The 13 Best TVs We’ve Reviewed, Plus Buying Advice (2025)
The television has evolved from a simple entertainment device to a sophisticated hub for smart home technology, gaming, and streaming. In 2025, the market offers a dizzying array of choices, making the selection process challenging. This article highlights 13 of the best TVs we’ve reviewed, categorized by price point and key features, offering guidance for your next purchase. Note that specific model numbers and pricing will vary based on region and retailer.
Understanding the Tech:
Before diving into our top picks, let’s briefly discuss some crucial technological advancements impacting the TV landscape in 2025:
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Mini-LED & Micro-LED: Mini-LED backlights offer improved local dimming capabilities compared to traditional LED TVs, resulting in deeper blacks and higher contrast. Micro-LED, still relatively nascent but rapidly advancing, promises even superior contrast and brightness with potentially higher resolutions.
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OLED’s Continued Dominance: OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology maintains its position at the high-end, offering perfect blacks and incredible color accuracy. However, concerns about burn-in remain, though mitigated by advancements in panel technology.
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Quantum Dot Technology (QLED): QLED TVs utilize quantum dots to enhance color volume and brightness, offering a compelling alternative to OLED, particularly in brighter rooms.
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8K Resolution: While 8K content is still limited, the resolution offers unparalleled detail, making it a future-proof investment for those with discerning eyes and sufficient budget. However, the jump from 4K is less impactful than the jump from 1080p to 4K was.
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AI Upscaling & Processing: Many modern TVs now incorporate AI to upscale lower-resolution content to near 4K or even 8K quality, improving the viewing experience for older movies and shows. AI also influences features like dynamic contrast and HDR optimization.
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Gaming Features: Low input lag, variable refresh rates (VRR), and HDMI 2.1 are essential features for gamers, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.
Our Top 13 TV Picks (2025): (Note: These are hypothetical examples based on current trends and are not based on actual Wired reviews.)
(Budget-Friendly Options):
- Hisense A75G (55-inch): A great entry-level 4K TV with decent brightness and color accuracy.
- TCL 6-Series (65-inch): Offers improved picture quality with Mini-LED backlight technology at a competitive price.
(Mid-Range Options):
- LG C3 OLED (65-inch): Offers excellent picture quality with true blacks and vibrant colors.
- Sony X95K (65-inch): A solid LED-backlit LCD TV with excellent brightness and local dimming.
- Samsung Q80C QLED (75-inch): Provides vibrant colors and HDR performance with Quantum Dot technology.
(High-End Options):
- LG Z3 OLED (77-inch): Top-tier OLED TV boasting exceptional picture quality, high brightness, and advanced features.
- Samsung S95C OLED (85-inch): Samsung’s flagship OLED offering, known for its cutting-edge features and processing power.
- Sony A95L OLED (83-inch): Another top-tier contender, famous for its precise image processing and refined design.
(Specialty Options):
- Samsung Neo QLED 8K (85-inch): For those seeking the ultimate in resolution and picture quality.
- Hisense ULED XD (75-inch): A high brightness option perfect for bright rooms.
(Gaming Focused):
- LG C3 OLED (48-inch): Excellent for smaller gaming setups, combining OLED picture quality with low input lag.
- Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ (48-inch): High refresh rate mini-LED gaming monitor.
(Emerging Technology):
- Displace TV (55-inch): A revolutionary wireless TV that utilizes suction cups for mounting.
Buying Advice:
- Consider your budget: TVs range widely in price. Determine how much you’re willing to spend.
- Room size and viewing distance: This influences the ideal screen size.
- Picture quality priorities: Decide whether you prioritize blacks, brightness, or color accuracy.
- Smart TV features: Consider the operating system, app support, and voice control features.
- Gaming requirements: If you’re a gamer, prioritize low input lag, VRR, and HDMI 2.1.
This guide provides a starting point for your TV search. Remember to thoroughly research individual models and read professional reviews before making a purchase. The rapid pace of innovation ensures that future models will introduce even more impressive features.