streaming services)

Affordable options

Cons:

Basic voice control (lacks deep smart home integration)

Less polished than webOS or Tizen

Best for: Budget buyers and those who want a no-frills, easy-to-use system.

Fire TV (Amazon)

Pros:

Deep Alexa integration

Good for Prime Video users

Cons:

Ad-heavy home screen

Limited to Amazon’s app store

Best for: Amazon Prime subscribers who use Alexa frequently.

8. Final Checklist Before Buying a TV

✅ Screen size & room compatibility
✅ Display type (OLED, QLED, Mini-LED, etc.)
✅ Resolution (4K vs. 8K)
✅ HDR support (Dolby Vision, HDR10+)
✅ Refresh rate (60Hz vs. 120Hz+ for gaming)
✅ HDMI 2.1 ports (for gaming & future-proofing)
✅ Smart TV platform (Google TV, webOS, Tizen, etc.)
✅ Sound quality (consider a soundbar if needed)
✅ Budget & deals available

Conclusion

Buying the best TV in 2024 depends on your needs—whether it’s for movies, gaming, or everyday viewing. By considering display technology, screen size, key features, and budget, you can make an informed decision. Keep an eye out for sales and always check reviews before purchasing.

🚀Ready to upgrade? Use this guide to find your perfect TV!

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