The best Sony TVs of 2026

I test TVs from every major brand, and year after year, the best Sony TVs stand out in my image quality evaluations. Sony's sets usually cost more than many competitors, but that premium pricing comes with premium performance. If you're willing to spend extra for a top-tier picture, Sony's flagship TVs are some of the most impressive displays you can buy.

My top pick is the Bravia 8 II OLED, which I consider the best Sony TV for enthusiasts who want the most refined picture possible. It competes head-to-head with elite OLED TVs from LG and Samsung, and in some areas — like picture accuracy — it even has the edge. For shoppers who want a great Sony TV at a lower price, the Bravia 7 QLED is a strong alternative. It doesn't match Sony's OLEDs for contrast or wide viewing angles, but it's more affordable and still delivers a bright, colorful image.

Sony does sell cheaper TVs, but I haven't included them as picks in this guide. While the brand excels at making some of the industry's top high-performance TVs, its lower-midrange and entry-level models don't offer the same value as budget TVs from other brands. With that in mind, this guide focuses on the Sony TVs that truly showcase what the company does best.

Our top picks for the best Sony TVs

Best overall: Sony Bravia 8 II OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best high-end QLED: Sony Bravia 9 QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best midrange QLED: Sony Bravia 7 QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best overall

Sony excels at premium performance, and the Bravia 8 II takes the brand to a new level. This is the company's latest flagship OLED, and it's the best Sony TV I've ever tested. In fact, it's one of the top high-end TVs from any brand.

Part of what makes the Bravia 8 II so impressive is its QD-OLED panel. Like all OLED displays, it produces pixel-level contrast with perfect black levels in a dark room. This means that bright elements of an image pop from the screen with pinpoint precision, while dark elements remain deep and inky without any halos or backlight inconsistencies.

The Bravia 8 II also incorporates a color technology called quantum dots (where the "QD" in "QD-OLED" comes from). When used in an OLED, quantum dots enable a TV to produce a brighter image and help the display maintain high saturation when displaying bright colors. The results are gorgeous.

A Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV on a media console with a video of a street in Japan at night playing on the screen.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) movies and TV shows look exceptional, with rich colors, sharp detail, and bold specular highlights. Using an industry-standard test pattern with the TV set in its most accurate mode, I measured peak brightness of about 1,560 nits on a 10% window and 1,900 nits on a 5% window. This makes the Bravia 8 II one of the brightest OLED TVs on the market.

That said, it isn't the brightest. I measured higher levels on the Samsung S95F and LG G5, with peaks of 2,170 and 2,410, respectively. Of course, high brightness is only one part of premium image quality, and the Bravia 8 II has a leg up over those other models when it comes to image processing. Sony's processing delivers an exceptionally accurate picture and helps improve the appearance of lower-quality sources through impressive upscaling.

On the downside, the Bravia 8 II has one drawback that LG's G5 doesn't. The Bravia 8 II's QD-OLED panel causes black levels to rise slightly when the screen is hit by ambient light. This isn't an issue when watching movies in a dimly lit room, and the effect isn't as noticeable as the hazy black levels that some matte-screen TVs, like the Samsung S95F, suffer from in bright spaces. I'm usually nitpicky about this sort of thing, but I wasn't bothered by it on the Bravia 8 II. I found the lift in black levels to be extremely subtle when watching content. Though it's still worth keeping in mind, I don't consider this a significant con.

Like all Sony TVs, the Bravia 8 II runs Google TV OS, which provides smooth navigation and access to the best streaming services. The TV also comes with a Google Assistant voice remote and supports hands-free voice control. However, I'm disappointed that this model dropped the backlit buttons that Sony used to offer on its flagship remotes. It also no longer comes with Sony's Bravia Cam, which was included with the older A95L TV this model replaces.

The Bravia 8 II is available in 55- and 65-inch models, but Sony doesn't offer a 77-inch model. If you're looking for a larger, high-end Sony OLED, you can still purchase the older 77-inch A95L instead. The A95L is a similar TV, but its HDR performance isn't as bright.

Best high-end QLED

The Bravia 9 QLED is a beast of a TV, and it's one of the most impressive displays of its type. Though my top pick in this guide, Sony's Bravia 8 II OLED, has an edge in overall image quality, the Bravia 9 surpasses that model in certain areas. Most notably, it can get even brighter, which makes this set a better fit for certain viewers.

During my review, I measured a peak of over 2,600 nits using the TV's most accurate picture mode. That's a significant increase in luminance over the Bravia 8 II OLED, and it gives high-brightness HDR videos a bit more pop while also offering more headroom for you to adjust the TV's brightness to overcome glare. This makes the Bravia 9 a great high-end TV for viewers who struggle with reflections in rooms with lots of light.

An angled view of a Sony Bravia 9 QLED TV displaying an image of a lake by a mountain.

The Bravia 9 also has some of the best contrast control I've seen on a QLED display. The TV features a Mini LED backlight with local dimming, which adjusts the brightness of separate zones across its screen. However, due to limitations in how these zones operate, many local-dimming TVs are prone to distracting blooming or vignetting around bright objects, which can make dark scenes look patchy with uneven halos of light.

But Sony has done phenomenal work to optimize its backlight system, so the Bravia 9 is nearly free of those flaws. Even in a completely dark room, black levels were deep and uniform, while highlights remained bright without halos. The Bravia 9 still can't quite match the pixel-level precision of an OLED, but it comes as close as any QLED I've seen.

That said, there was one notable quirk with the TV's dimming system. When streaming high-brightness HDR content, such as "The Rings of Power" on Amazon Prime Video, I noticed slight delays in brightness adjustments. This happened when scenes cut between dim images and brighter ones. So rather than instantly transitioning between brightness levels, the TV takes a second to increase its luminance. I've seen similar behavior on a few other QLEDs and even some OLEDs in the past, but it's a bit more noticeable on the Bravia 9. I don't consider this a big flaw, but viewers who are especially sensitive to brightness fluctuations might find it irritating when watching certain types of HDR content.

Ultimately, no TV is perfect, but the Bravia 9 is as close to reference quality as any QLED I've tested. Though viewing angles and contrast can't quite match what you'd get on the Bravia 8 II, the Bravia 9 gets remarkably close to matching the overall quality of a premium OLED while offering higher luminance. This is the best Sony TV for viewers who want an extra-bright high-end display.

Best midrange QLED

The Bravia 7 is Sony's upper-midrange QLED TV, and recent discounts have made it one of the better values in the company's lineup. The 65-inch version is often on sale for under $1,500, which is considerably less than the premium Bravia 8 II and Bravia 9. This set can't match the performance of those pricier models, but it's a good choice for people who want a more affordable Sony TV.

Like the Bravia 9, the Bravia 7 uses a QLED panel with a Mini LED backlight and local dimming. This enables the TV to produce a wide range of colors and control its contrast across separate zones. However, the Bravia 7's backlight system isn't as advanced as the Bravia 9's, and it has fewer zones. As a result, its black level performance isn't quite as good, and it has lower brightness.

That said, this is still a bright TV, especially compared to typical midrange OLED displays. It peaks at just under 2,000 nits, which is still more than enough to enjoy an excellent HDR image. This level of performance compares favorably to Samsung's flagship QN90F QLED TV.

However, some QLED sets from value-forward brands, such as TCL and Hisense, can outperform the Bravia 7 in brightness and contrast while costing less. For example, the TCL QM8K and Hisense U8QG can both reach peak brightness levels of over 3,000 nits, feature more advanced dimming systems, and often sell for under $1,000. On the other hand, the Bravia 7 benefits from Sony's superior processing, which gives it better upscaling and out-of-the-box accuracy. So, while I generally give the edge to the QM8K and U8QG for overall value in this price range, the Bravia 7 is still a good buy if you favor the Sony brand and want a faithful image without having to fiddle with calibration too much.

On the downside, the Bravia 7's viewing angles are narrower than those of the Bravia 8 II and Bravia 9, so this isn't the best Sony TV if you plan to sit off to the side of the screen. When it comes to smart features, the Bravia 7 uses the same Google TV OS as other Sony models and also features hands-free voice control.

How we test Sony TVs

An angled view of a Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV on a media console with the Google TV homepage on the screen.

To find the best Sony TVs, we employed a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by over a decade of experience reviewing home entertainment products. Our testing process involves evaluating a TV's picture quality, smart features, and overall usability through objective measurements and general use.

To determine a TV's peak brightness and color capabilities, we use meters and test patterns. However, these measurements can only reveal so much; it's also important to watch real-world content to see how a TV handles different types of movies and shows. We use a curated selection of demo scenes from various films and series to showcase different elements of image quality, including black levels, HDR contrast, color gradients, upscaling, and motion. We use a mix of sources, including 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays, streaming services, cable TV, and gaming consoles.

Generally, we live with each TV we review for several weeks and use it as we would any TV we'd buy ourselves. This allows us to see how a TV performs day to day over an extended period, so we can assess its ease of use and smart TV navigation, and look out for glitches or other anomalies. For our guide to the best Sony TVs, we also focused on how each of Sony's offerings performed relative to other TV models in the company's lineup, as well as similar models from rival brands. This allows us to address specific pros and cons across Sony's collection, enabling us to determine which models are best suited for different uses and budgets.

Sony TV FAQs

A Sony Bravia 9 TV on a media console displaying Marvel's Spider-Man on PS5.

When will 2026 Sony TVs be available?

Unlike most TV brands, Sony did not reveal new display models at the CES tech tradeshow in January 2026. Based on the company's release patterns from the last couple of years, it's likely Sony will announce new models in the spring.

Is TCL taking over Sony's TV business?

In January 2026, Sony announced plans to enter a strategic partnership with TCL. If the plan goes through, TCL would assume 51% of Sony's home entertainment business, while Sony would retain 49%. At the moment, both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding for the partnership with the goal of formalizing an agreement by the end of March 2026. Pending completion of an agreement, the joint venture would start operation in April 2027.

The announcement says that the joint company is expected to keep the Sony and Bravia brands while utilizing Sony's and TCL's expertise in display technology and supply chain. It's too early to say exactly how this proposed partnership will impact Sony's TV offerings, but the combination of Sony's high-end imaging tech with TCL's knack for budget-friendly pricing could lead to an expanded lineup of affordable Sony Bravia models.

Are Sony OLED or QLED TVs better?

Sony offers a range of TVs utilizing various panel technologies, including multiple QLED and OLED models. Both types of Sony TVs have their pros and cons, so which one is best for you really depends on your priorities.

The Sony Bravia 7 and Bravia 9 both use QLED panels with Mini LED backlights. This combination enables these TVs to offer a wide range of colors and exceptionally bright images, especially the Bravia 9. These sets also have good contrast control thanks to built-in local dimming, but they still can't match the pixel-level precision of an OLED panel.

Sony's Bravia 8 uses a standard WOLED panel with an infinite contrast ratio and perfect black levels, which even the most advanced QLED TVs can't match. But as a tradeoff, the Bravia 8 is notably dimmer than the Bravia 7 and Bravia 9. The step-up Bravia 8 II uses a QD-OLED panel that incorporates quantum dots to deliver brighter colors while maintaining the infinite contrast ratio of the Bravia 8. The Bravia 8 II can match the Bravia 7's brightness in most respects, but it still cannot achieve the same luminance as the Bravia 9.

Ultimately, we recommend a Sony OLED TV for home theater enthusiasts who want the best image quality in a dark room. Meanwhile, Sony's QLED TVs are a better fit for rooms that require a brighter picture to overcome glare and reflections.

You can learn more about the differences between TV panel types in our QLED vs. OLED comparison.

What size TVs does Sony sell?

Sony's current 4K TV lineup ranges in size from 43 inches to 98 inches. The company also sells an older 32-inch HDTV model, called the W830K.

For TV recommendations across certain sizes, check out our size-specific buying guides:

Why don't we recommend budget Sony TVs?

Although Sony does make a few entry-level TVs, we don't recommend them as picks in this guide. Generally speaking, the best Sony TVs are the brand's upper-midrange and high-end models, as their performance is good enough to justify their high cost. However, the company's lower-end offerings, such as the Bravia 2 II and Bravia 3, are overpriced for what you get.

For instance, the 65-inch Bravia 3 costs around $650 but fails to match the contrast and brightness performance of cheaper sets from budget-friendly rivals, like the TCL QM6K.

What smart TV interface does Sony use?

All of Sony's current TVs use the Google TV interface. Google TV is one of our favorite smart TV platforms, thanks to its wide range of features, attractive layout, and seamless integration with an existing Google account.

For more details about different smart TV platforms, check out our guide to the best smart TVs.

Does Sony make 8K TVs?

Although Sony has released 8K TVs in the past, it currently has none in its lineup. However, some stores still have stock of the brand's 75-inch Z9K 8K TV, which was first released in 2022. While the Z9K is still an impressive display, the benefits of 8K resolution are extremely subtle, and we recommend shoppers opt for one of Sony's high-end 4K TV models instead.

Are Sony TVs good for gaming?

The best Sony TVs are good gaming displays, especially if you plan to pair them with a PS5.

The brand's top models feature gaming-centric capabilities, including support for a 120Hz refresh rate, Auto-Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Likewise, they have exclusive features designed to optimize performance on PS5 consoles, including auto-HDR tone mapping. This feature automatically sets the console's HDR settings to match your Sony TV's capabilities, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

All of our picks in this guide support the features listed above. However, there's one area where even the best Sony TVs fall short of rival brands'best gaming TVs: max refresh rate. Many competitors offer TV models that can support a 144Hz refresh rate, and some high-end models even support 165Hz. Meanwhile, Sony doesn't offer any TVs that go beyond 120Hz. Refresh rates above 120Hz are only beneficial for PC gamers with powerful graphics cards, but if you fall into this category, you might want to consider TVs from other brands.

Check out our other TV guides for options that support higher refresh rates:

Do Sony TVs have good sound quality?

Generally speaking, most TVs have mediocre sound quality compared to a solid soundbar or speaker system. Typical displays feature limited audio drivers to fit a flat-panel form factor, which limits overall depth and clarity. However, some of the best Sony TVs have more advanced audio systems than a lot of competing options.

Most notably, the Bravia 8 II OLED utilizes acoustic actuators within the panel itself, enabling sound to be emitted directly from the screen. Meanwhile, the Bravia 9 has a beam tweeter that can reflect sound off your ceiling. These speakers offer better quality than many TVs from other brands. That said, you'll still get a noticeably bigger, richer sound from a good dedicated soundbar or surround-sound setup.

Check out our audio buying guides for our top recommendations:

What other Sony products do we recommend?

In addition to TVs, Sony makes some of our favorite headphones, including both over-ear and earbud-style models. In particular, the brand's WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 are among the most impressive headphones we've tested. For more details, check out our full guide to the best Sony headphones.

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