Choosing the best HDR TV could mean the difference between a sharp, crystal clear picture and shoddy refresh rates and a laggy affair. Our evaluation focused on performance/display, refresh rate, number of inputs, OS interface, and Smart TV features
After more than 18 hours of research, our pick for the best HDR TV goes to the Samsung50-inch Class Crystal UHD TU-8000 Series HDR TV. It owns impressive specs, starting with Crystal Processor for 4K upscaling, Auto Game Mode for refresh rate management, two built-in voice integrations, and the popular Tizen platform with its simplified UI and easy navigation. Continue reading to learn more about these products and how they stack up against the best TVs on the market.
Top 10 Best HDR TV
#1 SAMSUNG 50-inch Class Crystal UHD TU-8000 Series HDR TV
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This UHD HDR TV features a Crystal Processor for 4K upscaling/crisp color handling and Ambient Mode, an excellent choice as a centerpiece TV in a large household.
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- Vivid color picture
- Two voice assistant options (Alexa and Samsung’s Bixby)
- Captivating Ambient Mode for displaying art
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- Not the most anti-reflective screen
- No backlighting on remote; hard to use in dark rooms
- Poor HDMI port positioning (back of the TV)
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This HDR TV is a well-rounded powerhouse. Its Crystal processor 4K offers 4X the resolution of Full HD and processing for color depth, a wider palette, and excellent contrast range, even in darker scenes. An Auto Game Mode also optimizes refresh rates for smoother motion and an overall better flowing picture.
Kudos for running on Samsung’s Tizen platform, its OS with a deeply curated Universal Guide for broadcast and streaming content, along with popular apps Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. Two voice assistants ( Alexa and Samsung’s Bixby) offer voice control of TV functions (e.g play and pause) and smart home devices such as Philips Hue bulbs and Echo Dots. Lastly, we are big fans of this TV’s simplified OneRemote, which automatically detects and controls compatible devices to reduce remote control clutter. It’s a good choice for anyone looking for the best 1080p tv and wanting excellent picture quality.
#2 Sony A8H OLED HDR TV
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This OLED HDR TV is based on the powerful Z1 Ultimate Processor for highly accurate image rendering and a Pixel Contrast Booster for more than 8 million individually controlled pixels. It’s an excellent choice for people who want the sharpest image possible.
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- Pixel Contrast Booster for image quality
- Dedicated Game Mode for optimal refresh rates
- Supports Apple Airplay 2 and Homekit for streaming
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- Highly reflective screen
- No VRR or Freesync support for gaming optimization
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Hands down, this HDR TV’s display is one of the finest we’ve researched. The combination of its Pixel Contrast Booster and TRILUMINOS Display delivers a much more mature color palette with contrast depth, along with X-Motion Clarity for a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion scenes. Quite the must when watching sports or getting your game on with the Playstation 4, Xbox One, or Xbox One S. If you like this TV, you might be interested in our best LED TV guide.
This OLED panel HDR TV is based on the Android TV platform with intuitively laid out menu navigation, rapid-fire scrolling, and good response times with content transitions. Its remote control is also simplified, with dedicated buttons for Google Play and Netflix for one-click access. All in all, we were very impressed with the overall picture quality and UI. If you’re looking for the best TV for sports, this one is it.
#3 LG OLED 55C9 HDR TV
Award: BEST FOR GAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR TV features LG ThinQ AI technology for outstanding voice command response and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility offering crazy 360Hz gameplay, an excellent choice for hardcore PC gamers.
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- NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility
- LG ThinQ AI for brightness optimization
- Supports Dolby Vision HDR for improved contrast ratios
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- OLED screen burn-in may degrade image quality
- Occasional desyncing of remote from the TV
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This best HDR TV for gaming really shines with its α9 Gen 2 Intelligent Processor, which works to optimize clarity and sharpness using deep learning AI algorithms that detect ambient lighting conditions to display the most vivid picture possible. it also supports Dolby Vision HDR, which is superior to standard 4K HDR with a wider color range, peak brightness, and contrast management.
We love this HDR TV’s interface which supports built-in Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and AirPlay 2 for streaming content directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV. Kudos for LG’S Magic Remote, which uses an on-screen cursor to navigate between menu items without having to toggle and scroll. It’s one of the best TVs for bright rooms on our list.
#4 Samsung Q80T QLED HDR TV
Award: BEST FOR BRIGHT ROOMS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR TV comes with Direct Full Array 8X controlled backlighting for richer contrasts and a strong anti-glare reflective screen, an excellent choice for TV watching in sunlit rooms, or facing open windows.
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- Proprietary tech for increased color palette
- HDMI ports and two USB ports for external devices
- Ambient Mode+ for converting TV to wall art
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- Does not support Dolby Vision
- Not many dimming zones with FALD system
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This HDR TV offers exceptional viewing angles and excellent color volume using Quantum Dot technology, which is good for 1+ billion shades of color to create lifelike detail, especially with nature scenes. 4K AI upscaling also converts non HD content to near 4K and an Active Voice Amplifier also helps counter ambient noise to optimize voice delivery for better hearing.
Our favorite feature with this Samsung QLED TV is Samsung’s Tizen, it’s easy to use interface that includes a bottom launcher bar, customized menu options, and access to all of the popular streaming services including YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney Plus. We observe no lags or clunkiness between menu transitions and voice controls are pretty spots on. We are also big fans of this QLED TV’s One Remote, which uses a built-in microphone for universal functional and voice commands. It’s a contender for the best TV for your bedroom as well.
#5 Samsung Q904 HDR TV
Award: BEST SMART FEATURES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR TV comes with Quantum Dot technology for backlighting and color range management, as well as Samsung’s Tizen Smart TV with a super interface for content selection – an excellent choice for streaming service subscribers.
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- Anti-reflective & highly bright screen
- Quantum Dot technology for excellent contrasts
- Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG high dynamic range (HDR)
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- Remote has steep learning curve
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We love this HDR TV’s combination of Quantum Dot technology for a rich color palette and an anti-reflective screen with the choice of four picture modes. Full-array local dimming (FALD) backlights work exceptionally well using a series of back panel LEDs to optimize black levels. The viewing angle is solid, with optimal contrasts when seated at 45 degrees at opposite sides.
Big shoutout to this HDR TV’s built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It is also integrated with Samsung’s proprietary tech, Bixby, although word and pattern recognition is off-kilter compared to Alexa. AirPlay 2 wireless streaming also allows users to stream music and movies directly from their iPhones, iPads, and Macs. All in all, we were very impressed with this unit’s performance in bright rooms. It’s also on our list for the best smart TV for streaming.
#6 Sony X800H HDR TV
Award: BEST FOR OFFICE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR TV supports a Graphics Picture mode, which makes it super convenient projecting desktop content onto your TV – great for office warriors.
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- Supports multiple video formats
- Easy to stream smart camera feeds using Alexa
- Excellent brightness with HDR content
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- Subpar contrast ratios and so-so black levels
- No local dimming
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This HDR TV is pretty well rounded. A powerful 4K HDR image processor and TRILUMINOS display a clear, life-like picture, supportingHDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats.. A separate technology, 4K X-Reality PRO even upscales on HD content to near 4K streaming video. However, contrast ratios and black levels are so-so – not as much a concern for the untrained eye. MotionFlow XR240 also does a superb job of managing refresh rates and lowering input lag for high-intensity gaming or Apple TV watching.
We love this HDR TV’s Android TV and Google Assistant platform, which allows for easy voice command to play, pause, and find your favorite streaming convent. It can even be used to monitor smart home devices such as thermostats and security cameras. You might also like our best curved TV buying guide if you are concerned about viewing angles.
#7 Vizio M Series Quantum HDR TV
Award: BEST VALUE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR TV is a solid all-around performer, delivering value with Quantum Dot technology and full-array local dimming technology for a vivid picture – a great choice for value-conscious shoppers.
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- Full-array local dimming for sharp contrasts
- Quantum Dot for excellent color variety
- Four HDMI inputs; great as home theater system
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- Not the brightest screen
- Remote could be much sturdier
- 60Hz refresh rates; some noticeable blur with high motion scenes
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This HDR TV is pretty well rounded. Quantum Dot color and full-array local dimming LED backlighting to offer rich textures, deep blacks, and a wide color palette – operating on 250 or 600 nits of brightness depending on settings adjustments. Kudos for having four HDMI inputs, which makes this an excellent choice as a value home theater system.
Our favorite feature with this HDR TV is its SmartCast operating system, with support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and WatchFree, a collection of 100+ free channels, carrying a super easy to navigate channel guide and Favorites section with your own curated stuff. Everything from 24/7 news channels to sports events is covered. All in all, we were very impressed with its value relative to picture quality and depth of free channels, making it a good choice for the best TV for seniors.
#8 VIZIO M558-G1 M-Series HDR TV
Award: BEST FREE CONTENT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR TV offers Active Full Array backlighting for outstanding black levels and Vizio’s WatchFree service for 100+ channels of free live and on-demand content, making it a great choice for people looking to avoid cable bills for good.
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- Sharp picture with deep blacks
- UltraBright 600 for bright room performance
- Easy-to-navigate SmartCast TV
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- Remote could be more intuitive to use
- 60Hz refresh rate panel; not the best for gaming
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This HDR TV offers exceptional value, starting with Quantum Color for a 1+ billion color palette, UltraBright 600 for peak brightness, improved black level, and up to 90 local dimming zones for outstanding contrasts.
Kudos for a fast loading and intuitive UI and streaming discovery platform, led by VIZIO’s SmartCast TV with more than 100 free and original channels through the WatchFree service and SmartCast Home, carrying all of the popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Built-in Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast also allows voice command controls and streaming from your mobile device. It’s good for anyone looking for one of the best outdoor TVs.
#9 TCL 50″ 5-Series 4K UHD HDR TV
Award: BEST INTERFACE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This budget TV offers four HDMI ports and is based on the Roku Smart TV Platform, the most user-friendly UI we’ve researched for 4K TVs to date.
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- Excellent color depth and clarity
- Auto Game Mode for awesome gaming performance
- Supports HDR Pro Pack with Dolby Vision
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- Limited presets for bass/treble options
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This HDR TV offers enough value to compete with more renowned brands, Sony, LG, and Samsung, starting with Quantum Dot technology with 1 billion shades of color, Contrast Control Zone technology for improved contrast management, and an Auto Game Mode that optimizes picture settings for a better refresh rate.
To add, Roku’s TV platform is a real winner. It substitutes the icon heavy and launcher bar-style navigation menus found in LG’s WebOS and Samsung’s SmartHub with a much simpler interface heavy on traditional sidebar menus. If you’re focused on sound quality, our best sounding TV buying guide has additional options for you.
#10 Hisense 43R7E 43-inch 4K Ultra HD HDR TV
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR TV features 4K Ultra HD resolution and the simplest, most compact remote researched to date, making it a great choice for people looking for a cheaper option from premium brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony.
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- Super simple remote; less than 15 buttons
- 120Hz refresh rate for no blur high-speed motion
- Excellent brightness and black levels
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- No integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- No support for Dolby Vision
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We love this HDR TV’s picture, offering HDR10 support for a rich color palette, albeit at the expense of contrast with so-so black levels. Full-array local dimming technology also sets up multiple LEDs zones throughout the screen to boost black levels and build deeper contrasts.
This HDR TV is also based on the Roku TV platform, known for its simplified interface with access to all of the popular video streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, and YouTube. We are also big fans of its remote, which is super simplified with less than 15 buttons. We highly recommend it for seniors as there is minimal button toggling involved with menu transitions.
How We Decided
In determining the best HDR 4K TVs to buy we explored performance/display, refresh rate, number of inputs, OS interface, and Smart TV features.
In terms of performance, our recommendation is for an OLED TV, which blows past traditional 4K UHDs with 33,177,600 pixels. Support or HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision help achieve a wider color range as well as deeper blacks and purer whites. Do not underestimate glare reduction – go for matte screens when possible, which better work in sunlight or rooms facing open windows. lastly, look to 120Hz native refresh rates for no motion blur on high action scenes for no blur. The higher the number, the smoother the overall picture
Go for HDR TVs with a minimum of three HDMI ports and 1 USB port, more than enough to power all of your external devices such as Blu-ray players, Xbox Ones, and a Google Chromecast if not supported by your HDR TV.
Refresh rates are also very important. Motion Rate 120 or TruMotion 120 technology or a 120Hz native refresh rate work to produce smooth, high motion scenes with no noticeable blur, jerking, or lagging. If you are looking for optimal sound, Dolby Atmos supported HDR TVs are the way to go.
Lastly, look into Smart TV features. The Roku TV platform, LG’s WebOS, Samsung’s SmartHub are all excellent examples of intuitive layouts that make it easy to find and stream content. Kudos for HDR TVs that support Apple Airplay 2, which allows for direct streaming from your mobile devices, laptops, or tablets.
Best HDR TV Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Performance/Display
Look for an HDR TV that can support 4K resolution and one or more HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision for a wider color palette and improved depth optimization. Our favorite TVs run OLED, QLED, and 4K Ultra HD for a substantially higher pixel density and color selection than standard 1080p HD televisions. It’s a must with Apple TV and other streaming platforms. Additionally, look for full-array local dimming, a backlighting technology that boosts contrast ratios, as well as a minimum refresh rate of 120Hz. - Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is a super important consideration. It refers to the number of times the image is refreshed per minute. The higher the number, the smoother the motion and image quality. At a minimum, look to HDR TVs with a minimum 120Hz rate, which produces no noticeable blur in even the quickest of screen motion, such as Nascar races, football games, and high-intensity MMA matches with never-ending flailing limbs. Watch out for brands that advertise Motion Rate 120 or TruMotion 120 technology, as that TV could still carry a 60Hz native refresh rate. It makes all the world of difference when watching Apple TV. - Number of Inputs
Our preference is for HDR TV;’s to carry a minimum of three HDMI ports and one USB port, good enough to serve as a No. 1 TV in a large household connected with a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, and one or two other peripherals like Amazon Fire Sticks, soundbar, or sound system for improved sound quality. Convert your HDR TV to a home cinema and you have yourself a winner. - OS Interface
Look for HDR TVs with simple and easy to navigate interfaces. We are big fans of LG’s webOs, Samsung’s SmartHub (albeit a bit too bottom launcher menu heavy), and the popular Roku TV platform which is our personal favorite for its simplicity, low latency, and simplified controls. Alexa and Google Home compatibility is also a must for voice command controls for playback functions and to control smart home devices directly using your screen instead of a nearby Echo Dot or surround sound soundbar.
