A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 11, 2024
Which is the best smart TV for you? These top-quality options will take your streaming to the next level—no matter what your budget is.
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Smart technology and smart home devices are everywhere we turn—and smart TVs are no exception. In fact, smart TVs now make up a vast majority of all TVs for sale, according to a study published last year. With so many choices out there, it’s important to understand what each of the best smart TVs on the market offers so you don’t wind up with buyer’s remorse.
Why consider getting a smart TV in the first place? “Most people like the simplicity that smart TVs provide,” according to Adam Babcock, a tech expert and TV reviewer for RTINGs. Not only can you just “plug and play,” he says, but “in many cases, you can get directly to your favorite content with the push of a button or even by asking for it” using voice control.
Buying the best smart TV for your needs might feel like a daunting task, but we can make your search a lot easier. We’ve rounded up the best smart TVs of 2025, along with important things to consider before making a purchase. Pro tip: Knowing the best time to buy a TV and how to score free streaming services can also help you get more bang for your buck.
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LG is another popular entry-level option in terms of brands, according to Lee, because you can get top-notch image and audio quality at an affordable price. Babcock recommends the LG C2 OLED, which comes with a user-friendly Tizen interface and stunning visuals, due to its OLED screen and LG Brightness Booster that provides a brighter picture. And with the TV’s unique Magic Remote, users can simply point and click at what they want to select on the screen—similar to a Nintendo Wii remote. Also in the market for a fridge? LG earned a top spot on our list of the best refrigerator brands of 2022 as well.
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Vizio TVs rank among the most widely owned budget brands based on Hub Entertainment surveys, according to Tice. At just $368 for a 55-inch display, the Vizio V-Series is a cheap smart TV that packs a real punch. It has top-notch display and sound features like 4K Ultra HD image resolution and Dolby Vision Bright Mode, as well as built-in voice controls, while staying easy on the wallet. Buyers agree, giving this smart TV more than 7,000 five-star reviews on Walmart’s website. “If you are looking for an amazing TV that works great [and] has a ton of new features,” writes one reviewer, “then this TV is for you.” And it makes an amazing and surprisingly affordable tech gift … though you may want to keep it for yourself.
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Want to spend a little more but not ready to splurge? The best smart TV for you might be the TCL 6-Series Roku TV, which rings in at less than $1,000. It uses the Roku streaming platform, which has a huge selection of streaming app options, a simple interface and an easy search function. Plus, advanced picture settings, such as mini-LED backlighting for extra brightness and local dimming to create perfect black colors, are included to enhance your viewing experience. It also boasts a few cool bonus features, including THX gaming mode and Dolby Vision HDR, which will make you feel like you’re in the center of the action when watching your favorite Netflix shows.
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Tice is a fan of LG’s smart TVs for their easy-to-use Tizen interface, which allows users to navigate from their cable service to any of the streaming services directly from the TV’s home page without switching input sources. If you want an LG TV and cost isn’t a concern, check out the LG G2 OLED. The OLED screen has more than 8 million self-lit pixels for extra brightness, and the α9 Gen 5 AI processor creates high-quality audio to enhance the viewing experience. With extra features like Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro and Filmmaker Mode, this smart TV is worth its hefty price tag, reviewers say. “The cheapskate in me really feels the hole burned into my wallet when I purchased this thing,” writes one customer, “but the quality I’ve experienced is unbelievable.” Here are more tips on the best time to buy TVs and everything else.
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