Best Smart TV

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Smart TVs have become a must-have in modern homes, offering a seamless blend of traditional TV functions and internet connectivity for easy access to endless entertainment options. With the ability to stream services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video directly from your TV, you can simplify your setup and ditch separate devices. Many models also feature voice control, making it easier to search for shows or adjust settings hands-free. When choosing a smart TV, consider the operating system for ease of use, picture quality (resolution, HDR, refresh rate), and sound performance. After extensive testing, we’ve identified the best smart TVs for a range of needs and budgets.

  • Amazon Fire TV 40″ Smart TV

    10

    We think this affordable Fire TV is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smart TV with good features.

    10

    We think this affordable Fire TV is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smart TV with good features.

    Pros

    • Excellent value for the price
    • Easy setup and user-friendly interface
    • Built-in Fire TV streaming capabilities

    Cons

    • Only 1080p resolution, not 4K
    • Sound quality could be better
    • Bright standby light may bother some users

    We recently got our hands on the Amazon Fire TV 40″ 2-Series, and we’re impressed by what it offers for the price. The setup was a breeze – we had it up and running in no time. The Fire TV interface is smooth and easy to navigate, giving quick access to all our favorite streaming apps.

    The picture quality is good for a 1080p TV. Colors look vibrant, and the HDR support adds some extra pop to compatible content. We found it plenty bright for most rooms, though it may struggle in very sunny spaces.

    While the built-in speakers aren’t amazing, they’re fine for casual viewing. We’d suggest a soundbar for a more immersive experience. The included Alexa voice remote works well for finding content and controlling smart home devices.

    We love how this TV brings together live TV, streaming, and even some basic gaming options. It’s great for a bedroom or smaller living space. The 40-inch size feels just right for these settings. Overall, we think it’s a smart buy for anyone wanting a capable smart TV without breaking the bank.

  • Insignia 32″ F20 Fire TV

    9.7

    We think this Insignia smart TV is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a compact 1080p set with built-in streaming.

    9.7

    We think this Insignia smart TV is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a compact 1080p set with built-in streaming.

    Pros

    • Sharp 1080p picture
    • Alexa voice control
    • Fire TV streaming built-in

    Cons

    • Limited screen size
    • Basic sound quality
    • Plastic build feels cheap

    When we set up this 32-inch Insignia, we were impressed by how quick and easy it was to get streaming. The Fire TV interface gave us access to all our favorite apps like Netflix and Hulu right away. The 1080p picture looked crisp and colorful for the price point.

    We really liked using the Alexa voice remote to find shows and control playback. It was handy to just ask Alexa to “play Stranger Things” or “turn up the volume” without fumbling for buttons. The Apple AirPlay support also came in handy for sharing photos and videos from our iPhones.

    While the sound was okay for casual TV watching, we’d recommend adding a basic soundbar for better audio. The plastic build also felt a bit flimsy, but that’s expected at this price. For a bedroom, kitchen, or small living room, this Insignia delivers good value as an affordable smart TV with lots of streaming options built-in.

  • Samsung 55″ Crystal UHD Smart TV

    9.5

    We think this Samsung TV is a solid choice for most people looking for a feature-packed 4K smart TV at a reasonable price.

    9.5

    We think this Samsung TV is a solid choice for most people looking for a feature-packed 4K smart TV at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Crisp 4K picture with vibrant colors
    • Slim design blends into walls
    • Smooth motion handling for sports and action

    Cons

    • Sound quality could be better
    • Smart platform can be slow at times
    • Limited viewing angles

    The Samsung 55″ Crystal UHD TV impressed us with its picture quality. Colors looked rich and lifelike on the 4K screen. We noticed deep blacks and bright highlights that made movies pop. The slim design caught our eye too. It’s so thin, it almost disappeared against our wall.

    We liked how smooth fast-moving scenes looked. Sports and action movies played without much blur. The TV upscaled older shows nicely too. They looked sharper than on our old TV. Built-in streaming apps gave us lots to watch. We found most of our favorite services right away.

    The sound left us wanting more. It was okay for casual TV watching, but lacked oomph for movies. We’d suggest adding a soundbar for the best experience. The smart features worked well, but felt sluggish at times. Viewing angles weren’t great either. The picture looked best when we sat directly in front of the TV.

  • Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series

    9.4

    We think this smart TV offers great value for its crisp 4K picture and user-friendly Fire TV interface.

    9.4

    We think this smart TV offers great value for its crisp 4K picture and user-friendly Fire TV interface.

    Pros

    • Sharp 4K HDR picture
    • Easy-to-use Fire TV interface
    • Alexa voice control built-in

    Cons

    • Sound quality is just okay
    • 60Hz refresh rate
    • Limited app selection compared to Roku

    The Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series impressed us with its vibrant 4K picture. Colors pop and details look crisp, especially when watching HDR content. We noticed the difference right away compared to our old 1080p TV.

    Setting up the TV was a breeze. The Fire TV interface is simple to navigate, and we love being able to ask Alexa to find shows or control smart home devices. The remote has handy shortcut buttons for popular streaming services too.

    While the picture quality shines, the built-in speakers are just so-so. We’d suggest pairing this TV with a soundbar for a better audio experience. The 60Hz refresh rate is fine for most content, but hardcore gamers might want a TV with a higher rate for smoother motion.

  • VIZIO 40″ Full HD Smart TV

    9.3

    We think this VIZIO smart TV offers good value for those seeking a compact Full HD display with smart features.

    9.3

    We think this VIZIO smart TV offers good value for those seeking a compact Full HD display with smart features.

    Pros

    • Sharp Full HD picture
    • Built-in streaming apps
    • Bluetooth headphone support

    Cons

    • Limited HDR capabilities
    • Only two HDMI ports
    • 60Hz refresh rate

    We recently tested out this 40-inch VIZIO smart TV in our living room. The Full HD 1080p resolution looks crisp and clear, especially for a TV this size. Colors pop nicely thanks to the full-array LED backlighting.

    Setting up the TV was quick and easy. We were streaming shows on Netflix within minutes of powering it on. The built-in smart platform gives access to popular apps like Disney+ and Prime Video. We like being able to customize the home screen with our favorite apps.

    One feature we really appreciate is the Bluetooth headphone support. It’s great for late-night viewing without disturbing others. The TV also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for voice control and smart home integration.

    There are a few drawbacks to note. With only two HDMI ports, we had to use a switcher for all our devices. The 60Hz refresh rate isn’t ideal for fast-paced sports or gaming. HDR support is limited to HDR10, so don’t expect the same wow factor as higher-end TVs.

    For the price, this VIZIO offers solid performance and features in a compact size. It’s a good fit for bedrooms, small living rooms, or as a secondary TV. Just keep in mind the limitations if you’re a serious gamer or movie buff.

  • Insignia 50″ 4K Fire TV

    9.1

    We think this Insignia smart TV offers great value for those seeking a budget-friendly 4K option with built-in Fire TV features.

    9.1

    We think this Insignia smart TV offers great value for those seeking a budget-friendly 4K option with built-in Fire TV features.

    Pros

    • Sharp 4K picture quality
    • Easy-to-use Fire TV interface
    • Hands-free Alexa voice control

    Cons

    • Some lag when navigating menus
    • Limited viewing angles
    • Average sound quality

    We recently tested the Insignia 50-inch F30 Series 4K Fire TV in our living room. Right away, we noticed the crisp and vibrant 4K picture. Shows and movies looked detailed and colorful on the LED screen. The Fire TV interface made it simple to access all our favorite streaming apps.

    Using the Alexa voice remote was convenient for finding content and controlling smart home devices. We could ask Alexa to play specific shows or adjust the volume without pressing buttons. Pairing the TV with an Echo speaker allowed for completely hands-free control.

    While the picture impressed us, we did notice some downsides. The TV occasionally lagged when navigating menus or switching inputs. Viewing angles were also limited – the picture looked best when sitting directly in front of the screen. The built-in speakers produced decent audio, but we’d recommend adding a soundbar for a more immersive experience.

    For the price, this Insignia offers solid performance and useful smart features. It’s a good pick for viewers who want an affordable 4K TV with streaming capabilities built-in. Just keep in mind it may not satisfy more demanding home theater enthusiasts.

  • Insignia 32″ Smart Fire TV

    9

    We think this affordable 32-inch smart TV is a solid choice for smaller rooms or budget-conscious buyers seeking basic features and Fire TV integration.

    9

    We think this affordable 32-inch smart TV is a solid choice for smaller rooms or budget-conscious buyers seeking basic features and Fire TV integration.

    Pros

    • Built-in Fire TV for easy streaming
    • Alexa voice control
    • Good value for the price

    Cons

    • Only 720p resolution
    • Sound quality is basic
    • Interface can be sluggish at times

    We recently tried out the Insignia 32″ Smart Fire TV in our office, and we were pretty impressed with what it offers for the price. The 720p picture looks fine on this smaller screen size, especially when sitting a few feet back. Colors seemed vivid enough for casual viewing.

    Setting up the TV was a breeze. We just plugged it in, popped on the stand, and were watching shows within minutes. The built-in Fire TV interface gives access to tons of streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+. We liked being able to search for content across apps using the Alexa voice remote.

    While the sound isn’t amazing, it’s okay for a small room. We’d suggest adding a basic soundbar if you want more oomph. The TV supports HDMI ARC, which makes hooking up audio gear easier.

    One neat feature is Apple AirPlay support. We could quickly share videos and photos from our iPhones to the big screen. For the price, we think this Insignia offers good value if you want a basic smart TV for a bedroom, kitchen, or small living space.

  • Roku 50″ Select Series 4K TV

    8.7

    We think this Roku TV is a great choice for most people looking for an affordable 4K smart TV with excellent streaming features.

    8.7

    We think this Roku TV is a great choice for most people looking for an affordable 4K smart TV with excellent streaming features.

    Pros

    • Sharp 4K picture with HDR10+
    • User-friendly Roku interface
    • Voice remote with lost remote finder

    Cons

    • 60Hz refresh rate
    • Limited audio options
    • No local dimming

    We’ve spent a lot of time with this 50-inch Roku TV, and we’re impressed by its value. The 4K resolution looks crisp and detailed, bringing our favorite shows and movies to life. Colors pop thanks to HDR10+ support, though it lacks the deep blacks of pricier OLED models.

    The Roku interface is a breeze to use. We love how easy it is to find and launch apps, and the voice remote makes searching for content quick and painless. The lost remote finder feature has saved us from many fruitless couch cushion searches.

    While the built-in speakers are okay for casual viewing, we’d suggest adding a soundbar for a more immersive experience. The 60Hz refresh rate is fine for most content, but gamers might want something faster. Despite these minor drawbacks, we think this Roku TV offers excellent performance for its price point.

  • Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV

    8.7

    We think this Samsung TV is a solid choice for most people looking for a big-screen 4K experience without breaking the bank.

    8.7

    We think this Samsung TV is a solid choice for most people looking for a big-screen 4K experience without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Vivid colors and sharp 4K picture
    • Smooth motion handling
    • User-friendly smart features

    Cons

    • Sound quality could be better
    • Limited viewing angles
    • Remote feels basic

    The Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV caught our eye with its crisp, colorful picture. We were impressed by how it brought our favorite shows and movies to life. The 4K resolution made everything look super sharp, even when we sat close to the screen.

    We found the motion handling to be really good for fast-paced action scenes and sports. There was very little blur, which made watching football games a treat. The TV also did a nice job upscaling lower-resolution content, so even older shows looked better than we expected.

    The smart features were easy to use. We liked how quick it was to access streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube. The voice control worked well too, saving us time when searching for content. While the built-in speakers were okay for casual viewing, we’d suggest adding a soundbar for a more immersive experience. All in all, this TV offers great value for its size and features.

  • Hisense U6HF 58″ QLED Fire TV

    8.6

    We think this Hisense TV offers great value for its price, delivering impressive picture quality and smart features.

    8.6

    We think this Hisense TV offers great value for its price, delivering impressive picture quality and smart features.

    Pros

    • Vibrant colors with Quantum Dot technology
    • Built-in Fire TV for easy streaming
    • Voice control with Alexa

    Cons

    • Sound quality could be better
    • Fire TV interface can be sluggish
    • Limited peak brightness compared to pricier models

    We were impressed by the Hisense U6HF’s picture quality. The Quantum Dot technology really shines, producing rich and vivid colors that pop off the screen. We noticed this especially when watching nature documentaries and animated movies.

    The 4K resolution and HDR support, including Dolby Vision, made for sharp and detailed images. Dark scenes in movies looked good thanks to the local dimming zones, though we’ve seen better black levels on more expensive TVs.

    We liked the built-in Fire TV system. It gave us easy access to all our favorite streaming apps. The voice remote with Alexa worked well for finding content and controlling smart home devices. But we did notice some lag when navigating menus sometimes.

    The TV’s design is sleek with thin bezels. We found the setup process straightforward. While the sound was okay for casual viewing, we’d recommend a soundbar for a more immersive experience.

    For the price, we think this Hisense offers great bang for your buck. It’s a solid choice if you want a big screen with good picture quality and smart features without breaking the bank.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a smart TV, we recommend focusing on a few key factors.

Screen Size and Resolution

Pick a size that fits your space. Measure the viewing distance and consider the room layout. For resolution, 4K is now standard and offers crisp images.

Smart Platform

Look for an easy-to-use interface with access to popular streaming apps. Some platforms are more user-friendly than others.

Picture Quality

Pay attention to contrast ratio, color accuracy, and brightness. These affect how good the image looks in different lighting conditions.

Connectivity

Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your devices. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections are important for streaming.

Audio

Built-in speakers vary in quality. Consider if you’ll need a separate sound system.

HDR Support

High Dynamic Range enhances contrast and color. Look for TVs that support popular HDR formats.

Refresh Rate

A higher refresh rate (60Hz vs 120Hz) can make motion look smoother, especially for sports and action movies.

Price

Set a budget, but remember that paying a bit more often gets you better picture quality and features.

We suggest reading reviews and comparing models in person if possible. This helps you see differences in picture quality and interface usability firsthand.