6 Best TV Brands to Upgrade Your Set in 2024
From Samsung to Sony and beyond, movie nights are about to get way better.
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Shopping for a new TV can be overwhelming, especially with so many TV brands to choose from and new innovations every year. To help you get started, our pros narrowed down our favorite TV brands that have stood out consistently over the years for their exceptional performance, clear picture quality and value. Whether you’re looking for a new 4k TV, a super bright OLED or the best smart TV for your home, these picks will have you glued to the couch.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we have been testing TVs for more than 15 years, getting hands-on with more than 50 TVs in the past five years alone to evaluate evolving technologies available from various manufacturers. We assess factors such as picture and audio quality, brightness, ease of use and interface, connectivity and extra features. For more information on what to look for when shopping for a new TV — including the difference between OLED, LED and LCD, and picture considerations like HDTV vs. 4K Ultra HD and even 8K — scroll to the bottom of this article.
LG
Pros
- Amazing picture quality
- Improved brightness, clarity and audio
- Easy to use interface
- Available in a wide range of sizes
Cons
- Steep price
LG’s impressive OLED lineup, including the pictured OLED evo C2 Series, is a great fit for many homes whether you plan on watching sports, movies or gaming. Our pros love the popular C2 series, which is available in various sizes from 42 to 83 inches so you can find the right fit for your space. "There are a few differentiating features that take a TV from being great to next level," says Good Housekeeping Institute former Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman, and this is one of them. LG uses "OLED evo" technology, which allows for better brightness, more clarity and improved audio. "In general, these TVs have minimal lag, making fast-moving content still appear smooth and lifelike," Rachel says.
LG’s smart interface runs on the operating system webOS22 and features built-in access to your favorite streaming apps such as Netflix, Prime, Max and more as well as the popular cloud gaming platform GeForce Now. It even enables you to create individual accounts for family members, so each person can benefit from unique recommendations and a customized viewing experience. On top of built-in support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay and more, plus a smart remote that features built-in artificial intelligence for better searching, there’s not much more you could ask for. Although the price of these premium, high-quality OLED TVs is steep, the LG OLED evo's picture quality cannot be beaten, especially when watching in the dark.
Pros
- Great value
- High refresh rate
- Easy to use interface
Cons
- Limited range of TV sizes
If you’re searching for a reliable, budget TV brand, look no further than Hisense. The U8 Series features Hisense’s proprietary ULED technology that produces bright, vivid picture quality at generally under $1,000. By leveraging mini-LED lights as opposed to traditional LED lights for backlighting, this set can create better picture contrast, i.e., deeper blacks and whites. While it’s not quite as impressive as other premium sets when it comes to picture quality, its value is nearly impossible to beat. Our pros also recommend the U6H series if you're hoping to find a set under $500.
With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, the pictured U8H is a popular choice for gamers or sports fans who aren’t looking to spend a fortune but seek smooth video performance with little lag. Our pros also like that Hisense uses Google TV for an easy-to-navigate interface and that Google Assistant is built-in so you can integrate your set into your smart home ecosystem. Just keep in mind that this set isn’t available in sizes smaller than 55 inches or larger than 75 inches, but that should suffice for most households.
Pros
- TVs for a variety of budgets
- Intuitive Roku interface
- Voice-enabled remotes
Cons
- Lacks advanced picture quality
TCL remains one of the most affordable TV brands, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. We like that the pictured 6-Series QLED Roku Smart TV is available from 55 to 85 inches and that it uses Roku TV, which provides an intuitive, familiar smart TV interface for simple access to top streaming platforms. Just note that TCL TVs may not have the advanced features and picture quality of higher-end models, but the brand has expanded to include next-gen mini-LEDs in its sets for better backlighting. For those looking for brighter picture quality or an even more responsive gaming or sports viewing experience, we also recommend the pricier QM8.
Our Lab experts and online reviewers rave about the 6-Series because of its vibrant, vivid color and ultra-clear picture. "I recommend this set as it strikes the perfect balance between good performance and not being too expensive," Rachel says. We also find it handy that the remote is voice-enabled for easier searching, and that the set supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface and smart platform
- Beautiful TV designs
- Great picture quality
- Universal remotes
Cons
- Steeper price for more advanced models
For a TV that could easily be mistaken for a piece of art yet never ceases to impress on movie nights, our tech experts recommend Samsung and its beautiful TV designs like the pictured Samsung Frame TV. Not only can the Frame TV blend in with your decor, but it also features high-quality images and picture quality that is stunning even in the brightest room. While the Frame has a QLED display, Samsung also offers Neo QLED and OLED technologies so there really is something to meet nearly every preference and price point. According to Rachel, the QLED TVs have good upscaling technology that makes lower-resolution content such as older TV shows look like native 4K images.
For shoppers who want an ultra-premium TV, we suggest Samsung's nearly bezel-less Neo QLED sets, like the 8k QN900C, which blew our pros away with its crystal clear picture quality and brightness. The technology on these models uses quantum mini-LEDs, "allowing for exceptional color accuracy and realistic depth portrayal," Rachel says. But no matter which Samsung smart TV you opt for, rest assured that the interface is easy to use and popular streaming apps are accessible on the home page. We also find Samsung’s One Remote super sleek and love that you can use it across other devices like a Samsung computer monitor or a gaming console.
Pros
- Solid image quality and color accuracy
- Impressive audio and motion handling
- Upscaling technology makes for a crisper image
Cons
- Clunky remote controls
Sony offers many types of TVs, but our pros recommend both its 4K and OLED TVs for their quality design. In previous evaluations, we've liked Sony sets for their solid color accuracy, impressive audio (thanks to Sony Music) and motion handling that gamers will appreciate. We love that you can pair your PS5 gaming console to the Bravia XR (pictured) for a seamless, immersive experience that automatically switches into Game Mode when you’re ready to play and back to Standard Mode when you’re watching a TV show. When playing games on similar Sony televisions we found that the video quality was not only vivid and sharp but extremely responsive.
Sony offers good upscaling technology to make low-resolution content clearer, according to our tech experts. Sony's sets also allow for even better brightness and better resolution with "cognitive" processing, which algorithmically enhances different portions by pulling them into focus. As a bonus, the smart interface runs on Google TV for easy navigation and smart home integration with Google Assistant. However, our pros found the remote's design a bit bulky and not as easy to use as previous editions.
Pros
- Great value
- Solid picture quality
- Good for gamers
Cons
- Lacks premium features
This brand is known for offering premium televisions at a great value. Its high-end models offer even better picture quality, excellent contrast and vivid colors. It's also a great choice for gamers thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium, a technology that helps create a smooth, reduced-lag gaming experience. Vizio's larger TVs cost dramatically less than other premium models, though the image quality is not quite as sharp.
For built-in access to your preferred streaming services, Vizio uses the SmartCast platform to get Netflix, Hulu and YouTube on your TV. Our experts do warn, however, that the interface isn't as user-friendly as other platforms and it may not be possible to add additional streaming channels.
How we test the best TV brands
The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab test everything you could ever need for the perfect movie night, from immersive soundbars to outdoor TVs and budget projectors. To narrow down the best TV brands for gaming, movies and more, we relied on decades of expertise from our Media & Tech Lab and considered brands that have performed well in previous Lab tests, as well as those we use in our own homes.
When testing in this category, we review criteria such as ease of use and performance. We evaluate each TV's remote control, menu navigation and interface, ease of setup and other features and settings that can improve or hinder your viewing experience. We test video resolution, picture quality, brightness, sound level and clarity, the intuitiveness of smart features and more. Whenever applicable, we factor in feedback from our test panel regarding their experience using the TV to better evaluate what's most important to consumers.
Our top selections include units from top-rated brands that have consistently impressed us in previous Lab tests, as well as new and innovative models consumers rave about.
How to find the best TV brand for you
While comparing and contrasting your options, keep these aspects — and their definitions, which we explain below — in mind.
✔️ Resolution: This refers to the number of pixels on the screen, with more pixels meaning more clarity. Today, our pros say you should aim for a set with at least 4K resolution. Here's the breakdown:
- HDTVs feature 1920 x 1080 resolution (known as 1080p). Though some viewers may be fine with this resolution — especially if you watch a lot of older, 1080p content — we recommend upgrading to 4k for a sharper, more detailed image. Cheaper HDTVs are becoming harder to find as users opt for 4k TVs that, unlike HDTVs, can stream native 4k content.
- 4K Ultra HD (UHD) sets have four times as many pixels, at 3840 x 2160 (hence the name 4K UHD). Native 4K content is becoming increasingly available on popular streaming platforms, so if you want to stream your shows in the best resolution possible, you'll need a UHD TV. With these sets, you also get a feature called "high dynamic range" (HDR), which allows for better contrast with a wider array of colors.
- 8K — which, at 7680 x 4320, offers four times the resolution of 4K — is available on some ultra-premium sets, but it's still cost-prohibitive. Rachel notes, "It's important to keep in mind that content created in 8K is still limited, but, like other technology, eventually it will become more mainstream, and the cost will go down." Ultimately, our pros don't recommend splurging on an 8k TV until native 8k content is more readily available and accessible.
✔️ Screen size: Most people with an average-sized living room will be satisfied with a 55 or 65-inch TV screen. But before choosing your ideal size, first decide whether you plan on mounting your TV on a wall or placing it on a TV console or stand. For those using a TV console, you'll want to make sure that the TV can comfortably fit while leaving enough space for a sound bar, gaming console and other accessories. If you're mounting your TV, the sky is the limit, though you'll want to ensure that it's large enough so the entire family can comfortably see. Rachel advises picking the largest size that will fit in your space and budget. Just keep in mind that the larger your screen size, the more you can expect your TV to cost.
✔️ Smart TVs: Today, most TVs are smart, meaning they're Wi-Fi connected and have built-in apps like Netflix and YouTube. Many TV brands offer their own unique platforms, while some work with third parties like Roku to develop the interfaces, so consider if you'd prefer your TV to come decked out with everything you'll need to stream, or if you'd prefer to keep your streaming devices separate.
✔️ OLED vs. LED vs. LCD: TVs typically come in three varieties: OLED, LED or LCD. "While OLED TVs are generally our top choice, they are usually more expensive. If you cannot get an OLED, your next best bet would be an LED TV, followed by an LCD," Rachel says.
- OLED allows for "smooth and colorful images with great contrast," she says. In an OLED, each individual pixel self-illuminates and doesn't require backlighting, so you can control images at a pixel level and see the darkest blacks.
- LEDs and backlit LCDs can be cheaper, but they require an external source of light, which increases the components (meaning there's a higher chance of the TV breaking down or needing repair).
- There are also QLED TVs, which are similar to LEDs but have brighter screens that tend to perform well in rooms with lots of light.
✔️ Refresh rate: Avoid buying a TV with less than a 120 Hz refresh rate to make sure your image stays sharp, especially while gaming or watching fast-paced action movies and sports. "A refresh rate reflects how many times or how quickly a screen is able to refresh its display and the content you’re viewing," Rachel says. A 120 Hz refresh rate means that every second you watch a show or movie, the display is able to refresh itself up to 120 times. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother scenes and transitions will be. In essence, it makes the actions seem more natural by reducing motion blur.
✔️ Accessory options: "Check that the TV has enough HDMI ports for your needs — likely four!" Rachel says. And you should consider buying a good-quality soundbar up front, as we've found that advancements in TV sound quality haven't kept up with those in picture.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Initial reporting for this story was done by Emma Seymour, a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab since 2018. This story was later updated in 2023 by Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from consumer electronics, home theater essentials, audio equipment and more for GH. She regularly tests TVs and is familiar with the latest models and how well they perform in super bright spaces, i.e., her NYC apartment.
To make selections for this piece, Olivia worked closely with Rachel Rothman, the former chief technologist and head engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who led our categorical TV testing for 15 years. TVs are in her DNA since she grew up in a family that owned and operated a consumer electronics business with a big focus on TVs and the latest technology. Rachel is a frequent speaker at CES, a large industry trade show where new TV models are announced each year.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
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