In an era where streaming has become our primary source of entertainment, choosing the right smart TV can make or break your viewing experience. Gone are the days when televisions were simply screens to watch cable programming – today’s smart TVs are sophisticated entertainment hubs that connect us to countless streaming services, gaming platforms, and even serve as command centers for our smart homes. With so many options flooding the market, from budget-friendly models to premium displays with cutting-edge features, finding the perfect smart TV can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your living room centerpiece or seeking the best value for your money, our comprehensive guide to the best smart TVs of 2024 will help you navigate through the technical jargon and make an informed decision that suits both your needs and budget.
Contents
- Top 5 Smart TVs:
- 1. Roku QLED Pro Series – Best Smart TV Overall
- 2. LG C4 OLED – Best webOS Display Smart TV
- 3. Samsung OLED S95D – Best Smart TV for Picture Quality
- 4. Sony Bravia 8 – Best Smart TV for Sound
- 5. Hisense U6N – Best Budget Smart TV
- Things to Cosider Before Buying a Smart TV:
- Screen Size
- Resolution
- Operating Systems
- Smart Features
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Brand Reliability
- Researching Options
- Final Words
Top 5 Smart TVs:
1. Roku QLED Pro Series – Best Smart TV Overall
Want a TV as smart, sassy, and sexy as your favorite binge-watch? Meet the Roku Pro Series—the pièce de résistance in its line of smart TVs that’ll add a sprinkle of glitz to your lounge! This stunning QLED wonder isn’t only a pretty face, it wows with some killer picture quality, courtesy of brightly colored quantum dots and a Mini LED backlight.
Roku OS will make browsing through menus a cakewalk. No more aimless scrolling that makes you want to throw your remote out the window; this intuitive interface places your must-have streaming apps dead center. You’ll be tearing through your next cliffhanger faster than the words “just one more episode” come from your mouth — and, by the way? No lag to swipe that excitement away!
For all that, and the original Voice Remote Pro 2, of course. This little wizard has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to three months! No more mid-intense-scenes battery swaps! You can even search for your shows using just your voice, or just kick back and allow the remote to absorb your mumblings—no annoying wake words required.
Your viewing experience is about to get an upgrade that’s downright cinematic, with a robust 64.5 inches of 4K magic, an abundance of HDMI ports, and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Ready to take your TV game to the next level? Let’s make it happen!
2. LG C4 OLED – Best webOS Display Smart TV
Preparing to upgrade your binge-watching with having to set your wallet ablaze? Up next is the LG C4, which looks to be the new champ of the OLED battle!
Let’s talk about webOS — remember when webOS was a soulless pop-up menu that lived at the bottom of your screen? But LG has added a makeover to it that even Northam’s looks would envy in an sci-fi movie! Imagine: a fullscreen home page filled with app icons, content links based on who you are and where you are, and pages designed for everything from your next work-at-home grind to an all-day gaming session. Ok, a few ads may crash the part, but are totally disposable.
Usually, this beauty glides, just don’t be surprised if it runs into a speed bump on the graphics side from time to time. But here’s the good news: with Alexa and Google Assistant at your command, the LG C4 can be controlled with only your voice. Talk about convenience!
So, get your popcorn in hand and prepare to be amazed—this 65-inch, 4K beauty with a 120Hz refresh rate has all the makings of a showstopper in your home. With integrated features such as Nvidia G-Sync and Game Mode, it’s not just a TV, but your new best friend. Get set for an entertainment extravaganza in your own home!
3. Samsung OLED S95D – Best Smart TV for Picture Quality
Meet the Samsung S95D, your soon-to-be favourite screen, combining both style and practicality. Wall-to-wall windows used to mean you had to squint at your favorite shows while squaring off against crazed reflections that made it look like you were watching a high-stakes game of “Where’s Waldo?” With its unique matte finish, the S95D doesn’t just minimize glare; it eradicates it! This is like a superhero for your living room, turning those annoying bright windows into soft little whispers instead of shouty, shouty mirrors.
Sure, you may have heard of matte finishes before on non-OLED TVs, but this is the first time we’ve seen it work its magic on an OLED. It’s like a red carpet event where your very special guest steals the show! Add the S95D’s external box to the mix, and you have a setup that not only looks good, but also helps you clean up your HDMI connections and power cord for a tidy, contemporary aesthetic.
In a universe in which the sun can often feel like your most fierce foe, the Samsung S95D rises up above its rivals to showcase a beautiful image without sacrificing pragmatic performance. Snag this beauty and tell those bright lights that they’re not about to ruin your binge-watching bliss—because the S95D is about to light up your viewing experience like never before!
4. Sony Bravia 8 – Best Smart TV for Sound
The Sony Bravia 8 is your portal to a universe in which black is really black, and the colors are so rich they can probably hear your audible gasp. With over 8M self-lit pixels, anticipate pure blacks an bright highlights that pop in all your favorites. You’re not merely watching; you’re experiencing billions of real-world colors with XR Triluminos Pro — it’s like having a paint factory at your command.
But that’s just the beginning! The XR Processor takes what you’re watching and boosts each scene instantly, a custom director just for you that lets light and color flow freely across the screen, highlighting vibrancy and depth while correcting contrast and detail. And binge-watching? All your favorite streaming apps will be right at your fingertips—Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and many others—all cozily huddled under the warm roof of Google TV.
Oh, and have we mentioned the movie perks? You’ll get 5 credits for new releases, along with a full year of classics to stream via the SONY PICTURES CORE app.
Are you a gamer? Good news! Exclusive PS5 features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping will elevate your gaming to cinematic heights. And with Dolby Vision and Atmos, you will feel like you are inside the screen.
So throw away that old TV. You’ve earned an upgrade that’s just as smart, gorgeous and fun as you are!
5. Hisense U6N – Best Budget Smart TV
Say hello to the Hisense U6N, your new best pal in the world of budget TVs. In particular, this model takes the cake with its glorious local dimming feature, which brings you black levels so deep it could put the darkest cup of coffee to shame. TV is your new partner in crime if you live for cozy movie nights in a dark room!
Now, let’s talk brightness. When it comes to SDR, the U6N has a diamond-like shine to it, able to generate enough light into the highlights to match the battle of the sun when it tries to join your viewing party. And those colors? We’re talking about a wide color gamut so good that HDR content will become a total feast for your eyes. It even has support for both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, so your binge-worthy shows have never looked sharper.
On the sound front, you’ll be very pleasantly surprised at its DTS audio support while diving into your Blu-ray collection. Yet, let’s be real — no one wants to endure low quality content smoothing.
And while it doesn’t boast about HDMI 2.1 or 4K at 120Hz, it has a little something for the high frame rates debuggers, too, with 1440p at 120Hz. Heads up, though: VRR maxes out at 60Hz, so factor that into any high-speed gaming shenanigans you get into. However, you’ll be tearing through those action scenes like a freaking pro, thanks to an amazing response time and astoundingly low input lag. Brace yourselves for an upgrade in your viewing experiences!
Things to Cosider Before Buying a Smart TV:
BuyingGuide: As you initiate on the journey to purchase a new smart TV, several key factors will impact your decision-making process. From screen size and resolution to smart features and connectivity options, understanding what you need can enhance your viewing experience significantly. This guide will equip you with the imperative considerations to ensure you select the ideal smart TV that perfectly fits your entertainment desires and lifestyle.
Screen Size
There’s a significant difference in viewing experience based on the screen size you choose. It’s imperative to select a size that fits well in your room while meeting your viewing preferences.
Resolution
Even the resolution of your smart TV greatly impacts picture quality, making a difference in how sharp and vibrant the images appear.
Size is associated with resolution in a manner that, larger screens typically benefit from higher resolutions such as 4K or 8K, which enhance detail and clarity from a distance. A higher resolution becomes increasingly important as screen sizes grow, allowing you to enjoy your favorite movies and shows with rich visuals without pixelation. Choosing the right resolution can elevate your viewing experience significantly, especially on larger displays.
Operating Systems
Even the choice of operating system can significantly shape your smart TV experience. Different operating systems offer various interfaces, app availability, and ease of navigation. Some popular systems include Roku, Android TV, and Tizen, each with unique features that cater to different user preferences. Take the time to explore what each platform offers to ensure it aligns with your viewing habits.
Smart Features
Smart features add immense value to your smart TV, enhancing the way you watch and interact with content.
Systems that support voice commands, personalized recommendations, and the ability to stream content from various services improve your overall entertainment experience. Additionally, features like screen mirroring and integration with smart home devices can make your smart TV a central hub for all your technology. Evaluate which smart features are most beneficial to you, as they can make a significant difference in how you enjoy your favorite shows and movies.
Advantages
Pros of Smart TVs include their ability to grant you easy access to a plethora of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, providing an extensive range of viewing options. With user-friendly interfaces, you’ll find navigation simple, and the integration with smart home devices adds an extra layer of convenience. Moreover, features like voice control can enhance your viewing experience, allowing you to search for content effortlessly.
Disadvantages
While Smart TVs offer numerous advantages, there are also notable drawbacks to consider. You may encounter privacy concerns, as these devices often collect user data, which can be unsettling. Furthermore, many Smart TVs come with pre-installed bloatware that can clutter your interface and may slow down performance. You’re also expected to stay connected to the internet for full functionality, which could be a hindrance if you experience connectivity issues.
The potential for software updates is another consideration; regular updates may be required to keep your Smart TV running smoothly, adding to the maintenance burden. Additionally, the initial investment for a Smart TV can be significantly higher than a traditional television, which might deter budget-conscious buyers. Weighing these pros and cons will ensure that your choice aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
Brand Reliability
Tips for ensuring you choose a reliable brand include looking at reviews and ratings from other users, as well as researching the manufacturer’s warranty and customer service options. A trusted brand can provide consistent quality and support, which can make a significant difference in your overall satisfaction.
With many brands on the market, it’s imperative to do your research. Investigate user feedback on performance, software updates, and longevity of various models. Reliable brands often have a history of delivering hardware that lasts and maintains compatibility with new technologies, ensuring you won’t face issues shortly after your purchase.
Researching Options
While exploring smart TVs, it’s vital to gather ample information about available brands and models. Start by identifying the features that will enhance your viewing experience, such as screen size, resolution, and supported streaming services. Utilize online resources, expert reviews, and comparison websites to assist you in filtering out the options that best match your criteria.
Final Words
With these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a smart TV. Evaluate your viewing habits, the content you prefer, and the functionalities that matter most to you. Additionally, assess the compatibility with other devices in your home and ensure that your internet connection can support streaming. By taking the time to weigh these factors, you’ll find a smart TV that aligns perfectly with your entertainment needs and enhances your viewing experience.
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