How to Choose the Right TV: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Choosing the right television involves balancing size, budget, technology, and intended use. Whether you’re upgrading your living room or setting up a home theater, understanding key factors like display technology, connectivity, and picture quality can help you make an informed decision. Below, we break down the essential considerations for 2026.

1. Determine the Ideal Screen Size

The size of your TV should align with your viewing distance and room layout. A general rule of thumb is to divide your seating distance (in centimeters) by 4 to estimate the optimal screen size in inches. For example, a 3-meter (300 cm) distance suggests a 75-inch TV. However, this formula assumes 4K content, which hides pixelation at typical viewing distances.

For smaller spaces or budget-friendly options, 55- or 65-inch models offer excellent value. If you prioritize a cinematic experience, 75-inch and larger models are available, though they often come at a premium. OLED technology is ideal for smaller screens (42-48 inches) due to its superior contrast and color accuracy.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

High-quality TVs are now accessible at various price points. Entry-level OLED models like the LG B5 or Philips OLED810 start around €1,000 for 55-inch models. Premium options like the Sony Bravia X90K or TCL X11L can exceed €2,000, offering advanced features like Mini-LED backlighting and 120Hz refresh rates.

For larger screens (85 inches or more), prices typically range from €1,500 to €3,000. Consider your needs: a budget-friendly 85-inch model may suffice for casual viewing, while a high-end 75-inch TV is better for gaming or sports.

3. Understand Display Technologies

OLED: Known for perfect black levels and wide viewing angles, OLED TVs are ideal for dark rooms and movie enthusiasts. Modern models have minimized burn-in risks through software updates and dynamic pixel shifting.

Mini-LED/LCD: These use thousands of smaller LEDs for localized dimming, achieving brighter highlights and deeper blacks than traditional LCDs. Models like the Sony Bravia X90K and TCL C8L combine Mini-LED with QLED technology for vibrant colors and high brightness.

QLED: Samsung’s QLED TVs use quantum dots to enhance color accuracy and brightness, making them a strong choice for well-lit rooms. However, they generally lack the contrast of OLEDs.

4. Prioritize HDR and Picture Quality

High Dynamic Range (HDR) expands color gamuts and contrast ratios, creating more lifelike visuals. Key HDR formats include:

• HDR10: The most common standard, supported by all 4K TVs.
• Dolby Vision: Offers dynamic metadata for scene-by-scene optimization. Supported by Sony, LG, and select Samsung models.
• HDR10+: An open-source alternative with similar benefits, used by Samsung and Panasonic.

For the best HDR experience, pair your TV with 4K content from platforms like Netflix or Disney+.

5. Check Connectivity and Smart Features

HDMI 2.1: Critical for gaming consoles