If you‘re in the market for a new smart TV this year, there have never been more premium options available for movie lovers, streamers, gamers, and more. From stunning picture quality to powerful smart platforms, today‘s top TV models come packed with next-generation tech.
But with countless models spread across brands like LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL, and others, finding the best smart TV to fit your needs and budget can be challenging. That‘s where this definitive buyer‘s guide comes in.
I‘ve researched the top smart TV models of 2023 and narrowed down the very best options in categories like Overall, Value, Gaming, and more. For each TV, you‘ll find an in-depth analysis of key specs and features so you can zero in on your perfect set.
Here are my picks for the 6 best smart TVs you can buy this year:
1. Best Overall: LG G3 Series OLED TV
The new LG G3 OLED TV is my choice for best overall smart TV thanks to its unrivaled picture quality, dazzling OLED panel technology, and robust smart platform.
Display Technology: Self-lit OLED
Key Features: Up to 70% brighter images than previous LG OLEDs, a9 AI Processor Gen6 delivers best-in-class upscaling, supports Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG, webOS smart platform
Sizes: 55", 65", 77", 83"
Price: $$ – $$$
LG has always been the leader when it comes to OLED TVs, and the G3 takes performance to another level with LG‘s Brightness Booster Max technology that achieves up to 70% greater brightness compared to the company’s G2 model from last year. When combined with perfect blacks and over a billion rich colors produced by the next-generation α9 AI Processor Gen6, images come alive with a sense of depth and realism I’ve seldom seen on another television.
Gaming is similarly best-in-class, with four HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K/120Hz gameplay, VRR, ALLM, and dedicated Game Optimizer settings. The new webOS 23 smart platform is also fantastic, offering all major streaming apps along with smart home controls and access to LG‘s entire ecosystem of products.
For the absolute best picture quality with impressive smart features, it’s hard to beat the superb LG G3 OLED. The only downside is the premium price, but you certainly get what you pay for.
Pros
- Best-in-class OLED picture
- Up to 70% brighter than previous LGs
- Powerful a9 Gen6 AI Processor
- Robust webOS smart platform
Cons
- Very expensive
- Audio just ok; soundbar recommended
2. Best Value: TCL 6-Series Mini-LED TV
If you want premium features on a budget, the TCL 6-Series Mini-LED TV brings quantum dot color, Dolby Vision IQ, 240 backlighting zones, and a fantastic Roku smart platform at a very affordable price point.
Display Technology: QLED with Mini-LED backlight
Key Features: 240 Contrast Control Zones, quantum dot wide color gamut with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos support, built-in Roku platform offers thousands of apps
Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”, 85” models
Price: $$
As their 2023 flagship TV lineup with premium Mini-LED backlighting, the TCL 6-Series continues to shine as a mid-range model that outperforms televisions double its price. The quantum dot wide color and precise contrast control zones produce sensational 4K HDR images, made even better by Dolby Vision IQ that intelligently adapts brightness and color based on ambient room conditions.
Gamers will appreciate the THX Certified Game Mode with Auto Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate up to 1440p/120Hz, and ultra-fast input lag. And built-in Roku provides perhaps the simplest yet most comprehensive smart TV platform available.
If you want near top-tier quality at a reasonable price, the TCL 6-Series once again earns my award for best value smart TV of 2023.
Pros
- Excellent picture quality with QLED/Mini-LED
- Dolby Vision IQ adjusts intelligently
- Great price for the technology
- Roku TV offers smooth streaming
Cons
- Contrast doesn‘t match OLED
- Roku ads can annoy some
3. Best Gaming: LG C2 OLED
Boasting four HDMI 2.1 inputs, sub 1ms response times, and a dedicated Game Optimizer menu, the LG C2 OLED TV is undoubtedly one of the best gaming TVs this year.
Display Technology: Self-lit LG OLED Evo
Key Features: 4x HDMI 2.1 inputs (4K/120Hz), sub 1ms response time, Nvidia G-Sync + AMD Freesync Premium, Game Optimizer provides genre-specific game modes
Sizes: 42”, 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, 83”
Price: $$$
LG‘s brilliant OLED Evo panel technology returns in the C2 Series, providing perfectly deep black levels for incredible contrast along with LG’s most vibrant colors yet. The new a9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K delivers superb upscaling and optimization for any content.
For gaming, all four HDMI ports support 4K gaming at 120Hz along with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and the Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium certifications. An intuitive Game Optimizer menu automatically selects genre-specific modes tailored for FPS, RPGs, RTS games, and more. Input lag measures an imperceptible 0.8ms.
Put it all together and the LG C2 OLED is every gamer’s dream TV, blending jaw-dropping visuals with ultra-responsive, lag-free gaming. Casual gamers can benefit too thanks to the excellent webOS smart platform with all leading apps and services.
Pros
- Phenomenal OLED picture quality
- Loaded with next-gen gaming features
- webOS offers great smart features
Cons
- Brightly lit rooms can display glare
- Mediocre built-in audio
4. Best Budget: TCL 5 Series QLED
It’s astounding what TCL can offer for under $500 in their 5-Series 4K QLED TV. With quantum dot wide color gamut and solid gaming features, it’s my top budget pick.
Display Technology: QLED
Key Features: Quantum dot for over a billion colors, AiPQ Engine for color/clarity optimization, Auto Game Mode for latency reduction, variable refresh rate
Sizes: 50”, 55”, 65”, 75” models
Price: $
As their entry-level 4K QLED model with quantum dot technology, the TCL 5-Series continues to prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for excellent color, clarity, and motion resolution. TCL’s proprietary AiPQ Engine uses machine-learning algorithms to dynamically optimize color, contrast, and clarity on a scene-by-scene basis.
Auto Game Mode automatically enables sub-15ms THX Certified game mode whenever it detects a connected console, while supporting modern standards like VRR and ALLM. The intuitive Roku smart platform rounds out a complete package that puntches well above its weight.
If your budget is under $500, the TCL 5-Series QLED brings quantum color technology and great smart features at a price that can’t be beat.
Pros
- Excellent colors with quantum dot
- Solid clarity and contrast
- Great smart TV value
Cons
- Mediocre off-angle viewing
- Just 60Hz refresh rate
5. Best Picture Splurge: Samsung S95C OLED TV
Featuring the first 4K 144Hz OLED panel and quantum dot color, the Samsung S95C OLED delivers best-in-class visual performance for those seeking the ultimate home theater display.
Display Technology Quantum Dot OLED
Key Features: Higher peak brightness than LG OLED, 144Hz 4K possible at lower resolutions, quantum dot filter enhances color gamut
Sizes: 55", 65", 77"
Price: $$$$
Samsung’s new S95C Quantum Dot OLED series brings the company’s QD-OLED panel technology to 4K televisions for the first time. The result is superb black levels and near-infinite contrast you expect from OLED, along with boosted brightness and fuller, more saturated colors thanks to the quantum dot layer. A dedicated Gaming Hub with 4K/120Hz inputs make this a superb (but expensive) option for gamers as well.
Make no mistake, this is an investment piece designed for well-heeled home theater enthusiasts. But if you want the pinnacle of display technology for sports, movies, and gaming, Samsung has created their best consumer television yet. Just bring some deep pockets.
Pros
- Cutting-edge QD-OLED technology
- High 144Hz peak refresh rate
- Vibrant, wide quantum dot colors
Cons
- Astronomical price tag
- Just one size currently
6. Best Design: Samsung The Frame 2023
Sometimes you want your TV to blend in seamlessly with your living space’s décor. That’s where The Frame 2023 comes in, providing gorgeous QLED visuals that double as customizable works of art.
Display Technology: QLED
Key Features: Art Mode to display various artworks or photography when not watching TV, slim attachable bezels to match décor, built-in motion sensor puts into Art Mode when you leave the room
Sizes: 32”, 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
Price: $$-$$$
With screen sizes ranging up to 85 inches, stunning quantum dot QLED displays, and a Slim Fit Wall Mount that hugs as close as possible, The Frame remains the best way to incorporate a television into a living room or bedroom without it sticking out visually. The attached bezels allow you to customize colors and frames to match your décor.
The built-in Art Store provides unlimited access to various works of art, photography, or personal photos. Set the built-in motion detector and The Frame will automatically switch into Art Mode whenever you leave the room.
If you want technology to fade into the background visually, The Frame 2023 lets your TV emulate pieces of artistic décor when not entertaining you with movies and shows.
Pros
- QLED picture quality
- Television blends into décor
- Art Mode content looks fantastic
Cons
- Lower brightness than premium QLEDs
- Speakers only face downward
Smart TV Buying Guide
With endless models on shelves, buying a smart TV can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to key factors that will help you select your perfect television:
Display Technology
Today‘s top panels consist of OLED, QLED, and LED/LCD:
- OLED (LG, Sony) – Self-emitting pixels product perfect blacks. Costly but best overall picture quality potential.
- QLED (Samsung, TCL, Hisense) – Quantum dots enhance color and brightness. More affordable, brighter overall than OLED.
- LED/LCD – Traditional backlit technology. Budget models have come a long way but can’t achieve OLED-level quality.
Resolution + HDR
4K resolution is highly recommended for screen sizes over 43 inches. High dynamic range (HDR) support boosts the color, contrast and brightness capabilities of 4K TVs, so make sure to get a model with at least HDR10/HLG. Advanced HDR standards like Dolby Vision deliver enhanced quality when available.
Refresh Rate + HDMI 2.1
A higher panel refresh rate smoothens visual motion clarity. 120Hz is ideal for sports, video games, and movies. Connect next-gen game consoles via HDMI 2.1 ports to enable 4K/120Hz gaming. VRR support is also key.
Smart Platform
All smart TVs connect to the internet today for streaming access. LG webOS, Roku TV, Google TV and Samsung Tizen are top platforms that provide hundreds of apps. Roku is best overall for simplicity and content selection.
Audio Quality
Unfortunately most thin TVs lack robust built-in sound. Investing in a quality sound bar significantly boosts the audio experience. Dolby Atmos support is ideal if using a premium sound system.
FAQs
What is the best smart TV overall?
The LG G3 OLED TV is my pick for 2023 due to its unmatched picture quality powered the new brighter LG OLED Evo panel and latest video processor.
What smart TV has the best interface?
Roku TV offers my favorite smart interface thanks to its simplicity, breadth of streaming channels and apps, and lack of ads compared to some platforms.
Is OLED or QLED better for picture quality?
OLED TVs achieve superior contrast and black levels thanks to pixel-level lighting control. But QLED TVs can achieve higher peak brightness. Gamers may prefer QLED‘s lack of burn-in risk. Ultimately both technologies are fantastic for 4KHDR content.
Which smart TV brand is the most reliable?
I‘ve found LG and Samsung smart TVs to be very reliable over years of use. TCL models also offer good dependability given their affordable costs. Extended protection plans are still a good idea for peace of mind.
How much should I spend on a smart TV?
With excellent models now available under $500 like the TCL 5 Series, you can get great smart capability and quantum dot color technology without breaking the bank. Stepping up to $1000-2000 provides an outstanding entertainment experience in most living rooms. But you can also spend $3000+ on flagship OLEDs with cutting-edge performance for discerning videophiles. Determine your must-have features, then set a budget that makes sense for your financial situation. With numerous models at all prices, you can find the perfect smart TV for any budget!
