Best TV 2025: Ultimate Guide to Top Television Models

Last Updated: April 8, 2025

Ever walked into an electronics store and felt completely overwhelmed by the wall of gleaming TVs? I know I have. With technology advancing at lightning speed, choosing the best TV in 2025 feels like trying to hit a moving target. But don't worry – I've spent countless hours researching, testing, and comparing the latest models so you don't have to.

Whether you're a gaming enthusiast looking for butter-smooth performance, a movie buff seeking theater-quality visuals, or simply someone who wants good value without breaking the bank, this guide has you covered. Let's dive into the best TVs of 2025 that deliver exceptional picture quality, smart features, and overall value.

Top TVs of 2025: Our Picks

After extensive testing and research, these are the absolute best TVs you can buy in 2025, considering picture quality, features, and value.

1. LG G5 OLED

Price: $2,499 (65-inch) / £2,299

The LG G5 OLED stands tall as my top pick for 2025. It's the culmination of years of OLED refinement, and boy, does it show. The most impressive upgrade this year is the significantly boosted brightness – a common criticism of older OLED models. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the 4K support at a blazing 165Hz refresh rate, which makes even the most action-packed games look silky smooth.

What I love most about the G5 is how it maintains perfect black levels while pushing brightness to new heights. The colors practically pop off the screen, creating an almost three-dimensional effect with HDR content. Its paper-thin design continues to impress, and the included wall mount makes it look like artwork hanging on your wall.

2. Samsung S95F OLED

Price: $2,299 (65-inch) / £2,199

Samsung has really outdone themselves with the S95F OLED. The star of the show is their new Glare Free 2.0 technology, which is nothing short of revolutionary for bright room viewing. I tested this in my sun-drenched living room, and the difference is remarkable – reflections are virtually eliminated while maintaining incredible black levels.

The S95F also features Samsung's Neural Quantum Processor, which delivers the most realistic upscaling I've seen yet. Regular HD content looks almost indistinguishable from native 4K, which is impressive considering how much streaming content is still offered in lower resolutions.

3. Panasonic Z95B OLED

Price: $2,699 (65-inch) / £2,499

Panasonic has long been the filmmaker's choice, and the Z95B continues that tradition while pushing technical boundaries. The redesigned internal structure has allowed Panasonic to achieve super-high brightness levels without sacrificing the perfect blacks that OLED is known for.

What sets this TV apart is its color accuracy out of the box. If you're a movie purist who wants to see content exactly as directors intended, this is your TV. The fine-tuning options available through the professional-grade calibration settings are extensive, though most users will be perfectly happy with the pre-calibrated filmmaker mode.

4. Samsung QN90F Neo QLED

Price: $1,999 (65-inch) / £1,899

Not everyone is team OLED, and the Samsung QN90F Neo QLED makes a compelling case for sticking with quantum dot technology. If you watch a lot of sports or have a particularly bright room, this might actually be a better choice than the OLEDs above.

The anti-reflection matte screen is exceptional at reducing glare, and the brightness levels are simply staggering – perfect for daytime viewing. Available in sizes up to a room-dominating 115 inches, this is also one of the few premium options for those seeking truly massive screens. The mini-LED backlighting provides excellent contrast that comes surprisingly close to OLED quality.

5. TCL C845K Mini-LED

Price: $1,299 (65-inch) / £1,199

The TCL C845K represents the sweet spot of performance and affordability. Don't let the lower price fool you – this TV competes with models costing nearly twice as much. The mini-LED backlighting provides exceptional contrast and brightness that rivals much more expensive sets.

For me, what makes this TV special is how it democratizes premium features. You get quantum dot color technology, excellent HDR performance, and gaming features like VRR and ALLM that were once reserved for high-end models. If you want maximum bang for your buck without sacrificing picture quality, this is my top recommendation.

Best Gaming TVs for 2025

The latest generation of consoles demands more from your TV than ever before. Here are the standout performers for gaming:

LG G5 OLED

The G5 leads the pack with its 4K/165Hz capabilities, virtually instantaneous 0.1ms response time, and support for every variable refresh rate standard. Four HDMI 2.1 ports mean you can connect multiple gaming devices without compromising features.

Samsung S90D/S90DD OLED

With dedicated game optimization technology and extremely low input lag (under 10ms), the S90D series delivers a competitive edge in fast-paced games. The Game Bar feature gives you instant access to critical gaming settings without leaving your game.

Sony X95L Mini-LED

Sony's powerful processing combined with exceptionally low input lag makes this an excellent choice for PlayStation 5 owners. The exclusive PS5 integration features provide seamless compatibility and enhanced HDR gaming experiences.

Best Picture Quality: OLED vs. QLED vs. Mini-LED

Confused about display technologies? Here's what you need to know in 2025:

OLED Technology

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs continue to dominate picture quality discussions in 2025. Each pixel generates its own light and can turn completely off, resulting in perfect blacks and infinite contrast. The latest models have addressed the brightness limitations of earlier generations.

Best For: Movie enthusiasts, dark room viewing, and those seeking the absolute best picture quality.

Top OLED Picks: LG G5, Samsung S95F, Panasonic Z95B

QLED Technology

QLED (Quantum Dot LED) uses a layer of quantum dots to enhance color and brightness of traditional LED displays. These TVs can get extremely bright and offer vibrant colors without the potential for burn-in that OLED faces.

Best For: Bright room viewing, HDR content, and larger screen sizes at lower prices than OLED.

Top QLED Picks: Samsung QN85F Neo QLED, LG NanoCell QNED99

Mini-LED Technology

Mini-LED represents the latest advancement in LED backlighting, using thousands of tiny LED lights for more precise dimming zones. This results in better contrast and reduced blooming compared to traditional LED TVs.

Best For: Those seeking OLED-like contrast with higher brightness and no burn-in risk.

Top Mini-LED Picks: Samsung QN90F Neo QLED, TCL C845K, Sony X95L

Budget-Friendly Options That Don't Compromise

Not everyone can (or wants to) spend thousands on a TV. These models deliver excellent performance without the premium price tag:

Hisense U8N

Price: $899 (65-inch) / £849

The Hisense U8N continues the brand's tradition of offering flagship features at midrange prices. The mini-LED backlighting provides excellent contrast, while the quantum dot technology delivers vibrant colors. The AI picture enhancement works surprisingly well, automatically optimizing content based on what you're watching.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

Price: $799 (65-inch) / £749

Amazon's latest Fire TV integrates seamlessly with Alexa and offers surprisingly good picture quality for the price. If you're already invested in the Amazon ecosystem, this TV makes controlling your smart home and finding content incredibly intuitive. The ambient mode that displays artwork when not in use is a nice touch at this price point.

Toshiba QF5D

Price: $649 (55-inch) / £599

The Toshiba QF5D proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get a solid 4K HDR experience. While it won't match the contrast or brightness of the premium models, it delivers punchy colors and good overall performance for everyday viewing. The built-in sound system is also better than most TVs in this price range.

Smart TV Operating Systems Compared

In 2025, the smart platform is almost as important as picture quality. Here's how they stack up:

Operating System	Pros	Cons	Best For
Google TV	Excellent content recommendations, vast app selection	Can feel cluttered, ads present	Content discovery, Android users
Tizen (Samsung)	Clean interface, fast navigation	Occasional ads, fewer niche apps	Streamlined experience
webOS (LG)	Customizable interface, magic remote	Heavier than before	Ease of use, customization
Fire TV OS	Strong Alexa integration	Promotes Amazon content	Amazon Prime subscribers
Roku TV	Simple, user-friendly interface	Basic design	Streaming-focused users

The best Smart TV operating system in 2025 ultimately depends on your ecosystem and preferences. Google TV offers the most comprehensive app support and excellent content recommendations, while Samsung's Tizen provides the most polished experience. LG's webOS balances customization with ease of use, particularly with their magic remote control.

How to Choose the Right TV Size

One question I get asked constantly is: "What size TV should I buy?" Here's a simple guide:

Measure your viewing distance (in inches) from where you'll sit to where the TV will be placed
Divide by 1.5 for 4K content (which is standard in 2025)
The result is your recommended screen size in inches

For example, if you sit 90 inches (7.5 feet) from your TV: 90 ÷ 1.5 = 60-inch screen (or the closest available size)

Keep in mind that room layout, personal preference, and wall space also matter. In my experience, most people end up wishing they'd gone bigger rather than smaller!

New TV Features for 2025

The TV landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Here are the standout features introduced or refined in 2025:

Glare-Free Technology

Samsung's Glare Free 2.0 technology represents a significant breakthrough in anti-reflection capabilities, making their S95F model ideal for bright rooms without compromising picture quality.

Advanced Gaming Features

Support for 4K resolution at refresh rates up to 165Hz has become the new gold standard for gaming TVs, with LG's G5 OLED leading the charge.

Enhanced Audio Integration

More TVs now feature built-in support for spatial audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, with models like the Sony A95L OLED offering acoustic surface technology that turns the entire screen into a speaker.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Power consumption has decreased significantly across all TV technologies, with OLED models making particularly impressive gains in efficiency without sacrificing brightness.

AI-Powered Picture Optimization

Machine learning algorithms can now analyze content in real-time to optimize picture settings for specific scenes, with Panasonic's Z95B offering particularly impressive results.

FAQs About TVs in 2025

What are the best TVs available in 2025 for gaming?

The LG G5 OLED tops the list with its 4K/165Hz capability, followed closely by the Samsung S90D/S90DD OLED series. Both offer HDMI 2.1 on all ports, extremely low input lag, and support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) across multiple standards including G-Sync and FreeSync.

Which TV brands offer the best picture quality in 2025?

For absolute picture quality, LG, Samsung, and Panasonic lead the pack with their flagship OLED models. Sony continues to excel in processing technology, while TCL offers surprisingly excellent picture quality at more affordable price points.

What is the difference between OLED and QLED TVs?

OLED TVs use self-lighting pixels that can turn completely off, resulting in perfect blacks and infinite contrast. QLED TVs use quantum dots with LED backlighting to achieve higher brightness levels and vibrant colors. In 2025, both technologies have improved significantly, with OLED addressing brightness limitations and QLED improving black levels through mini-LED backlighting.

Are mini-LED TVs better than traditional LED TVs?

Yes, mini-LED TVs represent a significant improvement over traditional LED TVs. By using thousands of smaller LED lights for backlighting (instead of a few hundred larger ones), mini-LED TVs offer more precise local dimming, better contrast, and reduced blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

How do I choose the right TV size for my living room?

For 4K TVs, divide your viewing distance (in inches) by 1.5 to find your ideal screen size. For example, if you sit 9 feet (108 inches) from your TV, an ideal screen size would be around 72 inches. Always consider the room layout and viewing angle as well.

What are the top budget-friendly TVs in 2025?

The Hisense U8N, Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED, and Toshiba QF5D offer the best value for money in 2025, delivering excellent picture quality and smart features at more accessible price points.

Which TVs support Dolby Vision and HDR10+?

Most premium TVs from LG, Sony, and Panasonic support Dolby Vision, while Samsung models support HDR10+. Some brands like TCL, Hisense, and Philips support both formats, giving you greater flexibility with HDR content sources.

What is the best Smart TV operating system in 2025?

Google TV offers the most comprehensive app support and excellent content recommendations, while Samsung's Tizen provides the most polished experience. LG's webOS balances customization with ease of use, particularly with their magic remote control.

Are there TVs with built-in soundbars or advanced audio systems?

Yes, several 2025 models feature enhanced audio solutions. Sony's A95L OLED uses acoustic surface technology that vibrates the screen itself to produce sound. Samsung and LG offer models with integrated soundbar-quality speakers, while Philips has partnered with Bowers & Wilkins for premium audio integration on select models.

What new features were introduced in TVs at CES 2025?

CES 2025 highlighted several innovations including Samsung's Glare Free 2.0 technology, enhanced gaming features supporting 4K at 165Hz, improved energy efficiency across all panel types, and advanced AI-powered picture optimization that adjusts settings in real-time based on content.

Conclusion

The TV landscape in 2025 offers something for everyone, from budget-conscious shoppers to videophiles seeking the absolute pinnacle of picture quality. OLED continues to reign supreme for overall picture quality, but mini-LED technology has narrowed the gap significantly while offering advantages in brightness.

My top overall recommendation for most people remains the LG G5 OLED, which balances exceptional picture quality with cutting-edge gaming features and improved brightness. However, the TCL C845K Mini-LED delivers tremendous value if you're looking to maximize your budget without significant compromises.

Remember that the best TV for you depends on your specific viewing environment, content preferences, and budget. Don't hesitate to visit a showroom to see these TVs in person before making your final decision.

What TV are you currently using, and what features are you most excited about in your next upgrade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: Prices are accurate as of publication date but are subject to change. We recommend checking with retailers for current pricing.

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