With all the TVs available today and all the technical terms and jargon associated with TV technology, it can be difficult to know what’s important. Here’s a quick guide to help you cut through the confusion.
Price: TVs range in price from $100 to over $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, big name brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most basic TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it may be worth spending more to get a better picture. It’s also best to shop for a TV in the fall when prices are lower.
Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV – and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other “feature”, increasing the size of the TV screen is the best use of your money. One of the most common complaints after buying a TV that we hear is from people who didn’t go far enough. And we almost never hear people complain that their TV is too big.
Option: When it comes to entry-level TVs, the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among the mid-range models, look for features including full-range local dimming, mini-LEDs and a 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other goodies) really help improve the picture, in our experience. And among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet.
For more tips on buying a TV, see How to buy a TV.
