The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best 4K TVs In 2026
Finding the perfect 4K TV can be overwhelming with so many options available. As a certified TV calibrator who has tested more than 170 televisions from brands like Hisense, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, TCL, Vizio, and others over the past 10 years, I understand the challenges consumers face. After more than 140 hours of testing, our expert team has carefully picked out and recommended TVs from leading brands to help you make an informed decision.
Our Testing Methodology: Tools and Process
We use two main tools for our testing to ensure accuracy and consistency across all models. These professional-grade calibration tools allow us to measure color accuracy, brightness levels, contrast ratios, and other critical performance metrics. Our testing process involves evaluating TVs in various lighting conditions, testing gaming performance with different consoles, and assessing smart TV interfaces for ease of use.
The testing environment is carefully controlled to eliminate variables that could affect our results. We use professional colorimeters and spectroradiometers to capture precise measurements, and our team follows industry-standard testing protocols to ensure reliable data. This comprehensive approach helps us identify which TVs truly deliver the best performance across different use cases.
Top Picks: Best 4K TVs for Every Need
The Best Overall: Samsung S95F OLED
If you're after a TV that excels in every area, the Samsung S95F OLED stands out as our top recommendation. This premium display combines exceptional picture quality with cutting-edge features that make it suitable for everything from movie watching to gaming. The S95F offers perfect black levels thanks to its OLED technology, while maintaining impressive brightness for an OLED panel.
What sets the Samsung S95F apart is its comprehensive feature set. It includes the latest HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen gaming, supports all major HDR formats including Dolby Vision, and features Samsung's advanced AI processing for enhanced upscaling of lower-resolution content. The TV's sleek design and One Connect box for cable management make it a stylish addition to any living space.
Best Value: LG C5 OLED
The LG C5 OLED is the best option for those seeking premium performance without the highest price tag. This model delivers exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast, characteristic of OLED technology. The C5's α9 AI Processor Gen7 intelligently optimizes picture and sound quality, while its webOS smart platform provides access to all major streaming services.
What makes the LG C5 particularly appealing is its balance of performance and affordability. It supports 4K at 120Hz for smooth gaming, includes multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, and features Dolby Vision support for enhanced HDR content. The TV's design is minimalist and elegant, with extremely thin bezels that maximize the viewing area.
Best QLED: Samsung QN90F Neo QLED
After extensive testing, our team selected the Samsung QN90F Neo QLED TV as the best 4K TV for those who prefer QLED technology. This model gets bright enough for most spaces, showcases faithful reproductions of color, and offers excellent HDR performance. The QN90F uses Samsung's Mini LED backlight technology to achieve impressive contrast levels while maintaining brightness in well-lit rooms.
The Samsung QN90F Neo QLED excels in bright environments where OLED TVs might struggle. Its Quantum Matrix Technology Pro allows for precise control of the backlight zones, resulting in deep blacks and bright highlights. The TV also features Samsung's Object Tracking Sound technology, which provides immersive audio that follows the action on screen.
Size Options: Finding the Perfect Fit
Our top picks are available in sizes ranging from 42 to 115 inches, ensuring there's an option for every room and viewing distance. When choosing a TV size, consider your room dimensions and typical viewing distance. As a general rule, you should sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size away from the TV for optimal viewing.
For smaller spaces like bedrooms or apartments, a 42-55 inch TV might be ideal. Medium-sized living rooms often work well with 65-75 inch models, while dedicated home theaters or large living areas can accommodate 85 inches or larger. The Samsung S95F OLED and LG C5 OLED are available in various sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your space.
Understanding TV Technologies: OLED vs. QLED
When shopping for the best 4K TVs, you'll encounter two main display technologies: OLED and QLED. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs, like the Samsung S95F and LG C5, offer perfect black levels because each pixel can turn off completely. This results in infinite contrast ratios and excellent viewing angles. OLEDs are ideal for dark room viewing and offer superior picture quality for movie enthusiasts.
QLED (Quantum Dot LED) TVs, such as the Samsung QN90F, use LED backlighting with quantum dot technology to produce bright, vibrant images. QLED TVs excel in bright rooms and can achieve higher peak brightness than OLEDs. They also tend to be more affordable and don't suffer from the risk of burn-in that OLEDs face with static content.
Gaming Performance: What to Look For
For gamers, choosing the right 4K TV involves considering several factors beyond just picture quality. Look for TVs with HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). All of our top recommendations include these gaming-focused features, ensuring smooth, responsive gameplay.
The Samsung S95F OLED and LG C5 OLED both offer excellent gaming performance with minimal input lag and support for both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies. The Samsung QN90F Neo QLED also delivers impressive gaming features with its Game Bar interface that provides quick access to gaming settings and performance metrics.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Modern 4K TVs are essentially smart devices with built-in streaming capabilities and voice assistants. The LG C5 runs on webOS, offering a user-friendly interface with access to all major streaming services. Samsung's Tizen OS on the S95F and QN90F provides a similar experience with additional features like Multi View, which allows you to watch multiple sources simultaneously.
When evaluating smart features, consider the TV's processing power, available apps, and voice control options. All our recommended models include built-in voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, or Bixby) and support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. They also feature multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, USB connections, and built-in Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity.
Price Considerations and Value
The best 4K TVs include QLED and OLED models from Samsung, LG, TCL, and Roku at various price points. While premium OLED models like the Samsung S95F and LG C5 command higher prices, they offer superior picture quality that justifies the investment for many users. QLED options like the Samsung QN90F provide excellent performance at more accessible price points.
When budgeting for a new TV, consider not just the initial purchase price but also the long-term value. Premium TVs often include better build quality, more advanced features, and longer software support. Many retailers offer financing options, and prices typically drop during major sale events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 4K TV requires balancing picture quality, features, size, and budget. Our extensive testing of more than 170 televisions has revealed that the Samsung S95F OLED, LG C5 OLED, and Samsung QN90F Neo QLED represent the pinnacle of current TV technology. Whether you prioritize perfect blacks, bright room performance, or gaming features, there's an option that will transform your entertainment experience.
Remember to consider your specific needs, room conditions, and viewing habits when making your decision. With proper research and understanding of the available technologies, you can find a TV that will provide years of enjoyment and truly unlock the ultimate viewing experience.
