The best TVs of 2026, according to Consumer Reports

TV prices shift constantly. What looks like a bargain at retail often underperforms TV sets priced only slightly higher. OLED panels have extended their lead over traditional LED sets in the past two years, but the best LCD models have narrowed the gap with mini LED backlighting and improved local dimming. The choice between panel technologies now depends as much on room conditions and viewing habits as on price.

Consumer Reports tests and rates hundreds of new TV models each year across picture quality, HDR performance, sound, viewing angle, and motion blur to find the best sets you can buy right now.

Credit: Samsung

At around $1,400 for the 65-inch size, the QN65S90F sits in the midtier of Samsung's 2025 OLED lineup. Picture quality scored excellent in CR's lab tests, with color accuracy described as producing very natural, lifelike flesh tones, and black levels ranked excellent. CR says the set supports a maximum 4K 144-hertz refresh rate along with Auto Low Latency Mode and a variable refresh rate, making it one of the stronger options for gaming on this list. The 65-inch model uses a QD-OLED panel, and Samsung's AI processor handles upscaling and picture optimization.

Credit: LG

Priced at around $2,700, the LG OLED65C6PUA occupies the mid-to-upper range of LG's 2026 OLED lineup. According to CR, the set earns top-notch marks across picture quality and sound, with brightness-booster technology producing a compelling HDR experience. CR notes the 65-inch C6 uses a standard WOLED panel, not the RGB Tandem technology in LG's larger C6H models that produces higher peak brightness. A 165Hz variable refresh rate and built-in WiFi 6E round out the gaming and connectivity specs.

Credit: LG

LG's flagship 65-inch 4K TV for 2026, the OLED65G6WUA, runs around $3,400. CR rates picture quality and HDR performance as top-notch, crediting LG's new RGB Tandem panel — a four-stack OLED configuration — for greater brightness and improved color saturation over the previous-generation MLA technology. CR says the result is an even brighter image than last year's G5. The set adds Dolby Atmos audio, gaming modes up to 165Hz, and a more powerful processor.

Credit: Samsung

Samsung's QN65S84FA is a Best Buy exclusive at around $900, making it one of the more affordable OLEDs CR recommends. CR identifies it as a 2025 model with excellent overall picture quality and very good HDR performance at a price CR calls well-matched to its capabilities. Sound quality is very good. The set carries Samsung's object-tracking sound and Dolby Atmos immersive audio, features more commonly found at higher price points.

Credit: Samsung

The QN65QN90F is the only LCD set on CR's top-tier list, priced at around $1,800. CR rates overall picture quality as excellent, HDR as great, and sound as very good. A Mini LED backlight with quantum dots expands the color range, and CR highlights Glare-Free technology that reduces screen reflections. That reflection reduction is a practical advantage in rooms with windows or overhead lighting.

Credit: Sony

Sony's Bravia 8 II, sold under the model number K65XR80M2, carries a price of around $2,800. CR rates it as top-notch for both overall picture quality and HDR. Sound quality is very good, a result CR attributes to Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ system, which uses activators mounted behind the panel to turn the screen itself into a speaker. Google TV provides the smart platform, and an ATSC 3.0 tuner supports NextGen TV over-the-air reception.

Credit: LG

For around $1,100, the LG 65QNED90TUA is a higher-end entry from the company's 2024 QNED lineup. CR rates overall picture quality as very good and the HDR experience as satisfying, with a viewing angle CR describes as fairly wide for an LCD set. That width is a meaningful advantage in rooms where viewers watch from off-center seats. Sound scored very good, and LG's webOS platform powers the smart features with Amazon Alexa and LG ThinQ built in.