Pretty much every new TV is a 4K TV. 4K resolution used to be an expensive step-up feature that was only available with a high-end TV.
But nowadays,
Just about every television set with a screen size that's 32 inches or bigger is available in 4K for prices that are basically equivalent to older, lower-resolution 1080p TVs. And if you're shopping for a 50-inch screen or bigger, it's hard to find any model that isn't 4K.
The best 4K TV screen could be cheaper than you'd think. The popular TCL 4-Series, which I like a lot as an entry-level option, starts at a budget TV price of $230 for the 43-inch model. The 65-inch version has dropped to under $500.
Best high-end 4K TV for the money
LG OLEDB9P series
OLED TVs are the picture-quality kings, but they're not cheap. A TV's OLED display uses organic light-emitting diode technology to deliver a contrast ratio, viewing angles, and a wide color gamut that no LCD TV (or QLED TV) can match.
As the least expensive OLED TV from 2019, LG's B9 is still our favorite premium OLED TV overall for high-end shoppers. This Ultra HD OLED TV fell just a bit short of the CX (below) in image quality in our tests, but the differences are minuscule -- and since it's less expensive than the CX, it's a better value. And don't worry about it being a year old, you're not missing any major features.
Best 4K TV for the money, period
TCL 6-Series
No TV I've ever tested offers this much picture quality for this little cash. The latest version of the TCL 6-Series has even better image quality than its predecessor, thanks to improved color, and its well-implemented full-array local dimming helps make its viewing experience run circles around just about any other TV at this price. As if that's not enough, the Roku TV operating system is our hands-down favorite.
The picture quality King
LG OLEDCXP series
What's that, you say? You just want the best TV, money no object? Here you go. In my side-by-side tests, the 2020 LG CX is the best TV I've ever reviewed, barely beating the 2019 B9 (above), although the B9 is a superior value -- almost as good and much less expensive. But if that "barely" matters to you, the CX might be worth the extra cash.
The best alternative to OLED
Vizio P-Series Quantum X
Can't afford an OLED TV? Still willing to pay extra -- but not that much extra -- for a TV experience with good color and outstanding image quality? The Vizio PX is our pick for you, with superb light output no OLED can match, top-notch local dimming, and all the high-contrast, high dynamic range joy that comes with it. Its closest competitor is the TCL below -- but this Vizio is the superior value.
Best budget 4K TV
TCL 4-Series
Roku is our favorite platform for viewing content with live TV streaming apps Netflix, and it's an even better experience when it is baked into the TV. This TCL 4-Series Ultra HD TV can't beat any of the models above on image quality -- its 4K resolution and HDR compatibility don't do anything to help the picture -- but it's perfectly fine for most people, especially at this price.
Best value in a premium-brand 4K TV
Samsung Q70R series
Samsung's QLED TVs are basically fancy LCDs -- don't confuse them with OLEDs. The Ultra HD Q70R has an excellent picture and plenty of Samsung design and features goodies for a price that's relatively affordable, albeit not exactly "budget." If you're not interested in a TCL or Vizio and don't want to splurge for an OLED, the Q70 UHD TV is an excellent choice.
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