Best TVs of 2025 - Top 5 Compared

The LG C4 Series represents the pinnacle of OLED television technology, combining stunning picture quality with cutting-edge gaming features. Its self-emissive pixels produce perfect black levels and infinite contrast, creating a viewing experience that LCD-based TVs cannot match. The C4 excels in dark room environments where its OLED advantages shine brightest, though it maintains respectable brightness for moderately lit rooms. Gamers will appreciate the four full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, and both G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility. The TV's α9 Gen7 AI processor provides excellent upscaling of lower-resolution content and effective motion handling.

While not as bright as QD-OLED competitors, the C4's color accuracy and consistency across viewing angles make it ideal for group viewing. The minimalist design with ultra-thin profile and nearly bezel-less display looks premium in any setting. WebOS provides access to all major streaming platforms, though the interface can occasionally feel sluggish compared to competitors. The lack of an ATSC 3.0 tuner may disappoint some cord-cutters, but this remains the most well-rounded OLED TV available.

The Samsung S90D QD-OLED represents a significant advancement in OLED technology, particularly for bright room viewing. By combining quantum dots with OLED's self-emissive pixels, Samsung achieves both the infinite contrast of OLED and the vibrant color volume typically associated with premium LCD TVs. The S90D measures significantly brighter than traditional OLEDs, reaching up to 1,777 nits in testing, making HDR content pop even in sunlit rooms. Its unique matte screen coating effectively combats glare without the graininess of some anti-reflective treatments. Quantum dot technology enables wider color gamut coverage than conventional OLEDs, producing exceptionally saturated yet natural colors.

Gaming performance is excellent with 144Hz refresh rate support and ultra-low input lag, though the limitation to two HDMI 2.1 ports may frustrate users with multiple next-gen devices. Samsung's decision to forgo Dolby Vision in favor of HDR10+ means some streaming content won't take full advantage of the display's capabilities. Tizen OS provides comprehensive app support but requires a Samsung account for full functionality. For viewers prioritizing brightness and color in challenging lighting conditions, the S90D stands as the premier OLED choice.

The Hisense U8N Series redefines expectations for what a mid-range television can achieve, offering Mini-LED performance that rivals premium models at a fraction of the cost. With peak brightness measured over 3,000 nits, the U8N handles HDR content with authority, making specular highlights and sunlit scenes remarkably lifelike. Thousands of local dimming zones enable black levels that approach OLED quality, though very dark scenes may show some blooming around bright objects. The TV's quantum dot color filter produces a wide color gamut that brings movies and games to life with vibrant yet accurate hues.

Google TV provides an intuitive smart platform with comprehensive streaming app support and useful content recommendations. While the U8N can't match OLED's viewing angles or pixel-perfect contrast, it outperforms most LCD TVs in these areas while reaching brightness levels OLEDs can't touch. The 120Hz panel with HDMI 2.1 support delivers smooth gaming performance, though serious gamers may prefer OLED's instantaneous response time. For buyers seeking premium HDR performance without premium pricing, the U8N represents an outstanding value proposition.

The Sony Bravia 9 represents the pinnacle of LCD television technology, engineered specifically for viewers who prioritize absolute picture accuracy above all else. Sony's Cognitive Processor XR analyzes and optimizes every element of the image simultaneously, replicating how human vision focuses on different parts of a scene. The Mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming achieves remarkable contrast while maintaining highlight detail that eludes most LCD TVs. What truly sets the Bravia 9 apart is its professional calibration straight from the factory, offering a 'Professional' picture mode that accurately reproduces content as creators intended.

Motion handling is exceptional, making this an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts and action movie fans. The TV's acoustic surface audio technology creates convincing sound that appears to emanate directly from on-screen action, though serious audiophiles will still want a dedicated sound system. Limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports, the Bravia 9 isn't the most gaming-focused TV despite its excellent picture quality. For home theater purists willing to invest in reference-quality performance, the Bravia 9 stands in a class of its own.

The TCL QM8 Series proves that impressive Mini-LED performance doesn't require a premium budget, offering core high-end features at mainstream prices. With up to 2,300 local dimming zones, the QM8 achieves contrast and black levels that surpass expectations for its price class, though it can't quite match OLED's perfection in dark scenes. The 144Hz native refresh rate provides exceptionally smooth motion for gaming and sports, though the VRR implementation is limited to 60Hz. HDR performance stands out with peak brightness reaching 2,300 nits, giving content impressive pop and vibrancy.

Google TV offers a clean, intuitive interface with extensive app support and useful content recommendations. While the QM8's viewing angles are typical for VA panel TVs—meaning colors wash out when viewed from the side—its head-on picture quality rivals more expensive models. Built-in speakers are underwhelming as with most slim TVs, necessitating a soundbar for serious movie watching. For buyers seeking high refresh rate gaming and quality HDR on a budget, the QM8 represents an outstanding value that makes few meaningful compromises.