Best TVs for 2024: Which? Best Buy TVs and expert buying advice

Those thin-bezel flatscreen TVs from LG, Panasonic, Hisense, Samsung and Sony may look more or less the same, but our TV reviews reveal the big differences and pick out the best and worst.

Our lab tests show which TVs have superb picture quality, sound fantastic and are easy to use. Plus, our owners' survey uncovers which brands last longest and those that people would buy again. 

Best TVs for 2024

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The TVs here are some of the best we've tested at different sizes and prices. The highest rated TVs tend to be expensive, which is why we've chosen some Great Value models, too, because not everyone needs the most high-end TV out there. Unsurprisingly, the best TV overall is also the best in some of the other categories, but we've chosen some alternatives, so you can see more top TVs.

Best TV overall

Best budget TV

Best OLED TV

Best 40 to 43-inch TV

Best 48 to 50-inch TV

Best 55-inch TV

Best 65-inch TV

Looking for a truly huge screen? Check out our pick of the best home projectors for 2024

The three things you need to know before buying a TV

1. Don't buy TVs when they first come out. This will save you money. When TVs launch in spring and summer they are expensive, then prices drop fast. Usually by November they have a third or more off the price. Waiting until the year after they came out is best, so for a TV released in 2024, try to wait until early 2025. 
2. Buy the right size. Forking out for a TV that's too big or too small for your room will mean a worse viewing experience, no matter how good the TV. Sit too far from a small TV and you'll struggle to make out what's happening, sit too close to a big one and you won't be able to absorb the whole screen - like being in the front row of an IMAX. Check what size TV should I buy to find the best for you.
3. Make sure its 4K. If you're shopping for your main TV it should be 4K. There's plenty of 4K content available  and it looks fantastic on a good TV, plus HD content will look better on a 4K set. Don't bother with 8K TVs yet, they are expensive to buy, to run and there's nothing to watch. HD TVs are typically cheaper than 4K ones but are vastly inferior in our experience.

And a bonus tip: screen type doesn't matter. There are plenty of Best Buy OLEDs, but that doesn't mean you should ignore LCD, QLED or any of their variations. Any TV, no matter its display, could be a Best Buy, so don't assume you need to fork out for an OLED.

What size TV should I buy?

With the TV market continually shifting towards larger screens, there are fewer top-quality sets smaller than 49 inches each year. But with TV bezels (the frame around the screen) shrinking, larger sets might not be as big as you think, especially if you haven't bought a TV in a few years.

• The best 32-inch TVs – you won't find 4K TVs this size because the screens are too small to show off the increased detail. Smaller TVs should still be smart, though, so look for ones that let you access the internet and download streaming apps. 
• The best 40 to 43-inch TVs – the most popular sizes among our members, but manufacturers favour bigger screens. You'll mainly see 4K sets at these sizes and they should be smart. There aren't as many high-end TVs at this size.
• The best 48 to 50-inch TVs – these bigger TVs are where manufacturers focus their time and resources. Barring a few older models, all 48 to 50-inch TVs will be 4K and support HDR. These sizes tend to make up a large part of a manufacturer's range, so you'll find high-end models rich with features as well as budget options with less advanced technology. 
• The best 55-inch TVs – 55-inch TVs are pushed hard by manufacturers, although they could be too big for some living rooms. You'll find entry-level and high-end models at this size. 
• The best 60 and 65-inch TVs – TVs at the top end of the size spectrum follow the same trends as 48 to 55-inch models, so you'll find big TVs at the cheap and pricey ends of each manufacturer's range. They will all be 4K and should have smart functions.

What size TV should I buy? takes into account how far away you sit from your TV.

What TV features do you need?

• TV tuner - All TVs have a Freeview HD tuner, meaning you can plug in an aerial for subscription-free SD and HD TV channels and radio. Some TVs have satellite tuners that can receive services, such as Freesat if you have a dish installed, but not all are licensed by Freesat, so experiences can differ (check our TV reviews for licensed sets).
• PVR - Many televisions come with recording functionality built in, meaning you can record TV programmes if you connect an external hard drive via a USB port. A disk size of 500GB will store around 100 hours of HD programmes or 250 hours of standard-definition. TVs with twin-tuner PVRs can record one programme while you watch another, or record two programmes simultaneously. See our PVR reviews for more information.
• Smart TV adds streaming and catch-up services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and YouTube. TVs have wi-fi connections and some have ethernet ports, too. Very few TVs aren't smart.
  
• Advanced HDR - all 4K TVs now support HDR10 and HLG, so look out for advanced formats, such as Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ that can adjust contrast to suit each scene. Read more about the different formats in our what is HDR guide.
• Voice control - change channels, inputs and even search for shows in apps with your voice.
• 120Hz display - a great feature gamers and, eventually, sports enthusiasts. Having a screen with higher Hz means you see more frames per second, which makes compatible content look smoother.
• Accessibility features - the amount of features to help people who are deaf or blind vary enormously depending on the brand and TV you choose. Some have advanced options that make TVs more accessible and simpler to use, while other models are lacking even the most basic accessibility options.

Learn more about how to hear your TV better, or check out the best TVs for people who are blind or partially sighted.

The different types of TV explained

Different resolutions, screen types and software means it's more than just the price tag that sets them apart from each other. The screen type is important, but it's not the be all and end all. It doesn't make a bit of difference to the audio or how easy the TV is to use and you shouldn't discount a TV based purely on what screen it has.

LCD and LED TVs

LCD displays are the most common and it's likely your current TV uses one. Several bulbs, known as a backlight, shine on a layer of liquid crystals to create the images on screen. These TVs are cheaper to produce than OLEDs and QLEDs, which is why they are more common, particularly at smaller sizes. 

• Find out the difference between LCD and LED TVs
• See all of our LCD TV reviews

Organic LED (OLED) TVs

Widely considered the best screen technology for contrast and motion. OLED TVs start at about £1,000 for a 48-inch or 42-inch screen, but can stretch up to a few thousand. 

Typically among the most expensive on the market, replacing plasma screens in recent years. They don't use a backlight - each bulb in the display is self-emitting, which is why the contrast and motion control is so excellent. 

• Find out more about the best OLED TVs

QLED TVs

QLED TVs have more in common with LCDs. They still use a backlight, but it illuminates a layer of quantum dots as well as liquid crystals. These dots are said to produce more vibrant colours.

There are Neo QLEDs, too, which use a backlight with far smaller bulbs. This means there are more of them and Neo QLEDs have better contrast control as a result.

• Learn about the best QLED TVs

How much do I need to spend on a good TV?

Typically, 32-inch HD TVs cost between £200 and £400. For a similar price you could find slightly larger 40 to 43-inch TVs, most of which have a better 4K Ultra HD screen. You won't see any 32-inch 4K TVs since the screens are too small to really notice the difference in sharpness.

We rarely find Best Buys for less than £400, but there are several between £500 and £1,000. 

Do I need to pay more?

Yes and no. 

Yes because more expensive TVs will have better technology and a sharper design, often with thinner bezels. Better motion processing is a hallmark of high-end TVs, so they'll often produce smoother pictures, while cheaper models can sometimes judder. 

No because many TVs will drop in price significantly in the months following. So provided you're prepared to wait, you can bag yourself a bargain. 

It's true that TV quality tends to improve as the price gets higher, but that doesn't mean there aren't some diamonds to be found in the entry-level ranges. 

Need a new TV now? See our pick of the best cheap TVs.

What is a Great Value TV?

To get a Great Value badge from us a TV needs to score at least 65% and cost less than most models.

We work out average prices depending on the size range.

• 24 to 32-inch TV
• 40 to 43-inch TV
• 48 to 50-inch TV
• 55 to 58-inch TV
• 65 to 75-inch TV

Our Great Value badge guarantees it's good enough to consider buying and costs less than most other TVs of similar quality. 

Great Value TVs can be Best Buys, but don't have to be. A TV needs a score of 71% or above to be a Best Buy, while a Great Value TV needs to score at least 65%.

See some of the latest Great Value TVs.

When's the best time to buy a new TV?

• New TVs are released every year, usually between April and July.
• They are usually expensive at launch, so it's best to wait at least a few months.
• TVs from the previous year will still be available for up to six months after the launch of new models.
• TVs tend to hit their cheapest point around a year after launch.
• You'll find good deals on Black Friday, in the January sales and when successors are released.

Find the best TV deals.

Where to buy a TV

New TVs can cost a small fortune, but 4K ones are available for as little as £300 once they've been on sale for a few months.

Popular online retailers include:

• AO.com sells smart TVs from big-name brands including LG, Samsung and Sony. Prices for 4K TVs start at around £300.
• Argos has a sizeable range of TVs, including ones from its own brands Bush and Alba. These models tend be at the cheaper end and prices start from around £250
• Currys has a wide range of 4K TVs, along with OLED and QLED models. 4K TVs start at around £250. If you opt for an OLED, you'll spend at least £900. 
• John Lewis names LG, Samsung, Sony and Panasonic among its most popular brands. It gives a five-year warranty with most of the TVs, which is longer than many retailers.
• Richer Sounds has a varied selection of TVs and offers up to 24 months interest-free credit on some models. It offers a six-year warranty on most TVs, which is longer than any other leading retailer.

To see which retailers are rated highly by Which? members, read our expert guide on the best and worst shops.

Which TV brands offer the best software and security support policies?

Security and software support is an important consideration when buying a smart TV, dictating how long the brand aims to update the device with new features and security patches, to guard against emerging threats.

We estimate the 'lifetime' of a smart TV – the average time we’d expect a TV to last before it breaks down or deteriorates significantly – is 6.8 years. This is based on robust analysis of recent product surveys and is a conservative estimate - we’re confident that the genuine average is longer.

We asked the biggest brands for information on their support policies - many are falling well short of this lifetime estimate.

• Amazon Fire – Amazon offers a decent support period of four years since the product is last available to purchase.
• Samsung - told us its TVs get five years from launch.
• LG - expect LG sets to get support for five years from launch.
• Hisense - typically supports TVs for four years from launch. 
• Philips  - Philips didn't offer a typical support policy, but we expect their TVs to be supported for around three years from launch.
• Panasonic - despite previously stating a minimum five year support period, Panasonic now says it offers three years from launch.
• Sony - expects to support its TVs for two to four years from launch, depending on the model.
• TCL - said it will support its TVs for three years.
• Sky - the current Sky Glass range can be expected to receive support until the end of 2025.

While you may not be at immediate risk if you're using an unsupported device, it's obviously desirable to buy and use a device you know will receive update support for a good period. For more, read our guide to smart home security.

What are the risks of an insecure TV?

Your home network is only as strong as its weakest link and with dozens of items connected to your router there are plenty of areas for a hacker to attack.

If your TV isn't secure, it could allow a hacker access to your router and if that's compromised then anything on your network could be at risk. And your TV could contain personal data such as app and wi-fi login data, as well as card details in some cases if you've rented a film or signed up for an app through your TV.

Hackers can hijack a TV to display their own content. They could put up fake versions of app login screens to trick you into entering your card details and steal your information.

Which TV brand is best?

Our annual owners survey ask thousands and thousands of owners to tell us about their television. This enables us to reveal what owners really think about that brand, including which are the most reliable. The most popular are the big four - Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic.

Samsung

• The biggest TV brand, it releases a wide range from entry-level LCDs to high-end OLED ones.
• Owners tend to be happy with their TV and would recommend Samsung to others.
• Issues with picture quality is the most common fault.

View the best Samsung TVs

LG

• Close behind Samsung as one of the biggest TV brands, best known for its large range of OLED TVs.
• It has the highest customer score of any TV brand meaning most people are happy with their LG TV and would recommend it to others.
• Picture quality problems is the most common fault.

View the best LG TVs

Sony

• Once the most popular TV brand, has lost ground to LG and Samsung. Still makes a wide range of cutting-edge TVs though.
• Scored high for customer satisfaction in our most recent product experience survey.
• Difficulty connecting to the internet is the most common fault.

View the best Sony TVs

Panasonic

• Well known for impressive Plasma sets, Panasonic now chooses OLED technology for its high-end TVs.
• Owners are happy with their TVs and would recommend the brand to others.
• Picture quality problems account for the most faults.

View the best Panasonic TVs

Other brands, include Toshiba, Sharp and Philips. A big chunk of the market is taken up by cheap TVs from supermarkets and own brands, such as JVC (Currys PC World), Technika (Tesco) and Bush (Argos). These TVs are generally cheap, but those we've tested usually lack quality. You can read more about supermarket-brand TVs in our supermarket TV guide.

Chinese manufacturer Hisense may one day be on par with Samsung and LG in terms of brand recognition, but it's not quite there. Buts its TVs undercut rivals while offering similar specs and stylish designs, making them an attractive prospect for anyone looking for a high-end TV without a matching price.

Find out the most reliable TV brands from our customer satisfaction survey

How much do TVs cost to run?

Size tends to dictate how much energy your TV uses. 

On average:

• 40 to 43-inch 4K TVs add £18.88 a year to your energy bill
• 48 and 50-inch 4K TVs cost £22.43 
• 55 to 58-inches ones cost £24.93
• 65-inch one add £31.23

These prices are based on the TV being in use for four hours a day and on standby for the other 20. Read our full guide at how much it costs to run a TV.

All of our TV reviews include detailed information on energy use and how much a model will cost you to run per year.

Why don't we have Eco Buy TVs?

We make products Eco Buys that are reliable, use less energy than their peers, use less water or are generally cheaper to run. 

While some TVs do add less to your electricity bill than others, no TVs are truly efficient. The energy labels on TVs rarely go higher than an F, and never approach the A or B energy ratings people associate with efficient devices.

We will continue to monitor TV energy use, and you can see how much each model will cost you for a year in the tech specs of our TV reviews. If the energy ratings improve and running costs come down, we may see Eco Buy TVs, but for now they are too inefficient. 

Is my TV repairable? 

In 2021, new laws were introduced to make sure TVs were more easy to repair by the owner and third-party repairers.

Manufacturers are now required to make some parts available for seven years after the TV's release. This is whether you're buying a £2,000 OLED or a £200 32-inch Full HD TV.

To everyone for seven years:

• external power supply
• remote control

To professional repairers for a minimum of seven years:

• internal power supply
• connectors to connect external equipment (including cable, antenna, USB, DVD and Blu-ray)
• capacitors above 400 microfarads,
• batteries and accumulators
• DVD/Blu-ray module if applicable
• hard drive or solid state drive (HD/SSD) module if applicable

Which HDMI cable do I need?

Retailers will be quick to promote expensive HDMI leads with fancy-sounding features, such as gold-plated connecting pins. Some may cost the same as a decent Blu-ray player. However, save your money and buy the cheapest leads available.

Which? testing has shown that cheap HDMI leads - even value ones costing just a few pounds - can perform just as well as more expensive ones. When we last ran HDMI tests, we found that a £10 HDMI lead from a supermarket gave no discernible difference in picture quality to one costing almost £100.

HDMI features explained

• HDMI eARC: an updated version of HDMI ARC. It does the same thing, but is compatible with higher quality video and audio signals.
• HDMI ARC: Available on most TVs these days, HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) can be a great way to connect up a home cinema system, AV receiver or sound bar with less fuss. Basically, it allows you to just use one HDMI lead to send audio from your TV to your sound receiver. However, not all TVs support multi-channel audio via HDMI, and that means they won't support 5.1 surround sound, for example.
• HDMI CEC: Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) is a neat but often underused HDMI feature that enables you to control multiple different CEC-enabled devices, such as a TV, DVD player and set top box, that are connect via HDMI from the same remote control.
• MHL cables: Many modern TVs allow you to connect your smartphone or tablet using an MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) cable plugged in the phone and then connected via the TV's HDMI. This allows you to share content such as videos or photos on the larger screen, and it charges your device at the same time.  
• HDMI 1.4: Most TVs now have HDMI 1.4 connectors as standard. These ports can support broadcast HD TV, as well as 3D Blu-rays played through a 3D TV. While you can use a HDMI 1.3 lead with these ports, the picture quality won't be as good as a HDMI 1.4 lead.
• HDMI 2.0: With the advent of 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) TV, a new HDMI 2.0 standard was agreed. HDMI 2.0 brought various improvements, including support for 4K UHD resolution at 60 frames per second (measured in Hz) and the Rec. 2020 colour space. This as vital now that 4K UHD is more widely distributed to televisions. 
• HDMI 2.1: The latest HDMI version supports resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K up to 120Hz. It's particularly useful for gaming since the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are able to play games up to 120Hz. You don't need any new cables to take advantage of these features at the moment, but as people start buying more 8K TVs they may need a 48Gbps HDMI cable to more quickly transmit the large amount of data required for 8K content. This isn't such an issue now because 8K sets are scarce and not worth buying because there's very little 8K content to watch on them aside from some YouTube videos.