The best 4K TV of 2026

It bears repeating here, but more than 80% of all TVs sold in the world today are 4K TVs, and the differences between them go beyond pure resolution. With all the technical jargon and jargon associated with TV technology, it can be difficult to know what’s important. Here’s a quick guide to help get through the confusion.

Image quality: In general, the type of display technology helps determine how good a TV’s picture quality is, but OLED is usually the best display technology, followed by LCDs (including QLED and Mini LED). OLED technology tends to look its best because it doesn’t need a backlight, and each pixel can be turned on or off, resulting in great black levels. By comparison, each LED in the backlight illuminates several pixels at a time, so it’s not precise — it’s not quite 1:1 yet. However, look for full local dimming, small LEDs, and a 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other additions) help improve the image in my experience. Additionally, if a TV uses Quantum Dots technology, it will often result in better color performance, whether it’s OLED or LCD.

brightness: One of the biggest variables when purchasing a TV is how bright it is. In general, LCD and LED displays tend to be some of the brightest types with up to 3,000 nits of brightness in my testing, which is very bright. By comparison, HDR streaming on Netflix is ​​usually capped at 1,000 nits, which is enough for most people. Paying more for a TV usually means you’re paying for a brighter picture, and Blu-ray Discs and 4K consoles can make the most of that extra brightness.

price: 4K TVs range in price from around $400 to over $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also improve image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it may be worth spending a little 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 a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV – ideally 65 inches or larger. More than any other “feature”, increasing the screen size of your TV is the best use of your money. One of the most common complaints we hear after purchasing a TV is from people that it’s not a big enough hit. We rarely hear people complain that their TV is too big.

Features: Among entry-level 4K TVs, the most important feature is the type of smart TV system the TV uses. Among mid-range models, look for a feature that includes full local dimming, mini LEDs, and a 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) helps improve the image in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED is your best bet.

For more advice on buying a TV, visit our page on How to buy a TV.