Best 4K TV for 2026

It’s worth repeating here, but more than 80% of all TVs sold in the world today are 4K TVs, and the differences between them go beyond pure resolution. With all the technical terms and jargon associated with TV technology, it can be difficult to understand what’s important. Here’s a quick guide to help clear up the confusion.

Image quality: Generally speaking, the type of display technology helps dictate the picture quality of a TV, but OLED is generally the best display technology, followed by LCD (including QLED and Mini LED). OLED tends to look the best because it doesn’t need a backlight and each pixel can be turned on or off, leading to excellent black levels. In comparison, each LED in a backlight illuminates several pixels at once, so it’s not as precise – it’s not yet 1:1. Still, look for full local dimming, mini-LED, and a 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) help improve the picture in my experience. Additionally, if a TV uses quantum dots, it often leads to better color performance, whether it’s an OLED or an LCD.

Brightness: One of the most important variables when purchasing a TV is its brightness. In general, LCD and LED screens tend to be the brightest types, with up to 3,000 nits of brightness in my tests, which is very bright. For comparison, HDR streaming on Netflix is ​​typically capped at 1,000 nits, which is enough for most people. Paying more for a TV usually means you’re paying for a brighter picture, and Blu-rays and 4K consoles can make the most of that extra brightness.

Price: 4K TVs range in price from around $400 to over $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also get you better picture quality. Most entry-level TVs offer a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it may be worth spending more to get a better picture. It’s also better to buy a TV in the fall, when prices are lower.

Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or master TV – and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other “feature,” increasing the TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV purchase complaints we’ve heard comes from people who didn’t try hard enough. You rarely hear people complain that their TV is too big.

Features: Among entry-level 4K TVs, the most important feature is the type of smart TV system the TV uses. Among mid-range models, look for a feature including full local dimming, mini-LED, and a 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) help improve the picture in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best option.

For more advice on buying a TV, see our page on how to buy a TV.