Top 5 BEST 4K TVs in 2025

---

Top OLED and QLED sets to consider, from elite TVs to wallet-friendly options

have been testing and evaluating the top TVs for almost 30 years, during which time they have seen significant technological changes from CRTs to flat-panel displays and from analog to digital. As a seasoned reviewer, I am in a unique position to determine which TV models give the best performance for the money. Today’s TVs are better than ever and can offer amazing value. This guide, which ranks the top new TVs in a variety of categories to assist you in finding the one that best suits your needs and budget, is informed by that viewpoint.

My TV team and I have used a method that incorporates objective measurements taken with sophisticated test equipment to perform hands-on inspections of the TVs in this guide.This measurement data is shown in the “In-depth analysis” section for the entries in this guide as well as in the benchmark graphs that go with each of our TV assessments.

To maintain consistency throughout testing, we also conduct a thorough subjective evaluation using reference movie sequences and TV, mostly on 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray disc formats, since measurements alone cannot accurately assess a TV’s performance. This article includes everything you need, whether you’re searching for an inexpensive QLED TV with excellent picture quality for the money or a more expensive OLED model that pushes the performance envelope and boasts cutting-edge gaming features.

Table of Contents

---

---

---

1. LG C4

I can attest that LG’s new OLED TV is a significant improvement and an excellent TV all around after reviewing the LG C4 and its predecessor, the LG C3. The new Alpha 9 AI Gen 7 processor in the C4 significantly increases brightness and enhances color and detail in HDR sources. With four HDMI connections that enable VRR, ALLM, and 4K 120Hz (and up to 144Hz for PC gaming), LG C4 OLEDs are powerful gaming TVs.

After evaluating the LG C4 and its predecessor, the LG C3, I can confirm that LG’s new OLED TV is a major improvement and a great TV overall. The C4’s powerful Alpha 9 AI Gen 7 processor improves color and detail in HDR sources and dramatically boosts brightness. LG C4 OLEDs are powerful game TVs with four HDMI ports that provide VRR, ALLM, and 4K 120Hz (and up to 144Hz for PC gaming).

✅ You’re looking for an affordable OLED: The LG C4 is an OLED TV that perfectly balances pricing, performance, and features.

✅ You’re looking for a fantastic movie TV: The contrast, color, and detail of the C4 are superb. It’s the perfect TV for watching movies when combined with its new Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode.

✅ You’re looking for a fantastic gaming TV: The C4 is loaded with gaming features for console, PC, and cloud-based gaming, and it has four HDMI 2.1 connectors.

---

2. Roku Pro Series

The company’s first Roku-branded TVs were the Roku Plus and Select series, and although these were decent, the Pro series was the low-cost TV success I had been hoping for. Starting at $899 for a 55-inch model, Roku Pro Series TVs have mini-LED lighting technology for a noticeably brighter picture than the mid-range Roku Select series. 65- and 75-inch screen sizes are also available.

In addition to having full HDR support (including Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats) and a Smart Picture Max automatic mode that lets the TV handle all picture setup work for you and dynamically adjust for different content, the Roku Pro’s picture is largely free of the backlight blooming that you see on some other low-cost mini-LED and standard LED TVs.

With two HDMI 2.1 connections that support 4K 120Hz input, VRR (with FreeSync), and ALLM, it’s well-suited for gaming. Its side-mounted speakers also produce sound that is significantly better than normal for a low-cost TV. Naturally, as a Roku TV, it features the well-known Roku interface, which, in my opinion, is far superior to other smart TV screens in terms of usability.

---

3. Hisense U8N

Every year, Hisense’s U8 series TVs improve, and the most recent U8N models are the greatest to yet. I discovered that the 65-inch U8N, which comes in screen sizes ranging from 55 to 98 inches, was noticeably brighter than the U8K series model from the previous year.

My experience has been that movies and TV shows in Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG formats look incredibly excellent because to the U8N’s extensive HDR compatibility. The U8N’s vivid picture makes it an excellent choice for watching sports, and an anti-reflection screen helps reduce glare from overhead lighting.

Both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtrack formats are supported, and the U8N’s 2.1.2-channel speakers produce strong sound with good bass and conversation clarity. Hisense streams via the functional Google TV smart interface, which offers a plethora of menu options for adjusting sound and visuals. Finally, with two HDMI 2.1 connections that support 4K 120Hz, VRR up to 144Hz (with FreeSync Premium Pro), ALLM, and Dolby Vision 4K gaming, the U8N is a very powerful gaming TV.

---

4. Hisense U6N

The Hisense U6N is a low-cost mini-LED television that surpasses its low price. It performs admirably in the majority of categories and has a large feature set. I evaluated the 65-inch model, which comes in sizes ranging from 55 to 85 inches. During my testing, I was astonished by how well the texture and details looked, taking on a more sophisticated quality than I had expected considering the pricing. Its colors were vibrant and powerful as well. With 4K HDR movies and shows, the U6N truly shined thanks to its extensive HDR support, which includes both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

I still enjoyed gaming even though it lacks some of the features we want, like VRR and Dolby Vision gaming, and it only supports 4K at 60Hz instead of 120Hz. Its sound quality is a little thin, and I had to adjust some settings to get motion just right for sports, especially the AI Sports mode, which was too gaudy. The Standard Mode with the Motion preset set to Smooth was the best choice.

Even so, the U6N is a great value for the money. If you’re spending less than $1,000 for an 85-inch mini-LED screen, a strong selection of gaming capabilities, and a reliable Google TV smart platform, you won’t find many issues. I can’t suggest the U6N highly enough for a low-cost alternative.

---

5. Samsung S95D

Thanks to some screen advancements, along with the excellent image processing and amazing acoustics we often receive from Samsung’s high-end sets, the Samsung S95D stood head and shoulders above the competition in a competitive OLED TV market with premium options from LG, Sony, and other companies.

The S95D’s beautifully crafted and reassuringly strong stand gives it a “floating” appearance, and its thin profile and almost nonexistent frame make it one of the most aesthetically pleasing TVs I’ve seen in a long time. An extra feature is Samsung’s One Connect Box external connectors box, which keeps things neat.

With features like 144Hz refresh rate, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility, and a top-notch gaming hub, Samsung TVs have long been regarded as some of the greatest gaming TVs. The S95D is no different. A gamer’s dream TV is created when you combine all of that with a low input lag of 8.9 ms.

---

The LG G4 is an amazing television that produces the brightest OLED images LG has ever produced, with outstanding picture quality. As a TV, it’s really difficult to criticize. However, the Samsung S95D is on this list of the finest premium OLED because we prefer it. The S95D boasts a better integrated sound system, a One Connect box for a more streamlined appearance, and an anti-reflective coating that increases its versatility. However, since the LG G4 is a truly unique TV, you should read our five-star review.

TCL QM851G: TCL’s top TV has many of the same features and picture quality as our top mid-range pick, the Hisense U8N. The main reason it didn’t make the cut for our list is it’s only available in a 65-inch and higher screen size, whereas the U8N includes a 55-inch size choice. In our study of the TCL QM851G, we were impressed by its sharp, brilliant image as well as its smooth upscaling of sources with lesser resolution. With a robust 80-watt, 2.1.2-channel speaker system created by Onkyo, it’s also an excellent TV for sound.

Panasonic Z95A: With a range of OLED and mini-LED models, including the flagship Z95A OLED, Panasonic stormed back into the US TV market in 2024. We praised the Panasonic Z95A’s “bold, detailed color reproduction is beautiful for movies” in our review, and we were pleased by how bright it was for an OLED TV. Although the Z95A is only available in a 65-inch screen size, the Sony Bravia 8 in that position comes in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes. However, the Z95A’s strong and immersive 5.1.2-channel built-in speakers would easily make it a “best for sound” choice in this list.

Samsung Q60D: Samsung’s cheapest QLED is a nice-looking TV that, given that it doesn’t use mini-LED technology, we said offers “refined detail” and “better than expected contrast” in our review. It has a rich, enjoyable image for its low price, but it’s under a lot of pressure from devices like the Hisense U6N and the Roku Pro Series, which both offer a significant increase in brightness and contrast for a similar price. We enjoyed using the Samsung Q60D, but as we stated in our full review, “it faces tough competition from budget mini-LED TVs that offer more gaming features and better pictures for a similar price.”

QN85D from Samsung: Oh, the unfortunate QN85D. When it comes to movies and sports, this wonderfully stunning TV just can’t compete with the TCL QM851G and the Hisense U8N’s incredible brightness and greater value. Nevertheless, the QN85D’s four HDMI 2.1 connectors, which are fully set up for 4K 120Hz gaming with a customizable refresh rate, may appeal to gamers more than these alternatives. Therefore, it provides you with the connection freedom that the TCL and Hisense do not if you have both next-generation consoles and a soundbar. As our comprehensive Samsung QN85D review reveals, it’s a fantastic TV overall; the competing mini-LEDs, however, are more affordable for non-gaming applications.

---

When purchasing a new television, you may encounter many complex terminology, including those used in this book. To begin our general buying guidance, here is a dictionary of the major phrases you will frequently encounter.

The TV’s “refresh rate,” or the number of visual frames it can display per second, is 120 Hz/144 Hz. 120Hz is a maximum of 120 frames per second. Classified as high frame rate (HFR), 120Hz can enhance sports viewing and is perfect for next-generation gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. For PC gaming, some TVs can offer 144Hz, however consoles are limited to 120Hz.

4K: Often referred to as Ultra HD (UHD), a 4K image has about 4,000 horizontal pixels (3,840 in the UHD standard requirements used by streamers and 4K Blu-ray, to be exact) by 2,160 vertical pixels. This is four times the quantity of pixels seen on Full HD TVs. As with most 43-inch and larger TVs, the majority of streaming services now support 4K.

Auto low latency mode, or ALLM, is a gaming-focused function that allows a TV to identify a connected game console and change to the best game picture mode or settings.

---

Is 4K superior to OLED?

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between 4K and OLED—you can have both! OLED refers to the panel technology, or the material used to make the pixels, whereas 4K refers to the resolution, or the quantity of pixels on the screen.

Therefore, you can have 4K screens that are OLED (nearly all of them are, with the exception of extremely expensive 8K OLED TVs) or QLED, mini-LED, or other technology.

Is OLED or QLED superior?

Currently, this is one of the most important and controversial TV technology questions. Fortunately, our OLED vs. QLED guide covers every detail.

If you’re looking for a summary, though, we’d say that OLED TVs provide higher viewing angles and superior contrast for stunning movie-like visuals, provided you can manage the lighting in the room. QLED, on the other hand, is a wonderful option for brightness if you’ll be watching in bright, sunny conditions.

Which TV is the best quality?

The Samsung S90C is at the top of our list because, while some TVs do individual things better, nothing else does so many things so well, for the same kind of price (thanks to price cuts, because it’s a TV from 2023). When recommending the TV that’s best for most people at any given price, that’s what we’re looking for. Which TV is the best quality? That depends on how you define quality. We define quality as the ultimate mix of picture quality, features, design, and price.