I review TVs for a living, and Samsung remains one of the most reliable brands I test. From entry-level sets to high-end OLEDs, the company covers just about every price point and screen size. Still, some models rise above the rest. The best Samsung TVs deliver the ideal blend of picture quality, smart features, and overall value.
To help you narrow things down, I've highlighted the best Samsung TVs you can buy right now. My top pick is the Samsung S90F, which pairs OLED tech with quantum dots to produce stunning contrast and rich, bright colors. If you want something more affordable, the Samsung U8000F is one of the brand's cheapest models. Its picture performance has limitations, but it's a solid, inexpensive smart TV that's great for everyday viewing.
You'll also find standout options with vibrant QLED panels and effective anti-reflective screens. All of my recommendations are informed by more than a decade of hands-on experience evaluating home entertainment gear.
Our top picks for the best Samsung TVs
Best overall: Samsung S90F OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best on a budget: Samsung U8000F LED 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best high-end set: Samsung S95F OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best QLED display: Samsung QN90F QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best for your wall: Samsung LS03F Frame QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
Best overall
When looking at overall value for your money, the S90F is the best Samsung TV available. In fact, it's my pick for the best TV you can buy from any brand.
Utilizing a QD-OLED panel, the S90F delivers an infinite contrast ratio and outstanding color performance that outshines similarly priced OLEDs from LG and Sony. Its 144Hz refresh rate also helps cement it as one of the best gaming TVs, offering silky-smooth motion when connected to a compatible PC.
Like other Samsung models, the S90F supports HDR10 and HDR10+, and its HDR performance is impressive. Highlights leap off the screen, while deep, precise black levels and wide viewing angles make this TV equally impressive for movie nights and group viewing sessions. Black levels do rise slightly when the panel is hit with light, but not to the point where it's distracting.
The Samsung S90F is the brand's top midrange OLED model for 2025.
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Brightness is another strong point. Our reviewer measured a peak of around 1,460 nits, which is around 200 nits higher than last year's S90D. That gives the S90F plenty of punch for both dark home theaters and well-lit living rooms.
Still, it's worth noting that the S90F can't quite match the 2,000-nit brightness of Samsung's flagship QLEDs, such as the QN90F, or its premium S95F OLED. It also uses a glossy screen rather than the anti-glare matte coating found on some models. While matte screens handle reflections better, glossy panels like this one maintain richer contrast and a more cinematic look.
All things considered, the S90F offers the best balance between price and performance of any Samsung TV. Its picture quality comes close to matching pricier models from other brands, and it frequently goes on sale.
Note: Samsung's 42- 48-, and 83-inch S90F models do not feature quantum dots, so their screens can't match the color performance of other sizes.
Read our full Samsung S90F 4K TV review.
Best on a budget
While many of Samsung's high-end and midrange TVs deliver good value, its budget options tend to be lacking compared to similar TVs from TCL, Hisense, and Roku. But if you prefer the Samsung brand, the U8000F is the company's best entry-level option.
The U8000F utilizes a standard LCD panel with a regular LED backlight. This is fine for casual viewing needs, but the TV lacks the step-up picture quality features you'd find on Samsung's QLED and OLED models.
Most notably, the U8000F doesn't use quantum dots and lacks local dimming. As a result, the TV offers a more restricted range of colors, and its black levels aren't as deep or uniform across the screen. This is also one of the dimmest TVs in Samsung's lineup. It can technically process HDR10 and HDR10+ signals, but it cannot achieve sufficient brightness or precise enough contrast control to effectively showcase the benefits of HDR.
Still, the U8000F is capable of full 4K-resolution playback for a crisp, sharp image. It plays standard-dynamic-range (SDR) content in both 4K and high definition just fine, so HD cable channels and all the best live TV streaming services look solid.
This is a decent entry-level model for casual viewers who just want a basic smart TV and don't care about paying extra for better picture quality. However, keep in mind that if you're willing to look outside Samsung's lineup, you can find TVs with better contrast and color performance, such as the TCL QM6K, for just a bit more money.
For more cheap display recommendations from other brands, check out our guides to the best budget TVs and best TVs under $500.
Best high-end set
Samsung's S95F OLED is the brand's most impressive TV yet. That said, it's also one of its most expensive. Like the more affordable S90F, this OLED offers an infinite contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. However, this step-up model can get even brighter, allowing for even more HDR impact when watching high-brightness movies and TV shows.
I measured a peak of around 2,170 nits using the TV's most accurate HDR picture mode. That's almost 1,000 nits more than the S90F, which is a substantial bump. In fact, the S95F is one of the brightest OLED TVs available, second only to the LG G5.
The S95F uses Samsung's latest anti-glare matte screen, which could be a pro or con depending on your viewing needs. This feature significantly reduces reflections in rooms with ambient light, making it a perfect fit for people who struggle with glare in their space. Sports fans, in particular, should consider the S95F, as it's great for watching games during the day.
The S95F is one of the best premium TVs on the market, but its matte screen is a divisive feature.
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However, this glare-free coating has one negative side effect: it causes black levels to appear elevated in a bright room. As a result, dark scenes lose some of the inkiness that OLED TVs are known for. To be clear, black levels are still perfect in a dark room, but the TV's perceived contrast and shadow detail suffer when watching dim scenes with the lights on.
Ultimately, whether you favor a reflective or matte screen comes down to personal preference, but if you find glare to be a constant headache, the benefits of the S95F's screen outweigh its drawbacks.
The S95F is also a great gaming TV. It's one of the few models to support a refresh rate of up to 165Hz for smoother motion when connected to a PC. I also like the TV's design, which has a thin profile that's less than an inch thick. It achieves this by using a separate One Connect Box to house all its HDMI ports, something that the brand's cheaper models lack.
Read our full Samsung S95F 4K TV review.
Best QLED display
Though I favor Samsung's OLED TVs for their superior contrast performance, the company's QLED TVs are still worthwhile options. The QN90F is the brand's top 4K QLED model, and it's an especially good pick if you want a bright TV that costs less than Samsung's flagship S95F OLED.
The QN90F replaces my previous pick in this spot, the older QN90D. Both TVs offer very similar performance, but the QN90F can get slightly brighter, and it features an anti-glare matte screen instead of a traditional glossy one. The QN90D remains a great TV, but it is now discontinued and sold out at most stores. Meanwhile, the QN90F has seen a price decrease over the last few months. With all that in mind, the QN90F is now the better buy.
The QN90F is one of Samsung's most vibrant and bright TVs.
Les Shu/Business Insider
The QN90F is part of Samsung's "Neo QLED" series, which utilizes quantum dots for enhanced color and a Mini LED backlight with local dimming for improved contrast. The TV's Mini LEDs enable it to produce solid black levels with good brightness control.
During my tests, the QN90F's dimming worked well and produced fewer instances of blooming (small halos around bright objects) and vignetting (darkening around the edges of bright objects) than I saw on the older QN90D. That said, I did still see some minor halos and brightness imperfections, so the QN90F can't quite match the pixel-level contrast control of Samsung's OLED models.
The QN90F delivers a slightly punchier image than its predecessor. I measured a peak brightness of around 2,130 nits, which is a modest 100 nits more than I recorded on the QN90D. Coupled with the display's anti-reflective screen, this makes the QN90F an excellent choice for bright rooms. It also enables HDR videos to produce bold, impactful highlights.
That said, as with the S90F's matte screen, the QN90F's anti-glare screen also slightly raises black levels in a bright room, resulting in a performance tradeoff. But if you want a bright TV to combat glare, the QN90F is an excellent option.
Best for your wall
Samsung's Frame TV is an excellent choice for anyone planning to mount their display on a wall. This unique TV is designed to resemble a piece of art hanging in your living room.
The Frame has a black border by default, but you can pay extra to get different bezel colors for the exact picture-frame look you want. Options include white, brown, teak, red, beige, and more. The add-on bezels magnetically snap onto the display for simple installation.
Like Samsung's S95 series, the Frame TV utilizes an external One Connect Box to house its video ports, allowing the panel to maintain a one-inch profile from top to bottom. When paired with the included slim-fit wall mount, the TV can be hung flush on your wall, just like a framed work of art.
The Frame TV mounts flush to your wall, and it supports interchangeable bezels.
Tyler Hayes/Business Insider
The display uses a matte finish that's similar but not identical to the one used on Samsung's S95 series OLEDs. This finish helps prevent reflections and gives the screen a more canvas-like appearance. When you're not watching TV, you can turn on "Art Mode," which cycles through various paintings and photographs from Samsung's Art Store (subscription required) or a connected USB drive. A built-in motion sensor can even toggle the Art Mode to activate only when people are in the room.
While the Frame's unique design is its main selling point, the TV also benefits from using a QLED panel, albeit without all the bells and whistles that Samsung's top QLED models offer. The Frame can't hit the same peak brightness levels as my high-end picks, and it lacks local dimming for precise contrast control.
I don't recommend this TV for anyone who is focused on picture quality, but it still delivers a decent enough image for casual viewing. The Frame is specifically geared toward individuals who want the best Samsung TV that can also serve as an attractive design piece to hang in a living room, and in that sense, it excels.
The latest version of the Frame is the 2025 LS03F model, which introduces a few AI features and supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz (available on 55- and 65-inch models only). But overall, it offers very similar performance to the older LS03D from 2024. That said, both models are often sold for around the same amount of money, so unless you happen to find the 2024 Frame TV on sale for a great discount, the newer LS03F is the better buy.
Note: Older versions of the 32-inch Frame TV, which are still available at some retailers, feature a Full HD 1080p screen rather than a 4K panel.
Check out our guide to the best frame TVs.
Other Samsung TVs we reviewed
The Frame Pro is brighter than the standard Frame TV and comes with a wireless connection box.
Tyler Hayes/Business Insider
Samsung Frame Pro 4K TV - See at Amazon
Samsung now offers a step-up version of its Frame TV, called the Frame Pro. The Pro features an edge-lit Mini LED backlight for enhanced picture quality, offering higher contrast and brightness than the standard Frame. It also features a wireless connection box, allowing you to pair your media devices without any cables dangling from the display. Ultimately, we still give the standard Frame an edge in overall value for buyers who want a design-focused TV for their wall, but the Pro has its benefits for certain use cases.
Read our Samsung Frame Pro TV review.
How we test Samsung TVs
We use a colorimeter and calibration test patterns to measure a TV's brightness capabilities.
Les Shu/Business Insider
Our picks for the best Samsung TVs are based on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by over a decade of experience covering the home entertainment market. Our testing encompasses several key evaluation points that we use to assess a TV's overall performance and value, including HDR quality, brightness, color gamut coverage, contrast, local dimming performance (if applicable), viewing angles, gaming capabilities, navigation speed, design, and price.
When measuring a TV's brightness and evaluating other technical picture quality attributes, we use a colorimeter with test patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc.
However, test patterns only show one part of the equation, so we rely on real-world content and day-to-day viewing to see how Samsung's TVs look when watching typical programs in bright and dark rooms. Our material is carefully selected to showcase scenes that demonstrate test black levels, highlights, color fidelity, and fine details across 4K Ultra HD, high-definition (HD), and standard-definition (SD) material. We also use various sources, including streaming services, cable channels, a 4K Blu-ray player, and game consoles.
General usability and design are also taken into consideration. We get a feel for living with a TV for a few weeks while using its basic functions and smart TV features. If a TV has slow navigation or is missing key functions, that impacts our assessment, but we place expectations for each model within the context of its price range.
For more details on our testing methodology, check out our breakdown of how we review tech products.
Samsung TV FAQs
Samsung also sells soundbars, such as the Q990F, that can work in conjunction with the speakers built into some of its TVs.
Steven Cohen/Business Insider
What kind of TVs does Samsung make?
Samsung's TV lineup falls into three main categories: OLED, QLED, and Crystal UHD.
OLED models use self-illuminating pixels, so they don't need a backlight and can deliver perfect black levels with infinite contrast. Most Samsung OLEDs also use quantum dots for a wider color range. The trade-offs? OLEDs can be vulnerable to burn-in in extreme cases, and midrange models can't reach the same peak brightness as top QLED TVs.
QLED models use LCD panels with LED backlights and quantum dots. They can't match an OLED's pixel-level contrast, but high-end models can get brighter and don't carry any burn-in risk. Samsung's best QLEDs — its Neo QLED lineup — add Mini LEDs with full-array local dimming, bringing them closer to OLED-level contrast performance.
For a deeper breakdown of how these two technologies compare, check out our full QLED vs. OLED guide.
Crystal UHD models are Samsung's entry-level LCD TVs. They use basic LED backlights and offer more limited color, brightness, and contrast. They're best suited for casual viewers who simply want an affordable smart TV without advanced picture features.
All of Samsung's displays are available in multiple sizes, with some models ranging from as small as 32 inches to as large as 115 inches. For TV recommendations at various screen 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
Does Samsung sell 8K TVs?
Yes, Samsung makes 8K TVs, and we've featured them in this guide before. But given the current price and performance gap between Samsung's 4K and 8K models, we recommend most shoppers stick with 4K.
Samsung's 8K TVs are impressive, but the real-world benefits of 8K are minimal. There's virtually no native 8K content beyond a few YouTube clips, so everything you watch will be upscaled 4K or HD. On very large screens, an 8K set can look slightly sharper if you sit close, but the difference isn't big enough to justify the price premium. You'll get better overall value by choosing one of Samsung's higher-end 4K TVs.
If you're determined to go 8K, the Samsung QN990F is our top pick. We've tested that model, and it delivers excellent picture quality. Still, most people will be happier with Samsung's more affordable 4K OLEDs, which offer superior contrast — a factor that makes a far bigger impact on image performance than 8K resolution.
Does Samsung make soundbars?
Yes, Samsung offers a range of soundbar models across various budgets, including the highly rated Q990 series of Dolby Atmos soundbars. You can learn more in our full Samsung Q990F soundbar review.
Some Samsung soundbars support a feature called Q-Symphony when paired with certain Samsung TVs. Q-Symphony enables the soundbar and TV speakers to work in tandem, enhancing sound quality.
For more soundbar recommendations from Samsung and other brands, check out our home audio buying guides:
- Best soundbars
- Best Dolby Atmos soundbars
- Best surround sound systems
- Best budget soundbars
- Best soundbars with a subwoofer
- Best Bose soundbars
- Best Sonos soundbars
Are Samsung TVs better than LG TVs?
Samsung and LG both make excellent TVs, and it's hard to crown one brand as universally better. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on what you need and which specific models you're comparing.
For LCD-based sets, Samsung's best models are branded QLED, while LG's are branded QNED. The underlying panel tech differs slightly, but performance is broadly similar. That said, Samsung's high-end QLEDs have traditionally held an edge over LG's top QNEDs thanks to higher brightness and more effective local dimming.
Both brands also produce some of the best OLED TVs on the market, and the competition is even closer here. Samsung's OLEDs typically use quantum dots, giving them a boost in brightness and color compared to LG's midrange OLEDs. However, LG's flagship G5 OLED uses a four-stack design that enables it to surpass Samsung's brightest OLEDs. Likewise, LG's OLEDs maintain deeper black levels in bright rooms. LG also offers OLEDs in more sizes, making the lineup more flexible for different budgets.
One important difference between all of LG and Samsung's TVs is their support for HDR formats. LG's mid- and high-end TVs work with Dolby Vision, while Samsung supports HDR10+. Both formats use dynamic metadata to optimize contrast and color scene by scene, but Dolby Vision is more widely adopted across streaming apps and 4K Blu-rays.
You can find LG recommendations in our guide to the best LG TVs.
What smart TV interface does Samsung use?
Samsung uses a proprietary smart TV interface built using the Tizen operating system (OS). Unlike other interfaces such as Roku OS, Android TV, Fire TV, or Google TV, Samsung's Tizen platform is not available on smart TV models or streaming devices from other brands.
For many years, Samsung's Tizen OS featured a pop-up screen that displayed apps across a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen, but Samsung updated its interface in 2022. Now, Samsung smart TVs use a full-screen homepage that organizes your favorite services and presents you with content recommendations. There's also a Gaming Hub section that allows you to access cloud services, including Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna.
Samsung's smart TV interface works well across its lineup of TVs and offers access to all of the best streaming services, but it's not the smoothest OS we've used. Even high-end models have been prone to hiccups and slight lag in the past. However, the brand's 2025 TVs have made notable improvements in this regard.
Most buyers should be satisfied with Samsung's smart TV performance, and no major services or features are missing. But if you prefer a different interface with slightly snappier navigation, we recommend checking out our guide to the best streaming devices for other options.
For display recommendations that use other systems, check out our full guide to the best smart TVs.
Are Samsung TVs prone to burn-in?
Samsung's QLED and Crystal UHD TVs are not susceptible to burn-in, but the company's OLED models can experience this issue in extreme cases. Burn-in occurs when a static image is left on an OLED screen for hours on end — the CNN or ESPN logo in the corner, for example — which can cause a faint, ghostly image to become permanently stuck on the screen.
Although Samsung OLED buyers should be aware of this risk, OLED TVs have built-in measures to prevent burn-in, including automatic pixel-shift modes and pixel refreshers. Publications like Rtings have conducted long-term tests with numerous OLED TVs, including those from Samsung. While the results indicate that burn-in is possible, the tests suggest that individuals with regular viewing habits don't need to worry about it.
As long as you don't plan on watching cable news channels all day, burn-in shouldn't be a factor when deciding whether to buy an OLED TV. However, if you tend to watch just one cable channel for several hours a day, you're better off getting one of Samsung's QLED or Crystal UHD models, so you don't have to think twice about burn-in.
Do Samsung TVs support Dolby Vision?
No, not even the best Samsung TVs support Dolby Vision. However, they do support a similar format called HDR10+. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are both dynamic metadata high-dynamic-range formats. This means that compatible content can be encoded with specific instructions that tell your TV how to handle HDR contrast and color on a scene-by-scene basis.
This is in contrast to the standard HDR10 format, a static metadata format that can only include one set of instructions for the entire video, rather than providing scene-by-scene details. In practice, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ can deliver a more refined HDR experience with video quality that better matches the specific capabilities of your TV. However, these benefits over standard HDR10 are often very subtle.
Although Dolby Vision and HDR10+ offer similar capabilities, Dolby Vision is supported on more streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs, making it the more desirable of the two formats.
Check out our HDR TV guide for more information about how these formats stack up.
Are matte screens better than glossy ones?
Most of Samsung's TVs use a glossy or semi-glossy screen, but the company has started to release more models that use a matte finish instead. They both have pros and cons that make them better suited for specific types of viewers.
Glossy screens are great at preserving high contrast and deep black levels, but they're prone to mirror-like reflections. This can be a problem if your room has lots of lights or windows. On the other hand, Samsung's anti-glare matte screens significantly reduce reflections. On the downside, the matte filter causes black levels to appear slightly elevated and washed out in a bright room.
Which style is right for you depends on your personal preferences and viewing needs. We tend to favor glossy screens for most uses, as high contrast plays a significant role in maintaining good picture quality. However, matte screens are better suited for spaces where ambient light cannot be controlled.
Notable Samsung TVs that use matte screens include the S95F, QN90F, and Frame models.
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