Smart TVs have only been around since the early 2010s.
Yet over 500 million households worldwide now own one.
With the number projected to reach a billion soon enough.
And if you’re looking to buy one…
You’ve come to the right place.
Because I’ve got awesome recommendations for you.
Keep reading to find out:
- 7 best smart TV brands and what actually makes them great.
- The number 1 smart TV brand worldwide in terms of market share.
- 13 smart TV models from different brands that would fit any budget.
- And much, much more…
7 best smart TV brands
#1: Samsung
When it comes to smart TVs, Samsung is the king. At least popularity-wise.
This South Korean brand has been dominating the TV market since the turn of the century.
In fact, Statista made studies about smart TV sales from 2017 to 2020.
And it revealed that Samsung has consistently been the best-selling smart TV in the US. With an average share of around 32% of the smart TV market.
In other words, 1 in every 3 smart TVs in the US is a Samsung.
And why not?
Samsung offers a wide range of smart TV models for every budget.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap smart TV. Or something with incredible specs. Samsung has something to offer you.
You can also buy with confidence…
Knowing that Samsung electronics are generally durable.
How can I say?
Even with heavy usage, Samsung TVs can last around 5 to 7 years.
And as far as functionalities go…
Samsung deserves credit for its intelligent menu system, the Smart Hub.
Powered by Linux-based OS Tizen, the Smart Hub has a clean and user-friendly interface. Even non-techies won’t have trouble navigating the menu.
Some of the other notable Samsung TV features include:
- QLED panels.
- Ambient mode.
- Bixby voice assistant.
- Extensive app selections.
- Power and Energy-saving modes.
Now I understand it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose the best Samsung TV.
Well, allow me to help you with that.
I’ll try to discuss what, in my option, is the best overall Samsung TV. Plus, a cheaper alternative for those tight on budget.
Best overall Samsung TV: Neo QLED 4K QN90A
If money’s not an issue, go with Samsung’s Neo QLED 4K QN90A.
Simply put, it’s arguably the best smart TV money can buy.
First, it has what Samsung calls Quantum Matrix Technology. This technology allows for very accurate control of the TV’s LED lights.
This means you’ll be able to see great details even in the brightest or darkest scenes.
Another excellent feature is its Ultra Viewing Angle. So whether you’re watching the TV front and center. Or near the sides. You’d still get a consistent, high-quality image.
Moreover, according to Samsung’s website, this TV can display over a billion shades of colors.
So as far as overall picture quality goes, this TV’s as good as it gets.
Other amazing features include:
- Anti-reflection.
- Very slim design.
- Auto-optimized sound.
- Tap View for easy screen mirroring.
- Built-in Samsung Health fitness app.
And now, the most important question.
How much does it actually cost?
As you may have guessed, it’s not cheap by any means.
The 43-inch version costs $999.99.
The 65-inch model is at $1,599.99.
And if you want the biggest one…
You can buy the 98-inch version for $14,999.99.
Want to see some more QN90A features? Watch this video below:
Best Budget Samsung TV: AU8000 Series
To be honest, if you’re looking for a smart TV under $400…
You’d be better off looking elsewhere to get your money’s worth. As Samsung isn’t really known for entry-level TVs.
However, if you’d really prefer the Samsung brand…
The best budget model is the AU8000.
The 43-inch version only costs $349.99.
On the other hand, its biggest version measure 58 inches. And sells for $449.99.
Now, this TV also offers 4K viewing.
And aside from Bixby, it’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. So you can easily control it with your voice.
Moreover, it has the same Tizen OS that flagship Samsung TVs have. And also has an excellent library of apps for download.
As for the picture quality…
It doesn’t have the color range of the more expensive models. So it couldn’t get as bright. And colors don’t stand out as much compared to the higher-end models.
But overall, still a really good entry-level Samsung TV.
You might also like: Where Are Samsung TVs Made? 15 Countries Revealed
#2: LG
If there’s a brand that can compete with Samsung for the best smart TV, it’s LG.
Like Samsung, LG’s also a South Korean electronics company.
And while its smart TV market share is only about a third of Samsung…
You can argue that the best LG TVs are just as good as the finest Samsung TVs.
The main difference between the 2 is the display technology they use.
I already mentioned that Samsung uses QLED. Which is an enhanced version of LCD screens. And uses multiple LED backlights.
LG TVs, on the other hand, use OLED. Or organic light-emitting diode. Unlike QLED, this doesn’t require LED backlight strips.
So while LG’s OLED screens won’t be able to match the Samsung QLED’s brightness…
They can produce a deeper shade of black. And they use less power overall.
That’s why OLED screens are also good for prolonging the overall lifespan of an LG TV.
And like Samsung, LG also offers smart TVs for every budget range. So you’ll have plenty of choices.
Best overall LG TV: LG C1 OLED
LG’s premiere TV is the C1 OLED.
And it’s one of, if not the best, OLED TVs you can buy.
It boasts over 8 million pixels. With every single one of them turning on and off independently to produce incredibly vibrant colors.
It also has a deep-learning processor called a9 Gen 4. What it does is optimize every single content to produce the best audio and video quality possible.
Furthermore, it’s built-in with LG’s ThinQ AI. This allows you to connect the TV with Alexa or Google Assistant. And easily control it with voice commands.
The cheapest C1 is the 48-inch model. With a price of $899.99.
The 65-inch variant, on the other hand, costs $1,599.99.
Finally, its biggest version measures 83 inches. And you can get one for $4,499.99.
Best budget LG TV: LG UP8000
While LG TVs are best known for their OLED panels…
They actually also have smart TVs with regular LED displays.
One such example’s the UP8000. A great budget LG smart TV.
You can also watch in 4K with this TV. And it also has LG’s webOS and ThinQ AI.
In addition, it’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
And I like how thin and lightweight this model is. Perfect for mounting on a wall.
Of course, since it’s not an OLED TV, the overall picture quality isn’t as crisp. But then again, it also wouldn’t be fair to compare it to LG’s pricier models.
You can buy a 43-inch UP8000 for $329.99. While the 65-inch version goes for $599.99.
You might also want to know: Where Are LG TVs Made? 8 Countries Revealed
#3: Sony
You can’t have a list of the best smart TV brands without also mentioning Sony.
This Tokyo, Japan-based company pretty much needs no introduction. Especially since it’s been among the most recognizable electronic brands for decades now.
As far as smart TV sales go, Sony actually only has about a tenth of Samsung’s market share.
But even with lower volume sales, Sony’s line of BRAVIA TVs is among the best in the market.
And it only got better when Sony tied up with Google in 2015.
As a result of that partnership, Sony began using Android for their smart TVs. With the later models now carrying the Google TV OS.
Like LG, Sony also uses OLED for their most expensive TVs. So that, combined with the Android and Google TV software, makes Sony a top-notch smart TV brand.
Best overall Sony TV: Sony A90J OLED
The A90J is Sony’s flagship smart TV.
And it’s worth every bit of its expensive price tag.
With its OLED panel, it’s able to create the deepest shades of black. Just like LG TV.
But what separates the A90J from other OLED TVs is the level of brightness it also produces.
This is impressive considering that it doesn’t rely on backlights. Unlike Samsung and other brands.
As to its OS, the Google TV’s certainly worth the hype.
It has an intelligent search engine. Which can track your viewing habits across various streaming platforms. And make intelligent recommendations based on those.
This TV has a starting price of $1,999.99 for its 55-inch variant.
$2,799.99 for the 65-inch version. And $5,499.99 for the 83-inch model.
Best Budget Sony TV: Sony X80J
You won’t really find Sony TVs for under $300.
The cheapest one available is the X80J. The 43-inch model costs $499.99. While the 65-inch version is at $699.99.
Like the most expensive Sony TVs, this one also has the Google TV OS. Which is a plus.
It’s also able to improve HD content into 4K-like images.
Moreover, its wide-viewing angles are also pretty good for its price. And it can produce bright enough pictures that you won’t have a problem watching in a dimly-lit room.
Reading recommendation: Where Are Sony TVs Made? 8 Countries Revealed
#4: TCL
TCL is a Guangdong, China-based electronics company.
It actually started out as a telecommunications company. It initially found success producing the Alcatel mobile phones in the early 2000s.
However, by 2008, it shifted priorities. And began focusing on producing LCD TVs.
By 2014, the company struck a partnership with Roku to produce smart TVs.
And a few years later, TCL has established itself as among the best smart TV brands worldwide.
So what makes TCL smart TVs great?
Well, its biggest asset is its Roku OS.
As far as smart TV operating systems go, Roku’s one of the best.
It has loads of channels and apps preinstalled. And you can also get free-to-air live TV through an antenna.
But aside from having a superb OS, TCL TVs are also known for their affordability.
So it’s an excellent brand for those who want to try out a great smart TV. Without having to spend a lot.
Best overall TCL TV: 6-Series Roku TV R635
The R635 is TCL’s most expensive TV. And it’s also its best.
Like Samsung’s high-end TVs, the R635 also uses a QLED display with mini LED backlights.
This means, picture quality-wise, it’s at least comparable to expensive Samsung TVs. With its wide array of colors and impressive contrast.
Its Game Mode feature is also THX-certified. This means this TV will work well with consoles like PS5 and Xbox.
And as with other TCL TVs, it has the same great Roku OS.
As far as price goes…
The 55-inch variant costs $949.99. While the 65-inch version is at $1,299.99.
Best Budget TCL TV: 3-Series Roku TV S335
The S335 is TCL’s most affordable smart TV.
And as far as budget TVs go, it’s one of the best on the market.
You can buy a 32-inch version for only $148. About as cheap as smart TVs can get.
The 43-inch model’s also inexpensive. At only $349.99.
Now, mind you. This model’s only capable of streaming in 720p. But that’s pretty much expected for its price.
However, it does have Dolby Audio. So it has tremendous sound quality.
You can also integrate it with Alexa and Google Assistant.
And it has the same Roku OS as the higher-end TCLs. So you’d still be able to enjoy the full benefits of a Roku TV. With so many apps and channels to choose from.
#5: Vizio
Looking for a US-made smart TV?
Then look no further than Vizio. The best and most popular American TV brand.
Its headquarter is in Irvine, California.
But it also has hundreds of employees across the following states:
- Texas.
- Arkansas.
- New York.
- Minnesota.
- South Dakota.
Quality-wise, Vizio’s actually comparable to TCL.
Both brands are more focused on producing great but affordable smart TVs.
What Vizio lacks in advanced features, it more than makes up with its picture quality.
And because it’s US-made, you won’t have trouble with repairs. Service centers and part replacements are easy to find.
Best overall Vizio TV: Vizio OLED
The best Vizio you can get is the OLED version.
It’s actually one of the most affordable OLED TVs on the market. The 55-inch version sells for $1,299.99.
And the picture quality can certainly rival that of other OLED TVs like LG.
It has Vizio’s trademark SmartCast OS. Which is another great smart TV platform. And it has built-in support for Chromecast and AirPlay 2.
Other notable features include:
- Borderless screen.
- Dolby Vision audio.
- Wide-viewing angle.
- 4K Ultra High Definition resolution.
- ProGaming Engine for optimized gameplay.
Overall, I highly recommend this for those who want a relatively cheap OLED smart TV.
Best Budget Vizio TV: Vizio V Series
The Vizio V Series is a great alternative to TCL’s 3 Series.
You can buy a 43-inch version for only $250.
And if you want a bigger screen, you can get the 75-inch model for only $750. Which is a great deal.
In fact, you’ll likely have a hard time finding other TV models that big and that affordable.
But even with its cheap price, you can still enjoy a 4K viewing with the V Series.
Another feature that stands out is the Active Pixel Tuning. It’s an intelligent feature that automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of any video.
So while it doesn’t have the OLED screen of its more expensive counterpart…
You’ll still get high-quality pictures with this cheaper model.
#6: Hisense
Hisense is another China-based electronics company. And it’s also among the leading brands when it comes to smart TVs.
Hisense has actually been expanding its business in recent years.
In 2015, the company spent $23 million to buy the rights to use the Sharp brand in the US.
As for its smart TVs…
Hisense is a direct competitor of TCL for affordable units. Both brands also use the Roku OS.
But while TCL’s more popular, Hisense is an excellent alternative for budget smart TVs.
Best overall Hisense TV: H9G Quantum Series
Hisense’s H9G is its flagship model.
And it’s actually similar to Samsung’s QLED TVs. Both use the Quantum Dot technology that can produce billions of colors.
It also contains the proprietary Hi-View chipset. Responsible for automatically enhancing picture quality.
In addition, it uses Dolby Atmos for its audio. So you’ll get to experience a theater-like surround sound.
Moreover, this model has a built-in Google Assistant for easy voice control.
And as for its price…
The 55-inch version costs $650. While the 65-inch variant is at $950.
Best Budget Hisense TV: H4 Series
The H4 series is Hisense’s entry-level variant.
You can buy the 32-inch version for only $169.99. Which is among the most affordable smart TVs you can find.
The 40-inch version, on the other hand, costs $299.99.
So what’s great about this TV?
The Roku OS. You’ll still get to enjoy the full Roku experience. Meaning, you’ll have access to over 5,000 streaming channels. And hundreds of thousands of movies and series episodes.
You’ll also be able to stream in 1080p. Obviously not as good as 4K.
But certainly more than enough for a pleasant viewing experience.
#7: Insignia
The final brand on this list also happens to be American-made.
As many of you may know, Insignia’s a Best Buy house brand.
Similar to Walmart’s Onn TVs, Insignia TVs are mainly budget smart TVs.
But what’s particularly great about Insignia is its Fire TV OS.
That Amazon-produced software can certainly rival Roku in terms of quality.
Best overall Insignia TV: Fire TV F30 Series
The best Insignia also happens to be the most budget-friendly.
You can get a 43-inch version for only $220.
Prefer a bigger screen? Just add $90 to get the 55-inch variant.
The F30 model has an LED display. With 4K resolution capability.
It also uses a Fire TV remote with Alexa voice control. So you can easily ask her for recommendations to watch.
And its Fire TV OS gives you easy access to the most popular streaming channels.
Overall, this smart TV definitely offers a great bang for your buck.