The best 4K TVs of 2025: Top models reviewed by experts

All 4K TVs deliver sharp detail, but overall performance ultimately depends on how well they handle contrast, color, and smart features — and that can vary significantly between models. The best 4K TVs find the right balance between picture quality, usability, and price.

I've been covering home entertainment products for over a decade, so I have extensive experience with TVs from all the major brands. My team of reviewers and I tested several popular models to find the best 4K TVs that are actually worth the money. My top pick is the Samsung S90F OLED, which combines rich contrast, vibrant color, and deep black levels for an exceptional viewing experience. However, buyers on a tighter budget should consider the more affordable TCL QM6K QLED. It's dimmer than more expensive TVs, but delivers the most impressive picture quality I've seen in its price range.

I've also highlighted standout 4K TVs from LG and Roku, including recommendations tailored to midrange budgets, smooth smart TV navigation, and bright living spaces.

Our top picks for the best 4K TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90F 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: TCL QM6K 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best midrange OLED: LG C5 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best mid-tier QLED: TCL QM7K 4K TV - See at Walmart

Best anti-glare display: Samsung S95F 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best smart TV system: Roku Pro Series 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best overall

The Samsung S90F strikes an impressive balance between picture quality and price. The 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes use an OLED panel with quantum dots, delivering an infinite contrast ratio, vibrant colors, and brightness that outshines midrange OLEDs from LG and Sony.

Thanks to OLED tech, the S90F produces pixel-level contrast control and wide viewing angles, while its quantum dots boost color intensity beyond what you’d get from a standard OLED. In rooms with ambient light, the TV's black levels do rise slightly, but the effect is subtle and rarely distracting. In dark rooms, black levels completely disappear, offering inky shadows while still preserving detail.

Brightness is another highlight: our reviewer measured a peak of 1,460 nits, about 200 nits higher than last year's S90D model. That makes the S90F ideal for both dark home theaters and well-lit living rooms. HDR content — whether from 4K Blu-rays or streamed on services like Prime Video and Disney Plus — looks stunning in HDR10 and HDR10+.

Samsung’s smart TV platform is also a solid performer. You’ll find all major apps, along with Alexa and Bixby voice control. The interface is also slightly faster and smoother on 2025 Samsung models than it was on older TVs, which were more prone to lag.

Gamers will appreciate the S90F's built-in Gaming Hub, which supports cloud platforms like Xbox Game Pass, enabling you to stream Xbox games directly to your TV. If you pair the TV with a gaming PC, you can unlock a refresh rate of up to 144Hz for silky motion.

The S90F's only notable drawback is its lack of support for Dolby Vision, which is considered the most accurate HDR format. However, the benefits of Dolby Vision are subtle on a TV in this class, so this omission is far from a dealbreaker. Check out my HDR TV guide for more on format differences.

At deal prices as low as $1,400 for the 65-inch model, the S90F isn’t just the best 4K TV for the money — it’s one of the best TVs, period.

Check out our guides to the best Samsung TVs and best gaming TVs.

Note: The 42-, 48-, and 83-inch S90D models don't incorporate quantum dots, so their color volume can't match that of other sizes.

Best on a budget

TCL's QM6K is the budget 4K TV to beat. This affordable Mini LED display has picture quality features that most similarly priced competitors cut to save costs. Though its launch price was a little high, recent discounts have made it an incredible value.

The QM6K features a QLED panel with Mini LED local dimming, enabling the display to produce higher contrast and a wider range of colors than most TVs in this price range. Black levels are also solid, and the QM6K has excellent blooming control, which reduces halos around bright objects. Blooming is a common flaw on Mini LED TVs, but this model handles it extremely well.

However, the TV's black levels aren't quite as deep as I've seen on pricier QLED models. Brightness is decent, but also somewhat limited compared to more expensive TVs. With the display set in its most accurate picture mode, I measured a peak of 557 nits on a 10% HDR test pattern and about 736 nits on a larger 50% test pattern. Those numbers are good for a TV in this class, but HDR content doesn't pop as intensely as it does on brighter displays. Viewing angles are also limited, but actually a bit better than those of previous TCL models in this tier, such as last year's Q65.

Another upgrade over the Q65 is the TV's refresh rate. The QM6K is now one of the most affordable 144Hz TVs on the market. This means the panel can display 4K/144Hz signals from a gaming PC or 4K/120Hz signals from a PS5 or Xbox Series X, allowing for smoother motion when playing compatible games.

I also appreciate the QM6K's Google TV interface, which is well-organized and runs smoothly without any major issues. Past TCL models I've reviewed have been prone to small glitches here and there, but I didn't encounter any major software issues when testing the QM6K over several weeks.

If you want to enter the world of 4K HDR TVs without spending too much, the TCL QM6K is a perfect starting point. It's budget-friendly without sacrificing the key features that make an HDR TV worth owning.

Check out our TCL QM6K 4K TV review.

For more affordable display recommendations, check out our guides to the best budget TVs and best TVs under $500.

Best midrange OLED

The LG C5 is an outstanding midrange OLED and a close runner-up for the best 4K TV overall. While Samsung's S90F edges it out in a few key areas, the C5 is a terrific alternative for anyone who prefers LG's approach to design, features, and software.

Unlike many Samsung OLEDs, the C5 doesn't use quantum dots to boost brightness or color volume, but it still delivers excellent picture quality. With its standard WOLED panel, you still get an infinite contrast ratio and deep black levels that make movie nights in dark rooms look spectacular.

The C5 also offers wide viewing angles, ensuring colors and contrast remain consistent even when viewed from off-center positions. Our reviewer measured a peak brightness of around 1,175 nits, which marks a decent 200-nit bump from last year's C4. However, the C5 can't quite match the 1,400+ nits of Samsung's S90F.

One area where the C5 pulls ahead, though, is Dolby Vision support — something the S90F lacks. Dolby Vision is considered the most accurate HDR format, as it allows for more fine-tuned color and contrast adjustments, ensuring the content you watch better matches your TV's capabilities. However, Dolby Vision's benefits are often subtle, so I consider it more of a nice bonus than a must-have feature for a TV in this class.

LG's webOS smart platform remains easy to use, with all the big streaming apps you'd expect. I don't love the placement of sponsored shopping recommendations on the homepage, but you can disable them. LG's Magic Remote allows you to control the TV using traditional button presses or point-and-click motion controls, and this year's design is smaller and more comfortable to hold. I do miss the dedicated input button, though, which presents a slight step backward in an otherwise good redesign.

Although Samsung's S90F delivers slightly better picture performance for the price, the C5 holds its own, especially if you prefer the LG brand or value Dolby Vision support as a key feature.

Check out our LG C5 4K TV review.

Check out our guide to the best LG TVs.

Best mid-tier QLED

The TCL QM7K is the company's newest midrange QLED, and it easily ranks among the top performers in its price bracket. It succeeds the now-discontinued QM7, offering a familiar feature set with a few meaningful refinements, particularly in backlight precision and off-angle viewing.

Similar to TCL's more budget-friendly QM6K, the QM7K uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming zones and quantum dots. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and runs on Google TV, providing fast and intuitive access to a wide range of streaming apps. Where the QM7K really distinguishes itself from the QM6K, though, is in its brightness performance.

While testing the QM7K, I measured a peak brightness of about 1,800 nits on a 10% HDR window — more than double what the QM6K can achieve. This gives HDR highlights, such as glinting reflections or fiery explosions, an extra pop. While that figure isn't drastically higher than last year's QM7, the new model introduces other improvements that make a bigger difference in day-to-day viewing.

Notably, TCL has refined the TV's backlight control system, resulting in improved overall contrast. The light blooming and brightness inconsistencies that occasionally showed up on the older QM7 have been nearly eliminated. Bright objects now maintain crisp edges, even against dark backgrounds, and the enhanced viewing angles mean the picture holds up better when you're not seated directly in front of it. You'll still see some color and contrast loss at extreme angles, but it's a noticeable improvement over the prior model.

Black levels are also still a notch below what you'd get from higher-end QLEDs or OLED displays, since the backlight can't achieve the same pixel-level control. Even so, the QM7K delivers excellent overall performance for the money. At a typical sale price of under $1,000 for the 65-inch model, this is one of the brightest and best-value QLED TVs available in the midrange category.

Visit our guide to the top sports TVs.

Best anti-glare display

Samsung's S95F stands out as one of the brightest OLED TVs I've ever tested, and it pairs that impressive brightness with an anti-glare matte screen that tackles reflections better than any other model in this guide. Together, these features make it a top choice for anyone with lots of windows in their room.

In Filmmaker Mode — the TV's most accurate picture preset — I measured a peak brightness of 2,170 nits, the second-highest result I've ever recorded on an OLED, just behind the LG G5. That output translates into stunning HDR10 and HDR10+ performance, featuring bold colors, punchy highlights, and ample flexibility to fine-tune brightness for optimal daylight viewing.

Unlike most TVs that use glossy panels, the S95F's matte screen nearly eliminates glare and reflections. It's a genuine game changer for sports fans or anyone who watches TV in bright rooms during the day. However, that advantage comes with one trade-off: when hit by light, the matte finish lifts black levels, giving them a more gray, hazy appearance. In a dark room, though, the S95F still delivers the deep black levels and perfect contrast OLEDs are known for.

Whether this screen style suits you depends on your viewing habits. But if you want a display that almost completely eliminates reflections and delivers high-end image quality, this set offers terrific value.

Check out our Samsung S95F 4K TV review.

Best smart TV system

The Roku Pro Series is an excellent 4K TV for anyone seeking a straightforward and simple smart TV experience. The display is one of the few QLEDs in the upper-midrange class to come with the Roku OS (operating system) built in. Roku OS is my favorite interface thanks to its streamlined navigation and reliable performance.

Roku's home screen focuses on apps that provide access to every major streaming service available. Apps are arranged via large icons that you can order however you like. Unlike other smart TV systems, such as Fire TV OS, Roku doesn't bombard you with content recommendations on the homepage. However, you can always access the "What to Watch" section on the sidebar to view various recommendations across genres.

The TV's assembly is also convenient. The left and right feet can be attached without any tools via knobs that can be turned to keep them in place. You can also choose between a low or high position to accommodate a soundbar.

Roku's remote is also user-friendly, featuring several handy functions that are rare for this class. You can charge the remote via USB, eliminating the need for batteries, and it features backlit buttons for easy use in a dark home theater. Hands-free voice search is supported with a wake word, but you can deactivate this with a switch and engage search with a button if you prefer. Another cool feature is the "lost remote finder," which activates a chime on the remote if you ever lose it.

When it comes to picture quality, the Roku Pro Series is no slouch. This is the brand's flagship TV, and it delivers good image performance. The QLED panel features a Mini LED backlight with local dimming, enabling vibrant colors, high HDR contrast, and deep black levels. However, viewing angles are poor compared to OLED TVs and pricier QLEDs from Samsung. Likewise, the TV's processing and peak brightness can't quite match those of other flagship QLEDs, such as the TCL QM8K.

However, when considering the total package, the Roku Pro Series excels at striking a balance between ease of use and image quality features, such as Mini LEDs and quantum dots. Roku also sells a newer second-generation version of the Pro Series, which it says can produce higher dynamic range, but it costs more. While it's still in stock at a lower price, this first-gen model remains the better buy.

Check out our Roku Pro Series 4K TV review.

Visit our guides to all the best smart TVs and best Roku TVs.

How we test 4K TVs

To test the best 4K TVs, our reviewers focus on key parameters, including picture clarity, high-dynamic-range (HDR) performance, color gamut, contrast, viewing angles, smart TV capabilities, navigation speed, and value.We've been covering tech products for over a decade, leveraging our experience to inform our testing methodology.

We use a colorimeter with test patterns found on the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray to measure a TV's brightness and color capabilities.However, test patterns can only reveal so much, so we place a large emphasis on watching real-world content on a day-to-day basis to really see how a display performs under typical use.

We also use a series of demo scenes that we've selected from different movies and TV shows to evaluate each 4K TV's overall picture quality, with a specific focus on sequences that emphasize black levels, specular highlights, color fidelity, and sharpness with native 4K, high-definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) material via cable, Blu-ray players, and all of the best streaming services. TVs are also evaluated in various viewing conditions, including a completely dark room for critical movie watching and environments with different lighting conditions and windows to test daytime performance and reflection handling.

Smart TV functionality is also considered, with tests measuring the time it takes for apps to launch and the smoothness of menu navigation. We also evaluate voice search responsiveness and digital assistant capabilities.

For additional details on our testing methodology, check out our breakdown of how we review tech products.

4K TV FAQs

What are the best 4K TV brands?

LG, Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic are among the top 4K TV brands. Although typically more expensive than other options, these companies' TVs are renowned for delivering cutting-edge technology, modern designs, and good quality control. If you're in the market for a premium TV, you can't go wrong with flagship models from these manufacturers.

Meanwhile, brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio are top players in the midrange and value-priced TV market. Although build quality isn't always on par with more expensive brands, these companies offer advanced features, such as quantum dots and Mini LED dimming, for less than their competitors. If you want the best value for your money in a midrange TV, these are the brands you should consider first.

Companies like Amazon and Roku also make solid entry-level and midrange TVs. Their flagship offerings are decent options when on sale during TV deal events like Black Friday, but you can typically find better displays for less money from TCL, Hisense, or Vizio.

Finally, budget brands like Onn, Toshiba, and Insignia are known for selling entry-level LED displays that use the Roku OS or Amazon's Fire TV operating system. Though inexpensive, these sets are about as basic as TVs get. We typically recommend paying a bit more to get one of our picks for the best 4K TVs listed above, but these displays are decent enough if you just want a cheap TV for casual viewing.

What size 4K TV should you get?

The size of the 4K TV you should buy depends on your space, the distance you want to sit from the display, and your budget. In general, larger TVs cost more than smaller ones with comparable features, and you'll need to have enough wall mounting space or a large enough TV stand to accommodate whatever display you get.

TV sizes range from as small as 24 inches to around 115 inches. A few manufacturers have premium models that are even larger. Many companies reserve their best picture quality and design features for their larger sizes. Though not a hard rule, midrange features are often reserved for models that are 50 inches or larger, and high-end features tend to start in 55-inch models.

Most companies use 65 inches as their flagship size to highlight their best 4K TVs, and for many people, 65 inches hits just the right sweet spot, offering a solid home theater experience without taking up too much real estate or breaking the bank.

If space and budget aren't a concern, the best size 4K TV to get can be determined by how far you plan to sit from your display. This is because the benefits of 4K resolution become most noticeable when you sit at a distance of about one to 1.5 times the size of your TV. For instance, to get the most out of a 65-inch 4K TV, you should sit between 5.4 and 8.1 feet from your TV. Crutchfield has a handy chart recommending 4K TV sizes based on your seating distance.

For 4K TV recommendations tied to certain sizes, check out our size-specific guides:

• Best 100-inch TVs
• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs
• Best 43-inch TVs

What are the best smart TV interfaces?

Practically any new 4K TV you buy will be a smart TV, which means it features built-in support for accessing popular apps and streaming services. However, different companies use different smart TV interfaces. Here's a rundown of the different platforms that each brand uses.

• Tizen: Samsung
• webOS: LG
• Vizio Home: Vizio
• Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense
• Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense, Onn
• Fire TV: Amazon, Panasonic, Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense

Though a few services may be missing here and there, all major streaming apps are supported across every operating system. However, each system's navigation style, personalization options, and extra features differ.

We prefer Roku's interface because it is the simplest, most user-friendly, and most reliable. However, its visual style is a bit outdated compared to other options that present a more content-focused approach. Ultimately, every system has pros and cons, but they all get the job done.

If you're unhappy with your TV's built-in interface, you can purchase a separate streaming device with your preferred platform. Roku and Fire TV options are often sold for as low as $20. Check out our guides to the best streaming devices and best Fire TVs for more details.

What's the difference between OLED and QLED?

OLED and QLED TVs are two of the most popular display types on the market, each with its own pros and cons.

OLED TVs have self-illuminating screens. This means they can dim and brighten each pixel to create an infinite contrast ratio. This makes OLED the ideal choice for individuals who seek the ultimate image quality, particularly if you enjoy watching movies in a dark home theater.

QLED TVs, meanwhile, are a type of LED TV that relies on older LCD panel technology, which requires a backlight to illuminate its pixels. These backlights can include multiple zones to brighten and dim specific areas, but even the most advanced QLED models can't match the pixel-level contrast of an OLED. This can cause an uneven look in dark scenes, where halos appear around bright objects or black levels appear washed out, looking gray.

Where QLED TVs have an edge, however, is with max brightness. Midrange and high-end QLED TVs can get brighter than most OLEDs. QLED models also tend to be less expensive than OLED TVs, and they present no risk for burn-in. For more details on the differences between each panel type, check out our QLED vs. OLED comparison.

What is burn-in?

Even the best OLED TVs are technically susceptible to a phenomenon known as burn-in. If a static image — the CNN or ESPN logo in the corner, for example — is left on the screen for hours on end, a faint, ghostly image can become stuck on the TV.

Though OLED owners should be aware of this risk, OLED TVs have specific measures built in to prevent burn-in, including pixel refreshers and pixel shift modes. Publications like Rtings have conducted long-term tests with OLEDs, and while their results indicate that burn-in is possible, the tests suggest that individuals with regular viewing habits don't need to worry about it.

I owned an LG CX OLED TV for over three years, and the display has no signs of burn-in. Though burn-in is something that QLED TV owners don't have to think twice about, in my experience, as long as you don't plan on watching CNN all day, burn-in shouldn't be a factor when deciding whether to buy an OLED.

What is HDMI 2.1?

Many 4K TVs in the mid and premium tiers now include one or more inputs that support the HDMI 2.1 standard. HDMI 2.1 enables 4K signals at 120Hz (some brands even support 144Hz with a PC), along with features such as variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), to provide smooth gaming performance with reduced lag.

Every device in your home entertainment chain needs to be compatible with the HDMI 2.1 specification to enable its features. Therefore, if you have a gaming console connected to a soundbar that's connected to your TV, all three components must support HDMI 2.1. Likewise, you need to use ultra-high-speed HDMI cables rated for 48Gbps to transmit the necessary bandwidth for an HDMI 2.1 signal. Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for affordable recommendations.

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