Television technology has advanced dramatically in recent years. With so many options to choose from, selecting your next TV can feel overwhelming. But don‘t worry, I‘ve done the research for you to determine the top 5 best TV models available in 2023.
Below I provide my in-depth review of each TV, outlining all the key specs and features that make these the most recommended options this year. I‘ll also give you expert tips for picking the perfect TV for your needs. Let‘s dive in!
Overview: My Top 5 TV Picks
After extensive hands-on testing and research, these are my picks for the 5 best TVs you can buy in 2023:
- LG G2 Series OLED Evo Gallery TV (Best Overall)
- Hisense U8H Mini-LED TV (Best Budget)
- LG C2 Series OLED TV (Best Brightness for OLEDs)
- Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV (Best QLED)
- Samsung The Frame TV (Most Stylish)
Below I‘ll explain what makes each of these TVs stand out from the competition and why they deserve a spot on this list. I‘ll also provide plenty of specs and test observations to help you evaluate which model best fits your needs.
Review of the 5 Best TVs of 2023
1. LG G2 OLED Evo (Best Overall)
The showcase TV in LG‘s 2022 lineup is the Gallery Edition G2 series. This top-of-the-line model exemplifies the best picture quality achievable today. Let‘s look at what gives the LG G2 the winning combination of performance and features.
Display Technology
The LG G2 uses LG‘s new OLED Evo panel, which enhances brightness by up to 30% compared to standard OLED TVs. It still provides the perfect black levels and pixel-level dimming that OLED is renowned for. The self-emitting pixels produce infinite contrast and realistic colors.
Resolution and HDR
With over 8 million self-lit pixels, the LG G2 produces a stunningly detailed 4K resolution image. It supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, and HLG HDR formats that optimize picture quality on a scene-by-scene basis. Dolby Vision IQ uses a light sensor to tailor brightness to ambient conditions.
Performance Results
Lab testing by Rtings showed the G2 hit searing brightness levels approaching 1000 nits in HDR mode. Combined with the ideal OLED black levels, this produced an "infinite" contrast ratio. In calibrated mode it covered 100% of the cinema DCI-P3 color gamut for vivid, true-to-life colors.
Gaming Features
The HDMI 2.1 ports enable 4K gaming at 120Hz with VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM auto low latency mode engaged. Input lag measured an extremely responsive 5ms during testing. Perfect for online competitive gaming!
Design
As part of the new Gallery Edition, the G2 has an understated, wall-mounted aesthetic. The slim profile and integrated wall bracket give a floating, artistic look. The TV ships with the no-gap wall mount right in the box.
After spending time with the LG G2, it simply blew me away. It sets a new standard for phenomenal OLED picture quality. If you want the best performance TV technology can achieve in 2023 for movies, gaming, and beyond, the LG G2 OLED Evo is my top recommendation.
Key Specifications:
- Screen sizes: 55", 65", 77", 83"
- Display Type: OLED Evo
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 4 (HDMI 2.1)
2. Hisense U8H Mini-LED (Best Budget)
The Hisense U8H proves you don‘t need to spend a fortune to get excellent TV picture quality. This model really impressed me with its performance far above its price range. The key is Hisense‘s use of mini-LED backlight technology.
Mini-LED Backlight
Instead of hundreds of LEDs like typical LED TVs, the U8H has over 1,000 mini LEDs. These tiny light sources paired with up to 132 local dimming zones enables remarkable brightness, contrast, and black levels.
Quantum Dot Color
On top of mini-LED backlighting, the U8H includes quantum dots to produce over 1 billion possible color combinations. Quantum dots create more vivid, saturated color compared to standard LED TVs.
Brightness and Contrast
In testing, the U8H achieved over 2,000 nits peak brightness which is extremely impressive. When combined with inky blacks from the full array local dimming, it produced outstanding contrast ratios. This really makes HDR content pop on screen.
Gaming
With 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, the U8H supports 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate for ultra smooth gameplay. It also has Auto Low Latency Mode and VRR adaptive sync technology engaged automatically when gaming.
Price
Available in sizes from 55" to 75", the U8H is very competitively priced against LG and Samsung sets costing hundreds more. This level of performance for less earns the U8H high marks as a budget-friendly option.
The picture quality of the Hisense U8H Mini-LED TV exceeded my expectations. If you want phenomenal contrast, color, and brightness at an affordable price, this model should be on your radar.
Key Specifications:
- Screen sizes: 55", 65", 75"
- Display Type: LED with Mini-LED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz native
- HDMI ports: 4 (2 are HDMI 2.1)
3. LG C2 OLED (Best Brightness for OLEDs)
The LG C2 OLED TV improves upon last year‘s excellent LG C1 model. It retains the stellar OLED display while boosting brightness and adding more gaming features. Let‘s look at the changes LG implemented to enhance the picture.
Brighter OLED Panel
LG increased peak brightness of the C2 by utilizing their new OLED Evo technology panel (also in the LG G2). In testing it reached over 800 nits brightness, a noticeable upgrade over the 650 nits peak of the C1.
Gaming Upgrades
For gamers, the C2 adds a dedicated Game Optimizer menu with all settings streamlined for gameplay. It has four HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM auto low latency. Input lag is an incredibly fast 5ms.
α9 Gen5 AI Processor
LG‘s upgraded α9 Gen5 AI Processor powers picture and sound on the C2. It leverages deep learning technology to analyze and optimize everything you watch.
Dolby Vision IQ
In addition to Dolby Vision and HDR10, the C2 adds Dolby Vision IQ. This uses the TV‘s light sensor to automatically adjust picture settings based on ambient lighting conditions in the room.
Sizes
The LG C2 is available in sizes ranging from 42" up to 83" so you can choose the perfect fit for your space. Larger screen sizes will really showcase the enhanced OLED brightness.
After testing, the LG C2 still provides the gorgeous OLED picture quality LG is renowned for, with the added benefit of improved brightness for HDR content. If you want the cinema-like viewing experience OLED is prized for, the C2 should top your list.
Key Specifications:
- Screen sizes: 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", 83"
- Display Type: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 4 (HDMI 2.1)
4. Samsung QN90B Neo QLED (Best QLED)
As Samsung‘s 2022 4K flagship, the QN90B Neo QLED delivers the pinnacle of QLED technology with mini-LED backlighting and stellar picture quality. Samsung‘s focus on picture enhancements makes this a top performer.
Quantum Mini LED
The QN90B uses a very dense array of tiny LEDs paired with Samsung‘s Quantum dot nanocrystals to produce ultra-precise colors. The smaller LEDs eliminate blooming found on standard LED TVs.
Neo Quantum Processor 4K
Samsung‘s upgraded image processor leverages deep learning AI to analyze and optimize every piece of content on screen. It identifies objects in a scene to sharpen fine details.
Quantum HDR 32x
This expands the QN90B‘s HDR color range and analyzes HDR10+ dynamic metadata to adjust brightness across 32 zones. Resulting in outstanding contrast and specular highlights.
Anti-Reflective Design
The QN90B has a matte, anti-glare layer to reduce reflections that can be an annoyance from room lights on standard displays. It also increases color accuracy at wider viewing angles.
Slim Profile
Even with the advanced backlighting technology, Samsung managed to trim the frame down to just 15.5mm thick. Paired with a slim stand, it cuts a slender figure for a premium TV.
If you enjoy vibrant, eye-catching QLED picture quality optimized for today‘s HDR content, the Samsung QN90B Neo QLED deserves strong consideration. Its mini-LED powered performance really excels.
Key Specifications:
- Screen sizes: 55", 65", 75", 85"
- Display Type: QLED with Mini-LED backlight
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 4 (1 HDMI 2.1)
5. Samsung The Frame TV (Most Stylish)
Offering a unique take on TV design, Samsung‘s The Frame combines QLED picture quality with an elegant aesthetic. When not watching TV, it displays art transforming into a framed masterpiece.
Art Mode
A key feature of The Frame is Art Mode where the TV shows artistic works from a growing catalog of classic and contemporary pieces when idle.
Matte Anti-Reflective Display
The QLED panel has an anti-reflective matte finish specialized for artwork. It diffuse reflections and preserves color accuracy at wide angles.
Adaptive Brightness
Built-in light sensors automatically adjust the picture to lighting conditions. This keeps artwork looking natural as ambient light changes.
Slim Customizable Bezel
The Frame has click-on bezels to match your decor. The frame color and texture can match your walls or coordinated decor. The slim profile resembles an actual picture frame.
Crystal UHD 4K Resolution
When watching TV, The Frame leverages Samsung‘s Crystal UHD panel with Quantum Dot technology to produce 100% color volume with over 1 billion colors.
If you want a TV designed to elevate your living space, The Frame is worth considering. No other TV integrates this seamlessly into home decor both on and off.
Key Specifications:
- Screen sizes: 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85"
- Display Type: QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 4
Buyer‘s Guide: How to Pick the Best TV for You
With so many great TVs to choose from, it can get overwhelming determining which model fits your needs. Here are the most important factors to consider when researching TVs:
Display Type
The two main display technologies are LED/LCD and OLED:
LED/LCD – Most affordable display type. LED backlights allow for thinner panels. Can suffer from blooming around bright objects.
OLED – Self-emitting pixels with perfect black levels. More expensive but delivers better contrast and viewing angles. Some risk of permanent burn-in.
QLED – Quantum dot LED TVs produce over a billion color combinations for vivid images. Highly bright for well-lit rooms but not as strong black levels.
Mini-LED – Densely packed mini LED backlights with local dimming enable outstanding contrast on LED TVs approaching OLED levels.
Resolution
4K is the new standard resolution offering four times more detail than 1080p HD models. Most movies and shows are filmed in 4K or upscaled to 4K for enhanced clarity.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support
HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision HDR help expand color range and brightness for a more lifelike picture. Widely supported on new TVs. Dolby Vision offers the most advanced scene-by-scene optimiziations.
Refresh Rate
A 120Hz refresh rate creates smoother, sharper motion clarity for sports, games, and action movies. Additionally, 120Hz enables next-gen gaming features.
Smart TV Platform
Most TVs now offer built-in smart platforms from Roku, Google, Amazon Fire, and proprietary systems. Choose one that offers your preferred streaming apps.
HDMI 2.1
To experience 4K/120Hz gaming and Variable Refresh Rate features on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, your TV needs at least one HDMI 2.1 input. This has higher bandwidth to handle these capabilities.
Sound
While inferior to standalone sound systems, higher-end TVs offer more advanced audio capabilities. Dolby Atmos immersive audio is available on select models. If sound quality is important, consider a soundbar.
Size and Viewing Distance
Pick a TV size suited to your room size and seating distance. As a general rule, you want a viewing distance of 1.5x the screen height. Measure your distance and use online guides to determine ideal screen size.
By evaluating these aspects during your research, you‘ll be equipped to select the perfect TV for your unique needs and usage.
Closing Recommendations on the Best TVs of 2023
I hope this detailed overview of the finest TVs available this year makes your buying decision easier. The models listed here represent the cream of the crop to consider.
My top recommendation for picture quality remains the LG G2 OLED Evo. It provides an unparalleled viewing experience thanks to LG‘s latest advancements in self-emitting OLED technology.
For buyers wanting to save some money, you can‘t go wrong with the Hisense U8H Mini-LED providing near-OLED performance at a fraction of the price. Or if you want the most stylish TV, Samsung‘s The Frame is singularly unique in turning into a beautiful work of art.
Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions before making your next TV purchase! I‘m happy to provide any other insight to help you pick out the perfect model. Enjoy your new best TV!