This buying guide is your official decoder ring for all things TV.
From buying advice to the technical details, this guide walks you through everything you need to know when looking for a new TV. You will learn the differences between 8K and 4K resolution, the basics of smart TV features, the benefits of HDR, and the differences between LED, OLED, and QLED.
Today, there’s a wide array of high-definition, 4K Ultra HD, and 8K resolution TVs in stores. The technologies and features are terrific, but it can be hard to determine what’s important what isn’t. Our buying guide reviews the best TVs to help you decide.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
The 8 Best 90 inch TVs
1. Samsung Electronics QN88Q9FAMFXZA, Smart 88-Inch LED TV
Best Features: Boundless 360 design, Edge-lit LED backlighting, Dolby sound, full-access to apps and web browser, 4k Ultra-HD smart LED TV.
Enjoy a plethora of shades and colors on QLED with Samsung’s Smart LED TV. Besides a big screen, it offers the best imagery thanks to its color volume and contrast. It brings home a live theatre experience with crisp detail, deep shades of black, and the brightest view in dark rooms.
Our top pick is sleek and features three USB ports, and HDMI connections along with an edge-lit LED backlighting. It also supports Dolby Surround Sound and has a boundless 360 design. If you’re looking for the best home-theatre experience, this one’s the right choice.
2. Sharp LC-90LE657U 90-Inch Aquos
Best Features: Smart central menu system, built-in web browser, active 3D, offers split-screen viewing.
Big screens are no fun to watch without a sharp picture. Fortunately, Sharp features the fastest refresh rates from 120Hz to an incredible 240Hz for smooth motion graphics. From surfing to football, you can say goodbye to the motion blur that spoils the mood.
Sharp LC 90-inch TV combines Aquos, AquoMotion 240, optical picture control, and advanced pixel structure to create the perfect picture. It features a slim, lightweight design that you can easily mount on a wall. If you want to enjoy streaming your favorite movies, consider buying the Sharp LC-90LE657U.
3. NEC E905 | 90-100 Inch LED TV Backlit Commercial-Grade Display
Best Features: Comes with a clamp for mounting, 3-year warranty, HDMI ports, 60 Hz refresh rates.
The NEC E905 has an immersive experience with a functional interface. The 90-inch 1080p full HD LED display with advanced backlight technology provides exceptional detail and color contrast for bright, crisp images.
The 60 Hz refresh rate and 4ms response-time guarantees fast streaming of scenes that run smoothly with no blur. It also features two built-in 10W speakers for an incredible audio experience, a thermodynamic cooling fan, a temperature sensor, and an auto power-on feature. You also get two HDMI ports and a display port for connecting to other devices.
4. Sony X800H 85-inch 4K TV
Best Features: Triluminos, Game Mode, Apple AirPlay and Homekit, MotionFlow XR
If you’re serious about gaming and your entertainment experience, the Sony X800H won’t disappoint. The massive 85-inch 4K display draws in a ton of attention and provides an incomparable viewing experience with its vivid colors, razor-sharp resolution, and high contrasts.
Another thing we loved about this TV is its advanced integration capabilities. You can use both Google Assistant and Alexa to control it through your voice or integrate Apple Airplay and Homekit to use the TV as a smart home control hub. If you’re an avid gamer, the TV offers MotionFlow XR and 4K upscaling with your PlayStation so you can enjoy an even smoother gaming experience.
5. Samsung UN85JU7100 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
Best Features: Precision Black Technology, Quad-Core Processor, Smart View 2.0
Experience unreal clarity, blazing-fast performance, and best-in-class smoothness with Samsung’s 85-inch 4K UHD TV. Powered by a Quad-core processor, this smart TV allows you to seamlessly download and run a number of apps or connect your Galaxy smartphone to access even more options. The TV also features Precision Black Technology that provides excellent, deep contrasts that further elevate your entertainment experience.
Design is another strong point for this 4K UHD TV. It has a super-sleek flat design with slim bezels and a beautiful, single-arm stand that will elevate the look of any room. The TV also sports a 240CMR refresh rate, which makes movies and sports appear up to 4 times smoother compared to standard TVs.
6. Sharp PN-LE PN-LE901 90″ 1080p LED-LCD TV – 90-100 Inch TVs
Best Features: built-in USB media player, 3-year limited warranty, OSD, and lockout controls.
Sharp promises incredible picture quality with subtle elements that fly out of your screen. The exceptionally inventive Sharp 90-inch TV includes a 1080p LED display, which guarantees boundless review edge and adequate brightness. It’s an excellent choice for a massive room with a wide seating arrangement.
Moreover, it features active LED zones and backlighting to show additional shades and produce blur-free pictures. You can also switch between different modes such as sports and wallpaper or run the media player. Besides, you can use it for business as the display offers optimal content control with lockout options. It comes with OSD controls, an LED display, and an IR remote for the ultimate streaming experience.
7. Sony XBR85X850F 85-Inch Smart LED TV
Best Features: XR technology, built-in digital tuner, smart-remote, power cord spec, IR blaster, instruction manual
Our next pick is this fantastic piece showcasing a luminous display. It features an ultra-widescreen and lets you enjoy the stunning picture quality of next-generation video streaming. The 85-inch Full-HD 1080p LCD enhances picture quality by producing sharp images with rich colors and depth. It also has motion-flow XR technology that provides on-screen action with virtually no motion blur.
If you’re a business owner, you’ll appreciate the optimal content control and lockout features like ISD disables, IR remote, and LED disable.
8. SANSUI 75-Inch 4K Smart TV Ultra HD Android LED TV
Best Features: Android 9.0, Google Assistant, Dolby Sound, HDR10
Who said huge TVs have to be so expensive? Sansui offers you 75-inch of 4K HDR screen real estate with a powerful chip at the core so you can enjoy the same amenities as premium TVs at a lower price. It also packs in a ton of smart features such as voice-control through Google Assistant, built-in Chromecast, screen mirroring, and a range of Android applications.
Besides that, you can also enjoy Dolby Sound and HDR10 with the TV for brilliant contrasts and sound that moves around you. The screen features a 178° viewing angle, so everyone gets to experience the same colors and sharpness despite where they’re sitting. You can also connect multiple devices with the 3 HDMI ports and a range of other I/O ports on the TV.
9. Sharp LC-90LE745 90-inch 1080p 120Hz LED 3D HDTV
Best Features: Smart TV with web browser, built-in Wi-Fi, full HD Active 3D.
Sharp rules the market with an impressive performance in its range of 90-inch TVs. You can’t do better than this LED 3D HDTV 1080p display set. It boasts excellent contrast levels and produces crisp pictures. The 3D aspect means you’ll see clear photos that look alive. The Smart TV functionality combined with the inbuilt Wi-Fi means you can access multiple entertaining apps and streaming services for a complete TV experience.
With AquaMotion 240 and 120Hz refresh rate, you can easily play fast-action games as it features epic motion handling and reduces the input lag.
10. LG 98UB9800 98-Inch Class 4K Ultra HD 3D Smart LED TV
Best Features: 240Hz Refresh Rate, LEF backlight, smart functionality, includes magic remote and four HDMI inputs.
Our next pick is the 98-inch LED LG TV with 4k resolution. The display is fantastic as it allows picture precision and vivid colors. You can play video games and watch sports with superior quality because of the LG TruMotion technology.
Moreover, you can also try various entertaining apps using the built-in internet. You can customize the TV to suit your needs. Lastly, sharing is made easy with this Smart LED TV as it is compatible with your smartphone and other home networks.
11. LG 86UN8570PUC HD 85 Series 86″ 4K Smart UHD TV
Best Features: Real 4K IPS display, α7 GEN 3 processor 4K, built-in Alexa, native 120Hz, crisp color, and sharp details.
The LG 86-Inch smart UHD TV can transform your living space into a cinema. It features UHD technology that produces vividcolors and immersive imagery in the dark. You get built-in Alexa voice controls, 4K IPS, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a7 Gen 3 Processor.
LG connects you to the world of quality streaming with nothing but smart functions for home and business. Besides, it gives you an AI picture, AI sound, and 4K up-scaling for premium TV viewing. It’s one of the best smart TVs available on the market.
12. Hisense 100-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Laser TV
Best Features: QLED technology, Wi-fi enabled, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-laser smart TV.
This TV from Hisense boasts incredible features and has the power to revolutionize your streaming experience. It offers excellentTV viewing and is one of the best brands on the market. The 4k Ultra-HD smart laser TV comes with a built-in wife, letting you connect to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. You’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite entertainment apps for endless hours!
Moreover, It was one of the finalists in the CES competition in 2020. Another bonus is its lightweight body that takes up very little space. It a sleek-looking TV that blends perfectly with your home décor. Lastly, the laser tech provides luminance, motion-rate, and bright colors for a first-class viewing experience.
Buyer’s Guide – Factors to consider before buying
Screen size: Finding the right spot
Whether you’re looking for a standard or high-performance TV, the biggest factor in your decision should be screen size. Consider how many people in your house watch TV and where you’re going to place your new TV.Then pick the largest screen size that sits comfortably in that space — and suits your budget.
Besides, screen size also depends on how close you sit next to the TV. If you can see the pixels of the screen, you’re too close. A good rule of thumb is to sit at a distance from the TV that is three to four times more than the screen’s height for HD TV and just 1.5 times the height of a4K Ultra HD.
Here’s an in-depth guide to getting the proper TV screen size based on the TV’s resolution and your room’s dimensions.
No TV buying guide can replace your own experience and analysis. If you have the opportunity, visit a local store (bring your family) and look at different TVs. Even though 4K movies are less common than 1080p, you may want higher-resolution technology if you plan to sit close to a large screen.
Bottom Line: Choose a resolution and screen size appropriate for the distance you will sit from the TV. We’d start at 55 inches unless you’re living in a small apartment or dorm.
Sound Quality
Sound contributes to almost half of the entertainment pleasure. That’s why we would recommend you to go for the TV that boasts the highest speaker wattage. Most premium quality brands also feature Dolby Sound, which offers a surround sound experience similar to home theaters. If you already have a surround speaker system, make sure the TV has an optical out port so you can seamlessly connect the system to it.
Screen resolution: 8K, 4K or HD?
Resolution describes the number of individual pixels that make up the picture on a screen – expressed in terms of vertical columns and horizontal rows. More pixels translate into finer details and sharper picture, so higher resolution is always better.
No TV buying guide is complete without a discussion about resolution. For several years, the 1920 x 1080 resolution, also known as full HD, has been the standard. It’s still the most popular resolution in TVs across the globe. However, TV manufacturers are rapidly moving to Ultra HD sets (also called 4K). These 4K models feature four times the number of pixels as present-day HDTV screens. We’re talking 3840 x 2160 pixels or 2,160 horizontal lines.
The biggest benefit of buying 4K TVs is that small objects on the screen show more detail, including sharper text. Images appear richer and more life-like than on a regular HDTV, but the benefits are subtle. The sharper picture also boasts the added benefit of letting you comfortably view the TV screen from a shorter distance, making bigger TVs more comfortable to view in regular-sized apartments.
Ultra HD video looks beautiful, and it’s getting easier to find. Like Amazon Video, Netflix, and even YouTube, several streaming services have started to offer 4K content, making smart TVs and streaming services your best bet for finding 4K movies and shows. While Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are slowly becoming popular, they’re still less common than regular 1080p. Live TV hasn’t fully embraced 4K content yet, but Dish Network, DirectTV, and Comcast Xfinity have all started offering 4K content. Although Ultra HD sets can enhance existing HD content, the results can be mixed and may not look as sharp as the original 4K programming.
Moreover, you can start getting 4K TV over the air in some areas. The new ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard (NextGen TV) will begin rolling out to several states across the United States, bringing the potential for a better picture, better signals, and smarter features with Wi-Fi connectivity.
The first affordable 8K TV set hit the market last year. These displays quadruple the resolution of4K TVs, presenting a giant leap forward in picture quality, but finding content to take advantage of that higher resolution is very limited.
Bottom Line: Ultra HD resolution, also known as 4K, is increasingly becoming the norm, and it’s a better choice if you decide to future-proof your investment. You can buy higher resolution 8K TVs, but we recommend holding off.
HDR for better colors
HDR stands for high dynamic range and is a brand-new feature of 4K Ultra HD sets. It delivers more contrast levels, more colors, and increased brightness. HDR is an upgrade of the 4K resolution, or Ultra HD, format (it is not suitable for 1080p HD sets). For this new feature, TV makers are finding modern monikers to distinguish them from regular 4K Ultra HD TVs.
LED and LCD Sets
The lion’s share of TVs today is either LED or LCD. These HD and Ultra HD television sets use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the screen and are extremely thin. Many of these TVs can light up specific portions of the screen and dim other areasrepresenting a mix of light and dark spots in a scene known as active or local dimming. You can buy no-frills LED sets for as little as $200 for a 32-inch screen, while a top-of-the-range 90-inch model can go for $8,000.
Most LCD sets have LEDs on the edge of the screen. Better models support active dimming, but it’ll take some digital sorcery to make this happen by manipulating lights along the border.
Full-array LED sets to have light-emitting diodes behind the screen, in a grid of individual “zones” that can be lit up and darkened simultaneously. Such an arrangement makes the backlight quite precise and allows a more detailed picture. Previously, full-array backlighting was reserved for top-tier models, but with Ultra HD sets appearing at lower prices, this feature has become more common on modestly priced sets.
Another LCD technology, known as quantum dots, is becoming more common, backed by the requirements of HDR to produce a wide variety of colors and brightness. An LCD that uses quantum dots has another layer of different-sized nano-crystal dots that light up when the backlight hits them. The result is increased brightness and a broader color spectrum.
Be aware that some manufacturers offer confusing labels. The biggest offender is “QLED,” featured prominently on Samsung’s TV sets. Other brands are quickly jumping on the QLED bandwagon. These are quantum-dot LCDs with LED backlighting — not to be confused with OLED. Quantum dot displays can’t match OLED’s black levels, but the gap is narrowing as scientists improve the technology. For an affordable set between basic LCD and pricey OLED displays, quantum-dot technology is a smart way to go.
OLED TVs
OLED TVs are better than full-array LED-LCDs and feature a few dozen lighting zones. Instead of a backlight, OLEDs feature a layer of organic LEDs controlled strictly at the pixel level to achieve black and stunning contrast levels. (Footage of fireworks against a dark sky is a favorite demonstration of this technology.)
However, LG isn’t the only company pursuing OLED technology in big screen sizes. Sony has been offering these models for several years, and we expect to see OLED offerings from both Vizio and Philips soon.
The best-in-class display technology is observed exclusively on 4K sets and range in size from 55 inches on up to 85 inches or larger. But OLED has also become much more affordable, with 55-inch sets selling for less than $2,000 and 65-inch sets selling in the $2,000-3,000 range.
We might see the first $1,000 OLED displays soon as new companies compete, and smaller OLED models come to market.
8K resolution
If you felt the jump to 4K resolution was stellar, you’ll be floored by 8K, which enhances the detail even further using 7680 x 4320 pixels. It’s incredible to watch, and it’s the next big thing in commercial TVs. But any useful TV buying guide should be telling you it’s not worth spending your hard-earned money just yet.
TV manufacturers are betting big on 8K resolution, and there’s no doubt that it’s the next big move in the industry. But all that eye-popping detail is missing an essential element: Quality Content. There are no 8K movies or shows available for purchase, and streaming in 4K is more taxing than your internet connection can handle.
So are hoping that fancy AI-powered up-scaling will justify prices that outstrip the cost of premium 4K sets. The 8K models are more expensive than the 4K competition, but the situation is improving. Early models featured enormous screens and equally inflated prices (the LG Z9 8K OLED boasts an 88-inch screen and sells for $30,000). But more affordable 8K models have emerged, like the 65-inch Samsung Q900TS, which is selling for $4,499 – not more expensive than some of the top 4K smart TVs.
Bottom Line: You can leave the expensive 8K TVs to the early adopters. Until good content is available, you’ll wind up paying crazy money for an up-scaled 4K video.
Smart TVs
The interfaces for smart TVs are slowly getting better. Vizio, LG, and Samsung use a bar of icons at the bottom of the screen. Roku offers its popular intuitive interface in budget TVs from TCL, Hisense, and other inexpensive brands. Google provides the Android TV platform to companies such as Westinghouse and Sony. Moreover, Amazon has jumped on the bandwagon with Amazon Fire Edition TVs from Insignia (Best Buy’s Brand) and Toshiba and Insignia. While most smart TVs offer the major services, such as Hulu, Pandora, and Netflix, check to ensure the TV you buy has the features you want. Our guides to frequently asked questions about smart TVs are a good place to start.
Streaming apps on smart TVs are also one of the best ways to discover and enjoy 4K and HDR content. With movies offered by Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, it’s quick and easy to find both HDR-enabled and 4K resolution content – easier than finding old-school Blu-rays with the desired formats.
But not all TVs are created equal. Many budget-friendly companies will offer smart TV functionality without showing the actual platform that they use. In these cases, expect to find limitations. Third-party smart platforms suffer from severely limited app selection, gaping security holes, and sub-par performance.
In the past, you could easily buy a less expensive TV and turn it into a smart TV using a streaming device like the $45 Roku Streaming Stick. But nowadays, it’s difficult to get a TV that isn’t smart, even if you’re looking for a small bargain model.
Bottom line: Smart technology is now a standard feature in TVs.
Built-in sound technology
A private listening mode via headphones that plug straight into the remote is available in many smart TVs. This feature is terrific if you want to watch TV without disturbing the entire house. A two-way audio connection helps connect your audio with the TV via Bluetooth, and at the same time, you can connect your smartphone with a sound system using Bluetooth.
Moreover, built-in screen audio technology has transformed the audio sounds of TVs. For instance, the Bravia OLED series from Sony can make the whole screen resonate to produce sound. Sony Bravia OLED master series A9F features the world-first and only acoustic surface sound system. It lets sound emanate straight from the screen itself, providing synchronized sound and image quality.
Other specifications to watch out for
Everyone wants their TV to be easy to use. You get three options in a smart TV when you press the home button on your remote: Live TV, Apps, and Devices making it easier to navigate and find things by storing all your apps in a single location. You can pin your favorite apps on the home page for quicker access. You can also find hour-by-hour recommendations for TV shows and movies.
Here’s more to watch out for:
Refresh rate
It refers to the pace at which a TV screen changes images without causing any motion blur. For a good experience, do not buy a TV with a refresh rate of less than 120Hz.
Contrast ratio
We recommend a contrast ratio of 3000:1. A lower contrast ratio may result in lower clarity.
Ports
You should at least have four ports available, including HDMI, USB, audio/video, and VGA. For the USB port, be sure it supports all pen drives and hard disks to play videos.
HDMI is the most important input that can support all major forms of digital video sources, including Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, cameras, game consoles, smartphones, camcorders, tablets, and PCs
Operating system
A smart TV should also have a high operating speed to play online content like videos and music. There are five operating systems, including Android TV, webOS, Tizen, SmartCast, and Roku TV.
Memory
A smart TV having 1GB RAM and 4GB ROM will provide a seamless performance.
Gaming Features Matter
While movies and shows get top billing for most TV shoppers, gaming has become a popular focus for TV manufacturers in recent years. A good gaming TV will have more than just a great picture and sound. You also need to factor in the connectivity options, gaming options, and overall TV responsiveness.
We recommend holding out for HDMI ports – an extra HDMI port can create a world of difference. You can leave your console connected instead of swapping it out for a Blu-ray player.
While HDMI 2.1 is relatively new, it’s a must-have for any of the next-gen consoles. The features offered by the 2.1 specs have become more common, like Auto-Low Latency Mode (ALLM). It switches to game mode as soon as you turn on the console. Besides, the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) matches the screen to the frame-by-frame output directly from the TV, synchronizing the two for hassle-free gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QLed better than Oled?
QLED delivers a higher brightness, larger screen sizes, longer lifespan, and lower price tags. On the other hand, Oled offers a better viewing angle, deeper black levels, and uses less power.
What are the disadvantages of an OLED TV?
One of the disadvantages of Oled is a shorter lifetime than other display technologies.
How long do OLED TVs last?
LG claims OLED TVs can last around ten years or 30,000 hours.
What does O stand for in OLED?
Organic contrast
What TV brand lasts the longest?
Samsung, Panasonic, LG, and Sony.