Choosing the best TV can be tough and confusing. Each brand claims to be the best. To make your buying decision easier, we’ve picked out the top recommendation from Consumer Reports for each type and every budget. We include OLED, LCD, and LED televisions. A 4K tv is a must if you have an Xbox One X.
TVs are part and parcel of our homes and lives, after all, who doesn’t love cuddling with their other half and watching a romantic movie or gathering up the kids and watching the favorite family drama after a long tiring day, right?
But do you have the right TV for it?
*Updated September 2021
Best Oled TV Sets for 2021 as per Consumer Reports
Sony XBR-65A9G (87) $3000 – 65”
The Sony XBR-65A9G is the brand’s flagship OLED TV that delivers top-end imaging and HDR performance. This latest variant carries a very effective imaging processor and support for Dolby Atmos audio. It also offers a very unique Acoustic Surface technology that turns the panel itself into an audio source, along with a dedicated subwoofer.
The Sony XBR-65A9G uses Google’s Android TV platform which is very intuitive and easy to use. It’s compatible with Google Cast, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Airplay 2. It’s available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch variants that will suit most living and bedrooms.
Best Features
- Best Overall Image Quality for OLED Category
- Acoustic Surface Technology
- Excellent Image and Sound Processing
- Compatible with Popular Smart Platforms
- Sizes 55” and 65”
Specifications
- Dimensions: 57” x 33 x 10
- Weight: 57.4 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI HDCP 2.3 x 4, Optical x 1, 3.5mm x 1, USB x 3
- Speakers: 20W + 20W + 10W + 10W
LG OLED CX (86) $3250 – 77”
The LG OLED CX Series is wildly popular thanks to its amazing HDR performance which produces deep contrast and stunning color. It offers excellent sound quality thanks to its Dolby Atmos support, and its also compatible with several HDR formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision. it also features HDMI 2.1 which you can use to enjoy 4K 120Hz gaming with the latest PS5 and Xbox Series X.
The AUA variant is usually sold in warehouse clubs like Costco while the slightly better PUA model is what you get from most retailers. It’s available in 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch options to suit your space and needs.
Best Features
- OLED panel delivers intense colors, contrast, and perfect lack.
- Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos Support\
- A9 Gen 3 AI Processor offers AI Picture Pro/Sound Pro processing
- Great for Gaming – G-Sync and FreeSync Compatible with ALLM
- HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz Gaming with PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X
Specifications
- Dimensions: 67.84” x 40.28” x 10.59”
- Weight: 79.15 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 3, HDMI 2.1 x 1, Optical Out, Analog Out, LAN, USB x 2
- Speakers:
- Sizes: 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”
LG OLED BX (86) – $2299.99 – 65”
The LG OLED BX is a more affordable variant of the most popular pick above with the same top-notch picture quality and HDR performance. It also sounds just as good, but it doesn’t have the top-end X1 Ultimate processor. However, Consumer Reports did mention that there are no discernable differences between the variants aside from the design.
The LG OLED BX supports the same Smart platform features as the CX models and its compatible with popular HDR formats. However, this model is only available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch offerings.
Best Features
- Excellent Image Quality and HDR Performance
- Cheaper than CX, but without a performance penalty
- Compatible with Popular Smart Platforms
- Great Sound Quality
- Adaptive Sync with ALLM
Specifications
- Dimensions: 57” x 24.2″ x 9.7″
- Weight: 55.1 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 2, HDMI 2.1 x 2, Analog Out, Optical Out,
- Speakers: 40 W Total
- Sizes: 55”, 65” and 75”
Sony A90J (84) – $3800 – 65 Inches
The Sony A90J is the flagship OLED TV with the best features such as a new and more powerful processor that enables superb clarity and image processing. It also offers 3D Surround Upscaling and Dolby Atmos for brilliant 3D audio that immerses your senses. Its OLED panel is capable of rich colors and contrast, but it’s also one of the few TVs that are Calman-ready for production purposes and edits.
The Sony A90J has Google Assistant built-in, so you can control your other smart devices with it by simply saying “Hey Google”. It also comes with an embellished remote with a backlight to complete its ultra-premium nature.
Best Features
- OLED Panel with Excellent Image Quality and Vibrancy
- Infinite Contrast Ratio
- Powerful Cognitive Processor XR
- Dolby Atmos Support
- Imax Enhanced, Dolby Vision, and Netflix Calibrated Modes
- HDMI 2.1 with ALLM
Specs
- Dimensions: 59.13” x 32.83” x 12.48”
- Weight: 49.6 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, LAN, USB x 3
- Speakers: 2.2 Channel
- Sizes, 55”, 65”, 83”
LG OLED C1 (84) – $3799 – 77 Inches
The LG OLED C1 is the next iteration of the well-loved OLED CX series that features excellent quality and HDR performance. This new model offers improvements such as a Game Optimizer setting and a new magic remote for better performance in games and entertainment. It also has four HDMI 2.1 slots which support 4K at 120Hz with 10-bit color.
The LG OLED C1 is quite popular because of that, and it does offer amazing gaming experiences for any platform. It comes in 48-inch, 55-inc, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch options so there is a variant for everyone, including those who want to use it for desktop gaming.
Best Features
- OLED Panel with Excellent Image Quality and Vibrancy
- Infinite Contrast Ratio
- All HDMI Slots Support HDMI 2.1 Standard
- G-Sync/FreeSynhc Compatible with VRR and ALLM
- Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos Support
Specs
- Dimensions: 67.08” x 40.3” x 10.6″
- Weight: 71.9 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.1 x 4, Optical, LAN, USB x 3
- Speakers: 2.2 Channel
- Sizes, 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, 83”
Sony A8H (84) – $2500 – 65 Inches
The Sony A8H delivers top-notch HDR and color quality just like its predecessor, but it has a few upgrades to enhance your experience. The TV now works with Apple AirPlay 2 plus it has Dolby Atmos support out of the box. This model also supports all the popular implementations like Dolby Vision and HLG HDR.
Another feature Consumer Reports loved on the Sony A8H is its Acoustic Surface technology which turns the entire panel into a speaker for awesome sound quality. It’s only available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, but that’s plenty for enjoying your movies and games in HDR.
Best Features
- OLED Panel with Excellent Image Quality and Vibrancy
- Infinite Contrast Ratio
- X1 Ultimate Processor
- Dolby Atmos Support
- Android TV
Specs
- Dimensions: 57.25” x 33.34” x 12.75”
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 4, LAN, USB x 3
- Speakers: 2.2 Channel
- Sizes, 55”, 65”
Sony A80J (83) – $1899 – 55 Inches
The Sony A80J is another stunning OLED option you can get this year that has imaging features that actually work to improve its output. The TV features powerful upscaling via its new Cognitive Processor XR plus new features such as Netflix Calibrated Mode. This OLED TV also offers next-gen gaming performance via HDMI 2.1, making it the perfect pair for your Sony PlayStation 5 console.
The only difference this model has from the flagship A90J is it has a less powerful audio system and a simpler remote and a considerably lower price. The Sony A80J comes in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch sizes to suit your needs.
Best Features
- OLED Panel with Excellent Image Quality and Vibrancy
- Powerful Cognitive Processor XR
- Dolby Atmos Support
- Imax Enhanced, Dolby Vision, and Netflix Calibrated Modes
- HDMI 2.1 with ALLM
Specs
- Dimensions: 48.28” x 29” x 13”
- Weight: 39.3 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, LAN, USB x 3
- Speakers: 2.2 Channel
- Sizes, 55”, 65”, 77”
Best LED, LCD TVs for 2021 as per Consumer Reports
Samsung QN85A (82) – $ – 75 Inches
The Samsung QN85A is only second to the flagship model, but it’s also one of the few that carries the Neo QLED specifications for 2021. This model features a Mini LED backlight which enables one of the best HDR performances outside of OLED TVs. It sounds great, has excellent image quality, and it has a wider viewing angle than most of its contemporaries.
It also supports popular services and smart ecosystems like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple TV. This model is available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch variants to give you more choices when shopping for your electronic centerpiece.
Best Features
- Neo QLED Panel with Mini LEDs
- Object Tracking Sound Feature
- Flagship Processor
- HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz Gaming
- Quantum HDR 24X and Motion Xcelarator Turbo+
Specs
- Dimensions: 74.9” x 44.2” x 8.4”
- Weight: 76.3 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 3, HDMI 2.1 x 1, Optical, LAN, USB x 2
- Speakers: 2.2.2 Channel
- Sizes, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
Samsung QN90A (82) $3500 – 75”
The Samsung QN90A Series is the company’s flagship offering that includes all the bells and whistles of their entire range. It has a Neo-QLED panel with Mini LEDs for outstanding performance in HDR and picture quality outside of OLED TVs. It offers excellent sound with an object-tracking feature, along with compatibility with most HDR formats.
It uses the brand’s Bixby smart platform, but it supports popular services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This model is available in 65-inch and 75-inch variants, making it ideal for large living spaces.
Best Features
- Neo-QLED with Mini LEDs for fantastic HDR performance
- Object-Tracking Sound feature
- Slim and Sophisticated Profile
- FreeSync Premium pro with ALLM – Great for Games!
Specifications
- Dimensions: 65.7” x 40.2” x 12.5”
- Weight: 77.16 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 3, HDMI 2.1 x 1, AV Composite, LAN, Optical, USB x 2
- Speakers: 4.2.2CH 60W Total
- Sizes 65” and 75”
Samsung Q80T (80) $2600 – 75”
The Samsung Q80T is a more reasonable flagship QLED TV that doesn’t have the price-multiplying Mini LED feature. However, it still offers fantastic HDR performance since it has a full local dimming LED array and supports all the popular HDR formats. It is cheaper by a thousand, but the Object Tracking Sound feature and the same OS and smart platforms work with this model.
You get Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple AirPlay 2, and the Apple TV app which lets you stream your iTunes library directly from the TV. The Q80T is available in 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch variants, making it a flexible pick for various users.
Best Features
- QLED Panel with Full Array Local Dimming
- Object Tracking Sound Feature
- 4K AI Upscaling Works Great
- Real Game Enhancer with FreeSync for Smooth Gaming
- HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz Gaming with PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X
Specs
- Dimensions: 56.95” x 35.66” x 11.38”
- Weight: 61.29 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 3, HDMI 2.1 x 1, Optical, LAN, USB x 2
- Speakers: 2 x 10W
- Sizes, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
Sony XBR-X950H – (80) $2600 – 65”
The Sony XBR-X950H series is closely regarded as the top pick for HDR and imaging performance if you don’t want to risk burn-in issues with OLEDs. Its IPS panel offers fantastic color coverage and accuracy, while its Full Array Local Dimming LEDs take care of its HDR capabilities. It offers decent built-in sound and is compatible with popular HDR formats such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
The Sony XBR-X950H also features the best-in-class X1 Ultimate picture processor which works great with all types of content. its also available in a wide array of sizes, from 49 inches and all the way up to 85 inches to accommodate different room sizes.
Best Features
- Clear IPS TRILUMINOS Display with Full-Array LED
- Flagship HDR Performance for Non-OLED
- Powerful X1 Ultimate Processor
- Great for Gaming – G-Sync and FreeSync Compatible with ALLM
- HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz Gaming with PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X
Specs
- Dimensions: 57.05” x 35.67” x 13.90”
- Weight: 52.25 lbs
- Inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 4, AV Composite, Optical, Analog Out, LAN, USB x 2
- Speakers: 10W + 10W + 5W + 5W
- Sizes: 49”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
OLED versus LCD LED TVs
While OLED TVs cost a premium their picture quality is unmatched. So what makes these TVs Stand out? Unlike in the case of LED LCD TVs where pixels are lit using a backlight with OLED these pixels are self-illuminating that thus provide better picture quality and team it with the contrast, brightness, etc. of HDR (High Dynamic Range) and you have a winner.
However, LED LCD TVs aren’t too far behind when it comes to picture quality and their affordable pricing makes them an attractive buy. In the end, it comes down to your preference and budget.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned TV’s have been chosen by Consumer Reports based on a number of different factors such as:
- Screen Size
- Display Quality
- Design
- Convenience
- Budget.
Each of these factors plays an important role in the buying decision and with these picks, you’ll have your money’s worth so what’s keeping you waiting? Click here to learn more about OLED TVs from Wikipedia. Wondering when the best time to buy a TV is? Look here.
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