The Best Smart TV To Buy: Samsung ,LG, Sony And More

Buying a new television should be an exciting experience – and it often is – but there is one rather daunting obstacle to overcome: there are so many models, types, and sizes to choose from that it can be nearly impossible to determine which is best for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Before you succumb to crippling indecision, let us take your hand and lead you down the path to TV utopia. 

We applied the rule to all of the significant 4K and 8K televisions we tested to bring you the best of the best. If a television is on this list, it’s a real surprise, so you know you’re getting the best bang for your buck. You’ll find our dedicated guide to choosing the suitable TV near the bottom of this page, below the specific TV recommendations, but here’s the abridged version. 

What Is a Smart TV? 

A smart TV includes an operating system, allowing users to stream content without an external device. People who enjoy watching the newest shows on Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms favor intelligent televisions. 

A smart TV allows you to access, manage, and view online and network-based content. Numerous manufacturers, including LG, Vizio, and Samsung, produce and sell smart televisions. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smart TV 

Most televisions sold today are intelligent televisions, also known as connected televisions. Smart TVs represent the convergence of computers and entertainment by integrating the internet and offering an assortment of free and paid applications. 

This buying guide will assist you in selecting the best smart TV for your needs, budget, and preferences. 

1. HDMI and Other Connection Ports

Each television has its own connection ports; however, some televisions may lack the ports required to connect particular devices. HDMI is the essential port (or High-Definition Multimedia Interface). This port is highly versatile and can be used to connect a wide variety of devices, including gaming consoles, laptops, and speakers. 

However, HDMI ports are not only available in a single form. HDMI 2.0a, 2.0b, and 4.0 are all accessible. Most smart TVs should have the standard HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 port, which you likely have on your current television if you purchased it within the past decade. 

Most smart TVs support the standard HDMI types (2.0 and 2.1), as most devices support them. Keep an eye out for these ports when searching for intelligent television. Remember that if you want a TV with a screen resolution of 4K or higher, you will need a high-speed HDMI cable. 

USB connections, specifically a USB 2.0 port, should also be considered (given how much faster it can transmit data than USB 1.0). Newer smart TVs support USB 3.0 even faster than USB 2.0. We know the significance of USB ports for laptops and computers, and the same holds for smart televisions. 

The USB port on a smart TV can be used to connect and charge a laptop, hard drive, or even a smartphone. Given the versatility of USB, it wouldn’t hurt to ensure your smart TV supports this type of connection. 

2. Screen Resolution

This also applies to conventional televisions. Always check the screen resolution of a smart TV before making a purchase, as this determines picture quality, a crucial aspect of televisions. Ensure the smart TV you’re considering has a Full HD (1980×1080) resolution or higher. It’s uncommon to find a smart TV with a lower resolution than this. There are also 8K televisions, such as the 75-inch Samsung Smart 8K QLED TV. 

However, 8K resolution is not free. Standard 8K televisions cost approximately $4,000, with some models costing double or even triple that amount, depending on screen size. Some larger smart televisions cost more than a brand-new automobile. If you are in the market for such a television, there is no reason not to invest in this resolution upgrade. Thousands of smart televisions can display 4K images with incredible clarity. 

3. OLED, LCD, and LED Screens

What is the difference between these various screen formats? OLED is quickly replacing LED and LCD in the television industry because it can produce more vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and a more satisfying viewing experience for customers. 

LED screens cannot provide this level of quality and are quickly being phased out of newer televisions. In contrast, LCD screens frequently have a bland or “washed-out” appearance, which does not make for a spectacular viewing experience. 

Stick with an OLED screen instead of an LED or LCD screen if you want a truly capable smart television. Although OLED screens are typically more expensive than LED and LCD, the picture quality of an OLED-equipped television is unquestionably superior. 

It’s also worth noting that there are now QLED screens on the market, capable of delivering high-definition images with a longer lifespan. However, some QLED televisions are expensive, particularly those from more prominent manufacturers. So, keep in mind that an OLED screen can still produce stunning image quality. 

4. Refresh Rate

Simply put, the refresh rate is the number of times television can refresh the display image (frame) per second. While all televisions may be capable of rapidly restoring images, it’s important to note the refresh rate of any given smart TV, and here’s why. 

The higher the television refresh rate, the less blur you will see in faster panning shots. You may have observed blur when watching action scenes, sporting events, or similar content, and a television with a low refresh rate will produce noticeably blurrier video. 

The standard refresh rate of modern televisions ranges from 60 to 120 frames per second (or per second). Consider that you will not notice a significant difference between a TV with a refresh rate of 100fps and one with a speed of 120fps. So, there is no need to pay more for a television with a slightly higher rate. However, avoid significantly lower refresh rates, as this may decrease overall image quality. 

5. HDR Compatibility

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a technology that can increase the contrast between an image’s light and dark areas (i.e., the difference). A TV with HDR compatibility will produce a higher quality image overall, but this may not be an essential feature. However, if you’re searching for a high-quality television, HDR compatibility is not bad. 

There are currently a variety of HDR formats available, including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor, and Dolby Vision. If you’re looking for a new smart TV, keep an eye out for HDR10 compatibility, as it’s currently the most prevalent type. 

6. Screen Size

This one is somewhat more obvious than the others on this list, but if left unchecked, it can come back to bite you. Although it may be tempting to purchase the most prominent smart TV your budget will allow, you should first ensure that it will fit in the space it will occupy in your home. This is not an uncommon error to make; believe us! 

A 60-inch screen in a small room can harm your eyes and jar your viewing experience. Ensure that you measure your available space and consider where your smart TV will be placed before making a purchase. 

7. Ability to Switch Between Smart and ‘Dumb’ Mode

While there is no such thing as a “dumb” television, this is the term given to traditional televisions that lack the capabilities of smart TVs (most notably the ability to access streaming services via an internet connection). In addition, the vast majority, if not all, of smart televisions can be converted to standard televisions. Although most people will never do this, it is essential to remember in case you ever want or need to. 

However, why would you dumb down your smart television? Well, smart TVs can sometimes be a bit too intrusive of privacy. For instance, there have been multiple reports of smart TVs possibly recording conversations, which is unsettling. 

Don’t worry if this is a concern of yours! Adjusting the TV’s settings can transform an intelligent television into a conventional one. This is typically accomplished by disabling the ACR settings on your television, which is a simple process. This may vary slightly depending on the television model; therefore, consult the user manual or conduct a quick Internet search to determine the specifics.