The 4 best TVs of 2026, tested by experts

Buying a new TV shouldn't feel like homework, but with endless brands, complicated specs, and flashy marketing terms, it often does. If you're wondering which models are actually worth your money, you're in the right place. I've narrowed things down to the best TVs you can buy right now, based on hands-on testing and over a decade of experience reviewing home entertainment gear.

For most people, the Samsung S90F strikes the ideal balance of price, performance, and smart features. Its OLED panel delivers stunning contrast, rich colors, and deep black levels that disappear into a dark room. If you're shopping on a tighter budget, the TCL QM6K is my top value pick. While it can't quite match the S90F's picture quality, it punches above its weight with features rarely seen at this price, including a speedy 144Hz refresh rate that's great for gaming.

I've also included picks for midrange buyers and those ready to spend more for top-tier performance. The four models below are the best TVs I currently recommend, but there are plenty of strong alternatives out there depending on your room, viewing habits, and budget. If you want even more choices across different brands, sizes, and price ranges, check out my complete lineup of TV buying guides.

Our top picks for the best TVs

How we select the best TVs

To pick the best TVs, I focus on picture quality, smart features, design, and overall value.

Picture quality: My TV testing mixes objective measurements with everyday viewing. Test patterns are helpful, but they don't tell the whole story. So I also live with each TV for a few weeks, watching movies and shows just like I would on my own set. This helps me spot performance quirks across different types of content. I also weigh image quality against price, as what I expect from a budget TV differs from what I expect from a flagship model.

Smart features: I spend time with each TV's smart platform to see how fast it is, how well voice search works, how many apps are available, and how intrusive the ads feel. If a TV includes unique features, I dig into those too to see whether they actually make a difference.

Design: I don't hold inexpensive TVs to the same standard as premium ones, but I do call out any major design issues. High-end models, on the other hand, should feel premium, with thin panels, metal finishes, sturdy stands, and thoughtful touches like adjustable heights or backlit remotes.

Value: Ultimately, the best TVs strike the right balance between performance and price. Expensive sets need to earn their premium with truly top-tier picture quality, while midrange and budget options should deliver features that go above and beyond what you typically get at their price.

Best overall

The Samsung S90F strikes just the right balance between performance and price. The 65-inch model is frequently sold for around $1,500, offering image quality that outshines most rivals in its price range. It also sports a full suite of smart features and a sleek design.

Utilizing Samsung's QD-OLED panel, the S90F delivers pixel-level contrast and dazzling highlights that pop off the screen. Even the priciest LED and QLED sets can't match this level of contrast control. Thanks to quantum dot technology, colors are brighter and more vibrant than on midrange OLEDs from LG. Only Sony's premium OLEDs match this tech, but they cost a lot more. Black levels are also deep and inky when watching TV in a dark room, though they do rise slightly with the lights on.

While testing the S90F, our reviewer measured a peak brightness of about 1,460 nits, which is impressive for this type of panel. That level of brightness makes the S90F a superb choice for HDR content. Since many HDR titles are mastered for around 1,000 nits, the S90F is able to reproduce highlights — like explosions and sun flares — with realistic impact. The result is bold, cinematic picture quality with rich color and sharp detail.

Viewing angles are another strong suit. While LED and QLED models can fade when viewed off-center, the S90F maintains contrast and color accuracy from nearly any seat in the room. Gamers will also appreciate the TV's 144Hz refresh rate on PC and 120Hz support on PS5 and Xbox Series X, ensuring smooth gameplay.

Samsung's Tizen smart TV interface features built-in access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming app, allowing Game Pass subscribers to stream Xbox titles directly from their TV without the need for a console. The platform also supports nearly every major video streaming service. Navigation speed has also been improved over past Samsung TV models, with quicker loading and less lag. That said, our reviewer found the interface's organization of menus and apps to be a bit clumsy.

Like all Samsung TVs, the S90F lacks one notable feature that many of its rivals offer: Dolby Vision support. Dolby Vision can enhance the quality of HDR for certain streaming content and 4K Blu-ray discs, but the difference is subtle at this level. Ultimately, we don't consider this omission to be a dealbreaker. For more information about Dolby Vision and other HDR formats, see our HDR TV guide.

The S90F is available in sizes from 42 to 83 inches, but only the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models use Samsung's QD-OLED panel. Smaller and larger versions still deliver great image quality, but they use standard WOLED panels, so their color range isn't quite as wide.

Best picture quality

The LG G5 is the most impressive high-end TV I've tested, besting my previous pick in this category, the Sony A95L. Though Sony's premium OLED is still a fantastic display, the G5 offers a brighter image with more impact while maintaining the pixel-perfect contrast that OLEDs are celebrated for.

Using an industry-standard 10% test pattern with the TV set in its most accurate setting, I measured a peak brightness of about 2,400. That's a record for an OLED, and it's around 1,000 nits brighter than many midrange models, such as the Samsung S90F.

Of course, test patterns can only reveal so much. What's actually important is how the TV looks when watching real-world content. And in a word, the G5 is stunning. High-brightness HDR movies, such as "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Aquaman," leap from the screen in ways I've never seen on an OLED, fully utilizing the G5's nearly unmatched combination of intense peak highlights and infinite contrast. Viewing angles are also wide, allowing you to sit to the side of the screen without any significant shifts in contrast and color. Gamers even get a high 165Hz refresh rate when paired with a PC.

But while incredible on many fronts, the G5 isn't quite perfect — no display is. The TV initially had issues with banding/posterization (blocky rather than smooth gradations of color and dark shades) when watching certain types of HDR content. In the months following the G5's launch, LG released firmware updates to minimize this issue.

Through weeks of testing, banding occurred so rarely that I don't consider it to be a major con. Those highly sensitive to spotting posterization may want to consider other high-end TVs that are less prone to it (like the Samsung S95F). But when evaluating the TV's image quality as a whole, the G5 has the best picture performance I've seen.

The G5's webOS smart TV interface works well enough, but it isn't my favorite platform. The homepage is a bit barebones in design and features shopping recommendations too prominently. However, you still get access to all the best streaming services, and general navigation and usability are solid. I did run into some errors with hands-free voice search, but it works better when using the remote.

The TV boasts a handsome design with sturdy materials and a slim profile. It comes with a flush wall mount that allows you to hang the panel with virtually no gap. But the tradeoff is that the display doesn't include a traditional stand at all. If wall mounting isn't doable in your room, you'll have to purchase a separate stand.

There are a few competing OLEDs that address some of the G5's flaws a bit better. Most notably, Sony's Bravia 8 II offers better processing. However, that model falls short in other areas, such as peak brightness, and is only available in two sizes. As such, I still give the G5 an edge. That said, there is one TV that could surpass the G5 in overall picture quality: Panasonic's Z95B. I'll be testing that model soon and will update this guide with details on how it stacks up.

Best budget model

The QM6K is TCL's top entry-level QLED TV. The 65-inch size is often on sale for $650 or less, which is an excellent value for a TV in this class.

What sets the QM6K apart from most similarly priced TVs is its use of a Mini LED backlight with local dimming and quantum dots. These features are typically reserved for pricier sets, and they enable the QM6K to produce higher contrast and better colors than most of its rivals.

When reviewing the TV, I was impressed by its backlight control, which produced minimal blooming (halos around bright objects). It also offered an overall solid HDR image with great saturation. However, as a budget-friendly TV, the QM6K has some limitations. The display's black levels are slightly lighter than those of more expensive QLEDs, and the panel's brightness is limited compared to midrange and high-end sets.

I measured a peak of 557 nits on a 10% HDR test pattern and about 736 nits on a larger 50% test pattern. Those are decent numbers for an entry-level Mini LED TV, but they're notably lower than the levels offered by my other picks in this guide. As a result, bright highlights in some movies and TV shows have less impact than intended. Although viewing angles have been improved over older TCL QLEDs, they're still much narrower than those of an OLED TV.

On the plus side, the QM6K has received a significant gaming upgrade over its predecessor, as this model supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. This makes the QM6K one of the most affordable TVs that can display 4K/120Hz signals from a PS5 or Xbox Series X, enabling smoother motion when playing certain games.

The QM6K's Google TV interface is easy to use and snappy to navigate, with only minor hiccups. When reviewing older TCL TVs, I encountered several minor glitches here and there, but the QM6K was completely free from bugs during several weeks of testing.

All things considered, the QM6K is the perfect starter home theater TV for anyone who wants a budget set that still offers worthwhile HDR performance.

Best midrange option

Similar to the company's more affordable QM6K, the QM7K utilizes a Mini LED backlight with quantum dots and local dimming. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and utilizes the Google TV operating system for quick access to numerous streaming services. But what sets this pricier model apart from its cheaper sibling is its peak brightness.

The QM7K can get more than twice as bright as the QM6K. I measured a peak of around 1,800 nits on a 10% test pattern. That's more than enough to give specular highlights (like explosions) ample intensity in HDR movies and TV shows. That said, the QM7K isn't much brighter than its predecessor, the QM7. But the QM7K does have other upgrades up its sleeve.

TCL has implemented an improved backlighting system in this model, and the results are impressive. While I noticed some light fluctuations and patchy brightness in dark scenes when reviewing the older QM7, the QM7K is almost entirely free from these kinds of flaws. Likewise, halos around bright objects are almost nonexistent. Similarly, viewing angles have been notably improved. This is still a QLED, so color and contrast do wash out from an extreme angle, but you can veer further from the center without the TV's quality degrading as much.

However, black levels aren't quite as deep as I've seen on some pricier QLEDs, and the QM7K's backlight still can't match the pixel-level precision of an OLED. But given its position in the market, the QM7K is an excellent midrange TV option. The 65-inch model is often available for $1,000 or less, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a bright QLED TV under a grand.

The best TVs compared

The LG G5 (left) has much higher contrast than the TCK QM7K (right), but it costs substantially more. Steven Cohen/Business Insider

Here's a rundown of key specifications for each of our top TV picks, offering an overview of how they compare.

Samsung S90F	LG G5	TCL QM6K	TCL QM7K
Typical price (65 inch)	$1,500	$2,000	$650	$1,000
Panel type	QD-OLED	OLED	QLED	QLED
Backlight	N/A	N/A	Mini LED with local dimming	Mini LED with local dimming
HDR support	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG	HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG	HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG	HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Peak brightness	1,460 nits	2,400 nits	560 nits	1,800 nits
Smart TV OS	Tizen	webOS	Google TV	Google TV
HDMI	Four HDMI 2.1	Four HDMI 2.1	Two HDMI 2.1, two HDMI 2.0	Two HDMI 2.1, two HDMI 2.0
Refresh rate	Up to 144Hz	Up to 165Hz	Up to 144Hz	Up to 144Hz

Check out our other TV buying guides

Our guide to the best TVs is designed to keep things simple, with our four top picks categorized by overall performance. But these aren't the only models we recommend. If you want to explore additional TV options in more detail, visit our supplemental buying guides, which focus on specific screen sizes, display types, budgets, brands, and key features.

• Best smart TVs
• Best 4K TVs
• Best OLED TVs
• Best gaming TVs
• Best sports TVs
• Best frame TVs
• Best budget TVs
• Best TVs under $500
• Best 100-inch TVs
• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs
• Best 43-inch TVs
• Best Sony TVs
• Best TCL TVs
• Best LG TVs
• Best Samsung TVs
• Best Roku TVs

Other TVs we reviewed

The LG C5 is an excellent midrange OLED, but we give the similarly priced Samsung S90F a slight edge for most viewers. John Higgins/Business Insider

Though they didn't quite make the cut for this guide, my team and I reviewed several other display models in our efforts to find the best TVs. Here's a rundown of some other notable TVs we tested, along with details on why they didn't make our top four picks.

The S95F is another excellent high-end TV alternative to the G5. It can't quite reach the same high brightness level, but it's capable of offering slightly richer colors in certain content. However, the S95F uses a divisive matte screen rather than a typical glossy screen. The matte panel does a fantastic job of combating reflections, but it causes black levels to look elevated in a bright room. Ultimately, we prefer how the G5 preserves inky black levels. But if you have trouble with ambient light, the S95F could be a better fit.

The LG C5 is the company's midrange OLED, and it's a fantastic TV. Its picture quality comes impressively close to our top pick in this guide, the Samsung S90F. However, unlike the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch versions of the S90F, the C5 doesn't use quantum dot technology, which gives those Samsung models a slight edge in color brightness. Since both TVs are often priced similarly, the S90F has a slight overall advantage.

TCL's QM8K is one of the brand's top QLED models. It delivers excellent performance that's on par with many high-end sets from pricier brands. In particular, the QM8K boasts impressive brightness and superior contrast control compared to similar QLEDs. However, overall image quality is still surpassed by OLED models, such as the Samsung S90F. That said, if you're looking for a high-performance QLED TV for a bright room, the QM8K is a great choice.

The Hisense U8QG is another excellent QLED TV for those seeking a high-brightness screen. It performs similarly to the TCL QM8K, but can get slightly brighter and features a faster 165Hz refresh rate. That said, it's limited to three HDMI ports and has some issues with oversaturated reds. Ultimately, we still give an edge to similarly priced OLED displays for overall performance.

The Frame Pro is Samsung's premium version of its popular Frame TV. Like the standard Frame, the Frame Pro is designed to look like a hanging piece of art when not in use as a TV. It accomplishes this with a matte screen that mimics the look of canvas, a flush wall mount, interchangeable bezels, and access to a vast collection of art that can be displayed on screen (subscription required). This high-end model can get brighter than the standard Frame, and its black-level control is better thanks to edge-lit local dimming. It also utilizes a wireless connection box, which expands your placement options within the room. However, while this is a great option for design-focused buyers, its overall picture quality still lags behind that of the best TVs in this guide.

The Quantum Pro is a decent midrange QLED with superior viewing angles compared to most competitors in this class. However, its contrast is lacking compared to similarly priced options from TCL and Hisense.

The Omni Mini LED is Amazon's new flagship TV. This model utilizes a Mini LED backlight to deliver higher contrast and brightness compared to the brand's more affordable offerings. It stacks up well against other TVs in its class, like the QM7K, but its list price is a bit high, and we prefer other smart TV systems over Amazon's Fire TV interface.

How we test TVs

To select the best TVs, our team relied on hands-on testing informed by more than a decade of experience covering home entertainment products. We evaluate displays across a series of testing factors, including image clarity, contrast, high-dynamic-range capabilities, peak brightness, color range, viewing angles, smart TV features, and overall value. 

We use meters to measure a TV's brightness and test patterns from generators, as well as the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc, to evaluate other objective display capabilities. 

We also rely on a variety of clips from movies and TV shows to get a better sense of how a TV actually performs under regular use. Clips are selected to focus on sequences that help demonstrate a TV's black-level quality, highlight performance, color range, and clarity. We also watch a mix of native 4K resolution (Ultra HD), high-definition (HD), and standard-definition (SD) content to see how a TV handles various resolutions through streaming, cable, and Blu-ray players. Viewing is conducted in both bright and dark rooms. Gaming performance is tested using different systems, including a PS5, Switch, and Xbox.

Smart TV features and navigation are also tested to determine how long it takes for apps to load and how reliable overall stability is. Voice search and digital assistant performance are also taken into account, along with other additional perks such as ambient modes, smart home control, and game streaming support.

What to look for in a TV

If you buy a TV in 2026, it will likely be branded as one of four primary display types: OLED, QD-OLED, QLED, or LED. Though performance varies depending on which specific model you buy, each tech has its own strengths and weaknesses. 

Below is a rundown of the pros and cons of each, along with guidance on different smart TV platforms and size options. For a more detailed breakdown of TV panel technology, check out our QLED vs. OLED comparison.

What is an OLED TV?

An OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV uses self-illuminating pixel technology to display its images without a backlight.

Who it's best for: OLED TVs are ideal for individuals who desire high-end picture quality in a space with limited ambient light. Though they still look good in most living rooms, some models can be too dim for areas filled with direct sunlight.

Pros:

• Infinite contrast ratio
• True black levels
• Wide viewing angles
• Expanded color gamut
• Overall performance is similar across different models

Cons:

• Peak brightness is typically dimmer than top QD-OLED or QLED TVs*
• Color volume can't match TVs with quantum dots
• Some risk of burn-in in extreme cases
• Limited sizes and budget tiers to choose from

*Some newer OLED TVs use MLA or four-stack panel technology, enabling them to match top QD-OLED TVs in peak brightness.

What is a QD-OLED TV?

A QD-OLED TV is a type of OLED TV that adds a filter of quantum dots to its panel to enable better color and brightness performance.

Who it's best for: QD-OLED TVs are great for people who want the absolute best picture quality. Since they're brighter than regular OLEDs, they're suited for both home theaters and average living rooms, and they deliver a slightly more pronounced HDR impact in highlights.

Pros:

• Infinite contrast ratio
• True black levels
• Wide viewing angles
• Expanded color gamut
• Brighter than a regular OLED
• Better color volume than a standard OLED

Cons:

• Peak brightness still can't match top QLED TVs
• Some risk of burn-in in extreme cases
• Limited sizes and budget tiers to choose from

What is a QLED TV?

A QLED is a TV that uses an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel with an LED (light-emitting diode) or Mini LED backlight and a filter of quantum dots. QLED TVs may or may not include local dimming, which enables contrast control over specific LEDs on the screen. To achieve the best performance on a QLED TV, look for models with local dimming and a Mini LED backlight.

Who it's best for: QLED TVs are good for people who favor high brightness to get the best performance in rooms that let in a lot of outside light. High-end models can also deliver excellent overall picture performance with vibrant HDR highlights, but we still prefer OLED technology for the best quality in a home theater.

Pros:

• Top models have industry-leading brightness and color volume
• Models with local dimming and Mini LEDs can provide great contrast
• No risk of burn-in
• Lots of sizes and budget tiers to choose from

Cons:

• Even top Mini LED models can't match the contrast of an OLED
• Black levels are lacking on models without local dimming
• Viewing angles are typically mediocre
• Performance varies a lot across different models and budget tiers

What is an LED TV?

An LED TV uses LCD panel technology with an LED backlight. Backlights can either be direct or edge-lit. The main difference between an LED and a QLED TV is that LED TVs don't use quantum dots. Most TVs branded as LED are budget-focused models without local dimming or wide color support, but some exceptions exist.

Who it's best for: LED TVs are ideal for budget-conscious shoppers. Most of these displays only offer basic image quality and lack the color and contrast performance you'd get on a QLED or OLED.

Pros:

• No risk of burn-in
• Lots of sizes and affordable options

Cons:

• Typically lacks wide color support
• Contrast is mediocre without local dimming
• Edge-lit backlights can lead to uneven black levels
• Viewing angles are usually mediocre

What size TV is best?

TVs come in a wide range of sizes, from compact 24-inch sets to massive 136-inch displays. When you're deciding what size to buy, it helps to think about a few things: the TV's resolution, the size of your room, how close you'll be sitting, and, of course, your budget.

As a general rule, larger screens cost more, and you'll also need enough wall or stand space to fit the TV you choose. Certain sizes also pair better with certain resolutions.

For example, HD screens are perfectly fine for smaller TVs — about 43 inches or below — because at typical viewing distances, you won't notice much difference between HD and higher resolutions. Once you reach the 50-inch-and-up range, 4K is the way to go, especially if you like to sit closer to the action. And if you're eyeing an 8K TV, those subtle improvements really only become noticeable on very large sets, typically 75 inches and larger.

Most brands treat 65 inches as their flagship sweet spot, and for good reason: it strikes a great balance between cinematic immersion and practicality, offering a big-screen feel without overwhelming most living rooms.

What smart TV interfaces does each brand use?

Almost any new TV you purchase in 2026 will be a smart TV with built-in support for accessing various streaming services. However, different brands use different smart TV operating systems (OS).

Here's a breakdown of popular smart TV platforms and the brands that use them:

• Android TV: Older models from Sony, TCL, and Hisense
• Fire TV: Amazon, Panasonic, Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense
• Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense
• Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense
• Vizio Home: Vizio
• Tizen: Samsung
• webOS: LG

Although the selection of apps across each OS varies slightly, they all provide access to the most popular streaming services. They also deliver similar features, but the style of navigation, personalization options, and extra perks vary.

We generally like Roku's interface the best, since it's the most straightforward and reliable. However, its design is a little outdated compared to other platforms that offer a more modern, content-focused style.

Which smart TV OS is best for your needs depends on personal preference and whether you're already plugged into a smart home ecosystem. For instance, a Google TV or Fire TV will pair more seamlessly with your existing Google or Amazon accounts and devices that you may already own.

If you're not satisfied with the interface built into your TV, we recommend checking out our guide to the best streaming devices. You can choose a stand-alone streaming device with whatever OS you prefer. Stand-alone streaming players also tend to offer snappier performance than built-in smart TV interfaces. Reliable Roku and Fire TV devices are frequently on sale for as little as $20.

Do you need a TV with HDMI 2.1?

Many midrange and high-end TVs feature inputs that use the HDMI 2.1 specification. HDMI 2.1 ports can display signals at up to 4K/120Hz (some TVs also enable 144Hz or 165Hz with a PC), along with support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM). These features are primarily geared toward gamers since they enable smoother gameplay while minimizing lag and screen tearing.

To enable HDMI 2.1 features, every device in your entertainment chain must support HDMI 2.1, including your TV and gaming console/PC. Likewise, if you use video passthrough on a soundbar or AV receiver to connect your gaming system to your TV, that audio device must also support HDMI 2.1.

Finally, your HDMI cables must be rated for 48Gbps to ensure they can transmit the full bandwidth required for HDMI 2.1. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for our top recommendations.

TV FAQs

A soundbar, such as the Samsung Q990F pictured above, will offer significantly better audio quality than the speakers built into a typical TV. Tyler Hayes/Business Insider

When will 2026 TV models be available?

New 2026 TV models from several brands will be unveiled at the CES tech show in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9. Following their debut at the show, 2026 TV models are then expected to start rolling out to stores in the spring. You can learn more about upcoming TV models in our CES 2026 TV roundup.

However, it's essential to note that 2025 TV models will remain in stock for the majority of the year, and they're likely to receive significant discounts. As such, 2025 TVs will continue to be a great value.

When is the best time to buy a TV on sale?

If you're shopping for a new TV, the best time to purchase a display on sale is during big deals events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. TVs often drop to their lowest prices during these sales. You can also find significant discounts in the weeks leading up to major sports events, such as the Super Bowl and March Madness, as well as sales tied to holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.

What TV brands should you consider?

There's no shortage of TV brands available, but some are better suited to certain needs than others. If you're looking for cutting-edge display technology and top-tier build quality, Sony, Samsung, LG, and Panasonic are the major names to consider. Just keep in mind that their mid- and entry-level models usually cost more than similar TVs from competing brands. If you want a premium OLED or QLED set, these companies should be your first stop. But if you're sticking to a budget, you can often stretch your dollar further elsewhere.

Brands like Hisense and TCL offer affordable mid-tier QLED TVs that can match, and sometimes even beat, the picture quality of pricier models from Sony, LG, and Samsung. You might not get the same level of craftsmanship or fancy design touches, but these value-focused companies deliver impressive features, such as quantum dots and local dimming, without the premium price tag.

Roku and Amazon have also jumped into the TV game with their own midrange and entry-level sets. Their models can be great deals when they're on sale, but at full price, you'll often find slightly better specs from other brands for the same cost.

And if you're just looking for a simple, no-frills LED TV, budget brands like Onn, Insignia, and Toshiba are worth a look. Onn is Walmart's in-house line and uses the Roku interface, while Insignia and Toshiba run on Amazon's Fire TV platform. All three brands offer inexpensive HD and 4K models and tend to get steep discounts during sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday. We usually recommend spending a little more on one of the brands mentioned above, but these budget-friendly options work perfectly well for casual viewing or smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or dorms.

Do TVs offer good sound quality?

Generally speaking, TVs offer mediocre sound quality. To keep TVs thin and affordable, manufacturers use small speaker drivers, often positioned in areas that lead to poor performance. This results in poor sound quality, characterized by muddy dialogue, flat dynamics, and a lack of bass.

We recommend purchasing a soundbar or a full surround sound system to get the best sound quality with your TV. Check out our soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations:

• Best soundbars
• Best budget soundbars
• Best Dolby Atmos soundbars
• Best soundbars with subwoofers
• Best Bose soundbars
• Best Sonos soundbars
• Best surround sound systems

Can I watch free local channels on my TV?

Most TVs include integrated digital tuners that can receive free over-the-air broadcasts when paired with an antenna and a coaxial cable. Reliable digital antennas can cost as little as $20. Check out our guide to the best indoor TV antennas to see our top recommendations.

The exact number of channels you'll be able to pick up relies heavily on where you live, but so long as you're within a certain distance from local broadcast towers, you should be able to watch channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. You can check the available channels in your community through the AntennaWeb tool.

If you live in an area with poor antenna reception but still want an alternative to cable that provides access to popular channels, check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services.

Should I be worried about burn-in on my TV?

If you leave a static image on your TV for too long, some displays are susceptible to a phenomenon known as burn-in. When burn-in occurs, a faint outline of an image gets permanently stuck on your display. Thankfully, burn-in is rare on modern TVs, so most people don't need to worry about it. However, there are some considerations you should be aware of.

First and foremost, OLED is the only current TV technology prone to burn-in. Although LCD-based TVs, such as QLED and LED, are not 100% immune to burn-in, cases are so rare that they're not considered a significant risk, unlike OLED TVs. However, while OLED shoppers should be aware of this risk, all OLED TVs come with built-in features designed to prevent burn-in, including pixel-shift modes and pixel refreshers.

Websites like Rtings have done long-term burn-in tests with various OLED models. Although their results show that burn-in can technically occur on even top OLED TVs, their tests indicate that it's not a significant issue for people with regular viewing habits. Burn-in only happens in extreme situations, like if you just watch the same cable channel with the same logo at the bottom of the screen all day.

I had an LG CX OLED TV in my own home theater setup for over three years. I regularly streamed various services, watched cable TV, and played video games (with plenty of static elements), and the TV showed no signs of burn-in. Unless you plan to stay tuned to the same cable news channel 24/7, we don't think burn-in should be a factor when deciding between an OLED TV and another display type.