Introducing the Tom’s Guide TV & Audio Awards 2026: Here's how to enter

A Samsung TV with a Tom's Guide logo in the bottom right of the screen.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / Samsung)

My favorite aisle in any electronics store is the TV wall. Looking at how every model looks lined up next to one another just brings me a real sense of joy — despite the majority of them being set to a Dynamic picture mode. (Give me Cinema mode or give me death!)

In an effort to re-create the spirit of the TV wall in the online shopping era, Tom’s Guide is officially opening up our TV & Audio Awards to nominations. If your product can outshine — or out-play — the competition, submit it to our team for consideration.

Award categories

Currently, we’re seeking entries in five major categories: TVs, speakers, headphones, earbuds and AV accessories. We reserve the right to modify these categories based on the submissions — especially if we see a number of similar entries in one category like, say, projectors, that might warrant its own individual award category.

TVs

LG C6 OLED TV on a table

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

This one’s pretty straightforward: We’re looking for the best and brightest TVs. From OLEDs to QLEDs, Mini-LEDs and Micro RGBs to QD-OLED and SQDs, we want what’s hip and happening in the world of display technology.

Speakers

a composite image of the Soundcore Boom 2, Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd Gen), Tribit Stormbox Lava, Tribit PocketGo, Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, Ultimate Ears Everboom, Jbl Charge 6 Bluetooth speakers created using AI

(Image credit: Soundcore / Bose / Tribit / Ultimate Ears / JBL / Edited with Gemini)

Speakers are a deceptively deep category. Sure, you’ve got your traditional multi-channel speakers and stereo systems in there, but you’ve also got Bluetooth portable speakers and soundbars in there as well. If it makes noise and doesn’t sit directly in or on your ears, this is the category award you want to apply for.

Headphones

the bose quietcomfort ultra gen 2 headphones in black photographed on a blue tom's guide background

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Headphones come in all weights, sizes and price points. Most of the time we’re sticklers for the creme de la creme of the category. This time, we want to extend the love to smaller brands that may not get as many accolades as the top names in headphones. (Though, those are always eligible for an award as well!) Send us nominations for cheaper headphones that normally get overlooked and flagship killers alike — we’re happy to hear them all.

Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds photographed in front of a blue background

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

If the product your pitching goes in your ears, then this category is for you. From budget ’buds to cutting-edge earphones, we want to see (and hear) what’s new in in-ear audio.

AV Accessories

The 2025 Roku Streaming Stick and a Roku remote control emerging from an orange-colored pouch, all of which are sitting atop folded denim

(Image credit: Roku)

This is the catch-all category for our awards. Some obvious inclusions here might be antennas, TV mounts and universal remotes, but anything and everything else is welcome here if it interacts with your home theater and its electronics. Similarly, projectors can find a home in this category as can AV receivers.

How to enter

Brands can submit products via our online entry form by selecting the appropriate category and following the “Enter Now” buttons on the awards site.

Entry fee: $250 per product, per category

No limit on submissions and products can be entered into multiple categories (additional $250 per category).

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Category winners will be announced at the end of July.

CATEGORIES
Nick Pino
Managing Editor, TV and AV

Nick Pino heads up the TV and AV verticals at Tom's Guide and covers everything from OLED TVs to the latest wireless headphones. He was formerly the Senior Editor, TV and AV at TechRadar (Tom's Guide's sister site) and has previously written for GamesRadar, Official Xbox Magazine, PC Gamer and other outlets over the last decade. Not sure which TV you should buy? Drop him an email or tweet him on Twitter and he can help you out.

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