Televisions and projectors have never been superior. However, they've also never been trickier to choose from. OLED, QD-OLED, mini-LED, ultra-short-throw—the jargon accumulates rapidly and evolves swiftly. A half-decade back, an excellent television simply needed to be large and vibrant. Today, there's greater sophistication—darker blacks, crisper whites, and detail so refined that older displays appear faded by comparison. Meanwhile, projectors can position themselves close to surfaces yet still emit sharp visuals. The image quality has advanced to such a degree that even cinema complexes are feeling anxious about it.
But you’ve got to find a set that actually deserves your money. So we tested this year’s most promising models—from $500 budget sets to flagships with price tags that rival a trip to the impossibly blue lagoon they’re showing you to demo their HDR—for Men's Journal 's 2025 Tech Awards .
Whether you want to revamp your home office with the hottest new desktop computers, laptops, and accessories ; upgrade your everyday essentials with new earbuds or headphones ; or want to elevate your home with the latest speakers , sleep tech , and smart home gadgets , we have the vetted picks and expert insight to guide you.
Best TVs and Projectors at a Glance
- Best TV Overall: Sony A95L QD-OLED
- Best Budget TV: Hisense U8N ULED TV
- Best Projector Overall: Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800
- Best Streaming Hub : Roku Ultra (2024)
- Best WiFi Signal Booster: TP-Link Deco BE63
Top TV Choice: Sony A95L QD-OLED
Why I Chose It
An outstanding television needs to excel in various aspects such as deep contrast, vivid colors, fluid motion, and sufficient luminosity to suit different environments. The Sony A95L QD-OLED accomplishes this perfectly. By leveraging OLED’s impeccable black levels and enhancing both brightness and color quality, it distinguishes itself from standard OLED models. Rather than employing color filters which can reduce picture intensity, the A95L initiates with pristine blue OLED illumination and transforms part of it into red and green hues through tiny quantum dots. This approach yields more vibrant highlights and enhanced colors while maintaining the signature deep blacks associated with OLED technology.
With HDR brightness peaking at over 2,000 nits, explosions and sunsets have real cinematic punch. Shadows hold detail instead of turning into a murky mess, and colors pop without looking overdone. Motion stays sharp without introducing any weird smoothing effects.
We evaluated the 55-inch variant, and the image quality met our expectations. Highlights were bright, blacks were deep, and hues were vibrant, enhancing both cinematic experiences and live events visually. Sony employs an innovative method for audio by utilizing actuators positioned behind the display to make the panel itself resonate, which makes voices and sounds appear as if they originate directly from the scene instead of emanating separately through speakers. This inventive feature boosts engagement; however, incorporating a specialized sound setup or soundbar would provide greater auditory richness. Additionally, the A95L accommodates all key high dynamic range formats, ensuring optimal viewing regardless of content type.
This set certainly comes with a hefty price tag. However, if you're aiming for top-notch picture quality from an OLED at present, the A95L presents a compelling argument. Still, be warned—you might need to reach deep into your pockets just to consider getting this TV.
Top Affordable TV: Hisense U8N ULED Television
Why I Chose It
Affordable televisions often come with limitations such as poor contrast, motion blur, and insufficient backlighting. However, Hisense’s U8N counters these issues using technology typically found in more expensive models. It boasts mini-LED backlighting capable of reaching approximately 3,000 nits during high dynamic range scenes (which is exceptionally luminous for those who understand technical jargon). Additionally, its 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth movement—a feature one would normally anticipate from television sets priced at least double this model's cost.
Available in sizes up to 100 inches, we tested the 55-inch model to see if the specs live up to the hype. A Lakers home game looked sharp enough to spot whether LeBron’s foot was actually behind the three-point line. Dark scenes in The Last of Us They maintained the fine details rather than blending into a dull blur. Quick scenes remained crisp, and regular HD content from YouTube TV appeared more defined than anticipated, without any of the false sharpening techniques that cheaper models employ to simulate detail.
The viewing angles may not be ideal, but when you're right in front of it, the image quality competes with televisions that cost significantly more. Taking some time for fine-tuning can make a significant difference. After spending about thirty minutes adjusting the settings, the U8N offers an unexpected improvement. Occasionally, the finest affordable television doesn't come from the well-known brands.
Top Television for Gaming: TCL QM8 QLED
Why I Chose It
For a great gaming experience, a television should have three key elements: fluid motion, rapid response time, and vibrant high dynamic range (HDR). The TCL QM8 excels in these areas by boasting a 144Hz refresh rate, more than 5,000 mini-LED backlight zones, and specialized gaming modes such as variable refresh rate and automatic low-latency mode.
The 65-inch version (along with sizes at 75 inches, 85 inches, and an enormous 98 inches) offers impressive performance relative to its cost. With localdimming zones, this TV delivers richer black levels and more vibrant bright areas. Its glare-reducing display minimizes reflections, eliminating the need for dark drapes when enjoying HDR content. Although it may not achieve the deep blacks of an OLED panel, its high luminance ensures vivid details even during explosive scenes in HDR gaming titles. Cyberpunk 2077 feel as though they're intended to be—strikingly vivid, not faded.
While Sony and Samsung push past $2,000 for top gaming TVs, QM8 makes a simple point: Maybe the best gaming screen is the one that leaves room in your budget for games.
Best Art TV: Samsung The Frame
Why I Chose It
Most televisions appear as mere dreary black panels whenever you aren't streaming from Netflix. Samsung’s Frame tackles this issue ingeniously. It boasts a non-reflective screen that showcases artwork which truly resembles genuine pieces of art rather than looking like an ordinary television trying to mimic one. Although brands such as TCL and Hisense provide more affordable alternatives, The Frame remains superior thanks to its enhanced ability to reduce glare and comes with a neat compartment designed to discreetly store your wires, thus avoiding the unsightly mess often referred to as "wire fettuccine."
The 2024 version (ranging in sizes from 32 inches to 85 inches) installs seamlessly into your wall and features interchangeable magnetic bezels for easy swapping, an improvement over the plastic trims used by rival brands. For just five dollars per month, you gain access to new pieces from Art Basel, various museum collections, and selected artists, allowing your visitors to enjoy sipping wine while pretending they appreciate the displayed artwork.
This fall, the updated Frame Pro model will introduce mini-LED backlighting for improved contrast and retain only the power cable connection among all others. Currently, the standard version of The Frame demonstrates that an exceptional television could be one that remains useful even in its inactive state.
Best OLED for Most Users: LG G4 OLED Evo
Why I Chose It
OLED televisions excel at producing deep black levels and having unlimited contrast ratios, yet earlier versions often had issues with luminosity, which made them less appealing for brightly lit spaces. However, LG's G4 OLED evo addresses this shortcoming by providing much higher maximum brightness compared to past OLED models while still retaining their characteristic dark blacks that define the technology.
The 65-inch version we evaluated provided such impressive image quality that you'll be eager to revisit classic shows to discover everything you've overlooked before. Dune: Part One It appeared strikingly film-like, featuring rich shadows that retained details and desert vistas that seemed tactile instead of faded. The hues were lively yet didn’t come off as fake, and LG’s motion handling circumvented typical issues found in less expensive OLED TVs—quick movements looked fluid without appearing forced.
The G4 is priced somewhat below Sony’s A95L model. Although it falls short when compared with the A95L regarding processing capabilities and color accuracy, it excels in one crucial aspect: brightness. This feature makes it an ideal option for brightly lit environments, viewing sports events, and watching day-time television. During our test in a space filled with windows, we found that the improved anti-glare technology effectively managed glare, ensuring clear visuals from all angles. If you're looking for top-notch contrast and clarity without breaking your budget too much, the G4 stands out as a fantastic selection.
Top Projector Pick: Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800
Why I Chose It
Most projectors need a dark room and a 10-foot runway to shine. Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 skips the hassle. This ultra short-throw (UST) laser projector sits just inches from the wall, throwing a massive 100- to 150-inch image without ceiling mounts, tangled wires, or a complicated setup.
Thanks to its impressive 4,000 lumens of brightness, it handles ambient light more effectively than most ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors within this pricing range. Viewing a day-time NFL match isn't akin to looking through a misty pane, and the use of 3LCD technology ensures there’s no "rainbow effect"—those bothersome colored streaks often seen with certain DLP models. The colors appear true-to-life right from setup without requiring extensive adjustments in the menu settings.
Gamer enthusiasts also benefit from this feature. An exclusive HDMI 2.1 port allows for resolutions up to 1080p with a refresh rate of 120Hz, ensuring minimal latency and fluid movement. Although the integrated Yamaha two-point-one channel audio system suffices for everyday watching, those purchasing a projector akin to cinema experiences likely plan on incorporating additional sound solutions.
At $3,499, it’s not cheap. But if you want a massive screen without turning your living room into a cave, the LS800 is one of the best UST projectors available. Even better: you don’t need an engineering degree to set it up.
Best Portable Projector: Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
Why I Chose It
Projectors are supposed to be fun, not frustrating. During our test of the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser, it actually delivered. At 6.7 inches tall (about the size of a tallboy of Miller Lite) it’s small enough to toss in a backpack, but packs full 1080p resolution and 300 ANSI lumens of brightness, enough to turn a dark wall into a solid movie screen.
It’s easy to use. We pointed it at a wall and watched it focus itself, square the image automatically, and start streaming through Google TV. No endless menu navigation. The built-in battery can handle movies up to two and a half hours, and the speaker’s not half bad for something this tiny.
Sure, $799 might seem steep for a portable device, and 300 lumens certainly can't substitute as a television replacement. However, thanks to its user-friendly installation process and genuine mobility, the Capsule 3 tackles an important issue: occasionally, all you desire is to project a film without making it overly complicated.
Top Streaming Platform: Roku Ultra (2024)
Why I Chose It
Think back to the days when televisions were straightforward? The Roku Ultra restores that ease of use. For $99, this device covers all the essentials for contemporary streaming: speedy app startups, support for top standards like 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Atmos, along with an uncluttered user interface designed to limit advertisements.
The remote control is indeed practical, featuring illuminated buttons for easy use in low light conditions, a headphone jack for personal audio enjoyment (a feature absent from Apple TVs), and a locate-my-remote function. Additionally, voice search simplifies discovering programs across various platforms without any difficulty.
Although more affordable streaming alternatives are available, Ultra excels at keeping things simple: no autoplaying trailers, few algorithm-driven recommendations. It’s just straightforward streaming, plain and easy.
Top WiFi Signal Booster: TP-Link Deco BE63
A top-notch home theater setup in 2025 hinges on reliable Wi-Fi. Should your 4K content frequently buffer or your HDR videos appear anything short of crisp, chances are your internet connection may be lacking. To address this issue, the TP-Link Deco BE63 is designed to provide consistent high-speed Wi-Fi throughout your home. This system aims to eliminate router concerns for an extended period.
The Deco BE63 supports data transfer rates of up to 10 gigabits per second and features four 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable wired connectivity, allowing you to connect devices like media streamers or gaming setups without compromising performance. It also includes a separate 6 GHz frequency band designed to reduce network congestion, ensuring smooth operation whether someone is video conferencing or playing online games. Setting it up requires minimal effort as it’s almost ready-to-use right out of the box.
The BE63 isn't cheap, but it undercuts the cost of some current flagship mesh systems. If you’re sick of slowdowns and want to kill that buffering wheel, BE63 might just be your ticket.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Top TVs and Projectors
Don’t solely concentrate on specifications. The finest display isn’t always the largest or the priciest; it’s the one that truly suits your viewing habits. Consider these factors:
Image Quality: Contrast, Hue, and Luminance
An excellent television should offer deep blacks, precise color accuracy, and sufficient brightness to handle various lighting situations effectively. OLED and QD-OLED screens excel in contrast, ensuring that dark scenes appear lush and clear rather than faded. Although mini-LED panels cannot achieve the flawless black levels of OLEDs, they do provide much higher brightness, which is particularly beneficial in brightly lit environments.
When it comes to projectors, brightness plays a crucial role. While high lumens are beneficial, contrast ratio and color precision are equally important factors. A device that functions solely under pitch-black conditions has limited utility. Ideally, the top-tier models strike an equilibrium among these aspects.
HDR Performance
High Dynamic Range (HDR) ought to enhance highlight details and keep shadow areas lifelike. However, not every television does this effectively. If a TV doesn't have enough brightness, it will fail to showcase the benefits of HDR properly. Displays with peak luminance of at least 1,000 nits tend to show more pronounced effects of HDR technology.
Motion and Gaming Performance
Smooth fast-motion playback requires more than just a high refresh rate; quick response times and effective motion handling ensure that athletic events and dynamic sequences appear lifelike.
When it comes to gaming, minimizing input lag is crucial. Functions such as variable refresh rates and auto low latency mode help decrease this delay. Make sure you do your homework though; not every gaming mode delivers on its promises.
Viewing Angles and Glare
Not all rooms have ideal viewing angles. OLED and QD-OLED panels hold color accuracy at wide angles, while many LED models lose contrast when viewed from the side. Glare matters, too. A high-end TV that reflects every lamp in the room might drive you crazy.
Ease of Use
A slow user interface can make even the newest TVs seem obsolete. Brands like Roku, Google TV, and Apple TV usually offer quicker and more user-friendly experiences. However, built-in operating systems from manufacturers often appear crowded with advertisements and suggestions. Yet, these issues can typically be avoided by using an external streaming device.
Audio Quality
Many televisions come equipped with subpar internal speakers characterized by poor bass performance, thin-sounding dialogues, and lack of depth. Certain premium sets enhance this aspect by utilizing the display panel itself as part of the audio system. However, when it comes to projectors, their integrated audio solutions often take a back seat; thus, incorporating external speakers should be considered essential.
Why You Should Have Faith In Me
With over a decade of experience reviewing TVs and projectors, I’ve seen plenty of impressive specs fall apart when it comes to real-world use. I test gear the way you actually use it: in real rooms, with lights on and off, checking brightness, contrast, motion, and more. My work prioritizes real performance over marketing spin.
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