There are some summer days when it’s just too hot to do anything. Sure, you could go set up a backyard pool, but that involves moving your body. Instead, stay comfortable indoors with a new Amazon Fire TV, which is up to 30% off.

Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $309.99 (Was $449.99)

Amazon

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This TV is the Goldilocks of smart TVs: it’s not too big, and it’s not too small. Support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus means you can watch nature documentaries and comedies in vivid clarity. Even better, you don’t even need cable since you can stream live TV on your device. The 4-Series doesn’t support hands-free voice control, but you can use the remote to summon Alexa to check the weather or launch your streaming apps. Four HDMI inputs allow you to connect your favorite gaming consoles and audio equipment, like this JBL soundbar that’s 25% off.

There’s no shortage of televisions, but these Fire TVs combine quality with price. The one thing worth sweating is whether you’ll miss these deals, so snag one before it’s too late.

Here are some other choice Fire-compatible products that are on sale:

• Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni QLED Series 4K UHD smart TV $899.99 (Was $1,099.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $259.99 (Was $369.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $379.99 (Was $519.99)
• INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV $99.99 (Was $189.99)
• INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV $169.99 (Was $199.99)
• INSIGNIA 42-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV $159.99 (Was $199.99)

The post Get cool savings on hot TVs with up to 30% off select Amazon Fire models appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Samsung Q60A		SEE IT	The Samsung Q60A features plenty of high-end features and a fantastic 4K QLED panel.
Best OLED		LG C2		SEE IT	The LG C1 is one of our favorite TVs, no matter the size.
Best budget		TCL 4-Series (40S435)		SEE IT	The TCL 40S435 is a no-frills option with plenty of features for less than $300.

While big TVs typically get all of the attention at the store and in buying guides, sometimes a 40-inch TV fits just right into your space. Manufacturers are prioritizing 50-, 55-, and 65-inch models over smaller sets, limiting options for those of us looking for the best 40-inch TVs. As nice as it would be to own an 85-inch big screen, we don’t all have the space—or the money—to invest in a panel the size of a mattress. That said, there are still plenty of big brands putting good small TVs out there, such as Samsung and LG. These sets have all the same features as the larger models and don’t demand such high prices. Whether you’re looking to outfit your office, or simply prefer to keep your entertainment center small, these are the best 40-inch TV models we think you should look at today.

• Best overall: Samsung Q60A
• Best for gaming: Samsung QN90A
• Best OLED: LG C2
• Best designer: Samsung The Frame
• Best budget: TCL 4-Series

How we picked the best 40-inch TVs

I have over a decade of experience reviewing tech gear for sites like TechnoBuffalo, XDA Developers, iMore, and Android Central. During that time, I tested TVs, tablets, and mobile phones—basically any device with a screen. When I’m not testing products, I’m probably relaxing in front of a TV, watching my favorite movies, or playing video games. The PopSci staff also has extensive experience testing and reviewing TVs and provided insight for this guide, which we combined with critical reviews and user impressions to identify the best brands and models.

To find the best 40-inch TVs, I looked for ones that feature a healthy balance of features, price, and technology. That includes specialty features we typically associate with the larger TVs, but are often in smaller high-end models, including HDMI 2.1, HDR, and Smart TV platforms. Just because a TV is considered “small,” doesn’t mean it is any less mighty.

The best 40-inch TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

The best 40-inch TVs run the gamut from value-driven models that offer up fantastic prices to high-end models that will cost you a pretty penny but feature all the bells and whistles we look for in larger premium TVs. There’s no need to compromise on picture quality, just because you don’t have the room (or the need) for a big screen.

Best overall: Samsung Q60A

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: Samsung’s Q60A offers the features, picture quality, and price to make it one of the best TVs of this size.

Specs

• Size: 43”
• Display: QLED 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 3, USB 2.0 x 2

Pros

• Excellent contrast
• Great upscaling
• Fantastic QLED display

Cons

• No local dimming
• So-so viewing angles

Samsung’s Q60A is a 43-inch powerhouse that more than keeps up with its larger siblings. The 4K QLED panel features HDR10+ support, an updated version of the format similar to Dolby Vision. It’s vibrant with incredible contrast and great brightness, which makes for a great viewing experience even in a room with a lot of ambient light.

The Q60A offers three HDMI 2.1 ports, despite the fact that it doesn’t feature a 120Hz refresh rate. (You’d have to pay an extra $300 for the Q70A line to get it.) It does, however, support 4K upscaling, which will artificially enhance lower-resolution content to bring it closer to the 4K experience.

The Q60A includes a Smart TV platform powered by Samsung’s Tizen, so you can easily access streaming services like Netflix, and you get support for Amazon Alexa Google voice assistants. Samsung’s TV also features one of the slimmest designs in a TV of this class, with a depth of just 1-inch without the stand.

Best for gaming: Samsung QN90A

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: The Samsung QN90A supports next-gen gaming features while showcasing QLED technology.

Specs

• Size: 43”
• Display: QLED 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 3, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, Headphone Jack

Pros

• Thin, gorgeous design
• Game-specific enhancements
• Low input lag

Cons

• Only one HDMI 2.1 port
• Expensive

Samsung’s QN90A is a MiniLED powered QLED TV that produces excellent picture quality. One of our favorite TVs for gaming, it delivers great brightness, contrast, and local dimming, and it also offers highly precise color—things you want when watching a movie or playing video games.

Speaking of video games, the QN90A includes gaming features for players on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 owners, including 120Hz and variable refresh rate support. It also supports Samsung’s new Game Bar feature, which makes it easy to access and change video features, including the aspect ratio for a more cinematic experience. The one downside–there’s only one HDMI 2.1 port, so you will need to swap your consoles in when you want to play games in 4K at 120 frames per second. We wouldn’t consider that to be a deal-breaker, but it’s certainly an inconvenience. All in all, Samsung’s TV provides an excellent picture and support for the features gamers want.

Best OLED: LG C2

LG

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Why it made the cut: The LG C1 offers one of the best OLED displays on the market with plenty of great features.

Specs

• Size: 42”
• Display: OLED 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet

Pros

• Amazing picture
• Gorgeous design
• HDMI 2.1

Cons

• So-so brightness
• Expensive

The LG C2 is, simply put, one of our favorite TVs. LG’s elite OLED panel generates an absolutely incredible image with deep, vibrant colors and true blacks only an OLED can achieve. It is very expensive, especially compared to other TVs this size, but you’ll see the money you spend in every show you watch. This is technically last year’s model, and while the newer C3 adds some upgrades, we still think the C2 is the right buy when you consider its current lower price and how close it is in features and quality to the C3.

As one of LG’s best, the C2 features all the bells and whistles that you want for gaming and other premium home theater setups, including 120Hz refresh rate, G-Sync and FreeSync variable refresh rate support, and four HDMI 2.1 ports.

There are a couple of helpful automatic modes, too: Filmmaker Mode and Game Optimizer mode. The former turns off motion smoothing and wrangles in the colors for the most accurate image the TV can produce. The Game Optimizer mode puts all your game settings in one place, allowing users to quickly toggle picture settings, refresh rate, and aspect ratio.

Best designer: Samsung’s The Frame

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: The Frame by Samsung features a stylish alternative design that fits its 43-inch form factor well.

Specs

• Size: 43”
• Display: QLED 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 x 3, HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet

Pros

• Elegant design
• Easily blends with decor
• Beautiful QLED display

Cons

• Pricey
• Can be difficult to mount

Have you ever wished your TV could disappear when you aren’t using it? The Frame, one of Samsung’s “lifestyle” TVs, can masquerade as a piece of art to let you style your space without building it around a TV.

The Frame features a motion sensor that triggers “Art Mode” when entering the room, which displays over 1,400 new and classic works of art when the TV isn’t in use. You can also display your own media, such as pictures, to give The Frame a more personal touch.

The Frame is more than an elegant design, though. The 4K QLED screen produces a great picture, with 4K scaling. To maintain the seamless “Frame” effect, it connects to devices via a connection box that supports HDMI and Ethernet and can be placed up to 16 feet away. If you’re looking for something more unique and stylish, Samsung’s The Frame is the perfect option.

Best budget: TCL 4-Series

TCL

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Why it made the cut: If you want a decent TV on a budget, the TCL 40S435 is a great choice.

Specs

• Size: 43”
• Display: LED 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 x 3, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Headphone Jack

Pros

• Very affordable
• Excellent 4K display
• Roku TV

Cons

• No HDMI 2.1

For $259.99, the TCL 4-Series is an easy choice if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. It’s not the most advanced 4K display on the market, but at this size, and at this price, it more than gets the job done to enjoy your favorite shows and video games.

While it doesn’t have many advanced features, the 4-Series features the Roku operating system, so it feels like there’s a streaming device built in. TCL rose to prominence in large part because of its Roku TVs, and it’s easy to see why when you get an experience like this for such a low price.

It isn’t entirely devoid of tricks, though. For example, the TCL 4-Series features a companion smartphone app, so you can control the TV without tracking down the remote. You also get three HDMI ports, so you can hook up a video game console, and a USB port for hooking up external media.

Things to consider before buying a 40-inch TV

The best 40-inch TVs are great for compact spaces like bedrooms, dorms, and smaller living rooms. They’re also good for people looking to spend less on a high-quality TV, as screen size plays a large role in TV pricing. Aside from a couple of prestigious exceptions, you can often find a 40-inch TV for under $500. (Many of our picks, however, cost a bit more.)

Resolution and high-dynamic range (HDR)

The higher resolution your TV, the sharper and more detailed the image looks. Almost all modern TVs output at 4K resolution. You can still find older budget 40-inch models limited to Full HD (1080p), but we don’t recommend buying one. Frankly, the difference in price should be very low, and buying a 4K model will ensure the TV remains viable for a longer time. 

Likewise, there are no 8K TVs available in small sizes yet. We also generally don’t recommend buying an 8K TV yet, as there’s very little content available at that resolution.

Many newer TVs also support a display technology called high-dynamic range, or HDR. HDR allows TVs to show a wider range of brightness on-screen, allowing for nuanced depictions of extremely bright and low-light situations. Imagine a scene at night with a headlamp as the only light source. HDR technology can better display those scenarios. There are two primary HDR standards: HDR10 and Dolby Vision. All HDR-compliant TVs support HDR10 but only some models support the dynamically shifting Dolby Vision.

QLED and OLED

If you’re looking for the best of the best, there are two premium display technologies that stand apart from traditional LED displays. Picking an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) versus QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode) display will both enhance the quality picture of your TV, often while jacking up the price. If you’d like an in-depth explanation of the technology and recommendations for the best displays with that specific tech, we recommend checking out our in-depth guides to the best OLED TVs and the best QLED TVs. 

For now, let’s just say QLED and OLED TVs are more expensive than conventional LED TVs, especially at this size. They are usually the best option available, which is why you’ll see them on this list, but do not reflect the potential savings you can find by shopping for a smaller TV.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate is an important spec if you play games on PS5 and Xbox Series X, or watch a lot of sports. Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), tells you how many times your TV can “redraw” its image per second, allowing for higher frame rates in games and TV shows. Until about two years, most TVs maxed out at 60Hz, but some newer TVs support a higher, 120Hz refresh rate, allowing compatible games and shows to run more smoothly. At this juncture, a high refresh rate is only a notable feature if you have or want a new game console.

As we cover in our in-depth guide, you will need to plug your consoles or other devices into HDMI 2.1 ports (with appropriately compatible HDMI cables) to access higher refresh rates at 4K resolution. Any TV that supports 120Hz will have at least one HDMI 2.1 input among its connection options, but obviously more is always better.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 40-inch TVs

• Best overall: Samsung Q60A
• Best for gaming: Samsung QN90A
• Best OLED: LG C2
• Best designer: Samsung The Frame
• Best budget: TCL 4-Series

A 40-inch TV is a great fit for small living rooms, bedrooms, and secondary spaces like workshops and guest rooms. It’s also a good starting point if you’re replacing a very old TV and don’t want to spend too much money.

More affordable than their larger siblings, the best 40-inch TVs make it a little more affordable to get the best new features. They also make it possible to spend a lot less money if you just want something that works. As always, we recommend picking a TV that fits your space. For a lot of people, what manufacturers call small, we call the perfect size.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best 40-inch TVs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Samsung S95C		SEE IT	Samsung’s latest OLED offering makes a strong statement.
Best for gaming		LG C2 OLED		SEE IT	Excellent connectivity and a bright picture make this a gaming superstar.
Best budget		LG B2 OLED		SEE IT	A balanced suite of features goes nicely with excellent image quality.

Step in front of the giant wall of TVs at your local big box store, and the OLED TVs will likely stand out. Their popping color and abundant contrast give these high-end panels an edge over much of their competition. And while technologies like Mini LED and Micro LED may eventually challenge OLED’s image quality crown, it hasn’t happened yet. At the same time, you know that the showroom has all the settings pushed to their peak to overwhelm you with vivid images. So, to help you separate the best from the rest, we’ve collected this list of top-tier OLED TVs across various brands and price points. While you shouldn’t expect to find a truly budget OLED TV, we have reached a point where there are strong options at relatively affordable (for high-end) prices. Sony debuted the first OLED TV back in 2007. It had an 11-inch screen with a 960 x 540 resolution for a tidy sum of $2,500. Spend that much now, and you can get a massive OLED display with some of the best picture quality and color reproduction around. The following are our selections for the best OLED TVs currently available.

• Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED
• Best for gaming: LG C2
• Best for PS5: Sony BRAVIA XR A80K Series 4K
• Best 8K: LG Z2 OLED evo
• Best budget: LG B2
• Still worth buying: LG C1

How we chose the best OLED TVs

I have been writing about consumer electronics and home theater technology for nearly two decades, including a stint as the digital editor for the venerable A/V publication Sound & Vision. This list results from a combination of research and real-world impressions, plus data sourced from user and editorial reviews across the web.

We focused on emphasizing a solid mix of performance and price to choose our picks. All but one of the entries here include HDMI 2.1 ports, which we think will be important for some users now (particularly gamers) and others down the road. Obviously, LG is well-represented on the list as it’s the only company that physically manufactures OLED panels, which gives it an inherent edge that we can’t deny.

The best OLED TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

Because OLEDs sit near the top of the TV heap, pretty much any model you choose will perform at least reasonably well. The differences, then, lie in the details. We’ve dug into those specs to find the displays that best fit your needs.

Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED

Stan Horaczek

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Specs 

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 77”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz (Up to 144Hz in some modes)
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 3 USB-A, RF, Optical out
• HDR: HDR 10+

Pros

• Ports live on a box connected by a wire for versatile installation
• Extremely bright for an OLED
• Exceptional picture quality
• Robust smart TV offerings
• Solid sound
• Pantone-certified color reproduction

Cons

• Pricey
• Bloated menu system

Samsung’s flagship OLED TV has, at least for the moment, knocked LG off the OLED throne. The S95C TV relies on Samsung’s latest generation of OLED panels, which integrate Quantum Dots into the equation to add extra brightness. OLED displays typically excel in contrast ratio, but that’s because they can achieve such deep black levels. That can kneecap their overall brightness. However, I spent time with Samsung’s S95C in a brightly lit room and found myself very impressed with its performance. 

As a flagship-level display, this TV offers almost all the bells and whistles you want. All its ports live on an external box connected by a single wire to the display. That makes it very easy to install the super-flat panel wherever you want while keeping all the ports accessible. The S95C comes toting four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is essential if you plan on doing high-framerate or high-res gaming on a current-generation console. 

During the review period, I played the PS5-exclusive Returnal and found the visuals extremely crisp and the refresh rate very smooth. This panel natively runs at 120Hz but can bump up to an even-smoother 144Hz in some situations. 

I also watched portions of a few movies, including the latest Venom movie, which taxes a TV by showing lots of fine details moving quickly across the screen with lots of contrast. The S95C managed to keep everything we like about OLEDs while adding the extra brightness that makes it viable in any space, even those with lots of ambient light. 

We haven’t had a chance to test the LG C3 yet, which will likely find itself in close competition with the S95C, but we’ll update this article once review units of the LG become available.

Best for gaming: LG C2

LG

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Specs 

• Sizes: 42”, 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, and 83”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 3 USB-A, Ethernet, RF, Headphones
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Pros

• Lots of sizes to choose from
• All HDMI ports are 2.1 for max compatibility
• Brighter than previous models
• Dynamic tone mapping for localized image improvements
• G Sync and Freesynch compatibility for variable refresh rates

Cons

• Middling smart TV features

The LG C1 was a blockbuster of a TV that took top honors in just about every TV buying guide back in 2021. The only real downside was its relative lack of brightness (typical of OLEDs). By adding Quantum Dot tech to an OLED panel, LG gave the C2 considerably more brightness than its already excellent predecessor. 

The C2 is technically a 2022 model, but the C3 is only just starting to roll out. While the C2 isn’t the newest, it does offer the vast majority of what you’ll find in the C3 for a fraction of the price. With the C2, you get four side-mounted HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which can handle 4K action at 120 fps. 

As for gaming chops, this TV offers native support for the GeForce Now game streaming platform, so you can game even if you don’t have access to a PC or console. The C2 also supports several popular flavors of variable refresh rate technology, which prevents problems like screen tearing and game-ruining lag from spoiling your time behind the controller. 

Even if you’re not a huge gamer, the C2 is still a phenomenal all-around option, especially considering the lower price now that a new model has come around with updates. 

Best for PS5: Sony BRAVIA XR A80K Series 4K

Sony

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Specs 

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 77”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Ports: 4 HDMI (2 of which are HDMI 2.1), 2 USB-A ports, RF, Ethernet
• HDR: HDR10 Dolby Vision

Pros

• PlayStation 5 users get specific benefits due to Sony Synergy
• Excellent picture
• Price has come down since release
• Among the best upscaling you’ll find
• Ample contrast

Cons

• Not as bright as some newer flagships
• No headphone jack

It may come as no surprise that Sony wants to add a little extra incentive for people to buy both its latest TVs and its gaming console. For the most part, this is a typical high-end OLED display. It offers the deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios you expect from an OLED. You also get some of the best ai-powered image upscaling you’ll find in a TV thanks to Sony’s XR processor, which analyzes the on-screen image and tweaks it for maximum performance. So, if you’re not always watching native 4K content (and most of us aren’t), it will still look good. 

Plug a PlayStation 5 into one of the two HDMI 2.1 ports (out of a total of four) and this setup is capable of 4K gaming at 120 fps, even if consoles haven’t quite caught up to those lofty specs just yet. The TV does, however, get special tone-mapping abilities for more robust HDR performance exclusively with the PS5. Plus, those two HDMI 2.1 ports support Variable Refresh Rate tech with the PS5 to avoid screen tearing and other unwanted effects. In many ways, this TV was designed to work ideally with the PS5, so if you consume most of your content through that console, this is a great choice.

Best 8K: LG Z2 OLED evo

LG

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Specs 

• Sizes: 77” and 88”
• Resolution: 8K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 3 USB-A, RF, Ethernet
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Pros

• The only 8K OLED around
• Enormous sizes match the flashy design
• Excellent picture quality
• Robust smart features

Cons

• Could be brighter
• Very expensive

LG’s flagship Z2 TV pushes its maximum resolution all the way up to 8K. That means you get roughly 32 megapixels of image information every time the screen refreshes. That’s a serious amount of pixels. Of course, there really isn’t much native 8K content out there at the moment. LG remedies that issue by equipping its TV with its most powerful a9 image processing hardware. It relies on AI to upscale the on-screen image to fit the massive 8K screen. If you’re still regularly watching DVDs, this probably isn’t the TV for you. But if you’re watching native 4K and even streaming content, it should look very solid. 

In addition to all those pixels, this TV also has a classier design than most of its competition. At 77” and 88”, there’s no small option to sneak into a guest bedroom. This is a centerpiece TV made to occupy the main spot in the living room. It comes mounted on its own stand, allowing it to reside wherever you have the space. Whatever you do, however, please don’t put it too high above the fireplace. It deserves better than that. 

Is this TV practical? No, 8K is still in its infancy, and you’re definitely paying a premium for the fancy design. But why not get something fancy if you’re not worried about a measly $13,000 (or $25,000 for the 88″)? 

Best budget: LG B2

LG

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Specs 

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 77”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Ports: 4 HDMI ports (two of which are HDMI 2.1), 2 USB-A ports, Ethernet, RF, Headphones, Optical audio
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Pros

• Lots of features considering the price
• OLED image quality makes for great contrast
• Filmmaker Mode for easy tuning
• Available up to 77 inches
• Variable Refresh Rate

Cons

• Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
• Not as bright as some high-end models

The LG B2 offers a lot of performance for its price. While this is technically a 2022 model, and the B3 is already on the market, the B2 offers all the features most users will ever need. It has a pair of the latest HDMI 2.1 ports (two of the four total HDMIs), both supporting 4K at 120 fps. So, if the current-generation gaming consoles ever live up to their full potential, this TV can handle it. 

Like every OLED, the B2 offers sky-high contrast ratios with deep blacks and excellent color reproduction. As this isn’t a flagship model, it doesn’t offer the same kind of brightness you’d expect from displays that also integrated Quantum Dots. That’s really only an issue if you’re trying to put this TV in a room with a ton of ambient light. This will look fantastic if you have a space to pull the shades and turn off the overheads. 

Because this is a somewhat down-market option and has been out for more than a year, you can often find deep discounts on all three sizes. If you don’t absolutely need the very best and the brightest, then you can get this display and leave lots of cash to pay for that ever-growing list of streaming services.

Still worth buying: LG C1

LG

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Specs 

• Sizes: 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, 88”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, RF, 2 USB 2.0, ethernet, optical audio, headphone out
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Pros

• Impeccable picture
• Solid mix of features and price
• Lots of size options
• Excellent upscaling

Cons

• Just OK brightness

This was our best overall pick for some time, and it’s still absolutely worth checking out if you don’t need the most advanced features or the brightest display. You can often find it at a very solid discount.

Across all of your content consumption, the C1 provides an excellent contrast ratio thanks to its super-deep black levels. For movie watching, LG offers filmmaker mode, which turns off motion smoothing and tones down the vibrance and brightness to make the picture look more like what you’d expect at the theater. 

The C1 supports all the most popular flavors of HDR, as well as the two dominant Variable Refresh Rate technologies, G-Sync and FreeSync, which gamers will appreciate. In fact, the C1 has a lot to offer gamers. All four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1, giving you enough to hook up a PS5 and Xbox Series X for 4K/120fps gameplay. Plus, it boasts a 1ms response time in gaming mode, which cuts down potentially game-ruining lag. 

It’s not the brightest TV around, but that’s also one of the few drawbacks of OLED TVs across the board. Aside from that quibble, the C1 has just about anything anyone could ask for, and it won’t require ill-gotten crypto funds to afford it.

What is OLED, and how does it work?

Want to dig deeper into how these displays actually work and what makes them different from the rest of the TVs on the wall at the store?

Well, in an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, each pixel is an LED that emits its own light. When content requires dark or black areas on the screen, the display can simply turn those pixels off to create a “true” black that most other backlight technologies can’t match. The difference often becomes especially apparent in areas where bright objects butt up against darkness, which can cause light to spill where it shouldn’t go.

Typical LED backlit TVs rely on an array of LEDs sitting behind an LCD panel that controls how much light to let through. This is the same basic idea that has powered almost every flat-screen TV since the technology’s inception, and it comes with a few drawbacks. The primary issue arises when the LCD panel can’t block all of the light coming from behind it: The excess light distorts black and even darker colors, making them look gray or washed out. Depending on the arrangement of the LEDs in the backlight, it can also result in a picture with unnatural banding or patchiness, especially around the edges. If you’ve ever noticed light leaking from the top, bottom, or sides of your TV screen during a dark scene, OLED fixes that problem. 

While OLEDs are fantastic, they aren’t perfect. They’re still often pricier than their QLED competition at the same size. They also aren’t as bright and instead rely on their super-dark black levels to create a punchy, vibrant image. If you’re planning to watch TV in a super sunny room all day, then OLED probably isn’t your best bet. Otherwise, it’s hard to beat. 

What to know even more about backlighting tech? Check out our QLED vs. OLED vs. Mini-LED primer.

Things to consider when buying an OLED TV

Size

Dig into the OLED offerings, and you’ll find that most manufacturers hover around the 55- to 65-inch sweet spots for their most popular models, with an increasing amount of options in the 70s. If you’re in the market for a small TV, OLED probably isn’t the right choice for you. As with all big-screen TV, expect a noticeable price jump when you go above 65 inches. Manufacturers commonly offer 77-inch and even 88-inch displays, but they command a huge premium for all that real estate. 

Connectivity

Since you’re spending considerable cash on a new TV, you want it to last a while, which makes paying attention to the ports important for futureproofing. This is especially true if you plan to use your new panel with a fancy next-gen gaming console. 

Ideally, you’ll want a set with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports to prepare you for anything you may one day hook up. HDMI 2.1 represents the most recent iteration of the familiar connector. The extra bandwidth HDMI 2.1 provides allows compatible cables and devices to display high resolutions and fast frame rates, both of which will be increasingly important as streaming and gaming tech advance in the next few years. Right now, it’s only really relevant if you’re using a PS5 or Xbox Series X, but more devices will be able to take advantage down the road.

You’ll often find that TVs have a mixture of HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.0 ports, so just ensure you have enough high-performance connectivity to connect the devices you plan to use. 

Frame rate

High TV frame rates earned themselves a bad reputation early on when “motion smoothing” technology made our favorite movies look like cheesy soap operas. Many TVs still offer 60Hz refresh rates, which means the TV redraws the on-screen image 60 times each second. Higher-end TVs, however, support 120Hz refresh rates, which doubles the redraw frequency and creates smoother on-screen motion. While it won’t drastically improve movies and TV shows, it can make sports and video games look noticeably better. 

Some TV manufacturers have also started to support Variable Refresh Rate technologies like Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. These gaming-focused features can reduce stuttering and other weirdness that can ruin your experience. Check out our round-up of the best TVs for gaming for a more in-depth take on these features.

Resolution

If you’re buying a current-generation OLED TV, it will almost certainly offer 4K resolution. This has been the standard for several years, and it’s where you want to be. Technically, 8K is an option, but it’s wildly impractical for most people. Right now, there’s a nearly complete dearth of 8K content to watch on those fancy TVs. Even newer game consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5, which technically support 8K gaming, lack any native 8K games or content. Upgrade to 8K if you want the bragging rights. Otherwise, 4K is plenty for now. 

Smart TV features

While a TV’s software won’t impact your viewing experience as much as its technical specifications, it may affect your interaction with your new OLED display if you don’t use an external streaming device or game console. Most TV manufacturers have a single platform on which all their TVs run. Since we’re talking about OLEDs, you’re very likely to end up using LG’s own WebOS platform since that brand shows up more than others. Sony often relies on Google TV software. While these services aren’t all created equal, none is so much better or worse than the others that they should affect your purchasing decision.

HDR

High-Dynamic Range is basically the whole sales pitch for OLED TVs. By making the dark areas and blacks basically devoid of illumination, it makes the brights seem even more brilliant. There are two HDR standards: the near-universal HDR10 and the less common Dolby Vision. Some critics suggest that Dolby Vision works better, but fewer places support the standard. Luckily there are very few TVs, if any, that support Dolby Vision but not HDR10. Realistically, the important thing to know is that any OLED worth buying says “HDR” on the box.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best OLED TVs

• Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED
• Best for gaming: LG C2
• Best for PS5: Sony BRAVIA XR A80K Series 4K
• Best 8K: LG Z2 OLED evo
• Best budget: LG B2
• Still worth buying: LG C1

If you’re in the market for the best possible picture quality in a TV, OLED is still the champ for the moment. With prices on the best OLED TVs coming down in recent years, this is actually a great time to take the leap into the OLED arena while competing technologies like Mini LED and Micro LED are still relatively early in their cycles. 

While you’re generally safe picking pretty much any LG OLED, make sure that you get the features that you need to support the style of content consumption you typically do. After all, that fancy new console isn’t all that fancy if you don’t have an HDMI 2.1 port to plug it into. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best OLED TVs in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Govee Immersion TV LED Backlights		SEE IT	Different modes use the system’s built-in microphone and/or small 1080p mounted camera to adjust your lighting experience based on how you are using it.
Best to sync with audio		Sengled Segmented TV LED Backlights		SEE IT	An embedded microphone helps bring these light strips to life based on the music you’re listening to.
Best LED light bar		Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart Light		SEE IT	This voice-activated smart home device can be creatively placed wherever it works best in your space.

While the TV itself is crucial for building out your home theater setup, LED lights for TVs can add a truly theater-like experience. At their simplest, LED TV lights will create a soft, adjustable backlight behind your television, enhancing the ambiance of your home entertainment and reducing eye strain. At their most thrilling, the best LED lights for your TV will connect and sync in real-time with the colors and sounds you’re streaming. LED lights can create a custom visual experience that complements movies, music, and gaming, providing you with a bright spot of entertainment to look forward to after a long day. Whether you want to be the host with the coolest home streaming setup, or simply want to cut down on strain while you watch re-runs, the best LED lights for TVs can make a massive difference.

• Best overall: Govee Wi-Fi TV LED Backlights with Camera
• Best LED sync box: Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box
• Best to sync with audio: Sengled 13.12Ft Smart Wi-Fi TV LED Backlight
• Best light bar: Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart Light
• Best budget: Luminoodle Color Bias Lighting – USB LED TV Backlight

How we chose the best LED lights for your TV to improve your home entertainment experience

QLED, OLED, Mini LED … you’ve thought a lot about the backlighting technology in your TV. But the drama while viewing those vivid images can be upped even more once you think about the environment’s lighting. Got one of the best TVs for PS5 and want to amp up the eye-popping visuals? Look no further than the space you’ve already got to play with around your screen.

The best LED lights for your TV use technology that has trickled down from commercial applications and now offers anyone flexible ways to experiment with light. The majority of these lights come in the form of LED strip lights, which are essentially flexible circuit boards that illuminate. Think about all the times you’ve walked down the aisle in a movie theater, or had your eye drawn to a particular part of a store display; the same lights used to define those spaces are now available at home. These lights are small enough, light enough, and bright enough to illuminate your space with almost no weight, and minimal power. Most LED lights for TVs are designed specifically for use with smart TVs and customized to work with the size of your screen. The strips plug in through a USB port on the back or side of the TV, offering a clutter-free appearance. With an average lifespan of about six years, these lights should be able to cycle through many movie nights.

When it comes to quality, look for TV LED lights that will provide a brightness of at least 450 lumens per foot, equivalent to a T8 fluorescent lamp. In order to allow for theatrical lighting effects, colored LED strips should offer hues across the entire visible spectrum. Higher-end LED lights are designed to not only illuminate but to sync with your viewing experience. You can find Wi-Fi-enabled lights that are controlled via an app on your smartphone or with voice command, as well as simple lights that operate with a remote control. Lights that expressively sync to the music, movie, or game you are playing can do so via a hub that connects to the TV’s HDMI connection, or with a microphone and video camera technology. Whether you want adjustable backlights or a fully immersive lighting experience, we’ve selected some of the best LED lights for your TV.

Related: Best soundbars for immersive sound

The best LED lights for TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

Here are our picks for the best LED lights for TVs. They run the gamut from elaborate and expensive to simple and affordable. Get the pick that best matches your space and preferences.

Best overall: Govee Wi-Fi TV LED Backlights with Camera

Amazon

SEE IT

Specs

• Number of LEDs: N/A
• Length: N/A
• Recommended TV size: N/A

Pros

• Colored lights react to on-screen action
• Simple to install
• Comes in four sections, so no cutting

Cons

• Higher-end models offer two cameras at a cost

This handy LED lighting system offers Wi-Fi connectivity, so it can be controlled by hassle-free voice command. Different settings (video or music modes) use the system’s built-in microphone and/or small 1080p mounted camera to adjust and customize your lighting experience based on how you are using it. RGBIC technology lets you customize each strip segment for multiple colors simultaneously, and multiple user profiles can be saved. It is important to note, however, that the camera can sometimes have a slight delay in color change, or when multiple colors are used on the TV screen. 

Best LED sync box: Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box

Amazon

SEE IT

Specs

• Number of LEDs: N/A
• Length: N/A
• Recommended TV size: N/A

Pros

• This box links up your Philips lights across a variety of devices
• Works with gaming, streaming, music, and content
• Opens up the opportunity for more smart lights around the house

Cons

• Expensive
• You have to build your own kit

When you are looking to use your LED lights with more than one device, this hub can control and connect them all. Not only will your lights sync to your smart TV, but they will also work for gaming, streaming, and music. While a more expensive option, this Sync Box gives you voice-activated and smartphone control for your LED TV lights, as well as compatible smart bulbs throughout the room in traditional light sockets.

Best to sync with audio: Sengled 13.12Ft Smart Wi-Fi TV LED Backlight

Amazon

SEE IT

Specs

• Number of LEDs: 150
• Length: 160 inches (total)
• Recommended TV size: Up to 60 inches

Pros

• 27 scene modes offer lots of flexibility
• Built-in microphone syncs to music
• Easy to use app
• Built-in voice control

Cons

• Might be underpowered for bigger TVs

Quick and easy setup, no hub required. Customize your lights through the app or voice-activated commands. Whether you want to maintain a dark viewing area with some added low lighting, or you want a couch concert beamed into your face, sync features can take you to a new level of fun. 

Best light bar: Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart Light

Amazon

SEE IT

Specs

• Number of LEDs: N/A
• Length: N/A
• Recommended TV size: Up to 85 inches

Pros

• Can chain up to three light bars
• Excellent color reproduction
• Ties in with Philips smart light system
• Doesn’t need to attach to the TV

Cons

• Expensive

This voice-activated smart light bar works with the Philips Hue Hub and Smart Home Device. It can be used behind the TV for custom backlights or be creatively placed wherever it works best in your space. Controls and settings are controlled with the Philips Hue app.

Best budget: Luminoodle Color Bias Lighting – USB LED TV Backlight

Amazon

SEE IT

Specs

• Number of LEDs: N/A
• Length: 78 inches
• Recommended TV size: Up to 80 inches

Pros

• Very affordable
• Customizable
• USB-powered

Cons

• Lacks sophisticated features
• Installation requires separate adhesive material

You’ll be the one glowing as you change colors and brightness according to your mood. Installation is an easy peel-and-stick attachment to the back of the TV, and settings are controlled with a remote. While there are no sync options, this offers a good TV backlight for an entertainment center.

Things to consider when shopping for the best LED lights for your TV

While we feel confident in the picks above, it’s always a good idea to do some research on your own. Here are some things to consider and terms to know before you make a purchase.

Ease of installation

If you are looking for an immersive experience, you want to get the best LED lights for your TV that offer syncing to sound and image. There are a couple of ways that this can be achieved, but if you’re looking for the most compatible, economical set up and you don’t mind seeing a small apparatus, consider a syncing system that uses a built-in microphone and a small camera attachment.

The miniature camera, mounted to the center, top, or bottom of your television, processes the images and then automatically changes the LED light colors. A built-in microphone can also be used to sync lights. And the best LED TV lights synced with a microphone and camera offer a Wi-Fi connection and can work with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. 

Do you need lights that sync with audio?

Your movies, music, and games come to life with a great surround sound system. And with the best LED lights for your TV, your favorite songs are even more lively. Properly calibrated, LED TV lights can change color and pulse to the rhythm of a favorite album or a film’s soundtrack, elevating an immersive, emotional experience. 

While expensive hubs can deliver this feature exceptionally well, it is possible to purchase LED TV lights with embedded microphones that offer this feature for less cost. And, like with hubs, these enabled LED lights use a Wi-Fi connection and work through app controls, as well as with voice activation through Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. Customizable features include dimming, color change, party, and holiday light settings, scene-setting, and modes designed for movies, games, or music.

What is an HDMI sync box?

When you want to set up an entertainment center with multiple devices, and perhaps multiple smart lights, you should consider an HDMI Sync Box. A Sync Box, or hub, acts as the command center for all your LED lights and gives you the most customization in lighting design. Not only can hubs be used with LED lights for TVs, but they can also be used with any smart bulb or fixture. Multiple connections allow you to connect, sync to, and control a plethora of compatible devices, such as your smart TV, streaming devices, Blu-ray player, and gaming system. 

Using a hub can give you more nuanced controls and can be accessed with an app on your smartphone. Creative settings and modes can be customized to allow for your lights to dance, dim, brighten, or even flash along to the games or movies you are using. While setting up your LED lights for your TV with a hub-based system is a more expensive option, you get more options and connections for other devices. A Sync Box is an additional purchase from your LED lights for TV and other smart bulbs, but it helps with more deeply integrated devices. 

How much do you want to spend?

Even on a budget, the best LED lights for your TV will offer a customizable backlit light, be easy to install and set up unobtrusively and create a cool ambiance while gaming, watching movies, or listening to music. LED technology has come down in price over the years, so it is possible to set up your home entertainment system with this LED backlight look for under $40—though you will often lose Smart features. 

If you are on a budget, getting LED light strips that offer basic controls with a remote is a good solution. While these designs do not have the ability to sync with music and action on screen, you can manually adjust colors and brightness. With an easy USB connection, pre-measured lengths that work out of the box with your specific TV size, and long-lasting bulbs, these are a good choice for enhanced, yet affordable ambiance.

Do you need a light bar?

While most TV LED lights on the market are designed as light strips, which are flexible and mounted with tape, there are options that provide this same type of experience but are designed as a freestanding light bar. 

The best LED light bar will provide a full spectrum of lights, dimmable and synced to your movies, music, and games. These bars can be lights behind the TV and offer a similar lighting experience to the strip design, or they can be placed in other locations around the TV. For example, two light bars can be used on either side of the TV, projecting a light show onto the surrounding back wall. Or, light bars can be placed on the floor to have your lighting experience splay up the wall and ceiling. Some light bars operate independently, and others are designed to be used with a hub or Sync Box. 

FAQs

Related: How to set up a 4K TV for the best possible picture 

Final thoughts on the best LED lights for your TV

• Best overall: Govee Wi-Fi TV LED Backlights with Camera
• Best LED sync box: Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box
• Best to sync with audio: Sengled 13.12Ft Smart Wi-Fi TV LED Backlight
• Best light bar: Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart Light
• Best budget: Luminoodle Color Bias Lighting – USB LED TV Backlight

The best LED lights for your TV turn your entertainment center into a true centerpiece. They offer an immersive, customizable ambiance through Wi-Fi connections, smart features accessible via voice and/or apps, and amazing effects that bring movie theater-style into your home. From basic backlights to hubs designed for multiple lights and devices LED TV lights can bring a lot of style and fun to your gaming, movies, and music.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

Looking for more TV roundups to help you find the best set?

• Best 8K TVs
• Best TVs for gaming
• Best TVs for PS5
• Best OLED TVs
• Best QLED TVs
• Best Roku TVs
• Best TVs under $300
• Best TVs under $1,000
• Best 40-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 70-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best Outdoor TVs

The post The best LED lights for your TV in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best budget OLED		LG C2		SEE IT	It’s technically a 2022 model, but it’s phenomenal and you can find it for a great price.
Best overall		Samsung S95C OLED		SEE IT	Samsung’s flagship OLED TV adds brightness, but keeps the image quality and features.
Best budget		TCL 6-Series		SEE IT	Mini LED backlighting helps this affordable TV punch well above its price tag in terms of quality.

If you’re buying a new TV in 2023, it really should be a 4K TV. Those 1080p models can still keep up at smaller sizes, but the centerpiece of your living room really deserves the full 2160p experience. At the same time, 8K is still crawling along when it comes to affordable TVs and available native content. 4K really is the sweet spot, and it will be for some time. But choosing a specific model can be complicated. What backlight technology do you want? Do you need a 120Hz refresh rate? What the heck is VRR? Luckily, we’re here to break down these variables and provide expert insight into which TV should handle most of your binge-watching and video gaming needs. Let us help you pick the best 4K TV for your space, budget, and viewing habits.

• Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED
• Best budget: TCL 6-Series Google TV
• Best budget OLED: LG C2
• Best QLED: Samsung QN90C
• Best for gaming on a budget: Sony Bravia XR A90J

How we chose the best 4K TVs

The editors and writers at Popular Science have decades of collective experience when it comes to covering, reviewing, and generally nerding out over TVs. The authors of this story have written for countless publications, from general to enthusiast, including Maxim, Men’s Journal, Engadget, and Sound & Vision.

We’ve tapped into our collective experience to parse the specific differences between models for these selections. These selections are based on a foundation of personal hands-on experience, spec comparisons, user feedback, and opinions from other trusted names in the industry. We nerd out about TVs in our free time, too.

The best 4K TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you know what to look for when picking out the best 4K TV for you, you can go out and take your pick. Of course, if you need help getting started, our list features the cream of the crop. For most people, one of these five models will be the best 4K TV.

Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED

Stan Horaczek

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 55”, 65”, 75”
• Display: OLED
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, RF, Ethernet

Pros

• Exceptional OLED picture quality
• Bright enough for rooms with moderate light
• 4K/120Hz
• Ports live on a separate box connected with a cable for easy installs
• Solar-powered remote

Cons

• Expensive
• UI can feel bloated

You’ll see this TV pop up in many “best of” TV articles this year. The reason is simple: Samsung did a wonderful job with its most recent OLED display. This is a flagship TV, so it isn’t cheap, but it offers almost anything you could want from a current-generation TV. It offers four HDMI 2.1 ports to support current (and future) gaming consoles. Plus, all its ports live on a separate box connecting to the ultra-thin panel with a single wire. That makes this TV super versatile when it comes to installation.

When it comes to picture quality, I was very impressed during my viewing time with it. I hooked up a PS5, then played several games and watched a few high-res Blu-ray titles, including the latest Venom movie, which is particularly challenging in terms of color and contrast. Samsung’s OLED looked fantastic throughout all of it.

The built-in speakers aren’t phenomenal, but that’s easy to forgive on a wildly skinny TV. You’re best off adding a soundbar or other external audio. The UI can also get a bit clunky, but that’s more of a general Samsung thing than it is specific to this TV.

Quibbles aside, the real star here is the picture quality. It maintains the super-deep blacks that make OLED so appealing. But, due to Samsung’s new display tech, it’s considerably brighter than many OLEDs that came before it. I had no trouble watching content in a fully lit room with strong overhead lights on full-blast. If you have an absurdly bright room, you may still be better off with something like a QLED, but most viewers should be stoked on this TV if they can stomach the relatively high cost.

Best budget: TCL 6-Series Google TV

TCL

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Specs

• Size: 55”, 65”, 75”
• Display: QLED
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 3, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Mini-LED QLED 4K display
• Three HDMI 2.1 ports
• 4K/120Hz
• Affordable

Cons

• TCL makes three “6-Series” TVs, which can get confusing

If you are shopping on a budget, the TCL 6-Series with Google TV makes it very easy to cut some small technical corners and get a great 4K TV at a lower price than our other picks. It features a vibrant, color-accurate QLED 4K display and excellent brightness that can easily combat the sunniest living rooms. TCL also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, so you can enjoy the latest season of Stranger Things on Netflix the way it was meant to be seen. The R646 also features two HDMI 2.1 ports, so you can play games in 4K at 120Hz, with features like variable refresh rate available. At this price point, the TCL R646 is unbeatable, offering an impressive 4K picture and a brightness that provides the kind of “wow factor” that matches more expensive alternatives.

Because this TV relies on Mini LED tech, it can provide more localized dimming for content. That means light won’t seep into the dark areas and ruin the contrast ratio. That can seriously detract from the overall visual appeal. If you don’t want the Google TV version, TCL also offers a Roku version if you prefer that platform.

Best budget OLED: LG C2

LG

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Specs

• Sizes: 42, 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, 83”
• Display: OLED evo
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 3, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Sharp, vibrant picture
• 4K/120Hz support
• Four HDMI 2.1 ports
• Up to 20 percent brighter than previous models

Cons

• OLED panel could be brighter

The LG C2 has just about everything you could want out of a TV even though it’s technically last generation’s model. As the OLED designation suggests, it provides spectacular color and contrast. But, thanks to the latest generation OLED evo panel, it’s also 20 percent brighter than its predecessor. It maintains the deep blacks for which OLED TVs are renowned while pumping up the maximum brightness and overcoming one of OLED’s only inherent weaknesses. As a result, the C2 is a phenomenal all-around TV that will fit in just about any space or use case. It offers a full suite of HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting to game consoles and streaming devices. It offers an array of variable refresh rate modes to prevent artifacts and jaggies during gaming sessions. Plus, it supports just about every form of HDR you could want. If you’re not ready to jump to the C2, you can still find pretty great deals on the C1 out there. If you’re not putting it in a super-bright room, then the C1 should perform excellently while saving you some money.

Best QLED: Samsung QN90C

Stan Horaczek

SEE IT

Specs

• Sizes:
• Display:
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x 3, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Very bright
• 4K/120Hz support
• Four HDMI 2.1 ports
• Excellent overall picture quality

Cons

• Ports live on the TV instead of on an auxiliary box

If you want a bright display, QLED still reigns over almost everything else on the market. It’s not just about brute force brightness, however. Samsung has been refining its QLED TVs for years, and the company has managed to squeeze exceptional picture quality out of its QLEDs at every level. This is the high-end stuff, though, and it’s worth the extra investment. Samsung employs some of its most powerful image processing in this display, which allows it to excellently upscale content of just about every kind.

Despite its relatively skinny stature, this TV offers excellent built-in sound. I was genuinely impressed with the stock sound performance during my review period with the TV. I fired up Godzilla vs. Kong on Blu-ray, and the visuals were predictably meticulous, but the sound was also impressively boomy and clear despite the lack of extra help.

I still find Samsung’s TV UI clunky. I typically just remember the buttons that get me where I want to go rather than trying to navigate the on-screen menus. And I would have loved for Samsung to put the ports on an external box like it has with the OLEDs and other high-end models. But that’s not a deal breaker.

At the end of the day, this is a killer TV that will perform in literally any room. While it’s capable of impressive brightness, it doesn’t rely on it as a selling point. With Film Maker Mode turned on, it can reproduce all the color and contrast accurately and elegantly.

Best for gaming: Sony Bravia XR A90J

Sony

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Specs

• Size: 55”, 65”, 83”
• Display: OLED
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 3, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Pros

• Gorgeous picture
• Ample ports and features for gaming
• Built-in Chromecast and AirPlay

Cons

• Expensive

The Sony Bravia XR A90J features a fantastic 4K picture that produces perfect blacks and a relatively bright HDR experience for an OLED. It also supports a wide color gamut, high contrast ratio, and a fast response time, ensuring every game, movie, and TV show looks flawless. It also features Variable Refresh Rate support, a gaming staple, and special PS5-exclusive features, like automatically switching in and out of HDR mode when you start playing a game or other HDR-compatible content on the console. If we’re being honest, the A90J is pretty close to fitting in our “overall” and “best OLED” categories, but we feel it’s best suited for gaming, especially if you’re playing on a PS5.

Because this model is technically a generation old, you can typically find it at a very affordable price, compared to other TVs with similar overall picture quality and specifications. Don’t be afraid to save yourself some cash to buy video games.

Things to consider when choosing the best 4K TVs

When searching for the best 4K TVs, we focused on finding models that balance display quality, color accuracy, port selection, gaming features, and price. Together, these elements help us distinguish between a good TV and a great one.

QLED vs. OLED

Two luxury display technologies are central in lighting up the best 4K TVs. On a technical level, OLED and QLED take different approaches, but both enhance the brightness and contrast of your TV, improving its picture quality over older models.

Organic Light-Emitting Diode displays, or OLED for short, are currently considered the cream of the crop among high-end 4K TVs. Though it shares three letters with “LED” TVs you’re more familiar with, OLED is actually an entirely new display technology. In OLED TVs, each pixel generates its own light, allowing these sets to turn individual pixels on and off. This gives viewers more life-like blacks, rather than the darkest possible gray. You also won’t see any light bleeding out into on-screen shadows, as they do on older LCD TVs.

Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode displays, commonly known as QLED, are a next-generation upgrade of the conventional LED TV. QLED TVs feature a transmissive layer of “quantum dots” in the screen panel, enhancing a TV’s color, brightness, and contrast. High-end QLED TVs pair that with a backlighting feature called “local dimming,” which allows your TV to enhance or reduce its brightness in specific areas to improve contrast, not unlike OLED displays.

OLED displays offer sharper contrast and “true” blacks that QLED can’t replicate, so they are the premier choice if money is no object. On the other hand, OLED TVs feature comparatively low brightness, which may be a liability in a living room with a lot of natural light. However, manufacturers have begun to remedy that problem by introducing new materials into the OLED formula.

Since QLED panels are based on LED technology, you can find them in a wider variety of price points than OLED. That said, there’s a big difference between an affordable QLED TV with moderately enhanced colors and a top-of-the-line QLED model with local dimming and other enhancements.

As always, the best way to find your preference is to go to a showroom and see the difference for yourself. Short of that, we recommend letting price and logistical considerations guide you to one type of TV or the other.

High dynamic range (HDR)

High Dynamic Range, or HDR, is a display technology that allows your TV automatically its brightness to create more contrast between well-lit and darkened on-screen elements. In situations with challenging lighting, it enhances the overall image with greater detail and color depth. Let’s say you’re looking into a dark room from the outside: HDR can simultaneously display detail in the bright space outside and inside the dimly lit room. TVs with HDR are also capable of displaying more vibrant, varied colors. In addition to enabling more precise contrast, bright colors will look more full and vibrant.

There are a few different standards of HDR, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. HDR10 is the most widely adopted and is an open, free standard supported by everything from 4K TVs to Blu-ray players. Dolby Vision offers a few advantages over HDR, including “dynamic” metadata, which allows your TV to adjust its brightness on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis. HDR10 uses “static” metadata, which means it sets brightness levels once for the content you consume. HDR10+ also uses dynamic metadata similar to Dolby Vision.

Generally, today’s top TVs feature support for a few different HDR standards, but for the best possible HDR experience, you’ll want Dolby Vision or HDR+.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate, measured in Hz (Hertz), refers to the frequency your TV refreshes what’s on the screen every second. Refresh rate has been a core feature on computer monitors for some time but has only become a serious consideration for TVs in the last two years. If you’re buying a high-end TV for gaming and own either a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you should hold out for one that supports a higher refresh rate.

Prior to 2020, all TVs supported the same 60Hz refresh rate. Most TVs still do, and that’s perfectly fine for watching streaming services, cable, movies, and playing most consoles. With the PS5 and Xbox Series X, though, you have the ability to play some games at up to 120 frames per second, unlocking smoother animations. Likewise, some live sports broadcasts will benefit from a higher refresh rate.

HDMI 2.1

To enable 4K at 120fps, your TV must support HDMI 2.1, the newest version of the standard TV connection for plugging everything from cable boxes to game consoles to streaming devices.

HDMI 2.1 can transfer data at up to 48Gbps, theoretically allowing you to watch 10K video at 120Hz on the right TV. For now, you only need it to watch or play in 4K at 120Hz on the small number of games that support those specs on PS5 and Xbox Series X. 

There are other reasons you’ll want it, though. HDMI 2.1 supports many other features that can enhance your viewing and gaming experiences, including Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), a feature that enables Game Mode on your TV (if that feature is available) and typically reduces input lag. It also opens the door for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) over HDMI, which can stabilize volatile frame rates in games.

Unfortunately, TVs equipped with HDMI 2.1 don’t always support every feature introduced by the latest standard. Making matters worse, manufacturers aren’t always transparent about the HDMI 2.1 features supported by their TV. You’ll have to pay close attention to what the manufacturer says when purchasing … and then get coordinating HDMI cables.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 4K TVs

• Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED
• Best budget: TCL 6-Series Google TV
• Best budget OLED: LG C2
• Best QLED: Samsung QN90C
• Best outdoor: Furrion Aurora Outdoor TV
• Best for gaming on a budget: Sony Bravia XR A90J

You can’t go wrong with our recommendations if you want to upgrade to a 4K TV. You’ll get top-notch picture quality, ample port selection, and support for next-generation technology, including HDMI 2.1 and the latest HDR standards. The good news is there has never been a better time to jump on the bandwagon with more ways to enjoy 4K content, thanks to streaming services and next-generation consoles. The LG C1 is, pound-for-pound, the best 4K TV available, hitting all the essential benchmarks while offering an incredible OLED image. Once you see the higher resolution yourself, you’ll wonder what took you so long to upgrade. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best 4K TVs for 2023, as chosen by experts appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Samsung QN90C		SEE IT	This high-end 4K QLED has every feature you could want and a fantastic picture to go with it.
Best for gaming		TCL QM8 QLED TV		SEE IT	This bright TV allows gamers to crank up the frame rate for ultra-smooth gameplay.
Best budget		Hisense U8H QLED TV		SEE IT	Despite its excellent performance, this TV retails well below its major competition.

If you’re looking to buy a big, expensive new TV, there are really two types to choose from right now, including QLED TVs. You’ve probably heard of OLED TVs, with their pure blacks, but what about QLED TVs? In a sense, QLED is the more conservative display technology, as it’s an evolution of existing LED tech. While it doesn’t always reach the qualitative heights of an OLED, the best QLED TVs deliver an incredibly bright and vibrant picture for movies, TV, gaming, and more, often at a more affordable price. While these high-end sets get better yearly, these are the best QLED TVs to buy right now.

• Best overall: Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV
• Best budget: Hisense 65U8H QLED U8H Series Quantum 4K
• Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K
• Best for gaming: TCL 65-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini-LED TV
• Best slightly older model: Samsung QN90A NEO QLED
• Best “budget” 8K: Samsung QN900A QLED 8K

How we chose the best QLED TVs

The writers and editors at Popular Science have decades of combined experience writing about, reviewing, and generally nerding out about high-end TVs. This collection of recommendations comes from a mixture of hands-on review experience (including our best overall), brand reputation, spec comparisons, editorial reviews, and user feedback. We prioritized models that best represent QLEDs strengths. QLEDs often offer exceptional brightness and solid value for their picture performance. You’ll notice several newer QLED technologies here, including Samsung’s Neo QLED and Mini-LED. These represent a very notable improvement over some already excellent TVs.

The best QLED TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

The best QLED TVs offer a great all-around picture as bright and vibrant as anything you can find on the market right now. Since QLED is Samsung tech, you will notice that the list features a larger-than-average number of Samsung TVs. Despite that, there’s a good amount of variety among the manufacturers in the mix–as much variety as one can expect in a list of TVs with the same display type, anyways.

Best overall: Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV

Stan Horaczek

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Specs

• Sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, and 85”
• Backlight: Neo QLED
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 2 USB-A, Ethernet, Optical audio, RF
• Operating system: Tizen

Pros

• Exceptional picture quality
• Full-featured operating system
• Elegant design
• Snappy performance
• Solid upscaling
• Bright

Cons

• Ports are on the back of the TV rather than on a remote box like some other Samsung models

Samsung is the heavy when it comes to QLED TV—the company has been at the forefront of the technology since it debuted. The new QN90C relies on the company’s Neo QLED technology, which mixes the bright, poppy colors that typically come with Quantum Dots with the excellent contrast ratio and black levels offered by Mini-LED backlighting. This allows you to crank the brightness if you’re in a well-lit room, but you can still tame its performance and maintain the subtlety you want from movies and other high-production value content once the lights go down. 

Samsung’s desire to do everything with their TVs is both a strength and a weakness. There are tons of features here, including four HDMI 2.1 ports for maximum connectivity, as well as a pair of USB ports, and a very robust operating system that’s compatible with just about every popular streaming app you could ask for. That operating system can sometimes feel a little too robust to the point that it’s bloated and requires a learning curve to navigate quickly. 

In my time testing the QN90C, I played several AAA PS5 games, including Returnal, and found the motion smooth, the graphics crisp, and the colors extremely poppy. While watching Alien on 4K Blu-ray, the TV did a very solid job creating well-defined details, even in the shadowy areas that can get muddy on some TVs. This is a great all-around TV worth considering, especially if your room is often too bright for an OLED to really shine.

Best budget: Hisense 65U8H QLED U8H Series Quantum 4K

Hisense

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• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 75”
• Backlight: QLED
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, Optical audio, 
• Operating system: Google TV

Pros

• Very affordable
• Full HDMI 2.1 compatibility
• Variable refresh rate for better gaming
• Mini-LED backlight for excellent contrast

Cons

• Not as bright as some other models
• Better mounted on the wall since the stand is just OK

Even when it’s not on sale, this Mini-LED-driven QLED TV offers a ton of features considering its price tag. The 65-inch model retails for just $949, roughly half what some of its competitors cost. 

The most surprising feature at this price point has to be the Mini-LED backlight. By shrinking the light sources, Hisense has refined its illumination tech to crank up the contrast and improve black levels. Smaller light sources lead to less picture-ruining light bleed. 

This TV also offers variable refresh rate tech in the form of AMD Freesync. And a quartet of HDMI 2.1 ports offers solid connectivity that will work with high-bandwidth devices like next-gen consoles and beyond. 

While the picture is excellent, it can’t quite directly compete with other higher-end models. And you’ll notice the savings in some of the fit and finish. The stand, for example, is fairly lackluster, so we definitely recommend hanging it on the wall if that’s an option. You’re also relatively limited in sizes with just 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch options. So, while it’s not a half-priced flagship killer, it’s absolutely a TV that punches well above its weight.

Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K

Stan Horaczek

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• Sizes: 65”, 75”, 85”
• Backlight: Neo QLED
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 3 USB-A, Ethernet, Optical audio, RF
• Operating system: Tizen

Pros

• Excellent upscaling to 8K
• Every bell and whistle
• Ports live on a remote box rather than on the back of the TV
• Mini-LED tech translates into exceptional contrast
• Vivid HDR picture
• High-end finishes

Cons

• Expensive

Samsung’s flagship TV leaves you wanting for absolutely nothing. Yes, it’s an 8K display, which means it has a total resolution above 32 megapixels. That’s a ton of image8K data. And while there’s almost no native 8K content to consume at the moment, this TV offers Samsung’s most powerful image processor designed to seamlessly upscale content to fill that massive resolution. During our testing period, I watched content from several streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu, and found the upscaled 8K image to look excellent. Plus, you’ll be ready to go as 8K support slowly grows for devices like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. 

Beyond all those pixels, this TV offers a heap of high-end features. Samsung’s NeoQLED tech integrates Mini-LED tech with Quantum Dots for a bright, contrasty picture with super-accurate color. For gaming features, you get Samsung’s dedicated gaming mode and other more advanced features like variable frame rate to combat unwanted artifacts or screen tearing. 

While this is a great all-around TV, the high price tag definitely reflects its flagship nature. There are only three sizes in this current lineup and they start north of $5,000. That would be slightly easier to justify if there were more native 8K content out there, but it will be a while before that’s a reality. If you’re buying this TV, it’s because you want the absolute best and you won’t have to think about buying a new TV for a while. Or, you just want to flex on your 4K-watching pals.

Best for gaming: TCL 65-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini-LED TV

TCL

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• Sizes: 65”, 75”, 85”
• Backlight: QLED (Mini-LED)
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, Optical audio, RF
• Operating system: Google TV

Pros

• Bright
• Capable of 240Hz refresh rate at 1440p
• Full HDMI 2.1 compatibility
• Solid contrast from the Mini-LED backlight

Cons

• 240Hz mode isn’t full 4K

For many gamers, smooth, fast gameplay overshadows pure resolution or even image quality in terms of importance. It makes sense. Would you rather lose a game that looks immaculate or win one that looks pretty great? The QM8’s big differentiator comes in the form of the Game Accelerator mode, which doubles the refresh rate up to 240fps at the cost of some resolution. It runs at 1440p when the framerate is cranked instead of its native 4K. Luckily, 1440p is still plenty of pixels to look great, and that smooth performance can be a real advantage in gaming situations. 

As for the rest of the TV, this is Hisense’s flagship, and its specs suggest as much. It mashes Mini-LED tech together with QLED to get a bright, contrasty picture (2,000 nits max is pretty bright) that does justice to prestige TV and AAA video games. It has all the modern connectivity and HDMI support you could also need. And, because Hisense is a value-oriented brand, it all comes at a price that starts lower than most of its competition. 

It’s not without compromises, of course. The remote is somewhat lackluster, and the Google TV platform can sometimes be awkward. But this is a truly great value, especially if you’re playing a lot of games on your TV.

Still great: Samsung QN90A NEO QLED

Samsung

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Specs

• Sizes: 50, 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches
• Backlight: Mini LED
• HDR: HDR10
• Wide Color Gamut: Yes
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 x 3, HDMI 2.1 x 1, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, RF (cable) Input, Optical, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Gaming Features: 120 Hz frame rate, FreeSync/G-Sync support

Pros

• Incredible picture
• Mini-LED
• Lots of sizes
• 120Hz and FreeSync support

Cons

• Only one HDMI 2.1 port

While this is technically last year’s model, it’s still more than capable of competing with the highest-end TVs on the market. Plus, since it’s a little older, you can probably get a really solid deal on it. The Samsung Q90A is, in every sense of the word, a top-of-the-line TV. The Mini-LED-lit panel produces an ultra-bright vibrant picture with strong color reproduction and has all the features you should hope for in a high-end TV, including Wide Color Gamut and a high refresh rate for gaming. 

In typical Samsung fashion, it also features a wide variety of special features, including Q-Symphony, a surround-sound feature that reduces audio lag with compatible soundbars, and Ultra Viewing Angle mode, which adjusts processing to reduce the impact of sitting off to the side. Whether or not you buy into the hype behind the buzzwords, the Q90A is a well-rounded TV with a killer look.

Best “budget” 8K: Samsung QN900A NEO QLED 8K

Samsung

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Specs

• Sizes: 65, 75, and 85 inches
• Backlight: Mini-LED
• HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Wide Color Gamut: Yes
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 1, Ethernet, composite video, composite audio output, RF (cable) Input, Optical
• Gaming Features: 120 Hz refresh rate, FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility

Pros

• 8K resolution
• Very bright
• Four HDMI 2.1 ports

Cons

• You don’t need an 8K TV
• Extremely expensive

That said, if you want an 8K QLED TV and don’t want to spend absolutely absurd money, the Samsung QN900A is the way to go. It delivers a bright picture thanks to its Mini-LED backlighting and has many great gaming features. (If you can use this TV to play 8K content in the foreseeable future, there’s a good chance you’ll get it through a PS5 or Xbox Series X.)

What is a QLED TV?

QLED stands for “Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes.” (Please do not ask me why the Q stands for two words.) Invented by Samsung, QLED is a display backlight technology that augments a conventionally backlit Liquid Crystal Display with a “transmissive” layer of tiny dots that enhance the screen’s color, brightness, and contrast. (Transmissive displays, like LCD, have multiple layers of different materials in front of the backlight to control how much and what kind of illumination gets transmitted through it.) Samsung’s QLED TVs also feature a Quantum processor that adjusts and maintains brightness and color accuracy moment-to-moment.

As a hybrid of LCD display and LED backlighting technology, QLED manages to overcome common issues with color accuracy, including a faded “blooming” effect around bright spots on your picture. In less technical terms, QLED TVs offer a sharper, brighter picture than conventional LCD or LED sets.

Importantly, new display technologies are frequently associated with QLED because it’s a new, high-end TV display design, but they are not part of the QLED screen stack. Most notably, many high-end QLED TVs feature Mini-LED backlighting. This separate display technology enables “local dimming,” or the ability for your TV to enhance or reduce its brightness in specific areas to enhance its contrast. We’ve described Mini-LED as an alternative to QLED and OLED TVs in the past, and technically it is, but companies frequently combine the two and market the tag-team as a high-end QLED TV. As we’ve seen with Samsung’s Neo QLED and LG’s QNED TV lines, QLED displays with Mini-LED backlighting tend to be the best of the best, at least for now.

Who makes QLED TVs?

As I mentioned before, the QLED design, integrating the Quantum Dot layer into an LCD screen, is a Samsung invention. Whenever you see a QLED TV, the actual display panel was made by Samsung. Because Samsung makes the displays, it is the biggest proponent of the technology and makes more QLED TVs than any other company. But Samsung is not the only company that offers QLED TVs. TCL, Hisense, LG, and Vizio all produce QLED models.

QLED vs. OLED

If you’re shopping for a TV right now, chances are there are three options in front of you: LED, QLED, and OLED. If you’re looking at a high-end TV, you’re really just choosing between QLED and OLED. OLED stands for “Organic Light-Emitting Diode.” Contrary to the name, however, it is not a variation of LED TV technology like QLED. OLED TVs can independently control the brightness of every point on the screen, allowing it to make colors more vibrant and achieve a “perfect” black tone by turning lights off completely. For this reason, you’ll never see the light bleeding through dark areas and washing them out. 

While OLED has become the preferred choice among critics for high-end TVs, QLED conveys several distinct advantages, while generating an incredibly high-quality picture when done right. First, QLEDs tend to get much brighter than OLED panels, making them better for rooms with lots of windows and outside light. Second, because QLED is a riff on LCD and LED technology, not a brand new thing, it tends to be less expensive. There are mid-range QLED TVs, but OLEDs only come in varying shades of expensive. (You may not notice that looking at our picks, though.) 

What to look for when picking the best QLED TVs

It’s important to keep in mind that there’s a wider range of picture quality and price among QLED TVs than there are among the best OLED TVs or the best TVs for gaming. The Quantum Dot has some benefits but isn’t a magic bullet. Ultimately, you judge the best QLED TVs the same way you would any other: by their picture quality. Is it bright enough? Are the colors vibrant, sharp, and accurate? Does it have the features you want for gaming or support for high-end audio gear? The best QLED TVs fit your specific space and viewing habits.

Size

Most people assume that a bigger TV is always better because they’re more expensive. Technically, that isn’t correct. The size of your TV should correspond to the size of the room when you plan to place it and how far away you will sit from your TV when you use it. If you sit too close to your TV, it may hurt your eyes over time. If you sit too far away, you may have trouble seeing the image’s fine details. There are a number of sites that offer screen size calculators to help you figure out how your TV will fit your space. Here are a few common sizes and distances:

• 42 inches – 5.9 feet
• 50 inches – 7 feet
• 55 inches – 7.7 feet
• 65 inches – 9.1 feet
• 75 inches – 10.5 feet

Does it have Mini-LED backlighting?

Frequently, the big difference between the very high-end QLED TVs and their budget-to-mid-range versions is the addition of Mini-LED backlighting, which greatly enhances the TV’s brightness and enables local dimming, or the ability to change the brightness of different parts of the screen, similar to an OLED TV. Its presence doesn’t automatically guarantee a stunning picture: Some TVs have more precise backlight control than others and a wider range of brightness. Still, even on its worst day, local dimming makes colors pop, making dark colors look darker and bright colors look brighter. 

It also maximizes High-Dynamic Range, a complimentary feature that adjusts brightness to make especially dark and/or bright light conditions look more realistic. A brighter TV is one of the main advantages of a QLED TV, especially at the top of the line, so looking for the highest possible NIT count, a unit of measuring brightness, and local dimming are important factors for telling the difference between QLED TVs at similar price points.

Resolution

There isn’t a whole lot to say about TV resolution in 2023. Almost all new TVs support 4K resolution or 3840 x 2160 pixels. And, frankly, you wouldn’t want to buy anything else at this juncture. There’s no reason to buy one of the few remaining 1080p TVs when even budget models from major manufacturers support 4K. While 8K TV exists, there’s little to no native 8K content yet. Though there will be some difference in picture quality thanks to digital upscaling, an 8K TV is more of a statement piece than anything else. (That said, there are still enough of them out there that I will recommend an 8K QLED, just in case.)

Color accuracy and Wide Color Gamut

Okay, we’ve gotten to the nerdy part. When you look at a wall of TVs in a store, and you can just tell that some look better than others but can’t really figure out why, it’s often a combination of better brightness, which we’ve discussed at length, and color accuracy. Color accuracy, in short, is your TV’s ability to accurately produce colors more representative of real life (or how they would look if that lightsaber was real instead of digitally generated). Measuring color accuracy requires special equipment, which is why it’s primarily discussed on forums and in reviews, but you can tell very clearly that it’s especially good when you look at an image of a flower and think, “That’s the reddest red I’ve ever seen.” You can also tell when it’s incredibly bad because you won’t be able to tell if the same flower is red or pink, orange, or purple. This is the No. 1 reason to go to a store and see a TV in person before you buy it. The specs related to color accuracy require a lot of technical know-how to use effectively, but your eyeballs won’t lie to you.

That said, there is one color-related feature worth looking for as you peruse different TVs, QLED or otherwise. Wide Color Gamut is often described as a complement to High-Dynamic Range, and it does exactly what it sounds like it would: It allows your TV to show a wider array of colors, allowing for more accurate reproductions of specific shades. It may allow you, as an example, to see the difference between seafoam green and teal rather than just a generic pastel blue-green. It also allows for more “bit depth,” which affects color saturation: Sometimes, a color should look supernaturally deep, and other times it should look faded. With Wide Color Gamut, the TV can get closer to both of those things.

Viewing angles

Another general TV feature that’s surprisingly important, but can feel hard to quantify or convey by description, it’s important to judge how a TV looks when you don’t sit directly in front of it. All TVs are designed for that perfect front-and-center viewing experience, but what happens when you have friends over, and someone’s sitting way off to the side? All TVs have some spots where the picture looks distorted, but some are better than others. Some companies, including Sony and Samsung, tout “wide viewing angle” TV modes that can improve things somewhat, but bad viewing angles cannot really be undone. 

Gaming features

The newest and rarest features on the premium TV are related to refresh rate, or the number of times your TV can redraw its picture every second. In video games, there’s a direct correlation between your TV’s maximum refresh rate and your game’s top frame rate. Most games on consoles run between 30 and 60 frames per second, and most TVs top out at 60Hz, so frame rate hasn’t been a technical concern for TV manufacturers until recently. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can run some games at 120fps, so players who want the best of the best will look for TVs capable of a 120Hz frame rate. You’ll also need HDMI 2.1 ports (and the appropriate HDMI cables) that have the bandwidth to support that level of fidelity to achieve that high bar. 

Lastly, some TVs also support variable refresh rate technology, which syncs the target frame rate of your game or computer with the screen’s frame rate for more efficient processing and fewer display-related glitches. There are two variable refresh rate standards, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync: The Xbox consoles support FreeSync, and PC players may want one or the other based on their hardware. The PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch don’t currently support variable refresh rates.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best QLED TVs

• Best overall: Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV
• Best budget: Hisense 65U8H QLED U8H Series Quantum 4K
• Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K
• Best for gaming: TCL 65-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini-LED TV
• Best slightly older model: Samsung QN90A NEO QLED
• Best “budget” 8K: Samsung QN900A QLED 8K

Looking forward, at least in the short term, I expect that QLED, rather than OLED, will be the technology that disseminates to more budget-friendly TV models. Since OLED is an entirely different type of screen technology, rather than an evolution of LED-backed LCD TVs, it stands to reason that it will scale down to cheaper TVs faster. In that sense, QLED is the TV of the moment, whereas OLEDs are the TV of the future. 

That’s all really just semantics and speculation, though. Don’t sweat it too much: There’s a whole world of technical screen quality analysis out there if you really want to dive in and figure out what TV has the best picture. It’s a serious investment of time and effort, though, so I think you’re better off taking what we’ve talked about, going to the store, and—armed with a little know-how—picking the TV that looks right to you. Because, if you’re like me, all the specs fall away as soon as the opening credits start rolling.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

More TV roundups to help you find the perfect set:

• Best 8K TVs
• Best TVs for gaming
• Best TVs for PS5
• Best OLED TVs
• Best Roku TVs
• Best TVs under $300
• Best TVs under $1,000
• Best 40-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 70-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best outdoor TVs

The post The best QLED TVs for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Memorial Day TV sales don’t get the credit they deserve. Sure, Black Friday is the grand champ for big cheap TVs, but there are some great deals to be had here on the unofficial start to Summer, too. The new models we first saw at CES are now on the shelves, and slightly older models are getting very solid discounts. You can find especially good deals on the high end of things. So, if you still happen to have some tax return cash kicking around, you can get yourself a great deal. So, grab a hot dog in one hand, your phone in the other, and shop the best Memorial Day TV deals in our big list below.

SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Neo QLED 8K QN800B Series Mini LED $1,597 (Was $3,299)

Samsung

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Do you need an 8K TV right now? Probably not. But, this TV offers everything you need for it to last years. And, thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivity, excellent upscaling, and all those pixels, you’ll get a fantastic picture whether you’re gaming or streaming.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual 8” Subwoofers (Wireless), 2 Rear Surround Speakers $999 (Was $1,299)

Makamichi

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Nakamichi makes some of the best wireless surround sound systems you can buy, and they’re at the cheapest prices we’ve ever seen for Memorial Day. This kit comes with a powerful soundbar, a pair of eight-inch subwoofers, and a pair of wireless surround speakers. This is a killer setup if you can justify the expense.

More Nakamichi deals

• Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel 1000W Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual 10″ Subwoofers (Wireless) & 4 Rear Surround Speakers $1,099 (was $1,499)
• Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual 10″ Subwoofers (Wireless), 4 Rear Surround Effects Speakers, eARC and SSE Max Technology $1,477 (was $1,899)

LG TV deals

• LG C2 Series 42-Inch Class OLED $896 (was $1,199)
• LG C2 Series 55-Inch Class OLED $1,196 (was $1,399)
• LG C2 Series 83-Inch Class OLED evo $3,996 (was $4,499)
• LG – 77″ Class B2 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,999 (was $2,499)
• LG – 65″ Class 80 Series QNED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,199 (was $1,299)
• LG – 65″ Class C2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,599 (was $1,699)
• LG – 77″ Class G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV with Gallery Design $3,399 (was $3,799)
• LG – 65″ Class G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV with Gallery Design $1,999 (was $2,199)
• LG – 65″ Class B2 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,299 (was $1,599)
• LG – 55″ Class C2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,199 (was $1,299)

Samsung TV deals

• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90B Series Mini LED $1,597 (was $2,297)
• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class QLED Q60A Series $897 (was $1,099)
• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class QLED Q80A Series $1,033 (was $1,597)
• SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class QLED Q80B Series $727 (was $999)
• SAMSUNG 50-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90C Series Neo $1,297 (was $1,597)
• Samsung – 65″ Class QN800 Neo QLED 8K UHD Smart Tizen TV $1,599 (was $2,699)
• Samsung – 65″ Class TU690T Series LED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV $449 (was $669)
• Samsung – 65″ Class Q60C QLED 4K Smart Tizen TV $899 (was $999)
• Samsung – 75” Class QN90B Neo QLED 4K Smart Tizen TV $1,799 (was $2,399)

Sony TV deals

• Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X90K Series $1,098 (was $1,499)
• Sony OLED 77 inch BRAVIA XR A80K Series 4K Ultra HD TV $2,798 (was $3,199)
• Sony Z9J 75 Inch TV: BRAVIA XR Full Array LED 8K Ultra HD Smart Google TV $2,799 (was $3,999)
• Sony – 65″ Class BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED Google TV $1,099 (was $1,299)
• Sony – 55″ Class BRAVIA XR A80K 4K HDR OLED Google TV $1,299 (was $1,499)

Other TV deals

• Insignia™ – 55″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $259 (was $399)
• Insignia™ – 65″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $349 (was $549)
• Insignia™ – 75″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $529 (was $749)

Home audio deals

• VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer $179 (was $219)
• SAMSUNG HW-B57 B-Series 4.1ch Soundbar w/Dolby Audio/DTS Virtual X, Game Mode, Wireless Bluetooth TV Connection, Rear Speaker Kit & Subwoofer Included $197 (was $249)
• Klipsch Cinema 400 Sound Bar + 8Inch Wireless Subwoofer with HDMIARC $269 (was $329)
• VIZIO M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar with 13 High-Performance Speakers, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Wireless Subwoofer $599 (was $798)
• JBL Bar 300: 5.0-Channel Compact All-in-one soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos $349 (was $399)

The post The best Memorial Day TV and home theater deals are a sweet sight appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna		SEE IT	The Antennas Direct 8-element Bowtie TV Antenna looks big, but it gets the job done and some for those with room.
Best budget		GE Outdoor TV Antenna		SEE IT	GE’s sturdy and affordable antenna should cover almost anyone.
Best long-range		Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna		SEE IT	The Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna gets better range than most.

The switch from cable and satellite to streaming services has led to a surprising comeback for a certain older piece of gear: the humble TV antenna. Digital streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max may have all the hot shows you want, but not your local network affiliates for regional news and sports. Fortunately, if you have an antenna, these stations are still broadcast for free. If you own your home or otherwise have safe access to bolt down a larger, fixed antenna, you will absolutely get better performance and more bang for your buck, which could be essential if you’re in a rural area and need that extra juice to pull in distant signals clearly. Choosing the best outdoor TV antennas can seem like an overwhelming task meant for technicians, but we’ve done that research for you so you can just choose the antenna best suited for your needs.

• Best overall: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna
• Best long-range: Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
• Best small: Winegard Elite 7550
• Best motorized: PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna
• Best budget: GE Outdoor TV Antenna

How we selected the best outdoor TV antennas

Compact, affordable indoor TV antennas have become a popular choice, allowing even apartment dwellers access to over-the-air (OTA) signals. However, traditional roof- or attic-mounted antennas still outperform their indoor counterparts, with the obvious physical advantage of being higher up and having less interference. You don’t necessarily need anything fancy: Mass cord-cutting—people moving away from cable and satellite to streaming services—is mostly a case of “out with the old, in with the new.” We’ve combed through consumer and critic reviews to find a consensus on the best-performing antenna on the market today, depending on various specific needs such as range, cost, or size. You can also make your own.

The best outdoor TV antennas: Reviews & Recommendations

If you are able to install an outdoor TV antenna on your roof, there’s really no reason not to these days. The best outdoor TV antenna gets you all the channels you want clearly. Why pay someone else for an inferior broadcast when you can get the better version directly for free? Here are the best outdoor TV antennas that we could find.

Best overall: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna

Antennas Direct

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Why it made the cut: The Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie is a powerful all-purpose antenna that should suit most people with room for it.

Specs

• Range: 70 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Attic/Outdoor
• Gain: 17.4Dbi

Pros

• Great performance
• Flexibility from multiple aimable panels
• Lifetime warranty on parts

Cons

• Large
• Includes mounting hardware but requires mount and coaxial cable

Antennas Direct’s 8-Element Bowtie antenna is not subtle. The four large lattices, stacked two-tall, side by side, stick out. But that’s the secret to its power! Its eight sensing elements are spread out across two independently rotating columns, allowing you the flexibility to either spread them out for wider coverage or focus them for a better signal in a single direction. Its listed range of 70 miles, 17.4 dBi gain, and flexible configuration make it a great all-purpose option, although it will typically require some additional hardware to mount and connect fully.

Best long-range: Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna

Five Star

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Five Star’s outdoor antenna reaches extremely far for its accessible price.

Specs

• Range: 200 miles
• UHF/VHF: both
• Installation: Outdoor
• Gain: 15 – 35 dB (boosted)

Pros

• Fantastic long-range performance
• 360-degree motorized coverage
• Mounting pole and hardware included

Cons

• Relatively complicated assembly and installation

The Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna makes it very clear that it can take in signals from any direction with its six reflector elements spread over three poles pointing outward from a central, motorized shaft. It boasts an impressive 200-mile range with a built-in signal booster, making this a great option for rural areas. It also includes wiring and hardware for attaching up to five televisions and a mounting pole. Although it does require a bit more assembly than other options, that reflects a lot more capability for people willing to put in a bit of work.

Best small: Winegard Elite 7550

Winegard

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Why it made the cut: Winegard’s Elite 7550 antenna performs extremely well, especially for its size.

Specs

• Range: 70 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Outdoor/attic
• Gain: N/A

Pros

• Great performance
• Excellent interference mitigation
• Compact

Cons

• Expensive
• Plastic construction and roof mount

Winegard has emerged as a big name in TV antennas for good reason, and the Elite 7550 is a great example of what you can get if you’re willing to spend more on a contemporary antenna. Although it doesn’t match the expansive range of some, it performs extremely well within its listed 70 miles, bringing in more and clearer channels than many other antennas. Much of its special sauce is the built-in mechanisms it has for reducing interference from competing signals, such as an LTE filter to cut out cell phone interference. This makes it great for cities or large towns where the problem is more likely to be an overabundance of signals in the air rather than reaching for distant, quiet ones. The only complaint we’ve seen consistently is that, despite promises that it is fully weatherized, many people have said the plastic construction and mounting hardware don’t feel as sturdy as they would like, which could be a concern if you live somewhere with more serious storms and winters.

Best motorized: PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna

Pingbingding

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Why it made the cut: PBD offers a more value-focused alternative to our long-range antenna that also covers every direction.

Specs

• Range: 150 miles
• UHF/VHF: both
• Installation: Outdoor
• Gain: 32-36 Db

Pros

• Excellent performance
• 360-degree motorized rotation
• Easy assembly
• Great price

Cons

• Complaints about remote control

PBD’s Digital Outdoor TV Antenna looks like a laser turret meant to shoot down rebel X-wings from the top of a Star Destroyer with its directional array and 360-degree motorized rotation, if you’re into that sort of thing. It features a great long-range antenna and comes at a relatively low price for the power and flexibility it offers. In contrast to our other, more expensive motorized antenna, the PBD also features very easy snap-on assembly that minimizes the need for tools. The only complaints we have seen are that some people have found the remote control for rotation to be imprecise or buggy but, across the board, it is a very dependably well-liked product.

Best budget: GE Outdoor TV Antenna

GE

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: GE’s Outdoor TV Antenna is a well-built, no-frills solid workhorse that doesn’t cost all that much.

Specs

• Range: 70 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Outdoor/attic
• Gain: N/A

Pros

• Easy setup
• Affordable
• Durable

Cons

• Ugly
• Unidirectional

GE’s Outdoor TV Antenna 29884 is as no-frills as its generic name would suggest, but often that’s all you need. It’s got solid performance at a 70-mile range that it even functions well in an attic, which you may want to do since it’s not too aesthetically pleasing. It only receives signals from the direction it’s pointed, with no rotation or omnidirectionality, so it may not be the best fit if you can pull in distant signals from multiple cities. In many cases, however, it’s more than good enough, especially for how much less you’ll pay than for some of the more expensive options on this list.

What to consider before buying the best outdoor TV antennas

Anyone looking to invest in an OTA TV antenna should start by learning a little bit about their local broadcast landscape. What stations are available at their address, along with info about broadcast frequency and, most importantly, the distance and relative strength. There are various free tools online for getting all this information, including AntennaWeb, and the FTC’s own DTV Reception Maps.

Over 95% of Americans have access to local affiliates of FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC, The CW, and PBS. Most will also likely have some combination of other broadcast stations like Ion, Telemundo, and MeTV. As a general rule, the closer you are to a major city, the more stations you will have closeby. Make note of the stations that you want to watch, and then find an antenna that can accommodate the most distant signals that matter to you.

SD, HD, or 4K?

Since the U.S. mandated that broadcasters transition from analog broadcasting to digital in 2009, the signal quality of OTA television has vastly improved. So much so that it is often less compressed (and so clearer and brighter) than the same channel being crunched down and sent over a landline as part of a cable package. Full HD (1080p) has become the current industry standard for most broadcasts, and all of the antennas we recommend can receive that signal. Some antennas also market the ability to process 4K broadcasts, but that isn’t something you really need right now. While 4K OTA broadcasting is possible, few networks do so. There’s little pressure to upgrade at the moment since the difference between SD and HD, which itself still feels fresh to many OTA watchers, is much more noticeable to the unaccustomed eye than the difference between HD and 4K.

Range

There are a few specifications that you really want to keep in mind when picking your antenna. At the top of the list, check out its maximum range. Your reception and picture quality for OTA channels will drop off if a station is near the outer edge of what your antenna receives. If you have channels on the edge, you may find yourself wanting a separate amplifier to boost the signal, but a higher maximum range is always better. 

Gain, expressed in decibels (dB), is a measure of how well a given antenna performs against a standard reference in picking up signals in a particular direction, ranging up into the 30+ dB on the very high end. More gain is better, as you might expect. Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t always list it. Other stats like impedance and voltage are often listed in ohms and hertz, respectively, but most TV viewers won’t find scrutinizing them to be extra effort, as they are quite technical.

UHF and VHF?

The other major capacity listed that may confuse a first-time buyer is Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF), which refers to the frequency bands at which particular signals are broadcast. Like air traffic control keeping planes from running into one another, these signals are managed by the FTC to ensure that different stations and other broadcast functions (such as cell or emergency) are all spread out at different points along the electromagnetic spectrum to avoid interfering with one another. 

As the names suggest, UHF is the higher-frequency band, and most TV stations live there. VHF is still very much in play, however. This will be listed along with each station in the above-mentioned online tools (with VHF often being divided into Hi-V and Lo-V), so that will give you a sense of what you should care about. Contemporary antennas are typically either UHF only or combined, with outdoor antennas being able to actually have separate dedicated elements to capture both. Even without dedicated VHF support, however, UHF antennas often end up capturing Hi-V signals regardless.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best outdoor TV antennas

• Best overall: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna
• Best long-range: Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
• Best small: Winegard Elite 7550
• Best motorized: PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna
• Best budget: GE Outdoor TV Antenna

There’s no better time than now to drop your cable or satellite TV subscription, and an HDTV outdoor antenna may be just what you need to finally pull the trigger. The exact type and model you need will depend on a number of factors, but you can rest assured that there is almost certainly a great option out there for you at a very reasonable price.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best outdoor TV antennas in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best outdoor		Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna		SEE IT	A solid workhorse that should be more than powerful enough.
Best indoor		Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro		SEE IT	Easily installed in a high corner with great range for an indoor antenna.
Best overall		Antop AT-800SBS-J HD Smart Panel Antenna		SEE IT	It has a long range and a 4G LTE blocker to minimize signal interference.

As cord-cutters are abandoning cable in droves for the ever-expanding world of digital subscriptions, one underdog technology making an unexpected comeback is the humble TV antenna. Netflix and Crunchyroll aren’t going to carry your local news or sports, but fortunately, your local stations are still providing them for free, in the air all around you! The quality of over-air images has continued to go up ever since switching from analog to digital, so it’s quite a bit better than your memories of futzing with set-top rabbit ears to find hints of coherence in the static. Just like setting up Wi-Fi within your home, the spatial nature of over-the-air television means you’ll need to be deliberate about your antenna choice and placement to get the most bang for your buck. Fortunately, we’ve done all that research for you and are here to walk you through everything you need to know to pick one of the best TV antennas for your home.

• Best overall: Antop AT-800SBS-J HD Smart Panel Antenna
• Best for outdoors: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna
• Best for indoors: Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro
• Best long-range: Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
• Best budget: 1byone Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna

How we chose the best TV antennas

With so many different particular needs to address, there isn’t really a single “best” TV antenna for that new OLED or QLED TV beaming entertainment into your home. We made our selections based on professional and consumer impressions, intending to cultivate a range of options that should suit the needs of most TV viewers in the United States, including options that will suit homes or apartments, rural areas or urban living, and more. These TV antenna reviews will help you find the best model for your needs.

The best TV antennas: Reviews & Recommendations

The best TV antennas are more powerful and accessible than ever. If you’re new to OTA television after a lifetime of cable or streaming and looking for an antenna for local channels, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how it looks. No matter your budget or needs, the best TV antenna to complete your setup is very likely here among the choices we’ve collected.

Best overall: Antop AT-800SBS-J HD Smart Panel Antenna

Antop Antenna Inc

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Antop’s indoor/outdoor AT-800SBS-J antenna is a versatile performer at a premium price.

Specs

• Range: 85 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Indoor/Outdoor
• Gain: N/A
• Size: 6 inches L x 10 inches W x 22 inches H

Pros

• Flexible indoor or outdoor configuration
• Includes both indoor stand and outdoor mounting pole
• Great reception

Cons

• Bulky
• Expensive

Antop’s AT-800SBS HD Smart Panel Antenna is one of the best-performing indoor/outdoor versatile antennas, making it our pick for best overall. This HD TV antenna has a long range, particularly for an indoor model, and has a 4G LTE blocker to minimize signal interference. When placed inside, the white box with protruding poles on either side seems a little gaudy. When mounted on a roof, it’s one of the nicer-looking antennas, though. This digital TV antenna is expensive, but it provides unparalleled flexibility and high performance.

Best for outdoor: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna

Antennas Direct

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie is a large, powerful, versatile outdoor antenna fit for almost anyone’s needs.

Specs

• Range: 70 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Attic/Outdoor
• Gain: 17.4Dbi
• Size: 36 inches L x 6 inches W x 48 inches H

Pros

• Great performance
• Flexibility from multiple aimable panels
• Lifetime warranty on parts

Cons

• Large
• Includes mounting hardware but requires mount and coaxial cable

Antennas Direct’s 8-Element Bowtie antenna is a solid workhorse that should be more than powerful enough for most people who have the space to mount it in an attic or, ideally, on the roof. Its eight separate antenna elements are split between four reflecting panels on two independently rotating shafts. These can be either aimed at a single target to better capture signals from a particular direction or spread out to catch a wider range. With a maximum range of 70 miles, 17.4 dBi gain, and flexible configuration, this outside TV antenna is a powerful all-purpose option. However, it requires some additional hardware to mount and connect fully.

Best for indoors: Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro

Mohu

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Why it made the cut: Substantially larger than most of its indoor competition, the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro stands out with great performance and convenient installation.

Specs

• Range: 65 miles
• UHF/VHF: UHF, Hi-V
• Installation: Indoor
• Gain: N/A
• Size: 21.5 inches L x 0.5 inches W x 12 inches H

Pros

• Easy setup
• Great performance
• Detachable cable

Cons

• Larger than comparable indoor antennas

Mohu is one of the biggest manufacturers of indoor TV antennas for a reason. The Leaf Supreme Pro measures a commanding 12 x 21.5 inches, so it’s hard to ignore its presence. It’s a very thin, flat panel, though, so it can be easily installed in a high corner and features reversible black and white sides to make it as discreet as possible. The coaxial cable is also conveniently detachable, meaning you can avoid an unsightly wire going up your wall when you’re not actually using it.

On the plus side, this antenna for smart TV gets great range for an indoor antenna and comes with a separate, USB-powered amplifier that noticeably improves performance. Thin, flat indoor antennas generally don’t do quite as well as their outdoor counterparts, but this wireless antenna for TV gets pretty close without many tradeoffs.

Best long-range: Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna

Five Star

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Five Star’s outdoor antenna reaches further than most, providing a fantastic range at a very reasonable price.

Specs

• Range: 200 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Outdoor
• Gain: 15 – 35 dB (boosted)
• Size: 17 inches L x 8 inches W x 7 inches H

Pros

• Fantastic long-range performance
• 360-degree motorized coverage
• Mounting pole and hardware included

Cons

• Not the simplest assembly process

In search of the best indoor TV antenna 100 mile range? The Five Star Outdoor Digital Antenna boasts 200-mile, 360-degree coverage and the hardware to back it up. It features six reflector elements spread across three poles on a motorized spoke, which can eke out as much coverage as possible. It includes wiring and hardware for attaching up to five televisions, perfect for a large, remote home. It conveniently also includes a mounting pole. It requires a bit more assembly than other options, but you get a lot of coverage for your time and effort. 

Best budget: 1byone Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna

1 BY ONE

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: 1byone’s Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna is inexpensive and barebones but solid if you just need the minimum.

Specs

• Range: 50 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Indoor
• Gain: 28 dB
• Size: 13.6 inches L x 10 inches W x 2.4 inches H

Pros

• Cheap
• Picks up nearby signals well

Cons

• Does deliver on advertised range
• Black on both sides and can’t be painted

For less than $30, 1byone’s Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna is a very good bargain for a short-range indoor antenna. The consensus from trusted sites and critics suggests that it works great for apartment dwellers living in or nearby cities. It’s also a regular Amazon bestseller at 3.9/5 with over 14,000 reviews because it’s a cheap antenna that does the job, which is all a lot of people need. Despite a perhaps overly bold Amazon listing boasting a 200-mile range—an unrealistic claim for an indoor antenna—the 1byone works very well within the manufacturer-stated reasonable 50-mile range. That should be more than enough if you just want free TV with antenna to get channels and don’t care about maxing out range or extra features that make it easier to hide.

What to consider before buying one of the best TV antennas

TV antennas are very simple to set up and use, but picking one and TV antenna installation requires a little advanced planning. At the very least, you should know whether you want an indoor or outdoor TV antenna. Traditional, roof-mounted outdoor antennas are substantially more powerful for picking up station signals over a wider range but require permanent installation on your roof or another high place and require outdoor cable management. It takes some work and isn’t an option for most renters and apartment dwellers.

If an outdoor antenna isn’t feasible, smaller wall- and window-mounted indoor TV antennas must be fastened to a high spot in your space. They offer a shorter range but are far more discreet and easy to install. Indoor antennas are almost all omnidirectional because all the local interference of walls and windows tends to even out any benefit you might get from a targeted antenna like one would on their roof.

What do you want to watch?

TV antennas can only pick up local broadcast channels. For most of the United States, an antenna should catch local affiliates of FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC, The CW, and PBS, which all reach over 95% of American homes. In addition, some areas may have broadcast channels like Ion, Telemundo, and MeTV, as well as various public access stations. The number of channels you can find with an antenna will vary widely depending on where you are, with more options as you get closer to a major city.

If you want to find out antenna TV channels by zip code, there are several free tools online, including AntennaWeb and DTV Reception Maps from the Federal Trade Commission. Input your address, and you can find what stations are nearby, and what kind of antenna you’ll need to watch them. They also include maps of when the signals are actually broadcast, which can be important for some outdoor antennas.

Won’t the image quality be bad, though?

If you’ve ever watched a TV with built-in “bunny ear” antennas, you might assume that a broadcast TV signal will come in faded, with crackly black and white static (like the opening line of Neuromancer). Fortunately, things have changed drastically since then. In 2009, the U.S. government mandated that TV stations transition from analog to digital broadcasting. As many cord-cutters have been pleasantly surprised to learn, digital signals broadcast over the air are often less compressed than the versions sent over landline by cable services. Major networks broadcast over the air (OTA) in Full HD, or 1080p, and many users claim their broadcast channels come in with brighter, crisper images and sound. You can find an HD free unlimited antenna to pick up those signals.

Why is this happening? Both cable and OTA transmissions will degrade over long distances, and cable signals often have to cover a much longer distance than your local station’s broadcast. Cable offers more channels, of course, but broadcast still has some utility.

Range and gain

There are two major specs you want to consider when looking at TV antennas: range and gain. An antenna’s maximum indicates how far away it can be from a station to pick up a broadcast signal. Generally speaking, having a higher range is always better. That said, some antennas boasting very high ranges achieve those stats using built-in signal amplifiers, which may not deliver stellar picture from stations out on the fringes of their extended ranges.

Gain, expressed in decibels (dB), measures how well a given antenna performs against a standard reference in picking up signals in a particular direction. As expected, a higher listed gain number means better performance, particularly with signals coming from the edges of your antenna’s range.

UHF and VHF

More than an underappreciated 1989 Weird Al vehicle, UHF (ultra-high frequency) and VHF (very-high frequency) are terms you’ll see while antenna shopping. They refer to the bands of frequency on which particular channels are broadcast. Most contemporary channels are on UHF, but there are still VHF broadcasts out there. 

This distinction mostly matters for outdoor antenna users, since most indoor antennas are UHF or combined, but even nominally UHF-only will usually pick up VHF stations regardless. The online tools for finding your local broadcasters mentioned above will include this information about each station. Many antennas are advertised explicitly for both. In general, this is only something you need to worry about if a critical mass of broadcasts you care about are VHF, especially Lo-V.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best TV antennas

• Best overall: Antop AT-800SBS-J HD Smart Panel Antenna
• Best for outdoors: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna
• Best for indoors: Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro
• Best long-range: Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
• Best budget: 1byone Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna

If you’re considering joining the cord-cutting wave or have done so and miss your local channels, a TV antenna could be the perfect way to round out your TV setup. The exact type and model you need will depend on several factors, but you can rest assured that there is almost certainly a great option out there for you at a very reasonable price.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best TV antennas for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Samsung Neo QLED QN90C		SEE IT	It produces a bright, vibrant image that’s suitable for all spaces and types of content.
Best budget		Hisense ULED U7H		SEE IT	This TV’s features and image quality perform well above its price.
Best OLED		LG C2		SEE IT	It’s only an 83-inch TV, but its image quality and performance make up for it.

The typical 85-inch TV offers screen real estate bigger than a typical twin mattress. That kind of massive display was strictly for the rich until just a few years ago. Now, massive TVs have gotten a lot more accessible. And while the floor on an 85-inch TV still hovers around $1,600, just imagine how impressive that gigantic screen would look in your living room. The Stranger Things monster would look life-sized. The movie Dune will put out enough light to give you a sun tan (not quite, but it will be really bright). While these TVs are inherently awesome thanks to their big screens, there are some differences between models. You likely don’t need a flagship model to make the most of your viewing experience, so you can probably save thousands of dollars by choosing the right model. These are the best 85-inch TVs we recommend right now.

• Best overall: Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C
• Best budget: Hisense ULED U7H QLED
• Best for gaming: Sony Bravia X90K
• Best OLED: LG C2
• Best LED: ​​SAMSUNG Crystal UHD CU8000 
• Best 8K: Samsung Neo QLED QN900C

How we chose the best 85-inch TVs

I have been writing about TVs and home theater equipment for the better part of two decades. Much of that work has appeared here on PopSci, but I have also covered it for Engadget, Sound & Vision, Men’s Journal, and numerous other publications. 

The selections on this list come from a mix of hands-on testing, spec sheet comparisons, editorial reviews, and user feedback. While we could have simply picked the flagship displays to represent the “best” overall picks, we looked for the optimal mix of image quality, features, and price. Our hands-on testing typically involves testing streaming content (as that’s the most common way to consume content right now), as well as Blu-ray playback and gaming performance tests done with a PlayStation 5. 

The best 85-inch TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re carefully choosing the correct panel for your home theater system or you’re just trying to get a quick reassurance that you’re about to make a solid Black Friday purchase, these picks for the best 85-inch TV have you covered. Be sure to read through them, as there is definitely some overlap between the awards.

Best overall: Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C

Stan Horaczek

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz (up to 144Hz in some cases with a PC)
• Other sizes available: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, and 75”
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 2 USB, Ethernet, headphone, optical audio out, RF
• Price: $4,499

Pros

• Excellent picture
• Bright enough for any space
• Robust smart TV offerings
• Neo QLED makes for high contrast ratios

Cons

• Ports on the back of the TV instead of Samsung’s remote box
• Pricey

Samsung’s typical QLED displays produce exceptional brightness and excellent color on their own. For its latest generation of Neo QLEDs, however, the company has integrated MiniLED backlighting in order to goose the contrast ratios and allow the TV to take finer control over how objects are rendered on-screen. In short, it’s just a beautiful picture. I spent some time watching Blu-rays and playing PS5 games during my review period and was impressed with the punchy picture that could still handle more subtle imagery without overpowering my eyeballs. Ghostbusters: Afterlife isn’t a great movie, but it does have some fast action scenes with lots of on-screen objects and the QN90C rendered them beautifully. It’s still not quite as precise as OLED, but it’s gettin’ closer.

This display also does an impressive job with sound. We typically always recommend augmenting any TV’s built-in sound with at least a soundbar (if not a full wireless surround sound system). This TV supports Dolby Atmos, and its built-in speakers allow it to localize sound without external equipment. So, if a helicopter is coming in from above, it actually sounds like it’s above everything else on the screen. This effect is cool at any size, but it’s particularly effective with a big 85-inch screen.

While the picture itself is what makes this TV stand out, it’s also flush with features. It offers four HDMI 2.1 ports, and it has a built-in gaming mode for cloud gaming. Perhaps the most impressive extra feature is the anti-glare coating on the screen. Even with an annoying amount of front light hitting the display, the Samsung does an effective job when it comes to combatting glare. If your TV room gets a lot of light, that can make a huge difference. Contrast ratio doesn’t mean much if all you can see is a reflection of your own body sitting on the couch with a bucket of popcorn propped on your gut (which is the official PopSci TV testing position).  

Best budget: Hisense ULED U7H QLED

Hisense

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Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Other sizes available: 55”, 65”, and 75”
• Ports: 4 HDMI (2 of which are 2.1), Ethernet, RF
• Price: $1,699

Pros

• Very affordable
• Excellent picture for the price
• Bright
• Full-array local dimming for better contrast

Cons

• Picture lags behind more expensive sets

You can sometimes find this 85-inch monster of a TV on sale for $1,500. That’s a wild price for a full-featured QLED like this one. The U7H relies on an array of small LEDs for its backlight, which provide precise control over which areas get illumination and which ones don’t. That leads to better overall contrast ratios and more pleasing images. Quantum Dots help pump up the overall brightness. 

It runs on the Google TV platform, which makes it more agnostic than some of the other first-party platforms. It also offers a more intuitive navigation that I find easier to get around than some competitors. 

Dig into the menus and you’ll find the Filmmaker and IMAX Enhanced modes, both of which attempt to make content look as close to the creator’s original intention as possible. The 120Hz refresh rate allows smooth action during sports or video games. But, it’s easy to tone down when you want to watch a movie without it looking like a soap opera. 

This TV really is an excellent mix of performance and features. It was a deal at its original $2,499 price point, but now that it’s often on sale, it’s practically a steal. Hisense technically offers an even more upscale version of this TV in the U8H series, but it has been nearly impossible to find the 85-inch version in-stock anywhere for any price.

Best for gaming: Sony Bravia X90K

Sony

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Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Other sizes available: 55”, 65”, and 75”
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 2 USB, Ethernet, RF
• Price: $1,999

Pros

• Exclusive features for PS5 players
• Short response time
• Excellent upscaling
• Google TV platform
• Modes specially calibrated for Netflix and other applications

Cons

• Not as bright as some other sets

It makes sense that Sony would make solid gaming TVs. After all, the company is responsible for one of the most popular gaming console lines of all time. This LED TV doesn’t rely on Quantum Dots. Instead, it relies on full-array local dimming to use its available brightness to the best of its ability. It can carefully control which areas of the screen get light and which ones don’t. I often find Sony’s picture quality a bit oversharpened and a little harsh for my specific taste, but I was easily able to tone it down during my demo to my specific taste. If you don’t want to do any tweaking, this TV offers specific modes, including various flavors of HDR, IMAX Enhanced mode, and a setting specifically calibrated toward streaming Netflix content. 

Hook up a PS5 to this TV and you unlock a few exclusive features. Those include Auto HDR tone mapping, which increases the overall picture quality and color reproduction that you’ll get from PlayStation 5 games. Auto Genre Switching also keeps tabs on what you’re watching and adjusts its performance to match appropriately. 

Beyond the gaming-specific features, you also get high-end specs that you’d expect from a TV that costs this much. You get HDMI 2.1 ports, Dolby Atmos support, and some of the best upscaling you’ll find, thanks to the powerful built-in processor.

Best OLED: LG C2

LG

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Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Other sizes available: 42”, 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, and 83” (they don’t technically offer a strict 85-inch TV).
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 2 USB, Ethernet, RF
• Price: $4,296

Pros

• Exceptional contrast ratio
• Great color reproduction
• Extremely slim display and attractive design
• Powerful processor for upscaling

Cons

• Not technically 85 inches
• Big OLEDs are still very pricey

OK, so this is technically an 83-inch TV, but you’ll hardly notice those two missing inches thanks to the truly exemplary image quality. The LG C2 is one of the best TVs you can buy at just about any size. It offers the deep black and shadow levels you expect from an OLED, but LG’s OLED Evo tech cranks up the maximum brightness. So, if you’re in a relatively bright room, you can still get an OLED and see what you’re watching before the sun goes down. 

The LG C3 technically debuted in January at CES 2023, but it isn’t a huge leap up from the C2, which you can currently get at a discounted price. You’re really buying an OLED for the contrast ratio, and it’s really hard to improve that much beyond what the C2 offers. 

Of course, you get the full suite of features to go with all that picture quality. LG’s fifth-gen processor offers excellent upscaling, so content looks good even if it’s not native 4K or HDR. You get four HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting data-hungry devices. And the panel itself is absurdly thin, so it’s easy to mount just about anywhere, even when you have a giant size like this.

The LG G3 also deserves a mention here, as it’s a truly excellent TV, but it’s considerably more expensive and won’t necessarily provide a huge noticeable upgrade for most people. It’s likely the best overall OLED, but it’s not the best mix of features for the price as far as this list is concerned. If money is no object, however, ball out with the G3.

Best LED: ​​SAMSUNG Crystal UHD CU8000

Samsung

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Other sizes available: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, and 75”
• Ports: 3 HDMI, 2 USB, Ethernet, RF
• Price: $1,695

Pros

• Very affordable even when it’s not on-sale
• Decent specs for the price
• Very good color reproduction
• Easy to mount
• Robust smart TV features

Cons

• Picture is mid compared to higher-end models
• Only 3 HDMI ports

If you’re worried more about size and price than other factors, this relatively barebones 85-inch TV should fit the bill nicely. Its retail price sits well under $2,000, and you can often find it discounted as low as $1,500. 

This is the big-box variant of Samsung’s TVs like the one you’ll see at department stores or price clubs. It relies on the company’s Crystal processor, which does a surprisingly solid job of upscaling lower-resolution content to fit the 4K display. It also does a lovely job with color replication, though its contrast ratio can’t match levels offered by its OLED or QLED competition. There are some other compromises as well. You only get three HDMI ports, and the included feet aren’t very sophisticated in terms of a TV stand. 

But, even with the caveats, this is still a great-looking TV. The panel is slim, the colors are poppy, it’s relatively bright, and there’s a whole lot of screen for not a lot of money. If you’re looking for a big TV on which you can watch movies in a relatively dark room, this will more than meet your needs and leave you with enough cash leftover to get some grub hub. I recommend pairing some Buffalo Wild Wings with the new sci-fi epic Silo on Apple TV+.

Best 8K: Samsung Neo QLED QN900C

Stan Horaczek

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 8K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Other sizes available: 65” and 75”
• Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 2 USB, Optical audio, RF, Ethernet
• Price: $7,999

Pros

• 8K detail is really impressive
• Future proof to an extent
• Powerful image processing
• Great color reproduction
• Ports sit on a remote box for easy installation
• Very skinny bezel

Cons

• Expensive
• No 8K content to really watch

You don’t need an 8K TV, but that may make you want one even more than you already do. An 8K picture contains more than 33 megapixels of information. Right now, very few sources can pump out that much image data at once. Advanced gaming consoles are slowly working their way up to 8K, but it’s going to be a while before streaming content starts making the leap. 

All of that said, Samsung’s 8K TV does look spectacular. It offers the company’s highest-end features. Everything from its connectivity to its image processor represents Samsung’s state-of-the-art tech. That image processor is necessary, too, as it can upscale 4K or even 1080p content all the way up to 8K with impressive accuracy. I spent a few hours streaming and playing PS5 games with it during my review period and was surprised by how effectively the TV took less-than-8K stuff and made it look great on such a high-res display. Horizon: Zero Dawn looked bright, poppy, and sharp with tons of detail. It also didn’t look wildly oversharpened like some TVs do when they’re working hard to upscale an image. 

This is truly a flagship TV, and while it’s definitely expensive and ahead of its time, it will last for years, when 8K may be much more reasonable. So, this is a solid option for anyone looking to really futureproof their purchase. It’s also great for people with money who just want to flex their cool 8K screen, even though it’s somewhat impractical. 

Things to consider when shopping for the best 85-inch TV

Backlight

At this point, just about every TV relies on LEDs for their backlight, but manufacturers use different varieties and configurations to achieve their desired effects. Typical LCD TVs employ LED arrays around the outside edge or across the entire face of the screen. Some manufacturers augment those LEDs with a Quantum Dots layer, amplifying the light output. As a result, these QLEDs typically offer a brighter, punchier picture. 

As Quantum Dot technology has evolved, manufacturers have mixed with me with backlight enhancements like MiniLED and MicroLED. By making the LEDs in the array smaller, the TV can take greater control over contrast on a very localized level while still maintaining excellent brightness, thanks to the Dots. When you see a qualifier like Neo QLED, you can expect this. 

All those TV technologies are considered transmissive as they involve a backlight shining through an LCD panel. OLED, on the other hand, is emissive, which means each pixel creates its own illumination. Organic Light-Emitting Diodes sit behind colored filters and push out the exact amount of light they need. Sometimes they even turn all the way off to create deep blacks in shadowy areas. As a result, OLEDs often produce phenomenal color and exceptional contrast ratios at the cost of overall brightness. OLEDs really are fantastic, but you’ll only find one on this list, as OLEDs don’t typically make it all the way up to 85 inches. They’re also still relatively expensive at normal sizes, so bigger panels can get a bit out of hand financially. 

Refresh rate

Most of the time, you’re going to be choosing between 60Hz and 120Hz when it comes to refresh rate. Higher-end models typically offer the faster 120Hz rate, while more affordable models stick to 60Hz. This stat simply refers to the number of times the on-screen image refreshes. 

The 120Hz displays can create smoother motion, which is great if you’re playing video games or watching sports. If you’re only watching movies and want a typical look for your content, those faster refresh rates may not matter that much at all. 

Some displays can reach all the way up to 144Hz in some specific modes, but that’s really only useful in some gaming situations.

Connectivity

What are you going to plug into your TV? If you’re going to plug in a 4K Blu-ray player, Xbox Series X/S, or PlayStation 5, you’re going to want to max out on HDMI 2.1 ports (and compatible cables) that can handle all the bandwidth they require for high-res playback. At this point, most major TV manufacturers offer a pretty standard selection of ports, but you’ll want to make sure that you have those HDMI 2.1 ports to maximum and future compatibility. 

Platform

Every modern TV is a “smart TV” at this point, but they’re not all equally intelligent or pleasant to use. Both LG and Samsung use their own proprietary smart TV platforms called webOS and Tizen, respectively. Sony often defaults to Google TV, while some manufacturers like TCL rely on the Roku platform. If you’re looking for a TV that doesn’t require an extra box for streaming, make sure you get one with an interface you don’t loathe using.

Resolution

If you’re going all the way up to 85 inches, you’re not going to find any 1080p TVs in current lineups. Just about all the best 85-inch TVs out there are 4K, which makes sense since it’s the current state of the technology. You will find some 8K displays out there, but you won’t find very much native 8K content to watch at all. If you want to futureproof your TV, you can splurge on an 8K set now, but we typically consider it overkill for most people. Though, we are talking about baller TVs here, so if you want to go all out and get an 8K display, then go for it. Just don’t expect to see a glaring difference between its performance and a 4K model on the vast majority of things you watch or play.

FAQs

Final thoughts about the best 85-inch TVs

• Best overall: Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C
• Best for gaming: Sony Bravia X90K
• Best budget: Hisense ULED U7H QLED
• Best OLED: LG C2
• Best LED: ​​SAMSUNG Crystal UHD CU8000 
• Best 8K: Samsung Neo QLED QN900C

It truly is wild how accessible 85-inch TVs have become in recent years. Earlier in my career, a popular electronics manufacturer had me take a car service out to New Jersey to see their 70-inch plasma TV, which cost $22,000 and couldn’t stay on for more than a couple of hours because it would raise the temperature of the room and overheat. Now, you can get an 85-inch TV for less than a tenth of that price, and it comes with free shipping. 

The best 85-inch TVs offer all of the features you want out of a flagship display with enough screen real estate to really show off your favorite content. If you have the room and the cash to make it happen, an 85-inch TV is about as hard as you can ball out on a TV, and we wholeheartedly recommend it.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best 85-inch TVs for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Samsung 55-inch Class QLED The Terrace Outdoor TV		SEE IT	This television is IP55 rated and features 4K QLED for excellent picture quality.
Best budget		SunBriteTV 43-inch Outdoor Television for Shade		SEE IT	Its picture quality is high despite its low price.
Best for partial sun		Furrion Aurora Partial Sun Series Outdoor TV		SEE IT	A self-adjusting screen means more time watching TV and less time fiddling with settings.

Whether you’re looking to throw a socially distanced outdoor Grammys watch party, or you just want to watch the latest episode of The Bachelor or RHOBH with a breeze on your face, a TV on the patio is a great way to entertain and get some fresh air at the same time. Most standard TVs can’t withstand the elements, and not all outdoor TVs offer the same level of protection and versatility. Some work on covered patios and decks, while others can handle full exposure to rain and snow. Sunlight makes a difference, and most TVs will fall under one of three categories: shade, partial sun, and those that will offer great picture quality no matter what the conditions are. Other factors to consider when shopping for an outdoor TV are size, sound quality, and price. With so many options out there, choosing the right one can be a little confusing, but we’re here to help you find the best outdoor TV for all your viewing needs.

• Best overall: Samsung 55-inch Class QLED The Terrace Outdoor TV
• Best with a soundbar: Furrion FDUP55CSA 55″ Aurora Partial Sun Outdoor TV Bundle with 2.1-Channel Soundbar
• Best for shaded areas: SunBriteTV Weatherproof Outdoor 55-inch Veranda
• Best for partial sun: Furrion Aurora Partial Sun Series UHD LED Outdoor TV
• Best budget: SunBriteTV 43-inch Outdoor Television for Shade

How we chose the best outdoor TVs

As pool lovers, grill geeks, and float fanatics, we’re excited about everything outdoorsy. We looked at critical reviews and consumer impressions, along with important features like weatherproofing and anti-glare technology, to narrow down the best outdoor TVs. We then took that list, culled through pages of specs and opinions from the most trusted sources, and selected the top six options we’re presenting to you.

The best outdoor TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

From enjoying America’s pastime in prime time to movie nights under the stars, the best outdoor TVs can handle it all. After plenty of research, here are our outdoor television picks. All you’ll need is some popcorn and a cooler full of drinks and you’ll be entertaining in no time.

Best overall: Samsung 55-inch Class QLED The Terrace Outdoor TV

Amazon

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: An IP55 rating and 4K QLED ensure durability and excellent screen quality.

Specs

• Sizes: 55″, 65″ 75″
• Resolution: 4K, 8K
• Anti-glare: Yes

Pros

• Excellent screen quality
• Intuitive

Cons

• Decrease in quality at outer angles

With a 55-inch screen utilizing QLED technology, this Samsung TV is our pick for best outdoor TV overall. Equipped with smart TV technology, this TV lets you easily stream your favorite sports and movies without having to buy a separate device. Although its anti-glare technology and exceptional brightness levels mean that it works well on sunny days, you may notice a decrease in quality at the outer angles if you have very wide seating. Overall though, it’s no surprise that Oprah named The Terrace one of her favorite things in 2020.

Best with soundbar: Furrion FDUP55CSA 55″ Aurora Partial Sun Outdoor TV Bundle with 2.1-Channel Soundbar

Amazon

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This outdoor television combines excellent sound quality with clear audio.

Specs

• Sizes: 55″
• Resolution: 4K
• Anti-glare: Yes

Pros

• Included soundbar
• Works in a wide temperature range
• Daytime and nighttime viewing settings

Cons

• Pricey

While picture is important for consuming quality content, audio also plays a similarly huge role. This 55-inch outdoor TV offers all the features you’d expect out of a high-end model, including 4K, HDR, and a display that’s rated against weather, temperatures, and even impacts. It also, however, comes with a relatively powerful 75W Bluetooth soundbar that mounts directly with the TV itself. It’s easy to connect and adds serious audio oomph that will really make a difference when you’re trying to watch the latest James Bond movie and birds won’t stop screaming in your yard. Even if you’re not going to use the TV, you can hook up your phone to the soundbar and use it as an outdoor speaker for playing music.

Best for shaded areas: SunBriteTV Weatherproof Outdoor 55-inch Veranda

Amazon

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A backlit 4K HDR screen and an aluminum case make it a welcome addition to your covered patio.

Specs

• Sizes: 43″, 55″, 65″, 75″
• Resolution: 4K
• Anti-glare: No

Pros

• Durable
• Multiple sizes
• Built-in speakers

Cons

• Is not a smart TV

This model from SunBriteTV is durable enough to live in a shaded area like a covered porch but won’t get damaged by wind, rain, dust, and stray insects. The 55-inch screen is up to 50-percent brighter than your typical indoor TV and comes with excellent built-in speakers. Unlike some of its more expensive rivals, this outdoor screen isn’t a smart TV, but it’s easy to connect multiple media sources to it through its three HDMI ports and single USB port.

Best for partial sun: Furrion Aurora Partial Sun Series 43-inch 4K UHD LED Outdoor TV

Furrion

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A self-adjusting screen means less time fiddling with settings and more time enjoying the sun.

Specs

• Sizes: 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″
• Resolution: 4K
• Anti-glare: Yes

Pros

• Built-in fans
• Self-adjusting screen
• Waterproof remote
• Streaming ready

Cons

• Not the loudest speakers

This Furrion HDR10 LED outdoor TV is a terrific choice if you’re watching in an area that gets partial sun. In fact, the 400 nits screen will even adjust itself according to how much light it’s getting, so there’s no need to constantly fiddle with the brightness settings. It’s IP54 rated for when it does rain and has built-in cooling fans for when it’s hot. And if your weather gets a bit intense, you’ll be happy to know the screen comes equipped with enhanced protection against scratches and impacts thanks to XtremeShield IK08-rated tempered glass.

Best budget: SunBriteTV 43-inch Outdoor Television for Shade

Amazon

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This television is hard on the elements but easy on your wallet.

Specs

• Sizes: 43″, 55″, 65″, 75″
• Resolution: 4K
• Anti-glare: Yes

Pros

• Weatherproof media bay included
• Powder-coated rust-proof aluminum exterior
• Easy cable hookups

Cons

• Sound doesn’t travel as far compared to others

The smallest and least expensive option in the SunBriteTV Veranda line, this unit is designed to be enjoyed in the shade but can withstand rain, snow, dust, insects, and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at it. The Ultra 4K HDR LED screen delivers a crisp picture that’s 50-percent brighter than a standard TV and is perfect for patios, screened-in porches, and covered decks. This SunBrite TV comes with a large weatherproof media bay so whatever you plug into it will be protected as well.

What to consider when buying the best outdoor TVs

Before you bust out the snacks at your next shindig, there are a couple of things you’ll need to think about when choosing the best outdoor TV for your space. For example, if you plan on watching your new set under your porch, you probably won’t need a model that offers the same level of waterproofing and anti-glare technology as a full sun option.

Placement

Sun exposure is a major consideration when choosing an outdoor TV. Partial sun models might have some glare, and some will only deliver a great picture if they’re in the shade.

However, the picture might not be the only thing that suffers if you aren’t choosy about your new TV. Models designed to be enjoyed under a covered porch may not be as resilient to extreme weather conditions as ones that are meant to live in a backyard. In some cases, it may be wise to invest in a cover, just as you would for your grill or ping pong table.

TV size

If you want to keep everyone from invading each other’s personal bubble, but don’t want your guests squinting to see the game, a huge outdoor TV will keep everyone entertained and safe at the same time. Plus, if you’re a movie buff, a large TV is terrific for simulating the fun of a drive-in without leaving your home. Just remember, the bigger the TV, the bigger the price tag.

Audio quality

When you’re shopping, make sure you pay attention to audio quality. Some models don’t come with built-in speakers, meaning you’ll have to connect them to something else unless you just plan on watching old, silent movies. Other models come with speakers but deliver less quality.

One way to make sure that you don’t end up straining your ears is to find an outdoor TV that comes equipped with a soundbar. A soundbar (also known as a media bar), is a speaker that is wider than it is tall and delivers superior audio quality when mounted above or below the TV. In a pinch, you could also pair waterproof Bluetooth party speakers with your TV, and then be ready when the party migrates to the pool.

Amount of shade and sun

If you plan on enjoying your TV on a screened-in porch or in a covered gazebo, there may not be a reason to shell out extra money on the latest anti-glare technology. The best outdoor TV is suited for where you’re watching it—there are great options that work in the shade while still offering protection from temperature shifts, rain, insects, and dust.

If you have a covered porch that receives some amount of light but isn’t directly exposed to the sun, consider a partial shade TV. These models will have brighter screens compared to shade-friendly TVs and will offer more protection against glare.

Price

Although outdoor TVs have come down in price considerably over the past couple of years, they’re still relatively expensive compared to standard models. The cheapest outdoor designs are not designed to truly live outside. In fact, some won’t work at all if they aren’t in the shade because the glare from the sun will make it impossible to see what’s on the screen.

If you’re just looking for a TV to watch on your covered deck or screened-in porch, look for options that are durable enough to be (partially) exposed to the elements. And expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,500, depending on brand, size, and features.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best outdoor TVs

Enjoying your television in the great outdoors can be a wonderful change of pace, especially after a year of being cooped up inside. The most important thing to consider when shopping for the best outdoor TV is where you’re going to watch it because different models can handle different conditions. A TV built for shade is not recommended for sun exposure. Likewise, one that is meant to be watched in the sun will probably be wasted sitting under a covered porch.

More TV roundups to help you find the perfect set

• Best 8K TVs
• Best TVs for gaming
• Best TVs for PS5
• Best OLED TVs
• Best QLED TVs
• Best Roku TVs
• Best TVs under $300
• Best TVs under $1,000
• Best 40-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 70-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs

The post The best outdoor TVs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best budget		Vizio D-Series		SEE IT	An all-around solid TV for the price.
Best overall		TCL UHD Smart LED TV		SEE IT	One of the best TVs in this category when it comes to image quality.
Best for smaller spaces		Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA		SEE IT	Quality image in a smaller unit.

Just a few years ago, the best TVs under $300 weren’t much to write home about. You could get the tiny plasma TV Michael Scott had on the wall of his condo in The Office. The TV experience has, by and large, gotten more accessible and affordable in the past few years, with many options available that provide nice upgrades without demanding staggering financial commitments. It comes down to understanding what kinds of bells and whistles you want (or are willing to do without), the size of the space you’re looking to fill, brands you like, and other key factors—each of which will help you narrow your search and ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s how to get the best TVs for under $300.

• Best overall: TCL UHD Smart LED TV
• Best all-in-one: Amazon Fire TV
• Best for sound quality: Insignia NS-42F201NA22
• Best for smaller spaces: Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA
• Best for streaming: Hisense 43A6G
• Best budget: Vizio D-Series

How we chose the best TVs under $300

We narrowed down our choices for the best TVs under $300 by reviewing product specifications, personal experiences, peer suggestions, professional reviews, and user impressions, then we selected our picks by carefully evaluating each product based on the following criteria:

• Reputation of the manufacturer: Is the brand well-known and respected in the field of TVs?
• Image quality: 4K is increasingly attainable at this price point
• Versatility: Do these TVs give you options as to how you mount or display them? 
• Entertainment offerings: Is this just a TV, or is it a smart TV platform capable of accessing various streaming, music, and gaming apps? 
• Price: Is the price fair?
• Customer reviews: How have customers rated the product?

The best TVs under $300: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: TCL UHD Smart LED TV

TCL

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: TCL has a reputation for delivering top-tier picture quality without exorbitant prices, making them a great entry point for those looking to upgrade without a lot of hassle. 

Specs

• Weight: 16.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 38.2 x 22.4 x3 inches without stand; 38.2 inches x 24.5 inches x 7.6 inches with stand
• Screen size: 43”

Pros

• Full 4K display
• Roku streaming built-in
• Voice-controlled searching
• Lots of I/O: 3 HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out inputs
• Easy to use, right out of the box

Cons

• Attachable legs can be wobbly and unstable

TCL has a strong reputation for delivering TVs that provide quality imagery upgrades without costing huge amounts of money. The company’s Roku smart TVs will have even a novice set up and streaming right out of the box, with only a Wi-Fi connection needed. Its multiple HDMI and USB inputs, as well as other ports, make it flexible with multiple devices and allow you to make subtle improvements (such as by adding a soundbar, which is recommended). 

If you have the ability or option to mount the TCL, that may be a preferable route to take as the legs (which easily screw on the bottom of the unit) often feel a little unstable, and could be risky on narrow TV stands. But with a voice-control remote and endless streaming options available through the internal Roku, it’s a great option for the budding cord-cutter and for instant family movie nights. 

Best all-in-one: Amazon Fire TV

Amazon

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The phrase “most bang for your buck” gets thrown around a lot, but it really does apply to this affordable 4K TV that brings decent screen size, dynamic resolution, and flexible entertainment options. 

Specs

• Weight: 15 pounds without stand
• Dimensions: 38.1 x 22.3 x 3.5 inches without stand
• Screen size: 43”

Pros

• Supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus
• 4 HDMI ports (3 HDMI 2.0 + 1 HDMI eARC 2.1)
• Remote can sync with Amazon Alexa
• Dolby Digital Plus speakers

Cons

• Can lose sharpness in brightly-lit rooms
• Blue “standby” LED light cannot be turned off

The Amazon Fire TV is designed to be the focal point of a smart home. Its HDMI 2.1 port makes it compatible with higher-resolution sources and its ability to sync with Alexa allows for voice-control options, while it can also wirelessly connect to Echo speakers for a nice audio boost—all of which make it well-suited for movies, gaming, as well as music streaming. It’s an all-in-one entertainment option at a great price. 

It should be noted, though, that brighter rooms can dilute the TV’s darker areas, turning what should be sharp blacks into more gray, and users have complained about the omnipresent LED light that never seems to turn off, which can be a concern if you’d rather your family room wasn’t constantly bathed in blue. But overall this is a versatile and functional entertainment unit that, for under $300, outperforms its price tag. 

Best for sound quality: Insignia NS-42F201NA22

Insignia

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Typically, lower-priced TVs sacrifice the audio … but not in the case of this affordable Insignia screen.

Specs

• Weight: 20.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 37.4 x 23.5 x 8.7 inches
• Screen size: 42”

Pros

• Built-in DTS TruSurround audio complements the 1080p LCD display
• Alexa voice-enabled search
• Smart home compatible
• 2 HDMI ports (1 ARC)

Cons

• Fire TV OS can freeze with unstable or weak Wi-Fi connection

Finding a lower-priced television that can provide you with decent enough sound to make the purchase of a soundbar or external speakers a luxury you won’t necessarily need isn’t easy, which is why Insignia makes the list. Its built-in DTS TruSurround audio won’t blow your eardrums out, but it’s a lot better than a lot of televisions in the same size and price range. 

The Insignia provides a solid, if not spectacular, 1080p HD viewing experience, while the pre-installed Fire TV app makes syncing with other Amazon devices, such as Alexa or Echo speakers, extremely intuitive and user-friendly. However, if you are not an Amazon Prime member, you may find the TV’s insistence that you log in (and its constant surfacing of content you need to pay extra for) a little annoying. 

Best for smaller spaces: Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA

SAMSUNG

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Why it made the cut: Samsung is, obviously, a known and trusted name when it comes to TVs, so it’s not surprising that they deliver a lower-priced, lower-sized option that still delivers a sharp picture and smart TV capabilities. 

Specs

• Weight: ‎15.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 36.3 x 20.9 x 2.9 inches without stand
• Screen size: 40”

Pros

• Sharp PurColor 1080p image
• Mico-dimming technology helps enhance shadows and contrasts
• Can work with SmartThings app to sync with other smart home devices

Cons

• Some limitations on streaming app availability
• Image can depend on the strength or stability of the Wi-Fi connection

Sometimes you just need solid and dependable. Luckily, this Samsung offers both. Although it doesn’t bring a flashy 4K display and a lot of bells and whistles of the brand’s QLED flagships, it does have a sharp, dynamic 1080p display with surprisingly crisp colors and details, and its hardware—both leg stands and wall-mounts—ensure it’ll fit easily into smaller areas like bedrooms or offices. 

It may not have every single streaming platform (customers have complained that, for example, Hulu is not a compatible platform at the moment), it does have a large range of pre-installed apps as well as nearly 50 additional apps available for download ranging from free to subscription-based.

Best for streaming: Hisense 43A6G

Hisense

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Why it made the cut: The Hisense was made with fast-paced sports action in mind, and delivers clear visuals optimized to take full advantage of any live broadcast no matter what game you’re in to. 

Specs

• Weight: ‎19.16 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎42 x 25 x 5 inches
• Screen size: 43”

Pros

• Motion Rate 120 image processing automatically adjusts the 1080p FHD LCD screen for high-speed broadcasts
• “Game mode” helps cut down on lag during video game play
• Android TV enabled

Cons

• Heavy

The Hisense TV is designed with games—both watching and playing—in mind, and caters to those looking to switch seamlessly between a live sports broadcast on TV and an in-game meet in your favorite console game. Its Motion Rate 120 image processing software promises smooth, high-speed visuals, without lag or blur, so you never miss a beat. Colors are bright and crisp and true, and the built-in Dolby audio speakers are surprisingly effective. 

This is generally a pretty rock solid TV, even if you’re not the world’s biggest sports fan. The only real issue might be that it’s about 5 pounds heavier than other, similar TVs in this size and price range, which could impact where you mount or stand it. Otherwise, this is a solid contender. 

Best budget: Vizio D-Series

VIZIO

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Why it made the cut: An all-around solid 32-inch TV for the price, featuring Vizio’s SmartCast technology that allows for streaming without any additional hardware needed and a bright backlit LED display.

Specs

• Weight: 8.99 pounds
• Dimensions: 28.59 x 4.66 x 19.02 inches
• Screen size: 32”

Pros

• Full 1080p display
• Built-in Smart TV technology
• “V-Gaming Engine,” which means that the monitor optimizes picture mode for gaming automatically 

Cons

• Built-in speaker quality is weak
• Image can be choppy with weak or unreliable Wifi connections

Featuring a lightweight construction and sharp image even at 32 inches, the Vizio is a decent all-around option if you’re looking for an affordable smart TV. With just an internet connection, you can get a lot of the experience, including instant access to channels such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu (with subscriptions, of course). The sound quality is a little subpar and could benefit from a boost courtesy of external speakers or a soundbar. 

The automatic adjustment to gaming mode is a selling point for those who anticipate flipping between TV viewing and consoles repeatedly, or for those looking for a primary gaming hub. Lag can be an issue, though, so ensure you have the Vizio connected to a strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection. 

What to consider before buying one of the best TVs under $300

Let’s start off with one very important reality: In the under-$300 price range, you’re not going to have unlimited options. That said, you will still have some choices among the best TVs under $300 when it comes to size and resolution, which are the two biggest considerations when investing in a new TV.

Resolution

There are really only two options you need to consider when looking for an HD TV in this price range: HD/1080p or 4K. HD/1080p TVs are ideal if you’re looking for a TV that is 32 inches or smaller. At that size, you’ll get a crisp, clear 1920×1080 pixel image and won’t want for the extra boost you’d get from 4K. When you get into the 50-inches to 55-inches range, however, this is where you’ll want to opt for 4K to get the best picture possible, with its 3840×2160 pixel image. No, you won’t find OLED technology at this price point, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a compelling picture from one of the best TVs under $300.

Size and space

Size consideration extends beyond just wall space and the desire to have the most eye-popping presentation possible. You need to consider, in tandem, the space of the room where the TV will live, in order to judge the proper seating distance from it to ensure optimal (and healthy) viewing. 

• For a 32-inch TV, you’ll want to sit about 2 ½ to 4 feet away at 4K (2 ½ feet at 1080p)
• For a 40-inch TV, you’ll want to sit about 3 to 3 ½ feet away at 4K (5 feet at 1080p)
• For a 50-inch TV, you’ll want to sit about 4 to 6 1/2 feet away at 4K (6 1/2 feet at 1080p)
• For a 60-inch TV, you’ll want to sit about 5 to 7 1/2 feet away at 4K (7 1/2 feet at 1080p)

Use

Your TV usually has to pull double- and triple-duty these days, so you’ll also need to consider whether you’ll be streaming vs. watching via cable hook-up (which may necessitate purchasing an add-on streaming device, like an Apple TV 4K, if you select a non-smart TV), whether you’ll be gaming, and how many devices you expect to have plugged in at one time.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best TVs under $300

A great viewing experience can be had for a relatively low cost, with the price of HD technology having come down to more accessible levels in recent years. Knowing exactly what you want also goes a long way toward pinpointing the best TVs under $300 and the one that’s right for you.

More TV roundups to help you find the perfect set

• Best 8K TVs
• Best TVs for gaming
• Best TVs for PS5
• Best OLED TVs
• Best QLED TVs
• Best Roku TVs
• Best TVs under $1,000
• Best 40-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 70-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best outdoor TVs

The post The best TVs under $300 of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

A few years ago, I bought an Amazon Fire TV stick on Prime Day because it was really cheap. I chucked it in my travel bag, and I have used it countless times since then to stream my favorite content on random hotel TVs, at friends’ houses, and even one time at the office, just because I could. It saves me the trouble (and security risk) that comes with logging into public devices. Right now, you can also save money alongside your personal identifiable information because Amazon has all of its Fire TV Stick streaming devices for nearly 40% off, so there has never been a better time to get a streaming stick specifically for use on the road.

Fire TV Stick, $19 (Was $29)

Amazon

SEE IT

This is the most basic Fire TV Stick Amazon offers, but that’s perfect if you plan to chuck it in your bag and forget about it. This package includes a tiny Amazon Fire TV Stick with 8GB built-in storage and a basic remote for navigating the menus. I typically just use the app to navigate, however, so I don’t have to bother with the remote.

This Fire TV Stick’s Bluetooth connection also allows you to connect Bluetooth noise-canceling earbuds in case you’re traveling with someone else from work and you want to block out their incessant snoring with episodes of Super Store you’ve already seen a million times.

Fire TV Stick 4K Max, $34 (Was $54)

Amazon

SEE IT

If you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks, you can get the Fire TV Stick Max, which can output 4K content, navigates menus up to 40 percent faster, and comes with a more robust remote. It also has WiFi 6 compatibility, so if you have access to a faster network, you’ll actually be able to take advantage of it.

More Amazon Fire TV Stick deals

• Fire TV Cube $124 (Was $139)
• Fire TV Stick $24 (Was $39)
• Fire TV Stick 4K $31 (Was $49)

The post This $20 Amazon Fire TV Stick deserves a spot in your summer travel kit appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

When they debuted a few years ago, the LG C-series OLED TVs quickly established an impeccable reputation for their vibrant color reproduction, exceptional contrast ratio, and minimalist design. The C2 carries on that tradition, and Amazon currently has several sizes of this killer TV for their lowest prices in … well, forever. That includes the 65-inch model for just $1,396 and the 55-inch display for $1,066. The 48-inch is the real standout, however.

LG C2 55-inch OLED TV, $826 (Was $1,299)

LG

SEE IT

Just a few years ago, a thousand dollars wouldn’t get you an OLED TV in any size. Now, Amazon has one of the best around for just $826. The C-series TVs offer a ton of desirable bells and whistles that lower-end models miss out on. This TV has four HDMI 2.1 ports, which means any socket will let you get the most out of high-res, high-frame-rate devices like the PS5 or the Xbox Series X. Want to play games at 4K 120 fps? This TV can handle it, no problem. It also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which helps fast-action games run without on-screen weirdness or lag.

This TV offers LG’s a9 Gen 5 processor, which excels at upscaling content to fill the entire 4K resolution. Plus, you get access to Filmmaker Mode, which dials in the TV’s color and brightness settings to make movies look as close to the creator’s original vision as possible. This isn’t just an OLED TV. It uses LG’s OLED evo tech, which makes the picture even brighter than a typical OLED.

This is one of the best TVs on the market full-stop, and this is definitely one of the best prices we’ve seen for most of these sizes. These will likely sell out at this price, so don’t sleep on it.

More OLED TV deals

While we’re big fans of the LG C2 OLED, there are some other OLED TVs currently on sale. Here are the ones worth your consideration:

• LG B2 55-inch OLED TV $996 (Was $1,096)
• SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class OLED 4K S95B Series $1,299 (Was $2,197)
• Sony OLED 77-inch BRAVIA XR A80K Series 4K Ultra HD TV $2,898 (Was $3,199)
• Sony OLED 65-inch BRAVIA XR A80K Series 4K Ultra HD TV $1,798 (Was $2,299)
• LG 77-Inch Class OLED B2 Series TV $1,899 (Was $2,296)
• LG 65-Inch Class OLED B2 Series TV $1,099 (Was $1,496)
• Sony 55 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV A95K Series $2,498 (Was $2,999)
• LG Signature 88-inch Class OLED Z2 Series 8K Smart TV $25,493 (Was $25,899. I know this one isn’t a huge discount, but it would be pretty crazy if you bought a $25,000 TV because you saw this post. Also, thanks for reading this far.)

The post Get one of the best OLED TVs for less than $1,000 right now at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable		SEE IT	AmazonBasics keeps it simple and cheap, which makes the brand’s HDMI cable hard to beat.
Best HDMI 2.1		Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed		SEE IT	Among certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, Zeskit delivers top quality at an accessible price.
Best long cable		Monoprice High Speed Active		SEE IT	Monoprice’s dependable and inexpensive cables are the way to go when running HDMI over long distances.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is one of the most common A/V connectors for TVs and monitors, and HDMI cables going away anytime soon. Whether you’re a gamer, a cinephile, or a sports fan, you want bright, clean images at high frame rates. A sub-par HDMI cable can needlessly hold your media devices back. You may have seen “HDMI 2.1” and tensed up at the prospect of yet another changing technical standard with which to keep up. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it seems. We’re here to help make sure you can find the best HDMI cable to suit your particular audio-visual needs.

• Best overall: AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable
• Best HDMI 2.1: Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed
• Best flat cable: Ultra Clarity Flat 4K High Speed
• Best 90-degree cable: UGREEN HDMI elbow cable
• Best micro HDMI cable: BlueRigger Micro HDMI
• Best long cable: Monoprice High Speed Active
• Best 10K: EZQuest Ultra HD HIGH Speed HDMI 10K 60HZ Cable

How we chose the best HDMI cables

As you make expensive upgrades to your home entertainment system with the latest and greatest 4K television, a PlayStation 5, and an incredible surround sound system, you’ll want to make sure you’re unlocking their full potential with cables that can keep pace. The key is HDMI cables, which are straightforward and inexpensive. There’s really one stat you need to worry about: the speed. Your HDMI cable transmits data from your Blu-ray player, cable box, game console, AV receiver, or another device, and that’s it. You can only make a cable better (or worse) by improving how quickly it can send that information. Every audio- and video-related feature that might be dependent on a better cable, including HDR and that new Dolby Atmos soundbar, simply needs a pipeline with sufficient bandwidth to run properly. If they fail, there will be white static, or it won’t work at all; otherwise, they are working at full capacity without any real marginal gains and little specialization to be found. 

Accordingly, the best HDMI cable is typically the cheapest certified cable that suits your needs. We combed over professional and consumer reviews and pulled from years of personal A/V experience to distill the best HDMI cables to suit various situations. All the options we’ve selected are from trusted brands and are overwhelmingly validated by users to be good for the long haul.

The best HDMI cables: Reviews & Recommendations

As stated above, HDMI cables are very straightforward, and the best one for you is probably also the cheapest, which is why Amazon Basics takes our top spot for most people. Our other top pick is the future-proofed best possible HDMI you can get for an affordable price, so it’s perfectly suited for all those 4K movies and next-gen gaming for the foreseeable future. We’ve also selected a range of specialized cables for edge cases where installation might otherwise be tricky.

Best HDMI cable overall: AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: AmazonBasics keeps it simple and cheap, which makes their product the best HDMI cable overall.

Specs

• Speed: 48 GB/s
• Max Resolution: 8K/60Hz
• Length: 3/6/10 ft.
• Audio: ARC
• HDMI: 2.1

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Durable
• Great performance

Cons

• Stiff

AmazonBasics products can be very hit or miss for more complex products like electronics, but HDMI cables are in their sweet spot. Any cable certified to a particular standard, if it works at all, is as good as any other outside of aesthetics or ergonomics, so there’s no need to spend more than the minimal prices offered by Amazon or Monoprice. This premium HDMI cable is a little stiff, but that also makes it more durable. According to user reviews, it’s generally considered to be better constructed than other cables at slower standards is both our top pick and our best budget buy.

Best HDMI 2.1 cable: Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Among certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, Zeskit delivers top quality at an accessible price.

Specs

• Speed: 48 GB/s
• Max Resolution: 10K/120Hz
• Length: 1.5/3/6.5/10 ft.
• Audio: eARC
• HDMI: 2.1

Pros

• Ultra High Speed performance
• Durable nylon braiding

Cons 

• Expensive

The best HDMI 2.1 cable offers more capacity than you will be able to use for the foreseeable future. No graphics card in existence could come anywhere close to playing a AAA game at 10K and 120 frames per second. Playing games in 4K at 120 fps is still more theory than practice for even the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Zeskit’s Ultra High Speed is certified to offer the full power of 48 GB/s, which is almost exclusively relevant to gamers for the time being. It’s durable and well-constructed. With a 5-star rating based on 17,000 Amazon reviews, players are satisfied.

Best flat HDMI cable: Ultra Clarity Flat 4K High Speed

Ultra Clarity

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Why it made the cut: Ultra Clarity’s sturdy, flat, and flexible cables are perfect for staying out of your way.

Specs

• Speed: 18 GB/s
• Max Resolution: 4K/60Hz
• Length: 25/30/35/40/50 ft.
• Audio: ARC
• HDMI: 2.0b

Pros

• Corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors, full metal jacket, 26 AWG, triple shielding, and solid copper conductors
• Flat, CL3 for in-wall installation
• Great performance

Cons 

• More expensive

Purchasing the best flat HDMI cable can be a great resource if you have a tight space behind your television, or for when you need to run your HDMI cable under a carpet or behind some furniture or even in your walls. Ultra Clarity offers an excellent High Speed HDMI cable with solid connectors and great performance. What sets it apart is the flat and flexible form factor, along with a PVC jacket that gives it extra durability and allows for 180-degree turns. They are a little more expensive than other cables of the same speed, but that’s the price of quality and flexibility.

Best 90-degree HDMI cable: UGREEN HDMI elbow cable

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: UGREEN’s specialized right-angle HDMI is a perfect niche fix for when regular cables won’t quite fit.

Specs

• Speed: 18 Gbps
• Max Resolution: 4K/60Hz
• Length: 3/6/10/15 ft.
• Audio: ARC
• HDMI: 2.0

Pros

• Solid 90-degree connector
• Great performance

Cons 

• Niche application

Shenzhen-based UGREEN is a relatively new brand that’s proven reliable for high-quality electronics and accessories at reasonable prices. The company’s elbow HDMI cable has one connector with an abrupt 90-degree turn in it, which helps you plug into a TV or monitor that’s mounted flush against a wall. Otherwise, this best 90-degree HDMI cable features everything you’d expect from all of the cables on our list—gold-plated connectors, solid shielding, and consistent performance.

Best micro HDMI cable: BlueRigger Micro HDMI

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: BlueRigger’s durable micro HDMI-to-HDMI cable is a content creator’s best friend and our pick for the best micro HDMI cable.

Specs

• Speed: 18 Gbps
• Max Resolution: 4K/60Hz
• Length: 3/6/10/15 ft.
• Audio: ARC
• HDMI: 2.0

Pros

• Great performance
• Durable construction
• Micro USB adapter

Cons 

• Niche application

Some devices are too small for conventional HDMI jacks, which is why micro HDMI exists. This micro HDMI-to-HDMI cable lets you connect GoPros, DSLRs, camcorders, and tablets to larger screens so that you can display your 4K/60 fps content in all its glory. It also lives up to manufacturer BlueRigger’s reputation for making durable products. And this is all the more important for an HDMI cable you’re likely to plug and unplug more frequently than a standard cable.

Best long HDMI cable: Monoprice High Speed Active

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Monoprice’s dependable and inexpensive cables are the way to go when running HDMI over long distances.

Specs

• Speed: 18 GB/s
• Max Resolution: 4K/60Hz
• Length: 25/30/35/40/45/50/60/100 ft.
• Audio: ARC
• HDMI: 2.0

Pros

• Great performance
• Durable construction
• CL2-certified
• Active connection for longer distances

Cons 

• Expensive

Monoprice has been widely known as one of the best brands for inexpensive certified HDMI cables for a long time. If you absolutely have to run an HDMI cable more than 25 feet—such as for a conference room, auditorium, or fancy home theater—then an active, directional cable is absolutely essential. It draws a bit of power from the connected hardware to boost the signal over the long distance. Monoprice’s active cable covers from 25 up to 100 feet. It’s also CL2 certified, so you can safely run it through the walls or ceiling, which is likely more appealing if you have to cover a serious distance. The cables are also backed by a lifetime return policy in case of failure, so as the best long HDMI cable you can expect to get what you’ve paid for.

Best 10K: EZQuest Ultra HD HIGH Speed HDMI 10K 60HZ Cable

EZQuest

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Stream up to 10K at 120Hz refresh rate with this well-priced cable

Specs

• Speed: 48 GB/s
• Max Resolution: 10K/120Hz
• Length: 7.2 ft.
• Audio: eARC
• HDMI: 2.1

Pros

• eARC
• Supports 3D video
• Built-in strain relief

Cons 

• Only one length of cable

Not all 10K HDMI cables are built the same. This one from EZQuest includes features we love, like eARC and a braided nylon cable, along with fantastic 10K max resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate. It supports 3D video, and is backward compatible to support existing HDMI devices. The wires are guarded in aluminum, copper mesh, PVC, and nylon braided shielding, which prevents strain relief and helps its longevity.

Things to consider before buying an HDMI cable

HDMI cables are one of the simplest components of your home A/V system but are also very important. Depending on what you’re doing, your cable can become a crucial bottleneck to your viewing and playing, so you want to ensure you have the right technical standard. All HDMI cables are backward compatible, and the connector has remained unchanged, so you don’t need to worry about newer cables working with your old devices. Here’s a little primer on separating the good HDMI cables from the bad, no matter what you need them for.

The need for speed

Cables, HDMI or otherwise, do one thing: transmit data. HDMI data is measured in gigabytes per second (GB/s). “Standard” and “High Speed” HDMI are still widely circulated and can support 4.95 and 10.2 GB/s, respectively. High Speed HDMI can support up to 4K resolution at 30 Hz, which is good enough for most film and television, though not all the most advanced, dynamic forms of HDR. “Premium High Speed” is the next step up, jumping to 18 GB/s, or enough to handle 4K HDR content at 60 Hz, which can support almost any contemporary application. The highest level, “Ultra High Speed,” can transmit a whopping 48 GB/s, opening the door for 10K resolution at 120 Hz.

You’ve also likely seen version numbers floating around as well (HDMI 1.4, 2.0, and, more recently, 2.1). These technically describe the communication standard being used by the hardware you’re connecting with the cables, rather than the cables themselves. All you need to know for our purposes is that you should get a Premium High Speed cable (18 GB/s) to connect HDMI 2.0 devices and an Ultra High Speed cable (48 GB/s) for HDMI 2.1 gear. If your hardware supports 2.0 or 2.1, you need the matching cable to take advantage. Older cables will still work, but the data will be throttled to whatever the cable can support, limiting framerate and resolution.

If you’re buying a new cable now, we only recommend considering the last two. Right now, premium High-Speed HDMI can handle content in 4K at 60 frames per second, which covers almost anything you can throw at your TV. Ultra High Speed may be necessary for some PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PC graphics cards to output at their absolute best in some cases, but right now it is fairly rare. Meanwhile, 8K video only exists for research and tech demos. In other words, Ultra High exists mostly in anticipation of future hardware and content. There’s nothing wrong with future-proofing, but know that Ultra High Speed is overkill for most people.

ARC and eARC

Established in 2009 as part of HDMI 1.4, ARC (audio return channel) is a feature that allows the HDMI cable to run audio data back and forth between your TV and a separate audio receiver or soundbar. This can simplify your set-up by reducing the need for a discrete audio cable and allowing for simplified control of your systems with the TV’s remote. It’s been part of the HDMI standard long enough that most cables support it, and certainly any new ones. A drawback is that it does not support HD audio standards like Dolby Atmos or 5.1 surround sound.

Meanwhile, eARC (the “e” standing for “enhanced”) is a more recent upgrade to ARC along with the HDMI 2.1 standards. Taking advantage of the torrential 48 Gbps that Ultra High Speed cables support, it can fully support uncompressed audio. Since eARC is baked into HDMI 2.1, you will need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to get the full effect.

Length and wall installation

As with pretty much any type of cable, shorter is better. With a longer HDMI cable, you’re more likely to experience some level of signal degradation. If you run an HDMI cable over 25 feet or more, you may notice issues like visual artifacts, dimming, and input lag. 

If you absolutely can’t bring your source and monitor closer together, you should consider using an “active” HDMI cable, which draws a little bit of power from the connected device to boost its signal and send it substantially further while maintaining quality. Active cables are a little more complicated to set up because they only draw power from one side. You’ll need to ensure it’s plugged in the right way before committing to a setup. They are also more expensive than other cables, given their length and the additional tech involved.

If you plan to run your cable through a wall or ceiling as part of that long run, then you need to make sure your cable is certified as “CL2” or “CL3” (class 2 or 3), meaning it’s rated for wall installation. Standard cables pose greater fire risks when running through walls and potentially contacting with screws, nails, and other metal hardware. CL2 cables (including HDMI, among other types such as speaker wires) are rated for home use, up to 150 volts, while CL3 goes up to 300 volts for commercial installation. Both are made safer with special coating that reduces their risk of catching fire and gives off less toxic gas if they do.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best HDMI cables

• Best overall: AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable
• Best HDMI 2.1: Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed
• Best flat cable: Ultra Clarity Flat 4K High Speed
• Best 90-degree cable: UGREEN HDMI elbow cable
• Best micro HDMI cable: BlueRigger Micro HDMI
• Best long cable: Monoprice High Speed Active
• Best 10K: EZQuest Ultra HD HIGH Speed HDMI 10K 60HZ Cable

Hopefully, this clears up any confusion about what you need to consider when buying the best HDMI cable to complete your home theater. HDMI 2.1 is tempting and probably worthwhile if you’ve got (or plan to get) cutting-edge gaming hardware. Most importantly, keep it simple with known brands and low prices. There aren’t any additional features that make more expensive cables worth buying, so don’t let a salesman convince you otherwise.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best HDMI cables for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best free-standing indoor antenna		Antop AT-500SBS HD Indoor Smart Bar Antenna		SEE IT	Best free-standing indoor antenna
Best flat indoor antenna		Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro		SEE IT	Best flat indoor antenna
Best translucent indoor antenna		Monoprice Clear Window HDTV Antenna		SEE IT	Best translucent indoor antenna

Are you ready to escape the tyranny of cable monopolies? The proliferation of subscription streaming services over the last decade has made it increasingly plausible to be a heavy TV watcher, caught up on all the latest water-cooler shows, without ever paying for a traditional cable or satellite package. Holdouts may claim that Amazon Prime won’t broadcast your local news or sports, but it is possible to get those things. All you need is a TV antenna.

You don’t need obtrusive set-top rabbit ears or roof access for large metal lattices, either. The current generation of indoor HDTV antennas are often paper-thin tiles that you can discreetly attach to your apartment wall or window from the inside. They can often pick up a signal that’s even brighter and sharper than the same channel coming at you through cable. Best of all, an antenna is a one-time purchase. Once you have it, you have broadcast television for life. If you want to cut cords from your cable company, but don’t know where to start, this guide will help you find the best indoor TV antenna for your particular needs.

• Best free-standing: Antop AT-500SBS HD Indoor Smart Bar Antenna
• Best flat: Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro
• Best budget: 1byone Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna
• Best low-profile: Mohu Leaf Metro TV Antenna
• Best translucent: Monoprice Clear Window HDTV Antenna

How we selected the best indoor TV antennas

We have combed through customer and critic reviews to select a range of the most reliable indoor TV antennas currently on the market. All of the options below are from established and trusted brands with great track records. Broadly speaking, there are only subtle differences among Indoor antenna models, so our picks focus on budget and form factor, rather than different practical applications.

What to consider before buying one of the best TV antennas

If you have access to install an antenna directly onto your roof, then you should possibly consider going with a more traditional outdoor TV antenna, as they perform stronger across the board than indoor options. If you’re here, you are more than likely an apartment dweller without that luxury, or are unable to install an antenna on your roof, in which case indoor is the way to go. The things you should know before buying are very similar, though.

What can you watch using a TV antenna?

The vast majority of American homes have broadcast access to local affiliates of major networks, including CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, PBS, and the CW. Your selection beyond that will vary somewhat, based on where you live, with a mix of regional and local broadcast channels. If you’re on the fence about getting an antenna, you can use online tools like AntennaWeb or DTV Reception Maps to check what stations should reach you. These sites will tell you the distance to source and what strength of antenna you will need to pick each one up, giving you a baseline for how powerful an antenna you need to get to see the channels you want.

Won’t the image quality be bad, though?

Despite the fact that it’s a free option, broadcast TV may look better than what you get from your cable provider. Over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts are less compressed than the equivalent channels being transmitted through cable. This means that the Full HD (1080p) video from an antenna often comes through brighter and sharper when you’re firmly in range. Signals decay over distance in both wired and over-air transmission no matter what, and cable signals are typically covering a much longer distance than your local stations, and with much less bandwidth devoted to each individual station, while OTA broadcasts have more room to breathe.

Range, gain, UHF, and VHF

The most important spec on any TV antenna, indoor or outdoor, is its maximum range. This determines how far your antenna can “reach” to grab signal sources from local broadcast stations. Range doesn’t vary all that much among antennae. Many “standard” indoor designs can reach about 60-80 miles away. High-end antennas with built-in signal extenders can often reach about 200 miles. Whether those distances are good or bad will depend on your location and where your nearest local stations are.

The gain of an antenna, measured in decibels (dB), refers to its ability to pick up a long-range signal in a given direction, measured against a standard reference antenna’s strength. As you might expect, the higher the number is, the better, with high-end antennas often topping around 30dB. For indoor TV antennas, the listed gain can often refer to a built-in amplifier, which for technical reasons doesn’t end up giving a good one-to-one comparison against other antenna specs. In those cases, the base gain isn’t always listed, so you take it with a grain of salt and focus more on the listed range. 

Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) refer to the radio frequency bands through which TV stations are broadcast. More contemporary stations broadcast on the UHF band, which offers more bandwidth at a higher frequency. VHF is less common, but remains in circulation. The distinction between these two doesn’t matter quite as much for indoor antennas as it does for outdoor models, which are typically able to pick up UHF and the high end of VHF. Outdoor antennas are more capable of actual distinction, with the room to have different sensing elements for each.

The best indoor TV antennas: Reviews & Recommendations

The best indoor TV antennas are more powerful and accessible than ever. You may be surprised by how much better the viewing experience is than cable. No matter your budget or needs, the best indoor TV antenna to complete your setup is very likely here among the choices we’ve collected.

Best free-standing indoor antenna: Antop AT-500SBS HD Indoor Smart Bar Antenna

ANTOP Antenna

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Why it made the cut: The Antop AT-500SBS HD Indoor Smart Bar antenna takes up a bit more room but gives you extra performance.

Specs

• Range: 80 miles
• Installation: Wall-mounted or free-standing, vertical or horizontal
• Size: 7.95 × 3.82 × 29.65 inches
• Color: black, white grey

Pros

• Great performance
• Included range adjuster dial
• Works with 2 TVs

Cons

• Very large

Most indoor antennas right now take the form of a flat sheet, trying to minimize their presence. The Antop HD AT-500SBS Smart Bar does not. The largish rounded beam looks more like a soundbar than a modern antenna, and thus demands a bit more space. Luckily, if you have the room, its design feels right at home alongside most modern TVs, home audio, and other living room gadgets. It also offers quite a bit of flexibility. It comes with a stand, but can also be mounted on a wall. You can set it vertically, like a tall column, or horizontally.

More importantly, though, it is a great performer. The AT-500SBS  offers a particularly nice range of power-user features, including the ability to connect to two TVs at once, a dial for tuning the range, and built-in FM and 4G LTE antennas that serve to filter out cellphone and radio signals and ensure your shows come in crisp and clean.

Best flat indoor antenna: Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro

Mohu

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Why it made the cut: Mohu’s most luxe offering does everything right, showing why they are one of the most recognized brand names in the space.

Specs

• Range: 65 miles
• Installation: wall/window
• Size: 12 x 21.5 in
• Color: white/black (reversible)

Pros

• Easy setup
• Great performance
• Detachable cable

Cons

• Larger than comparable indoor antennas

The Supreme Leaf Pro is the most expensive, tricked-out offering from well-known indoor antenna maker Mohu. It has all of the features you would expect: Great performance, easy setup, and an inline signal amplifier. It even has a small LED indicator to show you when you are getting a strong signal. On top of that, it features a USB-powered signal amplifier, which can help extend its range and improve picture quality from more distant stations. Aesthetically, its reversible black and white panels give you more options for discreet placement.

The one drawback is that at 12 x 21.5 it’s nearly twice as wide and large as many competing antennas. Of course, a larger antenna is a more capable antenna, so its outsized presence is the cost of a clear picture.

Best budget antenna: 1byone Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna

1 BY ONE

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Why it made the cut: 1byone’s Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna gets the job done reliably and at a low price.

Specs

• Range: 50 miles
• Installation: Wall/window
• Size: 13.3 x 9.3 in
• Color: Black

Pros

• Cheap
• Consistent performance with relatively nearby stations

Cons

• May not deliver advertised range
• Black on both sides and can’t be painted

1byone’s Digital Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna is widely recommended as one of the best budget indoor TV antennas, and we agree with popular consensus. Among Amazon’s best-selling antennas, it costs less than $30, which is about as low a price as you can expect to pay for a decent indoor antenna. 

While it is a solid antenna at that price, we recommend tempering your expectations around its performance. The current Amazon listing above states an extremely unrealistic 200-mile range–as powerful as an outdoor antenna with a signal booster. The company’s own site, however, lists a much more realistic 50-mile range. 

Both customer reviews and testing from trusted critics said that it performed best within 15-30 miles. It sits at 3.9 out of 5 on Amazon with a commanding 14,612 ratings at time of writing and is a best antenna list mainstay because urban apartment dwellers are one of the largest and fastest-growing segments of cord-cutters (both because the majority of cord-cutters are 18-29, and cities have greater access to the high-speed internet that makes cord-cutting possible). In that minimal-need use case, this 1byone antenna should be more than enough to get as many nearby channels as you can for the lowest possible cost.

Best low-profile antenna: Mohu Leaf Metro TV Antenna

Mohu

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Why it made the cut: Mohu’s tiny Leaf Metro is the smallest and most discreet indoor antenna we could find that still performs reasonably well.

Specs

• Range: 25 miles
• Installation: Wall/window
• Size: 11.5 x 4 inches
• Color: black/white (reversible), paintable

Pros

• Tiny
• Reversible and paintable
• Detachable coaxial cable

Cons

• Short range

If Mohu’s large, high-performance Leaf Supreme Pro sticks out too much, Mohu also makes an especially small antenna for picking up shorter-range signals. The Mohu Leaf Metro is a tiny, inexpensive, portable model that focuses on being as unobtrusive as possible. It’s just a wee little 4-inch strip, with black and white sides. It’s also paintable if you want to really hide it. The included coaxial cable detaches so you only need to have the wire defacing your wall while the TV is on to pull your attention from it. 

The natural trade-off is that it’s only effective within about 25 miles, but if you’re in a major metropolitan area this really won’t matter much, so this might be the tiny apartment dweller’s best friend, as the name “Metro” suggests.

Best translucent antenna: Monoprice Clear Window HDTV Antenna

Monoprice

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Why it made the cut: Monoprice has one of the only translucent antennas on the market for when space and light are a real premium.

Specs

• Range: 60 miles
• Installation: wall/window
• Size: 13 x 9 in
• Color: translucent white

Pros

• Translucent
• Powered in-line signal amplifier

Cons

• Cable can’t be detached

Monoprice has long been trusted as a reliable manufacturer of basic household tech, such as cables and adapters, and their HDTV digital indoor antennas live up to the brand’s general reputation. The Clear Window stands out and makes the cut because its antenna sheet is translucent, letting light through when placed on a window. This could be crucial if you live in an apartment with very limited natural light where you might not want to sacrifice a printer sheet worth of light from your window. It is an otherwise solid performer for the price, which should meet most basic indoor antenna needs.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best indoor TV antennas

These aren’t your grandparents’ indoor TV antennas! If you’ve cut out cable, or are considering it, an HDTV TV antenna may be better than you’d have imagined for covering all your local news, sports, and public access weirdness, especially if you’re near a reasonably large metropolitan area. When your antenna arrives, make sure to take a little time and experiment with different placement options. Remember: The same antenna can perform quite differently at different locations, even within the same room.

The post The best indoor TV antennas for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Govee Immersion TV LED Backlights		SEE IT	Different modes use the system’s built-in microphone and/or small 1080p mounted camera to adjust your lighting experience based on how you are using it.
Best to sync with audio		Sengled Segmented TV LED Backlights		SEE IT	An embedded microphone helps bring these light strips to life based on the music you’re listening to.
Best LED light bar		Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart Light		SEE IT	This voice-activated smart home device can be creatively placed wherever it works best in your space.

The future is now, you lucky PlayStation 5 owner you. The gameplay! The graphics! The sheer jealousy all your friends feel because you snagged the most in-demand piece of electronics of the last year! Your gleaming white monolith certainly deserves a place of honor on the shelf of your entertainment center. But what’s this? Are you not showing your gleaming obelisk of leisure the proper respect by pairing it with (GASP!) an inferior television?  If you’re worried that you aren’t getting the most eye-popping visuals out of your PS5, this guide should help you find a proper set to brighten and sharpen your screen and amplify your friends’ envy. From 4K to 8K, HDMI 2.1 to variable refresh rates, we’ve got all kinds of TV upgrades here so you can have the best TVs for PS5 gameplay.

How we selected the best TVs for PS5

To find the best TVs for PS5, we surveyed dozens of reviews and testimonials, eliminated sets that didn’t offer the most important game-boosting features, and demoed the final selections in-store in order to ensure these were the right TVs for the job. Like the world warriors of Street Fighter, any of these sets could come out on top if they meld with the right player, it’s just a matter of matching your style and desire to your 4K (or 8K) combatant.

• Best OLED: Samsung S95C OLED
• Best budget: TCL 5-series
• Best for single-player experiences: Hisense U7G series 
• Best QLED: Samsung QN90C series
• Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Smart TV

The best TVs for PS5: Reviews & Recommendations

Playing PS5 on the best TV possible makes a huge difference in bringing your games to life. These televisions won’t just satisfy you, some will electrify you and bring your console to its full potential.

Best OLED: Samsung S95C OLED

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: Samsung mixed Quantum Dots with its OLED technology to maintain the absurd OLED contrast ratios while cranking up the brightness.

Specs:

• OLED display
• HDR10+ certified
• FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatible
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs
• Available sizes: 55”, 65”, 77”

Pros:

• Every feature you need for gaming
• Extremely high-quality image
• Brighter than a typical OLED

Cons:

• Expensive

OLED TVs offer spectacular contrast ratios thanks to their unique backlight technology. Each pixel provides its own light, which allows them to turn completely off when they’re not needed. Those extra-dark areas make the colors and bright sections of the screen really pop. The downside, however, is that OLEDs typically can’t get that bright. Samsung, however, has introduced Quantum Dots into the equation, which raises the overall brightness without stepping on the benefits that come with OLED.

This TV has everything a gamer needs. It has a fast refresh rate, super-low input lag, and four HDMI 2.1 ports in order to get the most out of a current-gen console like the PS5. All of the ports live on a box that attaches to the super-thin screen with a single wire so you have options when it comes to how and where you want to mount the TV.

I got an early chance to test this TV at a Samsung facility. I brought my own PS5 and used it to play Returnal. The S95C pumped out a very steady stream of crisp, poppy images with no lag or odd image artifacts. Even with the lights turned on, the picture is remarkably clear and resilient toward glare. While this TV isn’t cheap, it offers a very excellent all-around option that excels when you bust out the controllers.

Best budget: TCL 5-series

TCL

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Why it made the cut: The vast majority of next-gen features really bump up the price of a TV, so it’s hard to find something truly PS5-worthy at below $1,000. If you just want a really good 4K screen without worrying about refresh rates and HDMI 2.1, though, the TCL 5-series is an excellent choice at a great price.

Specs:

• QLED display
• Auto Low Latency Mode
• 4 standard HDMI inputs (1 eARC for easier audio set-up)
• Google TV or Roku TV streaming apps built in
• Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant support
• Sizes: 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”

Pros:

• Low cost of entry
• Good image quality for the price
• Includes ALLM for improved gaming

Cons:

• No HDMI 2.1

The future isn’t cheap, and after spending $500-$600 on a PS5, another $100-$200 on accessories, and a further $200-$300 on games, you may not want to spend another $1,000 bucks or more on a new TV. The TCL 5-series is a 4K QLED panel that will really impress you with its clear colors and solid blacks. It features an “Auto Low Latency Mode,” or ALLM, which automatically switches the display to optimal settings when it detects a game console in one of its HDMI ports, reducing the need to manipulate the sliders yourself every time you want to switch.  You’re not going to get the best framerates, but the 5-series starts at $600 for a 50-inch TV, so you’re also not going to be paying an arm and a leg, either.

Best for single-player experiences: Hisense U7G series 

Hisense

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Why it made the cut: While the Hisense U7G’s color, blacks, and viewing angles aren’t market-leading, it’s incredibly feature-rich with the next-gen settings and inputs you’d want at an approachable price.

Specs

• ULED display
• HDR10+ certified
• FreeSync compatible
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Auto Low Latency Mode
• Variable Refresh Rate
• 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 2 standard HDMI inputs
• Google Assistant built-in
• Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”

Pros:

• Lowest-cot set to include all relevant next-gen features
• Freesync for PC gaming
• 2 HDMI 2.1 ports

Cons:

• Narrow viewing angle
• Limited sizes

Hisense’s U7G model is built with gaming in mind. Hisense packed nearly every relevant next-gen gaming feature into it: HDR10, 120Hz refresh rate, two HDMI 2.1 ports—all the key specs. It even features FreeSync variable refresh rate technology, which enhances the U7G’s performance when paired with a gaming PC. And the price point is incredible, with the 55-inch model starting at $850. 

So there has to be a catch, right? There are a couple of minor ones. First of all, more advanced settings do mean more complex adjustments, so don’t expect the fastest setup if you want the optimal experience. Also, the viewing angles on the U7G are limited compared to some of our other recommendations, so you’ll want to sit directly in front of the panel to get the full glory of its pristine picture. While this means group multiplayer sessions in the living room might have some discernably “better” seats, it’s a non-factor if your gaming setup is for you alone. Overall, the screen quality is a tremendous upgrade over most TVs from even a couple years ago. And little touches help you get the most out of an already value-packed set. HDMI ports are clearly labeled with different Hz capabilities. And the two feet, which are secured via two screws, can attach to two different spots depending on how wide your TV stand is.

Best QLED for PS5: Samsung QN90C series

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: Samsung’s Neo-QLED combines Mini LED backlighting with Quantum Dots for exceptional color and superlative brightness.

Specs:

• Mini-LED QLED display
• HDR10+ certified
• FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatible
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Variable Refresh Rate
• Available sizes: 43″, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”

Pros:

• Wonderfully bright screen that keeps clarity in a sunny room
• Wide variety of sizes

Cons:

• Pricey

Quantum Dots and Mini LED backlighting combine to make this a

Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Smart TV

Sony

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Why it made the cut: In 2021, 8K is an unnecessary luxury, but the Sony Z8H is a great choice if you want to treat yourself.

Specs:

• 8K display
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Variable Refresh Rate
• 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs
• Available sizes: 75”, 85”

Pros:

• Clear jump in image quality over 4K
• HDMI 2.1
• Strong customer support

Cons:

• Very little native 8K content available
• Expensive

Right now, you’re very limited when it comes to native 8K content, but that doesn’t mean an 8K TV isn’t useless. This high-end panel offers some of the most advanced AI-powered content upscaling available, which makes even regular HD content look good. Of course it offers all the familiar features you’d expect out of a flagship display. It has four HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which live on a stand-alone box that makes it easy to install in just about any spot.

Testing with my PS5 at the Samsung facility, I was able to run some games of Overwatch 2. The action was colorful and smooth, with very little input lag and no image tearing. Samsung has really upped its gaming capabilities in recent years and this will be a solid performer for years, even as the PS5 enables high-res and high-frame-rate gameplay.

What to consider when picking the best TVs for PS5

The key to picking a TV to pair with a PS5 is knowing that it has some features that you can take advantage of right now, and some that will be more important in the future. Every single one of the televisions we’ve listed will have a great display with deep blacks, 4K (or better) resolution, and vibrant colors. Some will be able to take advantage of higher framerates and visual features that will improve the game image even further. Of course, all the TVs also have streaming apps, and some even have smart home compatibility. Taking these as a baseline, we looked at price and display technology as the true separation factors, and came up with the following categories.

Cost

There are some basic features that you’re going to be looking for in the best TVs for PS5. Many of these features are new to the market, and weren’t available on any TV before two or three years ago. Therefore, finding a TV that includes everything you’d want to see the PS5 at its best is relatively difficult and undoubtedly expensive. While we’ve included a budget-conscious option, the vast majority of televisions that we recommend to pair with a PS5 are going to be more than $1000. If you’re not necessarily looking for every single next-gen feature, there are plenty of great screens that will look amazing even if they don’t produce the absolute best possible picture. 

HDMI 2.1—An introduction to PS5 resolution and framerate

The main television technology that allows the PS5 to shine is HDMI 2.1. HDMI is the port that connects your audio and video between your gaming system and television. The HDMI standard has been the standard since the mid-2000s, but HDMI 2.1, the latest iteration of this tech, didn’t start appearing on televisions until 2018. HDMI 2.1 allows for a much larger amount of data to be sent and received between the console and the display, unlocking the highest resolutions at the best framerates. 

The PS5, at its maximum, can output 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. Keep in mind that very, very few games actually meet this maximum benchmark at this time, as processing demands can greatly affect that framerate. The last Sony console, the PS4 Pro, could manage 4K and 60fps at maximum, but few games ever reached that maximum either. The 4K/60fps threshold is much more reasonable for the PS5, and HDMI 2.1 (along with the more powerful processor and chipset of the PlayStation 5 itself) allows for that. 

What about 8K resolution?

As of this moment, the PS5 does not support 8K resolution output. Some features of the PS5, such as the ability to install a secondary hard drive, weren’t activated at launch. Sony says these features, including 8K video and gaming, will be added via firmware over time.

In the meantime, there is still some visual benefit to playing PS5 games on an 8K TV. Much like how a 1080p HD image on a 4K television looks better on a 4K television, a 4K image on an 8K television will still look better because of upscaling tech in the console and the television. We have included an 8K television in our list, but it isn’t our top recommendation since you’ll be buying into the technology ahead of really needing it. 

For what it’s worth, there’s very little content currently available in 8K. It’s unclear how well the current crop of PS5 games would run at that resolution, and most streaming services cap their videos at 4K. So almost everything you watch on an 8K is upscaled. By the time 8K gaming, streaming, and movies are readily available, the 8K television you buy today may be obsolete in other ways. Long story, short: playing PS5 games in 8K is a nice idea, but far from a necessity.

What non-gaming features do I want?

You probably aren’t only going to use your TV to play PS5. All of the televisions included in this list have “Smart TV’ features, meaning your options for streaming are to stream through the downloadable apps on your PS5 or through apps you can download directly to your television. (You can also watch most of them through the PS5. We recommend the PS5 streaming apps over many of the ones found in smart TVs). Some of the televisions can also connect to other services, such as home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. These features don’t weigh too heavily in this list, as they don’t affect your gaming experience.

The other main consideration is audio. Even the nicest televisions have pretty ordinary sound output on the built-in speakers. Truly great sound demands its own system. For playing PS5 games, we strongly recommend players purchase a headset, which can take unique advantage of the console’s Tempest 3D audio technology. For recommendations on speakers for watching TV and movies, please check out our picks for the best soundbars and the best surround sound systems for home theaters.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best TVs for PS5

• Best OLED: Samsung S95C OLED
• Best budget: TCL 5-series
• Best for single-player experiences: Hisense U7G series 
• Best QLED: Samsung QN90C series
• Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Smart TV

Each TV on this list is a great fit for playing games on PS5. The LG C1 OLED is the critic’s pick, with incredible picture and a great feature set, but there are solid reasons to opt for a QLED screen over an OLED. And if a $1,000-plus isn’t in the cards, there are still plenty of ways to optimize your setup for high-end console gaming.

Even with our recommendations in hand, the best thing to do is to preview the floor models in a store. Your eyes will tell you what they like. No matter what model you choose, your PS5 is going to look great, and you’ll really get to make your friends jealous.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

More TV roundups to help you find the perfect set

• Best 8K TVs
• Best TVs for gaming
• Best OLED TVs
• Best QLED TVs
• Best Roku TVs
• Best TVs under $300
• Best TVs under $1,000
• Best 40-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 70-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best outdoor TVs

The post The best TVs for PS5 in 2023: Tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Samsung S95C OLED		SEE IT	This high-end OLED offers superb picture quality and impressive brightness.
Best QLED		Samsung QN90C		SEE IT	Mini LEDs combine with Quantum Dots to create a bright, vibrant picture.
Best 8K		Samsung QN900C 8K TV		SEE IT	Excellent upscaling helps this high-end display take advantage of its 8K resolution.

Samsung TVs run the gamut from massive prestige displays to affordable panels built to fly off the shelves on Black Friday. Choosing one can be tricky if you don’t know exactly what you want. What’s the difference between OLED and QLED? Do you really need 8K, or is it just a flex? Are the remotes really solar-powered? (They are!) I’ve had an early chance to experience many of the company’s latest and greatest offerings with my own eyeballs, and I’ve put together this list of the best Samsung TVs for just about any type of viewer or space. 

• Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED 4K Smart TV
• Best QLED: Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV
• Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Smart TV
• Best outdoor: Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun Outdoor QLED 4K Smart TV
• Best for interior design: Samsung The Frame QLED HDR Smart TV 
• Best budget: Samsung AU8000 Crystal UHD Smart TV

How we chose the best Samsung TVs

I have reviewed home theater gear (and gadgets of almost every kind) for nearly two decades. I was the digital editor at Sound & Vision for several years and have extensively covered TV and TV tech for PopSci.com and other publications. I typically rely on a PlayStation 5 with top-tier titles installed and 4K Blu-ray discs to get a feel for what these TVs can really do. To complete the research, I surveyed Samsung’s full lineup while comparing specs, reading customer reviews, and considering editorial opinions from colleagues at other publications. 

The best Samsung TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

From flagships to more achievable flatscreens, I’ve drawn from my own personal experience watching, testing, and reviewing to bring you the standout 2023 models from Samsung.

Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED 4K Smart TV

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: Samsung’s flagship OLED introduces Quantum Dots into the equation to add brightness and remedy OLED’s biggest shortcoming.

Specs

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 77”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz native (up to 144Hz in some situations)
• HDMI ports: 4

Pros

• Spectacular picture
• Very bright for an OLED
• Ports live on a box connected by a wire to make installation more flexible
• Super-thin bezel and panel
• Immaculate color

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited sizes

While Samsung has primarily made its mark on the TV market with its QLED TVs, its latest OLED offering is truly impressive. This is Samsung’s new generation of OLED TV, which integrates Quantum Dots to make the display brighter than a typical OLED. That makes it better for viewing in a room with lots of ambient light, a situation in which OLEDs typically struggle. 

The first time I turned on the S95C, I was truly impressed by the sheer amount of light it emits. I hooked up a PS5 and fired up a game of Returnal for the first test. With the overhead lights turned off, I didn’t need maximum brightness to make the image pop. With the overhead lights turned on, I was pleasantly surprised that the picture still looked vibrant and accurate without washing out. 

Some OLEDs aren’t ideal for gaming due to input lag, but that’s not a problem. The suite of four HDMI 2.1 ports also makes it simple to attach a modern gaming console and get the most out of it.

This is a high-end TV, so it offers a high-end suite of features, including a 120Hz refresh rate, which can go up to 144Hz when using a PC input. It has four current-gen HDMI ports, all of which live on a box connected via a wire, so it’s flexible in terms of installation. 

For the content part of the test, I fired up The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on streaming because that’s typical weekend fare for me. The movie looked excellent in the native Netflix app, with rich colors and tons of contrast. This is the best picture I have seen on a consumer-grade Samsung TV, regardless of the input. 

Best QLED: Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: Samsung married Mini-LEDs with Quantum Dots to create a bright, vibrant picture that definitely doesn’t skimp on the contrast.

Specs

• Sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, and 85”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• HDMI ports: 4

Pros

• Excellent overall image quality
• Bright
• Anti-reflective coating improves performance in bright rooms
• Tons of sizes available
• AI-powered upscaling works very well

Cons

• Inputs live on the back of the TV instead of in a connected box
• Sound is just OK

The OLED price tag will be understandably prohibitive for many people, but Samsung’s Neo QLED offerings offer similar performance for less money. The Neo QLED displays employ Mini-LED backlighting. By shrinking the backlights, Samsung can be more precise about where the illumination lies underneath the screen. That allows the dark areas to stay, well, dark without looking washed out and gray. 

Samsung has given this TV a full suite of high-end features, including 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, but they’re oddly placed on the back of the TV instead of on a connected box. This is a departure from last year’s version of the same model and might feel like a slight downgrade if you wanted that flexibility during installation. 

When it comes to performance, however, there’s no downgrade in effect. As you’d expect from a Quantum Dot TV, the Q90C is bright and extremely vibrant. I typically only use game mode and Samsung’s Filmmaker Mode, which tones down the colors a little to more closely match the source material. 

I fired up some scenes from Godzilla Vs. Kong on Blu-ray as part of my testing. The contrast ratio had no problem rendering detail, even in dark scenes. The fast action scenes stayed together nicely without ugly artifacts or motion issues. 

This is a high-end TV, and it offers all the features you’d expect to go along with that. If you’re willing to spend more than what the Crystal-series TVs cost but don’t want to go all the way to the OLED level, this is a fantastic option. 

Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Smart TV

Stan Horaczek

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Why it made the cut: If you’re going to flex 8K, you might as well get a lot of other fancy features to go with it. This is a very impressive TV if you have the cash.

Specs

• Sizes: 65”, 75”, and 85”
• Resolution: 8K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz (up to 144Hz in some situations)
• HDMI ports: 4

Pros

• It has the most resolution, so it’s as futureproof as TVs get right now
• Exceptional upscaling
• Excellent picture quality
• Ports live on an external box
• Very slim
• Anti-reflective coating fights glare

Cons

• You’re paying for 8K when there’s almost no native 8K content

Native 8K content isn’t here yet, but it is coming down the road, so if you want a relatively future-proof TV, this is your pick—the screen resolution checks in at a massive 33 megapixels. Since there’s almost nothing in that resolution, you will rely on the TV to upscale your content. Luckily, Samsung (which has topped the 8K category for us before) put a ton of processing power into the QN900C for just that purpose. 

I hooked up my PS5 to the review unit and played a Blu-ray of Venom: Let There Be Carnage to see how the panel would hold up to a lot of fast motion, high contrast, and fine detail moving around the screen. That action can play havoc on a picture in its native resolution, but the Samsung handled it with aplomb, even while upscaling. The colors are bright, the action was smooth, and I didn’t notice an appreciable downgrade in the image when standing a few feet away. 

This is an expensive, high-end TV, so it comes with the bells and whistles you’d expect. It offers four HDMI 2.1 ports (essential for 8K content) and the Samsung One Connect box to house all connections. 

I would typically always use external audio gear with a TV like this (like one of our top soundbars, including the Samsung HW-Q990B), but I was pleasantly surprised by the built-in speaker system. It creates a fairly powerful sound stage with noticeable surround effects from the Dolby Atmos tech inside. 

That sound performance is especially impressive, considering how thin and sleek the panel is. I’m used to skinny TVs by now, but this nearly bezel-free design is really striking when you first see it. 

Do you absolutely need to step up to this 8K model yet? No, but if you have the means, it will look great for years to come.

Best outdoor: Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun Outdoor QLED 4K Smart TV

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: Any TV can look good in a darkened room, but this one looks excellent outside on your patio in the elements and sunshine.

Specs

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 75”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• HDMI ports: 3

Pros

• It can stand up to the elements
• Bright enough to be seen even with outdoor light
• 4K resolution is an upgrade for outdoor TVs
• Tap-to-mirror content from your phone
• Quantum dots provide excellent brightness and color

Cons

• Expensive
• The version meant for full-sun exposure costs $10,000

Most TVs aren’t meant to exist outside, even in a covered area. Moisture and dust can quickly cause all kinds of problems. And even indirect sunlight can cause enough glare to make the picture nearly impossible to see. The Terrace TV remedies those issues because it’s built for the outdoors. 

The Terrace boasts an IP55 (Ingress Protection) rating, which means it’s rugged enough to survive moisture, dust, and even some of the light impacts that may come with typical outdoor wear and tear. Because it’s hard to keep a streaming box or gaming console outside, the Terrace allows users to tap their phones on the screen to start mirroring the content they’re watching. That’s in addition to the smart TV tech already built into the TV itself. 

Despite its ruggedness, the Terrace also provides solid picture performance. It maxes out at 2,000 nits of brightness. To put that into perspective, the iPhone 14 typically runs at 800 nits with a 1,200-nit maximum. The Terrace isn’t always turned up to max, however. Samsung’s dynamic brightness automatically adjusts the picture to match your surroundings. Combined with the impressively effective anti-reflective coating, this TV looks surprisingly great for an outdoor display. 

Note, though, that it’s not meant to be fully exposed to the sun all day. Samsung does make a version that can stand up to full-sun punishment, but it’ll cost you a cool $10,000.

Best for interior design: Samsung The Frame QLED HDR Smart TV

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: This 32-inch TV offers a truly impressive anti-reflective coating, tons of design options, and access to a library of art to display when you’re not streaming content.

Specs

• Sizes: 32”
• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• HDMI ports: 2

Pros

• Unmatched anti-reflective coating
• Ports live on a connected box
• Frame options make it actually look like art
• Art library lets you change up the look of your space

Cons

• It’s not meant to be a main TV
• Only two HDMI ports
• 1080p resolution is low for content, but good for art

Samsung’s latest Frame-series TV looks even more like a piece of art than ever before. This 32-inch TV isn’t massive, and it doesn’t offer a cutting-edge 4K or 8K resolution. However, it offers a very vibrant picture and one of the most impressive anti-glare screens I have ever seen. The matte surface refuses to show glare or let ambient light ruin its contrast. 

You only get two HDMI ports and 1080p resolution, but at 32 inches, that’s also not a huge deal breaker. This is a relatively small TV by modern standards, so the relative lack of pixels shouldn’t be too huge a deal. 

When you’re not streaming content, the TV can display a wide variety of art from your collection or the Samsung online store. The TV frame looks, well, like an actual frame and grants users tons of aesthetic options for blending it into any decor. 

Best budget: Samsung AU8000 Crystal UHD Smart TV

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: Samsung’s consumer-level TV gets you a ton of display for less money if you don’t need immaculate quality. The 85-inch regularly dips below $1,400 before special discounts.

Specs

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 85”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• HDMI ports: 3

Pros

• Affordable
• Solid picture for the price
• Maxes out at a huge 85 inches
• Still includes useful features like Filmmaker Mode for accurate color

Cons

• Picture quality can’t stand up to upgraded models
• Only three HDMI ports

If you’ve been to a big box electronics store (or Sam’s Club) in the past year or two, you’ve probably seen this TV on display already. This is Samsung’s base-level TV offering that doesn’t include Quantum Dot tech but rather relies on a more typical backlight system. 

There are some advantages to buying a TV at this level. The 85-inch version regularly goes on sale for around $1,300. Because it’s a Samsung smart TV, that also gets you native streaming capabilities. That’s a ton of TV for a very reasonable price. 

There are some trade-offs, however. It offers a relatively low refresh rate and only comes equipped with three HDMI ports. If you’re just buying this TV to stream movies and TV shows, that should never really even come into play. But, if you’re looking for a killer gaming TV or silky smooth sports action, there are better (but more expensive) options out there. 

Even as a base model, the AU8000 offers solid picture performance, especially with a little tweaking. They tend to come out of the box too bright and aggressively sharpened. With a little tweaking, it’s possible to get very solid performance.

Things to consider when shopping for the best Samsung TVs

You can take our word for the specific models we recommend, or you can go out into the aisles yourselves. Here are some things to look for so you get the TV that’s right for you:

Backlight type

This is the most complicated part of the Samsung puzzle. In fact, it’s one of the trickiest parts of picking a TV in general right now. Here are Samsung’s backlight technologies unpacked: 

LED: Light-emitting diodes are the stock way to illuminate a TV, and this is what you’ll find in Samsung’s most affordable TVs in the Crystal UHD series. LEDs behind the display shine through an LCD panel with colored filters to create an image. It’s a familiar tech that works well but can have issues of light showing up where it shouldn’t and harming contrast ratios. 

QLED: Samsung took typical LED backlighting and added Quantum Dots into the equation. Quantum Dots emit light when current is applied, which makes QLED TVs some of the brightest and most vibrant around. QLEDs have represented the meatiest part of Samsung’s lineup for years now.

Neo QLED: Mini LEDs offer these higher-end displays more control over the parts of the screen that get illumination. These panels have more granular control over their backlighting, which leads to more contrast and less blooming and light leaks. While these are more expensive than the typical QLEDs, they offer a noticeable uptick in overall performance. 

OLED: This stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, and it means each pixel in the display provides its own light. This enables unmatched contrast thanks to the fact that pixels can turn completely off when not needed. There’s no chance a backlight will leak through the panel and cause blooming or other unwanted effects. Samsung’s flagship OLED is actually a QD-OLED, which merges Quantum Dots with OLED to address OLED’s typical lack of brightness. Samsung has a traditional OLED with a more affordable price coming down the line in 2023, but we haven’t had a chance to see it or get official pricing yet.

Resolution

Currently, 8K TVs have almost no native content to take advantage of all those pixels. That makes 4K the default TV resolution at this time. If you want to step up to 8K, you’re going to pay a lot of money, and it’s going to be quite a while before you have native content to watch on it. Even then, the streaming services likely won’t hit 8K for quite some time. We recommend going 4K and playing it safe unless you really want to show off. And even then, it will only impress nerds like us. We appreciate the gesture but save yourself some cash. 

Refresh rate

Your TV must refresh its on-screen image many times per second to fool your eyes into thinking they see continuous motion. The more times the screen refreshes, the smoother the motion looks … to a point. Most Samsung TVs we recommend max out at 120Hz, which means the on-screen image refreshes up to 120 times. That fast refresh rate is great for things like current-gen console gaming and sometimes watching sports. Some more basic TVs top out at 60Hz, which will actually be just fine if you’re mostly planning to watch movies or streaming content. 

Connectivity

Samsung smart TVs run on the company’s relatively robust Tizen smart TV platform, so you may not need to plug many devices into your TV. But we still recommend getting as many HDMI ports as you can manage. Most TVs on the list have four. That may sound like a lot, but you’ll likely hook a soundbar up to one, a gaming system up to another, and perhaps a streaming box. They can fill up quickly. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Samsung TVs

• Best overall: Samsung S95C OLED 4K Smart TV
• Best QLED: Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV
• Best 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Smart TV
• Best outdoor: Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun Outdoor QLED 4K Smart TV
• Best for interior design: Samsung The Frame QLED HDR Smart TV
• Best budget: Samsung AU8000 Crystal UHD Smart TV  

If you want a TV, there’s something in the Samsung lineup that fits your needs. Whether you want to ball out on a high-end flagship OLED or just get something big and cheap for watching movies, the lineup has all of it. The best Samsung TV, however, is the one that fits your space, budget, and viewing habits.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Samsung TVs for 2023, as chosen by experts appeared first on Popular Science.

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Roku announced its first TV sets at CES 2023 in January, and you can order them today. The company has partnered with hardware makers like TCL and Hisense in the past, providing the software and reference specs, but this marks the first time Roku has complete control over a TV. We saw these TVs in action at Roku’s headquarters earlier this year, and our early impressions were positive. Roku’s move makes sense as it’s currently the No. 1 streaming platform (by hours watched) in the United States. Its TVs will help stave off increased competition from Google, who’s been pushing its TV operating system hard over the past couple of years.

Roku split its TVs into two lines: Select, which is more budget-friendly, and Plus, which is more feature rich. The TVs range between 24 and 75 inches in size, and all models cost under $1,500. Prices start at $149.99 and go up to $1,199.99. Some of the smaller TVs are only HD, but most Select and Plus sets are 4K. All of the TVs run the latest version of Roku’s operating system, which was recently updated to highlight live local news channels and introduce new features like “Continue Watching” that make it easier to pick up where you left off in a show or movie on select services. As you’d expect, all of Roku’s TVs come with the company’s small, pill-shaped remote. However, sets in the Plus line come with an upgraded version that supports hands-free voice commands, a rechargeable battery, and customizable shortcut buttons.

Additional features of the Plus TVs include support for Dolby Vision HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Atmos, the latest premium video and audio standards. Roku was also quick to highlight its QLED panel, local dimming zones, and automatic brightness, all of which work in concert to deliver a consistent viewing experience and to compensate for less-than-ideal room conditions. These features are exclusive to Roku Plus TVs, while its Select series is designed to provide more value at lower prices. All of Roku’s TVs will be compatible with its new soundbar, which will also be available later this spring (and it pairs with the current Streambar Pro, one of our favorites under $500). Roku may be a new entrant in the TV hardware space, but it’s already announced reference designs for 8K and OLED TVs at this year’s CES, so there’s room for it to grow.

Roku has entered into an exclusive partnership with Best Buy to provide its TVs in-store and online when they launch later this spring. All models are available for preorder right now, and ordering early will ensure your set is delivered on launch day.

The post You can preorder Roku’s Select and Plus TVs at Best Buy today appeared first on Popular Science.

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If you’ve ever shopped for an OLED TV, you probably know that they offer fantastic color reproduction and exceptional contrast ratios that make just about any content look fantastic. You also know they typically cost considerably more than their traditional flatscreen competition. Right now, however, Best Buy has LG’s excellent 48-inch A2 OLED TV for just $599. That’s $700 off of its regular price. Not too long ago, you couldn’t get an OLED for under $1,000. To get one for $599 is wild.

Stan Horaczek

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The LG A2 is what LG considers an entry-level OLED, but it still delivers the spectacular image quality that OLED is known for. It offers 4K resolution and LG’s AI-powered upscaling to make just about any content looks good. It also supports the most common HDR specs and Dolby Atmos for surround sound.

This is a perfect TV for watching movies, especially if you enable the filmmaker mode, which tries to match the colors to the original source material.

This is an entry-level OLED, however, so it is missing some of the features you’d find on the higher-end models. Most notably, it runs at a 60Hz refresh rate, and its three HDMI ports aren’t the 2.1 spec so it’s not ideal for the pickiest gamers. However, if you’re just watching content and playing the occasional game, it’s a fantastic option.

More OLED deals

If the LG A2 isn’t for you, there are other OLED deals right now for you to check out. Here’s some of what Best Buy has to offer:

• LG – 65″ Class C1 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,399 (Was $2,199)
• LG – 77″ Class A2 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,799 (Was $2,799)
• LG – 65″ Class A2 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,399 (Was $1,499)
• Sony – 55″ Class BRAVIA XR A80K 4K HDR OLED Google TV $1,299 (Was $1,499)
• Sony – 65″ Class BRAVIA XR A95K 4K HDR OLED Google TV $2,599 (Was $3,199)
• Sony – 65″ Class BRAVIA XR A80K 4K HDR OLED Google TV $1,699 (Was $1,999)
• Sony – 55″ Class BRAVIA XR A80J Series OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV $999 (Was $1,299)

The post Best Buy is currently selling the LG A2 OLED TV for a ridiculous $599 appeared first on Popular Science.

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I am winding through the Westlake Highlands to preview some of 2023’s hottest audio-video hardware … and we are all about to die.

OK, that may be a little hyperbolic. It may be a lot hyperbolic, sorry. Our hosts are wholly conscientious of our safety, and our driver is taking the utmost care, but it doesn’t mean it’s not where my head is. It’s a perplexingly frigid early February day in Texas Hill Country, the ground slick with a thin layer of ice and the air thick with nervous energy. I’m part of a small group of tech reporters huddled in a party bus inching along Austin’s Toro Canyon, weaving around skidding cars and buckling tree branches. We finally arrive at our destination: a mansion on a panoramic perch, the downtown we left what feels like a lifetime ago far in the distance. It’s an auspicious setting for auspicious events. The city is experiencing its worst icing in 15 years, and Sony is revealing its first A/V receivers in five years.

It was 2018 when Sony last released an AVR (one of those, the STR-DH590, is still one of our recommended receivers under $500). I have no idea what the weather was like the day of that announcement, but the company has more than made up for the subsequent drought with its five new models: the more consumer-oriented STR-AN1000 ($899.99) and the custom installation (CI)-focused Elevated Standard (ES) lineup of the STR-AZ1000ES ($1,099.99), STR-AZ3000ES ($1,699.99), STR-AZ5000ES ($2,099.99), and STR-AZ7000ES ($3,299.99). 

After some introductory words and a promise that everything possible will be done to avoid a Hunger Games-like scenario if the ongoing freak storm takes out the power, we’re introduced to the guests of honor in all their newly framed glory. Like specs? We got flagship specs: 7.2-channel, 100 watts/channel (2 channels driven @ 6 ohms); 7.2-channel, 100 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms); 7.2-channel, 120 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms); 9.2-channel, 130 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms); 13.2-channel, 150 watts/channel (2 channels driven at 8 ohms). 

The top two models, the AZ5000ES and AZ7000ES, have complete preamp outputs if you prefer dedicated external amplifiers. For PlayStation 5 fans, all models support 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz video, as well as HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, variable refresh rate (VRR), and auto low latency mode (ALLM)—all thanks to HDMI 2.1 eARC ports (I/O proportions increase alongside the price). 

Like first impressions? We’ll get to the impressions soon, I promise. These AVRs now feature Sony’s Dolby Atmos competitor, 360 Reality Audio (ported from Sony’s award-winning soundbars, active noise cancellation headphones, and earbuds). Streaming services—including TIDAL, Amazon Music Unlimited, and nugs.net—can be optimized for this object-based experience. An additional algorithm, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, uses psychoacoustics to make stereo and multi-channel content (whether Dolby or DTS) even more immersive. 

A multi-axis microphone. Sound engineering shared between San Diego and Tokyo. The new line offers an updated approach to auto-calibration and digital signal processing to map “virtual speakers” in the gaps between physical transducers. Not sure what to feed the beasts? Along with any and all hardware you can imagine that can be patched through HDMI, optical, coaxial, RCA, etc., the AVRs feature Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.2, and Roon endpoint compatibility. In addition, all the amps are certified Works With Sonos. A Sonos Port external streamer (sold separately) can wake the AVR and designate it as a zone in the Sonos app, allowing you to play high-resolution audio across your wireless network without changing rooms or settings. ES hardware has always had audiophile cred, and the combination of a 32-bit DAC, DSEE Ultimate DSP, exclusive pre-amp integrated circuits, large-capacitor power transformer, updated heat sinks, and robust resonance-damping chassis, among other features, ensures that reputation’s not going away anytime soon.

Cycling through the Airbnb-turned-showroom, we hear CI rep after CI rep praising the depth of the ES line’s remote management features (and the hidden, embedded dashboards). Control4, OrC, Savant, Crestron … every integrator celebrates the RS232 ports and IP controls and their ability to monitor, configure, and support Sony’s AVRs without rolling out a truck. Settings can be backed up, restored, and/or locked down in case someone decides to experiment with the levels (particularly useful if, say, you own a mansion you rent out for high-end parties and corporate events like product rollouts). We’re shown how easy it is to work these home automation-friendly hubs into a whole-home control system like Savant’s, programming scenes where, for example, Wi-Fi-enabled GE CYNC smart LED bulbs change color based on the content source (Netflix red, Disney+ blue, etc.).  

It was when the lights went down, however, that the ES AVR really shows off what it could do. Sony spent four weeks building out a custom theater in what was once an unused garage, partnering with KEF Audio, makers of some of our favorite powered speakers, among others. Rack-mounting a STR-AZ7000ES with a Sony UBP-X800M2 4K Blu-ray player and power management/control components, the team build an easily accessed and easily secured patch bay with AudioQuest interconnects. Inside the ES Cinema, a Sony VPL-XW7000ES 4K HDR laser projector and 13 KEF architectural speakers were demoed with a 150-inch screen and 9.6.4 configuration. Yes, six subwoofers. No, I don’t think anyone soiled themselves, but I didn’t take a formal poll.   

Soundbars and virtualization have transformed movie night. We’re fans of the Sony HT-A7000, and expanding to satellites and a sub is immediately impactful. But the physicality of a properly calibrated speaker array—whether showcasing a high-intensity film scene or a multi-layered song—triggers something primal that’s underserved even in the finest stereo or 5.1. While most audiophile music selections leave me cold, the set-up’s presentation is warm as it steadily swivels—the STR-AZ7000ES’s clean power and the KEF 12th-gen. Uni-Q driver’s smooth off-axis response creates a murmuration of spatial audio rendered with authority but an even temperament. I won’t say the sound is to die for because the roads haven’t thawed, but I’m thoroughly impressed.

Not everyone can dedicate their space and/or funds to reinforce insulation and calculate acoustic treatments to wrangle the rumble, however. Those of us who put our pants on one leg at a time, then binge in a more traditional “home theater” can still access customization options. Sony’s AVRs support select wireless surround speakers (the SA-RS3S and SA-RS5) and subs (the SA-SW3 and SA-SW5). And they feature an Acoustic Center Sync feature, allowing for virtual positioning of the surround sound dialogue channel in combination with a flatscreen’s audio output—but only if that display is a Sony Bravia XR TV. Speaking of … nearly 2,000 miles and multiple weather patterns away, Commerce Reporter Brandt Ranj is escorted into a dimly lit room to get the skinny on Sony’s 2023 TV lineup.

One small step for brightness, one giant leap for TVs of a certain kind

Manhattan’s Madison Avenue on a sunny morning isn’t as harrowing as the Southwest coated in wintry mix, but I still saw beautiful vistas standing before Sony’s latest Bravia XR displays. Most of the demo areas were set up with four screens: This year’s Sony TV, the previous year’s Sony TV, a competitor’s TV, and a multi-thousand-dollar reference monitor used by professional TV and filmmakers for color grading.

The purpose of Sony’s demos was simple: see the year-over-year improvements Sony could make to its TVs, understand how the new sets stacked up to the competition, and compare all of the consumer-grade hardware to the reference monitor. The Sony representatives giving the demo flat out told me that the reference monitor would produce the best results but, otherwise, let me use my own rods and cones to suss out the differences.

One of Sony’s priorities with this year’s slate of TVs is increasing brightness without losing visual fidelity. This was as true for its “Master Series” A95L QD-OLED TV as for its entry-level X77L Direct LED model. Each demo highlighted—pardon the pun—this directive, and I was impressed with the balance Sony struck. My handler was quicker to show off the annual improvements Sony made to its TVs—how much more detail was visible in low-light scenes or how brightly lit ones popped—than to put down the competitor’s set.

And it’s true. My personal reference television—the one I test against new TV hardware I’m reviewing—is Sony’s two-year-old X80J, so I’m familiar with how its OLED screens look. In the room I was in, the new TVs looked as vibrant and accurate as ever, with improvements to color reproduction going hand-in-hand with the brighter screens. I don’t see myself upgrading my current set anytime soon, but anyone considering jumping from a years-old LED TV to a MiniLED or OLED set will be pleased with what they see.

These performance boosts are made possible by improvements in screen technology, but the other side of Sony’s 2023 TV story is its updated Cognitive Processor XR. The new chip has found its way into the X95L, X90L, A95L, and A80L TVs and can optimize the HDR tone mapping and noise reduction of the content you’re watching in real-time. I could see how 1080P content looked upconverted on a 4K TV, and the Clear Image result was satisfying. HD video will never look as good as native 4K content, but it’s nice to know that older shows on streaming services will look their best. Sony could have saved these chips for one type of TV, but it’s nice to see them share the love with MiniLED and OLED TVs alike.

Every tech company has been quick to tout how their latest gear is more environmentally friendly than ever, but Sony’s take on this is refreshingly understandable. The company didn’t focus exclusively on tech specs; instead, it made all its power settings accessible from an Eco menu in the TVs dashboard. The dashboard has a pastoral background, with a tree that blooms as you enable more eco-friendly settings. Seeing the tree grow in real time was fun, though I’m not sure it’s quite impressive enough to make people adjust their TV’s brightness. There’s also a Gaming dashboard to adjust VRR, etc.

The most impressive demo I saw during my brief time with Sony’s TVs was how its A95L’s built-in camera makes on-the-fly adjustments based on the lighting conditions of your room, how many people are watching TV, and where they’re seated. These changes happened seamlessly, and I could watch a cursor representing me move as I walked around. The camera can also be used to make and take Google Meet video calls directly from the A95L, which can be helpful if your team or family uses that platform. You can disable the A95L camera and close a privacy shade if you don’t want to live quite so far in the future. Personally, I’m all in.

Television has been a part of U.S. culture for over half a century. While increases in resolution, reductions in size, and improvements to usability have passed us by, the basic concept of a screen showing a picture has remained. In 2023, Sony has opted not to jump on a fad—please, no more attempts to make at-home 3D or fetch happen—but instead made incremental-yet-noticeable changes across the board. We all know many of the successful features from its highest-end sets will end up in entry-level models within a few years, and in this case, we all have a lot to look forward to.

The post We saw Sony’s new ES receivers and Bravia XR TVs and lived to tell you about them appeared first on Popular Science.

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President’s Day Weekend is here, and it’s time to appreciate the work done by our nation’s leaders by saving hundreds of dollars on a new TV and home theater system for watching documentaries like Grant for three days straight. Companies have used this three-day weekend as an opportunity to provide deep discounts on their latest gear, which is helpful if you’re due for an upgrade. Whether you’re looking for a bigger or higher resolution screen for watching videos and playing games, or finally have enough space for a surround-sound system, these deals and sales shouldn’t be missed.

Hisense U8H, $998 (Was $1,399.99)

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Hisense’s U8H was one of—if not the—best Mini-LED TV of 2022, and you can snag it at a $399 discount if you shop now. The 4K Google TV had a peak brightness of 1500 nits, supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and has HDMI 2.1 ports that allow gamers to play 4K games at up to 120 frames per second. Tech specs are nice, but what you need to know is that the U8H will deliver excellent color reproduction and overall image quality when you’re streaming or playing 4K content. Even HD content will look nice on this TV if it was mastered well. Hisense touts this TV’s Dolby Atmos support, too, in case you don’t have the space or interest in external speakers. If you’ve been holding off on buying a new TV, the Hisense U8H will be a huge upgrade over the set you have now—especially if you haven’t made the jump to 4K.

The best TV deals

• TCL 50S455, $269.99 (Was $499.99)
• Hisense 50U6HF, $327.52 (Was $529.99)
• TCL 6-Series 4K TV, $599.99 (Was $799.99)
• Hisense 75U7H, $998 (Was $1,247.99)
• LG C1 OLED TV, $1,496.99 (Was $2,499.99)
• Sony XR55A80K OLED TV, $1,498 (Was $1,999.99)
• LG G2 OLED TV, $1,996.99 (Was $2,499.99)

The best projector deals

• AAXA M7, $429.99 (Was $488)
• BenQ TH575, $549 (Was $599)
• XGIMI Elfin Mini, $499 (Was $649)
• XGIMI Halo+, $739 (Was $849)
• BenQ GS50, $799 (Was $899.99)
• XGIMI Horizon, $899 (Was $999)
• ViewSonic PX701-4K, $818.99 (was $909.99)
• ViewSonic LS831WU, $2,279 (Was $2,509.99)

The best Bluetooth speaker deals

• Tribit Upgraded MaxSound Plus, $47.99 (Was $99.99)
• Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3, $79.99 (Was $99.99)
• JBL Flip 6, $109.95 (Was $129.95)
• Bose SoundLink Flex, $129 (Was $149)
• JBL Charge 5, $149.95 (Was $179.95)
• Tribit StormBox Blast, $155.98 (Was $259.99)
• Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3, $157 (Was $199.99)
• Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II), $179 (Was $219)
• Klipsch Heritage Wireless The One II, $188 (Was $299)
• Sony SRS-RA3000, $198 (Was $399.99)
• Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20, $439.99 (Was $549)
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9, $2,499 (Was $3,499.99)

The best stereo receiver deals

• Onkyo TX-SR393, $339.95 (Was $379)
• YAMAHA RX-V385, $349.95 (Was $399.95)
• Denon AVR-S960H, $499 (Was $849)
• Denon AVR-X2700H, $799 (Was $1,099)
• YAMAHA RX-A2A, $999.95 (Was $1,149.95)
• Marantz SR5015, $999 (Was $1,499)
• Marantz SR6015, $1,599 (Was $2,199)

The best speaker deals

• Yamaha NS-6490, $149.95 (Was $169.95)
• Fluance Signature HiFi 2-Way Bookshelf Surround Sound Speakers, $199.99 (Was $299.99)
• Polk Audio Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers, $299 (Was $399)
• Klipsch RP-600M, $419 (Was $549)
• Fluance XL8FW, $509.97 (Was $599.99)
• Enclave CineHome II, $998.98 (Was $1,199.99)
• Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2, $999 (Was $1,749.50)
• Bowers & Wilkins 705, $1,958 (Was $3,299)

The best soundbar deals

• Hisense HS214, $79.99 (Was $149.99)
• Sony S100F, $98 (Was $129.99)
• YAMAHA SR-B20A, $149.95 (Was $199.95)
• SAMSUNG HW-S50B/ZA, $197.99 (Was $247.99)
• Polk Audio MagniFi 2, $199.99 (Was $499)
• SAMSUNG HW-Q60B, $277.99 (Was $499.99)
• Polk True Surround III, $490.76 (Was $522.08)
• JBL Bar 5.1, $449.95 (Was $599.95)
• Bose Smart Soundbar 600, $449 (Was $499)

More Presidents Day deals

• Best Buy deals
• Furniture deals
• Computer deals
• Fitness deals

The post Kick back and relax with the best TV and home theater Presidents Day Weekend deals appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Ah, the Super Bowl: the one time every year we put our differences aside to cheer on the team we want to win. Even if our favorite team may not play (although the joy of watching is sweeter when it does), at least we can maybe get some good betting money out of it. Or, if you’re simply using the Super Bowl party as an excuse to enjoy beer and chicken wings, no judgement. You can critique the commercials and watch Super Bowl LVII MVP Rihanna. No matter who or what you’re rooting for, you’ll be the winner by upgrading your TV, air fryer, and/or video doorbell with brag-worthy Amazon deals.

Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $399.99 (Was $519.99)

Amazon

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If you’re frantically searching “how to watch the Super Bowl without cable” while keeping your current 1080p TV on life support, we think it’s high time to upgrade to the Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV, which is 23% off. You can watch the game live thanks to Amazon Fire built-in, which also allows you to stream music—perfect for pre- and post-game entertaining. 4K UHD and Dolby Digital Plus will make it feel like you’re yelling at the refs right next to Nick Sirianni and Andy Reid. And, if you’re looking for a slightly better deal in exchange for a slightly smaller TV, the 50-inch version is 32% off with all the same features as its 55-inch larger cousin. If you’re looking for a step-up, consider the Amazon Fire TV Omni Series—the 75-inch version is 24% off and adds hands-free Alexa.

The deals don’t stop at TVs, however. Pick up a Dolby Atmos Soundbar for 30%-off to hear every tackle and hike, and tweet game updates sans refresh with an eero mesh Wi-Fi system that’s less than $200. Ensure that the person at the door is an esteemed guest and not a rando with 30% off a Ring Doorbell 3. Between this Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that’s on sale for less than $100 and a Magic Mill Food Dehydrator that’s almost 40% off, you’ll have the best Super Bowl party food in the neighborhood. No party is complete without a fire pit—the Solo Stove has you covered there with a 24% off deal on the Ranger 2 portable fire pit. Best of all, you’ll get everything before the game with plenty of time to plan, thanks to Amazon Prime.

Super Bowl LVII is Feb. 12, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. EST. Snag your party supplies while they’re on sale, including the ever-important team gear. (Go Birds! Chief’s Kingdom!)

Here are other Super Bowl party essentials that are on sale:

• Amazon Fire TV 65″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV $599.99 (Was $759.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV $439.99 (Was $559.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 43″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV $289.99 (Was 409.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $259.99 (Was $369.99
• Fire TV Stick 4K $39.99 (Was 49.99)
• INSIGNIA 70-inch Class F50 Series Smart 4K UHD QLED Fire TV (2021 Model) $499.99 (Was $549.99)
• Hisense 50-inch ULED U6 Series Quantum Dot QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (50U6HF, 2022 Model) $337.89 (Was $529.99)
• Hisense 58-inch ULED U6 Series Quantum Dot LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (58U6HF, 2022 Model) $387.22 (Was $599.99)
• INSIGNIA 43-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-43F301NA22, 2021 Model) $209.99 (Was $299.99)
• Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1, 4QT Air Fryer $89.95 (Was $129.99)
• Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer Oven $129.95 (Was $169.99)
• Instant Vortex 4-in-1, 2-QT Mini Air Fryer $41.70 (Was $59.99)
• Sonos One (Gen 2) $179 (Was $199)
• Sonos One (Gen 2) Two-Room Set $358 (Was $438)
• Sonos Beam Gen 2 (Black) $399 (Was $449)
• Sonos Arc $799 (Was $894.95)

The post Be a Super Bowl party champion with $250 off Fire TVs on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie		SEE IT	The Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie is a  powerful antenna that you can tuck away in an attic.
Best budget		GE Attic Mount HD Digital TV Antenna		SEE IT	The GE Attic Mount HD Digital TV Antenna gets the job done and costs less than our more powerful picks.
Best for rural areas		Marathon Plus HDTV Long-Distance Antenna		SEE IT	The Marathon Plus HDTV Long-Distance Antenna is easy to set up, and gives you lots of range.

Streaming may be king, but cord-cutters still need a TV antenna to fill in the gap left by cable and pick up regional channels to watch sports and local news. Fortunately, the technology is better than ever—from classic, spiny, yagi antennas to modern flat models you stick on your window, there’s a perfect antenna out there for you, no matter your budget. And if you have access to an attic, the best attic antennas offer convenience and reliability.

In most cases, it makes sense to either get an outdoor antenna to mount on your roof, or place an indoor antenna near a window in the same room as your TV. However, there’s a third, less obvious option that splits the difference between the two: mounting your antenna inside your attic. An attic antenna should give you a stronger signal than an in-room antenna while avoiding the hassles of having a rooftop antenna installed. It’s also the most discreet way to mount it. Besides, what are you using that space for, anyway? If you’re thinking about placing a new TV antenna in your attic, we can help you pick the right one for your space.

• Best overall: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie
• Best for rural areas: Free Signal TV Marathon Plus HDTV Long-Distance Antenna
• Best compact: Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V
• Best for furnished attics: Antop AT-500SBS HD Smart Bar
• Best budget: GE Attic Mount HD Digital TV Antenna

How we selected the best attic antennas

I’ve written about consumer technology for nearly a decade at sites like Digital Trends, GameSpot, and Lifewire as an industry journalist and critic. Most recently, I have covered home media and gaming here at Popular Science, including televisions and antennas. I also edit the Uber Engineering blog. Picking an antenna depends largely on your location, so the best antenna for a rural home would be complete overkill for someone living near a large city. Attic-mounting has more to do with placement than the antenna itself, so we’ve chosen a range of antennas at various price points and strengths, with a focus on quality and value. 

We’ve surveyed the best-selling, most reviewed, and most recommended products on the market and extrapolated a representative list of the best value options for a variety of price points and use cases. All of our recommendations are well-reviewed by customers and critics alike, and from brands we trust.

The best attic antennas: Reviews & Recommendations

Getting better signal quality out of the airwaves keeps free over-the-air broadcast TV relevant, even as we upgrade to 4K TVs and the broadcast environment shifts. You can upgrade any streaming setup with an attic antenna, which will bring free, local broadcasts to your living room without a gaudy black panel on your window or putting something on your roof. No matter your budget or needs, we’re confident that the best attic TV antenna for your home is here among these picks.

Best overall: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie

Antennas Direct

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Why it made the cut: The Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie is a powerful and versatile antenna that you can tuck away in an attic.

Specs

• Range: 70 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Mast clamp
• Gain: 17.4Dbi

Pros

• Great performance
• Flexibility from multiple aimable panels
• Lifetime warranty on parts

Cons

• Very large
• Includes mounting hardware, but requires mast and coaxial cable

The four sizable rectangular panels of the Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie antenna are its greatest strength, and also make it well-suited for tucking away in an attic. Because the panels are mounted on two independently rotating masts, you can either spread them out to capture signals in different directions or focus them to better capture in a single direction. That versatility, paired with its 70-mile range and 17.4Dbi gain, makes it powerful enough for most situations. The only real tradeoff for all that power is its commanding size, at 3 x 4 feet, which is why it’s particularly perfect for hiding in your attic if you have the room, rather than commanding attention on your roof.

Best for rural areas: Free Signal TV Marathon Plus HDTV Long-Distance Antenna

FREE SIGNAL TV

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Why it made the cut: The Marathon Plus HDTV Long-Distance Antenna offers great reach in a compact form.

Specs

• Range: 110 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Wall, pole, floor, ceiling
• Gain: 40 dBi

Pros

• Long range
• Compact
• Flexible installation

Cons

• Expensive

The Marathon Plus HDTV Long-Distance Antenna looks more like a Wi-Fi router than a TV aerial but that sleek, compact appearance belies some serious power with a 110-mile range. Its compact, rectangular form also makes it extremely versatile in its installation, letting you clamp it to poles like most antennas, but also hang it on the wall like a picture frame or place it on the floor. It’s expensive, but the performance and form factor are worth the investment if you want something powerful and discreet.

Best compact: Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V

Antennas Direct

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Compact and dependable, the Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V offers a great balance between size and power.

Specs

• Range: 60 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Wall, pole, floor, ceiling
• Gain: 10.4 dBi

Pros

• Great performance
• Compact

Cons

• Assembly required

Antennas Direct‘s ClearStream 2V sits in the middle of its smaller ClearStream line for windows and TV stands. The 2V stands out because of its longer range, UHF/VHF support, and pivoting mast for installation flexibility. It requires a little more day-one assembly than the other options on our list, and its unique design combining rings and a grid tends to stand out when used indoors or on your roof, but its range, features, and price are all on point, so it’s a perfect pick to set up in your attic.

Best for furnished attics: Antop AT-500SBS HD Smart Bar

ANTOP ANTENNA

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Simultaneously large and unobtrusive, the Antop AT-500SBS HD Smart Bar will blend right in with any modern home theater setup.

Specs

• Range: 80 miles
• UHF/VHF: Both
• Installation: Wall mount, floor stand
• Gain: N/A

Pros

• Great performance
• Sleek design
• LTE filter

Cons

• Large

The Antop AT-500SBS HD Smart Bar is almost 30 inches long, but its sleek, black form is designed to blend in among any other contemporary consumer hardware, looking more like a speaker bar or heat pump than a television antenna. It configures both vertically and horizontally, either free-standing or mounted onto the wall for maximum flexibility in getting the best possible signal. It delivers great performance with an 80-mile range and all sorts of useful features, including a 4G LTE filter to block interference from cell signals, and an adjustable range dial for tuning in precisely on signals.

Best budget: GE Attic Mount HD Digital TV Antenna

GE home electrical

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