Best TV 2022: from low-cost to premium 4K Ultra HD TVs

Best TV With a brand-new 4K TV, you can watch movies at home like never before.

Best TV 2022: from low-cost to premium 4K Ultra HD TVs
Best TV 2022

While purchasing a new television may and should be a thrilling experience, there is one significant drawback: there are so many models, styles, and sizes to pick from that determining which is ideal for you can be nearly impossible. But don't worry, we're here to assist — before you fall into the abyss of indecision, let us take your hand in ours and lead you along the path to TV bliss.

To bring you the best of the best, we applied the rule to all of the major 4K and 8K televisions we've tested. If a television appears on this list, you can be sure it's a true gem, so you're getting the best bang for your buck.

These TVs are ideal for watching all of the Ultra HD videos that are currently accessible – services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and Sky Q are all loaded with 4K content. In addition, 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays are available for purchase. In short, there's never been a better time to jump in.

From 55-inch TVs to OLED TVs, small TVs to cheap TVs, and even 8K TVs, you'll find a variety of sizes, budgets, and technologies below. If gaming is your top priority, check out our round-up of the finest gaming TVs available, which includes additional information on game-specific features to look for. Check out our list of the best projectors if the biggest TV isn't quite big enough.

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You'll find our dedicated guide to picking the perfect TV near the bottom of this page, below the specific TV recommendations, and don't forget to check out our round-up of the Best TV wall mounts if you want to put your TV on the wall.

1. LG OLED65G1

LG's new 'OLED Evo' television is stunning.

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 65in (also available in 55in, 77in)
Type: OLED
Backlight: not applicable
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Operating system: webOS 6.0
HDMI inputs: 4
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 145 x 2cm
REASONS TO BUY
+
Brighter, punchier and sharper
+
Beautiful when wall-mounted
+
Improved remote and app offering
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                          -
No feet or stand in the box
                                                                          -
Sound lacks excitement

The C-class model has been the obvious pick of each new LG OLED range for the previous three years. It has been the most affordable model with the latest panel and picture processing technology until now: move higher up the line and you'll get better sound and a fancier design, but not better visual performance.

LG has unveiled a new 'OLED Evo' panel for 2021 that promises greater brightness and clarity, but you'll have to upgrade to the G1 to get it. That's a little frustrating, considering you're also paying more for a pretty narrow design (the G1 is designed to be wall-mounted, with no stand or feet included in the package) that you might not want.

Still, if the design appeals to you and you're willing to spend an extra £500, the LG G1 is without a doubt the greatest OLED LG has ever manufactured. It improves on the visual quality of last year's GX and CX in practically every way, especially in terms of brightness, sharpness, and detail. As a result, it's a truly spectacular picture performer. It also comes with a slew of apps and next-generation HDMI capabilities, including 4K@120Hz on all four ports.

The G1 should be seriously examined if you've always planned to combine your new Best TV with a separate sound system and the design works for you (and you've got deep pockets).

We put the G1 to the test in its 65-inch form factor. There are additional 55-inch and 77-inch versions available. These versions have not yet been reviewed, but you can see the most recent and lowest prices below.

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2. Philips 48OLED806

Simply the best image available at this most practical of sizes.

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 48in (also available in 55in, 65in, 77in)
Type: OLED
Backlight: not applicable
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
Operating system: Android TV 10
HDMI inputs: 4
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 62 x 107 x 6.8cm
+
Sharp and punchy but natural
+
Full apps and HDMI 2.1 features
+
Dolby Vision and HDR10+
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                          -
Sound can be bettered
                                                                          -
Tricky to adjust for the best picture

The 48-inch OLED remains a beacon of hope for individuals with relatively modest demands in a world of ever-larger Best TVs. The Philips 48OLED806 is one of the second generations of such televisions, promising true flagship performance at a more manageable screen size - something impossible to get on the LCD side of the market.

You may have a smaller living area, desire a superb gaming Best TV, a screen for the bedroom, or the 48-inch option is a compromise with your less AV-inclined housemate. Whatever the situation, a 48-inch OLED is a great option, and the Philips 48OLED806 is currently the best 48-inch OLED available.

The OLED806 requires more effort than most to find the best picture settings, and the default picture presets for each signal type are frequently less than ideal (Dolby Vision signals, for example, do not activate a proper Dolby Vision mode), but with a little tweaking, it can be made to look both very accurate and supremely sharp and punchy. The attractive Ambilight technology, which extends the onscreen activity to the wall around the Best TV in the form of colored light, further enhances the performance.

The OLED806, which has two 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 connectors and supports 4K@120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode, outperforms last year's Philips OLEDs, which, while generally good, lacked next-gen gaming features. The input lag is relatively minimal, at roughly 14ms, and an HGiG picture preset is available for more precise HDR tone mapping.

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One thing to keep in mind is that one of the two HDMI 2.1 connections is also responsible for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), so if you have two HDMI 2.1 sources, you won't be able to transfer sound to a soundbar or AV amplifier via eARC. This is a restriction of all Best TVs with two HDMI 2.1 sockets that we've tested, and unlike the others, Philips mitigates the problem by providing a regular ARC via the other three HDMI connections.

While we recommend installing a separate soundbar or AV receiver to take advantage of the eARC/ARC capability, the Philips OLED806 does sound well by TV standards, generating more detailed and dramatic sound than others (though not Sony's A80J or A90J).

Overall, the 48OLED806 is a fantastic TV, and the 65-inch version is much better – you can see our evaluation of that model by clicking the link below. If you scroll just a little bit farther, you'll see the most recent, lowest pricing for all models of the OLED806 (it's also available in 55-inch and 77-inch sizes).

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3. Samsung UE43AU7100

To experience outstanding picture quality, you don't need a bottomless money account or a colossal place.

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 43in (also available in 50in, 55in, 58in, 65in, 70in, 75in, 85in)
Type: LCD
Backlight: LED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
Operating system: Eden (Tizen)
HDMI inputs: 3
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 56 x 96 x 6cm
REASONS TO BUY
+
Balanced, consistent picture quality
+
Strong smart features
+
Excellent value for money
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Some mild colour compression
-
The sound doesn’t project well
-
Limited gaming features

If you look up the word "unassuming" in the dictionary, you'll most likely come across a picture of the Samsung UE43AU7100. This 43-inch LCD Best TV doesn't have a particularly showy look, doesn't sell for an especially exorbitant price – high or low – and its feature list isn't exactly epic in the Lord Of The Rings sense.

However, it doesn't take long for the company of the UE43AU7100 to realize that a TV doesn't have to be outgoing to stand out. Solid processing and a smart, balanced image that truly appears to have received some care and attention can be sufficient.

While the UE43AU7100 isn't without flaws for the money, it does provide an astonishingly balanced, consistent, and immersive picture. The depth of its blacks is very impressive at this pricing point. Dark elements of mixed light and dark images have rich and deep black tones, yet full-on dark scenes have surprisingly little of the grey or blue wash that blights such scenes on very inexpensive LCD TVs.

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The UE43AU7100 proves – primarily – that good black levels are typically accompanied by good colour. Color mixtures are presented with great subtlety and almost little 'banding.' The tones of sun-drenched HDR woodlands, colorful blue skies, and busy city streets have a nice sense of daytime shine, even if the scene isn't bright enough to force colours off the screen with particularly remarkable levels.

The UE43AU7100 is even more tolerant of wide viewing angles than other cheap LCD TVs, resulting in a picture performance that favors immersiveness and consistency above showiness and aggression in a way that we enthusiastically embrace. You get perhaps the greatest, most app-packed operating system available at any price, on top of the shockingly mature and competent visual performance. Three HDMI ports and one USB port are available.

Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which allows the TV to move into and out of Game mode based on the type of video an ALLM-capable device is displaying, is the only cutting-edge gaming graphics feature the HDMIs support. There's no support for 120Hz or Variable Refresh Rate, which is unsurprising for a TV of this size and price.

One HDMI port supports eARC, which allows the TV to send lossless Dolby Atmos audio to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, which you should definitely budget for if you can. If you insist on using the AU7100's built-in speakers, you'll discover that they're barely adequate, with a lack of volume and projection that results in a presentation that lacks impact. While the image isn't very cinematic, it's certainly adequate for ordinary TV viewing — just don't anticipate a roaring recreation of action movie soundtracks.

Finally, while the UE43AU7100 can't compete with a top OLED or QLED, it's excellent for its size and price.

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4. Sony XR-55A80J

Sony's retrenchment of OLED could be the year's best television.

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55in (also available in 65in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Backlight: not applicable
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Google TV
HDMI inputs: 4
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 123 x 5.3cm
REASONS TO BUY
+
Super-sharp and detailed
+
Punchy and vibrant but natural
+
Superb motion handling
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Incomplete HDMI 2.1 feature set
-
Missing UK catch-up apps

We grade products based on their performance per pound. That's how What Hi-Fi? has always done things. We're not just looking for the best product in each category, because it would almost always mean recommending one of the most costly; we're looking for the biggest bang for your buck. The product that strikes the best balance between performance, features, and cost.

That's not to say we won't recommend a high-end product if it lives up to its price tag, which is why we were thrilled to give Sony's A90J flagship OLED the whole five stars when we tested it in early 2023.

We grade products based on their performance per pound. That's how What Hi-Fi? has always done things. We're not just looking for the best product in each category, because it would almost always mean recommending one of the most costly; we're looking for the biggest bang for your buck. The product that strikes the best balance between performance, features, and cost.

That's not to say we won't recommend a high-end product if it lives up to its price tag, which is why we were thrilled to give Sony's A90J flagship OLED the whole five stars when we tested it in early 2023.

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That isn't the case at all. It may not be as bright and punchy as its flagship brother, but it's close, which means it can still provide more striking highlights than competitors like the LG C1. It's also just as sharp and detailed as the A90J, resulting in a remarkably crisp and three-dimensional performance. What's most impressive is how well the A80J blends the spectacular with the natural and authentic — aside from its flagship brother, no other Best TV on the market today delivers on creative purpose as well.

The A80J boasts a 30W Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound system that creates sound by vibrating the screen with actuators. It means that the audio is coupled to the pictures in a way that other Best TVs can't replicate. The sound is likewise fuller and more spacious than that generated by comparably priced competitors, with an outstanding punch and dynamic range.

Hardcore gamers will still be better served by the LG C1 or Philips OLED806 due to the lack of Variable Refresh Rate and spotty implementation of 4K@120Hz, but if movies and Best TV shows are your priority, the A80J is a fantastic pick.

We put the A80J to the test in its 55-inch form factor. There are also 65-inch and 77-inch versions available. We haven't tested it in those larger sizes yet, but you'll find the most up-to-date, lowest pricing for each variant below.

In the United Kingdom, the A84J is a variation of the A80J. This model contains a microphone built into the bezel for hands-free voice control (the A80J only has a remote-mounted mic), as well as a feature called Rich Color Enhancer, which gives a little amount of more richness to colours. Aside from that, the setups are identical and equally stunning.

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5. Sony XR-55A90J

It's pricey, but if you want the best, the A90J is the way to go.

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55in (also available in 65in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Backlight: not applicable
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Google TV
HDMI inputs: 4
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 122 x 4.1cm
REASONS TO BUY
+
Outstanding picture quality
+
Superb motion handling
+
Impressive sound
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                          -
No VRR (yet), buggy 4K@120Hz
                                                                          -
Missing UK catch-up apps
                                                                          -
Expensive

While Sony's OLEDs are well-liked, it's usually difficult to justify purchasing one over a rival LG. The Sony has a more genuine picture and better sound than the past, but it is also a step behind in terms of functionality and use – and it is at least a level or two more expensive.

But what if Sony could create a Best TV with most of those previously missing functions, a more enjoyable user experience, and a one-of-a-kind high-quality movie streaming app, all while improving picture and sound quality even further? With the A90J, the business has done exactly that.

In terms of performance, the Sony A90J is a knockout. It pushes OLED picture quality to new heights while keeping the unmistakable authenticity for which Sony is known. It also sounds far superior to any other television you might be considering. The new Google TV operating system ensures a better user experience than any Sony Best TV before 2021, and the exclusive Bravia Core streaming service is a true value-added feature.

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Hardcore gamers should hold off for now, as the set doesn't yet support VRR (an update has been promised but no timetable has been given), and we found the 4K@120Hz support to be a touch flaky. If movies and TV shows are your top priority and you have a large budget, the Sony A90J is the best television we've tested.

However, before you hand over your cash, have a look at the A80J at the top of this page, as it offers most of (but not all) of the A90J's quality at a considerably cheaper price.

We put the A90J through its paces in both 55-inch and 65-inch sizes. It's also available in an 83-inch version, which we haven't reviewed yet. Below is the most recent and lowest pricing for each edition.

6. LG OLED65C1

The C1 isn't much of a step up from the CX, but it doesn't have to be — this is a fantastic TV at an affordable price.

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 65in (also available in 48in, 55in, 77in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Backlight: not applicable
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Operating system: webOS 6.0
HDMI inputs: 4
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 145 x 4.7cm
+
Superb all-round picture quality
+
Near-flawless feature set
+
Better remote and menu system
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                          -
Marginal gains on last year’s CX
                                                                          -
Unengaging audio

For several years, LG's C-series model has been the best-selling OLED in the company's lineup. It's always been the most cost-effective model, featuring the company's greatest panel and image processing technology. Spending more money will bring you a prettier design and possibly better sound, but the picture quality will remain the same.

That isn't the case now. The C1 does not sport LG's latest 'OLED Evo' display, which is brighter and sharper.

With all of the attention on the updated G1, it's maybe unsurprising that the C1 isn't much of an upgrade over its predecessor, but there wasn't much to improve. The picture quality and feature set were already excellent, but LG has improved the former significantly with its new Cinematic Movement motion processing and increased de-contouring tool (which minimizes banding), and the latter marginally with a better menu structure and a more comprehensive app selection (all UK catch-up apps are present).

The G1's picture is undoubtedly superior in terms of brightness, clarity, and detail, but we're not talking massive margins here, and most people will struggle to justify the extra £500 ($500), especially when you consider the niche design and poorer sound.

In the end, the C1 is the better buy in terms of performance per pound. In fact, it's one of the most highly recommended televisions on the market right now.

We've tried the C1 in both its 65-inch and 48-inch versions, and they're both fantastic. It also comes in 55-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch sizes. We haven't yet reviewed these versions, but you'll find the most up-to-date and lowest pricing for all of them below.

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7. Sony XR-65X90J

Simply the best huge, mid-range TV available right now.

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 65in (also available in 50in, 55in, 75in)
Type: LCD
Backlight: Direct LED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Google TV
HDMI inputs: 4
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 145 x 7.2cm
+
Lovely, authentic colour balance
+
Superb motion handling
+
Solid feature set
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                          -
Limited blacks and viewing angles
                                                                          -
Fairly rough standard-def
                                                                          -
Missing UK catch-up apps
When it comes to home cinema, there's no alternative for size. After all, the whole point of 'home cinema' is to bring the movie inside your home. What is the most significant aspect of the moviegoing experience? Of course, there's the massive screen. That's why, if you want to add some serious cinematic scale to your living room, you should strive for a 65-inch TV (or even greater!).

However, not everyone can afford to go big and go super-premium. Your budget could allow for a 65-inch TV, but not an OLED or flagship QLED 65-inch TV. If that's the case, the Sony XR-65X90J (or nearly identical XR-65X94J) may be just what you're looking for, owing to a heady mix of fancy features, perfectly-pitched picture performance, and a mid-range price.

Two HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K@120Hz (but not VRR... yet) and the new Google TV operating system is among the features. The sound is clean and direct, and the picture is stunningly real, authentic, and balanced.

While a 55-inch OLED Best TV costs roughly £1500, it's completely sensible to choose a TV that's a little less expensive but is a full 10 inches larger. If you go with that option, the X90J (or X94J) will demand your whole attention.

The X90J has now been evaluated in its 50-inch version as well. You'll find an entry for that model a little lower down this page, and all models of the X90J (it's also available in 55-inch and 75-inch sizes) have the most recent, lowest pricing listed below.

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8. Samsung QE55QN94A

Top Neo QLED performance with a cheeky little discount

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55in (also available in 50in, 65in, 75in, 85in)
Type: QLED
Backlight: Mini LED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+
Operating system: Tizen
HDMI inputs: 4
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 123 x 2.6cm