Best 4K TV for 2024: High Definition at Every Price Range
There is no shortage of 4K TVs on the market, but these are the ones we think are worth the investment.
- Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
Why You Can Trust CNET
With so many options on the market, finding the best 4K TV can feel like a daunting task. In the end, most people make a decision based on the price of the TV and the features it offers. Nowadays, 4K resolution support is nearly standard. It offers a better picture quality than HD TVs and is the predominant resolution of most TVs released in recent years. You'll be able find it on a variety of models -- even the best TVs under $500.
What are the best 4K TVs for all budgets?
The best 4K TV options encompass a wide variety of models at budget and premium prices. One of our favorite affordable models is the TCL 4-Series, which starts at less than $300 for a 43-inch model. For a more premium pick, we love the LG OLED C2 -- just keep in mind that it can get pricey.
4K resolution just means the TV has a certain number of pixels, 3,840x2,160 to be exact, along with the ability to display 4K TV shows, movies and games from streaming services, devices and game consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5. There's a lot more to picture quality than resolution, so you can't ignore things like contrast, dynamic range, HDR performance and peak brightness. The best-performing TVs in our reviews excel in these areas. Additionally, if you're looking for a gaming TV, you'll also want to consider factors like input lag.
The following list represents the best 4K TVs (which are, let's face it, the best TVs, period) that I've reviewed in CNET's test lab, where I compare them side by side.
Read more: Change These TV Settings for the Optimal Picture
Best 4K TVs in 2024
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Roku smart TV is simple, capable
- Improved design with central stand
Cons:
- Some competing mini-LED TVs can get brighter
Note that in addition to the R635, which this TV replaces, other versions of the 6-Series were released earlier and remain on sale. The R646 series uses the Google TV operating system but otherwise has similar specifications to the R655 models reviewed here. The R648 series has 8K resolution and is significantly more expensive.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
" page-position="" linktext="Read our TCL 6-Series (Roku TV) review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/tcl-6-series-2022-tv-review-winning-the-price-to-picture-contest-again/" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"6c35c3bf-0025-4ed0-921f-3aa7c8270cd2","label":"TCL 6-Series Roku TV (2022)","slug":"tcl-6-series-roku-tv-2022","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"44b14db4-5479-4932-a6a7-848a29a297b8","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/44b14db4-5479-4932-a6a7-848a29a297b8/resize/75x56","typeLabel":"Series","objectType":"content_product_series","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product-series ct-small"}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"6c35c3bf-0025-4ed0-921f-3aa7c8270cd2","slug":"tcl-6-series-roku-tv-2022","name":"TCL 6-Series Roku TV (2022)","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1700584996733}" overridecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" overridecaption="TCL 6-Series TV R6 2022
" imagegroup="{"uuid":"cfeb9075-3fd1-465a-959f-a543aac0a573","alt":"TCL 6-Series TV R6 2022","caption":"TCL 6-Series TV R6 2022
","credits":"David Katzmaier/CNET","imageData":{"id":"cfeb9075-3fd1-465a-959f-a543aac0a573","filename":"tcl-6-series-tv-r6-2022-6368.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/a315ed76c6ef02d0a67e2d9fe73363e8e618bc96/hub/2022/10/18/cfeb9075-3fd1-465a-959f-a543aac0a573/tcl-6-series-tv-r6-2022-6368.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-10-18 21:55:40.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/a315ed76c6ef02d0a67e2d9fe73363e8e618bc96/hub/2022/10/18/cfeb9075-3fd1-465a-959f-a543aac0a573/tcl-6-series-tv-r6-2022-6368.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"TCL 6-Series TV R6 2022
","imageCredit":"David Katzmaier/CNET","imageAltText":"TCL 6-Series TV R6 2022","imageFilename":"tcl-6-series-tv-r6-2022-6368.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":1688,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-10-18","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"835vg8aw5zllbpd","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__db8c0962-8cf3-455a-8ff8-2324c256bd03" index="1" imagecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" tagslugs="4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,sony,vizio,hv14,tcl" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">For the last five years, the TCL 6-Series has been our favorite TV for the money, and the latest version -- also known as the R655 series -- is no exception. This TV has an excellent image thanks to well-implemented array tech that helps it run circles around just about any other TV at this price. It improves upon the previous with new gaming extras and a center-mount stand that you can elevate to make room for a soundbar, although the new 85-inch size has standard legs. And, finally, its Roku TV operating system is our hands-down favorite.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Roku smart TV is simple, capable
- Improved design with central stand
Cons:
- Some competing mini-LED TVs can get brighter
Note that in addition to the R635, which this TV replaces, other versions of the 6-Series were released earlier and remain on sale. The R646 series uses the Google TV operating system but otherwise has similar specifications to the R655 models reviewed here. The R648 series has 8K resolution and is significantly more expensive.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Pros:
- Better picture quality than any non-OLED TV
- Superior contrast and off-angle image
- Best-in-class gaming features
- Sleek styling with ultralight, thin panel
Cons:
- Expensive
- No major picture quality improvements over the C1 from 2021
The C1 was also an excellent TV that delivered similar image quality and features to the C2. We've also reviewed the newer version, the LG C3, but we recommend the C2 instead right now. Going the C2 saves you a few hundred bucks and the two TVs were basically indistinguishable in features, design and image quality in my tests.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
" page-position="" linktext="Read our LG C2 series OLED TV review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/lg-c2-oled-tv-review-once-again-the-high-end-tv-to-beat/" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"2194909b-8fcb-45b3-8211-de85d1ac572d","label":"LG OLED65C2PUA","slug":"lg-oled65c2pua","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"05ec91dc-e0c9-48df-84f2-60e068a544bc","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/05ec91dc-e0c9-48df-84f2-60e068a544bc/resize/75x56","typeLabel":"Tech Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"2194909b-8fcb-45b3-8211-de85d1ac572d","slug":"lg-oled65c2pua","name":"LG OLED65C2PUA","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1700584997012}" overridecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" overridecaption="" imagegroup="{"uuid":"cbeb1f72-8914-4b67-af02-eab5f8c50809","alt":"LG C OLED TV on a wood cabinet.","caption":"","credits":"David Katzmaier/CNET","imageData":{"id":"cbeb1f72-8914-4b67-af02-eab5f8c50809","filename":"lg-c2-oled-tv-promo-1.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/4b72beb10dfd2a7e927723e4c0dcba1b56c9eaed/hub/2022/04/21/cbeb1f72-8914-4b67-af02-eab5f8c50809/lg-c2-oled-tv-promo-1.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-04-21 18:55:37.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/4b72beb10dfd2a7e927723e4c0dcba1b56c9eaed/hub/2022/04/21/cbeb1f72-8914-4b67-af02-eab5f8c50809/lg-c2-oled-tv-promo-1.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"David Katzmaier/CNET","imageAltText":"LG C OLED TV on a wood cabinet.","imageFilename":"lg-c2-oled-tv-promo-1.jpg","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2250,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-04-21","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"9rysrdnn2ioeb7c","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__c088ac73-7ac3-4dda-8a3a-8f42dc41fb45" index="2" imagecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" tagslugs="4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,sony,vizio,hv14,tcl" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">Best high-end 4K TV
LG OLED C2
The C2 represents the pinnacle of picture quality at a price that's admittedly high, but not too ridiculous. It beats any non-OLED TV on this list, including the Samsung QN90B below, with its perfect black levels, unbeatable contrast and superb off-angle viewing. It also has superb gaming features, making it the perfect companion to an Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5 or both. The C2 comes in a variety of sizes as well, although the bigger models are expensive.
Pros:
- Better picture quality than any non-OLED TV
- Superior contrast and off-angle image
- Best-in-class gaming features
- Sleek styling with ultralight, thin panel
Cons:
- Expensive
- No major picture quality improvements over the C1 from 2021
The C1 was also an excellent TV that delivered similar image quality and features to the C2. We've also reviewed the newer version, the LG C3, but we recommend the C2 instead right now. Going the C2 saves you a few hundred bucks and the two TVs were basically indistinguishable in features, design and image quality in my tests.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
" page-position="" linktext="Read our Samsung QN90B review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/samsung-qn90b-review-this-qled-tv-from-the-futures-so-bright/" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"f0d8e05e-3903-47c5-bedb-8df706f6dfeb","label":"Samsung QN90B Series (2022)","slug":"samsung-qn90b-series-2022","edition":["us"],"imageId":"654c218d-4ac6-4595-b016-8ec0dc117f68","imgUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/2e037cd63bbd3520f34b0786a361f58a9929eae4/hub/2022/05/20/654c218d-4ac6-4595-b016-8ec0dc117f68/6504141-sd.jpg?auto=webp&width=300&height=300&fit=crop","imageHeight":0,"imageWidth":0,"typeLabel":"Series","objectType":"content_product_series","icon":""}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"f0d8e05e-3903-47c5-bedb-8df706f6dfeb","slug":"samsung-qn90b-series-2022","name":"Samsung QN90B Series (2022)","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1704046648435}" overridecredit="Bobby Oliver/CNET" overridecaption="The Samsung QN90B QLED TV is one of the company's higher-end televisions for 2022.
" imagegroup="{"imageData":{"id":"07d8ef03-541f-4e4f-aa6f-aab3990a5acc"},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022/08/02","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"5brp4ozcyjrdnlu","type":"cross-content-listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cross_content_listicle__f2b17bfa-163d-493b-bf15-93b7b65f748f" imagecredit="Bobby Oliver/CNET" tagslugs="4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,sony,vizio,hv14,tcl" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">Best high-end non-OLED 4K TV
Samsung QN90B
Looking for a high-end TV with spectacular image quality, but don't want an OLED? The Samsung QN90B is your best bet. This TV uses QLED TV tech augmented by mini-LED for a brighter image than any OLED TV. The spectacular contrast of OLED still won out in our side-by-side tests, but the QN90B QLED screen comes closer than ever.
Pros:
- Best non-OLED picture quality we've ever tested
- Incredible brightness with minimal blooming
- Stylish design, packed with features
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slightly worse contrast, off-angle and uniformity than OLED
Samsung produces a number of QLED TVs, but the QN90B is among the highest-end, aside from versions with 8K resolution. This is a 2022 model, but the newer version, the QN90C, looks very similar in terms of features and while we haven't reviewed it, we expect it to deliver similar image quality. It's also significantly more expensive.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
The Samsung QN90B QLED TV is one of the company's higher-end televisions for 2022.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent smart TV system
Cons:
- Image quality and features lag behind some entry-level TVs
The 4-Series' advantage over the Vizio is that it comes with the excellent Roku Smart TV system built in. That makes it a great choice for those looking for a one-stop smart TV solution, without having to add an external streaming device.
Note that TCL has been selling the 4-Series for the last few years with little to no change in image quality or features in our tests, although it has recently added some larger screen sizes, including an 85-inch option.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
" page-position="" linktext="" linkurl="" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"61951fcf-dca7-4552-8c2e-f29a50faadfd","label":"\"TCL - 65\"\" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV\"","slug":"tcl-65-class-4-series-4k-uhd-hdr-smart-roku-tv","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"efad4328-9182-414c-b0dc-4d59c37c703c","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/efad4328-9182-414c-b0dc-4d59c37c703c/resize/75x56","typeLabel":"Tech Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"61951fcf-dca7-4552-8c2e-f29a50faadfd","slug":"tcl-65-class-4-series-4k-uhd-hdr-smart-roku-tv","name":"\"TCL - 65\"\" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV\"","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1703966126364}" overridecredit="David Katzmaier" overridecaption="" imagegroup="{"uuid":"c496e8fc-c71e-4a1f-81d1-a2b6e4bda962","alt":"TCL 4 Series Roku TV on a stand","caption":"","credits":"David Katzmaier","imageData":{"id":"c496e8fc-c71e-4a1f-81d1-a2b6e4bda962","filename":"budget-tvs-6157.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/78ce276ec5c1308e45b4da1175e993c379f6c1ae/hub/2022/10/18/c496e8fc-c71e-4a1f-81d1-a2b6e4bda962/budget-tvs-6157.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-10-18 20:48:52.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/78ce276ec5c1308e45b4da1175e993c379f6c1ae/hub/2022/10/18/c496e8fc-c71e-4a1f-81d1-a2b6e4bda962/budget-tvs-6157.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"David Katzmaier","imageAltText":"TCL 4 Series Roku TV on a stand","imageFilename":"budget-tvs-6157.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":1688,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-10-18","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"ynosgltc073qsi3","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__73ab4c98-ce54-4846-af39-158949e23646" index="3" imagecredit="David Katzmaier" tagslugs="4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,sony,vizio,hv14,tcl" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">Best budget 4K smart TV
TCL 4-Series
The picture quality of the TCL 4-Series Roku TV was a step behind the Vizio V-Series in our budget TV test, but the differences between the two are slight enough that you'd really have to have them set up side by side to notice anything at all. The 4-Series lacks Dolby Vision, Bluetooth connectivity and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh rate, all of which the Vizio offers.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent smart TV system
Cons:
- Image quality and features lag behind some entry-level TVs
The 4-Series' advantage over the Vizio is that it comes with the excellent Roku Smart TV system built in. That makes it a great choice for those looking for a one-stop smart TV solution, without having to add an external streaming device.
Note that TCL has been selling the 4-Series for the last few years with little to no change in image quality or features in our tests, although it has recently added some larger screen sizes, including an 85-inch option.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Best-in-class bright room picture
- Capable Google TV system
Cons:
- Slightly less refined image than some competitors
- "Theater" picture modes engage motion smoothing by default
This is a 2022 model, but the newer version, the U8K series, looks largely similar aside from the addition of a 75-inch option. We haven't reviewed it yet. It's currently a couple of hundred dollars more expensive than the U8H.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
" page-position="" linktext="Read our Hisense U8H review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/hisense-u8h-google-tv-review-bright-powerful-and-affordable/" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"ccf035f9-9108-4542-a617-b55bbf60401b","label":"\"Hisense - 65\"\" Class U8H Series Mini LED Quantum ULED 4K UHD Smart Google TV\"","slug":"hisense-65-class-u8h-series-mini-led-quantum-uled-4k-uhd-smart-google-tv","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"93fb7373-4400-47ba-ac1b-7df8cba38c52","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/93fb7373-4400-47ba-ac1b-7df8cba38c52/resize/75x56","typeLabel":"Tech Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"ccf035f9-9108-4542-a617-b55bbf60401b","slug":"hisense-65u8h","name":"Hisense 65U8H","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1700584997126}" overridecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" overridecaption="Brightest TV|The U8H outshines others in its price range and was basically as bright as the significantly more expensive Samsung QN90B.
" imagegroup="{"uuid":"662e25fa-2914-4983-948e-4fd09bc374c7","alt":"Hisense U8H 2022 Google TV showing a tree","caption":"","credits":"David Katzmaier","imageData":{"id":"662e25fa-2914-4983-948e-4fd09bc374c7","filename":"hisense-u8h-2022-google-tv-6449.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1823ee47355f8f0b1b18808608a729a7cbb0dae2/hub/2022/10/31/662e25fa-2914-4983-948e-4fd09bc374c7/hisense-u8h-2022-google-tv-6449.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-10-31 21:41:00.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1823ee47355f8f0b1b18808608a729a7cbb0dae2/hub/2022/10/31/662e25fa-2914-4983-948e-4fd09bc374c7/hisense-u8h-2022-google-tv-6449.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"David Katzmaier","imageAltText":"Hisense U8H 2022 Google TV showing a tree","imageFilename":"hisense-u8h-2022-google-tv-6449.jpg","imageWidth":3805,"imageHeight":2140,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-10-31","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"1z0kwbo2907yukx","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__c5acbfc1-58a3-488f-8c2b-b72ad149c446" index="4" imagecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" tagslugs="4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,sony,vizio,hv14,tcl" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">Best 4K TV for brightness
Hisense U8H
Among midpriced models we liked the TCL 6-Series just a little better in our side-by-side comparison, but this Hisense is a strong contender. Its excellent image quality is anchored by best-in-class brightness that improves its bright-room picture quality and makes HDR TV movies, shows and games really pop. It's actually brighter than the TCL with better contrast, but the TCL's slightly more accurate image gave it the edge overall. The Hisense uses Google TV instead of Roku, and unlike the TCL, the U8H includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner. Frankly, you can't go wrong with either one.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent overall image quality
- Best-in-class bright room picture
- Capable Google TV system
Cons:
- Slightly less refined image than some competitors
- "Theater" picture modes engage motion smoothing by default
This is a 2022 model, but the newer version, the U8K series, looks largely similar aside from the addition of a 75-inch option. We haven't reviewed it yet. It's currently a couple of hundred dollars more expensive than the U8H.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Best midpriced 4K TV with sleek design
Samsung Q60B
Samsung is the brand that sells more TVs than anyone, and one of its most popular is the Q60 series. Its sleek QLED screen design stands out compared with the other TVs on this list -- even though the ultrathin OLED models are sleeker -- and it offers better features, image quality and more sizes than models like the TCL 4-Series and Sony X80K. The TVs listed in this article are all superior values, but if you want a Samsung TV and can't afford the QN90B, this is a great choice.
Pros:
- Sleek design and excellent remote
- Bright image with solid contrast
- Informative status screen for gaming
Cons:
- More expensive than competing TVs with better picture quality
- Cluttered smart TV menus
This is a 2022 model, but the newer version, the Q60C, looks largely similar in terms of features, design and price. We haven't reviewed it yet, but we expect it to have similar image quality.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Pros:
- Solid image quality for an entry-level TV
- Lots of features including VRR and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons:
- Poor built-in smart TV system
Vizio hasn't announced a 2024 version of the V-Series yet.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
" page-position="" linktext="" linkurl="" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"a501a259-2229-41a9-9970-6be3e876023a","label":"Vizio V505M","slug":"vizio-v505m","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"21a4a8d8-df13-4ffd-8992-4e61f3474015","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/21a4a8d8-df13-4ffd-8992-4e61f3474015/resize/75x56","typeLabel":"Tech Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"a501a259-2229-41a9-9970-6be3e876023a","slug":"vizio-v505m","name":"Vizio V505M","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1703966126750}" overridecredit="David Katzmaier" overridecaption="" imagegroup="{"uuid":"ac352ecd-724e-47dd-87ba-903a155d5478","alt":"Vizio V-Series on a TV stand","caption":"","credits":"David Katzmaier","imageData":{"id":"ac352ecd-724e-47dd-87ba-903a155d5478","filename":"budget-tvs-6166.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/9649419c4d5bfc7fb2dc617295a8438d724abf33/hub/2022/10/18/ac352ecd-724e-47dd-87ba-903a155d5478/budget-tvs-6166.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-10-18 20:42:19.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/9649419c4d5bfc7fb2dc617295a8438d724abf33/hub/2022/10/18/ac352ecd-724e-47dd-87ba-903a155d5478/budget-tvs-6166.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"David Katzmaier","imageAltText":"Vizio V-Series on a TV stand","imageFilename":"budget-tvs-6166.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":1687,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-10-18","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"ws909k2mxnebb0m","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__07ca7c36-06d5-42ad-b6d3-8b28197bfe70" index="6" imagecredit="David Katzmaier" tagslugs="4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,sony,vizio,hv14,tcl" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">Best budget 4K TV for picture quality
Vizio V-Series
When we compared the best budget TVs side by side, the picture quality of Vizio's V-Series clearly emerged as the leader of the pack. The Vizio offered the most balanced and accurate picture during our comparisons, and it comes with some useful extras such as Dolby Vision support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth compatibility and variable refresh rate for potentially smoother gaming. The biggest downside of the Vizio is its smart TV platform, Vizio SmartCast. It's crowded, slow and littered with ads for platforms such as Tubi and Kidoodle TV. Even when you factor in the cost of adding a new streaming device, however, the V-Series remains the best overall entry-level TV that we tested.
Pros:
- Solid image quality for an entry-level TV
- Lots of features including VRR and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons:
- Poor built-in smart TV system
Vizio hasn't announced a 2024 version of the V-Series yet.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
Vizio hasn't announced a 2024 version of this TV.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
" page-position="" linktext="Read our Vizio MQX review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/vizio-m-series-quantum-x-review-bright-hdr-picture-made-affordable/" can-collapse="true" collapse-on-page-load="true" can-truncate="true" truncate-on-page-load="true" offer="{"id":"e1be970d-e85e-4723-868d-e36426621b61","label":"Vizio M-Series Quantum X (2022)","slug":"vizio-m-series-quantum-x-2022","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"2348331e-2422-4844-b53b-8bcd505eabac","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/2348331e-2422-4844-b53b-8bcd505eabac/resize/75x56","typeLabel":"Series","objectType":"content_product_series","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product-series ct-small"}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"e1be970d-e85e-4723-868d-e36426621b61","slug":"vizio-m-series-quantum-x-2022","name":"Vizio M-Series Quantum X (2022)","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1700584997183}" overridecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" overridecaption="The Vizio MQX is one of the least expensive TVs to offer full-array local dimming.
" imagegroup="{"uuid":"6f73eb6f-9019-4151-beed-09a63ac10f31","alt":"Vizio MQX Series 2022 TV","caption":"","credits":"David Katzmaier","imageData":{"id":"6f73eb6f-9019-4151-beed-09a63ac10f31","filename":"vizio-mqx-series-2022-5972.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/96c8751bbfd8cb4054bd6e1976f96d6f8c6c15db/hub/2022/08/26/6f73eb6f-9019-4151-beed-09a63ac10f31/vizio-mqx-series-2022-5972.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-08-26 15:48:53.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/96c8751bbfd8cb4054bd6e1976f96d6f8c6c15db/hub/2022/08/26/6f73eb6f-9019-4151-beed-09a63ac10f31/vizio-mqx-series-2022-5972.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"David Katzmaier","imageAltText":"Vizio MQX Series 2022 TV","imageFilename":"vizio-mqx-series-2022-5972.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":2250,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-08-26","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}" usepricing="true" ng-block="{"id":"2teukp2uiq5cqpu","type":"listicle"}" edition="us" data-key="cnetlisticle__ad2f6508-4b76-4256-a954-19853d7171c1" index="7" imagecredit="David Katzmaier/CNET" tagslugs="4k-tvs,lg,roku,samsung,sony,vizio,hv14,tcl" contenttype="Best List - Precap" isbestlistredesign="true" filtershortcodetypes="" totalfilteritems="0" pagelayout="FAQ Markup + BL Precap" showdetails="true" suppressautoplay="true" tocheadlineitem="[object Object]" class="c-bestListProductListing">Best midpriced 4K TV (Update: Currently unavailable)
Vizio MQX
The Vizio MQX is one of the least expensive TVs to feature full-array local dimming, which lets it reproduce TV shows, movies and games with enough contrast and pop to do HDR justice. The MQX has fewer dimming zones than more expensive TVs like the TCL 6-Series and Hisense U8H, but it offers 16 zones on the 50-inch model, 30 on the 65-inch and 42 on the 75-inch, which is more than enough for excellent overall picture quality, with bright highlights, dark black levels, punchy contrast and accurate color.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent picture quality
- Game-friendly extras like variable refresh rate and 4K/120Hz input
Cons:
- Weak smart TV system
- Slightly more-expensive TVs perform better
Unlike the M7 from 2021, the MQX has a true 120Hz refresh rate, which allows compatibility with 4K/120Hz signals from game consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and it worked well in our tests. Vizio supports both major HDR formats, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, in the M-Series. If you can't save up for the TCL or the Hisense but want a better picture than the TCL 4-Series or Vizio V-series, the Vizio MQX is an excellent happy medium.
Vizio hasn't announced a 2024 version of this TV.
The prices shown below are for the 65-inch size.
How CNET tests 4K TVs
Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of reviewing TVs. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility as well as other factors.
One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how it compares in nits across select TVs listed above.
Light output in nits
| TV | Brightest mode (HDR) | Accurate mode (HDR) | Brightest mode (SDR) | Accurate mode (SDR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN65Q90B | 3,316 | 1,981 | 2,625 | 974 |
| Hisense U8H | 1,867 | 1,867 | 1,605 | 1,605 |
| TCL 65R655 | 1,387 | 1,194 | 1,292 | 624 |
| Vizio M65QXM-K03 | 939 | 742 | 958 | 608 |
| LG OLED65C2 | 812 | 759 | 413 | 389 |
| Roku TV Plus (65-inch) | 514 | 455 | 579 | 4 |
Check out How We Test TVs for more details.
How to choose a TV
With all of the TVs available today, and all of the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what's important. Here's a quick guide to help cut through the confusion.
Price: TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It's also best to shop for a TV in the fall, when prices are lower.
Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV -- and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other "feature," stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we've heard is from people who didn't go big enough. And we almost never hear people complain that their TV is too large.
Capability: Among entry-level TVs, the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture in our experience. And among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet.
For more TV buying advice check out How to Buy a TV.
4K TV FAQs
I'll post the answers to commonly asked TV questions below. If you have any others, feel free to reach out on Twitter (@dkatzmaier), or by clicking the little envelope icon on my CNET profile page. Doing so will let you send a message straight to my inbox.