Best Flat Screen LED TVs

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 23, 2024
In this review, we analyze such home electronic devices as LED TVs. These LCD TVs use LED backlighting instead of the cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) one. We picked the best 5 models available on the market and highlighted the major features for you to consider when making your choice. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Screen Size
Panel Type
Resolution
Refresh Rate
Processor
Operating System
Smart TV support
Internet Connection
Inputs / Outputs
Tuner Type
Output Power / Speakers
Warranty
 
PROS

A built-in state-of-the-art surround sound system is included with many additional features. Also comes with an Easy Slim Fit mount, search, and the ability to automatically adjust game settings.

CONS

Can take a long time to sync with a phone.

OUR VERDICT

The ideal solution for gamers, fans of TV shows and movies in high definition. The TV can be used with a computer instead of a monitor or for streaming from a set-top box.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85"

Panel Type

VA

Resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

Refresh Rate

60 Hz

Processor

Crystal Processor 4K

Operating System

Android

Smart TV support

Yes

Internet Connection

Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Inputs / Outputs

3 x HDMI, 2 x USB, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x Audio Input, 1 x Digital Audio Out, 1 x Ex-Link, 1x RF Connection Input, Bluetooth 4.2

Tuner Type

Analog and Digital

Output Power / Speakers

20W (10Wx2)

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Consistent design and a large range of models. Support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG and Dolby Digital Plus. Integration with the largest streaming platforms and access to the best TV shows of our time.

CONS

Limited number of voice commands.

OUR VERDICT

Watch live and free TV, play video games and stream music. The TV is suitable for anyone who appreciates the latest technology. Thanks to the included privacy controls, your personal info is protected.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

43", 50", 55", 65", 75"

Panel Type

IPS

Resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

Refresh Rate

60 Hz

Processor

Qualcomm Krait 300

Operating System

Fire TV OS

Smart TV support

Yes

Internet Connection

Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Inputs / Outputs

3 x HDMI, 1 x USB, 1 x HDMI 2.1 with eARC, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x IR, 1 x Digital Optical Audio Port, Bluetooth 5.0

Tuner Type

Analog and Digital

Output Power / Speakers

16W (8Wx2)

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The fast Crystal 4K processor allows you to play and stream without any delays. HDR brings out color tones not found on regular HDTV models. Color reproduction is automatically adjusted to produce the best image.

CONS

Inaccuracies in instructions.

OUR VERDICT

Smart voice control from Alexa makes it possible to work with virtually all functions of the TV. Game mode works even better than advertised. Image optimization and speed will appeal to all gamers.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85"

Panel Type

VA

Resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

Refresh Rate

60 Hz

Processor

Crystal Processor 4K

Operating System

Tizen

Smart TV support

Yes

Internet Connection

Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Inputs / Outputs

3 x HDMI, 2 x USB, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x Digital Analog Audio, Bluetooth 4.2

Tuner Type

Digital

Output Power / Speakers

20W (10Wx2)

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Roku TV's intuitive interface helps you figure out all the extra features in minutes. The TV combines 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with contrast, color and HDR for stunning image quality.

CONS

No support for HDMI 2.1.

OUR VERDICT

A budget option 4K TV, which has all the necessary features for a comfortable viewing experience, no matter which type of media you are watchingl. A great solution for a country house or a small bar.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85"

Panel Type

IPS

Resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

Refresh Rate

60 Hz

Processor

Roku TV

Operating System

Roku OS

Smart TV support

Yes

Internet Connection

Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Inputs / Outputs

3 x HDMI, 1 x USB, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x RF, 1 x Composite, 1 x Headphone Jack, 1 x Optical Audio Out

Tuner Type

ATSC / NTSC / Clear QAM

Output Power / Speakers

16W (8Wx2)

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

Over 8 million colors, support for Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10. The backlight LEDs are evenly distributed across the screen, providing excellent light uniformity. Fast processor and intelligent brightness control.

CONS

Previous generation matrix.

OUR VERDICT

Produces a clear and captivating picture. The TV works with all smart assistants, and the ability to broadcast media from your smartphone is also built-in. A special game mode is included.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

43", 50", 55", 58" 65", 75"

Panel Type

LED

Resolution

1920 x 1080 pixels

Refresh Rate

60 Hz

Processor

IQ Active

Operating System

Android

Smart TV support

Yes

Internet Connection

Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Inputs / Outputs

3 x HDMI, 1 x USB, 1 x Ethernet

Tuner Type

Analog and Digital

Output Power / Speakers

16W (8Wx2)

Warranty

1 year limited

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Samsung UN65AU8000FXZA

Great TV for All Uses

People with particular entertainment interests will often look for a TV that caters to those interests, with special features that make their entertainment more enjoyable. However, for those who have a varied range of interests that require a TV, it can be hard to find a model that enhances all of them. The SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Series TV is an exception to this, as it is the ideal solution for people with varied interests such as gamers, fans of TV shows and movies in high definition. Not only does the TV have a number of features that help enhance each different mode of entertainment, but it can also be used with a computer instead of a monitor or for streaming from a set-top box should the built-in Smart TV functionality not be to your liking.

First, let's take a look at the display of this TV, which is often the most focused on part of any model, and for good reason. This TV features Samsung's Dynamic Crystal Color technology, which utilizes a fine crystal layer that automatically enhances the image, making the colors vibrant and the details sharp, and giving a life-like aspect to everything on the screen. This works in combination with the internal Crystal Processor for extremely fast optimization of any 4K content, ensuring only the finest details in any image without any introduced blemishes. In essence, you can expect only the finest in image quality from this display.

Review of Samsung UN65AU8000FXZA 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Series

Enhanced Features

The display isn't the only thing that is noteworthy about this TV. In fact, just about every aspect of this TV shows that it well deserves its place as a top choice for those who are only interested in a high-quality model. For instance, this TV doesn't just use any generic OS for driving its smart functionality. It uses Samsung's Tizen OS, which provides a completely stable platform that makes the use of the Smart TV functionality a breeze. And if that isn't enough, the TV supports the use of multiple voice assistants for controlling the TV's functionality, including the built-in Alexa voice assistant from Amazon. You can use a voice assistant to drive virtually every function supported by the TV, giving users a reason to not have to leave the remote control planted firmly in their hand.

Although many TVs tend to skimp on the built-in sound, either assuming that many users have their own sound system or driving them to buy one, you won't have to worry about that with this model. A built-in state-of-the-art surround sound system is included with many additional features, giving you a theater-like experience. And for those who prefer to wall mount their TV, this model comes with an Easy Slim Fit mount that will allow you to place it wherever you want. Along with other features such as the integrated search and the ability to automatically adjust game settings, we're sure that this TV will be enough to please just about everyone.

Samsung UN65AU8000FXZA 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Series in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08Z25BH33

 

Amazon 4K50M600A

Not a Generic TV

Amazon has been using their own brand name on a wide variety of products, which have often ranged widely in their overall quality. This, along with the fact that most other retailer-branded home electronics products are usually not of the highest quality, can sometimes be a deterrent to those who prefer a high-quality product. With the Amazon 4K50M600A Fire TV, though, you simply won't have to worry about this being the case, as this TV easily competes with many other higher-end models, all without costing a fortune.

Nor is this TV only well suited for those with a specific interest. With this model, you can watch live and free TV, play video games and stream music, all in the highest quality. Basically, this TV is fully suitable for anyone who appreciates the latest technology, ensuring a great all-around experience no matter your specific tastes in home entertainment.

Along with this, one of the more recent controversies with a lot of Smart TVs is the fact that many companies are quick to share your personal details with advertisers. Again, this model rises above many others in that it is guaranteed to protect your personal information, something which isn't commonly guaranteed with Smart TVs. This should give users concerned about this some peace of mind.

Review of Amazon 4K50M600A Fire TV 55" Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV

High-End Features

This TV series from Amazon isn't just one specific model. It actually includes a range of TVs all featuring a consistent design, yet with varying screen sizes ranging from 43 to 75 inches, so you aren't just stuck with looking at the 55-inch model showcased here if you prefer a different size. Due to their consistent design, though, you can be assured that whichever screen size you choose has the full feature set, so you have a very broad choice.

Speaking of the TV's feature set, you'll find built-in features that enhance just about every aspect of this model, including full support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG and Dolby Digital Plus. Also, thanks to Amazon's Fire TV OS, you have full integration with the largest streaming platforms and access to the best TV shows of our time, all with an easy-to-search interface that delivers only the best in Smart TV functionality.

Not to be left out is the integrated Alexa virtual assistant, which gives you full voice control over every function of the TV, adding to its overall ease of use. Simply put, this TV gives you a high-end range of features that will serve to give you one of the best home entertainment experiences possible, and all at a price point that just can't be beat.

Amazon 4K50M600A Fire TV 55" Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08P3QVFMK

 

Samsung (UN50TU8000FXZA)

The Door to Flagship TVs

The Samsung TU-8000 Series has been referred to as a door to Samsung's flagship TVs and we can see where the people making this reference are coming from. Sure, the product has its flaws but they're negligible when you put the screen's price into perspective.

Starting with the model's design, the bezels are slim, while the U-shaped legs comfortably sit under the screen. In fact, the entire TV is pretty slim, so you can mount this thing onto most walls without worrying about space. The legs are made from relatively flimsy plastic that might snap/chip, so we would definitely recommend looking into wall-mounting.
The product is so slim compared to most OLED TVs because the people behind this screen went with an edge-lit design rather than the full-array lighting setup that most high-end and mid-range OLED models use these days. That means that the TV is unable to get as bright as its full-array counterparts.
No sacrifices have been made regarding the TV's smart platform though. Adopting Tizen, easily one of the fastest, most responsive operating TV systems, the model makes its settings and various tools/features easily accessible. You'll be able to easily switch between Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.
Review of Samsung (UN50TU8000FXZA) 50-inch Crystal 4K UHD HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (2020)

Smooth Motion

Even though the TV features the same 4K native resolution that most OLED TVs these days come fitted with, generally speaking, people use these TVs to watch HD and SDR content (live cable, OTA broadcasts, various non-4K content from different streaming services) more often than not.

That's precisely why the TV's edge-lit profile is not as bad as one might think. You don't need especially high brightness to make these formats look good. All you need is decent upscaling tech, and this TV more than delivers in this department.

Using the company's Quantum processor, the screen incorporates sophisticated AI algorithms that fill in the details when upscaling from SDR/HD to 4K. These algorithms are able to make upscaled visuals look crisp and clear.

At the same time, the TV's motion handling is better than most OLED models' within this price bracket, ensuring smooth playback, all while making sure that the dialogue scenes do not have that soap opera effect.

On the sound front, the two 10-watt speakers are not necessarily something to write home about, but the AI-controlled Intelligent Audio tech does solid work elevating the mids and adding clarity to the dialogue.

In closing, the Samsung TU-8000 Series is unable to compete with the company's flagship models since those cost more than double the price, but the TV will have no issues bumping heads with any OLED TV within its price segment.
Samsung (UN50TU8000FXZA) 50-inch Crystal 4K UHD HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (2020) in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $669.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B084JCXSL6

 

TCL 50S435

Perfect For Film Buffs

There is a certain subset of people who enjoy creating an authentic home theater experience by having the best audiovisual equipment that they can find. When it comes to the TV, having one that gives the feeling of watching a film in a cinema is important. If you're one of these people, then you will want to take a good look at the TCL 55-inch 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR QLED ROKU Smart TV. This TV includes a number of different technologies built-in that help give it excellent video reproduction with extreme sharpness and clarity, letting you enjoy your favorite films just like you would in a cinema.

This TV includes a QLED screen featuring Quantum Dot technology and the HDR Pro Pack with Dolby Vision, which both work together to give all of your favorite movies a film-like experience. Along with that, the AiPQ Engine and Contrast Control Zone technology deliver accurate color reproduction that gives your movies a real-life quality, and the 4K resolution guarantees unrivaled clarity, providing an extremely sharp and pixel-free image that matches the best of the other models out there. Simply put, you won't find anything to be disappointed about in regard to this TV's overall image quality.
Review of TCL 50S435 50-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Roku LED TV

Stable Wireless Connectivity

Since this model has Smart TV functionality, there are a few extra things that anyone looking at this model will want to pay attention to. The first, of course, would be the actual Smart TV capability that it provides, which is certainly no slouch. This comes thanks to the built-in Roku software, which is the same software that one can find in the Roku branded set-top boxes. This software gives you access to literally hundreds of different streaming services, including all the most popular ones like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others. The interface is simple to navigate, and best of all, this TV has a strong Wi-Fi signal that ensures a stable connection to your Wi-Fi router, even if it is located far away from the set.

As for being able to connect external devices, this TV comes loaded with inputs of all kinds. Included are 4 HDMI ports that will give you plenty of inputs for things like digital cable boxes and video game consoles, and even a Composite In port for connecting an older device to the set. You even have a USB port that can be used for playing video and audio files that are stored on it, and the Ethernet port lets you connect the TV directly to your router if you prefer a wired connection. Essentially, this TV provides you with everything you need to set up the best home theater system in your home.
TCL 50S435 50-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Roku LED TV in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08DHFX4FV

 

VIZIO V505-J09

Budget 4K TV

Up until fairly recently, 4K TVs have been relatively expensive in relation to their standard HD counterparts. However, they have quickly dropped in price and now dominate the TV market, which means we are now seeing 4K models that approach budget territory. For those who want to take advantage of this recent drop in price, yet don't want to have to sacrifice much in the way of the TV's overall quality, we can recommend the VIZIO V505-J09 50-Inch V-Series 4K Smart TV.

At first glance, there isn't much that will differentiate this TV from many other models in the pack. However, on closer inspection of the feature set that this TV provides, you'll quickly find that it actually has a lot to offer users. For instance, this TV produces a clear and captivating picture that holds its own quite well in comparison with more expensive models. The TV also works with all smart assistants, and the ability to broadcast media from your smartphone is also built-in, giving you a wireless streaming option when you want to watch phone content on a bigger screen. There is even a special game mode included that works well in enhancing the image quality and overall performance, giving gamers a true budget option without having to worry about their games looking lackluster.

Review of VIZIO V505-J09 50-Inch V-Series 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV

Exceptional Image Quality

It's actually not just gamers who will benefit from the overall image quality that this TV provides. In fact, considering its budget price, the image quality is exceptional, with the model featuring a bevy of enhancements. The display itself supports over 8 million colors, ensuring high color accuracy that gives all images a truly lifelike appearance. The TV also has support for Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10, features that are often only found on more expensive models. The backlight LEDs of the display are evenly distributed across the screen, providing excellent light uniformity along with solid blacks, providing excellent contrast and color reproduction.

At the heart of this TV is Visio's IQ Active Processor, which provides excellent upscaling to 4K for content that is sourced at lower resolutions, so you automatically get an enhanced image from older non-4K media. There is also active pixel tuning, which gives you intelligent brightness control that ensures maximum visibility, even on darker scenes where details are often left out. Along with all of this, you get the full gamut of Smart TV functionality as well as WatchFree+, which gives you access to tons of free streaming content for an experience similar to cable TV, but without having to pay a subscription. Overall, the set of features combined with the excellent image quality that this model provides makes it one of the best bargains you'll ever find.

VIZIO V505-J09 50-Inch V-Series 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B092PSB41B

 

Infographics

Comparison of Flat Screen LED TVs

What Is a Big Screen LED TV?

Today, LCD TVs with LED backlight gained well-deserved popularity among buyers. These devices use the cutting-edge video technologies and have a great functionality compared with their predecessors, such as Internet connection feature and the capability to view the video content in on-line mode. For using these features, you will need a cable Internet connection or a Wi-Fi Internet connection. With the first option widely available nowadays, for using a wireless connection you will need a Wi-Fi router.

Modern LED TVs consume little power, thus saving you money. LED TVs also have a reduced thickness and weight design compared with the plasma TVs. Still, the most important benefits of these TVs are the natural color reproduction and higher image rendering quality. LED backlight provides the high dynamic contrast ratio and allows the application of zone lighting of the screen. So what are the main points one should take note of when choosing among several models? In today's review, we'll try to highlight the key LED TV features to consider when buying an LED TV.

There are LED TV models with an advanced feature of displaying the 3D video content. If you are interested in these models, you can check our new 3D TVs & smart TVs and curved TVs reviews.

What Features to Compare

Video Picture Parameters

The most important criterion when choosing any LED TV is its video picture parameters. However, before that, it's necessary to decide on the TV screen size (diagonal), which should be done based on the size of the room where the TV will be placed. As of now, the size of TV diagonal can range from 10" to 90". You should also bear in mind that most modern LED TV screen sizes are bigger than those of plasma TVs due to the more up-to-date and advanced LED-backlighting technology.

The next point that calls for consideration is the type of panel used. In general, there are three main types of flat screen TV panels:

  • IPS
  • S-PVA
  • UV²A

Compared to the others, IPS panels offer the largest viewing angles. S-PVA panels, in turn, provide a higher black level, while the UV²A panels combine the advantages of the two previous types, making them best suited for high-end TVs. Furthermore, UV²A panels are manufactured by Sharp, the company who was first to introduce the new UV²A photo-alignment technology allowing for precise alignment of liquid crystals in LCD panels.

Talking about the panel resolution, it is characterized by the number of panel active components, pixels (dots), horizontally and vertically. The higher the screen resolution, the more details and better quality the picture will be displayed when playing files from various electronic media, as well as from a television signal source. The high panel resolution is especially beneficial for the digital TV signal, such as the one provided by HDTV and UHDTV broadcast standards.

The last parameter that has a direct impact on an LED TV's video picture parameters is a panel refresh rate, determined by the response time of each pixel. The higher the frame refresh rate, the faster the image on the screen refreshes and the smoother and more natural the movement looks (IPS-panels have a relatively big response time). However, take note that despite the fact that many manufacturers claim quite high refresh rate values (up to a whopping 1200 Hz), the actual numbers usually range from 50 Hz up to 120 Hz. In fact, everything that is higher than that is either associated with some specific area of the screen, or using proprietary technology, or is just a marketing gimmick. Moreover, the human eye doesn't distinguish between screen refresh rates of 100 Hz or higher.

Functionality

The next important feature to consider when choosing an LED TV is functionality. A smart TV feature, for example, makes it possible to connect your flat screen TV to the Internet and use a browser, interactive applications, online movie theaters, and other integrated services to watch the streaming content you want. Naturally, this requires the availability of an Internet connection. As a rule, LED TVs have either a wired Ethernet connection or a wireless Wi-Fi connection, but some of them may offer you both connectivity options.

A built-in processor (CPU) of a TV is utilized for loading applications and surfing the Internet, therefore, the more powerful the processor is, the better the user experience is. Some TVs have multi-core CPUs with 4 or even 8 cores, and there are TVs that support a 3D mode as well. Speaking of which, these TVs usually support a particular 3D video format that can be transmitted using the three methods: side-by-side, over-under, or full side-by-side encoding.

When we talk about functionality, we also mean the possibility of connecting various external devices (via USB ports, SD-card ports, video, and audio interfaces—HDMI, DVI, etc.) in addition to receiving the broadcast TV signal.

Sound Quality

Last, but not least, consider TV sound quality. The quality of sound reproduction can be evaluated by many parameters, but in practice, manufacturers prefer to narrow them down to the output power and the number of built-in speakers. Most modern TVs have a built-in audio hardware decoder that supports multi-channel audio playback (up to 8 channels) (mainly—DTS or Dolby Digital audio streams). The availability of a built-in decoder and speakers not only allows you to watch your favorite movies and enjoy multi-channel audio support, but also simply listen to music.

How to:

Sources:

1. David Katzmaier TV Buying Guide 2015, CNET. January 28, 2015.

2. TV Buying Guide, ConsumerReports. August 2016.

3. John R. Quain Buying a TV? Here Are 11 Things You Should Know, Tom's Guide. August 27, 2015.

4. Will Greenwald The Best TVs of 2016, PCMag. August 10, 2016.

5. Andrew Laughlin How to Buy the bBest TV, Which?

6. TV Buying Guide: Getting the Right TV, ConsumerReports. August 2016.

7. Denis Gallagher Who Wants a Bigger, Better TV? Choice. August 23, 2016.

8. Mark Knapp 9 Must-Know Tips Before You Buy a New TV, CheatSheet. April 29, 2016.

9. Caleb Denison 4K ULTRA HD BUYING GUIDE, Digital Trends. February 5, 2016.

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