Nowadays, just about every television set with a screen size of at least 32 inches is available 4K resolution for prices that are basically equivalent to older 1080p TVs with lower resolution, and 4K is therefore no longer an expensive walk-in feature that is only available with a high-end TV. If you buy a 50-inch screen or larger, it is difficult to find any model is not 4K.
The best 4K TV screen may be cheaper than you think. The popular TCL 4 Series, which I really like as an entry-level option, starts at a budget TV price of $ 230 for the 43-inch model. The 65-inch version it dropped to below $ 500.
Here’s the thing: 4K resolution on a screen does not necessarily mean that you will get excellent image quality. All the millions of pixels – 8,294,440 to be exact – do not have a big impact on how good the picture looks. The TVs that perform best in our reviews and the best TVs for the money performs in other areas of image quality, such as contrast, dynamic range and HDR performance. They also have 4K resolution, but these are actually table interests these days.
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See how I set up a TV review lab in my basement
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The list below suggests the best 4K TVs (which, let’s be honest, the best TVs, point) I checked it in CNET’s test lab, where I compare it side by side to see which one is the best to buy. I took into account factors like picture quality, design, smart TV functionality, connectivity and more. Here are my latest recommendations, with the following notes to keep in mind:
Sarah Tew / CNET
No TV I have ever tested offers so much picture quality for this little cash. The 2020 TCL 6 Series has even better picture quality than its predecessor, thanks to mini-LED technology and well-implemented local eclipse, which helps it spin circles around any other TV at this price. It’s also a great choice for gamers with a new THX mode that combines low input delay and high contrast. As if that’s not enough, the Roku TV operating system is our practical favorite.
Size: 55-, 65-, 75-inch. Read our review of TCL 6 Series (2020 Roku TV).
David Katzmaier / CNET
What do you say? You just want the best TV, money no object? Here you go. In my side-by-side tests, the 2020 LG CX is the best TV I have ever rated, with a world-beating contrast, perfect oblique angle and excellent uniformity. If you can afford it, this is the TV you can get.
Size: 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-inch. Read our LG OLEDCX series review.
Apart from the TCL 6 series above, it is the best TV for the money. The TCL has a better picture and a better smart TV system, so it’s a superior TV, but it’s also a few hundred dollars more expensive. If you can not afford the 6 Series, this Vizio is a very good runner-up. Read our Vizio M7 Series Quantum (2020) review.
Sarah Tew / CNET
If you appreciate Sony’s brand name, the X900H is an excellent choice, with image quality equal to the TCL 6 series and a price that does not that much more expensive. And the range of connections is actually better than the TCLs. In the winter of 2020, it will get full 4K / 120Hz HDMI input capability to maximize the potential of the new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and at the moment it is the cheapest TV to work with ATSC 3.0 antenna broadcasts. Read our Sony XBR-X900H Series Review.
Sarah Tew / CNET
Roku is our favorite platform to watch content with Netflix live TV shows, and it’s an even better experience when baked into TV. This TCL 4 Series Ultra HD TV can not beat any of the above models in picture quality – its 4K resolution and HDR compatibility do nothing to help the picture, but it’s perfectly fine for most people, especially here price.
Size: 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-inches. (The price below is for the 50-inch size.) Read our review of the TCL S425 series (Roku TV).
Sarah Tew / CNET
TCL’s 8 Series also features mini-LED and the result is excellent contrast, brightness and high dynamic range that beats the cheaper 6 Series in my side-by-side comparison. The overall image quality does not meet the OLED levels, but it comes fairly close and costs much less, especially in the 75-inch size.
Size: 65-, 75-inch. Read our TCL 8 Series (2019 Roku TV) review.
Other things to know about buying a new 4K TV
I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with any of the TVs above, but a new set could be a big investment, so you might be looking for more information. Here is a quick and dirty list.
- In my opinion, bigger is better. Large TVs are cheaper than ever, and your money is best spent on large-scale sizes rather than a slight improvement in picture quality.
- If you do not like the built-in smart TV system, you can always add a media streamer. It is inexpensive and easy to use and receives more frequent updates than most smart TVs. Check out our selection of the best media streamers.
- Most built-in speakers sound awful, so it’s worth pairing your new set with a soundbar or other speaker system. Goods start at about $ 100. Look at the best sound bars.
Looking for even more information? Here’s everything to know about buy a new TV in 2021.
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TCL 6 Series Roku TV Review: Brighter and Better Than …
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