My TV-testing process consists of two phases. The first phase is painstakingly measuring a TV’s performance with boring-looking test patterns. The second phase involves kicking back with some snacks and watching movies. I’ll let you guess which part is my favorite.

As a former film student and a current cinephile, my penchant for the pictures isn’t limited to the hours I spend on the clock. When my day’s done and I’m ready to relax, there’s a good chance you can catch me spinning a 4K disc I picked from the most-recent Criterion Collection sale.

Between work and play, there’s one constant: the Panasonic DP-UB820. In addition to having the most-memorable name for a product you’ll hear all week, the DP-UB820 is, in many ways, the heart and soul of both my office and my living room. In an era where the relevance of physical media is being questioned by critics and C-suite executives alike, Panasonic’s excellent player is an increasingly irreplaceable part of my life.

For a while, I used Panasonic's 4K player at work while relying on my Xbox Series X at home. Over time, the pain points got too prickly to put up with, and I finally picked up a Panasonic player for my living room.

For one thing, it was a serious drag to fumble with my Xbox controller whenever I wanted to pause, rewind or skip ahead. The clicker that comes with the Panasonic DP-UB820 isn't a marvel of engineering or anything, but you better believe it's more convenient than a video game controller.

However, the Panasonic DP-UB820's primary advantage over a game console pulling double duty is its support for Dolby Vision HDR. Neither the Xbox Series X nor the PlayStation 5 supports Dolby Vision playback for 4K discs.

In addition, a ton of people (myself included) have encountered problems when trying to play certain discs on an Xbox Series X. A quick Google search returns piles of message board posts and comments-section rants about the issue, which typically affects 100GB Blu-ray discs (often called "triple-layered" discs).

Based on these accounts, the problem doesn't affect all discs of this size, but it speaks to the Xbox Series X's limitations as a Blu-ray player.

Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't take a moment to talk about just how much better my discs look on the Panasonic DP-UB820. It's not just the 4K discs, either — my garden-variety DVDs from 2007 look their best with this player's processing backing them up. It's the secret sauce that makes a standalone player superior to the alternatives.

There's no way around it: If you've poured a lot of hard-earned cash into a physical media collection and the best TV you can afford, you won't be getting the most out of either on a subpar player like an Xbox or PlayStation.

I'll leave you with a very-real, not-at-all-fabricated admission: I'm thinking about buying another Panasonic DP-UB820 and keeping it sealed in the box, stashed away in a safe place.

It's not that I expect my current player to break anytime soon. But as companies abandon physical media at an exponential pace, my own physical media collection grows. 4K Blu-ray players are an endangered species in the home entertainment ecosystem, and I can't bear the thought of living in this world without one.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 incredible 4K Blu-Rays I recommend to push your TV to its limits
• Dolby Vision 2 is finally live — here are the TVs getting the update and my expert take on the new format
• We asked readers which TV brand they trusted most — and one company rose above the rest

If you’ve heard anything at all about OLED TVs, it’s probably at least one of two things: their picture quality is incredible, and apparently, they’re not as bright as LCD TVs.

While both of these things can be true, it’s worth unpacking that second point. Yes, OLED TVs are, on average, dimmer than LCD-based sets. But many of the best OLED TVs are getting brighter every year, and depending on the model in question (and the viewing environment it resides in), an OLED TV could hold up just fine.

With this in mind, let’s get to the bottom of OLED brightness once and for all. These marvelously designed TVs deserve to be understood if you’re shopping for a proper living-room upgrade. Here are three things to remember.

1. Affordable, entry-level OLEDs are often the dimmest

As mentioned, great strides have been made in the area of OLED brightness in recent years, but due to their reliance on organic material, OLEDs are still dimmer than LCD/LED, relatively speaking. It oughtn’t come as a surprise that, with few exceptions, the more affordable an OLED TV is, the lower its peak brightness.

LG’s latest entry-level model — the B6 OLED — is a fantastic avenue for folks who want to lock down OLED-driven performance without spending oodles of cash. The 65-inch LG B6 is $1,699 at Best Buy, which is one of the lowest prices you’ll see on a 2026 OLED TV in this size.

But there’s a catch. According to our test results, the B6 tops out at around 800 nits of brightness — and that’s just for small, concentrated highlights that flash on the screen. As an OLED TV, its presentation is still eye-poppingly good in dimly lit and darkened rooms, but in a sun-soaked environment, your eyes probably won’t pop.

If you do most of your TV-watching during the day (or in a room that produces a ton of ambient light), you might be better off spending roughly the same amount of money on an LCD/LED TV that specializes in a bright, punchy picture.

The TCL QM7L is a souped-up, mid-range Mini-LED TV with a ton of horsepower under its hood. We clocked this TV’s peak highlight brightness at around 2,300 nits, but crucially, it’s full-screen brightness is far greater than that of LG’s entry-level OLED.

Now, the QM7L isn’t perfect, and the B6 is priced higher for a reason. The QM7L can’t render perfect black levels, nor is it entirely free of haloing when bright objects collide with dark backdrops. There is a visual texture to the B6 (and all OLEDs) that even the best Mini-LED TVs can’t quite replicate.

But it’s important to remember that there are many ins and outs when comparing a mid-range LED TV like the QM7L to an entry-level OLED. The same can be said when comparing high-end LED TVs to mid-range and flagship-level OLEDs.

2. High-end OLEDs are the brightest

The Samsung S95H is one of the brightest OLEDs we’ve ever tested. In HDR, we clocked the S95H at an impressive 2,700 to 2,800 nits. When combined with the inky-black patina OLEDs are known for, this sort of brightness practically crackles across the screen.

But remember: These measurements reflect highlight brightness. In other words, they’re communicating the level of brightness you might see during a night sequence in a movie where street lights are punctuating a dark city street, or the sparkling dapples of sunlight dancing on a body of water.

If you plop down on the couch to watch the news or an episode of “SportsCenter,” the S95H you won’t be watching 2,000+ nits of brightness. Despite its flagship-level pedigree, the S95H’s average picture brightness (that is, the amount of brightness produced by the entire screen) is nowhere near what you’d experience on a similarly priced, flagship-level LED TV.

Nevertheless, the S95H is a brightness beast compared to the modest trappings of LG’s entry-level B6. In between these two models lies the mid-range class, and these OLEDs might strike the proper balance for some people.

3. Mid-range OLEDs are bright enough for most rooms

Mid-range OLEDs like the LG C6 and Samsung S90H don’t dole out highlight brightness quite like a top-shelf model, but they tend to be significantly brighter than entry-level OLEDs. In terms of their average full-screen brightness, they unsurprisingly sit somewhere between low-end and high-end OLED TVs.

For most people, this is plenty bright for everyday viewing. As long as your living space isn’t drenched in sunlight during the day, a mid-range model like the LG C6 is likely to be just fine, regardless of what you’re watching and when.

This year, Samsung’s mid-range S90H comes with a feature that might make it a more enticing option if you’re still concerned about OLED brightness: a glare-free screen.

If you're especially concerned, seek out a glare-free OLED TV

All TV brands take measures to reduce the impact of glare on their TV screens, but matte-style displays are quickly becoming a highly sought-after feature among viewers who seek to lessen the impact of light on their precious OLED picture. Right now, Samsung is the only OLED-maker applying this heavy-duty, matte-style finish to its OLED TVs.

For a few years, this feature could only be found on Samsung's top-shelf, flagship-level OLED. This year, the feature has made its way down to the mid-range class.

Samsung's Glare-Free display does a remarkable job at blunting the impact of direct glare, as it successfully squashes blobs of light into light smears of next-to-nothingness.

It's not everyone's cup of tea. You see, by scattering light so effectively, Samsung's Glare-Free finish tends to lift the picture's black levels in the presence of ambient light. Darker content often looks purplish-gray while the matte-style screen is doing its thing, and for some people, this can diminish the quintessentially inky appearance of an OLED TV. For this reason, I appreciate the less-intense look of LG and Sony's glare-fighting glossy OLED screens.

There's no formula for any of this decision-making, but a good rule of thumb is as follows: If you're really worried about the performance of an OLED in your living space — either because of the amount of daytime TV-watching you do or the level of lighting therein — you ought to consider an LED TV before diving into the OLED lifestyle.

If you're planning on shopping for a top-shelf OLED TV with tons of brightness, or even a mid-range model, you'll probably be fine unless your TV sits below a skylight or right next to several windows.

More from Tom's Guide

• Matte vs glossy OLED TV screens: What should you buy in 2026?
• We just graded every TV brand on price, performance and more — here’s how their report cards stack up
• 'TV brightness matters more than anything else' and 4 other myths that I need to debunk after a decade of testing TVs

The Hisense XR10 isn’t just a successor to the Hisense C2 Ultra that proved to be one of the best projectors, it’s on a different level: The new Hisense XR10 offers extreme brightness and far more advanced optics for incredible flexibility in setups.

It still sports an RGB laser projection system for stunning color, but now it has integrated a physical iris to dial up the contrast.

So what’s the catch? The Hisense C2 Ultra was $2,999 when it launched. The XR10 is $5,999 ($4,999 on sale). You can get a lot from this projector, but it’s not exactly a value-forward device. Is it worth clearing out the coffers for the Hisense XR10? Read on to find out.

Hisense XR10 review: Pricing and availability

The Hisense XR10 debuted at CES 2026 and only took a few months to start shipping in May 2026. It received an initial price of $6,999, but Hisense’s shop was quick to show a $1,000 discount that brought that down to $5,999 while including a free carrying case.

Our test unit was a consumer model that included the case, which is a quality and sturdy suitcase with rollers and multiple carry points. It’s a considerable upgrade over the styrofoam carrying cases paired with recent JMGO and Valerion projectors.

Speaking of the competition, the Valerion VisionMaster Max undercuts the XR10 in price at $3,399 — though it’s not as bright — and the new JMGO N3 Ultimate could be a real threat at a much more palatable price of $2,399.

Hisense XR10 review: Design

The XR10 is lovely, with dark bronze-colored metal wrapping around most of its surface. Its extremely prominent optics dominate the front, flanked by a handful of sensors that handle auto-focus, eye protection, and automatic screen alignment. The back and sides are largely covered in grilles for the considerable airflow needed to keep the projector cool, though an internal liquid cooling loop helps keep it fairly quiet for a 11.5 x 10.7 x 8.4-inch box pumping out over 6,000 lumens.

One side of the projector includes a little stylized flourish with a clear cover hinting at the laser hardware inside. That cover wraps around to the top to give that side some style as well, as it’s otherwise just a blank slab with a small ambient light sensor and a protruding power button that doubles as a hardware volume dial. The lens cover also has a knurled circumference suggestive of manual-focus lenses, though it’s not.

The projector sits on four little feet that screw in and out to help adjust the tilt of the projector. These are very handy to have if you don’t have perfectly level surfaces in your household. There’s an additional hole in the center of the underside for use with tripod and ceiling mount setups. At 23.4 pounds, you’ll want to make sure you put it on a sturdy support.

The rear of the projectors offers three HDMI ports, 3.5mm and S/PDIF audio outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, and two USB-A ports. Two of the HDMI ports are high-speed HDMI 2.1 ports, but one also handles eARC. The third is an HDMI 2.0 port. As nice as it is to see Gigabit Ethernet for stable networking, you probably won’t need it since the XR10 supports Wi-Fi 7.

The XR10 somewhat unfortunately uses an external power supply brick that isn’t quite as nice to see on a coffee table or mantle as the projector itself.

Hisense XR10 review: Performance

The action sequence near the beginning of “The Gray Man” is a brilliant showcase of the XR10’s chops. It's full of flashy, colorful fightworks, deep shadows with characters in silhouette, and fluid action. The projector’s punchy RGB-laser lighting provides gorgeous color throughout all that. Its strong contrast keeps the lights brilliant and shadows deep. And its processing handles the motion well, so it’s not stuttery or choppy.

That’s with every setting dialed in, though. This projector, like so many others, has a few unfortunate defaults. For example, many of the picture modes use heavy motion smoothing when the projector first comes out of the box. This may smooth out camera pans, but it more often introduces odd artifacts from on-screen motion. I found it best disabled, set to film, or manually set to a very low level. Occasionally having it enabled could help avoid flicker from high-contrast, fine-detailed elements moving across the screen (think black and white bars in a panning shot), but I never found higher smoothing levels necessary

With a rated brightness of 6,000 lumens, the XR10 delivers amazing performance for daytime viewing, and it’s impressive just how good content still looks even with a couple of lights on in the room. The brighter settings remain a good choice even as you dim the room lights, just so long as you also start to lower the laser brightness a little. Nonetheless, even without running at full brightness and with the aperture half closed, I was quite impressed at how pleasantly clear even cinematic content was, let alone bright shows like “Last Week Tonight” or “Bob’s Burgers.”

In a very dark room with no lights on, clamping down on the iris helps lower the black levels wonderfully. In many cases, especially with Dolby Vision Dark mode, I could no longer see letterboxing around the picture, and starfields like the scene of the “sky people” arriving at the beginning of “Avatar: The Way of Water” offer a brilliant contrast between the glowing thruster heat sinks, the stars, and the black of space. If there’s a little ambient light, the projector has plenty of brightness to overpower it, letting it continue to provide perceptually strong contrast.

All of the projection is channeled through great optics that provide crisp visuals edge to edge. Since the projector has substantial lens shift and zoom range, it’s easy to avoid needing digital keystone or adjustments that sacrifice the picture. The XR10 can shift the image by up to 130% vertically and 46% horizontally while also going from a wide 0.84:1 throw ratio to a longer 2:1 throw ratio.

As the XR10 uses DLP projection, which projects colors in a sequence, it can create the rainbow effect. I am not very sensitive to it generally, but can usually see it if I'm looking for it. However, on the XR10, I have never spotted it. Whatever sequence Hisense is using to deliver each frame seems to do a wonderful job of minimizing the DLP rainbow effect.

The powerful projection does come with some heat, and that means cooling fans need to run much of the time the XR10 is running. Generally, they’re not loud even when it's maxing out brightness, but don’t expect perfect silence.

Though the XR10 features automatic correction features like obstacle avoidance and screen alignment, it may be a little hard to take advantage of all of these. The projector zooms all the way out when attempting these corrections, and its short throw ratio can see it cover a huge area, which makes it easy for the picture to go so far outside of bounds that it can’t effectively make those corrections. Other features, like automatic keystone and eye protection don’t work if lens shift has been used. The trade-off between optical and automatic adjustments isn’t uncommon, but it’s a little disappointing nonetheless.

Hisense XR10 review: Test results

It doesn’t take advanced tools to see how impressive the XR10 is, but even with specific measurements, it stands up. I used a Spyder X2 Ultra colorimeter to measure the XR10’s color gamut reflecting off a 1.1-gain projection screen, and I used a lux meter to measure its brightness using an ANSI test pattern.

It’s rare enough for a projector to meet its specified brightness, but the XR10 actually exceeded it. In its Vivid picture profile at full brightness and with the iris open, the XR10 hit a staggering 6,841 lumens. More importantly, that’s with a useful picture setting. Opting for a cooler whitepoint and using the Brightness Enhanced mode, the projector took on an unsightly green tinge but jumped up to 7,757 lumens. When you don’t need all that brightness, I found keeping the original settings unchanged but clamping the iris down could lower brightness to 1,291 lumens for more palatable viewing in a dark room.

Contrast also proves strong. Taking the measurements proved tricky, as the projector automatically dims extra when displaying a full black screen, but it takes a moment to do so. Taking the measurement of a full black screen before that extra dimming, I measured 1.37 lux which comes out to a 2,431:1 FOFO (full-on, full-off) contrast ratio between fully white screen and fully black screen. Intra-frame contrast is lower, of course, but it was still impressive.

When testing with a 10% APL white box in the middle of the screen, the projector offered a 381:1 contrast ratio with its iris open and a 418:1 contrast ratio with it closed. It’s worth noting here that these are also not even the ideal levels, enough light bounces around the room to raise the black levels. Essentially, the XR10 is good enough that you’ll want to consider painting your walls and ceiling a dark color or putting up velvet to get the most out of its capabilities.

The RGB lasers offer a wide color gamut. I measured 100% coverage of the sRGB color space, 92% of the DCI-P3, and 90% of the BT.2020. This may be a little short of the advertised color gamut, but measuring projector gamut has some margin of error since you can’t take color readings directly from the screen as you can on a TV. Suffice to say, this projector offers gobsmacking color.

Hisense XR10 review: Audio

The Hisense XR10 may pack a 2.1 speaker setup, but that “subwoofer” doesn’t dig quite as deep as you might hope. It gives a little punch to the low end, but no deep booming or thunder. Sub-bass is almost completely absent. The speakers are more tuned to mids and the upper bass range, giving a fullness to most sounds and voices, but leaving a bit to be desired out of music where brilliance and presence are concerned.

The speakers can get quite loud without distorting, too, but they don’t provide much separation. This makes for a congested soundstage that’s neither great for music nor movies. Speech is intelligible, but you won’t get a sense of immersion from the audio.

Hisense certainly intends for the XR10 to be paired with a quality sound system, but it’s nice enough to see that it’s put some effort to a sound system that at least will let you make do when one isn’t readily at hand (such as when you transport the projector to a new location).

Hisense XR10 review: Gaming

Gaming on the Hisense XR10 is a blast, though it still has room for improvement. By default, it’s happy to handle games plenty well. Without even bothering to change any settings for gaming, input lag was satisfyingly low. I played through 20 waves in Brotato and a handful of stages in Towerfall Ascencion, seeing everything in crisp detail and never once noticing input lag at 4K. Playing through the first few hours of 007: First Light with the projector swapped over to 1080p/240Hz mode, I had no trouble navigating the darker opening section, and I found the later gunplay perfectly snappy while controlling with a mouse.

I measured latency by running a timecode generator on my laptop, which has a 120Hz OLED display, and mirroring the display to the projector, then snapped a high-speed photo of both displays to see how far behind the timecode on the projector was compared to the laptop display. With default settings at 4K/60Hz, the projector was just 23ms behind. Switching to Game Mode didn’t move the needle.

The projector can also change to 1080p/240Hz for ultra-smooth gaming. But this also didn’t reduce the latency I measured. It was only after I also enabled DLP Turbo Mode in settings that the latency dropped further, allowing the projector to show 0ms of latency behind the laptop display.

The one thing the Hisense XR10 is missing is support for variable refresh rates. VRR hasn’t been available in projectors for very long, but it is possible to incorporate now. Instead, you’ll want to ensure you’re capping your framerates at 60 for 4K or 240 for 1080p.

Hisense XR10 review: Smart TV interface

You won’t find the typical Google TV or Android TV interface on the Hisense XR10. It runs on Hisense’s own VidaaOS, and that has its upsides and downsides. First, it’s fast, letting me quickly find the app or setting I want and get back to business. Unfortunately, the app selection is far more limited than Google TV. Most of the big streaming services are there and work properly, but if you’re looking for anything even slightly off the beaten path (like Jellyfin), your odds go way down.

Some of VidaaOS’s menus are a little annoying to navigate as they can have a lot of layers to back out of, but it also will display menus over content, which can be helpful for making picture adjustments with content in view. That said, some settings adjustments will automatically back you out of the menu entirely, so if you didn’t like the tweak, you’ll have to dig all the way back in to adjust it further.

Frustratingly, accessing settings with the remote shortcut doesn’t work from the home screen, so you have to instead navigate to the settings or launch an app and then use the shortcut. There’s also no quick access to the projection settings. Having an extra quick way to jump into optical zoom, lens shift, or iris would be very handy.

Sadly, VidaaOS is as plagued by ads as other interfaces, and when connected to the internet, it will proudly pull up large banner advertisements to display on the home screen. It’s just lucky that getting away from these is quick. You can keep VidaaOS offline and operate it as a more basic OS, though, and it doesn’t require an account to use most features, unlike the competition.

Hisense XR10 review: Remote

The XR10 comes with a simple and effective remote. It has the typical navigation controls of a modern smart TV with a prominent navigation circle. Below this are back and home buttons. It includes pill-shaped controls for volume and brightness, making it easy to feel these out, and there’s a dedicated mute button. The bottom of the remote offers shortcuts to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+.

At the top of the remote, you’ll find some useful tools. There are shortcuts to input selection, quick settings, auto-focus, and voice control. The remote also conveniently lights up when a button is pressed, illuminating all the controls except the app shortcuts. It’s only a shame the remote doesn’t light up on motion, too, as that can be helpful in a dark theater. It’s easy enough to just quickly tap the volume button to get the lights on at least.

Hisense XR10 review: Verdict

The Hisense XR10 offers simply brilliant projection that’s a knockout in dark home theater environments and can still dazzle even with overhead lights on. The picture settings can use a few tweaks to get the most out of it, but if you’re willing to play around with it, the XR10 will leave you feeling like going to the movie theater is a downgrade.

It works wonderfully for all sorts of content and can game quite well. And all of that comes from a fairly compact, elegant box that is easy to bring wherever you like and set up easily thanks to highly flexible optics. It’s a little annoying that some of the settings that help the XR10 adapt to different environments aren’t a single click away on the remote, however.

The biggest drawback of the XR10 is its extreme price tag: At $5,999, it’s a considerable outlay, and anyone who doesn’t need the extreme brightness can probably get away with something like the Hisense C2 Ultra for half the cost.

Ultimately, the XR10 will be for those seeking a high-end solution that’s extremely flexible with where and how you use it. Its optics let you put it wherever is convenient and still enjoy a killer picture while its brightness and iris make it possible to enjoy content in pitch-black and bright rooms alike. If you can afford it, the XR10 makes an ideal midway point between the more consumer-focused projectors from Xgimi and JMGO and the more professional models like the Epson LS12000 or Sony Bravia Projector series.

TCL has established a well-earned rep for delivering bright, colorful TVs without the big price tag. That’s exactly why I was excited when the new, affordably priced QM7L showed up in the Tom’s Guide labs.

The QM7L ($1,499 as tested for 75-inch) aims to distinguish itself from its predecessor with the company’s new Super Quantum Dot (SQD) Mini-LED technology that delivers brighter, more-accurate out-of-the-box color than what you'll usually see on regular QLED TVs from rival brands.

After watching hours of content on the QM7L and lab testing it myself, it is clear that this isn’t just another affordable 75-inch TV: The QM7L sets new expectations for exactly how much performance you should expect from an affordable 75-inch TV for your money. Here’s why I think it’s one of the best TVs of 2026 (so far).

TCL QM7L review: Pricing and availability

The QM7L is the most affordable entry point to TCL’s SQD Mini-LED tier. At the very top of TCL’s 2026 lineup is the TCL X11L which we reviewed in February, and the middle is the TCL QM8L that we previously reviewed in April. Listed pricing for the QM7L starts at $1,200 for a 55-inch model, though when on sale, you’ll find it for as low as $1,000.

The 75-inch model we have for review has a list cost of $2,000, but it is currently on sale for $1,500. You can go all the way up to a 98-inch version for $4,000 — or $3,000 when it’s on sale.

Original MSRPs for the whole range are listed below, also accounting for sale prices. TCL has kept the pricing on the 75-inch model identical to last year's QM7K, making the upgrades this set offers feel like even better value.

• 55-inch: $1,199 | Sale $999
• 65-inch: $1,499 | Sale $1,199
• 75-inch: $1,999 | Sale $1,299
• 85-inch: $2,499 | Sale $1,699
• 98-inch: $3,999 | Sale $2,799

Note that dimming zones on the QM7L are proportional by size, and TCL claims the largest size of this TV can hit up to 2,100+ discrete dimming zones and a total of 3,000 nits of brightness. The core audio hardware on the QM7L is identical across all screen sizes, though, so buying a smaller size doesn’t mean you’ll get worse audio performance.

Pricing-wise, the TCL QM7L lines up with its direct competitor, Hisense. The Hisense U7 75-inch model has the exact price as this TCL. On the higher-end side, the more premium True RGB Sony Bravia 7 II comes in at a whopping $3,099 for a 75-inch model. Meanwhile, if you want an OLED alternative, the Samsung S85H comes in at $2,399 for a 77-inch model.

TCL QM7L review: Design and ports

The 75-inch QM7L is a huge TV, measuring 65.6 inches wide and weighing nearly 59 pounds with its stand attached. Despite its portly stature, the TV keeps to the streamlined design of its QM8L sibling with its center-facing stand.

The overall look and design is simple, as the TV has minimal branding aside from a small TCL logo on the thin bottom chin. There’s also TCL’s SQD branding on the right side bezel which has a nice brushed, metal-like finish to it.

Setup involves sliding one half of a plastic stand into the wedge-shaped plastic base, and then screwing the stand into the back of the TV. It’s not as intuitive as just having to slide the stand into the TV like on a Sony Bravia 7 II, but the stand is quite sturdy.

You have a little under two inches of room under the bezel in the middle to slide accessories and to reach the power button in the middle of the chin. The side of the TV comes in at a thickness of around 2 inches.

The ports for the QM7L are on the back right side of the TV, in an easy to reach spot not tucked under a bezel. There are four HDMI 2.1 ports — but not all of them are made equal. You can only get 144Hz out of HDMI 1 and 2; it’s only 60Hz at 1080p for HDMI 3 and 4. Additional ports include a USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 port, along with Ethernet, and an optical digital audio output.

The rear of the TV has the two Bang and Olufsen speakers at the top, and the screw holes for the VESA mount. For network connectivity, the TV uses Wi-Fi 5, which is a bit dated at this point but not a huge dealbreaker if your router does not support the new Wi-Fi 6 standard.

TCL QM7L review: How we test

In our New York City test lab, my lab assistant and I test every TV across SDR and HDR benchmarks using the 10% window. For a true to cinema look and feel, and for color accuracy, we switch the TV over to Filmmaker Mode, usually the “best” mode on the TV. We also disable any intrusive ambient light sensors that could skew our meter’s readings.

In terms of tools, we use the Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer to profile our Klein K10-A colorimeter. Once profiled, this high-end hardware works in tandem with a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator and a custom workflow in Portrait Displays’ Calman Ultimate software to map out the TV’s performance.

For gaming performance, we use a Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester to measure exactly how responsive the TV really is. Once technical lab testing is done, we put the TV through subjective testing using a curated selection of films and shows. You can learn more about this process by reading our “How we test TVs” guide.

TCL QM7L review: Performance

To put the QM7L through its paces, I watched the UHD version of Dune Part 2, nature videos on YouTube, then Spider Noir and a replay of a NASCAR Cup Series race on Amazon Prime Video. Across every type of content, the QM7L impressed with brightness and color.

Dune: Part Two was the perfect test movie. While watching, I noticed how the desert sands of Arrakis were packed with fine detail, showing the QM7L’s ability to bring out subtle textures and warm golden hues. The natural-looking skin tones were also impressive — in desert scenes, many of the characters' orange sunlit faces retained lifelike color without looking overly warm.

Even though the movie frequently shifts between daylight and low-light environments, the QM7L handled the contrast and brightness well. The blacks in many darker interior scenes looked great and bright elements, like the beam of white light of swords during desert fights, still packed plenty of punch.

Next, I turned to streaming Spider-Noir on Amazon Prime. I previously watched this on the Samsung S85F OLED TV, and visually, the experience was quite close. The QM7L pushed out great blacks, especially in The Spider’s suit when he was hanging from a wall inside a hotel.

When watching the series in color, the TV didn’t lose the details in scenes that show off the series’ atmosphere: A dimly lit hotel room still had slight gray shadows, and reds looked vibrant in a neon sign against a black sky as The Spider was swinging in to steal from Silvermane’s safe under the cover of darkness. In later scenes, Cat Hardy’s green dress sparkled and shined, and so did her golden bangles — adding a sense of realism that made me think she was in the room with me.

For an SDR test, I watched a replay of Amazon Prime's NASCAR Cup Series race coverage from Pocono. I set the TCL QM7L to Vivid Mode, and its 3,167 nits of peak brightness in this mode made the broadcast look especially bright and colorful. Chase Elliott's blue and yellow NAPA Chevrolet stood out with bright colors. I could also clearly see the bright sunlight reflecting off Denny Hamlin's helmet during an in-car camera shot.

Finally, for a display bloom test, I watched a HDR video on YouTube that is specially designed for this. Watching normally from a few feet away, I didn’t immediately notice any blooming. It was present only in small momentary fireworks scene and visible only when I moved my seat to the corner of the panel. This panel on this TV is definitely good for the price, if you don’t go looking for the faults with a fine tooth comb.

TCL QM7L review: Test results

Lab results showed the TCL QM7L is a huge jump across the board in terms of brightness, and HDR color accuracy from its predecessor, the QM7K. The QM7L also matches or exceeds most similarly priced LED competitors in brightness while remaining competitive in color accuracy.

While not a lot of content is mastered for Rec 2020 yet, our lab’s measured Gamut Coverage shows why HDR on this TV looked so good. The QM7L hit 90.28% of the Rec 2020 gamut. That’s highest among TCL’s competitors; the U7 hit 82.75%, the Bravia 87.18, and the Samsung OLED 72.94%.

TCL claims this TV can cover 100% Rec 2020, but measurements can vary based on equipment used. Still, against every TV we’ve tested this year, only TCL’s own X11L scored higher in our labs, with 91.81% coverage.

With a measured HDR brightness of 2,270 nits, the QM7L lands second with its competitors. That even beats out the pricey true RGB Sony Bravia 7 II, and leaving Samsung’s most affordable 2026 OLED TV far behind — though those are all 65-inch models.

Overall, the QM7L delivered a bright, vibrant picture. Its measured Delta-E of 2.64 also points to a very good SDR color accuracy, third best amongst its competitors.

TCL QM7L review: Gaming

While the viewing experience on the TCL QM7L is impressive, so is the gaming. The TV measured 9.4 ms in our input lag tests which is no surprise, given all the features.

There’s support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). A long press of a button on the remote can bring up the Game Bar, which has several additional features like an aiming aid and a magnifier.

I do like how there’s a frame rate floating window, so you can keep up with how efficiently your game is running. During my time with the TV, I used this menu and also turned on HGIG and enabled high frame rate modes.

When playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on our lab’s PlayStation 5, web swinging through Manhattan was smooth, maxing out at 119fps in the frame rate floating window. Same for Assassins Creed: Black Flag Resynced where in the ship battles in the opening scenes, despite wave crashes and my swaying the ship side by side, the game was still playing smoothly with minimal input lag.

TCL QM7L review: Sound

For audio testing, I watched the music video of Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, EJAE and Megan Thee Stallion’s “DNA.” On this TV’s 2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen-tuned speaker system, this World Cup anthem sounded better than expected.

Bass had an energetic balance between vocals and the song’s EDM style beats. Things were surprisingly balanced for a built-in TV speaker system. Bocelli’s voice came through clearly, while the heavier electronic beats and Megan Thee Stallion’s verses had some thump and bop to it. The speakers sounded quite wide, too, so I don’t think you’ll need a soundbar here.

TCL QM7L review: Smart TV and remote

The TCL QM7L is powered by Google TV. Much like my experience with the Sony Bravia 7 II, I enjoyed the user interface. Getting through settings, looking for content with the included voice remote is clean and easy. Google Gemini for TV has a conversational style that helps surface my content easily, and the home screen isn’t full of ads unlike some of its competitors.

As for the remote, not much has changed from the previous QM7K — it still is plastic and black with a brushed finish. Buttons are relatively close together, and backlit. My favorite services have dedicated buttons on the remote, too, with access to Netflix, Prime Video, Netflix, Tubi, Disney, and FreeTV just a touch away.

TCL QM7L review: Verdict

The TCL QM7L has everything most people might look for in a good mid-range TV: It delivers bright HDR performance, a responsive gaming experience, and good speakers, at a competitive price of $1,500 (or less) when on sale. While it falls short of being the perfect TV due to some minor imperfections with blooming in some HDR scenes, it still is a smart buy.

There is some tough competition around this price point, however. There’s the aforementioned Hisense U7 that delivers similar performance for a competitive price. It’s not quite as adept at HDR content as the QM7L, but it does sound better (expect our full review soon). And at the very top of the RGB TV spectrum, the Sony Bravia 7 II is one of the very best LED TVs you can buy. Real enthusiasts seeking strict reference accuracy might prefer it, honestly.

In spite of some fierce competition, though, the TCL QM7L is one of the best mid-range TVs right now if you want a giant 75-inch screen and don’t want to spend over $2,000 on it.

The Sony Bravia 9 II — the brand’s top True RGB TV in 2026 — is one of the best TVs of the year, thanks to its astoundingly bright, colorful picture and incredible engineering. It’s also one of the priciest TVs on shelves right now.

The Bravia 8 II OLED takes a different path to top-shelf performance. While nowhere near as bright as Sony’s True RGB flagship, its razor-sharp picture excels in ways only an OLED can: with perfect black levels, zero haloing and eye-popping micro-contrast.

In 2026, these are among the top-performing Sony TVs on shelves. But depending on your budget, living space and viewing habits, one will be better suited to your needs. Here’s my expert take on how to choose between the Bravia 9 II and 8 II.

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: Specs compared

These two top-shelf TVs share many of the same specs. The biggest difference between the specs listed above lies in size availability.

Both TVs come in the ever-popular 65-inch screen size, but the Bravia 9 II offers a more-flexible set of size options for folks who fancy big screens, as it's available in 75-, 85- and 115-inch models, too. The Bravia 8 II, on the other hand, is available in a 55-inch version — something you won't find on the 9 II's side of the ledger.

Beyond that, these specs are a wash. Both TVs support Dolby Vision and are limited to just two HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs. They also support ATSC 3.0 for 4K over-the-air broadcasts and offer a native refresh rate of 120Hz.

Winner: Draw

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: Design

These are two wonderfully engineered TVs, but they each flash some design flourishes that ought to be covered. The centerpiece of the Bravia 9 II's outward-facing design is its so-called Mirage-style stand (seen above).

The center pedestal that props up the panel is outfitted with a special lenticular lens that, when viewed from the front, obscures the sight of any dangling cables behind the TV. Pretty nifty!

The Bravia 9 II's screen sports a matte-style screen, which does an effective job of blunting the impact of direct glare. To my eye, it's not as aggressive as Samsung's Glare Free screen, so there isn't as much of a purplish tint to the slightly raised black levels it creates by scattering light.

The RGB LED-lit panel isn't the slimmest on shelves, but its uniform profile gives the entire package an appropriately premium look. It's one of Sony's most thoughtfully designed TVs to date.

The Bravia 8 II (seen above) takes a different approach to its design, but one that is nevertheless thoughtful, too.

Rather than connect to a pedestal-style stand in its center, the 8 II's panel sits atop a pair of angular, metal feet. The feet can be connected in a couple of configurations: One configuration elegantly places the panel directly on whatever surface is underneath, while the other configuration lifts the TV several inches up to accommodate a soundbar.

Lastly, some good news: Both of these TVs ship with similarly excellent remote controls that deliver excellent form and function. However, the Bravia 9 II's remote control is backlit, which makes a huge difference in the dark.

While I appreciate the flexibility of the Bravia 8 II, I suspect that more people will appreciate the 9 II's twist on a traditional approach. The Mirage stand in particular is a subtle-but-satisfying touch.

Winner: Sony Bravia 9 II

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: Performance

Before we dive into which of these TVs is the better performer, let's compare their test results. (Both TVs were set to Sony's Professional picture mode when these tests were taken.)

I want to get one thing out of the way right off the bat: Both the Bravia 9 II and 8 II serve up sensational picture quality in both SDR and HDR. If you're in the market for top-notch performance with an emphasis on detail, either set will surely satisfy you.

However, there are some significant differences in how these TVs achieve excellency. Depending on how (and when) you use your TV, one will likely be a better choice than the other.

In Sony's most-accurate picture mode (Professional), both TVs strive to hit 100 nits of brightness on a 10% white window in SDR. That they each nail this target is a testament to Sony's dynamite engineering. If you want a punchier presentation, you can always dial-in to a different picture mode.

That being said, the Bravia 9 II has a much higher brightness ceiling for run-of-the-mill SDR content thanks to the power of RGB LED backlighting. As a result, if you do a ton of TV-watching during the day and you typically stick to basic cable, YouTube videos and whatnot, the Bravia 9 II has a significant edge.

It's a similar story during HDR movies, shows and games. Sony's top OLED TV is no slouch in this department, but on the Bravia 9 II's True RGB screen, specular highlights (small, intense areas of brightness) crackle and pop to the tune of around 4,000 nits.

But brightness isn't the only story. The visual texture of an OLED-driven picture is something that can't quite be replicated on even a top-shelf Mini-LED TV like the Bravia 9 II. With self-lit pixels, the Bravia 8 II is able to drive over 1,500 nits of HDR brightness to tiny clusters of pixels.

In person, this effect is nothing short of magic. If you're anything like me, in a side-by-side comparison with an LCD TV, your heart will tug you towards this self-emissive magic nine times out of ten.

A wide range of colors flow freely on both TVs thanks to True RGB and QD-OLED technology, but on average, you'll get brighter color performance with the 9 II's LED backlighting. Regardless, they're both among the most-colorful TVs we've ever tested.

Once you factor in the Bravia 9 II's superior input latency, the full picture comes into focus. Simply put, it's a better-performing TV due to its overall versatility. Whether gaming, watching sports during the day or dimming the lights for movie night, the Bravia 9 II will meet your needs better than almost every other TV on the market.

The Bravia 8 II is the TV I'd choose for a home theater-like environment where the ambient lighting conditions are more controllable. It's also not as cut out for competitive gaming. I've had literal dreams about owning the Bravia 8 II, but I can't deny that the 9 II is a better all-around pick for most people.

Winner: Sony Bravia 9 II

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: Smart platform and features

Now that we've got the nitty-gritty, performance-related stuff out of the way, let's talk about something a little more straightforward: features.

These TVs offer a similar set of bells and whistles, and both models are built around Google TV. It's one of my preferred choices for everyday streaming, as the interface is easy to use and the library of downloadable apps is seemingly endless.

As mentioned, both TVs are limited to just a pair of HDMI 2.1 inputs and one of those ports is a dedicated eARC port, so folks with multiple gaming devices and a soundbar might feel limited. Fortunately, these inputs support 4K gaming up to 120Hz, which is the top 4K spec for current-generation consoles.

The software experience is nearly identical across both sets (save for some extra enhancements and picture settings on the Bravia 9 II). This category is a draw.

Winner: Draw

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: Verdict

Despite the closeness of these final tallies, it ought to be relatively easy to settle on one of these Sony TVs. I recommend the Bravia 9 II to folks who want the brightest possible picture or people who plan on watching a ton of TV during the day. Additionally, gamers are more likely to synergize with the Bravia 9 II thanks to its lower input latency.

But if you love the look of an OLED TV — or if you're looking for a new home theater centerpiece — the Bravia 8 II might be closer to your cup of tea. It's not as bright as flagship OLEDs from LG and Samsung, but its HDR highlights leap off the screen nonetheless.

Regardless of which TV you choose, prepare to pay for the privilege of Sony engineering. The 65-inch Bravia 9 II is $3,599 at Best Buy right now, and despite the fact that it launched over a year ago, the 65-inch Bravia 8 II is still $3,299.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested Sony’s $3,600 Bravia 9 II True RGB TV — here's my verdict
• Is the Sony Bravia 8 II really the King of OLEDs? I tested the set for two weeks to find out
• Sony TV report card 2026: Is the 'Sony tax' still worth paying?

We live in an era of sequels. But until Dolby announced a follow-up version of Dolby Vision, I didn’t expect to experience a sequel to an HDR format, of all things.

Several months after the announcement of the new format, Dolby Vision 2 is finally making its way to TVs all over the world. Dolby Vision 2 is arriving on select Hisense models first and will soon expand to additional sets.

If you’re a picture purist, an A/V aficionado, or an all-around home theater enthusiast, you’re probably champing at the bit to peep this premium HDR format. Before we dive into whether or not Dolby Vision 2 is worth seeking out, let’s start with the list of Dolby Vision 2-supporting TVs.

Which TVs have Dolby Vision 2?

As mentioned, the newest version of Dolby Vision is being welcomed into the world by way of Hisense. Right now, Dolby Vision 2 is rolling out in a firmware update to the following TVs:

• Hisense UX
• Hisense UR9
• Hisense UR8
• Hisense U7/U7 Pro

The first Hisense TVs to receive the update are models built around the Google TV or VIDAA OS smart platform. According to Dolby Laboratories, the initial rollout will expand in the coming weeks.

We’ve already tested and reviewed the Hisense UR9 (the brand’s top RGB LED flagship for 2026), and we’re in the process of evaluating the UR8 and the Hisense U7 (dubbed the U7SG here in the states).

Of these models, the Hisense U7SG represents the most-affordable way to secure Dolby Vision 2 support right now. It’s a mid-range Mini-LED TV that gets exceptionally bright and colorful during HDR content, but how well it showcases Dolby Vision 2 content remains to be seen.

Dolby claims that regular, garden-variety Dolby Vision content will look better on TVs equipped with Dolby Vision 2. But, of course, this raises a key question about the nascent feature.

Is Dolby Vision 2 worth having?

Like its predecessor, Dolby Vision 2 leverages dynamic metadata embedded in content to present the picture in a carefully controlled manner. In simple terms, Dolby Vision 2 (and the OG Dolby Vision) work to ensure that whatever you're watching gets as close as possible to matching the creator's intent.

How close it gets comes down to the overall performance of your display. Some TVs get brighter and more colorful than others, and as you can imagine, those TVs make better use of Dolby Vision (and HDR in general). Likewise, many affordable TVs offer Dolby Vision support, but due to their performance limitations, Dolby Vision-enhanced content looks worse than standard HDR content does on a better-performing set.

With all of that being said, let’s consider the newest format. Both Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max (the top-tier version) offer up new features for filmmakers to tinker with. These include Authentic Motion (which allows creators to control motion smoothing on a shot-by-shot basis) and Light Sense 2 (which dynamically adjusts the picture’s brightness based on ambient lighting conditions).

But the newest format’s bread and butter is the flexibility it gives to creators whose content will be screened on the TVs of tomorrow. It’s reportedly been developed for displays that reach up to 10,000 nits of brightness — far higher than anything I’ve personally measured on a consumer-facing, HDR-capable TV.

As TVs evolve, Dolby Vision 2 will be here to take advantage of their performance.

Just as we have to wait for the TVs of tomorrow to see what Dolby Vision 2 is fully capable of, we also need to wait for the content to start flowing. According to Dolby Laboratories, several streaming platforms have already committed to platforming Dolby Vision 2-enabled content, including Peacock and Canal+. But right now, there’s not much to see.

So, what are you missing out on if your TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision 2? Not much. Today, Dolby Vision 2-viewers might notice a slight improvement to the presentation of movies and shows mastered for the original Dolby Vision format, but we’ll have to wait for proper Dolby Vision 2-enhanced content to truly familiarize ourselves with the newest members of the Dolby Vision family.

More from Tom's Guide

• We just graded every TV brand on price, performance and more — here’s how their report cards stack up
• Hisense TV report card 2026: 'One of the best ways to maximize your dollar'
• TCL and Sony are joining forces to sell more TVs — but is that bad news for shoppers?

We’re just over half way through 2026 and it’s shaping up to be one of the best years yet for home cinema enthusiasts. We’ve seen new, cutting-edge TV technology in the form of RGB TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and Hisense; fantastic active speakers from Klipsch and Edifier; and new luxurious high-end open-back headphones that have blown us away.

To help you sort through this year’s cavalcade of great gear, we’ve put together a list of 25 award-winning products that deserve a spot in your home theater or listening room. This list of products is sorted in alphabetical order to avoid any bias or claims of favoritism, so be sure to scroll all the way down to see the complete list of winners.

TVs

Samsung S95H OLED

The Samsung S95H OLED TV earned my 5/5 star recommendation because it sets a completely new benchmark for OLED performance. It delivers fantastic brightness that confidently challenges traditional LED sets without compromising the sophistication of black levels. Thanks to a Glare Free display, the TV looks spectacular in both dark home theaters and bright living rooms. It even features fantastic gaming capabilities with low input lag right out of the box. — Kate Kozuch, Managing Editor

Sony BRAVIA 9 II TRUE RGB TV

The Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV is an absolute masterclass in modern LED technology and is, undisputedly, the champion of the current RGB display revolution. I recommend it for its astounding luminance and virtually invisible blooming, getting as close to OLED I’ve ever seen in terms of black levels. Delivering nearly 4,000 nits peak HDR brightness on a glare-reducing screen, this TV is the ultimate premium choice for bright room viewing. — Kate Kozuch, Managing Editor

TCL QM8L SQD-Mini LED TV

While the rest of the industry is zigging toward RGB technology, TCL is sticking to white light-driven Mini-LED and ratcheting everything up to 11. SQD stands for Super Quantum Dot, and the new QM8L uses it to deliver high levels of brightness and high levels of color without breaking the bank. I saw it at CES 2026 and knew it was going to be the mid-range LED to beat this year. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Streaming Stick

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus nails the basics: It’s 4K HDR streaming in a pint-sized package for under $50. Roku’s primary interface is one of the easiest to use (and has been for years) but still features pretty much every single streaming service you’d want to watch. Streaming sticks may not be the home theater staples they once were, but anyone interested in adding new functionality to an aging 4K HDR TV will appreciate Roku’s slim and affordable solution. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Projectors

Hisense XR10 4K Triple Laser Projector

The Hisense XR10 is an exceptional projector with a bright, crystal-clear image and contrast I’ve rarely seen from projectors. It’s brilliant as a home theater beamer, it rocks for games, and it’s easily adaptable to just about any space. The Hisense XR10 offers simply brilliant projection that’s a knockout in dark home theater environments and can still dazzle even with overhead lights on. — Mark Knapp, Tom’s Guide Contributor

JMGO N3 Ultimate

In the early part of my career I avoided portable projectors like the plague. I found their performance lackluster and, despite their claims about being user friendly, never quite worked the way I wanted them to. The JMGO N3 Ultimate delivers the convenience and performance that I craved all those years ago. I'm definitely getting one of these for myself. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Soundbars

Bluesound Pulse Cinema

If you've yet to try a BluOS product, I urge you to do so. There are plenty of multi-room audio solutions on the market, but Bluesound's is the best by far. Its latest soundbar not only uses that platform to great effect, but it delivers 3.2.2 Dolby Atmos sound via 16 drivers. It's a next-level soundbar from a company on the cutting-edge of sound performance. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Samsung HW-QS90H Soundbar

Want a soundbar that can seriously do it all? The Samsung QS90H is your one to watch. This all-in-one soundbar combines a powerful subwoofer with seven center channels and two surrounds — yes, in one bar. Dialogue is crystal-clear and smooth, and diegetic sounds are exceptionally detailed. It’s ideal for home setups that might not have space for a dedicated sub or rears. — Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer

Headphones

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC

By adding noise cancellation to the already fantastic Maxwell 2 formula, the new Maxwell 2 is the all-rounder that Audeze’s gaming lineup has been crying out for. Its planar magnetic drivers deliver excellent fidelity, and while there are other headsets out there using similar drivers, none offer the immersion of ANC and a closed back design. — Pete Wolinski, Senior Reviews Editor

Belkin SoundForm Mini 2 Kids Wireless Headphones

As a relatively new dad, I take my daughter’s health seriously. As desperate as I am to have her right beside me listening to music on the latest speakers and soundbars, I want to preserve her hearing health — that’s where these cheap wireless headphones come in. With a set volume cap, there’s no way for her to crank up the music to a dangerously high level, which makes me feel better about the times we do listen to music together. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

JBL LIVE 780NC

Bolder doesn’t always mean better, but in the case of the JBL Live 780NC, it does. Available in a splash of striking colors, including the bright orange we tested, the Live 780NC combine style, finesse, and good vibes. Sound quality is just as vibrant as the design, and the battery life is good enough to keep you movin’ and groovin’ all week long. — Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer

Meze Audio STRADA

Audiophiles are quick to say that open-back headphones deliver a more natural, concert hall-style performance, but if you want lower bass response, you're not going to get it in open-backs. The closed-back Meze Audio STRADA delivers that clean, crisp low-end performance in spades. For high-end headphones, they're actually pretty affordable, too. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Earbuds

EarFun Clip 2

For gym-goers, runners and anyone who wants to remain aware while working out, few open-earbuds are better than the EarFun Clip 2. Their comfortable clip style is a winner in our books, and they’ve got AI-powered real-time translation to boot. Generally good for listening to music as well as taking calls, we were also impressed by the Clip 2’s 40-hour battery life. They’re some of the best cheap earbuds you can buy right now. — Nikita Achanta, Senior Writer Reviews

ShokzOpenDots 2

The Shokz OpenDots 2 offer an impressive combination of a great fit, excellent sound quality for open buds, and long battery life. They’re ideal for runs, strength sessions and other workouts, and great for general use as well, keeping you aware of your surroundings while delivering better sound than bone conduction headphones. If you’ve yet to try clip-on headphones, the OpenDots 2 will convince you of the advantages of the design. — Nick Harris-Fry, Senior Fitness Writer

Technics EAH-AZ100 Wireless Earbuds

In the pantheon of the best wireless earbuds makers, Technics holds a top spot. The Technics EAH-AZ80 that debuted in 2023 are some of my favorite earbuds of the last 10 years, and the new Technics EAH-AZ100 are even better. For discerning listeners looking for a pair of wireless earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ100 deliver class-leading sound with head-tracked Dolby Atmos audio. For $249, I definitely recommend them. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Speakers

Creative Technology XF1

It's not often that I get excited about computer speakers. If I'm sitting at my desk, I'm usually testing out a new pair of awesome open-back headphones or I'm going to connect wirelessly to a nearby pair of bookshelf speakers. But the Creative XF1 has me intrigued, for sure. With a 10-band parametric equalizer and more than 120 genre- and game-specific presets, it's the Swiss Army knife of desktop speakers. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Edifier S880DB MKII

There’s a reason why the audio world made such a racket about the Edifier S880DB MKII upon release late last year. These $449 speakers look like a high-end brand and the sound matches up, too. With a rich, controlled low-end, expansive mids, and a dextrous, flexible treble, the S880DB MKII are some of the best midrange bookshelf speakers available right now. — Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer

Klipsch The Nines II Powered Speakers

Klipsch's The Nines II were my favorite speakers of CES 2026. I heard them in a small enclosed booth on the Las Vegas Convention Center and I instantly fell in love with them. Despite their medium-sized footprint, they're bombastic. They deliver powerful, detailed sound with a fairly wide soundstage. It also comes with Dirac Live Room Correction that measures the acoustic characteristics of your room and automatically tunes the sound to prevent issues. I'm here for it. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution Subwoofer

Squeezing flagship subwoofer performance into a smaller package is no easy task, and yet, somehow SVS succeeded with the new 3000 Micro R|Evolution Subwoofer. Packaged in a compact 11-inch enclosure, the 3000 Micro R|Evolution Subwoofer delivers 20Hz sub-bass response using dual opposing 9-inch active drivers and a 1,200W RMS amplifier. That’s a serious sub all for under $1,000. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

Bluetooth Speakers

JBL Go 5

Good becomes great as JBL has introduced small but meaningful upgrades, making the JBL Go 5 one of the best Bluetooth speakers of 2026. It's pocketable so you can take it anywhere with you. Even though it's small, we've been impressed by its wide soundstage and just how loud it can get. Its IP68 rating means it's highly waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof too. At just $54, it offers simply unbeatable value for money. — Nikita Achanta, Senior Reviews Writer

JBL Xtreme 5

What a speaker. The JBL Xtreme 5 is officially the most durable speaker in the world thanks to its drop-proof, IP68 rating. But hardiness isn’t the only area the Xtreme 5 excels — it’s also a bass beast. Improving on its predecessor’s loud-but-muffled bass performance, the Xtreme 5 brings control, power, and ferocity to the party. The ultimate party speaker of 2026. — Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer

Sonos Play

The Sonos Play is a highly versatile portable speaker that flawlessly bridges the gap between everyday home use and travel listening. I recommend it for those looking to blend wireless multi-room audio capabilities with everyday Bluetooth convenience. Offering crisp vocals, satisfying bass and an impressive 24-hour battery life, this lightweight speaker delivers incredibly balanced, room-filling sound. It’s the middle ground between the bulkier Move 2 and smaller Roam 2 that Sonos users didn’t know they were waiting for. — Kate Kozuch, Managing Editor

Home Hi-Fi

Denon AVR-X2900H

Denon knows what it’s doing when it comes to home cinema amplification. The company has been at it for decades, but blimey, this AV receiver is a bit of a belter. For a mid-range model, it’s exceptional. Movies sound convincingly cinematic, and music is rewardingly rhythmic. Thoughtful engineering, sensible connectivity and an excellent multiroom platform are the icing on the cake. — Steve May, Tom’s Guide Contributor

Fluance RT87 Reference High Fidelity Dual-Plinth Turntable

I love the way that the RT87 looks. The dual plinth design makes it look unlike any other sub-$1000 turntable and lends a commanding presence to the deck. The carbon tonearm is a nice visual touch, and the hefty acrylic platter really brings everything together. In terms of performance, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that sounds better within $300-$500 of the RT-87’s price. — Tammy Rogers, Buying Guide Editor

WiiM Amp Ultra

Home entertainment centers can only hold so many products. I wish there was space for an amplifier, a streaming music player, speakers, a turntable, a pre-amp and a CD transport on every shelf. Sadly, there's not. But thankfully Wiim is there to reduce the amount of gear we need with its excellent Amp Ultra that combines a streaming player with an amplifier that can deliver up to 100W per channel. For $549, I've yet to find something better. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor

More from Tom's Guide

• Best TV Brands 2026: We just graded them on price, performance and more — here’s how their report cards stack up
• These are the 5 best TVs we've tested for movies, sports and gaming you can buy right now
• Best headphones: Top picks tested by experts

Can you get a decent TV for under $500? Surprisingly, yes. I have both the brand-new Samsung U8000H and the new(ish) Amazon Ember 4-Series at Tom's Guide's testing lab at the moment, so what better time to put them in a head-to-head battle?

I watched three movies on 4K Blu-ray in Filmmaker mode: "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026)", "The Batman (2022)", and "Top Gun: Maverick (2022)". For this test, I used an HDMI splitter, so both TVs had the same input material. I put the Samsung TV at max brightness and the Amazon TV at 50% brightness (as 100% was much too bright).

As you read, keep in mind that the Samsung U8000H is on the left while the Amazon Ember 4-Series is on the right. Which one came out on top? Read on to find out.

Movie #1: 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'

The first thing I noticed was that the Amazon Ember 4-Series is incredibly pink-toned. The reds were blown out, as you can see in the GIF above. The desert scene looked more like a Barbie set than a level of Super Mario Galaxy.

That's not to say the Samsung U8000H was perfect. While the 4-Series was too pink, the U8000H was too yellow. The desert sand almost resembled Cheeto powder. (Gross!) Cheeto dust feels a bit closer to the film's intended colors, but neither TV did a great job.

Overall, neither the Ember 4-Series nor the U8000H blew me away, but the Samsung has better color accuracy. The Samsung's blue skies appeared bluer — as you can see in the GIFs above — and luminance was more even in the highlights.

Uniformity was actually a major issue on the Ember 4-Series — the highlights were much less controlled and bled out across the scene. Lights often bled into darks, as you can see in the GIF above.

Movie #2: Top Gun: Maverick

The Amazon Ember 4-Series performed much better than the Samsung U8000H ... at least at first. The Samsung appeared washed out in the darker scenes at the start of "Top Gun: Maverick". Gray-toned scenes looked almost monochromatic.

Red-toned scenes were also a little yellow, as you can see in the GIF above.

That being said, fast-flying scenes were smoother on the Samsung panel and the night sky appeared much darker on the U8000H, which you can see in the GIFs. Blacks popped more on the Samsung panel, and you can see the loss of detail in the highlights on the Amazon TV.

So, after a disappointing start, the Samsung model won this round, too. The white/black balance is far superior on the Samsung. Skin tones are also much too pink on the Ember 4-Series — Tom Cruise looked like he'd spent a week in Ibiza with no sunscreen.

Movie #3: 'The Batman'

"The Batman" is an incredibly dark movie, which can pose a real problem for budget models like the ones I'm testing here. I was worried both TVs would struggle with contrast and black levels... and I was correct.

The Amazon Ember 4-Series overcompensates for the dark color grading with pink-toned skin colors and highlights leaking into shadowed areas. The Samsung isn't as vibrant as I would like, but it handles blacks better.

As you can see in the GIF above, the lights are blown out on the Amazon, but a little too dark on the Samsung.

The Samsung U8000H handled the motion of motorbikes and falling rain better, but micro details like eyebrows and fine lines were presented more clearly on the Amazon.

In general, I found my eye drawn more to the Amazon during most nighttime scenes — likely because it's brighter, despite the lack of color accuracy. Neither models have full-array local dimming, but the Samsung U8000H's LED panel handled high-contrast scenes better.

Which sub-$500 TV would I buy?

So remember, the Samsung U8000H starts from $247 for the 43-inch model (the one I tested here). Comparatively, the 2025 Amazon Ember 4-Series is $329 for the 43-inch model.

Given their respective prices and performance, I would buy the Samsung U8000H, and there would be very little competition. I much prefer the Samsung's controlled luminance and color accuracy. While the Amazon TV has some interesting Alexa features, it's not worth the added cost.

I think you should save your money and get the Samsung. With the money left over, you could even get the Sony HT-S100F (my favorite cheap soundbar) and still have some money for a discounted DVD or a few weeks of Netflix.

More from Tom's Guide

• We asked readers which TV brand they trusted most — and one company rose above the rest
• One of the top LG OLEDs of the year just got a huge $900 discount
• These are the 5 affordable TVs you should buy for your student heading off to college — and they're all on sale now

The Amazon Ember QLED is Amazon’s budget take on QLED TVs. With new-and-improved Amazon Alexa+ and the classic easy-to-use Fire TV interface, does it have what it takes to be one of the best TVs under $500? Not quite.

The Ember QLED performs admirably with 4K UHD Blu-rays and is more than good enough for series binge-watchers, but I wish the blacks were darker and the colors a touch brighter. It’s not as affordable as other QLED options from Hisense and TCL, and many folks will be quickly tire of being assaulted by ads.

While it might not be the best TV in the world, if you value convenience over serious cinematic quality, the Ember QLED could be right for you. To find out why, keep reading this Amazon Ember QLED Series review.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Specs

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Price & availability

The Amazon Ember QLED Series was released in November 2025 and is the current version of Amazon’s QLED. (Amazon updated its naming conventions for TVs: No longer do they follow ‘Amazon Fire TV’ nomenclature; new models are called ‘Ember’.)

I tested the 55” version for this review, but all sizes except the 50-inch have full-array local dimming, which ensures blacks are blacker and large highlights pop. Other than that, all models have the same features, including a physical mic-off switch on the bottom of the TV.

In terms of price, the 50-inch model starts at $479 from Amazon. In the U.K., it’s £649 for the 50-inch, which is quite a bit more expensive. The 55-inch model I tested is $589. It’s also worth noting that the larger 75-inch model is not sold in the U.K., unfortunately.

While the 50-inch model is somewhat affordable, the 65-inch Amazon Ember QLED comes in at $849 … which is quite a bit higher than the competition. For example, the Hisense QD7 is $439 for the 65-inch, which works out almost $400 cheaper than the Amazon Ember QLED — it’s probably the best TV under $500, so I highly recommend checking it out.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Design and ports

In terms of appearance, the Ember QLED looks great. It has a thin silver bezel that wraps around the exterior and measures in at only 2 inches thick.

The TV has dual two-pronged legs on either side — but the legs are quite far apart, so bear that in mind if you have a small TV stand.

The Ember QLED has four HDMIs (one eARC), an optical port, an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack. There’s only one HDMI 2.1 port (and it’s the eARC), and three HDMI 2.0s, which is a little disappointing to see on a new TV.

There’s also an optical port, which isn’t used as often these days, but is a good option if you have an older soundbar, AVR, or DVD player and don’t want Dolby Atmos audio.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: How we test TVs

We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom’s Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subjective tests designed to rate the set’s performance.

For our technical tests, we set the TV to Filmmaker mode (usually the most accurate out of the box) and take measurements using a Jeti SpectraVal 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’ Calman TV-calibration software. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester for determining the TV’s gaming prowess.

Subjective tests vary based on the reviewer but usually include anecdotes from a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and other content. For a more detailed look, check out our “How we test TVs” page.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Performance

In all sizes other than 50”, the Ember QLED has full-array local dimming. In layman’s terms, this improves the contrast on an image — it makes the blacks blacker, and ensures big highlights pop (while dimming smaller white objects).

To see just how good the contrast could look, I tested this with a scene from “The Revenant” and struggled to pinpoint elements in the darkest shots. The blacks blended into one mass of black, while firelight seemed a little too saturated.

I also watched “Top Gun” on 4K Blu-ray. In the famous beach football scene, the oranges were almost bursting with brightness, but this negatively affected the rest of the scene. Every actor blended together. Motion artifacting during action scenes towards the end physically made me ill. This is definitely an area for Amazon to improve on in future TVs.

When watching TV shows on Netflix, contrast was noticeably worse. Some blacks appeared more gray, and some whites were dull. However, the warm colors — that appeared a little oversaturated in “Top Gun: Maverick” — were bright.

The good news is that the Amazon Ember QLED supports basic HDR10 and the more advanced Dolby Vision, which is great if you have a large 4K UHD Blu-ray collection, Netflix Premium, Disney+ and/or Apple TV+.

In short, I wouldn’t recommend this TV if you’re a movie buff. I’d go for the Hisense QD7 in a heartbeat, or the Amazon Ember 4-Series if you want to save more money on a 4K TV.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Test results

As far as our lab tests are concerned, the Ember QLED lands right in the middle of the competition. It’s brighter than the cheaper 4-Series and Roku Select Series, but it can’t keep pace with the class-leading Hisense QD7 and surprisingly solid Vizio VQM65-C.

The Ember QLED Series has great Rec. 709 color coverage, meaning the TV screen can portray 99.8% of standard broadcast colors. However, it’s less accurate than its rivals, as evidenced by its Delta-E score of 4.62, meaning its overall color accuracy is relatively poor. That was backed up by the oversaturated oranges and undersaturated skin tones I observed during testing.

For overall color volume, the race is a lot closer, with all five TVs in the mid-nineties for their respective UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage. None of the TVs are prepared for the upcoming Rec2020 Color Gamut, but all of them are well-equipped for current HD/SDR content.

What about 4K/HDR? The Ember QLED performed pretty poorly in our HDR brightness tests — topping out at a measly 251 nits, well below the industry-recommended 1,000 — so I wouldn’t really recommend this TV if you’re a movie aficionado or a gamer.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Audio

Like most TVs, the Ember has just two small 10W speakers, so bass can be lackluster. Dialogue sounded clear enough in most scenes but Amazon also included a ‘Dialogue boost’ control — just don’t count on it to radically improve vocal clarity.

There’s a 5-band EQ customizer that does help a little. I’d rather this be a series of presets like ‘Bass boost’ or ‘treble boost,’ but I appreciate that there’s a built-in customizer.

If you have a little more space in your budget, I recommend buying one of the best cheap soundbars — you can get the fantastic Sony HT-S100F for under $100 on sale these days. Any of those models will be an improvement on the Ember’s built-in speaker system.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Interface & apps

It’s a polarizing smart platform, but I found the Amazon Fire TV interface to be easy to use. I was able to navigate through the apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video quickly.

One of the biggest upgrades from the 2023 model is the updated Amazon Alexa+ integration. Simple voice commands such as “Find me a film I can watch with my family” brought up movies like “Minions,” “The Gruffalo,” and “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

When I asked Alexa+ to “Find me a film a really picky person would like,” it brought up new releases like “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and “Euphoria.” When I asked for a “High school TV show that’s funny but also thrilling,” Alexa unfortunately replied, “I don’t know how to help you with that.”

A simpler request — ”High school movie” — suggested “Incoming,” “Onward,” and “Untitled.” Only one of these movies is actually a high school movie, which was disappointing.

The price for this enhanced usability is a slew of mostly Amazon-related advertisements. Unfortunately, this has become par for the course with smart TVs and isn’t exclusive to the Fire TV platform.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Remote

As with every other Amazon TV, you get the classic ‘Fire TV’ remote. It’s long and slender, easy to grip in one hand, and includes all the buttons you’d need. Perhaps an improvement could be to include one blank, customizable button for direct access to a regularly used app not in the included four, such as YouTube.

The remote uses two AAA batteries, which is pretty standard, but I wish more companies were taking inspiration from Samsung’s new solar-powered remotes. Never having to replace the batteries is not only good for users, but it’s good for the planet as well.

Amazon Ember QLED Series review: Verdict

Unless you’re shopping during a major sale period like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, you’ll be spending around $600 on the 55-inch Amazon Ember QLED — and at that price, there are simply better options out there.

Don’t get me wrong, for your standard SDR content it’s good enough, and its Fire TV operating system is easy to use, with an accessible interface and great Alexa+ integration. As with all Amazon TVs, the remote is also easy to use — ideal for those who get overwhelmed with complex operating systems or remotes.

Just don’t expect it to perform miracles with 4K/HDR content. If you want something a bit more accomplished, take a look at the Hisense QD7. Not only is it cheaper ($299 for the 55-inch model), but it’s going to deliver a more impressive picture quality without many of the performance issues I listed above.

If you’re dead-set on an Amazon model, I’d recommend saving your $300 and getting the lower-quality Amazon Ember 4-Series. It’s not a QLED, but at least you’ve saved money.

For the past few weeks we've been putting TV manufacturers' feet to the fire. We're holding them accountable by grading them in key categories like design, performance, features and pricing — and now we're asking our readers to get involved.

We recently asked readers which brand they trusted most and one company was the clear winner. Now we're coming to you all directly with a short survey that will help us figure out what you love and hate about the six biggest TV makers: Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and Vizio.

Fill it out at your leisure and let me know in the comments what your biggest gripes are.

Here's how I'd answer

Testing TVs for a living has left me with an embarrassing amount of screens in my home. In my home office I've got a 75-inch TCL QM9K. Downstairs in my living room is a Samsung S95D OLED. In my music listening room I've got the Hisense U8N.

In the above survey, I'd mark all three down.

How long have I owned those TVs? Not all that long.

The first TV I ever owned was a massive CRT model that I used to play N64 and PS1 games on growing up. My parents bought that TV for me and my brother in 1996 and I was still rocking it to play Halo 2 a decade later.

These days, however, I'm trading out TVs every two to three years. That's probably a bit excessive, honestly, but as someone who covers this stuff, I want to make sure that I have access to all the latest and greatest technology to provide the best analysis to you guys.

Would I buy these TVs again? I absolutely would. They're all great value options. Not everyone probably feels the same as I feel, though. For some of you I'm sure the answer is going to be a resounding no. If that's you, drop a comment below letting me know why that is.

If the answer is yes, also drop a comment below letting me know why you like your TV so much. By doing so, you could be directly helping someone find their new favorite TV.

Stay tuned for the results of these surveys and check out our guide to the best TV brands in 2026 if you haven't done so already. You'll be seeing the results used in more stories in the coming weeks as we continue to break down what's working — and what's not working — in the world of TVs.

More from Tom's Guide

• There's a better cable for TVs than HDMI — but here's why we'll probably never use it
• Best Buy Essentials Ultra-Thin Amplified HDTV Antenna review
• Your streaming stick isn't broken — these apps are just slowing it down to a crawl

RGB backlight technology is clearly here to stay, and it’s laying the groundwork to eventually replace traditional Mini-LED as the de facto standard among the best TVs. While more budget-friendly models like the Hisense UR9 are making the tech accessible, sets like the Sony Bravia 9 II represent the uncompromising high end, commanding a steep $3,599 starting price.

The seeds for this flagship were planted three years ago when I visited Sony’s Tokyo HQ to see early prototypes of its backlight drivers. Sony’s mission then was granular control in service of "artistic intent.” The original Sony Bravia 9 proved how potent that philosophy was, but the Bravia 9 II elevates it further by introducing a refined True RGB system.

The result is a display that feels worth every penny. If OLEDs hadn't made massive brightness leaps of their own recently, I’d call this a full-blown OLED killer. A handful of other TVs might push higher raw peak nits on paper, but the Bravia 9 II pairs OLED-rivaling blacks, rich color performance, and an elite anti-reflective coating with a level of visual finesse that makes it the undisputed champion of RGB TVs.

Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV: Price and sizes

The Sony Bravia 9 II is positioned at the apex of Sony's current TV offerings, and its pricing reflects its ultra-flagship status:

• 65-inch Sony Bravia 9 II (K65XR90M2): $3,599.99
• 75-inch Sony Bravia 9 II (K75XR90M2): $4,599.99
• 85-inch Sony Bravia 9 II (K85XR90M2): $6,499.99
• 115-inch Sony Bravia 9 II (K115XR90M2): $30,999 (not yet available)

All sizes feature identical internal performance capabilities, though it's worth noting the gargantuan 115-inch model omits the Mirage stand found on its smaller siblings. And frankly, nobody needs to spend $30,000+ on an LED TV, no matter how good it is.

While launch prices are steep, we have already seen modest discounts hit retailers, and you can expect more enticing sales around Black Friday.

Sony Bravia 9 II review: Design, ports and connectivity

In terms of design, the highlight here is the new "Mirage" stand setup. When viewed from the right angle, the TV appears to float effortlessly above your console thanks to a magnetic lenticular cover plate that conceals cables fed cleanly down the center base. Much like the metallic floating bezel on Samsung's latest flagship S95H OLED, Sony's design choices make the TV look distinctive and elevated. On a macro-level, I’m excited to see TV manufacturers introducing memorable flourishes right now.

But if you’re after the slimmest TV, the Bravia 9 II isn’t it. Because it is a backlit Mini-LED system, the chassis is naturally thicker and heavier than paper-thin OLED alternatives (1.75 inches and 58.6 pounds, respectively, for the 65-inch model we reviewed).

The Bravia 9 II also sports an upgraded anti-reflective screen coating. In testing, it proved exceptionally capable at suppressing harsh indoor light sources and window reflections, easily rivaling Samsung's matte anti-glare solutions. Paired with the screen's immense light output (which I’ll detail further below,) this set thrives in sun-drenched rooms.

Where Sony stumbles is in its port selection: For a flagship in 2026, offering only two HDMI 2.1 ports (out of four total) remains a frustrating point of contention for multi-console gamers and AV enthusiasts who need multiple high-bandwidth connections. On the plus side, it does include an ATSC 3.0 tuner for broadcast 4K signals — something rival sets from Samsung and LG skimped out on in 2026.

How we test TVs

We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom’s Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subject tests designed to rate the set’s performance.

For our technical tests, we use a Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’s Calman calibration software to take measurements. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag Tester for determining whether it’s one of the best gaming TVs. For a more detailed look at what we do and how we do it, check out our “How we test TVs” page.

Sony Bravia 9 II review: Performance

The Bravia 9 II’s picture performance impressed me most with its shadow precision and color vibrancy. Watching the rainy dock chase scene in “The Batman,” the colored lights piercing through the dark night sky looked completely controlled, intentional and hyper-vivid. Dark cityscape details remained intact without blowing out shadow details, while blooming around bright light sources was virtually non-existent.

Color handling is equally outstanding. In “Dune: Part Two,” the vast desert sands and open skies of Arrakis displayed buttery-smooth gradations with zero visible color banding.

I did notice some minor limitations in off-angle viewing, however. While Sony's wide-angle tech marks a huge improvement over the original Bravia 9, sitting far off-axis still introduces slight contrast drop-offs that you simply won't find on an OLED panel.

Gaming on the Bravia 9 II feels fluid, and has natural benefits for PS5 owners. Swinging through New York in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS5, motion remained crisp even during fast camera shifts. An input lag of 9.8 milliseconds is a monumental improvement over the Bravia 9’s 17 milliseconds, cracking the sub-10 millisecond threshold that’s pretty much the fastest we’ve seen on any Sony TV in the lab.

Sony Bravia 9 II review: Test results

Speaking of our lab testing, the Sony Bravia 9 II delivered premium benchmark results, reflecting a massive generational step forward for Sony's backlighting.

Out of the box, our production unit of the Sony Bravia 9 II reached 3,903 nits of peak HDR brightness in a 10% window (worth noting: a pre-production sample we tested previously managed 3,990 nits).

This represents a gigantic leap over the original Bravia 9's 2,713 nits. By shifting away from standard white LEDs to a True RGB backlight system, Sony proved it can drive immense luminance without blowing out color accuracy or clipping highlights. It comfortably outshines even the brightest flagship OLED we’ve tested (the Samsung S95H at 2,721 nits) while essentially matching its impressive 89.60% Rec. 2020 color gamut coverage.

Hisense’s UR9 remains the raw brightness champion at 4,370 nits and holds a slight lead in Rec. 2020 gamut coverage (93.14% vs 89.23%), but almost no content is mastered to saturate BT.2020 fully.

When comparing the Bravia 9 II’s premium over Sony's step-down Bravia 7 II, the lab numbers tell an interesting story. The Bravia 7 II holds its own with a respectable 2,077 nits and nearly identical color coverage, but the flagship Bravia 9 II nearly doubles its peak HDR output and delivers superior out-of-the-box color accuracy. That would make a significant difference in a sun-drenched room.

Sony Bravia 9 II review: Audio

Sony re-architected the internal chassis of the Bravia 9 II to create more internal air volume, pairing its primary subwoofers with side-saddled tweeters and a newly added upward-firing beam tweeter. The result is an expansive soundstage with undeniable punch.

The Bravia 9 II also gets Sony’s Voice Zoom feature, which offers six levels of dialogue adjustment in either direction to adjust vocal clarity. I personally like using it for watching live sports when I want the commentary to pop clearly over roaring stadium crowds.

While I think it sounds great for a standalone TV, I also think a display of this caliber deserves a dedicated surround setup. If you stick within Sony's ecosystem, Acoustic Center Sync allows the TV’s built-in drivers to operate as the center channel when paired with a compatible Sony soundbar or home theater system.

Alongside this TV, Sony introduced the Bravia Theater Trio, a condensed central soundbar with wireless left and right channels. I haven’t tested it myself, but I’m intrigued by how it offers flexible placement options.

Sony Bravia 9 II review: Software and interface

The Bravia 9 II runs Google TV, which is one of my personal favorite smart TV platforms for daily use. You can take it or leave it, but Gemini AI integration now allows you to ask questions about movies, request quick briefs on sports scores, or catch up on daily news digests.

Google TV Freeplay comes built-in, offering over 280 ad-supported channels for instant streaming. Users also receive free Sony Pictures Core credits (10 movie downloads plus 2 years of unlimited access to 100 curated Sony Pictures titles). Otherwise, app navigation for your subscribed services is generally fast and responsive, and it plays especially nice with YouTube TV for those like me who use it as their cable alternative.

When idle, the TV’s screensavers setting pulls from Google Photos, curated art galleries, or AI-generated art. Combined with the anti-reflective screen coating, the Bravia 9 II could satisfy that itch for an art TV aesthetic.

Sony Bravia 9 II review: Remote

Sony’s remote control is one of the best in the business. It features a comfortable, textured back and motion-sensitive backlighting that automatically illuminates the keys when you pick it up in a dark room and gently fades away once set back down. It’s fully rechargeable via USB-C.

Quick-launch shortcut keys are provided for Google TV Freeplay ("Free TV"), Sony Pictures Core, Crunchyroll, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and Prime Video. There is also a customizable shortcut button that can be programmed to launch your most-used app or control Google Home smart devices.

I appreciate how it includes a dedicated Quick Settings toolbar button, too. It's a game-changer being able to tweak sleep timers or brightness levels without interrupting what you're watching.

Sony Bravia 9 II review: Verdict

I’m convinced the Sony Bravia 9 II is the undisputed champion of RGB TVs. By pairing extreme peak luminance with unprecedented dimming control and top-tier processing, Sony has delivered a display that easily holds its ground against the best OLED TVs on the market. It isn't cheap, and the persistent limit of two HDMI 2.1 ports will annoy power users, but those are minor compromises on an otherwise breathtaking television.

If you want something cheaper (and we wouldn’t blame you for doing so), the step-down Sony Bravia 7 II delivers much of the same True RGB color magic for a significantly lower price tag. Alternatively, if you're still not convinced anything can beat OLED's perfect black levels, the LG C6 remains a phenomenal pick for dark-room viewing.

That said, if you have a bright living space and want the absolute peak of cinematic color and brightness finesse, the RGB LED-powered Bravia 9 II is worth every single penny.

As Senior TV Editor, I see nearly every TV release year after year. It’s a special opportunity to share a ton of helpful context with folks shopping for a new TV, but it also means that I’m liable to lose sight of how the average person feels about the state of the industry.

This is why, for the last several weeks, we’ve been asking you — the readers — which major TV brand you consider to be the most trustworthy.

Between Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and Vizio, one brand proved more trustworthy than the rest — and it wasn’t particularly close. Sony, makers of some of the best TVs you can buy, rose above the competition. Here’s how the rest of the pack stacked up.

Trusted TV brands: Full results

In just over two weeks, our poll compiled just over 3,200 votes. Here's a breakdown of the results at the time of publishing:

Among our readers, Sony-branded QLEDs, OLEDs and True RGB TVs are the most trusted. LG and Samsung are closely positioned in second and third place, while TCL, Hisense and Vizio received far fewer votes overall.

It's an interesting time to analyze these results. We recently conducted a week-long exercise in which we doled out report cards to these brands, grading each on performance, features, price and more. Sony received our highest grade for performance (A). However, Sony was also the recipient of the lowest grade we handed out for price (C-).

Our reasoning for these grades is simple: Sony's superb engineering and unparalleled picture processing amount to some of the best performance money can buy. Unfortunately, the cost of this consistency is often passed down to the viewer, as Sony TVs tend to be priced higher than rival TVs.

Sony TVs in 2026 and beyond

If Sony's 2026 Bravia TV lineup is any indication, the company is perfectly comfortable assuming the role of a trusted premium TV-maker — even if its mid-range and luxury models are priced higher than the competition.

Interestingly, our poll proves that viewers and TV-shoppers aren't necessarily fazed by this arrangement. Among our readers, Sony is more trustworthy than LG and Samsung (brands that specialize in high-end performance) and far more trustworthy than TCL and Hisense (brands commonly associated with value-forward, budget-friendly models).

Recently, Sony spun out its TV business, with rival brand TCL taking on a 51% stake in the operation. It's tough to say how this might affect Sony TVs, TCL TVs and the reputation of both brands.

We'll be continuing to run the poll, so if you haven't responded to our poll about TV-brand trustworthiness, we want to hear from you: Your input could help shape how these companies will build, tune, and market these TVs in 2027 and beyond.

More from Tom's Guide

• We just graded every TV brand on price, performance and more — here’s how their report cards stack up
• This RGB LED TV is the one to buy if the Sony Bravia 9 II is outside of your budget
• TCL and Sony are joining forces to sell more TVs — but is that bad news for shoppers?

I’ll be honest: For the most part, testing a TV isn’t exciting. Most of the process involves flashing differently colored boxes on the screen and measuring them with a doohickey. Thrilling.

But at some point, I get to tuck away my TV-testing equipment, toss on a few Blu-rays and treat myself to a feast for the eyes. Unfortunately, the better the TV, the longer it takes me to finish a review.

Over the years, I’ve put together a small collection of 4K Blu-rays that make the most out of the best TVs on the market. Some of these flicks feature scintillating lights and psychedelic colors — perfect fodder for a bright, punchy QLED. Others put the high-contrast characteristics of an OLED to the test. Here’s a peek at what I’m working with.

1. "Speed Racer" (2008)

Looking for something to showcase quantum-dot color? Or maybe you’re breaking in an all-new RGB LED TV and need a double-dose of dazzling, dream-like imagery.

In any event, the kaleidoscopic, kinetic visuals of Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s 2008 cult-classic is the perfect pick for people who want to push a TV to its limits. Best of all? It’s a damn good movie, to boot.

This 4K disc is brand-new, having just dropped back in May. Ahead of its release, fans of the film — myself included — crossed our fingers for a transfer that did this remarkable-looking movie justice. I’m happy to report that “Speed Racer” has never looked better on a TV screen. It ought to be a staple in any physical media-collector’s catalogue.

2. “The Northman” (2022)

Whenever I want to test a TV’s ability to render dark landscapes and shadowy sequences, I drop in a disc of one of the most atmospheric movies of the last several years: “The Northman.”

It’s not my favorite entry in Robert Eggers’s filmography, nor is it an easy watch. But few 4K Blu-rays do a better job of depicting gloom and glumness.

As a result of its dark, dreary presentation, “The Northman” is my go-to choice for seeing how well a TV preserves near-black shadow detail. It can be punishing on budget TVs, but on higher-end sets (particularly OLED TVs), it’s hard not to be swallowed up by the movie’s all-enveloping visual despair.

3. “Dune: Part Two” (2024)

One of the most successful sequels in the last few years is also a stunning cinematic showcase at home. Just as the spectacle of “Dune: Part Two” deserved to be seen on the biggest-possible screen during its initial theatrical run, it’s also best experienced on Blu-ray — not digital.

The “Dune: Part Two” 4K disc isn’t just a good way to show off a new TV’s HDR capabilities, it’s also a fine way to demonstrate the bass-heavy thumps of a dedicated soundbar. There aren’t too many sound bytes that fire me up as much as the first thing we hear in “Dune: Part Two”: a deep, bellowing voice declaring the ultimate power of Spice.

4. “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)

Years ago, while discussing Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi masterpiece, “2001,” a friend of mine said something that will never leave my mind: “That movie looks like it was made tomorrow.”

Despite being nearly 60 years old, I’d be hard-pressed to name more than a handful of sci-fi films that come close to matching the visual command on display during “2001.” Fortunately, the 4K Blu-ray looks nearly as impressive as the 70mm release I experienced several years ago.

From its balletic spacefaring sequences to the hallucinogenic laser lights of Jupiter (and beyond the infinite), the “2001” Blu-ray is a great way to demonstrate how impressive modern TVs are at presenting classic cinema.

5. "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015)

One of the most popular discs among TV-testers, George Miller's high-octane "Mad Max" legacy sequel is a perfect inaugural viewing for new TVs of all types. It's a regular feature in our testing labs for a reason.

"Fury Road" is especially eye-catching on high-performance QLEDs and souped-up, quantum dot-equipped OLEDs on account of its masterful use of color. For years, I've used it to benchmark how well a TV can showcase deep, rich reds in particular.

This week, we handed out report cards to the biggest brands in the TV industry: Hisense, LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and Vizio.

The goal was simple: grade each TV-maker on pricing, design, features and performance. We also took a hard look at each of these brands' software.

Now that these familiar names have received their respective report cards, it's time to meet them in the classroom for a conference about how they're doing this year. If you're shopping for the best TV in 2026, this ought to give you a pretty clear picture about how to spend your money.

Pricing

Of the six names in the mix, Hisense, TCL and Vizio led the class in the all-important pricing category. If you’ve shopped for a TV lately, this probably won’t come as a surprise.

Vizio has focused almost entirely on ultra-affordable TVs in recent years. While the rest of the big-name brands tinker with high-end, cutting-edge technologies like RGB LED and QD-OLED, Vizio is focused on more cost-effective hardware.

Meanwhile, the most-popular entry-level sets in Hisense and TCL’s primary lineups tend to be more affordable than those of LG, Samsung and Sony. In addition, it’s often the case that, when comparing similarly priced models, Hisense and TCL TVs offer a bit more bang for your buck when it comes to features.

Winner: Tie (Hisense, TCL and Vizio)

Design

When it comes to design, Samsung and Sony lead the way. Sony’s top TVs often arrive with multiple stand configurations, and its most recent True RGB TVs feature a unique stand design that effectively hides cables by way of lenticular lensing.

Samsung consistently innovates at the higher end of its lineup, too, popularizing matte-style screens, external connectivity hubs and, most recently, eye-catching metallic frames. Affordable, entry-level Samsung QLEDs lean into the simplistic nature of their display hardware, often arriving with sleek, slim panels that play the part of a more-premium set.

LG’s most noteworthy TVs — its OLEDs — are handsomely engineered, too, but the worldwide leader in OLED TVs doesn’t seem too eager to move away from tried and true formulas.

TCL and Hisense are purveyors of TVs with safe, middle-of-the-road designs that don’t innovate as much as they respond to (and replicate) industry trends. Their higher-end TVs tend to carry their best design characteristics.

Winner: Tie (Samsung and Sony)

Features

Years ago, LG was among the first TV-makers to outfit its TVs with a full slate of HDMI 2.1 inputs. This aggressive approach to supplemental features has carried all the way into 2026, where the company narrowly leads TCL and Samsung when it comes to gaming- and streaming-related enhancements.

Although Samsung’s top-shelf TVs are jam-packed with extras, there are plenty of people shopping in this higher price tier expecting the full package. Without Dolby Vision support, LG’s top TVs are the most feature-complete.

Sony is the last of these brands to embrace full HDMI 2.1 support. Fortunately, that seems to be the new standard for the brand as the company looks to leverage newer chipsets in 2026 and beyond.

This year, Hisense and TCL are similar in how they approach feature availability across their respective lineups, but for the last couple of years, Hisense has traded a fourth HDMI input for a USB-C DisplayPort on its higher-end models — a move that might disappoint home theater enthusiasts looking to plug in every single one of their HDMI-equipped devices.

Being the brand most concerned with affordability above all else, it’s no surprise that Vizio is the brand least concerned with premium features.

Winner: LG

Performance

Although TCL and Hisense make exceptional TVs, LG, Samsung and Sony are the brands to consider if you’re looking for top-tier, best-in-the-business performance.

Of the six brands we graded, LG, Samsung and Sony are the only three that make OLED TVs. Despite the rapid ascension of RGB LED technology, OLED remains the best all-around option (provided you don’t need super-high full-field brightness to overcome a sun-soaked room). And, of the graded brands releasing RGB LED TVs in 2026, Samsung and Sony have impressed me the most with the Samsung R95H and Sony Bravia 9 II.

These brands also deliver better picture processing than Hisense, TCL and Vizio. On the whole, Sony TVs feature better processing than any other brand, but LG and Samsung aren’t far behind.

At the mid-range and entry level, ranking the brands’ performance isn’t as cut and dry. Hisense and TCL have fortified their position as the best bang-for-your-buck brands in these price tiers because they typically offer brighter pictures with better contrast control. In many cases, you could spend the same amount of money on an entry-level or mid-range LED TV from LG, Samsung or Sony and walk away with a less-impressive picture.

Vizio is… Well, Vizio. The Walmart-owned brand doesn’t make high-end flagships anymore, and the rest of its TVs are affordably made models engineered primarily to generate ad revenue by way of its web-based software. There’s nothing wrong with buying a Vizio TV as long as you’re shopping for affordability instead of sheer picture prowess.

Winner: Sony

Smart TV platform

Hisense, TCL and Sony offer the smoothest streaming experiences thanks to their built-in Google TV smart platform. It’s my second-favorite choice behind the Roku operating system on account of its relatively straightforward interface and vast library of downloadable apps.

LG and Samsung fall to a lower tier, primarily because their respective software suites aren’t as easy to navigate. Both LG’s webOS and Samsung’s Smart Hub also come with a unique set of annoyances, like unnecessary AI features and auto-playing content.

Vizio is to be avoided if you’re hoping to avoid buying an external streaming device, as its proprietary software lags behind the five other brands. The interface is inundated with more ads than its competitors (including auto-playing commercials) and its app selection is limited.

Winner: Hisense, TCL and Sony

Overall Brand Grades

So, you’re shopping for a TV this year and you want to put all of this information to proper use. Allow me to simplify things.

If you’re looking to splash out on a top-performing TV with an emphasis on design and features, LG and Samsung ought to be at the top of your list of options. At the highest price tier, Sony’s TVs offer similarly excellent performance and design, but some of these models don’t offer as many gaming-related features despite their steep cost.

If you’re looking for a mid-range TV in the Goldilocks Zone between affordability and high performance, consider Hisense and TCL. These two brands are especially suited for mid-range TV-shoppers on the hunt for the brightest possible picture, since Hisense and TCL specialize in budget-friendly Mini-LED TVs that don’t skimp on display hardware. (For what it’s worth, Hisense and TCL flagship models are usually quite good — just not as impressive as flagships from LG, Samsung and Sony.)

If you’re looking to spend as little as possible, I strongly recommend shopping for something from Hisense or TCL over anything from Insignia, Pioneer or Onn. I also recommend Hisense and TCL over Vizio, unless you’re comfortable with Vizio’s ad-heavy software experience.

Next year, we’ll grade all of these brands again. That means there’s plenty of time for them to study up.

Plenty of TVs offer eye-popping picture quality, and even more are affordably priced. But your budget and a TV's performance should only part of the equation when shopping for a TV, because for the next several years, you won't just have a new screen, you'll have an entire brand's ethos at the center of your living room.

To help you choose a brand to take home, we’re tapping years of TV-testing expertise and doling out report cards to major TV brands this week. We’ve already given grades to Hisense, LG, Sony, TCL and Vizio. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Samsung TV experience in 2026.

This year, like most big-time TV brands, Samsung is making a case for RGB LEDs with a pair of TVs that leverage the company's all-new Micro RGB technology. In addition, there are several new OLEDs and QLEDs rounding up the 2026 Samsung portfolio.

Pricing

Relative to most sets, Samsung’s TVs aren’t priced as high as Sony’s. However, when comparing similar models, you can generally expect to pay slightly more for a new Samsung TV than one from Hisense and TCL — or roughly the same price for fewer features.

This is especially true at the lower end of the spectrum. An entry-level Samsung QLED like the Samsung Q7F doesn’t offer Mini-LEDs and local dimming for improved contrast, but the TCL QM5K offers both of these features for about the same price.

Fortunately, previous-year TVs tend to occupy shelves alongside the latest models, so there are usually ways to secure these features on a Samsung TV at a lower price.

At the higher-end of the spectrum — among the brand’s OLED lineup, for instance — Samsung TVs are usually priced within a few hundred dollars of what you can expect to pay for a similar LG TV.

Consider this: As a mid-range OLED TV, the Samsung S90H is currently on sale for around $1,799. LG’s mid-range OLED TV, the C6, has been fluctuating between $1,799 and $1,999, too.

The brand’s top-shelf TVs (like the S95H OLED and the R95H Micro RGB TV) are almost always among the priciest TVs on shelves, but nothing egregious relative to the competition. You can expect to pay about the same for LG flagships (like the G6 OLED) and significantly more for Sony’s flagship models (like the Bravia 9 II True RGB TV).

Grade: B-

Design

Samsung does two things better than any other TV-maker: It engineers sleek, premium-looking TVs at the lowest end of the price spectrum, and it delivers fresh, innovative design features at the higher end.

Samsung understands that, because budget-friendly QLEDs don’t leverage complicated, multi-layered display components, their hardware is capable of fitting into a slimmer, lighter chassis. At this price point, the picture may not blow you away, but the elegant-looking design will certainly be appreciated.

It's worth noting, too, that, thanks to The Frame, Samsung is primarily responsible for the rapid expansion of the so-called lifestyle TV — models that emphasize design above all else.

If you’re shopping higher up in Samsung’s lineup, you’re bound to encounter several thoughtfully considered (albeit divisive) design flourishes: the detachable One Connect Box (which can expand your TV’s HDMI selection from four to eight ports), the eye-catching metallic frame of the S95H OLED and the brand’s iconic matte-style, Glare-Free display.

Elements like the metal frame and the matte-style screen won’t appeal to every viewer. But they’re bold design decisions that attract a wide swath of shoppers and, when you fold in the brand’s ability to properly zhuzh up budget-friendly models, I’m comfortable calling Samsung the brand to beat when it comes to design.

Grade: A-

Features

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Samsung TVs don’t support Dolby Vision, one of the most popular HDR formats across streaming services, Xbox titles and UHD Blu-rays. Even if you splash out on the best Samsung TV money can buy, you won’t be getting Dolby Vision support. Them’s the breaks, kid.

Samsung’s steadfast dismissal of Dolby’s proprietary HDR format (and the associated licensing fees) is a sore spot among dedicated home theater enthusiasts and all-around A/V aficionados. For most folks, though, Dolby Vision’s absence will hardly be felt.

On Samsung TVs, HDR content mastered for Dolby Vision falls back to standard HDR10. In these scenarios, the picture isn’t quite as dialed-in to the creator’s intent as it would be with Dolby Vision processing the details, but if you’re buying an excellent Samsung TV, chances are good that it’ll look impressive nonetheless.

When it comes to more affordable Samsung TVs, you can reasonably expect a shorter list of gaming-related features than some of the more value-forward sets from TCL and Hisense. Just as Samsung’s lowest-level TVs often lack display-related features like Mini-LEDs and local dimming, so too do they often arrive with zero HDMI 2.1 inputs and no added gaming enhancements.

But once you bust through Samsung’s entry-level range and move up to some of the mid-range and upper-mid-range options, you’ll find more features than you will on any other brand not named LG.

OLEDs like the S85H, S90H and S95H come with a full slate of HDMI 2.1 inputs and support 4K gaming at 120Hz — the highest 4K spec for current-gen consoles. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility are almost always represented, too.

Grade: B

Performance

After over a decade of reviewing Samsung TVs that are big, small, affordable and expensive, here’s how I’d summarize their performance tendencies: Budget-friendly Samsung TVs typically make up for limited hardware with excellent picture processing, while mid-range and high-end Samsung TVs are usually among the best-looking TVs in their class.

At lower price points, I find it easier to recommend models from TCL and Hisense, since these competing sets tend to offer more bang for the buck when it comes to sheer brightness and contrast control. Their processing may not be as adept as a rival Samsung TV, but at least you can hang your hat on a punchy picture.

At higher price points, Samsung tends to deliver better all-round performance than competing TVs from TCL and Hisense. A big reason for this is hardware availability. Samsung offers a full lineup of OLED TVs while TCL and Hisense don’t. For my money, I’d almost always choose an entry-level Samsung OLED over a similarly priced Mini-LED TV from Hisense or TCL.

Once you reach the highest echelons of Samsung TVs, you’re almost always dealing with some of the best TVs money can buy — whether OLED, Neo QLED or Micro RGB. Along with LG and Sony, Samsung offers some of the most impressive picture processing on the market, so finer details like skin tone accuracy, upscaling and light bloom-minimization are handled exceptionally well.

The brand’s top-shelf Micro RGB TV — the R95H — is among the best examples of RGB LED technology available today. The S95H is one of just a few quantum dot-enhanced OLEDs you can buy, and easily one of the best OLED TVs ever made.

Samsung could certainly afford to shore up its lower-end QLEDs to put them closer in line with the competition; I’d love to see Mini-LED backlighting with full-array local dimming become a standardized feature among those TVs above the Crystal UHD designation. But when it comes to the brand’s higher-end offerings, you can rely on Samsung to deliver exceptional performance.

Grade: A-

Smart TV platform

The weakest aspect of an otherwise-excellent Samsung TV is its built-in software. The Tizen-based operating system has seen some significant improvements in recent years (namely when it comes to the navigational experience), but I simply don’t enjoy using Smart Hub — I tolerate it.

I don’t appreciate how Samsung TV Plus — a free live TV service — automatically starts tunes in by default after the TV is turned on. I don’t appreciate how, from the home screen, accessing a menu of available inputs takes several more steps than it should. I don’t appreciate the chaotic amount of ads on the screen at any given time, and I definitely don’t have any use for the tangled thicket of AI-related features that continues to spread throughout the interface like an invasive weed offering no recognizable benefit.

LG’s webOS isn’t much better, but Google TV is a breath of fresh air compared to Samsung’s streaming platform, and Roku is a downright dream. Some viewers will be able to hang with Smart Hub thanks to its decent app support, but people with higher standards will be better off plugging in a dedicated streaming device.

Grade: C+

Overall grade: B

While some brands’ bread and butter are budget-friendly models that punch above their weight, a Samsung TV’s value tends to increase as you move up the lineup. In other words, I’m far more enthusiastic about the brand’s OLED, Micro RGB and Neo QLED TVs than I am about the brand’s more-affordable sets.

If you’re aiming to spend less than $700 on a TV, I’m not as likely to recommend a Samsung as I am a TCL or Hisense TV, given the likelihood of those sets to include some key, competitive features. However, if you’re planning on shelling out on a mid-range or high-end model, there are plenty of Samsung TVs I can recommend with plenty of enthusiasm.

In 2026, the Samsung TV that’s best suited for most people is the Samsung S85H. As the brand’s entry-level OLED, it carries a much friendlier price tag than the flagship-level S95H; you can buy the 65-inch S85H for just $1,497, while the 65-inch S95H will set you back over $3,000.

Thanks to the benefits of OLED display technology, the S85H delivers better contrast than most LCD TVs in its price range (provided you don't intend on putting it in a sun-soaked room). It also comes with nearly all of the same features as the brand's higher-end sets.

There's a lot to love in Samsung's 2026 TV lineup, but to fully appreciate what the brand excels at, you've got to be willing to spend at a higher level.

Streaming continues to get more expensive between rising platform costs and now streaming devices.

Roku announced that it's raising prices on several of its flagship streaming devices — an ominous sign after Fox just purchased Roku for $22 billion in June.

Here's what Roku devices will cost you now.

In an interview with The Desk, an unnamed Roku executive blamed the price hike on increased RAM prices and supply issues due to AI demand.

From laptops and phones to gaming consoles and now streaming devices, the AI gold rush is impacting and deforming the market for everything as RAM prices and supply continues to be astronomically bad with no end in sight.

How to save money on streaming devices

There is a small bit of good news, however: Currently, Roku is running a sale on its official store that keeps most Roku devices at their old prices. The Roku Ultra, for example, is "on sale" for $99.99.

You can also pick up Roku devices from Amazon and Best Buy, where you might find some for even less. The Ultra is on sale for $90 on Amazon. Best Buy isn't having a sale, but as of this writing, none of the devices are listed at the new prices.

Of course, if you're not inclined toward Roku, the best streaming devices have alternatives like the Google TV Streamer, which costs $99 on Amazon. I would offer the Apple TV 4K, but Apple just hiked prices across nearly every product the company makes, including the set-top box, which now costs $199 — $50 more than the Roku Ultra despite Roku's increase.

Of course, if you want the Stick form, there's always the Amazon Fire Stick HD for only $35, a new slimmer version of which just launched in April.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the ad load on 7 streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video and HBO Max — here’s the worst offender
• Tom's Guide streaming survey reveals the one service people will never cancel, plus the free app 49% of respondents are using
• 30 days without streaming — The money I saved and the shows I was lost without

Choosing a TV means choosing a TV brand — the very brand you’ll be locked into a relationship with for the next several years. Specific screens may dazzle you in a store aisle, but it’s important to remember that the experience of living with a TV amounts to more than just picture quality.

With this in mind, we’re playing the role of administrator and doling out report cards to major TV brands this week. We’ve already given grades to LG, Sony and TCL, but today, we’re evaluating the Hisense TV experience in 2026.

This year, like most of the biggest names in the TV business, Hisense is making a case for RGB LED technology along with a series of quantum dot-equipped Mini-LED TVs ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range.

Pricing

In recent years, Hisense has occupied a similar position in the marketplace as TCL, in that both brands aim to deliver competitive performance at lower price points than brands like Sony, Samsung and LG.

In fact, Hisense is a big reason why Mini-LEDs went from being a high-end luxury just a few years ago to somewhat of a standardized feature among entry-level TVs in 2026.

Simply put, Hisense has been aggressive in its expansion of affordable Mini-LED TVs, which put pressure on companies like Samsung and TCL to do the same.

Hisense’s most-recent main lineup follows this familiar formula. Its entry-level model — the U6SF — is currently priced at just $499 for a 55-inch model. The U65F comes with Mini-LEDs and full-array local dimming. In order to get a similar deal from Samsung, you’ll have to settle for the M70H, a TV without local dimming.

Moving up through the lineup reveals even more competitively priced sets with premium hardware. The spec sheet of the Hisense U7SG Mini-LED TV is comparable to the brand’s previous flagship TV (the U8), but you can get a 65-inch U7SG for $649 — far lower than the price of a Samsung QN70H.

And, while the brand’s first-ever flagship RGB LED TV made its debut at a sky-high $3,499 for a 65-inch model, it has since assumed the much-lower MSRP of $2,199. Of all the flagship-level RGB LED TVs on shelves this year, the UR9 is currently the most affordable.

Almost without fail, the best aspect of any given Hisense TV is its price relative to the competition. This makes them an attractive option for deal-hunters who nevertheless want a little oomph when it comes to performance.

Grade: A-

Design

Hisense TVs are not as sleek and seamless as most Samsung TVs. They’re often heavier than their competitors, with big, beefy panels that bulge out with subwoofers and right-angled corners.

The overall vibe I get from the design of mainline Hisense TVs is one of carefully cut corners — as if most of the cost was seemingly put towards the underlying display hardware rather than the outer shell.

The tradeoff isn’t a bad one. After all, I’d rather the bulk of my money go towards picture quality, especially when shopping in the entry-level or mid-range tier.

However, if you’re the sort of person who wants a big, pricey expense to assume the appearance of a luxury purchase, the heavy, industrial-adjacent look and feel of a Hisense TV might not be as soothing as the smooth, svelte appearance of an LG or Samsung TV.

Grade: B-

Features

In addition to their regularly low prices relative to rival sets, one of the reasons I routinely recommend Hisense TVs is their reliably thorough list of features.

Mainline Hisense TVs almost always arrive with Dolby Vision and HDR10+. LG and Samsung offer only one or the other.

Just as Hisense put pressure on the competition to expand Mini-LED across a lower price range, the brand has also been aggressive in their inclusion of HDMI 2.1 compatibility on lower-end TVs. This means that if you want an affordable, entry-level TV in the Hisense U6SF, you don’t have to sacrifice the inclusion of HDMI 2.1.

Unfortunately, over the last two years, Hisense has replaced one of the HDMI inputs on its flagship model (the U8QG and the UR9) with a USB-C DisplayPort. It’s an interesting move, but not one I’ve heard too much positive feedback about, even among home theater enthusiasts.

Grade: B

Performance

Hisense has perfected the art of capturing excellent on-paper test results from TV-reviewers like myself, as their TVs consistently demonstrate impressive benchmarks in areas of performance like brightness and color. In fact, Hisense TVs routinely pump out higher brightness numbers than what is listed in the marketing materials.

But these numbers don’t tell the whole story. Just as I’m regularly impressed by the high brightness levels and color gamut coverage of an aggressively priced Hisense TV, I’m regularly on the fence about that same TV’s overall presentation.

When it comes to the little things — upscaling, motion handling, color gradients, and HDR EOTF tracking — Hisense TVs often lag behind comparable sets from LG, Samsung and Sony. The result is a picture that sometimes looks a little fuzzy relative to rival sets.

To be clear, I do believe that Hisense has improved its picture processing in recent years and I hope that this trend continues. Additionally, there’s no denying the fact that TVs like the U6SF, the U7SG and the flagship-level UR9 are among the brightest in their respective classes, and that sort of horsepower goes a long way in a sunny viewing environment.

In 2026, buying a Hisense TV is like taking a savvy shortcut to pretty-great performance. You’ll still arrive at the desired destination of bright, colorful picture quality, but by skipping the scenic route, you’ll miss out on some of the finer things in life.

Grade: B-

Smart TV platform

Nearly all of the mainline Hisense TVs in 2026 are built around the Google TV smart platform. A handful of lower-end models leverage Amazon’s Fire TV smart platform.

The Hisense U6SF and U6SF Pro arrive with Fire TV right out of the box. Amazon’s streaming platform has seen some improvements in 2026, but to be honest, I wouldn’t rely on Fire TV as a daily driver unless I was an avid Alexa user. Fortunately, the rest of Hisense’s main TV lineup is all about Google.

Google TV isn’t my first choice for streaming software (that honor goes to Roku), but I’d rather use Google TV than Samsung’s Smart Hub or LG’s webOS. It offers a much more straightforward navigational experience, and while it’s plastered with sponsored content, Google TV is much more user-friendly than the cluttered, AI-infused landscapes of Samsung and LG TVs.

Grade: B+

Overall grade: B

In 2026, Hisense TVs represent one of the best ways to maximize your dollar. Its entry-level sets are brighter than just about every other similarly priced option, and its higher-end TVs tend to deliver competitive performance specs for less than the cost of rival flagships.

The catch — if you feel comfortable calling it a catch — is that Hisense TVs often lack the finesse of pricier models from The Big Three (LG, Samsung and Sony). Its picture processing capabilities aren’t nearly as impressive, and the design of its TVs seems more about accommodating hardware rather than harmonizing with it.

For my money, the Hisense TV to buy in 2026 is the U7SG Mini-LED TV. We're still in the process of evaluating this model, but because it sits right in the middle of Hisense's lineup this year, the design- and performance-related shortcomings I've come to expect from Hisense TVs don't weigh as heavily on the experience.

When you buy a TV, you're buying more than just a screen — you're buying into a brand's entire philosophy. For better or worse, over the course of the next several years, that brand will be at the center of your living room.

As professional TV-reviewers, no one understands the relationship between a viewer and their TV better than us. That's why we're passing out report cards to the biggest names in the TV industry this week, grading everything from price to performance.

Previously, we doled out report cards to both LG and Sony. Today, we’re taking a look at TCL, makers of some of the most popular QLEDs on the market. In 2026, TCL's proprietary Super Quantum Dot (SQD) technology is up against some fierce competition, too.

Pricing

In recent years (including 2026), TCL TVs have played the part of value-forward alternatives to pricier analogues from brands like Samsung and Sony. They’re not always budget friendly, but outside of a handful of exceptions, TCL sets are typically priced lower than the competition while still offering many of the same benefits and features.

On the lower end of the spectrum, TVs like the four-star TCL QM6K offer a taste of premium hardware for a price most people can justify. Backed by Mini-LEDs, a 65-inch QM6K launched at just $799 and eventually fell even further throughout its shelf life.

The Best Buy-exclusive TCL QM5K offers a modest array of Mini-LEDs for even less. The 65-inch QM5K is still available for $499.

You don’t have to stick to entry-level and mid-range models to see the inherent value in most TCL TVs in 2026. The top-shelf TCL QM8L — which recently earned our four-star rating — is equipped with the brand’s best display technology, but still comes in at a relatively low price compared to some of its competitors.

Just a few months (and price drops) after its release, the 65-inch TCL QM8L is just $1,499. For all intents and purposes, it’s a direct competitor of the Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV and the Samsung R95H Micro RGB TV, but those sets are currently $3,599 and $3,199, respectively.

TCL is no stranger to the concept of a flashy, big-screen luxury TV. The TCL X11L is a prime example of this. But when it comes to its mainline QLEDs, its TVs are usually more affordable than alternatives from LG, Samsung and Sony — and they tend to go on sale fast and frequently.

Grade: A-

Design

I've been covering TCL TVs for over a decade, and early on, the company wasn't exactly known for the build quality of its TVs. Fortunately, as TCL's lineups upgraded and expanded, so too did its design chops.

In 2026, TCL TVs are neither flimsy nor posh. They're on the nicer end of the utilitarian spectrum — they're thoughtful in their approach while safely following a formula. The most eye-catching design flourish you're likely to notice on a TCL TV is something like a Bang & Olufsen-branded sound system.

If you shop high enough in TCL's lineup, your TV will include one of the most convenient remote controls of 2026. It comes with a built-in backlight for easy use in the dark and runs off a built-in battery that recharges via USB-C. Much appreciated.

Grade: B-

Features

When it comes to extra features and enhancements, very few TVs come with everything but the kitchen sink. When they do, they're usually pretty pricy.

What matters more is that a given TV comes with enough features to be worthy of its price. For TCL, this is generally true across the board: Its lower-end and mid-range models may not be covered in bells and whistles, but rarely do I feel like I should be getting more features for a TCL TV's price.

The brand's primary mid-range model for 2026 is the TCL QM7L (a TV that we're still in the process of evaluating). This set doesn't come with a full slate of HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs like an LG OLED, but you're getting a pair of high-bandwidth ports that each support 4K games at up to 144Hz. That's plenty for most people, and unless you have more than three gaming devices, you won't find yourself shuffling around cables.

Critically, if you shell out for a top-shelf TCL TV and go with the QM8L or X11L, you won't have to settle for a mid-range setup. These high-end models come with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and nearly every major gaming feature. In addition, mainline TCL TVs support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Grade: B+

Performance

This year, while the rest of the TV world is showcasing their spin on RGB LED technology, TCL is zagging in a different direction. Three of its TVs are equipped with something called Super Quantum Dot (SQD) color, and based on our test results, these souped-up dots are just as intriguing as RGB LEDs.

Without getting too deep into the weeds, SQD TVs are engineered to wring a wider range of color out of traditional quantum dots by way of added brightness, improved processing algorithms and a fancy new color filter.

Thanks to SQD technology, the QM7L, QM8L and X11L are capable of color volume we previously only measured on quantum dot-equipped OLED TVs. These figures are also on par with what we’ve been measuring on RGB LED-based TVs, too.

Given the nature of TV technology, it’s tough to do a generic, one-to-one comparison of SQD and RGB LED. How, exactly, brands use these technologies matters the most, and not all are created equal. But in RGB LED’s inaugural year, TCL has shown that its competing tech can stand toe-to-toe with the rest.

There’s room for improvement here, however. I’ve watched TCL make great strides when it comes to picture processing, but from what I’ve seen throughout the last year, some models still struggle to upscale sub-4K content as cleanly as LG, Samsung and Sony. For picture purists, out-of-the-box accuracy can be disappointing, too, especially compared to rival brands’ flagship models.

For the average viewer in the market for a good deal on a high-performing TV, though, models like the QM7L and QM8L are a savvy way to secure a bright, colorful picture without paying a premium on RGB LEDs. You can still splash out on a TCL-branded RGB Mini-LED TV if you so choose, but it's clear that SQD technology is the brand's top focus at the moment.

Grade: A-

Smart TV platform

In 2026, TCL TVs are built around the Google TV smart platform. Despite its bevy of sponsored and recommended content, Google TV remains one of my top picks for everyday streaming, second only to Roku.

Here's the thing: There are elements of the Google TV experience that annoy me, but as a TV-reviewer, I'm acutely aware of how much more annoying the alternatives can be. Samsung's Tizen-based OS and LG webOS are far more frustrating to use on a daily basis (to say nothing of Vizio's dreadful in-house software).

By and large, the Google TV navigational experience is straightforward and hassle-free. It moves along at a steady pace, and this is true even for some of the brand's lower-end models.

Grade: B+

Overall grade: B+

Similar to Hisense, TCL has gone from being a brand known primarily for affordability to one recognized for value. Affordability and value often go hand in hand, but in this case, I can plot a clear shift from TCL, a brand that makes cheap TVs to TCL, a brand that makes really good TVs for less than the price of most of its competitors.

I have no way of knowing for sure, but over the last year, I'm willing to bet that I've recommended TCL TVs more than any other brand — at least when it comes to budget-friendly options. The brand often demonstrates the highest amount of upside relative to cost, so it's well-liked by folks who want to spend less while still buying an impressive-looking picture.

I've yet to see a TCL TV whose picture looks as good as, say, Samsung's best OLED TV in 2026. But if you can get the QM8L — one of TCL's best SQD TVs — for half the price, that's a pretty friendly proposition, don't you think?

Want something even cheaper than the QM8L? We're still working through our full review of it, but the QM7L is brighter and more colorful than most TVs in its mid-range class. As mentioned, it comes with nearly every feature a dedicated gamer could ask for, and its streaming software is better than what you'll get on a comparably priced LG or Samsung set.

When buying a TV, you enter a long-term relationship with the brand that made it. For the next several years, your day-to-day viewing experience will be the result of countless decisions made by the folks who work for that company — from the TV’s performance to the feel of the software.

As professional TV-testers, no one understands this relationship better than us. That’s why we’re handing out report cards to the biggest names in the industry this week, grading each in categories ranging from price to performance and software. (Yesterday we evaluated LG's 2026 so far.)

Today, we’re taking a look at Sony, makers of OLEDs, QLEDs and, most recently, a lineup of TVs that tap a brand-new technology that the company has dubbed True RGB.

Pricing

Let’s start with the most controversial aspect of Sony’s presence in the TV space. You might’ve heard of something called “the Sony Tax,” a derisive term used to describe the often high price of Sony TVs relative to rival models.

I try to avoid this term on account of its flippancy, but there’s no denying that the cost of any given Sony TV is typically higher than TVs in the same class with similar specs.

Take, for instance, the recently released Sony Bravia 7 II. It’s the most affordable TV in Sony’s lineup to feature the brand’s True RGB display technology, but at the time of publishing, a 65-inch Bravia 7 II will set you back $1,999 at Best Buy.

For an entry-level RGB LED TV, this is relatively steep. Consider this: Hisense’s most-affordable RGB LED TV, the UR8, is $1,299. Even Samsung’s cheapest Micro RGB TV is $1,699 at the 65-inch size point.

Some TV experts and A/V enthusiasts would argue that Sony’s premium pricing is justified by the brand’s meticulous engineering and commitment to consistency. In fact, I’m one of those people — there isn’t a brand I trust more when it comes to how well a TV handles the little things. Everything from upscaling to motion handling is almost guaranteed to be exceptionally realized on a Sony TV, and Bravia TVs in particular are considered by many to be guided by the best picture processing in the game.

But there’s no way around it: Sony TVs are priced higher than most of the competition.

Grade: C-

Design

Just as Sony TVs are known for excellent processing, so too have they earned a reputation for showcasing thoughtful design approaches.

Oftentimes, Sony TVs arrive with multiple stand configurations to accommodate different home theater setups. Mid-range and high-end Sony TVs ship with remote controls that offer a full spread of buttons (including an input button), and in recent years, these remotes are often backlit — a hugely convenient feature.

The brand innovates in its design approach, too, which is not easy to do in an industry where standards are slow to change.

Take the Sony Bravia 9 II, for instance (Sony’s top TV for 2026). This TV’s pedestal-style stand is outfitted with a special, lenticular material that hides cables when viewed from the front.

The illusion is tough to explain unless you’re standing in front of the Bravia 9 II, but it’s unlike any design flourish on the market from competing brands.

Grade: A-

Features

For the majority of my career covering the TV industry, Sony has been behind the eight ball somewhat when it comes to features.

On one hand, the brand isn’t afraid to showcase relatively niche enhancements for audio- and video-related functions, and high-end Sony TVs offer a ton of ways to tweak the sound and picture. But, conversely, Sony lagged behind its competitors in standardizing out-of-the-box features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and it’s been slow to embrace the implementation of universal HDMI 2.1 inputs.

The good news is that the brand seems to be in the process of course-correcting. The Bravia 3 II — an entry-level model for 2026 — comes with a full slate of HDMI 2.1 inputs. Weirdly, though, the Bravia 9 II is limited to just two out of four inputs with HDMI 2.1 functionality, due to the fact that it was developed over several years with an older chipset.

Grade: B-

Performance

If you’re interested in an accurate presentation, nothing looks quite as sharp as a Sony TV. Its engineers sink countless hours into the development of new technologies designed to bring the picture as close as possible to the creator’s intent. Even at the lower end of the Bravia TV lineup, you can pretty much always count on Sony to make the most of a set’s hardware — whatever the limitations may be.

To give you an idea of Sony’s commitment to accuracy, consider this: For as searingly bright as the Sony Bravia 9 II is capable of getting, if you put a 10% white window on the screen and measure it in the TV’s Professional SDR picture mode, you will almost certainly receive a rating of 100 nits on the dot. This is because 100 nits is the industry standard for professional reference monitors when mastering for SDR.

Sony TVs may not be the brightest in any given year, but the attention to detail on display in everything from sub-4K upscaling to color gradients is staggeringly good. As a result, its TVs often lap brighter, punchier TVs in several key performance categories.

In other words, high-end Sony TVs are built for picture enthusiasts.

Grade: A

Smart TV platform

Like several competing brands, Sony TVs leverage the Google TV streaming platform. While not perfect, for most people, this is perfectly fine.

The worst thing I can say about Google TV is that its layout is stuffed with sponsored content. This is more or less the case with every streaming platform outside of a few, though, and there’s a lot to be said for the sheer volume of downloadable services available via the platform’s app library.

For what it’s worth, I’ve always found that Sony’s own menu software harmonizes pretty well with the skeletal structure of Google TV. Aside from the claustrophobia-inducing amount of ads, using a Sony TV in 2026 is mostly a breeze.

Grade: B+

Overall grade: B-

In 2026, Sony TVs are laser-targeted at home theater-owners, A/V enthusiasts and all-around picture purists. The attention to detail on display from a presentation standpoint is astonishing, and the brand's approach to design is among the best in the business, too.

Unfortunately, Sony TVs tend to be pricier than the competition. Even if you feel — as I do — that the higher pricing is often justified when considering the high level of performance associated with some of these sets, the fact of the matter is that it limits the scope of who can shop for certain Sony TVs.

If you're shopping for a Sony TV in 2026, the one to buy is the Sony Bravia 9 II. In a year chock-full of RGB LED TVs, Sony's flagship model is the gold standard. In many ways, given its unique design and intricate hardware, the Bravia 9 II is the "most Sony" TV that Sony has ever made.

When shopping for a TV, you’re not just choosing a set — you’re also choosing a brand. It’s the company whose software you’ll be using almost every day, and the one whose hardware will live in your home for years to come.

Here at Tom’s Guide, our goal is not only to help you choose a new TV, but to give you an idea of how it might feel to enter into a long-term relationship with the brand itself. This week, we’re handing out report cards to the biggest TV brands, grading them on everything from price to performance and usability.

We’re kicking things off with a company whose name is synonymous with OLED TVs: LG. It’s one of the most popular TV-makers in the world, and year after year, its OLED TVs are among our most-recommended models.

But if we take a step back, how does LG grade on its pricing? What does it feel like to use LG’s software on a daily basis? The semester is over — and we’ve got marks.

Pricing

LG manufactures both LCD TVs and OLED TVs, but over the last decade, the brand has completely taken over the OLED category, representing many of the most popular OLED TVs on the market.

As the worldwide leader in OLED TV sales, it’s not a stretch to say that LG sets the tone for OLED TV pricing. And, while LG OLEDs aren’t exactly cheap, they’re usually in line with competitive OLEDs from Samsung.

For many shoppers, buying an LG OLED isn't a sensible option until the entry-level, mid-range and top-shelf OLEDs begin dropping in price throughout the calendar year. To LG's credit, its OLED discounts are relatively consistent from one year to the next. After just a handful of months of shelf life, TVs like the C Series OLED usually fall to $1,500 to $1,800 for a 65-inch option. That's a pretty killer deal for a mid-range OLED TV.

Grade: B

Design

LG’s design approach is both thoughtful and refined, though not without a little wiggle room for improvement. Its B and C Series OLED TVs are known for their ultra-thin panels, while its flagship G Series OLED is one of the best-looking TVs when its uniform design is mounted on a wall.

That said, I routinely find myself reminding readers that LG’s slab-like stands — though elegant — keep the screen close to the surface of a media console or credenza. As a result, folks with taller soundbars risk obstructing their view.

LG’s Magic Remote has seen some redesigns in recent years, but its motion-activated controls are a feature that viewers either love or hate.

The brand gets some bonus points this year for offering a high-end lifestyle OLED in the LG W6 Wallpaper TV. As the name implies, its wildly thin design sits flush against the wall, and its wireless connectivity is almost magic.

Grade: B+

Features

When it comes to features, LG OLEDs are the gold standard. Although both LG and Samsung typically release at least three OLEDs a year with similar sets of features, LG’s models consistently edge their across-the-aisle rivals thanks to one feature in particular: Dolby Vision support.

Along with the most-popular HDR format, LG OLEDs come with a full slate of HDMI 2.1 inputs and support for 4K gaming up to (and frequently beyond) 120Hz. Even the brand’s entry-level OLEDs (like the LG B6) come with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and a variation of AMD FreeSync.

Grade: A

Performance

LG TVs — especially its OLEDS — have been reliable performers for as long as I’ve covered the industry. Its flagship models (like the LG G5 and G6 OLED) are perennial TV-of-the-year contenders, while mid-range models like the LG C5 and C6 OLED offer high-end picture quality at a reasonable price.

In recent years, LG has done an admirable job narrowing the gap between itself and Sony. Its engineers respond to viewer feedback, often fixing standout performance issues year over year.

That said, LG has sometimes found itself patching-in fixes to Dolby Vision and other HDR-related issues shortly after its TVs launch. And, while LG Display’s RGB Tandem OLED panels have proven to be tremendously successful in keeping up with the ever-increasing brightness levels that Samsung and Sony have been able to wring out of quantum dot-enhanced OLED displays, they still can’t quite match QD-OLED color volume.

Still, there aren’t too many $2,000, 65-inch TVs that look as good as the LG C6. The brand sells a ton of OLED TVs for a reason.

Grade: A-

Smart TV platform

As an LG OLED enthusiast, it brings me no pleasure to dole out a not-so-great assessment of the brand’s smart TV platform, webOS.

If you absolutely, positively refuse to fuss with an external streaming device, webOS has enough app support and a straightforward-enough interface to get the job done. You’ll just need to grit your teeth and put up with an onslaught of sponsored and recommended content.

In the last few years, LG has taken to stuffing webOS with AI-based features that, frankly, I can’t imagine anyone using with any sort of regularity. It’s just more stuff to navigate around while trying to jump from menu to menu.

Grade: C+

Overall grade: B+

In 2026, LG TVs are better than they've ever been. The structure of what has come to be its annual OLED lineup has been successful enough that Samsung has adopted a similar approach, and in all likelihood, TVs like the B6, C6 and G6 will be among the best-selling OLEDs of the year.

LG OLEDs may not be as colorful as Samsung's QD-OLED TVs, and when it comes to the little things like upscaling, LG often lags behind Sony's higher-end sets. However, it's not tough to make the argument that LG OLEDs are are the most versatile. They lead Samsung in included features thanks to Dolby Vision, and they represent some of the best gaming TVs money can buy.

This year, the best LG TV for most people is the C6 OLED. It comes with nearly every feature you'll find on the flagship-level G6, and while it's only a marginal upgrade over its predecessor, it's current sale price makes it one of the most value-packed, mid-range TVs on the market.

Not only is the Samsung S95H one of the best OLED TVs of the year, it's one of the best TVs I've ever seen, period. It recently earned our rare five-star rating on account of its incredible picture quality and its laundry list of features, but its price is steep and its metal-frame design won't be everyone's cup of tea.

Sitting beneath the S95H in the TV-maker's OLED TV lineup is the Samsung S90H. This mid-range OLED isn't as bright or as colorful as the S95H, but it offers many of the same features for a significantly lower price.

If you're in the market for an OLED TV this year — especially a Samsung-branded OLED — both of these TVs will surely make your short list of candidates. That's where I come in. I've got over a decade of TV-testing experience and I'm quite familiar with both models. Here's how the Samsung S95H and S90H OLED TVs compare — from performance to features and price.

Samsung S95H vs S90H: Specs compared

Despite their difference in price, the S95H and S90H are quite similar on paper. Like all Samsung TVs, neither set supports Dolby Vision, one of the most popular, enhanced HDR formats.

These OLEDs are among the first Samsung TVs to support HDR10+ Advanced, an all-new, royalty-free Dolby Vision alternative. HDR10+ Advanced is meant to compete with Dolby Vision 2, the newest version of Dolby Vision HDR, but content for both is still scarce.

One major difference has to do with size availability. The S90H comes in two smaller screen sizes: 42 and 48 inches. And, while it won't make a difference to the average viewer, it's worth noting that the S95H supports an optional, external One Connect Box that unlocks four additional HDMI ports.

Winner: Samsung S95H

Samsung S95H vs S90H: Design

The Samsung S95H's design is quite divisive, as it's unlike anything else on the market. As you can see in the photo above, the S95H features an eye-catching, metallic frame, and it can't be detached from the screen itself. The brushed-metal material plays the part of a premium design flourish, but based on conversations I've had with readers, you'll either love it or hate it.

I don't mind the look of the S95H's frame when the TV is mounted on a wall, as the entire point is to emphasize the picture, similar to a portrait's frame. That said, the frame draws more attention to itself when the S95H is set up on a media console.

The S90H, on the other hand does not come with a big metal frame. Its OLED screen sits atop a pedestal-style stand. It's sturdy enough to minimize wobble, but some people might prefer the approach of the S95H's setup, which trades a pedestal-style stand for a pair of L-shaped feet.

Last year, Samsung's flagship OLED was the only OLED TV in the brand's lineup to feature Samsung's Glare Free display. This year, the Glare Free display has made its way to the mid-range S90H.

This matte-style finish is the best in the business at eliminating direct glare, but there's a catch: During daytime viewing (or in well-lit rooms), the Glare Free display scatters light in such a way that black levels on the S95H and S90H appear purplish-gray instead of deep, inky black. This would not be the case with a glossy-style screen.

Both TVs ship with Samsung's Solar Cell remote control, which automatically charges its lithium-ion battery via indoor/outdoor light. This convenient feature saves on the waste that comes with disposable batteries, but the Solar Cell remote's lack of an input button is a bit inconvenient.

There's no denying that the S95H features a more luxurious look and feel. But the S90H's design is far less divisive.

Winner: Draw

Samsung S95H vs S90H: Performance

Before we dive into which of these TVs is the better performer, let's compare their test results. (Both TVs were set to Samsung's Filmmaker picture mode when these tests were taken.)

Both TVs deliver the performance-related benefits that we've come to expect from OLED TVs: perfect black levels, pixel-level dimming and ultra-accommodating viewing angles. Because of these benefits, pretty much everything look superb on both the S95H and S90H.

However, compared to the S90H, the S95H offers a superior picture. The differences come down to two key areas of performance: brightness and color.

Almost every size in the S95H leverages Samsung Display's quantum dot-enhanced OLED technology (also known as QD-OLED). Samsung's mid-range S90 series featured a QD-OLED display last year, but this year, every size in the S90H series makes use of a standard WOLED display.

There are many differences between QD-OLED and WOLED, but for our purposes, here's what you need to know: The S95H offers better HDR brightness and color volume than what you'll see on WOLED-equipped OLED TVs like the S90H.

As you can see from our test results, the S95H is capable of pumping nearly twice the level of brightness to HDR highlights than the S90H. During HDR movies, shows and games, highlights — like the sharp reflection of sunlight off the hood of a car — are appear much brighter on the S95H.

This added highlight brightness adds tremendously to the S95H's ability to create visual depth. It also allows for better detail around said highlights.

But the primary benefit of the S95H's quantum dots can be seen in its color volume. Thanks to Samsung Display's enhanced OLED display, it covers 89% - 90% of the BT.2020 color space (compared to about 78% on the S90H).

The added range of colors makes for a more color-rich viewing experience on the S95H, particularly during cinematic, HDR content. Bold, bright primary colors are punchier, but the S95H is particularly good at rendering accurate skin tones and low-luminance colors like dark blue.

Despite its shortcomings when compared to the S95H, the Samsung S90H is nevertheless a sensational TV. Its roughly 1,500 nits of HDR highlight brightness is more than enough for an eye-popping, cinematic picture. It's an OLED TV, after all, so it's not saddled with light bloom and haloing around bright objects.

I'm willing to bet that nearly everyone who spends time with the S90H will walk away impressed with its accurate, OLED-driven performance. The S95H is just brighter, more colorful and guided by more-advanced processing. In a side-by-side comparison, the S95H's advantages really shine.

Winner: Samsung S95H

Samsung S95H vs S90H: Smart platform and features

Both the S95H and the S90H are built around a newly refreshed version of Samsung's Tizen-based smart platform, Smart Hub. This version is similar to what we saw across the brand's 2025 lineup, but there are some subtle changes to the user interface that improve the overall experience. For instance, new this year is a menu bar at the top of the screen that provides quick access to important settings.

I suspect that most people that choose to rely on Smart Hub as their daily streaming platform will find it decent enough. Navigation and load times are similar across both TVs.

When it comes to additional features and enhancements, these TVs are nearly identical. Both sets support 4K/120Hz gaming (the highest 4K spec on current-gen consoles), and with a gaming PC linked up, both OLEDs can support 4K titles at up to 165Hz.

Winner: Draw

Samsung S95H vs S90H: Verdict

The Samsung S95H is an astonishing TV. Its quantum-dot color is nearly unmatched among OLED TVs, and it's also one of the brightest OLEDs you can buy right now. This makes it a safer bet than the S90H for brighter-than-average rooms, all while creating a truly impressive sense of visual depth.

But all of this performance upside comes at a steep cost. Right now, the 65-inch Samsung S95H is $2,999 at Best Buy, which is prohibitively pricey for the average consumer — even those willing to spend over a thousand bucks on an impressive, new TV.

This is the primary reason why I recommend the Samsung S90H over its flagship-level sibling. The 65-inch S90H is currently $1,799 at Best Buy, and while it's not as bright and colorful as the S95H, you're still getting a near-identical set of features for gaming and streaming. In addition, the S90H's frame-free design is a safer bet for the average shopper.

I won't tell you that the S95H's sensational performance isn't worthy of the S95H's added cost. For home theater enthusiasts who've been saving up for a life-changing TV, the S95H is probably worth its price.

The S90H has far greater appeal for most people shopping for a higher-end TV. I suspect it'll be the more popular model in 2026.

More from Tom's Guide

• Samsung S95H OLED TV review
• Samsung S90H OLED TV review
• Micro RGB vs OLED TVs: What’s the difference?

It’s hard to remember a time before the Cast icon. It’s only been 13 since the debut of the Google Chromecast, but it's one of the most universally known icons in the world of tech. It's so ubiquitous that you can't go more than a few minutes without seeing the logo on a smartphone or tablet.

I watched the rise — and inevitable fall — of the Chromecast over the last decade-and-a-half as Tom’s Guide’s Managing Editor and TechRadar’s Senior TV Editor, and to commemorate its 13th birthday I’m throwing together a short retrospective on the device.

While it hasn’t lived on in its original form, Chromecast has left a legacy — and a technology platform — that continues to thrive on modern smart TVs. Here’s what you need to know (and what I can remember) about the streaming dongle that changed the tech landscape forever.

The origins of the Chromecast

The Chromecast wasn’t the first streaming stick on the market. That honor belongs to the Roku Streaming Stick that was released in 2012. But the Chromecast wasn’t trying to be just another player — in fact, not being a player at all is what made it so different.

The original Chromecast, by design, didn’t have a UI. It was simply a tool that could accept incoming links from a phone or tablet living on the same wireless network. With no remote, Google could sell this innocuous-looking piece of cutting-edge technology for just $35.

And sell it did — the first batch of models was snapped up by Google devotees.

According to an excellent write-up from Fast Company in 2019, Chromecast is the brainchild of Google’s Majd Bakar. Apparently the story goes that then-product manager Rishi Chandra’s wife and Majd Bakar’s wife would sit in front of their TVs with laptops watching YouTube videos. When asked why they didn’t just play them on the TV instead, Chandra’s wife said “It’s just too much of a pain.” Bakar, a Google engineer at the time, and Chandra then set off to make what would become the Chromecast in 2012, first as a side project, but later as a full-time job.

The evolution of the Chromecast

Reviewers (our own Marshall Honorof included) liked the form factor, but had qualms about its usability.

In our original Chromecast review, we lauded its easy setup, but said that it was limited in its functionality compared to the competition — a fair, but cutting critique of a device that wanted to break the mold.

Google thankfully didn’t let a few critical reviews stop it from innovating on the product: We got the Chromecast 2 with a circular design in 2015 alongside the ill-fated Chromecast Audio and my personal favorite, the Chromecast Ultra, in 2016.

In my review for TechRadar, I called the Chromecast Ultra “exceptionally smart, powerful and fast” and “hard to find a device that offers as much as Chromecast Ultra for the price.”

By this time the Chromecast Ultra was under siege on all sides from both cheaper streaming sticks like the newly released Amazon Fire TV Stick and more competent high-end devices like the Apple TV HD.

Google would eventually fire back with a third-generation Chromecast in 2018 and the oblong Chromecast with Google TV in 2020, but by this time streaming sticks were out of vogue. The era of the smart TV had begun, and with its dawning, the need for a dedicated smart streaming stick had dissipated.

The legacy of the Chromecast

Google finally killed off the Chromecast line in 2024 and while the hardware may no longer be in production, its software lives on: Google was so successful in the creation of Google Cast, the wireless communication protocol for the Chromecast, that we’re still using the functionality 13 years later in modern smart TV platforms.

In 2026, almost every major smart TV platform comes with Google Cast functionality built in. (One of the last holdouts, Samsung, officially added it to its Tizen smart TV platform earlier this year.) You can still find a few outliers like Roku OS and Amazon’s Fire TV platform that don’t support it but, by and large, Google Cast is now the universal screen sharing standard. That is a monumental legacy for a $35 streaming stick to leave behind.

As for what comes next for Google's TV division, it’s hard to say. The company released the Google TV Streamer 4K, a more expensive competitor to the Roku Ultra, in 2024, but it’s yet to see the same level of adoption as the Chromecast did a decade ago.

While it's sad that we'll likely never see another one, the legacy the Chromecast leaves behind cements it as one of the best streaming devices ever made.

More from Tom's Guide

• I saw Sony's Bravia 9 II up close and it completely shattered my expectations — here’s why it’s the king of RGB TVs
• Samsung S95H is 2026’s OLED to beat
• There's a better cable for TVs than HDMI — but here's why we'll probably never use it

We’re still evaluating the Bravia 9 II, but I’ll give you a little sneak-preview: Sony’s RGB LED flagship is one of the best TVs of the year.

The brand’s spin on the all-new display technology — dubbed True RGB — serves as a reminder that Sony is one of the top TV-makers in the world. But if you were hoping to get your hands on the Bravia 9 II, you’ll have to make peace with its ultra-high price tag.

Fortunately, there’s another way to get a taste of Sony’s True RGB engineering at a much friendlier price: the Bravia 7 II. Having tested the Bravia 7 II, we can confirm that it’s an impressive, mid-range alternative to its higher-end sibling. It's the set I recommend if you’re hesitant to splash out on the top TV in Sony’s lineup.

The Bravia 7 II is the mid-range RGB LED TV to beat this year

As Sony’s most affordable True RGB TV, the Bravia 7 II may not be as impressive as the flagship model, but there’s an argument to be made that it’s better than the 2024 Bravia 9 (one of the best Mini-LED TVs I’ve ever seen).

Let’s take a look at how the Bravia 7 II stacks up against the original Bravia 9 and the all-new Bravia 9 II.

As far as brightness goes, the Bravia 7 II peaks just below what we measured on the Bravia 9. This is plenty bright for most viewing environments, and while the Bravia 9 has some extra oomph, it’s not as significant as one might expect.

The real kicker is the Bravia 7 II’s ability to showcase color. Driven by Sony’s True RGB technology, it covers an impressive 87% of the BT.2020 color gamut. It’s a sizable step up from the Bravia 9 and right in line with the Bravia 9 II.

With a better array of RGB backlights with more-precise dimming, the Bravia 9 II is undoubtedly the better-performing TV. But make no mistake: The Bravia 7 II is packing a ton of horsepower under the hood.

Sony’s mid-range model also comes with a comparable set of features. Just like the Bravia 9 II, the 7 II supports 4K content at 120Hz across two of its four total HDMI inputs. You’re also getting Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Dolby Vision support and the Google TV streaming platform right out of the box.

Sony Bravia 7 II: outlook

None of this is to suggest that the Bravia 9 II isn’t worth buying. Far from it. But as is the case with many mid-range OLED TVs (like the LG C6), the Bravia 7 II feels closer in spirit to a high-end, luxury purchase than a middle-of-the road compromise.

Consider this: The 65-inch Bravia 7 II just went on sale for $1,999 at Best Buy. That’s $600 off its original price and only a couple hundred bucks more than the 65-inch C6 OLED.

The value proposition is even more compelling when you consider the top-shelf option. Right now, the 65-inch Bravia 9 II is $3,299 at Best Buy — a whopping $1,300 more than the Bravia 7 II.

The Bravia 9 II might prove to be one of the best-performing TVs of the year, but the Bravia 7 II will almost certainly be the set I recommend more often between now and the holiday-shopping season. This True RGB has a chance to be a true sleeper hit.

More from Tom's Guide

• Sony’s new Bravia 7 II has a secret weapon that makes it so good
• I saw Sony's Bravia 9 II up close and it completely shattered my expectations — here’s why it’s the king of RGB TVs
• There's a better cable for TVs than HDMI — but here's why we'll probably never use it