The 4 Best TVs of 2025, Tested and Reviewed by Experts

Samsung's S90D is the best-looking TV in its price range. Steven Cohen

As 2025 shapes up to be another banner year for television tech, we've taken a deep dive into the market to determine which displays truly stand out. With over a decade of hands-on product evaluation experience, our team rigorously tested everything from affordable QLED options to cutting-edge OLED panels. The result? A curated list of four top-performing TVs, each offering remarkable value and features across various price points.

Our testing process prioritized picture quality, smart features, design, and overall value. After weeks of side-by-side comparisons, the Samsung S90D emerged as the best all-around choice thanks to its balance of pricing and performance. If you’re after the ultimate in visual fidelity, the LG G5 delivers breathtaking brightness and contrast. TCL rounds out our recommendations with the QM6K and QM7K  great picks for shoppers with budget or midrange needs.

Best Overall: Samsung S90D

Samsung 65-inch S90D OLED 4K TV

The S90D is our favorite TV overall. Its QD-OLED panel delivers a high-contrast image with vivid colors, wide viewing angles, and impressive brightness for this class.

    What we like
  • Excellent peak brightness for a midrange OLED
  • High color volume with quantum dot technology
  • Wide viewing angles so picture doesn't degrade when sitting off center
    What we don’t like
  • Smart TV interface is OK but not the best
  • Issue with update notifications
  • Dolby Vision isn't supported
Specifications
  • Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p)
  • Panel type: QD-OLED, 144Hz with PC
  • Backlight: N/A
  • HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
  • Smart TV OS: Tizen
  • HDMI ports: Four HDMI 2.1

Samsung's S90D exemplifies the sweet spot between affordability and performance. Frequently available for around $1,500 in its 65-inch form, this QD-OLED TV delivers outstanding image quality, deep blacks, and brilliant color performance that bests all others in its price bracket. Quantum dot technology enhances its already exceptional OLED panel, setting it apart from similar models by offering wider color volume.

Brightness peaks around 1,200 nits, ideal for enjoying HDR content with stunning detail. The S90D also excels in off-angle viewing and gaming, supporting up to 144Hz refresh rates. Gamers will love the built-in Xbox app for streaming Game Pass titles without a console. The only notable drawback? A lack of Dolby Vision, which may slightly limit dynamic range in certain content.

Despite some minor UI quirks like persistent update notifications the S90D's features and performance easily outweigh its faults. It comes in sizes ranging from 42 to 83 inches, though it's worth noting that only the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models include quantum dots.

Best Picture Quality: LG G5

LG 65-inch G5 OLED 4K TV

The G5 is LG's flagship OLED TV for 2025. It's one of the brightest OLED TVs we've ever seen, delivering high-end image quality and an elegant design that can hang flush on your wall.

    What we like
  • Industry-leading OLED brightness
  • Deep black levels with an infinite contrast ratio
  • Wide off-axis viewing
  • High 165Hz refresh rate with a PC
    What we don’t like
  • Expensive, even compared to other top OLEDs
  • Minor banding in isolated sequences
  • Pedestal stand is not included
  • Some issues with voice search that resolved over time
Specifications
  • Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p)
  • Panel type: OLED, 165Hz with PC
  • Backlight: N/A
  • HDR formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
  • Smart TV OS: LG webOS
  • HDMI ports: Four HDMI 2.1

For those seeking elite-level image fidelity, the LG G5 is a marvel. It's the brightest OLED we've ever tested, reaching a jaw-dropping 2,400 nits in peak HDR highlights. Movies like "Mad Max: Fury Road" come alive with dazzling intensity, making the G5 the benchmark for cinematic excellence in 2025.

The G5 offers ultra-wide viewing angles and a native 165Hz refresh rate, perfect for PC gamers. While it initially suffered from some posterization issues in HDR content, firmware updates in early 2025 have significantly resolved those concerns.

This model also sports LG’s minimalist webOS interface. Though not the flashiest, it’s functional and gives you access to every major streaming platform. One tradeoff: it includes a flush wall mount but no traditional stand, so you’ll need to wall-mount or purchase a third-party solution.

Best Budget Pick: TCL QM6K

TCL 65-inch QM6K QLED 4K TV

The QM6K is an excellent entry-level Mini LED TV with solid contrast, vibrant colors, and decent black levels. However, its HDR brightness capabilities are limited compared to step-up models.

    What we like
  • Solid HDR performance for an entry-level Mini LED TV
  • Local dimming enhances contrast with minimal blooming
  • Google TV navigation is quick and responsive
    What we don’t like
  • Brightness is limited compared to midrange and high-end QLEDs
  • Viewing angles are improved over older models but are still narrow
Specifications
  • Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p)
  • Panel type: QLED, 144Hz with PC
  • Backlight: Mini LED with local dimming
  • HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
  • Smart TV OS: Google TV
  • HDMI ports: Two HDMI 2.1, two HDMI 2.0

TCL’s QM6K is a budget-friendly powerhouse that brings premium features to entry-level pricing. Often found for under $650 in its 65-inch version, this TV uses a Mini LED backlight and quantum dots a rare combo at this price. The result is enhanced color saturation and deeper contrast compared to similarly priced alternatives.

Though its brightness is lower than mid- or high-end competitors (557 nits on a 10% window), the HDR performance remains solid. Backlight blooming is well-controlled, and TCL’s Google TV interface offers smooth, glitch-free navigation. Gaming performance also gets a boost with support for up to 144Hz refresh rates.

Overall, the QM6K is ideal for anyone wanting an affordable, reliable display for HDR movies, sports, or console gaming without breaking the bank.

Best Midrange Model: TCL QM7K

TCL 65-inch QM7K QLED 4K TV

The TCL QM7K is an excellent midrange QLED TV. Its Mini LED backlight delivers high brightness, and it has better contrast control and wider viewing angles than last year's model.

    What we like
  • Excellent HDR brightness for a midrange TV
  • Fantastic backlight control with virtually no blooming
  • Improved viewing angles over last year's model
  • Supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate for PC gamers
    What we don’t like
  • Black levels aren't quite as deep as we've seen on other Mini LED models
  • Pedestal stand's depth could be an issue for soundbar placement
  • Though decent for a QLED, viewing angles still can't match those of an OLED
Specifications
  • Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p)
  • Panel type: QLED, 144Hz with PC
  • Backlight: Mini LED with local dimming
  • HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
  • Smart TV OS: Google TV
  • HDMI ports: Two HDMI 2.1, two HDMI 2.0

TCL’s QM7K represents one of the best values in the midrange category. With peak brightness measured at around 1,800 nits, this model delivers the kind of eye-popping HDR highlights usually found in much more expensive TVs. Its enhanced Mini LED backlight and quantum dot filter ensure strong contrast, vibrant color, and solid backlight control.

This TV also improves significantly on its predecessor, the 2024 QM7, with better uniformity in dark scenes and fewer issues with haloing. Viewing angles are wider as well, though not quite OLED-grade.

Running the Google TV OS, the QM7K provides fast access to all major streaming apps and voice control options. The 65-inch version is typically priced under $1,000, making it an excellent choice for buyers looking for top-tier performance in a bright room.

Compare Our Top Picks:

How We Test TVs

Each TV is evaluated over multiple weeks using a blend of objective metrics and real-world content. We use colorimeters and HDR test patterns, alongside a suite of 4K, HD, and SD video samples across different genres. We assess brightness, contrast, sharpness, motion clarity, and HDR performance. Smart interfaces, gaming features, and build quality also factor heavily into our final ratings.

We test in both daylight and dark environments to simulate real-world conditions. Our hands-on assessments are informed by over a decade of experience covering home entertainment hardware.

Shopping Tips: Choosing the Right TV for You

  • OLED vs QLED vs QD-OLED: OLED offers infinite contrast, while QD-OLED improves color and brightness. QLEDs with Mini LEDs provide higher peak brightness, ideal for bright rooms.

  • Smart TV OS: LG uses webOS, Samsung uses Tizen, TCL and Sony often rely on Google TV, and Roku uses its own intuitive system.

  • HDMI 2.1 Support: Important for gamers who want 4K at 120Hz or variable refresh rates.

  • Size Considerations: Bigger is better but balance it with resolution, room size, and your viewing distance.

The 2025 TV landscape is more competitive than ever, but a few models clearly rise above the rest. Whether you're a cinephile, gamer, or casual streamer, there’s a top-tier display tailored to your budget and needs. For most people, the Samsung S90D delivers everything you could want. But if you're chasing ultimate picture performance, the LG G5 is the OLED to beat.

No matter your pick, now’s a great time to upgrade. Just don’t forget the popcorn.

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