Although you might at first associate Android with mobile phones and tablets, Google’s operating system provides the foundation for top-not TVs as well. The best Android TVs on the market make it easy to watch your favorite streaming apps or mobile content cast directly from your phone. It’s not surprising that some of the best TVs in the market are Android TVs, even if they do sacrifice speed and responsiveness for innovation.
All Android TVs have smart features, built-in Chromecast, thousands of apps, Google Assistant, support for 4K resolution and HDR, and are available in stunning LED, OLED, and QLED displays. These TVs will also have many connectivity ports for you to connect your laptop or game consoles for a brilliant large screen experience.
In this buying guide, we look at what Android TVs are, their pros and cons, how long they last, and other aspects. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best Android 4K TV for your home.
Top Android TVs
#1 Hisense 43H5500G Full HD Smart Android TV
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for users that want to have a display that supports voice control and wireless connectivity while also delivering great sound.
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- Amazing sound
- Allows for voice control
- Easy to use interface
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- No support for HDR
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This 43-inch Hisense Full HD TV is an excellent buy for users who prioritize great sound as well as an easy-to-use interface. It comes with DTS VirtualX sound to deliver an immersive audio experience and has an android TV platform that is easy to navigate. The platform allows for access to a wide range of movie and TV shows for continuous home entertainment. The TV also has Motion Rate image processing technology to reduce any lag during fast-motion scenes and Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for wireless connection to the Internet and other stereo components. Unfortunately, it does have support for HDR content.
The TV also has Google Assistant built-in, so users will be able to control the TV through voice commands whenever they don’t want to use the remote to navigate. In terms of connectivity and inputs, most owners will appreciate the TV’s wide selection of ports since it includes two HDMI ports, one Ethernet port, two USB ports, one Digital Audio Output, and one RCA composite video output. It has a decent 60Hz refresh rate and built-in Chromecast for casting content from other devices onto the TV.
#2 TCL 50S434 50-inch HDR Smart Android TV
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It delivers excellent picture quality thanks to its high screen resolution, and it also has support for HDR content.
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- Great picture quality
- Support for HDR content
- Wide port selection
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- Narrow viewing angles
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The TCL 50S434 is a 50-inch display with a 4K screen resolution for superb picture quality. It supports HDR content for delivering a lifelike viewing experience and has Google Assistant built in to allow for seamless voice control. Owners will enjoy access to over 700,000+ movies and TV shows, and with Google Chromecast built-in, they can also cast media from their smart devices onto the TV. Unfortunately, this TV has pretty narrow viewing angles.
The TV also boasts a wide port selection since it comes with two HDMI ports, one USB port, one Ethernet port, one Audio out port, and one cable and antenna port. The TV also comes ready for VESA mounting and allows users to access free over-the-air HD content thanks to its built-in HD tuner. It runs on the Android TV platform, making it very easy to navigate.
#3 Sansui ES43S1A 43-inch UHD Smart Android TV
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Award: BEST FOR PICTURE QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It delivers excellent picture quality and supports High Dynamic Range for vivid visuals, and has a wide port selection
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- Excellent picture quality
- Wide port selection
- Supports voice control
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- Remote has to be pointed directly to the TV for it to function
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The Sansui ES43S1A is a 43-inch display with a high 3000:1 contrast ratio for deep dark blacks and an impressive 4K screen resolution. It is ideal for users that want to enjoy a cinematic viewing experience from the comfort of their home thanks to its support for Dolby Audio technology for superb sound and HDR content for vivid visuals. The TV relies on the Android user platform to deliver an exceptional viewing experience and supports Google Assistant for voice control. Unfortunately, its remote has to be pointed directly to the TV to function.
With Chromecast built-in, it is pretty easy to have content depicted on the TV’s screen. With a wide range of inputs that includes three HDMI ports, two USB ports, one AV-in port, one earphone port, and one optical port, the display is an excellent option for users who prioritize connectivity. Additionally, it also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for a wireless connection to the Internet.
#4 Sony XBR65X900F 65-inch Smart LED Android TV
Award: BEST FOR CINEMATIC VIEWING EXPERIENCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for buyers who want to enjoy a cinema-like watching experience from the comfort of their home. It has a wide port selection, excellent contrast, and rich color.
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- Excellent color
- Wide port selection
- Great contrast
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- Mediocre viewing angles
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The Sony XBR65X900F is a premium 65-inch display that is ideal for users who want to enjoy a 4K picture resolution, and with a high 120Hz refresh rate, the TV allows for smooth motion for clear, fast-moving scenes. The TV also has a wide range of inputs since it allows for 4 HDMI, 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, and 1 Composite port to easily switch inputs. Its use of Xtended Dynamic Range Pro technology allows for exceptional contrast. With support for both Dolby Vision and IMAX technologies, owners are set to enjoy a cinema-like viewing experience from their homes. Unfortunately, the display does not have the best viewing angles.
Color reproduction on this TV is excellent courtesy of its Triluminous Display, and with support for Google Assistant, users will enjoy faster access to their content. The display is also ideal for HDR gaming and can also be integrated into a smart home so that it can be controlled through Alexa. The display also has a very narrow frame that allows users to mount it flush to the wall and an elaborate cable management system that will have wires pass through the stand.
#5 Sceptre A322BC-SRC 32-inch Smart LED Android TV
Award: BEST FOR GENERAL VIEWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for users who want to enjoy HDR content and stream content. It has a wide port selection and is easy to navigate.
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- Easy to use Android TV interface
- Wide port selection
- Support for HDR content
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- Not ideal for gaming
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The Sceptre A322BV-SRC is a 32-inch Smart TV that runs on the Android TV platform. It has a 720p resolution and can be easily mounted on the wall. It also supports voice control through Google Assistant and allows for media transfer from smart devices through its built-in Chromecast function. The display also comes with a Bluetooth remote that doesn’t require a line of sight to function, but its low refresh rate may not appeal to gamers.
The display is perfect for users who want to mount it on a wall thanks to its VESA compatibility, and with a 60Hz refresh rate, motion processing is pretty decent. The display also has a wide range of ports for users to choose from, including three HDMI ports, two USB ports, a headphone jack, an Auxiliary Input Jack, among others. Lastly, its support for HDR content means users will enjoy vivid imagery and rich color.
#6 Skyworth E20300 40-inch 1080p Full HD Android TV
Award: BEST FOR STREAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is an ideal display for users who want to stream content. It has a wide port selection and has decent picture quality.
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- Easy to navigate Android platform
- Support for voice control
- Great port selection
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- No support for HDR content
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The Skyworth E20300 is a 40-inch display with a decent 1080p resolution and is also based on the Android TV platform. The display supports Google Assistant and has a wide range of ports that will afford users a wide range of connectivity options. The display is perfect for users who would like to enjoy access to more than 700,000 movie and TV show titles, and with an infinity screen that has narrow bezels, it looks modern and has a very premium feel. Unfortunately, the TV does not have support for HDR content.
The TV is adapted to enhance pictures through four primary ways: skin color adjustment, contrast boosting, color compensation, and precision definition. These enhancements result in a richer picture, and with a port selection that includes two HDMI ports and two USB ports, it offers pretty flexible connectivity options.
Beginner’s Guide to Android TVs
What is an Android TV?
An Android TV is a television with smart technology that runs the Android operating system (OS). Several television brands make Android TVs, such as Sony, Vizio, and Hisense. The operating system was developed by Google and gives users a smooth experience on TVs, similar to a smartphone. Like with the Roku or Amazon streaming sticks, an Android TV has a clean, easy-to-use interface that lets you consume digital content from major streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and many others.
Android TV vs Other TVs
Like other TVs, an Android TV displays your favorite TV shows, movies, and games, but the difference is with regards to the operating system. The interface is similar to what’s on your Android smartphone, so it’s easy to navigate between different apps and access online entertainment.
Unlike other TVs, Android-equipped models (and Google TV) have built-in Chromecast support, which allows you to cast videos or images from your phone to the TV with just the tap of a button. Of course, you can use Chromecast on a non-Android TV, but to do so, you have to purchase a small Chromecast device that plugs into the unit’s USB port.
If you have an Android phone, you can use it as a TV remote too. Android TVs come with Google Assistant, so you can use the voice controls to input requests, like playing music and videos, among many other things. Non-Android TVs will not have this functionality.
Another feature that you won’t find on non-Android TVs is access to Google Play. Android models provide access to over 5000 apps from the Google Play Store, so there are plenty of options to choose from across all categories (like gaming, streaming, and productivity).
How an Android TV Works
At the most basic level, an Android TV works the same as the best 80 inch TV — it transforms electrical signals into pictures and sounds and shows them on a screen. The operating system lets you use internet-based content, so you won’t need to connect streaming devices, like the Amazon Fire Stick or Roku Streaming Stick. But just like your laptop and smartphone, smart TVs need Wi-Fi networks to operate.
Fortunately, there is virtually no learning curve for Android TVs. From the moment you first power on your television, you’ll see the Discovery bar at the top, which displays suggested content and apps. You can also search using voice commands. To use the Chromecast feature, you simply press the Cast button on your phone to watch it on the television.
Why should you buy an Android TV?
If you want to switch from your old dumb or non-smart TV to a smart TV, an Android model is an excellent choice. This is especially true if you also use an Android smartphone, although it’s unnecessary. Let’s look at why it is worth buying and why you will want to avoid it.
Are Android TVs Worth Buying?
- Android Applications: As mentioned earlier, the Google Play Store is loaded with applications of all kinds, and on an Android TV, you’ll have access to over 5000 apps. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to streaming, gaming, and other entertainment and productivity apps.
- The Google Assistant: The Google Assistant is incredibly convenient and responsive to voice commands. It’ll be considerably easier to input requests through the Assistant rather than doing it manually.
- Built-in Chromecast for Quick Casting: With Chromecast, you can swiftly and conveniently cast applications from your Android device to the Android TV.
Why an Android TV May Not Be for You
- You Have a Streaming Stick: If you already have a streaming stick that adds smart functionality even to the best dumb TV, then it doesn’t make sense to buy an Android TV.
- It Can Feel Slow At Times: The Android TV OS does a lot of work behind the scenes, so at times, the TV can feel slow. Even when turning on, it could take a little more time than other TVs.
How Long Will an Android TV Last?
How long an Android TV will last depends on how much it is used, how well it is maintained, its quality, and most importantly, its display technology.
You’ll get between 50,000 to 60,000 hours of viewing from an LCD TV, which means it will last for nearly two decades.
In contrast, LED TVs boast a lifespan of 40,000 to 100,000 hours when used at maximum or near-maximum brightness. Even with heavy use, these TVs will work well for 5 to 7 years and over a decade with moderate or low usage, although you may experience a pronounced decline in image quality.
An OLED TV performs better than an LED TV, but since the material used to create these panels is organic, they have a limited lifespan. You’ll see a decrease in image quality after using these TVs at max settings for 8 to 10 years.
QLED TVs use quantum light-emitting diodes to greatly enhance the colors and the brightness of visuals on the screen. Since it is not based on organic materials, QLED TVs don’t degrade over time and provide excellent picture quality even after years of heavy use. At max settings, you can expect QLEDs to last between 7 to 10 years or longer without any reduction in picture quality.
Another advantage to QLED technology is that they are also burn-in-free, so they’ll offer you an excellent viewing experience over the long run. If a static image is displayed on the screen for long periods with other screen types, it will even leave a permanent outline on the screen, known as burn-in.
How to Choose the Best Android TV
Now that you’ve decided to buy an Android TV, it’s time to consider several factors to narrow down on your selection. The resolution, display technology, and price range are some of these factors. Let’s look at these and more below.
Android TV Key Factors
1. How Much Resolution?
Resolution is the number of pixels that create the images on a TV display. In general, the higher the pixel count, the better the sharpness and quality of the visuals.
With standard HD, you get 921,600 pixels, which increases to 2 million with Full HD. If you have a 4K TV, you’ll have 8 million pixels, providing a massive upgrade in image quality from Full HD. TVs with 8K resolution are becoming more common, but you won’t find them in sizes smaller than 65 inches. Of course, there’s very little 8K content to stream, in general, and you won’t find any on even a single streaming platform.
2. What Display Technology Do You Want?
You’ll find four display technologies on the TV market — LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED.
LCD stands for liquid crystal display, and these displays rely on fluorescent tubes to produce light. Compared to LED, OLED, and QLED displays, its picture quality is quite low, so it’s no wonder that it’s the least expensive option.
LED technology (light-emitting diodes) also uses a liquid crystal display but relies on light-emitting diodes to create light. This gives LED TVs superior picture quality and sharper images compared to standard LCDs.
Next, an OLED TV (organic light-emitting diode) uses a sheet of organic LEDs with subpixels that create their own light. This produces deeper blacks, incredible image contrast, and the best picture quality that maintains its sharpness even when viewed from an angle.
QLED (Quantum-dot LED) TVs are traditional LCD panels that are lit by LEDs. A quantum dot layer fills the space between the LCD panel and the backlight. QLED displays are brighter than OLEDs and are the perfect choice for sunny spaces with a lot of ambient light. But they don’t have as good picture quality as an OLED TV.
3. What’s the Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate refers to how many times a picture is refreshed on the screen per second. Measured in Hertz, the standard refresh rate on most televisions is 60 Hz or 60 times per second.
A 60 Hz refresh rate is great for watching basic television programs but not for high-action shows or sports programs with a lot of movement. Models with higher refresh rates, like 120 Hz and 240 Hz, are what you’ll need to get smooth visuals when watching action films or sports matches or playing video games.
4. Does It Support HDR?
HDR is short for “high-dynamic range” and enables a television to produce a wide range of more accurate colors than non-HDR TVs. Without HDR, you simply won’t get great color accuracy. However, while HDR is supported across LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED screens, it’s only available on 4K displays.
5. How Many HDMI Ports?
The number of ports you need depends on how you use your TV and how many devices you plan to connect to it. Since you can’t add HDMI ports later, it’s best to pick a TV that has enough ports for your needs. If you’re big on gaming, you’ll need HDMI ports to connect your consoles (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and the sound system, but look for models with USB-C and USB ports, too.
6. What’s Your Budget?
Although you’ll find Android TVs available at a reasonable price, the cost of these TVs varies across a wide price range. On sale, you can find one for as low as $128, but on the upper end, they can go as high as $5000. Pricier Android TVs will have a larger screen size, have advanced smart TV features, better connectivity options (HDMI 2.1), and have incredible display technology with 4K and HDR support.
