Choosing the best TV brand can feel like wandering through a tech minefield. It’s no surprise that you want the best bang for your buck with the rise in screen time thanks to streaming, but there are so many variables to consider when upgrading to a newer model, whether it’s for movies, video games, or a mixture of both.
Sometimes selecting the best TV comes down to features, visual output, or value. Other times it’s all about the brand, whether it’s specific supported apps that are on your wishlist, a certain menu you’re used to navigating and you don’t fancy re-learning it all from scratch, or quite simply a good warranty and customer service that you gravitate towards.
Since your next TV could potentially be in your household for several years, we’ve curated a list of the top five televisions from each brand to give you a helping hand.
Best TV brands
1. LG G2 OLED
If it’s a well-rounded TV you’re after, you can’t go far wrong with the LG G2. With an OLED screen, HDR capabilities, and 4K resolution, it’s a shining example of what a television set can be. Containing all the accouterments we’ve come to expect from our smart TVs in this day and age, it can set you back upwards of $1,499.99 USD / £1,499.98 GBP for the 55-inch model. However, that’s still cheaper than the LG G3, with the same size screen costing $2,299.99 / £2,399.98, despite the G2 pretty much doing the same thing.=
It has a pretty impressive contrast ratio that’s capable of displaying really deep blacks, and retains an accurate image at various angles, meaning you won’t necessarily have to be facing the TV straight on - though some prefer it this way.
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How does it perform in general? Well, given its spec, it’s more than suitable as a living room screen that has no issues when it comes to streaming, watching movies, or sports. It’s even fantastic when it comes to gaming, including support for various refresh rate formats, so it’ll have no issues when it comes to hooking up your PS5 or Xbox Series.
The fact that there are four HDMI sockets as well means it’s more than happy to support multiple devices and systems, including PC. The only downside to that is there may be a slight risk of permanent screen burn, but it balances things out with low input lag for speedy responses, so it’s swings and roundabouts, really.
2. Samsung S95B
Released around the same time as the G2 (April 2022), the Samsung S95B is an equally capable brand of TV, though it does take a $1,299.99 / £1,199.00 bite out of your bank balance for the 55-inch model. However, if it’s an ultra-thin television that you’re in the market for, they don’t really come more svelte than this brand of TV, at just 16.5kg without its stand.
It’s 4K as well, as any good set these days should be, and Samsung itself says it boasts “eight million self-illuminating pixels.” With an OLED screen, you’re definitely getting a sharp image, making this one a spectacularly vibrant TV overall. It’s also suitable for any gamers out there, with the new Samsung Gaming Hub, which lets you play a host of releases from a number of cloud services, including Xbox.
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It’s a solid television, especially for those who are looking for something to game one, though visual purists may happen upon some slight imperfections in terms of the picture quality.
However, it should be said that these are not going to be detrimental to the general viewing experience, and the extra thin design is going to be a winner for those who don’t want a bulky model.
3. Sony A95K
Now here’s a name that doesn’t need much introduction. To many, Sony is the final word in quality tech products, and the A95K should be no exception. Featuring a QD-OLED display, which is a blend between QLED and OLED, this 4K TV represents a step up when it comes to overall image quality, though the $2,499.99 / £2,199.00 price tag could be a little off-putting to some. Again, that’s for the 55-inch version.
Having said that, the additional expense compared to the previous two models mentioned in this article go towards some key benefits. For starters, the Sony A95K is great for those who want a lot of streaming choices, as this TV comes with its own built-in Google Chromecast. It also has AirPlay for all you Apple lovers out there, and works with voice-assisted AI, such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
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It sports an interesting dual-style design, which makes it possible to put the screen even closer to the wall for a more flush look. And it has a pretty nifty safety feature known as Proximity Alert. As the name suggests, it will set a recommended viewing distance, especially if you have children who are known to get too close to the screen, so that’s a nice bonus.
Essentially, it’s a powerful TV for the living room in a family home, even if the 21.2 kg weight does make it seem a little more voluminous than other televisions.
4. Hisense U8H / U8HQ
For something a little more mid-range and a slimmer price tag, the Hisense U8H (or U8HQ in UK) is definitely an ideal option. Available in 55, 65, and 75-inch models, this particular brand of TV may not be OLED like the others, but the fact that it packs 4K resolution means that it will still provide solid picture quality, even if it’s not at the premium end of the spectrum.
It comes with four HDMI sockets, so there are still plenty of options to plug in additional devices such as a console or a PC, which the TV can automatically detect, by the way. Streaming fans won’t be disappointed as Smart features do have support for Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube, and Disney+. It doesn’t, however, support Apple TV or Hulu, but at least it still features the most popular platforms.
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That coupled with a somewhat cheaper price tag - starting off at around $572.99 / £799 for the 55-inch - does mean that this is ideal for those who are not willing to stretch the budget to something more elite.
It also has a Game Mode, but doesn’t seem to favour gaming like the Samsung S95B, so the Hisense U8HQ is much more suited for general viewing, which is good for those who don’t want to spend the extra for bells and whistles that aren’t going to be used.
5. Philips OLED907
We’re back to OLED screens now, and we’ll finish off with the Philips OLED907. This model should be of intrigue to those who like high-quality audio as much as they like super images. With Clear Voice technology, AI Sounds, Dolby Bass Boost, and Sound Stabiliser, a night mode, and much more, this is one TV that doles out the sound as well as the picture.
Speaking of the picture, again we have an OLED screen with 4K resolution @ 120Hz. It has four HDMI sockets, however only two of these support 2.1, which may or may not be of huge importance, depending on how finicky you are about HDMI technology. However, the OLED907 still counts where it matters: in its visual and audio quality. In the end, isn’t the most important thing when it comes to choosing a TV? However, it does have more than that, of course.
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In terms of additional features, this model supports the usual gang of streaming services, including Apple TV this time. As sound is just as important for the OLED907, any music lovers out there may be interested to know that this Philips TV also has support for Spotify and YouTube Music.
It is definitely on the pricier side of things, with the cheapest for the 55-inch version being available for £2,000, but it’s the focus on audio that’s likely to draw a lot of people in.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Choosing a TV brand can be confusing at times, often leading to a ton of questions. Fear not, however, as we've answered some of the most frequently asked queries below.
What matters most when choosing a TV brand?
One of the primary factors that matter when selecting a TV brand is the picture quality it offers. Look for brands that provide sharpness, clarity, vibrant colours, as well as high contrast ratios. Technologies like OLED or QLED are optimal as they can seriously enhance the viewing experience, although make sure you research as both come with their own pros and cons.
Next up, make sure you consider the available screen sizes and the design of the TV. Determine the appropriate screen size for your viewing area, ensuring it fits well within your living space. Additionally, the design and aesthetics of the TV should complement your home decor.
Many TVs now come with smart features and connectivity options, so check if the TV has a user-friendly interface, supports popular streaming services, and offers connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and multiple HDMI ports. These features can enhance your entertainment options and connectivity with other devices.
Also, while the visual experience is crucial, audio quality also plays a significant role in the overall enjoyment of your TV. Look for brands that provide immersive sound technology or support external sound systems.
Finally, determine your budget and evaluate the value for money offered by different TV brands. Compare the features, specifications, and prices to find the best balance between quality and affordability.
What are the differences between OLED and QLED?
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) and QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode) are two different display technologies used in modern televisions. Despite having similar names, the two come with several key differences.
For example, OLED panels use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is passed through them. Each pixel in an OLED display is self-emissive, meaning it can generate its own light and independently control brightness and colour. QLED panels, on the other hand, utilise a backlighting system similar to traditional LED TVs, but with an added layer of quantum dots that enhance colour performance.
As a result, OLED displays are known for their excellent contrast ratios and black levels. Since each pixel can turn off completely, OLED TVs can achieve true blacks by simply not emitting any light. This leads to vibrant colours and impressive contrast. In QLED TVs, the backlighting system can cause some light leakage, resulting in less accurate blacks and slightly lower contrast levels compared to OLED.
That said, QLED TVs typically excel in colour accuracy and can achieve a wide colour gamut. Quantum dots in QLED displays enhance the purity of colours and allow for a broader range of reproduction. While OLED TVs also offer excellent colour accuracy, QLED technology often produces brighter and more saturated colours, especially in high dynamic range (HDR) content.
Taking all this into account, QLED TVs tend to be cheaper than OLED TVs of comparable sizes. OLED technology is currently more expensive to manufacture, making OLED TVs relatively higher in price.
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