Almost all of the latest televisions are now considered as smart TVs, enabling users to stream services such as Netflix and Disney Plus without needing a separate streaming device. However, it can be challenging to distinguish the features that make an excellent smart TV from the ones that make the best. Therefore, we are here to assist you.
When purchasing a new TV, we believe that picture quality for the price is usually the most crucial factor, although our TV reviews do consider smart TV systems. This is because a good streaming device can always be used to “replace” the TV’s built-in system, with many costing less than $50. However, for budget TVs, the cost of a streaming device may represent a significant percentage of the total cost. As a result, we placed greater emphasis on the importance of smart TV systems for budget models in our list, unlike the primary best TVs list.
Our list of recommended smart TVs is primarily ordered based on the value they offer for their picture quality, while also indicating our positive or negative opinions of their built-in smart TV systems.
Top picks for smart TVs
TCL 6-Series Roku TV, also known as R655 series, is undeniably the best-value smart TV in 2022. For the past five years, it has been the top choice for those looking for cost-effective yet high-quality TVs. The TV boasts exceptional picture quality, thanks to its mini-LED technology and full-array local dimming implementation, surpassing most TVs in the same price range. The latest 2022 version comes with advanced gaming features and a refined center-mount stand that can be elevated to make space for a soundbar; noteably, the newly added 85-inch size has standard legs. Additionally, the Roku TV operating system remains unparalleled in its usability and overall interface.
The prices listed below are for the 65-inch model.
Check out our review of the TCL 6-Series (2022 Roku TV).
$950 at Best Buy
$1,300 at eBay
$950 at Amazon
David Katzmaier recommends the TCL 4-Series as the top-rated budget-friendly smart TV. This television is available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches and features LED technology. The TCL 4-Series also comes with Roku TV, allowing for easy access to streaming services and other content. Its resolution is 4K and it has three HDMI ports.
In our test of budget TVs in 2023, the TCL 4-Series Roku TV had slightly inferior picture quality compared to the Vizio V-Series (mentioned below). However, we preferred the Roku smart TV system over Vizio’s SmartCast, which is why the TCL tops our list. While the Vizio V-Series offers Dolby Vision, Bluetooth connectivity and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh rate, the TCL 4-Series lacks these features. Nevertheless, we believe that better smart TV streaming is more crucial when it comes to budget TVs.
The prices listed below are for the 50-inch size.
$270 on Amazon, $330 on Walmart, and $270 on Best Buy.
LG OLED C2
The most cost-effective high-end smart TV
The C2 is the ultimate choice for exceptional picture quality at a relatively high but reasonable price. It surpasses all non-OLED TVs, including the Samsung QN90B mentioned below, by offering absolute black levels, matchless contrast, and excellent off-angle viewing. In addition, it is loaded with outstanding gaming features, ideal for pairing with an Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5, or both. The C2 is available in a broad range of sizes, but the larger units are quite expensive.
Similar to the previous model C1, the C2 is burdened by the WebOS smart TV platform. Accessing an LG account grants access to personalized suggestions and multiple user profiles. LG highlights the capability to select preferred sports teams, but generally, users may find it easier to directly access the app without the added features. Considering the high cost of the TV, it would be better to simply connect a reliable streaming device.
Check out our review of the LG C2 series OLED TV.
$1,597 on Amazon, $1,697 on Crutchfield, and $1,600 at Best Buy.
David Katzmaier recommended the Hisense U8H Google TV as the runner-up for the best smart TV option regarding value. Available in sizes of 55, 65, and 75-inches, this TV uses LED technology with local dimming and runs on Android TV. It offers 4K resolution and has four HDMI ports as well.
In a direct comparison among midpriced models, we found the TCL 6-Series to be slightly superior to the Hisense, but the latter still poses a strong challenge. The exceptional picture quality of the Hisense stems from its best-in-class brightness, which elevates its performance in bright rooms and produces striking visuals for HDR TV shows, movies, and games. Notably, it demonstrates superior brightness and contrast than the TCL, but the TCL’s marginally more precise image grants it an overall advantage. Additionally, the Hisense employs Google TV instead of Roku and is equipped with an ATSC 3.0 tuner, a feature not available in the TCL. In conclusion, choosing between the two options would be a satisfactory decision either way.
The prices listed below apply to the 65-inch option.
Check out our review of the Hisense U8H.
$898 on Walmart
$898 on Amazon
$900 on Best Buy
The Vizio V-Series is the top choice for consumers seeking a smart TV with excellent picture quality on a budget. It is available in sizes ranging from 43 to 75 inches, features LED technology, and includes SmartCast for access to popular streaming services. Additionally, the TV boasts a 4K resolution and is equipped with three HDMI ports.
In our analysis of the top budget TVs for 2022, the Vizio V-Series stood out as the clear winner in terms of picture quality. Among the models we compared, the Vizio provided the most well-rounded and precise picture, while also offering supplementary features such as support for Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth compatibility, and the potential for smoother gaming thanks to its variable refresh rate.
The prices listed below apply to the 50-inch version.
$465 at B&H Photo-Video. You are receiving price notifications for the Vizio V-Series.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Roku Plus Series
Awarded as the second-best smart TV at a mid-range price
Sizes available: 55 inches, 65 inches, 75 inches
TV Technology: LED with local dimming
Smart TV capabilities: Yes, powered by Roku
Resolution: 4K
HDMI Ports: 4
The competition among mid-priced TVs is intensifying and the Plus Series is the latest entrant in 2023. Unlike the TCL Roku TVs which rank higher, the Plus Series solely features Roku without other brands. It comes with additional upgrades, including QLED and full-array local dimming, resulting in a better picture quality compared to the TCL 4-Series. However, it falls short compared to the Vizio MQX, which has a better picture quality overall and 120Hz specifically for gaming. If you prioritize these extras, the Vizio may be a better option, otherwise the Roku Plus Series offers great value, particularly for users who prefer the Roku software.
The price indicated below is applicable to the 65-inch size.
Check out our review of the Roku Plus Series.
The Roku Plus Series is priced at $600 in Best Buy and you’ll receive price alerts for it.
The Samsung QN90B, reviewed by David Katzmaier on CNET, is the top-notch smart TV option that doesn’t feature an OLED display. Available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches, this QLED TV boasts Mini-LED technology and runs on Tizen’s smart TV platform. With a 4K resolution and 4 HDMI ports, it’s a solid choice for the high-end TV market.
If you’re in search of a top-of-the-line television with stunning picture quality, but don’t prefer an OLED, consider the Samsung QN90B. This TV utilizes QLED TV technology with added mini-LED for a brighter display compared to any OLED TV. Although OLED still proved to have superior contrast in our comparative evaluations, the QN90B QLED screen is the closest contender yet.
The QN90A, the previous iteration of this TV, is still being sold at a lower price point by hundreds of dollars. Although it is a capable performer, it has a slightly dimmer display than the QN90B. Additionally, it does not have some of the features found in the 2022 model, such as the new game hub with cloud gaming.
Samsung’s smart TV system on the screen is impressive, responding quickly and providing a wide range of applications. We prefer it over the systems of LG and Vizio. However, overall, we still prefer Roku and Android/Google TV (which can be found on Sony TVs) because they have more applications available. Similar to the majority of televisions today (including Roku), Samsung supports the Apple TV app and is compatible with Apple’s AirPlay system.
The following prices pertain to the 65-inch variant.
Take a look at our review of Samsung QN90B.
$1,600 on Samsung website.$1,598 on Amazon.$1,598 on Walmart.
Please note that the 2021 model, Q60A, is currently available at a lower price than the Q60B in certain sizes. Although our tests reflect that the newer version is brighter, if you are looking for the most cost-effective solution, consider purchasing the Q60A while it is still obtainable.
The prices listed below pertain to the 55-inch model size.
Take a look at our review for the Samsung Q60B.
$798 at Crutchfield, $900 at Best Buy, and $798 at B&H Photo-Video.
Vizio MQX
The ideal cheaper Smart TV alternative
Available in sizes 50-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch
TV Technology uses LED with local dimming
Smart TV capabilities via SmartCast
Boasts resolution of 4K
Equipped with 4 HDMI ports
The Vizio MQX is one of the most affordable televisions that has complete-array local dimming, providing sufficient contrast and vividness for HDR while displaying programs, films, and games. It has less dimming zones than pricier models, such as the TCL 6-Series, but they are ample for achieving excellent image quality with vibrant highlights, profound black levels, lively contrast, and precise colors.
The MQX has a genuine refresh rate of 120Hz, unlike the M7 from last year. This makes it compatible with 4K/120Hz signals from Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 game consoles, and it performed satisfactorily in our tests. Vizio offers support for both primary HDR formats, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, in the M-Series.
Vizio’s SmartCast smart TV menu has undergone minimal changes, except for the inclusion of an “Inputs” button, which is a positive addition. However, this feature has been available on Roku TVs for several years. Despite encompassing all major streaming services, the user interface is inferior to that of Roku and Google TV. Vizio’s major drawback is the haphazard display of numerous TV shows and movies that fail to pique our interest.
The layout of Roku’s application interface is straightforward and recognizable, but if you desire a homepage that displays more custom-tailored content, Google TV is more adept. However, if you cannot afford the TCL 6-Series and desire superior visuals to those offered by the 4-Series, the Vizio MQX presents an admirable compromise. It is important, nonetheless, to choose a device with Roku capabilities.
Check out our review of the Vizio MQX, available for $850 at Best Buy and $849 at Sam’s Club. You’ll receive price alerts for this product.
CNET’s testing process for smart TVs is rigorous and unbiased, developed over almost two decades of TV reviews. Our specialized TV test lab includes equipment for measuring light and color, such as the Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator, and AVPro Connect 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We employ Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate each TV we review. In each CNET TV review, three or more comparable TVs are compared side by side in different lighting conditions and playing various media, including movies, TV shows, and games, across different test categories such as color, video processing, gaming, and HDR. Our reviews also consider design, features, HDMI input, gaming compatibility, and other factors.
In order to assess the performance of smart TVs, we utilize the full range of features offered on the platform and compare them against those of competitors. Our evaluation criteria encompass various aspects, including but not limited to: user-friendly interface, efficient layout and design, searching capabilities, privacy controls, quantity and functionality of available apps, as well as the speed and dependability of the system as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions about Smart TVs
Answers to frequently asked questions about TVs will be provided below. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me through Twitter (@dkatzmaier) or by clicking the message icon on my CNET profile page.
Which smart TV system is the top choice for streaming purposes?
At CNET, we prefer Roku due to its user-friendly interface. Coming in second place is Google TV, known for its seamless integration with other Google services like Google Photos and YouTube TV. Samsung TV’s system comes in third, while Amazon Fire TV and LG are considered to be some of the less desirable options.
Regardless, we do not deem the built-in smart TV platform to be crucial since you can easily link a streaming device to any television. However, what is your take on Amazon Fire smart TVs?
Amazon offers a comprehensive array of smart TVs operating on their Fire system. The Fire TV interface is not our preferred choice due to the recurring display of ads. It irks us when the television transforms into a massive revolving board for promotional content during screensaver mode. Further, we have observed that other TV brands usually offer superior visual quality compared to most Fire TVs.
The Toshiba M-Series Fire TVs appear to have the potential to break this pattern. We have yet to assess them, but we will update this list once we do so.
Do Alexa and Google come with smart TVs?
Most smart TVs feature some type of voice assistant. Alexa is pre-installed on all Amazon Fire TVs, while Google Assistant is offered on Sony, TCL, and Hisense TVs that operate on Google’s OS. Additionally, many new Samsung and LG TVs come equipped with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Roku TVs and Vizio TVs can recognize voice commands, but are incompatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.
For the majority of these televisions, voice commands can be given by speaking into the remote control, while some can also respond to hands-free wake words such as “Alexa” or “Hey Google”, similar to a smart speaker. Additionally, many TVs can be connected with a smart speaker, for instance an Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini, to receive voice commands.
What size of TV should I purchase?
We believe that larger is superior, and it is preferable to invest your money in bigger screen sizes rather than marginal improvements in picture quality. The response also varies depending on the dimensions of the room and the distance of seating: If you have a spacious area and sit farther away, you will need a larger TV. The solution also varies based on the dimensions of the area and seating distance.
What is the best way to improve TV sound?
TVs often have poor sound quality due to their slim designs which don’t accommodate large speakers or bass. To enhance the audio experience, it is recommended to invest in an external audio system. A budget-friendly soundbar, for instance, can significantly enhance the overall sound quality compared to the built-in speakers of a TV. One convenient option is Roku Streambar, which combines a soundbar with a streaming system in one device.
Top Home Entertainment Products for 2023: Purchasing a New Television, Top Soundbars, Streaming Devices, TV Antennas for Cord Cutters, Understanding Dolby Atmos, Comparing Sonos Speakers, QLED vs. OLED Technology, Demystifying HDR Formats, Gaming Television Options, and the Best 75-Inch Televisions for 2023.
