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Tom's Guide
14-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Hisense U8QG vs Hisense U8N: Which Mini-LED TV wins?
The Hisense U8QG is Hisense's 2025 flagship model, featuring a wealth of vibrant colors, gaming capabilities, and an exceptional sound system. The Hisense U8N is a premium Mini-LED TV with a budget-friendly price, boasting incredible brightness and numerous features. Hisense TVs are known for their incredible brightness and color output built on value prices, and none shine through quite as well as its flagship models. The 2025 Hisense U8QG and the 2024 Hisense U8N are brilliant sets in their own right, built with Mini-LED backlighting, gaming features galore, plus a trove of luminance. They also have audio that far surpasses most other TVs on the market. Speced with Google TV and a handy gaming hub, these value-minded offerings are designed for those who want an excellent picture without a significant investment. While they don't exactly match the performance of some of the best OLED TVs, these Hisense flagships do have some incredible metrics to consider, but it's worth taking a look at which among them might prove the better buy for your next TV upgrade. Hisense U8N Hisense U8QG Sizes 55", 65", 75", 85" 55", 65", 75", 85", 100" Ports 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 3x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C Resolution 3,840 x 2,160p 3,840 x 2,160p Refresh rate 144Hz 165Hz HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG Smart TV software Google TV Google TV ATSC 3.0 support? Yes Yes Processor Hi-View Engine Pro Hi-View Engine Pro Given that they are both flagship Hisense Mini-LED TVs launched just a year apart, you can expect to see very similar design elements on both sets. Above is the rear of the U8QG, which boasts two subwoofers at the top and a slew of ports on its right. Interestingly, the USB-C video output is positioned closer to the front of the screen, making it a little easier to charge devices and connect to nearby PCs if you're into that sort of thing. One thing that immediately stands out, especially considering the side profile of the U8N below, is the bulkiness of the 2025 TV. It has heft and requires at least two people to set it up, with its 65-inch model weighing just under 53 pounds. Both the U8N and U8QG utilize a pedestal-style stand, which varies in size depending on the TV. It connects to the panel with relative ease, but there's no real way of changing the orientation higher or lower, which makes it a little tough to slot in an accompanying soundbar if needed. Not that you need one when it comes to the U8QG, as it sports a 4.1.2-channel speaker with a 72W output. This will also vary depending on the size you get, but a 20W subwoofer is quite the all-around audio system that stands against the competition. Meanwhile, the U8N has just a 2.1.2 audio system on a 50W output, but it does still have a 20W subwoofer. This will meet the demands of most users, as it boasts serious sound, but you will be missing out on a wider surround sound profile. Unlike the U8QG, which has just three HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB-C video output, the U8N comes equipped with just two HDMI 2.1 and two HDMI 2.0. While the USB-C is nice for PC gamers or those who may want to charge devices close to the TV, it feels a bit too niche to subtract from a whole row of HDMI ports. A more interesting addition might have been an HDMI 2.2 port, but we may have to wait until next year before we see that on most TVs. All that being said, I think it's safe to give the U8QG a big thumbs up for this section. While it's bulkier and does miss out on an HDMI port, I think most users would be willing to give that up in favor of increased audio performance. Plus, it's one extra HDMI 2.1 port over the latter's mere two, and you could plug a Mini PC or one of the best handheld gaming consoles for your gaming pleasure. It's a little too niche for most users, if you ask me, but it's hard to beat those audio specs. Winner: Hisense U8QG Before we dive into which of these TVs delivers better picture quality, let's take a look at how their test results stack up. Hisense U8N Hisense U8QG SDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 3,469 2,908 Delta-E (lower is better) 3.2 2.4 HDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 3,397 3,916 UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage 96.77% 97.53% Rec. 2020 Gamut Coverage 82.07% 83.98% Input latency (milliseconds) 13.1 9.7 Similar to design, the U8N and U8QG will bear somewhat identical test metrics; however, it's interesting that the new 2025 set has significantly reduced its brightness output in standard content, while HDR sees a massive boost. It's important to keep in mind that higher brightness doesn't always equate to better overall performance. In most cases, it should lead to mitigated glare, but that's not quite the case for the U8QG. At least HDR content looked fantastic on this set, but that's more to do with its color volume. The U8QG improves the Delta-E, which requires a lower score for better performance, but anything lower than a score of 3 is largely imperceptible. But even at the time of its release, the U8N was likewise just as fantastic in terms of color. It almost shattered our color gamut record at the time, and as the metrics show, the U8QG amplifies these, if only slightly. A major boon we faced in testing the U8N has more to do with color accuracy, which doesn't bode well for animated content or vibrant shows and movies. Still, it's impressive that both U8-series Mini-LED TVs managed to hit over 80% of the Rec2020 color gamut, which is often relegated to lower scores on most TVs. That's the quantum dots doing all the heavy lifting. And when it comes to gaming, the testing here proves the U8QG is simply the better option. We tend to like TVs with input latency under a 10ms rating, and the U8QG's 9.7ms is to be praised, especially given that it lines up with some OLEDs on the market, like the LG B4. Both offer incredible picture performance, but there are some upscaling concerns to consider on the U8N The higher HDR brightness, enhanced input latency, and improved shadows in darker scenes give the U8QG an edge over its predecessor. Winner: Hisense U8QG With Google TV, you'll not only have a slew of free channels to enjoy but many of the best streaming services to dive into. You'll have to contend with some ads, but they're very minimal when compared to other offerings like Roku OS or Fire TV. But even if you don't find the content you want, there's an ATSC 3.0 tuner for you to dive into 4K broadcasts. You'll need a compatible antenna to get the most out of NextGen TV, but it's a handy option for those who may want extra coverage when it comes to content. One notable feature that few are discussing when it comes to Google TV is its smart home compatibility, which makes it a hub for your entire ecosystem. That means you don't have to splurge on any additional products, like the Google Nest Hub, to get broadened controls over your smart home devices. When looking past their underlying interface, you'll also find a slew of awesome gaming features that make them ideal candidates to slot among the best gaming TVs. As already mentioned, you'll be missing out on two HDMI 2.1 ports when going with the U8N, but you'll also be down one with the newer U8QG. It sacrifices this port in favor of a USB-C video output, which doesn't meet the demands of most gamers. At least it does give you the keys to some unbridled gaming support with a 165Hz refresh rate. It's one of the few TVs to offer that spec this year, sitting next to some major OLED releases in the LG G5 and Samsung S95F. And a low input latency also means you get serious coverage in this regard. But it's tough to look past the HDMI equation. Would you rather have two HDMI 2.1 ports in favor of three with a USB-C port? Or are you willing to live with those additional HDMI 2.0 ports on the U8N's mere 144Hz? It's a mild dilemma, but one certainly worth thinking about. As with most modern TVs, both sets come equipped with a range of additional gaming features, like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) as well as Dolby Vision support for select titles. There's also a handy game bar that lets you change settings on the fly and look at particular elements, like FPS and the like. Even in the face of its rather wonky HDMI dilemma, I still see the U8QG as far surpassing the U8N. You might not be a PC gamer ready to hit those highs on offer with a 165Hz refresh rate, but it doesn't hurt to future-proof your setup. Winner: Hisense U8QG Hisense U8N Hisense U8QG Specs (25) 21 23 Design (25) 20 22 Performance (25) 21 23 Features (25) 23 24 Total Score (100) 85 92 While this comes down to a preference basis, it's hard to look past the myriad enhancements the U8QG has in store. The Hisense U8QG simply kills it on a number of levels, most of all in the gaming category. It also largely improves upon many of the issues that were holding the base U8N back, like a subpar sound system and wonky color accuracy. You also get FreeSync Premium Pro support with a 165Hz refresh rate, which might really only pertain to PC gamers, but definitely gives it a huge leg up. If you're merely a console gamer and don't mind the higher input latency, the cheaper U8N might be a better option. As for that pricing, a 65-inch Hisense U8N is around $899 on Amazon, while the 65-inch Hisense U8QG is currently $1,498 on Amazon at the time of writing. That's a significant price disparity that will prompt you to consider the compromises. Both TVs still offer absurd brightness metrics and loads of gaming options, so don't fret too much over the TV of your choice, as it'll be grand no matter what model you go with.
Tom's Guide
09-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just tested the Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV and it's a brightness star
The Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV takes the top spot in Hisense's 2025 TV lineup and comes in to replace last year's Hisense U8N, Tom's Guide's QLED TV of the Year in 2024. Feature-rich, spec-ridden, and kitted with tons of brightness, the U8QG has a lot in store for would-be TV buyers, but can we confidently say it's one of the best TVs like its predecessor? While there's lots to love — brightness, gaming, and audio performances are top-notch — its specs don't tell the full story: It lacks the improved anti-glare coating found in major competitors, and it still suffers from issues common to Mini-LED TVs, like blooming and mediocre off-axis viewing. At its launch price of $1,499 (now down to just $999 at the time of writing) for a reasonably sized 55-inch TV, this premium Hisense screen walks a fine line between keeping costs low and delivering big-budget thrills, and it mostly succeeds. The U8QG sits near the top of Hisense's 2025 Mini-LED TV lineup, just below the Hisense U9QG. It starts at $1,499 for a 55-inch model, but you can buy that configuration right now for around $999. We reviewed the 65-inch version, which is currently on sale for about $1,399. Like last year's Hisense U8N, we're expecting a pretty sizable difference in performance between the various sizes. We measured the peak brightness output of the 65-inch model to be around 4,000 nits, but the 55-inch version will likely top out around half that amount. Conversely, larger screen sizes — like the 75-inch and 85-inch models — will have more contrast control zones and might suffer from less blooming than the 65-inch screen we tested. In short, there's going to be some performance variation between the different models, but specs and supported features are all otherwise the same. The U8QG's discounted pricing puts it in line with other major Mini-LED rivals like the TCL QM7K, however against competing TVs from other major brands, the U8QG is cheaper than most. Take the Samsung QN80F, for instance, that's $1,699 for the 65-inch version. The 65-inch Hisense U8QG is already $300 cheaper and that price gap will likely increase as the year goes on. In terms of overall aesthetics, the U8QG isn't very slim. In fact, unlike some high-end Mini-LED TVs, its 45mm-thick panel is comparatively bulky, owing largely to its beefy audio system. Fortunately, its bezels aren't too pronounced, aside from the bottom bezel. The 65-inch U8QG comes with a pedestal-style stand that is pretty simple to put together. The stand is sturdy, making it more than adequate to hold the TV in place. For safety's sake, however, I recommend having at least two people on hand to set up the TV, but it's a quick process. All sizes in the series use the same stand design except for the 100-inch version, which uses a pair of wide-set feet. If the stand isn't for you, you can always go with a wall mount instead. The U8QG comes equipped with a 400 x 400 VESA mounting interface. Finally, Hisense's remote is more or less the same as the one found with the Hisense U8N. The silver-toned remote is still conveniently backlit and comfortably slim, but its elongated design could stand to be shortened. The Hisense U8QG offers just three HDMI ports instead of four, which goes against the standard for almost all TVs in its class. Fortunately, all three are HDMI 2.1-compatible, which should satisfy most hardcore gamers. The true kicker is the addition of a USB-C video port that doubles as a fast charger. You don't often see this design on a TV, as it's more often found on gaming monitors. That being said, because it comes at the expense of a fourth HDMI port, I'm not sure it was a good trade. Rounding things out are one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 input, an Ethernet port, optical output and a 3.5mm audio jack. A cable/antenna can also be found here, netting you access to NextGen TV and 4K broadcasts thanks to its ATSC 3.0 tuner. I put the Hisense U8QG through its paces with a variety of content, including shows like 'Reacher,' 'Andor' and 'Lazarus,' as well as movies like 'Barbarian.' I also watched a few DVDs to test its upscaling, like 'Ghost in the Shell' in 4K and 'Tenet' in standard Blu-ray. High contrast is the U8QG's strong suit. Typically, Mini-LED TVs tend to struggle with darker scenes, but the U8QG was a standout performer. 'Barbarian' and the third season of 'Reacher' popped on the screen, with shadows looking especially detailed. Similarly, its higher brightness specs, hitting a high of 2,908 nits in SDR, is to be praised as well. I also have to give Hisense some credit for an absurd color volume and accuracy on the U8QG. You can see it working its magic in sharper daylight scenes, with accurate skin tones and crisp highlights on surfaces, like rolling hills and crashing waves. Colors truly stuck out in animated content, like 'Lazarus,' which is filled with sweeping shots of a futuristic cityscape. All Mini-LED TVs exhibit some degree of haloing (a soft glow around bright objects on a dark background), but the best Mini-LED TVs keep haloing to a minimum. For the most part, the U8QG does a decent job of managing haloing and light bloom, even during dark scenes with subtitles. I could see some haloing during space sequences in 'Andor,' but it didn't ruin the experience and thankfully, it was only distracting in menus and outside of content. Unfortunately, despite the TV's incredible brightness, you'll probably have to contend with glare problems if you install the U8QG up against bright light sources. It handles conventional lights a lot better than it does daylight, but glare is still going to cause problems. We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom's Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subject tests designed to rate the set's performance. For our technical tests, we use a Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays' Calman TV-calibration software to take measurements. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag Tester for determining the TV's gaming prowess. Subjective tests vary based on the reviewer, but usually feature anecdotes from a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and other content reflecting the types of things you may actually want to watch on the TV. Let's compare the Hisense U8QG to similarly-priced Mini-LED TVs, including the TCL QM7K, Sony Bravia 7 and Samsung QN80F. (Note that the Bravia 7 launched last year, but is still being sold in 2025.) Hisense U8QG Samsung QN80F TCL QM7K Sony Bravia 7 SDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 2,908 972 1,991 1,817 Delta-E (lower is better) 2.4 2.8 1.4 1.6 Rec. 709 Gamut Coverage 99.30% 99.62% 99.18% 99.62% HDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 3,916 992 1,734 1,507 UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage 97.53% 94.68% 96.98% 97.09% Rec. 2020 Gamut Coverage 83.98% 74.46% 79.22% 78.61% Input latency (in milliseconds) 9.7ms 9.8ms 13.1ms 17.1ms Historically, the Hisense U8 series has been known for its sensational brightness, and the U8QG keeps with tradition. In HDR, the U8QG delivers highlights as bright as 3,900 to 4,000 nits. Brightness isn't the only metric that matters, but there's no denying that this TV is far brighter than these competitors. The U8QG also delivers excellent color volume. While the Bravia 7, QM7K and QN80F barely break 80% coverage of the Rec.2020 color gamut, the U8QG covers about 84%. In Filmmaker mode, its out-of-the-box color accuracy is excellent, too. We measured a Delta-E of around 2.4, and anything under a Delta-E of 3 is considered imperceptible. Games also look great on the U8QG. This TV made those sweeping vistas as seen in Death Stranding look utterly spellbinding while VRR and ALLM makes console games on the U8QG run so much smoother compared to TVs without those features. Plus, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro does wonders for amplified screen tearing if you're running a compatible AMD GPU. But the real fun was playing Armored Core 6 on my GT1 Mega Mini PC. While I could've used one of the three HDMI 2.1 ports, I opted to use the USB-C video output instead, allowing me to run games up to 144Hz in 4K. (While the Hisense U8QG supports 165Hz refresh rate, there's few if any games that might hit that high unless you're running a powerful gaming rig.) I also want to call attention to the Hisense U8QG's in-depth Game Bar that lets you adjust all kinds of settings on the fly. It's not quite on the same level as Samsung or LG's versions, but everything is automatic and works as intended. The Hisense U8QG has some serious speaker specs: 72W of power output on a 4.1.2-channel system and a 20W subwoofer. It doesn't quite surpass the best soundbars, but it's far better than the average pair of 10W speakers we see on most 4K TVs in 2025. The Hisense U8QG also offers an AI-based audio enhancement called AI Sound. It modulates everything from dialogue to sound effects depending on your preferences, and it works quite well if you need it. It's best if you have a larger room that doesn't handle sound very well or is hard on hearing and strain to make out more subtle tones. Dialogue could've been stronger, but overall I felt the U8QG has one of strongest audio systems of any TV I've reviewed in the last six months. For years, Hisense TVs have been built around Google TV, and this year's U8QG is no different (that's why there's the 'G' in its name). Google TV is relatively snappy on the U8QG, but I did notice some lag when pressing the system button for changing settings. Navigation is super simple, however, and Google TV features incredible search functionality. Google TV is one of the best smart TV platforms due to its wide assortment of apps and many of the best streaming services. There's even smart home functionality — though it's not on the same level as you might get with the Google TV Streamer. The only minor issue I have with Google TV is that it does miss the boat on key features, like cloud gaming platforms, which have begun to show up on Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS-based smart TVs. The Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV has a lot to offer, including high brightness, enhanced color, and a slew of gaming features. That's not even mentioning the fact that the U8QG has one seriously powerful speaker system that rivals most soundbars. But there are major rivals to consider, like the TCL QM7K. The TCL model is cheaper by about $200, but it loses out on several performance enhancements, like better brightness, input latency, and HDR color. Those metrics may not matter as much when you're looking for the best TV under $1,000, however. Despite some minor flaws in glare mitigation and off-axis viewing, the Hisense U8QG still makes for an outstanding display that offers up tons of value for the gaming conscious and HDR movie lovers.
Tom's Guide
28-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
The Hisense U8QG test results reveal mind-blowing brightness — but there's one glaring issue with this TV
Hisense has upped the ante with its 2025 TV lineup, and at the top of the range is the Hisense U8QG Mini-LED TV that offers a peak brightness of nearly 4,000 nits. With a starting price of $1,499 (now at just $998 in the heat of the sales season), this new premium Mini-LED TV has a lot going for it. After our initial testing, it's clear this could be one of the best gaming TVs and it's got some serious brightness to boot. But while it might topple many of its rivals in the OLED realm with its brighter Mini-LED backlight, that's not the full story with this TV. Let's take a peak under the hood and see just how far the Hisense U8QG goes when it's put to task. If Hisense TVs are known for anything, it's budget pricing and incredibly high brightness metrics. These are some of the best TVs for those looking to save a few bucks and get expert features with incredible picture performance. The same is true for the new U8QG, which takes over for last year's Hisense U8N. We gave that TV a near-perfect score due in large part to its affordable pricing with tons of specs and, as Managing Editor of TVs Nick Pino put it, "Bonkers brightness." This shows in its 1,258 nits in standard content and blown to even higher extremes in HDR at 3,296 nits. That's some incredible firepower that's only improved upon in the U8QG, which tops out at 2,908 nits in standard and 3,916 nits in HDR. On paper, those are incredible numbers. You're getting ample HDR coverage and more vibrant colors. These are aided by the higher color coverage numbers on the Hisense U8QG, hitting 83.98% and 97.53% of the Rec2020 and UHDA-P3 color gamuts, respectively. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It blows most OLED TVs out of the water and even topples many of TCL's offerings. But brightness isn't the full story. In practice, the U8QG has some more debilitating factors to contend with: Although it might have great brightness metrics, it still lags behind many alternatives when it comes to glare mitigation. Despite high brightness specs, the U8QG still doesn't compare to some of the best OLED TVs. That's because it skimps on some of the key additions those TVs have, namely an anti-glare coating as seen on the Samsung S95F OLED TV. Of course, it's hard to compare a more budget Mini-LED offering against one of Samsung's most premium OLED TVs, but it's clear that even some of the highest brightness metrics we've seen in testing doesn't equate to superior picture performance. The U8QG's minimal glare mitigation creates issues in darker scenes when watching at night ... and it didn't fare that much better in the daytime when the room was filled with ambient light. The U8QG's minimal glare mitigation creates issues in darker scenes when watching at night. Dimmer overhead lights can still detract from the experience, requiring you to shut off all the lights to get the most out of your TV. And it didn't fare that much better in the daytime when the room was filled with ambient light. There's also the problem of poor off-axis viewing. This is true for many of the best budget TVs with Mini-LED backlighting, and the U8QG similarly falls prey to this setback. While this might only pertain to those sitting far off to the side of the TV, it's rather unfortunate given the stellar lab results we saw. Keep in mind, too, that higher brightness can lead to other issues like a hotter TV panel. The hotter a TV gets, the more likely other factors could persist, like artifacting, discoloration, flickering and — worse among them — a severe malfunction. Over time, brighter TVs can even lead to higher energy bills. While we don't yet know how far the problems persist on the U8QG, there is cause for concern — even in the face of notable wins in terms of its performance metrics. All told, the U8QG still could be one of the better Mini-LED TVs to launch this year. Another particular highlight is one serous internal speaker, which boasts a 4.1.2-channel system on a 72W output (specifically on the 65-inch model). That means you won't have to shell out for one of the best soundbars, and Dolby Atmos makes it even more immersive. This TV also has a 165Hz refresh rate with an input latency of just 9.7ms. That's a boon for gamers. Trust me, Armored Core 6 over 100fps never looked so good. I'll have a more complete opinion on the TV when my Hisense U8QG review goes live later this week, but for now, I'll simply say that this is a premium TV with great specs and an even better price that might require the use of curtains to get the best picture quality.
CNET
15-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Amazon Deals of the Day: One of Our Favorite TVs of 2025 Is Down to a New Low Price
Amazon sells a gazillion products, with new ones dropping daily. The retail giant carries everything from home essentials to tech gear and wellness items. And Amazon loves reducing prices almost as much as it loves adding new products. Deciding which deals are (and are not) worth grabbing is a full-time job — our job specifically — which is why we scope out the top deals. Today, we found one of our favorite TVs of the year, the Hisense U8N for over 40% off. We also found a two-pack of Anker chargers for just $10 total. Finally we spotted one of our favorite affordable open wireless earbuds, the Baseus Bowie MC1, for a nice $20 plus a freebie for Prime members. Picking which TV to purchase is tricker than you think. Not only do you have to consider size and price, but also many different specs like screen type. The Hisense U8N TV will probably check off most of the boxes on your list as it's one of our favorite TVs of 2025. We love it because it has an excellent image quality as it has a mini-LED display with Anti-Glare Low Reflection technology. It runs on Google, making streaming a breeze. It's also built with a great design, making it easy to operate. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making this TV great for gaming too. The 75-inch usually retails for a hefty $1,600, a great size for living rooms or home theaters. But right now you can score one for just $940. This saves you 41% and drops the TV well under $1,000. Nowadays, it seems that less and less electronics come with a charging cable in the box, leaving you to purchase one yourself. Plus with all the devices we use these days, it can seem like we're always running out of chargers or cables. Having a few spare ones laying around is a pretty good idea. Anker's USB-C cables are six feet long, so it doesn't matter if the outlet isn't right next to you. They also charge your devices pretty fast, with a MacBook Pro charging under 30 minutes. The cable itself it made with premium double braided nylon, meaning it's super sturdy and won't break easily. You can currently score not one, but two of these charging cables for just $10, bringing each one to just five bucks. They normally go for $16 for two so you're saving 38% on this dual-pack. The Baseus Bowie MC1 Open Ear Clip-On earbuds are our favorite affordable option for open-ear earbuds. These earbuds are built with a clip-on design that wraps around your ears. This makes wearing them pretty comfortable while still staying securely in your ear. They have long listening time with a battery life of up to nine hours. Don't be scared to take them on your adventures as they have an IP57 certification, so they are splash and dust-proof. Prime members, don't miss your chance to score these affordable buds for even less with an exclusive $20 discount just for members. This brings the price down to $50 but that's not all. You can also score a free Baseus USB-C cable, a $16 value, for free. Simply add both items to your cart and the cable will come off automatically. With so many deals on Amazon, deciding which ones are worth your money can be difficult. But that's the reason CNET searches everything the world's largest online retailer has to offer before gathering the best deals for you.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
The Best 85-Inch TV for 2025: Extra-Large TVs Tested by Experts
A big TV is a big investment and at CNET, our general advice for TV shoppers is that bigger is usually better, especially if you want to maximize 4K content. To help you find the right big-screen TV -- whether it's this year's model or, in some cases, last year's -- we've rounded up some of the best 85-inch TVs on the market right now. The list below represents the best TVs we've reviewed in CNET's test lab, where we've compared them side by side. We've reviewed the 65-inch sizes in the series for most of the models listed below, but the 83- and 85-inch versions are virtually identical, beyond screen size. After testing a handful of the best TVs for the money, we've found that the TCL QM8 (2024) series tops the list for several reasons. The latest QM8 offers superb picture quality overall, all the features you need in a modern television -- including 4K/120Hz input and variable refresh rate that can get the most out of consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X -- and an affordable price. When a friend asks us what 85-inch TV to buy, we tell them the TCL QM8 series. That said, the Hisense U8N is currently discounted to $600 less than the TCL and offers a picture that is almost as good. There are plenty of other excellent choices available. Although this year's QM8 is our favorite for most people, it might not be right for your preferences or budget. TCL continues to lead the 85-inch TV pack with its new 2024 QM8. In our comparison tests it stood out with superior brightness and better contrast than other 85-inch TVs at this price, thanks to its mini-LED technology and well-implemented full-array local dimming. The TV has a modern, sleek design with a center-mount stand. The QM8 uses Google TV as its operating system, which we don't like as much as Roku TV, but it's still a solid smart TV. This model replaces the TCL QM8 from last year. See at Amazon If you're looking for the best value 85-inch TV and find the TCL QM8 just a bit too expensive, consider the Hisense U8N your go-to. In our side-by-side comparison of the two 2024 models, the QM8 came out just ahead, but the U8N still impressed us with its great performance. Both TVs boast outstanding image quality featuring mini-LED backlights and full-array local dimming. They also share similar gaming features and run on the Google TV operating system. Both models are considerably cheaper than other TVs with comparable image quality from more established brands. See at Best Buy OLED TVs have the best picture quality, but they don't come in 85-inch sizes, so that's why we're listing this 83-inch size instead. The C4 represents better picture quality than any non-OLED TV on this list at a price that's higher but still not stratospheric. It excels with perfect black levels, unmatched contrast and excellent off-angle viewing, standing out against the mini-LED models in my comparison tests. While it may not be as bright as some other models, it still performs exceptionally well in all kinds of room lighting. The C4 is also one of the lightest TVs we've ever reviewed thanks to carbon-fiber construction. See at Best Buy If you're in the market for a top-notch 85-inch TV but prefer not to go with OLED, the Samsung QN90B is an excellent choice. This TV features QLED TV technology with mini-LEDs for a brighter image than any OLED TV. Although OLED TVs still won the contrast battle in our side-by-side tests, the QN90B QLED screen is closer than ever to matching it. Among Samsung's lineup of its many QLED TVs, the QN90B stands out as a premium model, second only to their versions with 8K resolution. It's a 2022 model, and while the 2024 version QN90D looks very similar in terms of features, we expect it to deliver similar image quality, though we have yet to review it. See at Amazon With all the TVs available today, and all the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what's important. Here's a quick guide to help cut through the confusion. Price: TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive, and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It's also best to shop for a TV in the fall when prices are lower. Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV, and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other "feature," stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we've heard is from people who didn't go big enough. We rarely hear people complain that their TV is too large. Capability: When it comes to entry-level TVs, the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture, in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet. For more TV buying advice, check out How to Buy a TV. Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of television reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every television we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions, playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, and across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility among other factors. One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how it compares in nits across select TVs listed above. Check out How We Test TVs for more details. It depends on your room size, seating distance and personal taste. For a large living room or den, an 85-inch TV is generally excellent, but it's too big for smaller living rooms or most bedrooms. If you sit closer to the screen you don't need as large a TV for the best experience. Most 85-inch TVs measure around 74 inches wide. Because the frames around newer TV screens are typically quite narrow, 85-inch TV widths don't vary much. Models with very slim frames are on the lower end; the 85-inch Samsung QN90A is 74.5 inches wide, for example, while the slightly thicker-framed 85-inch TCL 4-Series is 74.9 inches wide. If you're not planning to wall-mount the TV, you generally want the piece of furniture supporting the TV to measure at least as wide as the TV itself, and preferably a few inches wider. Refer to the manufacturer's website for the exact dimensions of a particular 83-inch or 85-inch TV. An 85-inch TV weighs between 90 and 120 pounds with its stand, but this varies significantly depending on the type of TV. The carbon-fiber LG C4 83-inch TV weighs 92 pounds with the stand, for example, while the 85-inch Samsung QN90C weighs 110 pounds with the stand. Removing the stand allows you to wall-mount the TV and reduces its weight (stands can weigh up to 20 pounds). Shipping weight (box, accessories and so on) adds another 10 to 20 pounds. Refer to the manufacturer's website for the exact weights of a particular 85-inch TV. 4K resolution delivers a sharp, detailed image on an 85-inch TV. Most 85-inch TVs (or any TV over 50 inches) are made in 4K, meaning they have 8 million pixels that compose the picture on the TV. A single pixel, or discrete picture element, consists of a tiny dot on the screen. However, newer and much more expensive 85-inch TVs may be available in 8K resolution (33 million pixels), but we don't think those are worth buying just yet. Stick with 4K for now when buying a 85-inch TV and check out our guide to TV resolutions for more short, yes -- our general advice for TV shoppers is that bigger is usually better, especially if you're looking to maximize 4K content. However, the value of an 85-inch TV largely depends on your room size, viewing distance and budget. If you're TV shopping for a living, family room or den, an 85-inch TV is generally "worth it" to get the best cinematic experience, provided that you can sit the recommended 13 to 15 feet away from the screen. But if you don't have the space or budget, a smaller 75- or 65-inch TV may be best suited for your needs. Read more in CNET's TV screen size guide if you need a bit more information before choosing an 85-inch TV. According to THX and SMPTE, you should sit between 13 and 15 feet from an 85-inch screen for maximum theatrical impact, although many viewers will find it more comfortable to sit a bit further back than that. Most 85-inch TVs have 4K resolution, and if you have 20/20 vision you can sit as close as about 4.5 feet from the screen and still not discern individual pixels.
