Top 10 Best TVs in 2022

The best TVs

Facing TV problems…again?

Whether it’s a screen that won’t display pictures or the video that won’t match the audio, a faulty TV can put a damper on your viewing experience. If your TV is old, outdated or always malfunctioning, you might want to consider replacing it with a new one.

Modern TVs offer dozens of perks, such as the ability to stream on-demand as well as live TV through apps. Watching TV also brings families together, especially during the festive season that is just a couple of days away.

If you’re searching for the best TV that will provide an endless source of entertainment for you and your family, we’ve got you covered. Check out our comprehensive guide, which highlights the best TV reviews and factors to consider when buying this gadget.

Best overall

If you’re willing to invest in the best-looking TV image, look no further than LG OLED CX TV.

Compared to the traditional LCD TVs that most people are accustomed to, this one boasts a picture quality that is surprisingly realistic. And the best part is, the LG CX comes in a 65-inch screen size, offering you a superb view from every angle.  

That said, the ports and connections on this flatscreen aren’t that unique. As is often the case, you get 4 HDMI 2.1 ports,3 USB ports, ethernet, RF as well as composite audio and video inputs.

The OLED CX comes equipped with some of LG’s cutting-edge technologies. These include the ThinQ AI. Thanks to the AI, you can very easily control your TV through voice assistant platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant.

That said, it’s important to note that LG OLED XC is a high-priced TV. So if you don’t want to spend a fortune, you may want to go for something else.

Best for streaming

Have you been searching for a budget TV that you can use to stream your favorite series and films? If you have, Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 is exactly what you need.

Given how affordable it is, one thing you shouldn’t expect is a lavish design. It comes in a dark plastic case with ½-inch bezel all around the edge. This doesn’t mean that it’s an eyesore, rather, it has a minimalist design.

What sets the Insignia model apart is the integration of Amazon’s Fire TV. This is the feature that makes it possible to watch dozens of channels from multiple streaming platforms such as Hulu, Disney+, Netflix and YouTube.

Better yet, the manufacturer has included a voice remote in the box. This lets you launch any app you like by simply issuing a voice command.

Though cheap, the Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 TV doesn’t have the best resolution. And while other TVs offer up to four HDMI ports, this one only has three.

Best 4K TV

If you’re hell-bent on purchasing a 4K TV, Samsung TU-8000 Series is the best there is. As expected of 4K TVs, its biggest highlight is the fact that it’s able to show crystal-clear and highly-detailed images.

Resolution aside, there are several other things you’ll like about this TV. For instance, it supports multiple voice assistant platforms, including Alexa, and Samsung’s own Bixby. Secondly, it gives you several mounting options to pick from. You can use the Vesa wall mount or mini wall mount.

 And though its frame mainly consists of plastic, this TV sports a solid build. The one thing that we didn’t fancy was the wide-foot stand, which requires significantly more space.

There’s also the fact that it has three- instead of the usual four – HDMI ports. All other things considered, it’s a decent offering, especially if you consider its mid-tier pricing.

Best with indoor TV antenna

At 31.5 inches, the Toshiba 43LF421U21 is slightly smaller than other TVs on the market. However, its compact size makes it better suited for areas like bedrooms and family rooms where there’s no need for a giant screen.

Besides, it comes at a low price point and is often ranked the best TV with an indoor antenna. This means you’ll get to watch your favorite local channels and never miss a beat on what’s going on around.

The 43LF421U21 sports a minimalist design, which works well for the price. In fact, compared to its predecessor the Toshiba Fire TV 2019, this one has thinner feet, giving it a more contemporary design.

The contrast and picture quality you get from this screen is decent. The biggest concern though is its brightness level in SDR and HDR. Though it works well in dark to moderately-lit spaces, the brightness isn’t good enough to prevail over the glare of brightly-lit spaces.

Best for sports

Are you a fan of watching sports? If so, one of the best TVs that’s suited for this application is the TCL 325 series.

It measures 49 inches, which is pretty decent for streaming your favorite sports. It’s not too expensive either, so you don’t have to worry about breaking your bank with its purchase.

Important to note though is that it has a resolution of 1080p. While this delivers sharper images than a 720p TV, it’s still not the best. Since it doesn’t get bright enough to overcome glare, it’s best suited for a moderately-lit or dim space.

On a more positive note, the TV handles motion relatively well, and boasts a relatively fast response time of 60Hz. Plus, it offers support for voice assistant technologies like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Best affordable

Don’t want to spend a fortune buying a brand new TV? Then you’ll want to check out Insignia NS-24DF310NA21.

For the price, you get a 24-inch TV with a 720p resolution. This is certainly on the smaller side of the size spectrum, meaning it’s better suited for small spaces. The resolution is also inferior compared to what you get from 1080p and 4K resolution screens.

That said, there are a few things you’ll love about Insignia NS-24DF310NA21. One of these is the fact that it comes with a voice remote that’s compatible with Alexa. This lets you control most functions by issuing voice commands.

Insignia also comes integrated with Fire TV, giving you access to over-the-air TV content as well as streaming platforms like Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu and more.

Best with Alexa

Imagine being able to switch on your TV, increase its volume and change channels all from the comfort of your coach. Amazing right? Well, this is exactly what you get when you invest in the Hisense Class H4 Series.

This TV is designed to work with an Alexa-enabled device, making it possible to activate and disable functions remotely. The only drawback to this is that this gadget is sold separately. Thankfully, the TV is one of the most affordable units, so you won’t have to spend too much money on this affair.

For the budget-conscious, there’s another approach of controlling your TV remotely. This entails downloading the user-friendly Roku TV remote app, compatible on both iOS and Android devices.

You will also be impressed with the 1080p resolution of the Hisense H4 Series. This allows it to produce fairly sharp pictures. To add to this, the TV has a motion rate of 120-image processing, which contributes to the clarity of images.

Best PC Monitor

With a significant number of manufacturers now making TVs with 4K resolution and HDMI ports, there’s no point in purchasing two separate screens. If you’re looking for a TV that can double up as a PC monitor, the Sony X800H is a superb option.

It comes in four different sizes, although the particular one we’re reviewing here is a 55-inch. What we like about its size is that it makes it well-suited for a multi-monitor setup. Essentially, you can split the screen into two or four parts, and view different content on each.

The picture quality of the X800H remains unparalleled. Sony achieves this by employing their 4K HDR Processor X1 and X-Reality Pro, resulting in pictures that are very sharp and lifelike.

That said, this TV could do with a bit of improvement. For one, it doesn’t have the best contrast and two, it lacks local dimming.

Best for gaming

You can’t buy just any TV for gaming. However, the TCL 5 Series Roku TV is equipped with several features that make it the perfect candidate for this application. These include VRR support, a fast response and low input lag; hence, providing a responsive gaming experience.

TCL is on a short list of TVs that have a dedicated gaming mode. The Auto Game setting is designed to spring into action whenever it detects a game console. This helps you get started on your gaming right away.

To add to this, the 5-Series comes in a gigantic 75-inch size. This makes it fit for splitting, enabling you to enjoy multiplayer games. And thanks to the 4K resolution, you’re guaranteed that images will appear sharp and highly-detailed.

While TCL 5-Series has a lot of positives, it’s pretty expensive; meaning it may not be in every gamer’s budget range. For general uses, the TV also has rather narrow viewing angles, and it doesn’t get bright enough in HDR.

Best premium

If you’re willing to splurge on a high-end TV, check out the Sony X900H.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that it comes in a gigantic 85 inches. This is considerably bigger than the maximum size offered by other manufacturers; hence, setting it apart. With a bigger display comes benefits such as improved picture quality and wide viewing angles.

What makes its resolution particularly exceptional is the well-executed full-array local dimming. This results in rich blacks and great contrast by casting light on different sections of the display distinctly.

And if you’re a gamer, you’ll be pleased with the selection of gaming features included. These include a dedicated Game Mode, low input lag, 4K resolution and VRR support.

Important to note though is that Sony X900H is one of the most expensive TVs. Its pricing can be a deal-breaker for buyers looking to invest in cheaper models.

What to look for in a good TV

Screen size

One of the first things that buyers should consider is the size of the TV. Usually, most TVs range between 14 and 100 inches in size. So how do you determine the size that’s right for you?

Viewing distance

Often, customers base this decision on their preferences. But there’s one other aspect that you should take into account, and that’s the viewing distance from the TV. Essentially, you should check whether the TV’s size is ideal for your space.

Samsung recommends a simple computation to find the right screen size as follows:

Right TV screen size = ½ * viewing distance (measured in inches). For instance, if you have a tendency to sit about 100 inches from the TV, then the display should be 50 inches: ½ * 100 = 50.

Number of viewers

Another factor that comes into play here is the number of people who will be watching the TV at any given time. If it’s intended to be used in crowded spaces, then the minimum you should opt for is a 40-inch screen with the seating area at least 6 feet away.

On that note, the further away you’ll be seated from the TV, the bigger the screen ought to be. For instance, if the seating area was 7 ½ feet away (rather than the 6 feet), then a 50-inch screen would work better.

Viewing angles

Lastly, think about the viewing angle. Experts recommend that TVs be placed in such a way that they’re parallel to your eyes. There shouldn’t be more than a 15° up or down and it also shouldn’t exceed a 40° angle to the right or left.

Panel technologies

The panel technology present in a certain TV is another consideration you’ll need to make. There are three main kinds: LCD, QLED and OLED. Here’s a breakdown of each one:

LCD/LED TVs

This kind of display comprises two core elements: an LCD panel and a backlight. The LCD panel is what constitutes pixels, the minute colored dots that form a TV’s image.

When they’re by themselves, pixels aren’t visible. This is where a backlight comes in handy. It casts light via an LCD pixel, enabling you to see color.

The LED in the title is a simple reference to the source of backlight. Initially, manufacturers used a less-effective technology that was known as CCFL (cold-cathode fluorescent light). Nowadays though, almost every flat-screen TV employs LED as the backlight source.

Important to note though is that there’s a degree of variation when it comes to placement of this backlight.

Some utilize lights that are mounted directly on the screen’s rear. With other models, the lights are mounted on the screen’s edge. Those with lights mounted on the rear offer better contrast compared to the edge-lit ones.

What are some of the perks of buying LCD/LED TVs? Well, the biggest advantage is affordability. Many also like the fact that these TVs are brighter than their OLED counterparts.

In terms of drawbacks, LED TVs have limitations in their viewing angles. You may also struggle to control lighting in the image because of the external light source.

OLED TVs

OLED is an acronym for the phrase, “organic light-emitting diode”. What makes this display so unique is the fact that it can generate its own light and color from just one diode once it’s wired to electricity.

Due to this property, OLED TVs don’t require a separate backlight for illumination. Every single pixel acts as a self-contained fount of lighting and color.  

The benefit of this panel technology is that it results in incredibly superior contrast and light accuracy. So much so that you can’t compare the quality of images you get from this display to those of an LCD display.

Another advantage of an OLED display is that it offers wider viewing angles, without compromising on the color or contrast. These features have caused OLED TVs to become a fan favorite.  

Nonetheless, they have their fair share of drawbacks. For one, they’re way more expensive than LCD TVs. Secondly, they don’t provide as much brightness as what you get from LED displays.

Quantum dots (QLED) TVs

The QLED (Quantum Dot) panel technology is not as common as the LCD/LED. In fact, you’ll often find it in high-end TV models.

For those new to TV technology, quantum dots are very minute particles, whose size ranges between 2 and 10 nanometers. Each of these particles has the capacity to emit a unique color.

Employing this panel technology enables manufacturers to refrain from using color filters as well as white LED backlights. These two factors are often to blame for a TV’s poor color performance.

QLED displays offer multiple benefits such as wider viewing angles, increased brightness and a broader color range.

Resolution

Once you’ve made a decision about the type of display and screen size, the next factor you’ll want to take into account is the resolution.

In this case, you’ll have to choose from three different types: 720p, 1080p and 4K. What differentiates these TVs is the number of pixels.

Pixels are the foundation of every screen. They appear as very tiny dots, which when combined, form the pictures that you see on a given display. The rule of thumb is that the higher the number of pixels, the sharper and more detailed the resulting images will be. Here’s a breakdown of the three resolutions:

720p

A display described using this term consists of 1280 columns, and 720 rows of pixels. If you multiply these two figures, you get a sum of 921,600 pixels. This is the lowest TV resolution you can get, and it’s often referred to as high definition or HDTV.

1080p

This one gets its name from the 1,080 rows of pixels it’s made of. The number of columns of pixels is given as 1,920, resulting in a sum of 2,073,600 pixels. This is double the number of pixels present in a 720p screen.

1080p displays are also known as full high definition (full HD), and they’re among the most common TVs you’ll find.

4K

This kind of screen, which is also known as Ultra HD, comprises 3,840 columns and 2,160 rows of pixels. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as a 2160p resolution.

The product you get from multiplying these two values is 8,294,400 pixels. This means that a 4K display has four times the number of pixels in a 1080p display and up to nine times the pixels in a 720p model.

Thanks to technological advancements, 4K TVs are becoming commonplace. While the majority are high-priced, it’s not impossible to find affordable 4K TVs.

Connectivity

You’ll also want to pay attention to the types of ports integrated in the TV. The most popular ones that you should look for are HDMIs, multimedia support, and USB port.

When it comes to the HDMI ports, look at the number and specification. Ideally, TVs should have four HDMI ports, but three work just fine too. With regards to specification, opt for v2.0 HDMI 2.0s as they provide a broader compatibility than v1.4 HDMIs.

USB ports are equally as useful, especially in playing back multimedia that’s been saved on USB drives. An ideal TV should have no less than two USB ports.

Modern-day TVs also come with built-in WiFi and Ethernet ports. These are crucial if you’re looking to connect your TV to your home’s network.

Smart TV platform

Nearly every TV nowadays is designed to be compatible with a broadband network. This can be useful if you’re intending to enable specific online functions, or better yet, retrieve data from external storage gadgets like cell phones and tablets.

That said, the competence and practicality of these smart features varies from one TV to another.

Overall, if you already own a couple of smart devices in your home, then it’s worth checking out televisions with the capacity to obtain content from such gadgets via Bluetooth or WiFi.

With regards to online features, it’s wise to examine the quality of the app the TV comes with. It should offer access to some of the most imperative services like streaming and catchup.

Brightness

The best TVs are those that come with adjustable brightness settings. This way, you can alter the level of brightness depending on the surrounding conditions.

If the brightness level is configured too high with no way to adjust, the blacks will be much lighter causing the pictures to look “washed out.” On the other hand, if the brightness level is too low, pictures will seem too dark.

Motion

There are two motion issues that most TVs suffer from, namely, blur and judder.

Judder is a motion problem that crops up when the content you’re watching has fewer frames than that of your screen.

For instance, you may be watching a film with 24 frames per second (24Hz) on a screen with 60Hz rating. Due to this, you may notice a jerking effect that causes images to look unnatural.

Motion blur is a little less complicated and it’s an effect that causes images to appear fuzzy or blurred and less clear.

Before purchasing a TV, do a test run to ensure that it doesn’t suffer from either one of these issues.

FAQ

Final verdict

Shopping for a TV is not as simple as it was in the past. There’s a ton of factors you need to account for, ranging from screen size to brightness level, type of resolution, viewing angles, panel technology among others.

The easiest way to approach this is to think of what you’ll be using the TV for. If it’s purely for gaming, then there are certain features that it should have. Similarly, if you’re buying one specifically for watching sports, then it should be well suited for this application.