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The best 85-inch TVs for creating the ultimate home theater
An 85-inch TV is an excellent addition to any liberally spaced living room or home theater. Big brands like Sony, LG, and Samsung have high-end TVs with premium features like object tracking sound, OLED panels, and even 8K resolution to future-proof your entertainment space, while mid-range brands like TCL and Hisense may forego the deluxe features to focus on a reliable streaming experience.
Also: The best TV wall mounts (and how to install them safely)
An 85-inch TV also costs considerably more than its 55 or 65-inch counterparts, so even if you want a more modestly priced model, be prepared to spend at least $1,500 in order to get the features you want. Our top choice for best 85-inch TV, the Samsung QN90B promises 4K resolution, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and Neo QLED panels. Find out how other leading models from the likes of LG, Sony, and more on the market stack up and which is best to build your home theater.
- Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound
- Excellent picture quality
- Multi-room audio
- No Dolby Vision support
- On the expensive side
Samsung QN90B specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Quantum HDR 24X, HDR10+ | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Panel type: Neo QLED
The QN90B snagged the top spot on our list of the best Samsung TVs, and the 85-inch version continues to prove why it's one of the best TVs you can buy. Period. It features Samsung's Neo QLED panel technology to produce stunning native and upscaled 4K content as well as up to 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The screen is also treated with an anti-glare and anti-reflection coating to improve visibility in bright rooms, while the built-in eye comfort mode filters harmful blue light that can cause eye strain. Additionally, You can download the companion app to get professional-quality calibration in minutes for the best-looking images you can get outside of an OLED television.
The speakers use both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object tracking sound+ technology for room-filling, virtual surround sound to create a more immersive experience. Plus, built-in eco sensors also monitor ambient noise to automatically boost dialogue and overall volume so you never miss a line of your favorite shows and movies or beat of your favorite songs. You can also connect the QN80B to multiple smart speakers like the Echo Show or Google Nest for whole-home sound, so you can blast your guilty pleasure playlist while you do chores or keep listening to shows and movies while you move around the house.
Console gamers will love the dedicated game view mode, which allows you to monitor things like input response times, lag, frame rate, and even Bluetooth peripheral settings. You can also toggle AMD FreeSync Premium Pro on and off when you need variable refresh rates to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. The QN90B still has one of Samsung's most stand-out features, multi view, which allows you to watch two video sources simultaneously.
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support
- Updated OLED panel and processor
- VRR support
- Very expensive
- No Chromecast support
LG C2 specs: Screen size: 83 inches | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Panel type: OLED
LG makes some of the best OLED TVs available, and the new C2 continues to prove why they're the king of premium televisions. The C2 features an updated OLED evo panel with brighter, individually-lit LEDs to create even better color ranges, and with Dolby Vision IQ, you'll get even better detailing and contrast for more lifelike pictures. It also has an updated, 5th-generation a9 processor for faster image and sound analysis for the best viewing experience no matter if you're watching Hollywood classics or the latest blockbusters.
The dedicated gaming mode supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin immersion. It also supports cloud-based gaming services like Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now, so you can play your favorite PC games right on your TV.
The speakers use Dolby Atmos for 3D, virtual surround sound audio without the need to set up extra soundbars, and if you want whole-home audio while streaming music, you can connect your favorite smart speakers to the TV to pump your favorite songs throughout your home. The voice-enabled remote works with Alexa, Hey Google, and even Siri for hands-free voice controls, and AirPlay2 support lets you instantly share photos, videos, and music right from your mobile devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.
- Excellent virtual surround sound
- Dedicated game mode
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- Pricey
Sony X95J specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Refresh rate: 60Hz in 4K, 120Hz in 1080p | Panel type: LED
If having the perfect home audio setup is your top priority when shopping for a new 85-inch TV, the Sony X95J is the best choice. It uses Sony's Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, which positions 2 subwoofers and 2 tweeters in addition to the normal speakers along the sides of the TV for better audio and video synching as well as to follow the on-screen action for virtual surround sound without the need to buy extra speakers or soundbars. The speakers also work with Dolby Atmos for enhanced 3D virtual surround sound.
The top-notch audio is paired with a full-array LED panel screen that produces great native and upscaled 4K resolution and is treated with an anti-reflection coating for better visibility in bright rooms and at extreme angles. It's powered by Google TV, giving you access to a suite of preloaded apps like Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu as well as voice controls via Alexa or Hey Google. The dedicated game mode is optimized for play with the PlayStation5, giving you a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and input response time as low as 8.5ms.
- Not as expensive as some competitors
- Object Tracking Sound+ changes speaker output based off of on-screen action
- Screen mirroring capabilities
- No native 8K content available to stream or broadcast
Samsung QN800A specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Resolution: 8K | HDR: HDR10+ | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Panel type: Neo QLED
This Samsung television will bring the next generation of viewing TV into your home. Even though this TV retails at just under $4,000, it still sits as one of the cheaper 8K TVs of this size and quality. Speaking of quality, with Quantum Matrix Technology, you can view your favorite shows with incredible contrast -- perfect for movie nights with the family.
When it comes to a fully-immersive viewing experience, high-quality sound is just as important as the picture. This TV supports Object Tracking Sound+ (OTS+) which tracks on-screen action to create dynamic and realistic sound. Additionally, the Neo Quantum Processor 8K creates an incredible, 8K picture from multi-layered neural networks.
Along with a preloaded suite of streaming apps, you'll get a voice-enabled remote that works with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free controls. You can even share media right from your iOS mobile device with Apple AirPlay and Apple AirPlay 2 support to share sights from your phone to the whole family. A native 120Hz refresh rate ensures super smooth action, so you never miss a second of your favorite fast-paced movies, shows, or sports broadcasts.
- Screen mirroring
- Least expensive option
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Not QLED
- Only two HDMI inputs
Samsung UHD 7 Series specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR 10, HDR 10+ | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel type: LED
Though most big-screen televisions tend to be on the expensive side, this 85-inch Samsung UHD 7 Series TV retails for $1,317 on Amazon. With a TV as powerful as this, you will want to connect all your devices. But even with all the wires running behind the television, the Clean Cable Solution allows you to hide all your cables to avoid anxiety caused by disorganization.
To make your sound as great as the picture on this 85-inch TV, Samsung allows you to connect wireless soundbars and subwoofers via Bluetooth for a custom, wireless home audio configuration. This TV is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to play music, check the weather, or keep up your favorite sports team with just a command.
Which is the best 85-inch TV?
My pick for the best 85-inch TV is the Samsung QN90B. It features both Dolby Atmos support and object tracking sound to create virtual, 3D surround sound that follows the on-screen action. The screen itself is treated with an anti-glare coating to help increase visibility in bright rooms but cutting down reflections from overhead and ambient lighting.
You can also re-calibrate the screen at any time with the Smart Calibration app for top-tier picture quality day after day. It snagged the top spot on our list of the best Samsung TVs, too.
| Best 85-inch TV | Price | Where to buy | Screen size | Resolution | HDR | Refresh rate | Panel type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN90B | $2498 | Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung | 85 inches | 4K | Quantum HDR 24X, HDR10+ | 120Hz | Neo QLED |
| LG C2 | $3997 | Amazon, Best Buy, LG | 83 inches | 4K | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | 120Hz | OLED |
| Sony X95J | $3000 | Amazon, Best Buy | 85 inches | 4K | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | 60Hz in 4K, 120Hz in 1080p | LED |
| Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN800A | $4000 | Best Buy, Samsung | 85 inches | 8K | HDR10+ | 120Hz | Neo QLED |
| Samsung UHD 7 Series | $1200 | Best Buy, Samsung | 85 inches | 4K | HDR10, HDR10+ | 60Hz | LED |
Which 85-inch TV is right for you?
Once you've hammered out a budget for your new 85-inch TV, the most important thing to keep in mind is what you'll be using your TV for the most. Have you cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming? You'll want to choose a model with a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, so you can get started right out of the box.
Do you have a network of smart speakers? Pick a TV that has support for your preferred virtual assistant as well as multi-room linking to pump music and dialogue throughout your whole home.
Buy this 85-inch TV... | If you need... |
Samsung QN95B | A well-rounded 85-inch TV for streaming and gaming. The QN95B offers a great balance between picture quality and gaming features with a variable refresh rate, low input lag, and great motion handling. |
LG C2 | An 85-inch OLED TV for excellent picture quality. The LG C2 boasts stunning picture quality with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent viewing angles. |
Sony X95J | An 85-inch TV with industry-leading sound. The Sony X95J is known for its top-notch sound quality, with multiple speakers and Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience. |
Samsung QN800A | An 8K 85-inch TV to future-proof your home theater. The QN800A is a great option for those looking to future-proof their home theater with 8K resolution and Quantum Matrix Technology for excellent contrast and brightness. |
Samsung UHD 7 Series | A more budget-friendly 85-inch TV. Despite being a more budget-friendly option, the Samsung UHD 7 Series still offers impressive features like wireless sound connectivity, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and a sleek design. |
How did we choose these 85-inch TVs?
Aside from screen size, I chose a variety of panel types, price points, and feature packages to suit almost any space and home theater setup. I chose 85-inch TVs that provide excellent picture and sound quality, streaming capabilities, dedicated gaming modes, and plenty of connectivity options to create the ultimate home theater experience.
Can I wall-mount an 85-inch TV?
You absolutely can! However, since 85-inch TVs can be quite heavy and have larger VESA mount spacing, you'll want to spend extra money on a heavy-duty mounting bracket. Something like the Echogear wall mount can support up to a 90-inch screen size and up to 125 pounds (about 57kg) of weight. Make sure you consult your TV's operating manual for specific mounting requirements, so your shiny new screen doesn't come crashing down in the middle of the night, taking most of the wall with it.
What's the biggest TV you can buy?
If we're talking about conventional televisions, the TCL 98R754 is a staggering 98-inches wide. But if you're willing to consider a laser or short-throw projector TV, Samsung's The Premier is capable of showing a screen up to 130 inches. But unless you live in a cavernous McMansion with 18-foot cathedral ceilings and a sprawling layout, you won't be able to get them to fit in your living room, let alone be able to take full advantage of their features.
How can I know if an 85-inch TV will fit in my room?
The best way to find out is to measure (in inches) from where the TV will be wall mounted or placed on a stand to where you will be sitting, and then divide that measurement by 2. If your couch is anywhere from 150 to 170 inches (12.5 to 14 feet) from the TV, an 85-inch screen will be an almost perfect fit. You can, of course, go a bit bigger (if possible) or smaller depending on what your budget is and what's available from each brand. A screen that is too big can overwhelm your space and even cause motion sickness. while one that is too small will make it feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around in order to see.
Who has the best Memorial Day TV deals?
Make sure to check out major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target for great deals on 85-inch TVs ahead of, on, and after Memorial Day.
Are there alternative 85-inch TVs worth considering?
There are lots of options out there if you're looking to buy a new 85-inch TV. Here's a short list of other models I thought were great picks:
Best alternative for 80K on a budget
Sony X80K
The X80K from Sony is another option for upgrading your home theater on a budget. It has support for Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos, Alexa and Hey Google to give you the best, most streamlined entertainment experience. It also has a suite of pre-loaded apps including Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Max.
Best splurge alternative
Samsung QN900B
While the QN900B is a newer iteration of Samsung's 8K TV line, we made it an alternate pick because it's the more expensive option. And since 8K content for broadcast and streaming is still a few years away, we can't recommend spending top-dollar on a TV you can't take full advantage of yet.
Best alternative for gaming
Samsung Q80B
Console gamers looking for a big-screen TV to upgrade their entertainment space should check out the Q80B from Samsung. It has support for Dolby Atmos and uses object tracking sound to create room-filling, virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. Which means you'll get a more immersive experience and be able to pinpoint audio cues without a headset.