With all the TVs out there these days, and all the technical terms and jargon that surround television technology, it can be hard to figure out what’s important. Here’s a quick guide to help cut through the confusion.
Price: TVs range in price from $100 to over $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, name brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also get you a better picture quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it can be worth spending more to get a better picture. It’s also best to buy a TV in the fall, when prices are lower.
Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV, at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV, and 65 inches or larger is best. A larger TV screen is a better use of your money than any other feature. One of the most common complaints we hear is from people who regret not choosing a large enough TV when they bought it. We rarely hear people complain that their TV is too big.
Assets: For entry-level TVs, the most important feature is the kind of smart TV system the TV uses. For mid-range models, look for something like full-array local dimming, mini-LED, and a 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) actually help improve the picture in our experience. For high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet.
