We purchased the The 5 Best 4K Ultra HD TVs so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full products reviews.
Customers with almost any budget can upgrade their home theater to take advantage of the latest streaming entertainment, video games, and broadcast content, thanks to the widespread availability of 4K Ultra HD TVs in recent years. Since the first 4K Ultra HD TVs were introduced in 2014, Samsung, LG, and Sony have led the industry, but smaller, less-established brands like TCL and Hisense have begun to become more popular choices for customers looking for a reliable 4K TV without emptying their bank accounts.
Every brand’s new models come with updated processors and operating systems that not only produce stunning native 4K resolution, but also use artificial intelligence or proprietary technology to upscale 1080p and 720p content, making everything from cult classic 80s slasher films to the hottest reality shows look great.
Some televisions, such as the Samsung TU8300, allow you to wirelessly connect to your Windows or macOS based computer so you can game from the comfort of your couch or turn your living room into a temporary office, reducing input response times, lag, and screen tearing while boosting contrast and color volume for a better experience; some televisions, such as the Samsung TU8300, allow you to wirelessly connect to your Windows or macOS based computer so you can game from the comfort of your couch
Many 4K Ultra HD TVs come with voice-activated remote controls or built-in microphones, allowing you to use virtual assistants such as Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Siri or Cortana. Others, such as TCL, use companion apps or external smart speakers to allow you to control your new TV and connected devices without using your hands.
Sony has begun to release new 4K Ultra HD TVs models that include automatic game modes and picture settings optimized for both the PlayStation 4 and the upcoming PlayStation 5, allowing you to fully enjoy the latest and next generation of games. If you want to cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider, almost all new 4K UHD televisions are Wi-Fi capable and come preloaded with popular apps so you can start streaming right away; some brands, such as Samsung and LG, have live television apps based on Pluto TV so you can watch live news, sports, and entertainment without having to sign a cable or satellite contract.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your current home theater setup or buy your first 4K Ultra HD TVs, take a look at our top 5 picks below to see which one is right for you.
Samsung’s Q60T smart TV (Check latest price on Amazon) is the company’s most recent model. It comes with an updated Tizen platform that allows for faster browsing and searching. It’s powered by a new 4K UHD lite processor that allows for faster image rendering and more powerful HDR support. The LED panel includes both warm and cool colored LEDs, allowing you to fine-tune the color tone and enjoy your favorite shows and movies the way they were meant to be seen.
With built-in voice controls for Bixby, Google Assistant, and Alexa, it’s simple to find the right hands-free assistant for your smart home network. You can now mirror your smartphone or tablet screen alongside live TV or streaming content using the new multiview feature. This is ideal for keeping up with stock market news, sports stats, or fantasy football standings while watching your favorite shows. This TV includes Bluetooth connectivity, three HDMI inputs, two USB ports, RF, and composite video, allowing you to connect all of your media devices, game consoles, and audio equipment without the need for additional switchers or boxes.
Samsung’s TU8000 series (Check latest price on Amazon) is the company’s newest model line, and it comes with some impressive features. This model features an updated crystal display with crisp, clear 4K UHD resolution and HDR support for improved contrast and sharpness. The faster picture rendering and better upscaling of non-UHD content provided by the upgraded Crystal Processor ensures that you always have a great viewing experience.
This model includes Bixby voice controls for hands-free commands, as do all newer Samsung televisions; it also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Thousands of streaming apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Spotify, are supported by the new Tizen operating system. This TV has an automatic game mode that optimizes the refresh rate and picture settings for smooth action and virtually lag-free gameplay if you’re a console gamer. The bezel-free QLED screen is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 43 to 85 inches, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly.
TCL has established itself as a top choice for customers looking to purchase their first smart TV or upgrade their existing TV on a budget. The 43S425 model (Check latest price on Amazon) is a great choice for those looking for a good balance of screen size, price, and features. It costs under $250, so you won’t have to break the bank or wait for a great deal to get a dependable smart TV. It makes use of the Roku platform to give you access to preloaded apps like Netflix as well as the ability to download others like Twitch, so you can watch all of your favorite shows, streamers, and web series episodes right away. The simplified remote and easy-to-navigate home menu make opening apps or switching to a game console or over-air antenna a breeze.
When you’re not at home, you can use the Roku app on your smartphone or tablet to use voice search and create watch lists. You can use a smart speaker like the Google Home or Amazon Echo Show to access expanded voice controls and integrate your new TV into your smart home or wireless network if you use a virtual assistant like Alexa. There are three HDMI inputs on the back of the TV, allowing you to connect multiple playback devices or game consoles at once, as well as a USB port for playing MP3 files or viewing photos from a flash drive. There’s even a headphone jack for private listening when you don’t want to bother your roommates or family.
When it comes to color, detail, and resolution, the LG GX series (Check latest price on Amazon) offers the best-of-the-best for customers who prioritize picture quality when shopping for a new TV. It uses cutting-edge OLED technology, which means that each of the 8.3 million pixels is individually lit, allowing the TV to produce deep, true blacks and vibrant, rich colors on demand.
The a9 processor’s third generation uses artificial intelligence to upscale non-4K content for improved clarity, making even old classics look stunning. It comes with a voice-enabled remote that includes Alexa and Google Assistant, but the TV also has an integrated microphone that allows you to use voice controls without the remote. The built-in speakers use Dolby Atmos to produce room-filling, virtual surround sound audio without the need for additional equipment; however, you can use Bluetooth to connect an additional pair of soundbars, speakers, or subwoofers to create a custom audio configuration to suit your home entertainment needs.
The GX is an internet-enabled TV, which means it has both a built-in Wi-Fi connection and an Ethernet port, allowing you to connect to the internet via a hard-wired connection for faster loading times and a more stable connection. Both console and PC gamers can benefit from the TV’s support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies, which drastically reduce input response times, boost contrast and color, and eliminate lag and screen tearing, which can ruin the immersion.
While curved televisions haven’t taken off as quickly as manufacturers had hoped, Samsung still has a model for those who prefer one. The new TU8300 (Check latest price on Amazon) uses the same processor and Crystal UHD display as its TU8000 sibling, which means you’ll get great 4K resolution and upscaling of 1080p full HD content, as well as a slew of smart TV features like preloaded apps, voice controls, and even an automatic game mode that adjusts picture settings when your console turns on for a better viewing experience. The ability to remotely access your Windows or Mac computer through the TV sets it apart, allowing you to transform your living room into an office or gaming room.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet, you can easily share photos or stream content from your phone or tablet to your TV with just a tap; this makes it easier than ever to show off photos you took in the park or share the latest TikTok trends with friends and family. The TV is AirPlay 2 compatible for iOS device users, so you won’t be left out when it comes to sharing viral videos.
Related: The 5 Best Sony TVs
The Final Word
Customers looking to upgrade their current TV or purchase their first 4K smart TV will find the Samsung Q60T to be the best value. Its new operating system and processor provide better picture quality than previous models, as well as cool features like adaptive picture and sound, and integrated voice controls. Samsung’s TU8300 model is one of the few curved TVs on the market for curved TV skeptics. Its ability to remotely access your Windows or Mac computer sets it apart from many of its flat-screen competitors, allowing you to play PC games on your couch or turn your living room into a remote office.
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