The Best TVs of 2026, Tested by Popular Mechanics
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Editor's Note: July 21, 2026: I 've added two new recommendations, the TCL QM8L and Samsung S95H OLED, based on our recent testing and reviews. I've also added a note on the LG C6 OLED, reflecting the fact that I still recommend its predecessor, the C5, because it's routinely discounted and offers only slightly reduced performance. Speaking of, having experienced the 2026 big-name TVs in person, I can confirm they are excellent, just not worth double the price of their 2025 equivalents. Watch for more updates, as I'll keep a close eye on pricing changes while putting more 2026 TVs to the test.
In 2026, the best TVs deliver a leap forward in picture quality and come packed with convenient extra features like built-in streaming apps, high refresh rates to improve your gaming experience, and compatibility with your go-to virtual assistant, to name a few.
The TV market is chock-full of great models across the entire price spectrum, so whether you're looking for a budget-friendly upgrade or a home alternative to your local movie theater, there are a lot of great options. I've been testing TVs all year, and with the holiday season closer than it would seem, it's a good time to start shopping for your next big screen.
If you know what kind of TV you're looking for, check out our detailed guides on the Best OLED TVs , 4K TVs , and Outdoor TVs .
Best TVs
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Best Mini-LED: TCL QM8L SQD-Mini LED TV
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Best OLED: LG C5 Series OLED TV
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Best Value: TCL QM7L SQD-Mini LED TV
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Best Budget: TCL QM6K Mini-LED TV
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Best RGB: Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV
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Best Premium Big-Screen: TCL X11L SQD Mini LED TV
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Best Roku TV: Roku Pro Series QLED TV
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Best Samsung TV: Samsung S95H OLED TV
How We Selected
My journey testing TVs began almost a decade ago, so I've experienced the product category's evolution practically in real time. For this guide, I handpicked sets from leading brands like Hisense, LG, Samsung, and TCL, among others. I zeroed in on futureproof products at various price points that offer amazing picture quality and handy onboard features to sustain you for years after making the big-ticket purchase.
1) TCL QM8L SQD Mini-LED TV
A follow-up to one of my favorite TVs of 2025, the TCL QM8L builds on the successful design of the QM8K with a new, super-bright super quantum-dot (SQD) mini-LED panel. I was hesitant to recommend the 2026 at launch because of its price tag, but with prices now well below $2,000 for both the 65-inch and 75-inch models, it's a lot easier to say that this set is the best bang for your buck if you're looking for a mini-LED that's bright enough to maintain its best image quality in dynamic lighting.
In addition to the new tech enhancing both brightness and color reproduction, upgraded local dimming leads to better HDR with less haloing, for a sharper picture in high-contrast scenes. You get a beautiful picture with vivid-yet-accurate colors and deep contrast.
The TCL QM8L also offers excellent viewing angles, so long as direct light reflections literally aren't in the picture. When the TV is facing a window or a lamp, its picture quality diminishes, especially when displaying dark scenes. This isn't a dealbreaker, though I'd be super mindful about light sources when placing the set.
On the audio front, the TCL QM8L delivers an impressively powerful experience via a sophisticated speaker setup tuned by the luxury audio experts at Bang & Olufsen. The bespoke B&O audio customization interface is as impressive as its sound output.
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- Fantastic picture quality
- Stellar gaming performance
- Powerful sound out of the box
- Light source reflections impact the viewing experience
2) LG C5 Series OLED TV
LG has rightfully been synonymous with top-tier OLED TVs for many years, and the C5 Series by the tech giant is a great upgrade despite being on the market for more than a year. Its display panel, with millions of individually backlit pixels, has vivid colors, infinite contrast, and, thanks to LG's proprietary OLED evo technology, strong brightness.
The brightness-boosting display technology allows the LG C5 to bring an even more immersive HDR viewing experience, including in spaces with bright ambient lighting. As a cinema buff, I also really appreciated the TV's Filmmaker Mode, which removed picture quality enhancements to deliver a viewing experience as the movie director intended.
Another significant reason to consider the LG C5 Series is that it is a gaming powerhouse, thanks in part to support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate standards, which will help games run smoothly on both consoles and PC.
What's more, the TV's feature-rich webOS platform offers access to Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox cloud gaming, so all you need is an external controller to enjoy high-resolution gameplay with smooth refresh rates.
The LG C5 Series TV also has a beautiful design, a capable speaker system for its form factor, and support for all leading smart home connectivity standards. Unlike its competition, this 4K TV is available in multiple screen sizes, ranging from compact 42- and 48-inch to massive 77- and 83-inch options.
We are halfway through 2026, and LG has released a successor to the C5, the LG C6 . I recently tested and reviewed the new model and, while it boasts some solid performance improvements, I found that last year's model is a better value at its current, highly discounted price. There is an exception, though: The larger 77-inch and 83-inch versions of the C6 feature an upgraded Tandem OLED display, which amps up the brightness in a way that dramatically improves their performance over the big-screen C5s. If you're going big, make the splurge on the C6; otherwise, we think you're better off sticking with slightly older, but much cheaper C5.
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- Superb picture quality
- Best-in-class gaming performance
- Elegant and feature-packed
- Display panel has a glossy finish
3) TCL QM7L SQD Mini-LED TV
This more budget-friendly cousin of the QM8L features many of my top mini-LED picks' best new features, including SQD display technology, but costs much less, dropping below $1,000 in many sizes. While it does not have the tools to produce quite as bright or sharp a picture as my top pick, it's easily the best TV I've seen for less than $1,000.
Like many of TCL's best TVs, the QM7L has an elegant design with ultra-slim screen bezels and a Bang & Olufsen-tuned speaker system. The TV is available with a screen up to 98 inches. The latter currently costs less than $3,000 , which is an incredible bargain given its size and picture quality.
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- Superb picture quality for the price
- Rich set of connectivity features
- Good sound out of the box
- Light source reflections impact the viewing experience
4) TCL QM6K QD Mini-LED TV
The TCL QM6K 4K TV is the best for upgraders on a tight budget. Priced below $500 for a version with a 55-inch screen, this TV offers a no-nonsense design with a slim display bezel, impressive picture quality for the money, and a feature-packed platform with seamless smart home integration.
Experiencing the TCL QM6K genuinely made me feel like I was viewing a 4K TV from a higher price tier. Its bright QD-Mini LED display easily bests similarly priced big-name competitors by producing stellar peak brightness, rich colors, and deep contrast via hundreds of local dimming zones. The introduction of a mini-LED panel made the newcomer's picture quality a massive leap forward over its predecessor's.
Because its display has a 144-Hz native refresh rate, the TCL QM6K can deliver a high-quality gaming experience with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Equipped with HDMI 2.1, the TV supports variable refresh rate gameplay at up to a brisk 288 Hz.
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- Outstanding picture quality for the money
- Stellar gaming performance
- Excellent set of connectivity features
- Lacks WiFi 6 connectivity
5) Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV
The Hisense UR9 is among the first TVs in a large 2026 wave of RGB mini- and micro-LED TVs, and the best one we've tested to date for the average TV watcher. RGB TVs use separate red, green, and blue light diodes rather than a uniform light source, which generates deep contrast and vivid colors that are comparable to an OLED TV, while maintaining a higher peak brightness. Combined with a legion of local dimming zones to maximize high-dynamic range, and the UR9 feels like a do-it-all option, and doesn't cost quite as much as the alternatives out there from brands like Samsung and Sony.
That brightness, combined with Hisense's "obsidian" anti-glare coating, makes the UR9 vastly better at managing exposure to direct light sources (e.g., windows, lamps) than a standard mini-LED TV. That's great if you plan to put this TV in a living room with lots of windows, and might have to contend with sunlight washing out the screen from time to time.
In a manner befitting its premium price category, the Hisense UR9 also features a rich set of wired and wireless connectivity features, as well as a capable Dolby Atmos speaker system. The latter has been tuned by experts from the luxury French audio brand Devialet. The U9 series took a year off in 2025, but it's been a favorite of mine in the past. I'm happy to see this colorful glow-up bring it back to top form.
Read Our Full Hisense UR9 Review
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- Excellent picture quality all-around
- Great at managing direct light reflections
- Rich set of connectivity features
- Not as bright as a QD Mini-LED TV
6) TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED TV (85-inch)
The TCL X11L is the first major TV launch of 2026 and creates a new apex for high fidelity among the largest of at-home screens. It boasts a luxurious design, exceptional picture quality, and immersive sound tuned by Bang & Olufsen. It's incredibly expensive, starting at nearly $7,000 for a 75-inch screen, but you're getting a genuinely cutting-edge set that sets a new benchmark for the entire product category.
What's new and exciting here is the X11L's SQD mini-LED panel, which combines the quantum dot layer found in QLED and QD-OLED TVs with Mini-LED technology to create dynamic lighting across the TV. Combined with incredible brightness—up to 10,000 nits—the so-called "Super Quantum Dot" achieves contrast and color depth that, at least to my eye, looks on par or possibly even better than an OLED screen.
It has small flaws, like a lack of anti-glare coating, but this is a remarkable TV and the model I would recommend if you're looking for a technological centerpiece to put at the center of a large home theater. And I emphasize large , because it only comes in three "XXL" sizes: 75 inches , 85 inches , and 98 inches .
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- Phenomenal picture quality with best-in-class brightness
- Powerful and detail-rich sound
- Elegant design
- Only available in large screen sizes
7) Roku Pro Series Smart Mini-LED TV
Developed in-house by Roku, the 2025 Pro Series TV is unsurprisingly the best to run the platform and an equally excellent upgrade for first-time users and longtime faithful. It is capable of delivering excellent picture quality and top-notch sound for its form factor. And since it runs a platform that has been a longtime favorite among consumers, it's easy to use, even for first-time smart TV users.
The mini-LED display panel of the Roku Pro Series TV produces vibrant colors and deep contrast, courtesy of multiple local dimming zones. I like that the product has a setting dubbed Roku Smart Picture Max, which can optimize any content for its screen, saving time digging through settings menus.
Another significant reason to consider this TV is its refined design and clever cable management setup, featuring integrated Velcro straps. The handy bits make it ideal for wall mounting. Another thing that impressed me was the option to adjust the height of its stand without the need to use a screwdriver.
Roku's backlit remote with rechargeable battery is another major product draw, as it's intuitive and easy to locate if lost. The TV has a button for locating the essential accessory, and I reckon it'll be a lifesaver for many.
You can choose from 55- , 65-, and 75-inch versions of the Roku Pro Series. Similarly priced rivals from Hisense and TCL offer higher peak brightness and deeper contrast, but the refined design and intuitive platform make Roku's product worth considering.
- Excellent picture quality for the price
- Intuitive and feature-rich platform
- Wall mount-friendly design
- Lower peak brightness than rivals offer
8) Samsung S95H OLED TV
The Samsung S95H OLED TV is the brand's flagship OLED TV, and the best high-end model I've tested this year. It delivers a consistently beautiful viewing experience, with high peak brightness, vibrant colors, and infinite contrast. Its AI-powered upscaling tech even elevates low-resolution content, raising the bar on everything you watch.
The S95H stands out compared to many of the top OLEDs right now because of its high brightness, which makes colors pop and allows it to function well in brightly lit spaces. With Samsung's anti-reflective coating on the display, it even looks good in direct sunlight. That's a rare feat for any TV, but especially remarkable for an OLED panel.
And while it's a secondary concern, I love how the physical TV looks. Its metal frame stands out in a room (in a good way). This set looks like a piece of art and is worth showing off in your living room.
The device's Tizen OS platform, along with a wide selection of apps and cloud-based gaming services, offers seamless integration with Samsung Galaxy phones, tablets, and laptops. If it weren't for its lack of Dolby Vision support, the S95H would have been my top OLED pick.
Samsung offers the S95H in various screen sizes, ranging from 55 to 83 inches. Opt for the Samsung S90H if you are looking for a great Samsung TV on a tighter budget.
Read Our Full Samsung S95H Review
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- Beautiful design
- Amazing picture quality
- Outstanding gaming performance
- No Dolby Vision
What to Consider
Size
Some mainstream TVs are available in multiple screen sizes, ranging from 43 inches to a head-spinning 98 inches. TVs with 65-inch screens are deservedly popular and the best for most consumers, offering a good balance between immersive viewing, easy home integration (I've experienced many in a one-bedroom New York City apartment), and price. Until not too long ago, TV models with screens of 65 inches or more had high price tags, but that's no longer the case. Top-tier TVs with 65-inch screens now cost below $1,500, and larger 75-inch TVs are available for less than $2,000. Believe it or not, you can even get a 98-inch for around $2,000 instead of a five-digit sum.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
A TV with a 4K (UHD) screen is the best upgrade option at the moment. Content in this resolution is widely available across all streaming platforms for reasonable price points, so consider it a must. Switching from an older 4K set to one of the latest models is worth it for the picture quality improvements. The difference is even more evident if you are ditching a Full HD TV because its screen has four times fewer pixels than a 4K unit. A Full HD resolution is acceptable only if you are shopping for a small and (very) cheap set . TVs with stunningly sharp 8K screens, like this pricey Samsung , are also widely available. Still, I wouldn't consider one because native content in this resolution isn't widely available. You'd be better off spending on a similarly priced 4K TV.
When it comes to refresh rate, avid gamers should look for TVs whose screens support more than the industry-standard 60 hertz. A higher refresh rate—120 Hz, specifically—offers fast and smooth on-screen action.
A high refresh rate can also be beneficial for watching live sports, though that's a matter of personal preference. I don't recommend this feature to stream movies and series, as this content has been captured at lower refresh rates.
Display Type
Unless you are shopping on a tight budget, you should have a TV with an OLED or a mini-LED display on your radar. Featuring individually backlit pixels, OLED TVs give you the best picture quality available, so they are worth the price premium over similarly sized non-OLED models. By producing deep contrast (their pixels switch off to display black color) and vibrant colors, these TVs can make even mundane scenes look amazing. However, mini-LED TVs deserve your attention, as they deliver superior brightness to their OLED counterparts at a lower price tier for the same screen size. Thanks to a sophisticated backlighting setup with thousands of local dimming zones, the latest mini-LED offerings are not too far behind OLEDs in contrast, either. Their viewing angles are narrower than those of an OLED, but the higher peak brightness and the cheaper price can't be ignored. Commonly referred to as QLED, quantum dot is an important display feature to keep an eye out for, even if you are shopping for a TV on the cheap. Products whose screens have the tech offer more vibrant color and higher brightness than non-QLED rivals.
Peak brightness is a vital display feature to have on your radar when shopping for a TV. The luminosity is measured in nits, and I suggest you look for TVs with peak brightness that exceeds 1,000 nits, even if you are shopping on a tight budget. A higher peak brightness guarantees a better viewing experience with HDR-enhanced content, as well as superior picture quality in brightly lit spaces.
Connectivity
Regarding connectivity features, HDMI 2.1 and WiFi 6 (or higher) are the two most important ones to look for in a spec sheet. The former ensures that your TV can sync perfectly with a top-tier gaming console like a Sony PlayStation 5 or a Microsoft Xbox Series X and treat you to smooth and hiccup-free gameplay. Futureproof WiFi 6 or newer wireless connectivity ensures your TV can stream high-resolution content and reliably link up with other compatible devices on your home network, though not all of our picks below include this feature. Today's best TVs pack multiple HDMI ports, so you can easily link a soundbar and additional streaming players if you want. USB ports for additional accessories and a coaxial input for basic TV are also available.
Additional Features
Every new TV on this list runs a smart platform with access to all big-name streaming services, so you won't have to worry about accessing your subscriptions. Support for Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast for sharing content from a mobile device is also commonly available.
HDR-enhanced content has become common on all streaming services. I suggest you get a TV that supports all leading formats—Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, and HLG—for movie buffs.
Look for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit support if you want to integrate your TV into a smart home setup or control it directly with voice commands. If you don't own or plan to invest in a soundbar or a surround sound system, be sure to order a TV with a multi-speaker setup and Dolby Atmos support. Thankfully, the functionality is available in many new sets.
With all the above features in mind, find your new home entertainment centerpiece among these TVs we vouch for.
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