What are the features that make for the best 8K TV? These next-gen televisions offer the best image quality around. To take advantage of that enhanced visual experience, you’ll want an option with upscaling capabilities, solid color accuracy, and a fast refresh rate.
You should also look for an 8K TV that fits your budget while recognizing that they are much more expensive than 4K TVs because they’re so new. Fortunately, the premium features included with most 8K TVs enhance the overall user experience, even if native 8K content still isn’t widely available.
If you’re planning on playing video games on your 8K TV, consider an option with low input lag, fast response times, and a variable refresh rate. This way, your gaming experience will be seamless enough for even the most competitive gamers.
Keep reading to learn more about the best 8K TVs and the best TVs in general, and how to pick the right option for you.
Top 8K TVs
#1 Samsung QN75Q900RBFXZA Flat 75-inch QLED 8K TV
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has fantastic picture quality and also has a high refresh rate to prevent any instances of screen tearing. It also has some impressive gaming features and can be controlled by voice through Alexa.
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- Excellent picture quality
- Great viewing angles
- HDR10+ support for deep and rich colors
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- No support for Dolby Vision technology
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The Samsung Q900 is a premium 75-inch 8K display released in 2019 and supports HDR10+ content for crisp and clear visuals. Its high resolution means it can render up to 33 million pixels, and since it features a super high 240Hz refresh rate, it is engineered to prevent any instances of screen tearing. It also has a wide range of input options with up to four and three HDMI and USB ports respectively. It comes with 8K AI technology to make the best out of lower resolution content, however, some users might not like that the display does not support Dolby Vision technology.
This 8K display also renders 100% color volume thanks to its use of Quantum Dot technology, and since it comes with Samsung’s exclusive ambient mode, owners will also be able to configure it to appear flush with the wall color or background art. The display is also perfect for group or family viewing thanks to its wide viewing angles, and gamers will appreciate its use of a Black Stabilizer feature to improve visibility in dark gaming scenes.
#2 LG 65QNED99UPA Built-in MiniLED 99 Series 65-inch NanoCell 8K TV
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has excellent picture quality and comes with a set of features that make it ideal for delivering the perfect at-home cinema experience. It also has amazing colors courtesy of its use of Quantum Dot Technology and has a 120Hz refresh rate to eliminate screen tearing.
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- Excellent picture quality
- Great for an at-home cinema experience
- Advanced gaming features
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- Lack of FreeSyncPremium technology may not appeal to gamers
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Released in 2021, the LG 65QNED99UPA is a top-tier 65-inch 8K TV that will suit anyone who cannot compromise on picture quality. Its 8K resolution makes it 16 times sharper than a Full HD display, and its super thin side profile gives it an even more attractive design. The display is a perfect pick for anyone who needs to enjoy the ultimate Home Cinema Experience courtesy of its HDR support for rich color and both Dolby Vision IQ and DolbyAtmos technology for users to experience movies exactly as directors had intended. Still, its lack of FreeSync Premium technology may not be appealing to gamers.
The display also features support for voice control through both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and thanks to its use of Quantum Dot technology, the colors on this display are rich and highly accurate. Its support for Bluetooth technology means users will be able to connect to different Bluetooth speakers, and with built-in access to streaming services such as Netflix, Apple TV+ and Disney+, users will have access to a wide range of content to watch and enjoy at home.
#3 TCL 65-inch Class 6-Series Mini-LED UHD Smart Roku 8K TV
Award: BEST FOR EXCELLENT COLOR
WHY WE LIKE IT: It can process over a billion colors and boasts excellent contrast. Its intelligent picture engine enhances its picture quality, and its thin side profile gives it an ultra-modern design.
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- Excellent color representation
- Great contrast
- Roku platform for access to streaming services
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- Narrow viewing angles make it unsuitable for group viewing
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The 65-inch TCL Class 6 Series is a Mini-LED TV released in 2021, and thanks to its 4K resolution, it delivers a picture that is four times sharper than that of a 4K display. Its use of Mini-LED technology allows it to render more than a billion colors, and with up to 240 different localized zones, the display offers a striking distinction between both bright and dark areas. This TCL display also supports many HDR formats to deliver a rich color experience, and since it is based on the Roku streaming platform, users will have access to a wide range of content to enjoy. However, its narrow viewing angles may make it unsuitable for group viewing.
This display can also be controlled through voice if properly integrated with Alexa or Google Home, and since it also comes with a Game Mode as well as a Variable Refresh Rate, the display is guaranteed to provide an ideal gaming experience. Its AiPQ engine works well to improve contrast, color, and clarity, and with inputs that include an HDMI 2.1 port, the display is well poised to work with next-gen gaming consoles.
#4 Sony Z9J 85-inch Smart Dolby Vision HDR 8K TV
Award: BEST FOR ENHANCED CONTRAST
WHY WE LIKE IT: It comes with intelligent brightness processing technology, and can process a wide range of colors. The display can also be controlled through Alexa or Google Assistant and has a processor that intelligently upscales lower resolution content.
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- Excellent picture quality
- Great sound and super accurate color
- Supports voice control
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- Can’t play 8K video UHD files
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The Sony Z9J is a massive 85-inch display with an Ultra HD 8K resolution and support for voice control through either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The display has a decent 120Hz refresh rate and delivers impeccable sound courtesy of DTS Surround Sound technology. Released in 2021, the display also renders super accurate colors thanks to its XR Triluminous Pro technology, and thanks to its Google TV platform, users will be able to access over 700,000 movie and TV titles to consume and enjoy. Unfortunately, some may not like that the display cannot play 8K video UHD files.
This Sony TV is also capable of upscaling lower resolution content to 8K quality, and courtesy of its wide viewing angles, the TV is perfect for group viewing. It can also be integrated with both Alexa and Google Assistant to allow for voice control, and thanks to its XR Contrast Booster 15 technology, the display delivers deep blacks and bright whites. It is also great for gaming since it comes with HDMI 2.1 ports for next gen consoles and a super low 8.5ms input lag for excellent responsiveness.
#5 Hisense ULED Premium 75U800GR 75-inch 8K TV
Award: BEST FOR BRIGHTNESS
WHY WE LIKE IT: It’s built-in streaming platform offers thousands of TV and movie titles for endless enjoyment, and with a great peak brightness level as well as an anti-glare screen, it is ideal for viewing in a well-lit environment.
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- Great peak brightness level
- Excellent picture quality
- Support for voice control
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- Narrow viewing angles
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The Hisense 75800UGR is a relatively large 75-inch display that supports an 8K picture resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display also comes with Quantum Dot Color technology for rich and detailed color reproduction and a brightness level that peaks at 1000 nits. Its Ultra Motion technology ensures perfect motion control, and its picture quality is four times sharper than that of a 4K display. Unfortunately, it has pretty narrow viewing angles.
Gamers will be happy to know that they can switch this display to Game Mode to optimize it for gaming, and since it also comes with the Roku streaming platform built-in, users will be able to access a wide range of streaming content. The display also works with all the popular voice assistants for voice control, and with an anti-glare screen, it maintains excellent visibility even in well-lit surroundings.
#6 Samsung QN800A 85-inch Quantum HDR 8K TV
Award: BEST FOR EXCELLENT SOUND
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its audio processing technology gives it an edge over other displays, and its high picture resolution delivers excellent picture quality. It also supports voice control and offers bright colors courtesy of its support for HDR content.
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- Superior sound
- Wide viewing angles
- Excellent motion processing
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- Local dimming causes significant blooming
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Aside from its large screen size, the 85 inch Samsung QN800A delivers fantastic picture quality thanks to an 8K screen, and with a refresh rate that averages up to 120Hz, images are super sharp and smooth even during fast action motion scenes. Its support for ultra-wide motion scenes means gamers will have the option to enjoy a wide field of view when gaming, and thanks to its Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ technology, motion scenes are fluid, leaving no ghost trails. Unfortunately, its local dimming feature causes a significant amount of blooming.
The 85-inch display also features up to four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it easily compatible with next-generation consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The display can also be integrated with multiple voice assistants, and thanks to its use of Quantum Dot technology, colors are rich and well saturated. Its support for Object Tracking Sound means audio is rendered in a way that follows the movement and action on screen. Its Neo Quantum 8K processor can upscale lower-resolution content to 8K quality for an even more vivid viewing experience.
Beginner’s Guide to 8K TVs
What Are 8K TVs?
Simply put, an 8K TV is a piece of display technology that you use to watch movies or TV shows, play video games, or look at pictures. An external device like a gaming console or Blu-ray player sends visual data to your TV, which displays it in a way your eyes and brain can interpret.
8K TVs vs. Traditional TVs
8K televisions are the latest offering in display technology. While they provide the same form and function as traditional televisions, 8K TVs provide the newest features and highest screen resolution.
For starters, they feature a 7680×4320 pixel resolution. This is 16 times greater than the standard 1920×1080 pixel resolution for TVs. An 8K screen resolution creates an image quality that is more detailed and sharper than any other TV on the market today.
In general, 8K TVs are also larger than traditional options, which range in screen size from anywhere from 22 inches all the way up to 85 inches. Because the difference between an 8K resolution and a 4K resolution is much more noticeable on a huge screen, most manufacturers only produce 8K TVs in sizes larger than 65 inches. If you prefer smaller sized TVs, take a look at the best 19 inch TVs for some ideas.
How 8K TVs Work
An 8K TV doesn’t work any differently than standard television. First, you plug the TV into a power source so it can turn on. Then, you connect it to a streaming device, Blu-ray player, or gaming console so it can display the visual signals coming from those devices.
Like many modern display devices, an 8K TV uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology to create the images on the screen. LCD TVs use two panes of glass to contain a material called liquid crystal. Once the TV is powered on, it sends an electric current through the liquid crystal, which then rearranges to filter light in a way that forms images and color.
8K TVs typically use one of four different backlighting methods:
- LED: These TVs use a simple array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting. The individual lights create a more consistent lighting experience and wide viewing angles overall. Some LED TVs also utilize edge lighting to achieve higher peak brightness levels.
- QLED: These TVs use both LED lights and a quantum dot filter below the LCD panels. They offer the same consistent performance and wide viewing angles as a standard LED but with brighter and more vibrant colors thanks to the quantum dot layer. If you want rich colors, then a QLED option is a good choice.
- Neo QLED: TVs that use Neo QLED technology are simply an evolution over standard QLED TVs. Instead of using a full-array LED panel, a Neo QLED TV uses tens of thousands of mini LEDs for more precise brightness control. This precision is much better for 8K screens where even the most minute details matter.
- OLED: These TVs use organic LEDs for lighting instead of standard LEDs. OLED TVs are the most expensive of the lot, but they are also the best in every way. The pixels on OLED TVs are self-contained and can power on and off as needed. This creates true black on your 8K TV, which is impossible to replicate in any other kind of display technology. If you can afford it, we recommend purchasing an OLED 8K TV over any other option.
Do You Really Need an 8K TV?
8K TVs are still relatively new, and there isn’t much native 8K content available to consume. So, is it even worth it to buy an 8K television? Whether you want the newest technology or you simply want a future-proof TV, an 8K option is an excellent choice.
Even though native 8K content is scarce, the increased pixel count and overall image quality of 8K TVs are impossible to beat. These TVs make movies, TV shows, and video games look amazing. Plus, even the lower-end 8K models offer more premium features than any other TV. If you want a TV specifically for gaming, check out our guide to the best 4k TV for gaming.
Is an 8K TV Worth Buying?
- You Want a Truly Cinematic Experience: 8K TVs provide a cinematic experience that is as close to an actual movie theater as you’ll ever accomplish in your own home. The extra pixels, high refresh rate, wide viewing angles, and fantastic color accuracy these TVs offer work together to create an immersive media experience.
- You Want the Latest and Greatest Technology: 8K TVs offer the newest technology, which is very enticing to tech and home theater enthusiasts. If you need to have the best, then 8K TVs will give it to you. This includes smart features and home theater features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
- You Want a Next Level Gaming Experience: The newest gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are compatible with 8K resolution. So, when 8K games release, you’ll be set for an enhanced gaming experience. Still, even for games with a 4K resolution, 8K TVs create the most visually stunning gaming experience possible.
Why an 8K TV May Not Be For You
- You’re On a Budget: 8K TVs are the most expensive options available on the market today. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll likely want to stick with something in the 4K or 1080p categories.
- You Want to Watch Native 8K Content: Since there isn’t much native 8K content available today, you may not think it’s worth it to buy an 8K TV. Buying a product that you can’t use to its fullest ability may be a detracting factor for many people.
How Long Will an 8K TV Last?
Most 8K televisions use some form of LED technology for backlighting, which is the part of the TV that is most likely to wear out the quickest. According to professionals at Visual LED, you can expect your LED 8K TV to last you between 60,000 and 100,000 hours of view time.
How to Choose the Best 8K TV
If you’re in the market for a new 8K TV, there are a few key factors to consider during the buying process. You’ll want to think about things like budget, screen size, image quality, and premium features like smart functions or Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.
Read through the following questions to learn more about the exact factors to consider while you shop.
8K TV Key Factors to Consider
1. What screen size and design factors work best for 8K TVs?
We recommend opting for something with a larger screen to get the most out of your new 8K television. Most manufacturers are only producing 8K TVs that are 65 inches or larger. You can find smaller models, but the enhanced image quality is harder to see on smaller screens.
When it comes to design, we recommend purchasing an 8K with an infinity screen, which simply means it has minimal bezels. TVs with an infinity screen design offer a more immersive viewing experience.
2. What image quality and performance features do you need to consider?
Consider these features when looking at image quality:
- Color reproduction: Most 8K TVs offer astonishing color accuracy, but some models do better than others. Neo QLED TVs tend to provide the best mix of affordability and vibrant colors, although an OLED TV will always win in color reproduction if you have the budget for it.
- Contrast ratio: A TV’s contrast ratio indicates how well it reproduces images with opposite colors, usually black vs. white. A high contrast ratio means you’ll get deeper blacks for better dark-scene performance
- HDR vs. Dolby Vision: Virtually all 8K TVs support high dynamic range, or HDR. This feature extends your TV’s brightness levels to create more accurate colors. If you want the best HDR experience, look for an option with Dolby Vision support. However, HDR10 is also good if you want to save some money.
- Refresh rate: Your TV’s refresh rate is a measurement of how fast it can update with a new frame every second. Most 8K TVs will offer a 120Hz refresh rate, but there are options with a 240Hz refresh rate if you want even less screen tearing and motion blur.
- Upscaling technology: Since there isn’t nearly as much 8K content available, you’ll want an 8K TV that can upscale 1080p and 4K content to 8K quality. Upscaling technology isn’t as good as native 8K content, but it’s better than nothing.
3. What kind of connectivity ports should your 8K TV include?
All 8K TVs offer at least one HDMI 2.1 input port. HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard for display technology, and it’s necessary for 8K TVs since it’s the only option that is fast enough to support 8K signals.
We recommend purchasing an 8K TV with more than one HDMI 2.1 port so you can connect multiple devices without worrying about a decrease in image quality.
You may also want to consider purchasing a TV with USB ports for media storage devices and an optical audio port for soundbars.
4. What gaming features do you need for your 8K TV?
If you’re planning on playing video games on your 8K TV, then you’ll want to consider an option with these features:
- Variable refresh rate: A TV with a variable refresh rate, also sometimes known as adaptive sync technology, can match the frame rates coming from your gaming console’s graphics card. This way, you’ll get a smooth and seamless gaming experience, even with fast-paced action games.
- Low input lag: Your TV’s input lag is a measurement of how quickly you’ll see the action you perform on your controller on the screen. A low input lag is essential for gaming.
- Fast response time: Your TV’s response time is a measurement of how fast it can switch between colors. We recommend purchasing a TV with a response time of 5ms or under for the best gaming experience.
- Auto low-latency mode: TVs with an auto low-latency mode (ALLM) will automatically switch to a more responsive gaming mode whenever you turn on your gaming console. This way, you won’t have to worry about manually enabling it every time you want to play video games.
5. What other premium and smart features should you consider for your 8K TV?
Most 8K TVs offer a host of premium features and smart functionality. Let’s take a look at some of the most important offerings:
- Voice assistant compatibility: If you have a smart-home setup, then you’ll want your TV to be compatible with your preferred voice assistant. Most 8K TVs offer compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri.
- Dolby Atmos support: TVs with support for Dolby Atmos create a cinematic experience by tricking your ears into thinking they hear surround sound. If you don’t want to pair your TV with external speakers, then Dolby Atmos compatibility is a must.
- Smart platform: Most 8K TVs include a built-in smart platform with Wi-Fi connectivity so you can enjoy all of your streaming services without the need for an external device.
