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The best smart TVs (and why the Sony A95L OLED is my top smart pick)
A smart TV can be an invaluable addition to your smart home. If you're looking for ways to watch shows, news, and sports without a cable or satellite provider, you've come to the right place. I rounded up the best smart TVs, which use the internet to access content for far greater capabilities that an average television.
ZDNET Recommends
Also: The best movies and shows to stream right now
But before you invest, you need to research the best smart TVs -- that's where I can help. I scoured the market and compared prices and features to find the very best smart TVs for your home or office, whether you want to watch movies, sports events, or your favorite YouTube videos.
My top picks come from brands like TCL, Hisense, LG, Samsung, and Sony. Check out the best smart TVs according to ZDNET experts below.
Also:
- The best OLED TVs (and why they're so expensive)
- Is a 55-inch TV big enough for your room, and which is the best?
- What are the best 65-inch TVs? Plus, OLED and QLED explained
- The best 85-inch TVs
- Excellent picture and sound
- Optimized for console gaming on PS5
- Eco Dashboard
- Voice controls
- Pre-order only
- Will probably be very expensive, especially at larger screen sizes
Sony A95L specs: Screen size: 55, 65, 77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Voice controls: Hey Google, Alexa, Siri
The A95L is part of Sony's newest line-up of TVs for 2023, and is one of the best smart TVs you can buy right now. ZDNET's Rebecca Isaacs got the opportunity to see the A95L OLED TV up close at the debut event, calling it "Sony's new crown jewel." On top of excellent picture quality from the updated OLED panel, you'll also get room-filling, virtual surround sound with Dolby Atmos and Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology; which also turns the entire screen into a speaker for near-perfect video and audio syncing.
Movie buffs will love the IMAX Enhanced and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated modes which automatically analyze movies and shows scene-by-scene to boost color accuracy, contrast, and detailing so you can watch your favorites as they were meant to be seen. It's also optimized for console gaming with the PlayStation 5, featuring VRR technology to reduce screen tearing and stuttering as well as a 120Hz native refresh rate for smoother playback. And if you're looking for ways to make your living room or home theater a bit more eco-friendly, the A95L has an Eco Dashboard, which shows all of your energy efficiency settings in a single screen so you can monitor and change things on-the-fly.
- Under $500
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- AMD FreeSync support
- Voice controls
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- Voice controls require third-party apps and speakers
- No G-Sync support
TCL 55S555 specs: Screen size: 55 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Siri
TCL has become king of the budget-friendly smart TVs, and the 55S555 is no exception. The 55-inch screen uses a QLED panel for better contrast, detailing, and color than previous TCL models. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10/10+ for even sharper, more lifelike images while Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus work together to create virtual surround sound that creates a more immersive experience.
Console gamers will love the support for AMD FreeSync VRR technology to prevent annoying screen tearing and stuttering, as well as the dedicated game mode that automatically adjusts picture settings and input latency. It also integrates Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri for hands-free voice controls over your TV and connected devices, or you can download the companion Roku app and turn your tablet or smartphone into a voice-enabled remote.
- Samsung Gaming Hub
- 4 HDMI ports
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+
- Slim One Connect support
- Pricey
- No Dolby Vision support
- No VRR support
Samsung S95C specs | Screen size: 55, 65, 77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR: Quantum HDR OLED+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls:
The Samsung S95C is a TV that was practically made for gaming. The new Samsung Gaming Hub supports cloud-based gaming via Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. It also integrates Twitch, YouTube, and Spotify so you can quickly pull up playlists for Chill Beats to Game To, walkthrough videos for tough puzzles and bosses, or live streams of your favorite eSports pros and let's players. The S95C also has 4 HDMI ports, letting you set up multiple gaming consoles at once and easily switch between them. It's also compatible with Samsung's Slim One Connect, which lets you use a single cable to connect multiple devices for a cleaner-looking, more organized gaming space.
The incredibly thin design also means that you can choose either flush wall mounting or a less bulky TV stand for placement options, which is good news for anyone with a gaming room that's on the smaller side. You'll get incredible audio and virtual surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ for a more immersive experience. And if you have a Samsung soundbar, the Q Symphony feature allows it to work in tandem with the TV's integrated speakers for richer, more clear audio.
- 98-inch screen
- Great picture and audio
- Chromecast
- Voice controls
- Pre-order only
- Will probably be very expensive due to screen size
Sony X90L specs: Screen size: 98 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Siri
Are you looking for a true big-screen TV to bring your home theater to the next level? The new X90L from Sony features an impressive 98-inch screen, which means it will absolutely be the focal point of any room you place it in. We all know that size isn't everything, so Sony packed this TV with all kinds of great features like voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri for hands-free use of your TV and connected devices. It also works with Dolby Vision for crisp details, deep contrast, and more vivid colors as well as Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound.
It has a Voice Zoom 2 feature which boosts dialogue in movies and shows so you never miss a line, and Sony's Acoustic Multi-Audio technology turns the whole screen into a speaker for near-perfect video and audio syncing. With the Google TV platform, you'll get a suite of preloaded, popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video so you can start streaming right out of the box; but you'll also get access to thousands of other apps to turn your TV into a true entertainment hub. And with Chromecast built-in, you can share photos, videos, and music from your mobile devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.
- Tons of premium features
- G-Sync and FreeSync Premium support
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support
- Art Gallery Mode
- Expensive
- Not many screen sizes available
LG G3 OLED specs: Screen size: 55, 65, 83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Siri
If you're willing to spend big in order to get the best of the best when it comes to smart TVs, the LG G3 OLED is an excellent option. This new iteration of the G-series features an updated OLED panel for a brighter picture than previous offerings from LG as well as a sixth-generation a9 processor. The processor works with artificial intelligence to analyze movies and shows scene-by-scene for the best upscaling, color, contrast, and detailing. It works with Dolby Vision for enhanced picture quality as well as Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound.
The G3 also automatically calibrates audio settings by monitoring ambient room sound and adjusts to deliver consistently clear audio. Console gamers will love the support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR technology, while film buffs will appreciate the Filmmaker Mode which allows you to see new and classic movies as they were meant to be. And when you're not actively using your new TV, you can switch to the art gallery mode to display photos, videos, and paintings for your own personal, curated art show.
What is the best smart TV?
My pick for the best smart TV is the Sony A95L. It features an updated QD-OLED panel for a brighter picture and more accurate colors than previous Sony OLED models. It also uses the Google TV platform to give you access to thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu as well as voice controls. It's even optimized for console gaming with the PlayStation 5 with a native 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, and Dolby Atmos for a smoother, more immersive experience.
Best smart TV | Cost | HDR | Display |
Sony A95L OLED | Pre-order | Dolby Vision | OLED |
TCL 55S555 | $450 | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ | QLED |
Samsung S95C | $3298 | Quantum HDR OLED+ | OLED |
Sony X90L | Pre-order | Dolby Vision | LED |
LG G3 OLED | $3300 | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | OLED |
Which is the right smart TV for you?
To help you find the best smart TV for your needs, these are our expert suggestions.
Choose this best smart TV... | If you want... |
Sony A95L OLED | A well-rounded smart TV with excellent picture and sound quality. It also features an OLED panel for superior color and contrast. |
TCL 55S555 | A budget-friendly smart TV. It uses the Roku platform to still give you access to thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, PlutoTV, and Hulu. |
Samsung S95C | A dedicated gaming TV. With the Samsung Gaming Hub, you'll get access to cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW and Xbox GamePass as well as enhanced input latency and VRR for smoother playback. |
Sony X90L | A truly large-screen TV. This 98-inch screen will command any entertainment space. |
LG G3 OLED | A high-end, luxury smart TV. It features an art gallery-inspired design, upgraded OLED panel, and enhanced audio. |
How did I choose these best smart TVs?
I consider multiple factors when forming our list of the best smart TVs.
- Quality: I consider image quality, as well as factors like resolution, refresh rate, and sound to ensure an overall stellar performance.
- Features: Some smart TVs have Bluetooth connectivity and voice assistants incorporated into their design. You may even connect one to your smart home hub.
- Cost: Budget is always at the forefront, so I chose the best smart TVs that accommodate a variety of budgets.
What is a smart TV?
A smart TV is one that includes web-based features and built-in streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon. It has the ability to connect to the Internet without the need for any additional equipment.
Do all smart TVs include Alexa and Google?
It depends on the model. While some TVs include Alexa, you can also buy an Amazon Fire TV that has Alexa already built-in and ready to go. Some TVs may incorporate multiple types of smart technology, including both Google and Alexa.
How much do smart TVs cost?
Smart TVs can range in cost significantly, depending on factors like size and technology. The best smart TVs range in price from about $650 to more than $1,700, depending on the option you choose.
Are there alternative smart TVs worth considering?
Just about any new TV that you'll see either online or in-stores is going to have some sort of smart feature: whether it's simply being able to connect to Wi-Fi for firmware updates or an entire suite of streaming apps, voice controls, and connectivity options. And while we're firm believers that there is a smart TV out there for everyone, I also know that not all of them are created equal. So here are a few alternative picks I thought were great, but didn't quite make our main list:
BEST PRICE
Samsung QN90C - Runner-up best smart TV overall
Samsung consistently makes our picks for some of the best TV models you can buy. And the QN90C is a very, very close second choice for the absolute best smart TV available. The screen features an anti-glare coating to increase visibility by cutting down on reflections from overhead and ambient lighting. It also uses both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound to create room-filling, 3D audio that follows the on-screen action.
BEST PRICE
LG C3 OLED - Best OLED smart TV
This updated OLED model from LG hasn't quite hit the shelves yet, but you can pre-order directly through LG. It features an improved processor for a brighter, more lifelike image. And with support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, you'll get a more immersive viewing experience as well. It also has an almost invisible bevel for a virtually edge-to-edge image; which means you'll see more of your favorite movies and shows and less of your actual TV.
BEST PRICE
Hisense L5G Laser TV - Runner-up best big screen smart TV
The L5G from Hisense is an interesting choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater. It comes with a truly massive, 100-inch screen that is designed to reject ambient light so that the projected image looks brighter with richer colors and sharper details. It supports 4K resolution and HDR10 for more lifelike images as well as Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound. And since it's a short-throw laser TV, you only have to set the main unit about a foot away from the screen; which means you don't have to have a giant space to enjoy a high-end laser TV.
If you are looking for a specific size, check out our picks for the best 50-inch TVs, best 65-inch TVs, and best 85-inch TVs.