The top 6 TVs our readers bought this year so far (including a surprise budget pick)

The G4 OLED is LG’s latest addition to its line of high-end, flagship OLED TVs, featuring an updated panel for enhanced color accuracy and contrast, a brighter picture, and support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. Console gamers will love the high refresh rate and support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. 

“I’m not usually a fan of LG TVs, but since testing the LG G4 OLED TV last year, I have to admit that it has the most impressive picture quality of any TV I’ve ever bought, used, or tested,” ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner writes. The LG G4 OLED is available in a variety of sizes, but ZDNET readers gravitate toward the 65- and 83-inch models.

Also: The LG G4 OLED is one of my favorite TVs for picture quality

Both myself and ZDNET editor Chris Bayer got to test out the TCL QM8, and we were both impressed by what the company had to offer with its latest flagship TV. With a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, you’ll get excellent visibility in almost any lighting environment — even direct sunlight — while the 5,000 local dimming zones give you OLED-level contrast for sharper image quality. 

The QM8 has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for console gaming, while AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support prevents stuttering and freezing while gaming. The TCL QM8 is available in sizes up to 115 inches, but ZDNET readers most often opt for the 65-, 85-, and 98-inch models for both typical living rooms and dedicated home theaters.

Also: Why I recommend this TCL Mini LED TV to most people, even though it’s a year old

While Vizio may be more well-known for its home audio solutions, they do make a solid, budget-friendly smart TV that ZDNET readers love, especially if they aren’t bothered with brand recognition. The M-Series Quantum is a 65-inch screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution, and support for AMD FreeSync VRR for console gaming. It also features Wi-Fi 6 support for faster and more reliable wireless internet connectivity and screen sharing support via Apple AirPlay and Chromecast for streaming media from your iOS and Android devices.

I got to test out the Hisense U8N for myself, and I can see why ZDNET readers gravitate toward this one. With a 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, and support for remote and cloud gaming apps, it’s a nearly perfect screen for dedicated game rooms or home theaters. Bold colors and clean contrast give you better detailing, even in older media, while Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound delivers rich music and clean dialogue in movies, shows, and games. 

Also: This is the Mini LED TV I recommend to most people

Samsung is one of the biggest names in televisions, and the Samsung QN90D proves why. The updated QLED panel gives you better color accuracy, sharper contrast, and cleaner detailing while Dolby Atmos and object- tracking sound give you 3D audio that follows the on-screen action for a more immersive experience. Support for thousands of streaming apps, plus a preloaded suite of popular options lets you turn your living room or home theater into the ultimate entertainment space.

ZDNET editor Chris Bayer tested this Samsung model, and said “The QN90D offered up a crystal-clear picture with glistering highlights, vibrant colors, and the truest blacks I’ve witnessed on a non-OLED set.” 

Also: This 98-inch Samsung 4K TV is the ultimate home theater experience

A worthy competitor to Samsung’s The Frame, the Hisense S7 Canvas is a gallery-inspired TV that will turn your space into a personal art show as well as an entertainment hub. Interchangeable frames let you show off your personal style or blend your TV into your living room decor while access to free art content allows you to create custom slide shows. The updated QLED panel gives you bolder colors and a brighter picture, even in the daytime. ZDNET reviewer Kerry Wan called the Canvas “a lifestyle set that delivers practical image quality and a trendy aesthetic.”

Also: Why I recommend Hisense’s Frame TV competitor