55-inch TVs are hugely popular, and with very good reason – at this size, you are getting a seriously cinematic experience, but the TV shouldn't completely dominate a moderately sized room. This is also the size at which all of the best specs and features are unlocked. Go smaller and you could end up sacrificing panel technology and/or advanced gaming support.
The problem is that because this is such a popular TV size, there is even more choice of models than at other sizes, and that can make it very tricky to find the right model for you.
That's where we come in. Our team of expert reviewers has decades of combined experience in TV testing, and all of our reviews are conducted in dedicated testing facilities, using rival models at the same size and price as reference. You can read more about our TV testing process at the bottom of the page.
If you'd rather get straight to the recommendations, simply scroll down.
The quick list
The table below offers a quick look at all of the 55-inch TVs we recommend in this article. Every TV in it has been thoroughly and comparatively tested against its rivals by our team of experts in one of What Hi-Fi?'s bespoke test rooms.
Best overall
Sony's A80L OLED was the surprise package of last year and is still the TV we most readily recommend thanks to its awesome performance-per-pound credentials.
Best for gaming
It isn't a massive step on from its predecessor and is facing greater competition than ever, but the LG C3 remains the best gaming TV.
Best budget (UK)
The TCL C845K sets a new benchmark for affordable TVs, offering an impressive specification sheet and superb performance, too.
Best budget (US)
If you're on a strict budget but still want a large, fully featured and competent TV, Amazon's Omni QLED is the way to go.
Best premium
Sony's second-gen QD-OLED is a marvel in terms of picture and sound quality, making it the best premium TV you can buy.
Best 2024 TV
You'll get more performance for your pound or dollar by buying a discounted TV from last year, but if you must have a brand-new set, this is the one we recommend.
The best 55-inch TVs of 2024
Still need some convincing or more information? Scroll down and you'll see a detailed breakdown of why we recommend each TV in this list based on our direct experience using it in our dedicated test rooms.
Best 55-inch TV overall
These days, all of premium TV talk is focused on MLA and QD-OLEDs. These two competing technologies are really designed to do the same thing – take OLED technology to new, brighter highs – and flagship models from most TV brands feature one or the other. This Sony A80L, on the other hand, features neither.
So focused were we all on MLA and QD-OLED, that the A80L rather snuck up on us. A 'standard' OLED (or 'WOLED') that looked on paper to be very similar to the A80K it replaced, we were simply expecting a perfectly capable but somewhat predictable performance. Well, it's a good job we don't judge books by their covers and instead test every TV thoroughly and comparatively, because the Sony A80L is an absolute stunner.
The key to the A80L's success is the way it combines the spectacular with the cinematically subtle. It feels as though Sony has squeezed every last drop of performance out of the standard OLED panel, producing a picture that (while not as measurably bright as that of MLA or QD-OLED models) has brilliant punch and pop. But the brand's knack for cinematic authenticity hasn't been diminished, and you still get a very accurate rendition of what the director intended, as well as balanced, nuanced colours.
Added to the set's superb contrast and colours are excellent sharpness and detail. Combined, these qualities create an image that's wonderfully solid and three-dimensional.
In fact, other than a slight loss of shadow detail with SDR content (HDR is spot-on), we have no complaints about the picture quality.
Sound is very good, too, with the unique actuator-based audio system (which involves the whole screen vibrating imperceptibly to create sound) producing the expected directness alongside unexpected spaciousness. A bit more weight and depth to bass would be nice, but still, no other TV at this sort of price sounds as good as this. Even so, a good soundbar will be a big upgrade, and we recommend you budget for one (or, even better, an AVR and surround speakers) if you're able.
The operating system is Google TV which, while not the slickest TV operating system around, does grant access to every major streaming service. Gamers should be aware, though, that the A80L has just two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which also handles eARC duties so might be required for a soundbar or AVR. Also, while those HDMI 2.1 sockets can handle 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming isn't supported at all.
New 2024 TVs have just started arriving in shops, so the Sony A80L's reign at the top of this list for a whole lot longer (the recently reviewed Samsung S95D is only kept off this list on account of its high launch price), but right now it can't be beaten in terms of performance-per-pound / bang-for-buck.
Read the full Sony A80L review
Best 55-inch TV for gaming
LG's 65-inch C3 earned a four-star review, mostly because it didn't represent a huge upgrade over the previous C2 model. This allowed rivals such as the Sony A80L to catch up, however, if it's gaming we're talking about, LG's effort is the better bet.
That's partly because it has four HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning you can plug in multiple sources or gaming consoles at once while still using one socket for a soundbar via eARC. It also supports every gaming feature you could wish for, too, including 4K/120Hz (even with Dolby Vision), VRR and ALLM, and it has a superbly well-implemented HGiG mode that makes it easy to get excellent, accurate HDR picture quality from many modern games.
The high launch price of the C3 also contributed to it missing out on a fifth star, but it has now dropped significantly and can usually be picked up for a fair bit less than the A80L above.
The C3 keeps the same overall look as the C2 while adding a new processor for even better picture quality and more advanced audio upmixing. Picture quality is refined, subtle, and detailed, and that applies to games as well as movies and TV shows. Some highlights are a little brighter than with the predecessor and there's a good amount of shadow detail throughout.
We also find the webOS 23 operating system is simpler than last year's version too, and easier to navigate, and it brings a more sophisticated Game Optimiser menu complete with a dedicated sound sub-menu.
The C3's replacement, the C4, is about to hit shops, so you may want to wait for that. However, it seems to be another fairly incremental upgrade and will be very expensive at launch, so it probably won't replace the C3 on this list immediately even if it turns out to be great. Check out our LG C4 hands-on here.
Read the full LG C3 review
Best budget 55-inch TV (UK)
TCL is dead set on shaking up the TV industry by offering flagship specs at prices far below those of the traditional big brands – and by committing to Mini LED over the more popular OLED. The C845K perfectly encapsulates the company's ambitions and is comfortably its best set yet.
Here we have a Quantum Dot TV with a Mini LED backlight that has hundreds of dimming zones and a claimed peak brightness figure of 2000 nits. Those are big numbers by TVs at any price, let alone one at the C845K's level.
A TV should never be judged on its spec sheet, but during testing we found this TCL to be an extremely impressive performer for the money. Those big numbers are backed up by a big performance with excellent punch, richness and vibrancy, but TCL has also been careful to tune the C845K to deliver subtlety to shading and colours when required.
Sharpness and detail are also very good, and while motion processing isn't quite up there with that of the best TVs around, it is capable of reducing judder in pans without introducing the dreaded soap opera effect.
Inevitably, the C845K isn't perfect, and scenes that contain a particularly stark mix of very bright and very dark picture elements can appear a bit cloudy. This issue is rare and slight enough to not be a huge problem, though, and the TV's black performance is otherwise good, with a pleasing combination of depth and detail.
The C845K's bright, vibrant and sharp qualities help to make it a really strong gaming TV, and it also supports next-gen gaming specs including 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM over two of its four HDMI sockets – though you might need one of these to handle eARC duties.
Wrapping things up is a sound performance that, while not quite as exceptional as its pictures, is very solid, particularly at this price. Dialogue is clear and focused but there's also good width and spaciousness to the delivery, and there's ample bass and volume. A little bit of fuzz creeps into the bottom end from time to time and busy soundtrack moments can become a bit cluttered, but this is still a better-sounding TV than many that cost significantly more.
Read the full TCL C845L review
Best budget 55-inch TV (US)
If you're in the US, where the TCL C845K isn't available (or you're a UK buyer looking to spend even less), the Amazon Omni QLED is the cheap TV to buy. This is a TV that doesn't aim to knock your socks off but instead delivers a very balanced and consistent performance for a very low price.
Of course, one of the Omni QLED's main selling points is that it has Fire OS built in. Why buy a TV and a separate Fire TV stick when you can get both in one? The additional appeal here is that this isn't a super-basic TV, but one with some more advanced specs that you usually only find in the class above.
So, as the name suggests, this is a Quantum Dot TV with a backlight that doesn't feature Mini LEDs but does benefit from local dimming, which allows the set to better control the light to different parts of the picture, generally resulting in better contrast.
This isn't a super-bright performer, though. Amazon has clearly decided that rather than have the TV attempt feats of which it's simply not capable (a common mistake made by cheap TVs), it's going to carefully balance dynamics and subtlety. Colours are pretty vibrant when required, but also subtle and fairly nuanced when that is what's called for. Skin tones are perhaps slightly richer than is totally realistic, but not to an obvious degree.
The Omni QLED doesn't exaggerate contrast, detail or sharpness, either. It instead treads a perfectly satisfying middle ground that doesn't dazzle but does nail the basics and delivers a good approximation of what the director intended. The lack of aggressive, over-enthusiastic picture processing also means that you're never distracted by what the TV is up to, which means you can fully focus on the movie or TV show you're watching.
The only real negatives, other than the picture not being as good as that of TVs costing a lot more money, are that motion is a bit smeary at times and that dark detail is a bit lacking.
Back to the positives, the sound system, while basic, is direct and clear, so perfectly adequate for everyday TV. And while 4K/120Hz gaming is obviously off the menu, the Omni QLED does support VRR and ALLM. The Fire OS operating system, meanwhile, is very user-friendly and packed to the gills with streaming apps.
All told, if you want a cheap TV that does everything and does it all in a balanced, grown-up way, the Omni QLED is a strong option.
Read our full Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED review
Best premium 55-inch TV
The arrival of a new flagship OLED TV from Sony is always cause for excitement, but the A95L was an even bigger deal than usual. Thanks to its second-generation QD-OLED panel, this was predicted to be one of the brightest OLED TVs ever made, and the combination of that with Sony's peerless picture processing and unique, screen-vibrating sound system sounded like a recipe for something spectacular.
Having put the Sony A95L up against pretty much every other TV you might be considering, we can safely say that it is, with very little doubt, the very best money-no-object TV you can currently buy.
Second-gen QD-OLED promises similar brightness to first-gen MLA OLED tech, such as that of the LG G3 and Panasonic MZ2000, but the Quantum Dots that contribute the 'QD' to its name also add the potential for greater colour vibrancy. In the case of the Samsung S95C, which is also a second-gen QD-OLED TV, that occasionally results in an over-saturated appearance, but the Sony A95L has simply superb colour reproduction. From the brightest highlights to the deepest hues, colours are always consistent, and when required, the TV delivers vibrancy that non-QD-OLED models can't match.
The extra brightness combined with the perfect blacks for which OLED is renowned means there's even greater contrast than you get from standard OLED models, and this helps to reinforce edges and details, giving everything a more solid and three-dimensional appearance. Sony's awesome motion processing plays a part here, too, reducing judder and increasing sharpness without adding artificiality. It really is a sumptuous overall delivery.
While a picture performance this special really deserves a proper surround sound system or at least a soundbar to go with it, the A95L's 2.2-channel actuator-based sound system is at least very good by the standards of TV audio. The fact that the screen itself makes the sound means voices are much more focused and direct than they are from most TVs, but the A95L also manages to extend the sonic presentation far to the sides and above the set, creating an impressive pseudo-Atmos effect. There's impressive clarity and detail to the sonic delivery, too, and while the bass could be a bit weightier and deeper, this is still very good sound by TV standards.
There is really just one flaw to the A95L as an overall package (other than its high price), and that will only be an issue for hardcore gamers: there are only two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which doubles as the eARC port so may be required for a soundbar or AVR.
The other issues that we identified during testing – a lack of support for Dolby Vision gaming and missing UK terrestrial channel catch-up apps – have been fixed with software updates so are no longer things to consider.
Read the full Sony A95L review
Best 2024 55-inch TV
Because we rate TVs (and all products, for that matter) on a performance-per-pound (or bang-for-your-buck) basis, we generally recommend models that have been around for a while and have therefore been heavily discounted over those that are brand-new. That's why the Sony A80L is at the top of this list instead of a 2024 model.
That said, we know that there are plenty of people out there who – quite reasonably – would prefer to buy a thoroughly up-to-date model, even if it means paying the New TV Tax. If you're one of those people, it's the C4 that we recommend – it's a better performer than the Sony A80L, but it's also better value than fellow brand-new sets such as the LG G4, Samsung S95D and Samsung QN95D.
Rather surprisingly, and very importantly, the C4 is a big improvement on the C3 it has replaced, despite the spec sheet (and the design) looking very similar indeed. It's a slight shame that the C4 didn't get the super-bright MLA tech of the more premium G4, but LG has somehow managed to squeeze a good deal more brightness out of the standard OLED panel. It's more detailed, too, and together those traits make it overall much punchier, more dynamic and more exciting – yet LG has also retained the consistency and balance for which its OLEDs are renowned.
Other than a very slight lack of detail with SDR content, there's nothing to complain about on the picture side, and the sound has been heavily improved, too. Last year's LG TVs sounded very dull but, for a mid-range OLED TV, the C4 sounds pretty punchy and engaging. A soundbar – even an entry-level one such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2 – will still be a big upgrade, and we recommend that you budget for one if you can, but if you can't, you will get by with the TV's own sound well enough.
The built-in webOS platform has had a few little improvements that make it even easier to navigate than before, and it's just as app-packed as ever, so every streaming service you're likely to need will be there – and in 4K and Dolby Vision in many cases.
LG's OLEDs have long been great for gaming, and the C4 is another perfect example. As before, there are four HDMI 2.1 sockets that all support 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming is supported once more, too. The HGiG mode, meanwhile, makes it a doddle to get the best HDR performance out of the latest games. There's also added support for 4K/144Hz gaming, though this will only be of use to hardcore PC gamers with very high-end rigs. More importantly, the C4's punchier and sharper delivery makes games look fabulous.
In short, this is an absolutely cracking TV that's great value for a brand-new set. In time, it will likely end up at the top of this list.
Read the full LG C4 review
Also consider
Samsung S95D
Samsung's third-gen QD-OLED TV is here, and it's a doozy that combines exceptional brightness and vibrancy with a degree of subtlety that last year's S95C lacked. It's currently too expensive for this list, but could well make it in once the price drops.
LG G4
LG's second-generation MLA technology is designed to go toe-to-toe with Samsung's third-gen QD-OLED tech, so it's little surprise that the new LG G4 and the Samsung S95D above are very evenly matched. Like the S95D, the G4 is also currently too expensive for a place on our main list, but it's a great premium option all the same.
Samsung QN95D
If you want a premium 4K TV but don't want an OLED, the Samsung QN95D is well worth considering. It has some slight flaws, particularly in the way it handles very high-contrast images, but it's also incredibly bright, punchy and detailed – and it's great for gaming.
LG B3
For many people, the relatively small price difference will make the C3 a better buy than this slightly stripped-back B3. For others, the B3 will be all the TV they ever need. If you don't need a TV that's super-bright or more than two HDMI 2.1 sockets, it's very much worth considering.
TCL C745K
If your budget won't stretch to the C845K, the C745K is well worth a look. It doesn't go as bright as its more premium sibling but it punches well above its price tag in terms of picture and sound performance, and it has impressive gaming features, too.
How we choose
When choosing a new TV, picture technology is almost always the most important factor.
Without a doubt, OLED has become the premium TV technology of choice, thanks to its perfect blacks, extraordinary contrast and exceptional viewing angles. QLED, which combines LED (or Mini LED) backlighting with ultra-vibrant Quantum Dots, is a strong alternative, though, largely thanks to being capable of greater brightness and punchier colours. Standard LCD TVs (often, confusingly, sold as 'LED' TVs on account of their LED backlights) are more variable in overall quality but, if you shop carefully, can offer excellent bang for your buck.
Sound is massively important, too. Are you planning to combine your new TV with a dedicated sound system? You probably should, because most TVs sound passable at best, even at the high-end. But if you are determined to keep things neat and rely on the in-built speakers of your new TV, check our reviews to make sure that they're at least good – there's no point in a great picture if the accompanying sound is rubbish.
If you're a gamer, it's also worth considering the next-gen gaming features of your prospective new TV. Xbox Series X and PS5 gamers can gain a competitive advantage on certain games if their TV supports 4K 120Hz, while VRR support can result in a smoother gameplay experience. ALLM, meanwhile, simply ensures that you automatically get the best visual experience from both games and movies / TV shows. If you're a more casual gamer or not a gamer at all, you can pretty much disregard these features, and it's likely that doing so will save you a lot of cash.
55-inch TV FAQ
Should you buy a 4K or Full HD TV?
This question is pretty much moot now, as the vast majority of TVs are now 4K. It's actually rather hard to find Full HD (1080p) models, even at relatively small sizes.
If you're buying a TV below 32 inches and can save a lot of money on a Full HD model, by all means go for it (4K won't be a huge benefit at that sort of size anyway), but otherwise 4K is both worthwhile and, in all likelihood, your only option.
Should you buy an HDR TV?
High Dynamic Range is without a doubt a much bigger deal than 8K, and certainly something you should consider before buying your next TV.
Essentially, the higher the dynamic range (brightness and colours), the more lifelike the picture. HDR offers greater subtlety and depth of gradations of colours, plus stronger contrast.
There are various types of HDR out there, and with different TV brands backing different variants, it can be a minefield trying to find the best option. Allow us to explain.
First up is HDR10, which is essentially the core HDR format that every HDR TV should support.
HDR10 is a static HDR format that applies the HDR values on a scene-by-scene basis (i.e. whenever the camera cuts to a new scene). Dolby Vision, on the other hand, applies this image information (called metadata) on a frame-by-frame basis. This dynamic form of HDR, when implemented properly, has the potential to improve upon the standard HDR10 presentation.
HDR10+ is a rival format to Dolby Vision. Created by Samsung, it also uses dynamic metadata but, whereas Dolby Vision is licensed, HDR10+ is a free, open format that any company can deploy as it sees fit.
Of these two 'dynamic' HDR formats, Dolby Vision is by far the most prevalent, both in terms of TVs and content, and if you have to choose between one and the other, that's the one we'd recommend. That said, you can now buy TVs from the likes of Philips and Panasonic that support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Finally in our rundown of HDR formats is HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), which was developed specifically for broadcasting by the BBC and Japan's NHK. It's used to deliver all of the HDR content offered by the BBC and Sky, so can be considered very important. Luckily, it's now almost as common as standard HDR10 in TV spec lists, so you should have little problem finding a model that supports it.
What inputs and outputs does your TV need?
These days, it's all about HDMI, which is used to connect everything from set-top boxes to video streamers, Blu-ray players to games consoles. Thanks to ARC/eARC (Audio Return Channel / Enhanced Audio Return Channel), a single HDMI connection can even be used to output sound to an AV receiver or soundbar at the same time as it receives a video signal.
Currently, three HDMI connections is standard on budget and mid-range TVs, while four is the norm for premium models.
The specification of the HDMI connections tends to differ depending on the price of the TV, too, with premium models now commonly getting at least one or two HDMI 2.1 sockets. These have greater bandwidth than their HDMI 2.0 counterparts and can support advanced formats such as 4K@120Hz and 8K@60Hz. Fancy gaming features such as Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate are often supported via HDMI 2.1 sockets, too, though not always. It's sensible to check the specs thoroughly if there are particular features you're after.
After HDMIs, USB ports are the most abundant on modern TVs. You can use these to keep devices charged (often particularly useful for stick- or dongle-style streamers), and some TVs allow the connection of flash drives and hard drives for the recording of live TV content.
On the subject of live TV, you can expect practically every TV to have an aerial socket via which it can receive Freeview broadcasts, but many also have a satellite connection. Be warned, though; the presence of a satellite connection doesn't guarantee that there's a Freesat tuner on board. Without one, you'll receive only a patchy and disorganised selection of satellite TV channels.
Other useful connections include optical and stereo outputs, which can be used in lieu of HDMI ARC to connect legacy audio equipment. Headphone outputs are still fairly common, too, though Bluetooth is also supported by most TVs now and Samsung TVs in fact now feature the latter but not the former.
Lastly, while some TVs feature composite inputs (often via an adapter), most – even at the budget end – have phased out legacy connections such as SCART. So those clinging on to old video cassette recorders, for example, should be aware of that.
What is the best 55-inch TV for gaming?
As you can see above, the LG C3 is currently the best 55-inch TV for gaming. This is due to its combination of excellent gaming features (four HDMI 2.1 sockets, 4K/120Hz, VRR, Dolby Vision gaming and HGiG), brilliant gaming performance and a great price.
If you like everything about that but also want a brighter and punchier TV, the LG G3 is also well worth considering, and the new LG C4 is a great choice if you don't mind paying extra for a brand-new model. And if you don't need four HDMI 2.1 sockets (because you game on just one console or PC, for example), the LG B3 and Sony A80L will both be well-suited to your needs.
Which TV smart features and streaming apps do you need?
As with 4K, it's now hard to buy a TV that doesn't have a smart platform packed with streaming apps. Almost every TV will have Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on board, and Disney+ is fast approaching a similar level of ubiquity. Apple TV (which is great for pay-as-you-go movies as well as the Apple TV+ subscription service) is becoming increasingly common, too.
You'd have thought that BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4 and My5 would be present on every TV available in the UK, but there always seems to be one brand that's lacking (it was LG in 2020 and Sony in 2021) so do check before you buy if any of those are important to you.
Other apps that are less common but potentially worth looking out for include BT Sport, Now, Britbox, and music apps such as Spotify and Tidal.
Should you buy an OLED, QLED or LCD TV?
LCD TVs, which require a backlight usually made up of white LEDs to show a picture on the LCD panel, are available in a wide variety of screen sizes and, thanks in part to the technology's low cost of production, at affordable prices.
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) is a panel technology that uses self-emissive particles – so there's no need for a backlight. This allows OLED TVs to be unbelievably slim, while also offering convincing pitch-dark blacks, strong contrast and superb viewing angles. LG, Sony, Panasonic and Philips are the big brands with OLED TVs in their line-ups and, broadly speaking, they're excellent.
QLED (Quantum-dot Light-Emitting Diode), meanwhile, is Samsung’s response to OLED. A QLED TV is an LCD TV but with a quantum dot coating over the backlight. However, the quantum dots (tiny semiconductor particles) in current QLEDs do not emit their own light. So QLED TVs, like conventional LCDs, rely on a backlight. The advantages of a QLED TV? You tend to get brilliantly vibrant colours, plus bright, sharp and crisply detailed images. Samsung's QLEDs have got better and better over the years, existing as a fine alternative to OLEDs TVs. Interestingly, though, Samsung has now launched its own range of OLED (QD-OLED) TVs.
Can a 55-inch TV be wall mounted?
Of course! As with almost all commercially available TVs, 55-inch models have VESA mounting ports on the back that make them compatible with almost any standard third-party wall mount. Check that the mount you are looking at is compatible with 55-inch TVs and you should be fine, though you must also consider wall materials and fixings before attempting to wall-mount a TV yourself. If in any doubt, consult a professional.
How we test
Testing a TV is a long and complex process because a modern TV simply does so much. Not only does it need to handle a variety of content resolutions – standard-def, 1080p, 4K and sometimes 8K – and both standard dynamic range and high dynamic range (the latter in a number of formats), all of which need to be specifically tested, it also has a sound system with various advanced settings and a full smart platform. A TV is an all-in-one device in the best sense, but that also makes it a challenging review proposition.
As part of our testing process we manually check that every major app – from Netflix to All 4, Prime Video to Spotify – is not only present, but also outputting in the video and sound formats that it should. Just because there's a Disney+ app doesn't necessarily mean it's working in Dolby Vision and/or Dolby Atmos. In fact, in many recent cases it hasn't been.
We also connect both a PS5 and Xbox Series X in order to establish which advanced gaming features are and aren't supported, and on which of the TV's HDMI ports. Is 4K 120Hz supported? How about VRR? Is there a Dolby Vision game mode? Is there an HGiG preset for more accurate HDR tone mapping? We check all of these things, and measure input lag using a Leo Bodnar device.
We then test the TV's picture quality using a huge variety of content, from old DVDs to the latest 4K Blu-rays and plenty of streamed movies and TV shows in between. Every TV is tested against the best model at its price and size – we have a stockroom packed full of Award-winners for this very purpose.
We don't accept the out-of-the-box settings that a TV comes in either. While we intentionally don't go down the route of professional calibration (you shouldn't have to have your TV professionally calibrated in order to get the best out of it), we do spend hours adjusting settings using a mixture of test patterns and real-world content until we are sure we're getting the best out of a TV so that it has the best chance to shine.
While we almost always advise that a new TV is combined with a dedicated sound system such as a soundbar or AV amplifier, many people still prefer to stick with their flatscreen's built-in speakers, so we thoroughly test these too, using a wide variety of movie and music content and with great attention spent to the TV's many processing modes and individual settings.
We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in Bath and Reading, where our team of expert reviewers do all of our testing. This gives us complete control over the testing process, ensuring consistency. What's more, all review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an individual reviewer, again helping to ensure consistency and avoid any personal preference.
The What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years experience of reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics.
From all of our reviews, we choose the best products to feature in our Best Buys. That's why if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended below, or on any other Best Buy page, you can be assured you are getting a What Hi-Fi? approved product.
Recent updates
9th July 2024
LG C4 added as 'Best 2024' model, LG LG G4 and Samsung QN95D added as 'Also Consider' options
2nd April 2024
'Also Consider' and 'Recent Updates' sections added, plus new FAQs added
2nd February 2024
Added new author information and combined US and UK recommendations
31st October 2024
Replaced the Panasonic LZ980, Sony A95K, TCL RP620K and Samsung QE55QN94A with the LG C3, Sony A95L, TCL C845K and Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED.
Useful links
- Looking for a bargain? Here are the best cheap TVs
- Hardcore gamer? These are the very best gaming TVs
- Need a certain size? We've rounded-up the best 55-inch TVs
- Need something bigger? What about the best 65-inch TVs
- Want a future-proof TV? Here are the best 8K TVs
