When it comes to choosing the perfect TV, the options can be overwhelming. With so many brands, models, and features to consider, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where Consumer Reports comes in – a trusted source for unbiased reviews and recommendations. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Consumer Reports’ top TV picks, highlighting the best TVs in various categories and what makes them stand out.
What Makes a TV Great?
Before we dive into Consumer Reports’ recommendations, let’s talk about what makes a TV great. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Picture quality: A great TV should have excellent picture quality, with good color accuracy, contrast, and brightness.
- Smart TV features: A smart TV should have a user-friendly interface and a wide range of streaming apps.
- Sound quality: While many TVs have poor built-in speakers, some models offer impressive sound quality.
- Gaming performance: If you’re a gamer, look for a TV with low input lag and fast response time.
- Price: TVs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, so it’s essential to consider your budget.
Consumer Reports’ Top TV Picks
Consumer Reports tests and reviews hundreds of TVs each year, evaluating them based on picture quality, smart TV features, sound quality, and more. Here are some of their top picks in various categories:
Best Overall TVs
- Samsung QN90A: This 4K QLED TV offers excellent picture quality, with good color accuracy and contrast. It also features a wide range of smart TV apps and impressive sound quality.
- LG OLED C1: This OLED TV boasts excellent picture quality, with infinite contrast and wide viewing angles. It also features a sleek design and impressive gaming performance.
Best Budget TVs
- TCL 40S325: This 40-inch LED TV offers good picture quality and a wide range of smart TV apps, all at an affordable price.
- Vizio D40-D1: This 40-inch LED TV features good picture quality and a range of smart TV apps, making it a great value for the price.
Best Gaming TVs
- Sony X950G: This 4K LED TV offers fast response time and low input lag, making it ideal for gamers. It also features excellent picture quality and a wide range of smart TV apps.
- LG OLED B9: This OLED TV boasts fast response time and low input lag, making it perfect for gamers. It also features excellent picture quality and a sleek design.
Best Smart TVs
- Samsung Q80R: This 4K QLED TV features a wide range of smart TV apps and a user-friendly interface. It also offers excellent picture quality and impressive sound quality.
- LG SM9X: This 4K LED TV features a wide range of smart TV apps and a sleek design. It also offers excellent picture quality and impressive gaming performance.
How Consumer Reports Tests TVs
Consumer Reports tests TVs using a variety of methods, including:
- Picture quality tests: They evaluate picture quality using a range of test patterns and real-world content.
- Smart TV tests: They evaluate the user interface and range of smart TV apps.
- Sound quality tests: They evaluate sound quality using a range of test tones and real-world content.
- Gaming performance tests: They evaluate gaming performance using a range of test games and equipment.
What to Look for When Buying a TV
When buying a TV, there are several things to consider. Here are some key factors to look for:
- Resolution: Look for a TV with a high resolution, such as 4K or 8K.
- HDR: Look for a TV with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for improved picture quality.
- Smart TV features: Consider the range of smart TV apps and the user interface.
- Sound quality: Consider the sound quality and whether you’ll need a separate sound system.
- Gaming performance: If you’re a gamer, look for a TV with low input lag and fast response time.
TV Buying Guide
Here’s a comprehensive TV buying guide to help you make the right decision:
| TV Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED/LCD | Uses a backlight to illuminate a layer of liquid crystals. | Affordable, good picture quality. | Can suffer from limited viewing angles. |
| OLED | Uses an emissive technology, where each pixel produces its own light. | Excellent picture quality, wide viewing angles. | Can be expensive, prone to burn-in. |
| QLED | Uses a layer of quantum dots to create color. | Excellent picture quality, good color accuracy. | Can be expensive, limited viewing angles. |
Conclusion
Choosing the right TV can be a daunting task, but with Consumer Reports’ recommendations and this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect TV for your needs. Remember to consider factors such as picture quality, smart TV features, sound quality, and gaming performance, and don’t be afraid to read reviews and do your research. Happy shopping!
Additional Tips
- Check the warranty: Make sure to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer and what it covers.
- Read reviews: Read reviews from multiple sources to get a well-rounded view of the TV’s performance.
- Compare prices: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal.
- Consider the brand: Consider the brand’s reputation and customer support.
By following these tips and considering Consumer Reports’ recommendations, you’ll be able to find the perfect TV for your needs and enjoy an exceptional viewing experience.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a TV?
When choosing a TV, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, consider the size of the TV and the space where it will be placed. Measure the room and the TV stand or wall mount to ensure the TV will fit comfortably. Additionally, consider the resolution and picture quality you need. If you want the best picture quality, look for a 4K TV with HDR (High Dynamic Range) capabilities.
Another important factor to consider is the type of display panel used in the TV. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panels are known for their excellent contrast and black levels, while LED/LCD panels are often brighter and more affordable. You should also consider the TV’s smart features, such as built-in streaming apps and voice control capabilities. Finally, think about the number and type of ports you need, such as HDMI, USB, and Ethernet.
What is the difference between OLED and LED/LCD TVs?
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) TVs use a different type of display panel than LED/LCD TVs. OLED panels are made up of individual pixels that can be turned on and off independently, resulting in true blacks and excellent contrast. LED/LCD panels, on the other hand, use a backlight to illuminate a layer of liquid crystals, which can lead to lower contrast and less accurate blacks.
In general, OLED TVs are considered to have better picture quality than LED/LCD TVs, especially in terms of contrast and black levels. However, LED/LCD TVs are often brighter and more affordable, making them a good option for well-lit rooms or budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, LED/LCD TVs are available in a wider range of sizes and styles, including larger screens and curved models.
What is HDR, and is it worth the extra cost?
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a technology that allows TVs to display a wider range of colors and contrast levels, resulting in a more lifelike and immersive picture. HDR content is available on many streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and can also be found on some Blu-ray discs.
Whether or not HDR is worth the extra cost depends on your viewing habits and preferences. If you watch a lot of HDR content and want the best possible picture quality, it may be worth paying extra for an HDR-capable TV. However, if you mostly watch standard dynamic range content, such as broadcast TV or DVDs, you may not notice a significant difference.
What are the best TV brands on the market?
According to Consumer Reports, some of the best TV brands on the market include Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. These brands offer a wide range of TVs with excellent picture quality, innovative features, and affordable prices. Samsung is known for its high-end QLED TVs, while LG is famous for its OLED models. Sony offers a range of TVs with impressive picture quality and innovative features, while Vizio is a budget-friendly option with surprisingly good performance.
When choosing a TV brand, consider factors such as picture quality, features, and price. You should also read reviews and do research to find the best TV for your specific needs and budget. Additionally, consider the brand’s customer support and warranty offerings, as these can be important factors in the long run.
How do I know which TV size is right for me?
To determine which TV size is right for you, consider the room where the TV will be placed and the distance between the TV and the viewing position. A general rule of thumb is to look for a TV with a screen size that is between 27 and 40 inches if you’ll be sitting 3-4 feet away, 40-60 inches if you’ll be sitting 5-6 feet away, and 65 inches or larger if you’ll be sitting 7 feet or more away.
You should also consider the TV’s resolution and picture quality. If you want the best picture quality, look for a 4K TV with HDR capabilities. Additionally, think about the TV’s features and smart capabilities, such as built-in streaming apps and voice control. Finally, consider your budget and the TV’s price, as larger TVs can be more expensive.
Can I use my TV for gaming, and what features should I look for?
Yes, you can use your TV for gaming, and many modern TVs have features that make them well-suited for gaming. Look for a TV with low input lag, which is the delay between the time you press a button on your controller and the time the action appears on screen. You should also consider the TV’s refresh rate, which is the number of times the image is updated per second. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion and a more immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, consider the TV’s support for gaming features such as AMD’s FreeSync or NVIDIA’s G-Sync, which can help reduce screen tearing and improve the overall gaming experience. You should also look for a TV with multiple HDMI ports, as you’ll need these to connect your gaming console or PC. Finally, consider the TV’s smart features, such as built-in streaming apps and voice control capabilities, which can enhance your gaming experience.
What is the best way to mount my TV on the wall?
The best way to mount your TV on the wall depends on the type of TV you have and the type of wall you’re working with. There are several types of TV mounts available, including fixed mounts, tilt mounts, and full-motion mounts. Fixed mounts hold the TV in a fixed position, while tilt mounts allow you to adjust the TV’s angle. Full-motion mounts provide the most flexibility, allowing you to swivel, tilt, and pivot the TV.
When mounting your TV, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary safety precautions. You should also consider hiring a professional if you’re not comfortable with the installation process. Additionally, think about the TV’s weight and size, as well as the type of wall anchors you’ll need to use. Finally, consider the TV’s cable management options, such as cable ties or a cable management system, to keep your installation looking neat and organized.