How to Choose the Best TV in 2024? Tips and Recommendations

The TV landscape is continually evolving with rapid advancements in technology. From higher resolutions to smarter features, choosing the best TV can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect TV for your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly model or a high-end home theater setup, understanding the key features and technologies will ensure you make an informed decision.

1. Determine Your Budget

Before delving into details, it’s crucial to establish a budget. Having a clear idea of your spending limit will help streamline your choices and avoid exceeding your financial plan. TVs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the features and technology.

• Budget-Friendly: $300 – $500
  • Ideal for smaller rooms or secondary TVs.
  • Typically offer Full HD resolution and basic smart features.
    
• Mid-Range: $500 – $1,500
  • Suitable for most living rooms and provide a balance between cost and features.
  • Often include 4K resolution, HDR support, and advanced smart functionalities.
    
• Premium: $1,500 and above
  • Best for home theater enthusiasts or large living spaces.
  • Offer top-of-the-line features such as 8K resolution, OLED/QLED displays, and advanced audio technologies.

2. Choose the Right Screen Size

When choosing a TV, the screen size is super important. It needs to fit your room size and your viewing distance. A larger screen provides a more immersive experience, but it’s essential to choose a size that fits comfortably in your space.

• Small Rooms (e.g., bedrooms): 32-43 inches
  • Ideal for compact spaces where a larger screen might be overwhelming.
  • Suitable for casual viewing and secondary TVs.
    
• Medium Rooms (e.g., living rooms): 50-65 inches
  • A versatile size range that fits well in most living rooms.
  • Provides an immersive experience without dominating the room.
    
• Large Rooms (e.g., home theaters): 70 inches and above
  • Perfect for creating a home theater experience.
  • Offers the best viewing experience for movies, sports, and gaming.

3. Understand TV Resolutions

The TV resolution decides how clear your picture looks. More pixels in higher resolution mean sharper, more detailed images. Here are some common resolutions:

• HD (720p): Suitable for smaller screens or budget-friendly options.
  • Offers a basic viewing experience.
  • Adequate for casual viewing and small rooms.
    
• Full HD (1080p): A step up in clarity, good for most viewing needs.
  • Provides a noticeable improvement over HD.
  • Ideal for mid-sized screens and everyday viewing.
    
• 4K Ultra HD (2160p): Four times the resolution of Full HD, ideal for larger screens and modern content.
  • Offers stunning clarity and detail.
  • Perfect for large screens and home theaters.
  • Increasingly supported by streaming services and Blu-ray discs.
    
• 8K Ultra HD (4320p): The highest resolution available, offering exceptional detail, but with limited content currently.
  • Future-proof your setup with the latest technology.
  • Ideal for very large screens and those seeking the best possible picture quality.

4. Display Technologies: OLED vs. LED vs. QLED vs. LCD

Understanding the different display technologies will help you choose the best TV for your needs.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

OLED TVs are known for their ability to produce true black levels and vibrant colors. Each pixel is self-illuminating, allowing for precise control over brightness and color. This results in superior picture quality, especially in dark scenes. However, OLED TVs are generally more expensive and may suffer from burn-in if static images are displayed for prolonged periods.

• Pros: Deep blacks, higher contrast, wide viewing angles.
• Cons: Expensive, potential for burn-in.
• Ideal for: Home theaters, dark rooms.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

LED TVs use LED backlighting to illuminate an LCD panel. They offer good brightness and are more affordable than OLED TVs. However, they may not achieve the same level of contrast and black levels. LED TVs are a great option for well-lit rooms and everyday viewing.

• Pros: Brightness, energy efficiency, more affordable.
• Cons: Limited contrast compared to OLED, narrower viewing angles.
• Ideal for: Bright rooms, general viewing.

QLED (Quantum Dot LED)

QLED TVs, primarily produced by Samsung, use quantum dots to improve color accuracy and brightness. They offer a significant improvement over traditional LED TVs, making them suitable for bright rooms and those who prioritize vibrant colors.

• Pros: Better color accuracy, higher brightness, good for well-lit rooms.
• Cons: Still relies on LED backlighting, which can limit contrast.
• Ideal for: Bright rooms, vibrant color display.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LCD TVs are the most affordable option and are widely available. They use liquid crystals to display images, illuminated by a backlight. While they may not offer the same picture quality as OLED or QLED, they provide good value for money, especially for those on a budget.

• Pros: Affordable, widely available, energy-efficient.
• Cons: Inferior contrast and color compared to OLED and QLED, narrow viewing angles.
• Ideal for: Budget-friendly options, general use.

5. Smart TV Features

Smart TV functionality is crucial in 2024. These features allow you to stream content, use apps, and connect to other smart devices.

Key Features to Look For:

• Streaming Services: Access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video.
• Voice Control: Integration with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
• App Availability: A wide range of downloadable apps.

Smart TVs come with built-in internet connectivity and provide access to a range of streaming services and apps. When selecting a smart TV, think about the user interface and how easy it is to navigate. Certain smart TV platforms are more intuitive and user-friendly than others.

6. HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR technology enhances the color and contrast of the picture, making it more vivid and realistic.

HDR Formats:

• HDR10: The most common format, widely supported. It’s a baseline standard for HDR content.
• Dolby Vision: Offers dynamic metadata for superior color and contrast. It adjusts the picture scene-by-scene for the best possible quality.
• HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma): Designed for broadcast TV. It’s backward compatible with SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) displays.

Ensure your chosen TV supports HDR to enjoy a richer viewing experience. HDR provides more dynamic range and color accuracy, enhancing both bright and dark scenes.

7. Connectivity Options

Modern TVs come with various ports and connections that enhance their functionality.

• HDMI Ports: At least three HDMI ports are recommended for connecting multiple devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices.
• USB Ports: Useful for playing media files directly from a USB drive or connecting peripherals like a wireless keyboard.
• Ethernet Port: Ensures a stable internet connection, crucial for streaming high-definition content.
• ARC/eARC: Audio Return Channel connects soundbars and home theater systems. eARC (enhanced ARC) provides higher bandwidth, improving audio quality.

8. Audio Quality

While TV picture quality has improved significantly, built-in speakers often fall short. Consider enhancing your audio experience with external options.

• Soundbars: Compact and easy to set up, provide better sound quality than built-in speakers. Look for models with subwoofers for enhanced bass.
• Home Theater Systems: Offer immersive surround sound, ideal for movie enthusiasts. These systems include multiple speakers and a receiver for a true cinema experience.

Tips:

• Look for TVs with Dolby Atmos support for a better audio experience.
• Consider the TV’s audio output options (optical, HDMI ARC).

9. Brand and Warranty Considerations

When buying a TV, brand reputation and warranty options are important.

• Reputable Brands: Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Acer. These brands are well known for their quality and reliability.
• Warranty: Look for at least a one-year warranty. Extended warranties can provide additional peace of mind. Some brands offer on-site repair services, which can be convenient.

10. Buying vs. Financing Options

For many, the price of a high-end TV can be a significant investment. Financing options can make it easier to afford the TV you want without breaking the bank.

• Buying Outright: Paying the full price upfront. Ideal if you have the budget and want to avoid monthly payments. This option can save you from paying interest.
  
• Financing: Many retailers offer financing options that allow you to pay for your TV in installments. This can help you get a more expensive model without a large initial outlay.
  
  Look for deals that offer 0% interest for a set period. This can be an attractive option if you can pay off the balance within the promotional period.

Conclusion

Choosing the best TV in 2024 involves considering your budget, room size, and specific needs. By understanding the different technologies and features, you can make an informed decision that enhances your viewing experience. Whether you opt to buy outright or take advantage of financing options, there’s a perfect TV out there for everyone. At Approovl, you can get the best financing and buy now pay later option. Explore now to discover your ideal TV.

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