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When buying a television in 2025, chances are high that you will end up with a smart TV model. These televisions have online connectivity which allows you to use common streaming applications and functions such as voice control. Top-tier smart TVs provide quick browsing along with user-friendly interfaces all while maintaining excellent picture clarity.
I have been evaluating technology products for more than ten years, and I’ve leveraged this experience to compile a selection of top-notch smart TVs currently available. Among these suggestions are devices equipped with every major smart TV operating system today: Roku OS, Samsung Tizen, Vizio Smart Cast, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and LG webOS. If your priority is finding an economical option featuring Roku’s intuitive platform, consider looking into the Roku Pro Series QLED . On the other hand, if your preference leans towards a television featuring Samsung's operating system, I suggest opting for the Samsung S90D OLED , offering outstanding contrast and color accuracy.
Here are all of my top choices for smart TVs. These displays reflect what I believe offers the best overall value within their respective categories. Note that every model comes in various screen sizes, so make certain to choose your preferred size when selecting one from each retailer’s page.
Top choices for the finest intelligent televisions
Best Roku TV: Roku Pro Series QLED Television - See at Amazon
Best Tizen model: Samsung S90D OLED TV - See at Amazon
Best Vizio Home set: Vizio Quantum Pro QLED Television - See at Walmart
Best Google TV: TCL QM7 QLED Television - See at Amazon
Best Amazon Fire TV: Amazon Omni QLED Television - See at Amazon
Best webOS display: LG C4 OLED Television - See at Amazon
Best Roku TV
The Roku Pro Series stands out as the premier smart TV option utilizing Roku’s straightforward and easy-to-navigate operating system. Positioned at the pinnacle of their QLED lineup, this model offers notable middle-range image clarity enhanced by technologies such as quantum dots and a Mini LED backlight. Additionally, it boasts one of the most accessible and user-friendly interfaces among those I have evaluated.
I really like using the Roku OS for app access because it offers a sleek, straightforward interface that prominently displays all of your preferred streaming platforms right at first glance. In contrast to other operating systems which often overwhelm their home pages with numerous recommended contents, Roku keeps things simple and focused on basics with large icons representing each application and linked device. The reviewer found moving around different sections as well as various services to be swift without encountering any bugs or delays during the evaluation process.
The provided Voice Remote Pro 2 offers a delightful user experience. This remote boasts an internal battery capable of charging via USB-C, providing up to approximately three months of usage before needing another recharge. You can activate voice commands either by pushing a button or using a hands-free activation phrase thanks to the wake word feature. For added privacy concerns, a separate microphone disable toggle is available. Although Roku televisions do not natively integrate with Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google Assistant, these devices remain compatible when used alongside smart speakers equipped with such virtual helpers.
The reviewer was particularly fond of the illuminated buttons on the remote control, making it user-friendly for movie nights in dimly lit rooms. This is an amenity not commonly found on premium models from brands such as Samsung and LG, so it’s impressive to find it included with a more moderately priced option like this one. Additionally, the “find my remote” function stands out; accessible either through a dedicated button on the television itself or using the Roku mobile application, this utility emits a sound from the remote device allowing you to pinpoint its location easily.
In addition to offering smart TV features, the Roku Pro Series provides excellent image quality. It boasts peak brightness levels exceeding 1,000 nits—a benchmark often seen in many HDR formats—ensuring elements such as dazzling flares appear vividly intense. Although this model doesn’t quite match higher-end televisions when it comes to managing deep blacks, the use of Mini LEDs combined with local dimming technology ensures decent depth perception. During tests conducted under darker conditions, our tester observed minimal signs of uneven lighting across the panel’s surface.
Despite this, the display’s picture processing appears less refined and fluid compared to those offered by competing brands. During our tests, we noticed some areas with pixelated coloring and choppy movement. Additionally, the screen tends to reflect light, and the colors become distorted when viewed from the sides. Nonetheless, such issues are typical for QLED screens within this pricing bracket.
Even though it has some minor issues, the Pro Series offers the most visually appealing screen compatible with Roku’s OS. Therefore, it stands out as a great choice for those who prefer Roku’s sleek smart TV interface.
Read our Review of the Roku Pro Series 4K TV .
Check out our guide covering all of the best Roku TVs .
Best Tizen model
Those seeking top-notch Samsung TVs might consider the S90D OLED as their go-to choice. Similar to other models from this manufacturer, the S90D comes with Samsung’s exclusive smart TV platform fueled by the Tizen OS. Although Samsung does offer a pricier OLED variant capable of producing higher brightness levels, the S90D stands out due to its exceptional image quality relative to cost and includes a comprehensive array of intelligent functionalities.
Tizen OS provides access to well-known streaming applications along with smooth integration with other Samsung smart gadgets, adding some exclusive features not available on rival brands' televisions. At the forefront of the home screen lies a line-up featuring an icon for either your latest utilized app or connected gadget alongside symbols for trending content searches. Below this, another strip showcases shortcuts to preferred television applications before presenting several lines highlighting suggested shows. While being quite conventional and functional, I lean towards the simplified design philosophy employed by Roku and Google systems.
On the Tizen sidebar, you have direct access to specialized sections for searching, ambient mode, Samsung Daily+ (which features applications related to health, productivity, and controlling smart devices), as well as a gaming hub. This gaming section stands out because it provides entry into various cloud services such as Nvidia GeForce Now and Amazon Luna. Xbox Game Pass .
Samsung is one of the only brands that offers the Xbox streaming app on its smart TVs, and this feature lets Game Pass members play Xbox games without a console. In my experience, performance can be hit or miss since playability is highly dependent on your internet speed. Likewise, games played this way are limited to HD resolution, standard dynamic range (SDR), and stereo sound. So, while not the ideal way to experience high-end titles, it's still a cool perk.
When it comes to voice search, users can choose between Alexa or Samsung's own Bixby assistant. As a whole, Tizen is fairly reliable across all Samsung TVs, but it's prone to minor lag, particularly when first booting up a display. Likewise, I've run into a few small quirks. For instance, when I tested the S90D, the OS automatically opened the last app or device I used, despite having this behavior disabled in the settings menu. I also encountered frequent update notifications about Samsung's privacy policies despite turning notifications off. Thankfully these types of glitches should be easy to fix with firmware.
But while the OS has some drawbacks, the S90D's image quality leaves nothing to complain about. The TV's OLED panel enables pixel-level contrast with deep black levels that disappear into a dark room. The S90D also uses quantum dots, offering a brighter and wider range of colors than you'd get on competing LG OLEDs. The results are spectacular, with a peak brightness of around 1,240 nits. This leads to vivid HDR images that wow with bold, precise highlights. When it comes to balancing price and picture performance, the S90D is my top pick for the best TV overall.
Note: The 42-, 48-, and 83-inch versions of the S90D don't use quantum dots, so their color performance can't match that of the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models.
Check out our guide to all the best Samsung TVs .
Best Vizio Home set
Similar to Samsung and LG, Vizio employs its proprietary smart TV platform instead of adopting one fromGoogle, Roku, or Amazon. Previously, the brand utilized an operating system named "SmartCast"; however, their newest televisions feature an updated interface known as "Vizio Home." The Quantum Pro (VQP65C-84) was among the initial models to debut with this redesigned layout and continues to be the flagship product within the manufacturer’s present range.
The design of the Vizio Home closely mirrors that of Google TV, featuring elements such as a “Trending Now” segment and an emphasized area for preferred applications. It boasts quick and fluid navigation—something not universally present among televisions within its category. Additionally, the user interface presents a clear arrangement for different display and system configurations, making it more streamlined compared to alternatives like Samsung’s Tizen operating system.
Nonetheless, our reviewer wasn’t fond of how heavily the Home interface promoted Vizio’s Watch Free+ TV service. While many competing brands offer comparable ad-supported online television applications, Vizio tends to highlight its own content somewhat more prominently. The available selections aren’t particularly outstanding either. A significant portion of the home screen is allocated to promoting lesser-known titles such as the 2005 remake of “Bewitched.” Additionally, unlike most smart TV interfaces, this one lacks a “Resume” or “Continue Watching” feature on the main page, which can be quite convenient for viewers.
The Quantum Pro comes equipped with a functional voice remote, much like Roku TVs. However, it lacks built-in integration for Alexa or Google Assistant. Fortunately, you can connect the television to a standalone smart speaker from either brand. The remote is designed to be small and comfortable, featuring a streamlined control layout akin to what you'd find on a Roku device.
The Quantum Pro boasts a sharp display with peak brightness reaching approximately 1,000 nits, delivering strong visual quality particularly suitable for daytime television viewing. This model incorporates quantum dots to generate a broad spectrum of hues along with local dimming technology to deepen shadows within distinct sections of the screen. However, unlike some competitors which utilize Mini LEDs and VA-panel displays known for their superior contrast ratios, this set employs standard LED sizes paired with an IPS-style panel instead.
These two factors lead to a slightly washed-out look when watching the Quantum Pro in a dark room. Vizio recently released a firmware update to improve contrast, but if deep black-level performance is a priority, I still recommend going with a Mini LED model instead, like the Roku Pro Series or TCL QM7.
On the plus side, the IPS-style panel does help in one area that those other QLEDs struggle with: viewing angles. Colors and contrast shift a bit when you sit to the side of the display, but the loss of quality is far less severe than it is on QLEDs from Roku, Hisense, and TCL. So, while not the best smart TV for critical viewing in a home theater environment, the Quantum Pro is a solid option for buyers who favor more casual viewing in a lighter living room with off-center seating.
Read our Vizio Quantum Pro QLED review .
Best Google TV
The Google TV operating system powers screens from various manufacturers such as TCL, Hisense, and Sony. However, among these options, the TCL QM7 truly shines in terms of overall value. As a mid-range QLED model, this television boasts exceptional picture quality for its class and delivers a seamless smart TV interface. Additionally, it comes in several size options, even offering an impressively large variant. 98-inch model That's ideal for large-screen movies and sporting events, such as March Madness.
The Google TV interface features a home page that includes a row dedicated to highly recommended selections, followed by shortcuts to your preferred applications, a segment for shows you're currently watching, and further sections showcasing suggestions spanning multiple genres. While this layout isn’t entirely original, it offers better usability compared to comparable setups found in products from Amazon, LG, and Samsung.
As expected, this system works smoothly with an existing Google account as well. You have the option to synchronize your photographs for use as slideshows, share information from your account with the display, and easily connect with other Google-powered smart gadgets.
Google TV navigation speed and app stability can vary a lot depending on which specific model and display brand you buy. For instance, our reviewers have encountered slower performance on some Hisense Google TVs compared to options from Sony. Thankfully, the TCL QM7 is one of the fastest Google TVs. During my testing, I didn't encounter any lag outside some minor slowdown when pulling up settings or while streaming HDR videos on YouTube. Voice control with Google Assistant works great, and you have the option of using it hands-free or via a button on the remote. The remote is also backlit, which is a nice touch.
Although the QM7’s image quality doesn’t quite measure up to top-tier models from brands like LG, Sony, or Samsung, it still outperforms many TVs in its category. This television boasts being the brightest one on this list, achieving approximately 1,700 nits at its peak brightness level. Consequently, it delivers vivid and robust HDR visuals. The high contrast ratio is another strong point for the QM7 due to its use of mini-LED technology combined with local dimming capabilities. However, during movie viewing sessions in low-light environments, I observed minor issues such as light leakage. Additionally, the TV’s video processing system isn’t as refined as those found in more expensive units; hence, less-than-optimal source material appears somewhat blurry, and you might encounter slight judder in certain streamed content.
Purchasers seeking a high-end Google TV with improved black levels and processing capabilities might want to look at the Sony A95L OLED , which happens to be my top choice for high-end televisions. Nevertheless, the A95L comes with a price tag almost three times higher than that of the QM7. When considering the cost, very few Google TVs can compete with this model’s comprehensive performance.
Read our Review of TCL QM7 4K Television .
Take a look at our guide covering everything about the subject. top sports TVs .
Best Amazon Fire TV
Amazon has been licensing its Fire TV operating system to budget-friendly manufacturers like Insignia and Toshiba for several years, but the company didn't start making its own smart TVs until 2021. The brand's midrange 4K offering is its Fire TV Omni QLED, and it's a solid value if you favor Amazon's interface and prioritize perks like hands-free Alexa support.
The Fire TV OS is used across all of the company's smart TVs and streaming devices, including its Fire TV sticks. The interface has received a few welcome refreshes over the years to help alleviate some of the clunkiness of earlier iterations, but it's still one of my least favorite layouts.
My primary issue is that Amazon displays only a few app icons prominently at the top, requiring additional effort to view all your installed streaming services. Additionally, I'm not fond of how the platform highlights sponsored recommendations andPrime Video suggestions so noticeably on the homepage.
Nevertheless, these issues are minor concerns. The interface functions well and includes all the standard features available from rival devices. Amazon introduces a new “ Ambient Experience” mode, comparable to those offered by competing brands, featuring screensavers and widgets displaying the time and weather. Another attractive feature of the Omni QLED series is its compatibility with hands-free Alexa voice commands, which is not commonly seen in more affordable Fire TV models. This capability essentially transforms the television into something akin to an Echo device.
The Omni QLED offers decent picture quality for a TV in the lower mid-range category; however, its performance does not measure up to similar price-point alternatives offered by Hisense, such as the U6N . Although the Omni QLED features quantum dots and local dimming for an extensive color gamut and good black levels, its maximum brightness reaches only about 500 nits. Additionally, this model employs standard-sized LEDs instead of Mini LEDs in its backlight system, offering inferior contrast control when compared with the U6N’s Mini LED panel and marginally higher brightness level.
As mentioned, Amazon has recently introduced a new Omni TV model referred to as the Fire TV Omni Mini LED Series . As its name implies, this model does use Mini LEDs, which should enable better contrast and a much brighter image, albeit for about $300 more. We're testing the Omni Mini LED now for consideration in this guide.
Meanwhile, buyers who want a Fire TV display with truly premium picture performance should venture outside Amazon's lineup and check out one of Panasonic's Fire TV OLED models. Panasonic's collection includes the flagship Z95 OLED and midrange Z85 OLED Although they cost over twice as much as Amazon's Omni QLED, these Panasonic models stand out as the sole premium smart TVs offering Amazon’s interface at present.
Read our Review of Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED .
Take a look at our guide covering everything about the best Amazon Fire TV devices
Best webOS display
Every single one of LG’s televisions utilizes their webOS platform, and among them, the LG C4 OLED stands out as offering the most bang for your buck in terms of smart TV features. Additionally, this model comes equipped with advantages not typically found on Samsung OLEDs, such as compatibility with Dolby Vision and a remote control featuring gesture-based navigation capabilities.
LG's webOS has undergone several iterations over the years. The interface used to work purely as a pop-up menu that appeared at the bottom of the display, but LG now offers a full-screen homepage like competing platforms. The organization is similar to other systems, with rows of icons for apps and content recommendations, as well as specific pages that focus on categories like home office, games, and music. As is the case with many smart TV systems, some ads are visible by default, but you can disable them from showing up on the home screen.
Navigation speed is solid across LG's entire lineup. However, I've found that webOS can occasionally be slow to load graphics on the home screen and in certain apps. On the plus side, voice search options are plentiful with Alexa and Google Assistant available through hands-free controls or the remote. The remote itself stands out from other brands since it supports motion controls. In addition to navigation with standard buttons and a click wheel, you can point the remote at the screen to move a virtual cursor around, similar to a Nintendo Wii controller.
The LG C4 is a winner when it comes to image performance, with picture quality that almost matches the Samsung S90D as the best-looking TV in this guide. Its OLED panel provides an infinite contrast ratio with pixel-level dimming, so black levels truly disappear in a dark room. But, unlike Samsung's OLED, the C4 doesn't use quantum dots. As a result, the C4 has a slightly narrower range of colors and can't get quite as bright, with a peak of around 1,000 nits versus 1,240 on the S90D. Even so, it still has fantastic HDR performance, and it has the added bonus of including Dolby Vision support, which Samsung TVs lack.
Dolby Vision provides the television with more precise instructions on rendering colors and contrast to optimally suit the capabilities of its display. The distinctions between Dolby Vision and other HDR standards are nuanced, particularly on premium televisions, hence I wouldn’t deem it an essential attribute. Nonetheless, it remains a pleasant bonus. Take a look at our HDR TV guide for more details.
The way we assess intelligent televisions
Our team evaluated numerous models from all leading brands to identify the top smart TVs. We concentrated on picking displays that offer the greatest overall value within each primary category of smart TV interfaces. With more than ten years of experience assessing televisions, we crafted our evaluation approach based on this expertise. The assessment includes examining crucial aspects such as the responsiveness of the operating system, smart functionalities, image sharpness, contrast levels, luminosity, color reproduction, and visual perspective.
We utilize an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter for measuring a television’s maximum luminance. Additionally, various test patterns derived from the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc are employed to assess additional quantitative parameters.
Grids and color bars provide limited insight, which is why we prioritize real-world content in our tests. Our evaluation uses carefully selected clips from movies and television series designed to showcase a TV’s high dynamic range capabilities, black levels, colors, and sharpness. The demonstration materials include a variety of original sources. 4K resolution Ultra High Definition (UHD), high definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) content via streaming, Blu-ray discs, and cable services. We assess how well a screen manages different quality inputs across various lighting scenarios. The evaluation includes tests conducted under both dimly lit and brightly illuminated settings.
When reviewing the best smart TVs, we also focus on putting each display's operating system to the test. Navigation speed is evaluated to see how long it takes for apps to load and to determine how smooth and consistent each interface is when adjusting settings and moving between menus. We note if any major TV apps are missing and take into account extra perks, like Alexa or Google Assistant support, ambient modes, smart home integration, and cloud gaming support.
Learn more about our tech product review process .
Smart TV FAQs
Which smart TV system is best?
The best smart TVs all have built-in operating systems, but different brands use different platforms. Here's a breakdown of popular smart TV systems and the brands that use them:
- Android TV: Older models from Sony, TCL, and Hisense
- Fire TV: Amazon, Panasonic, Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense
- Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense
- Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense, Sharp
- Vizio Home: Vizio
- Tizen: Samsung
- webOS: LG
Though app selection and general functionality are similar across each OS, their interface style, personalization options, digital assistants, and extra features vary. Ultimately, which smart TV system is best for your needs largely comes down to personal preference and whether you're already invested in a specific smart home ecosystem.
For instance, a Google TV or Fire TV will pair more seamlessly with existing Google or Amazon accounts, and they're built to work well with other devices from those brands.
When it comes to overall interface design, I generally favor Roku's system the best since it's the most straightforward and reliable. However, its design is a little outdated compared to other platforms that offer a more slick, content-focused style.
For more TV recommendations across various smart TV systems, check out our full suite of display guides:
- Best 4K TVs
- Best OLED TVs
- Best budget TVs
- Best TVs under $500
- Best 50-inch TVs
- Best 55-inch TVs
- Best 65-inch TVs
- Best 75-inch TVs
- Best 85-inch TVs
- Best 100-inch TVs
When will 2025 TV models be released?
Brands like TCL, Hisense, LG, and Samsung all revealed their latest TV models at CES in January 2025. However, most of these new displays are not yet available for purchase. Specific release dates are still pending, but new TV models usually roll out to stores in the spring.
While 2025 models will offer improved specifications and new features, 2024 TV models will remain available for the better part of the year and are expected to cost a lot less than their successors. With that in mind, we'll continue to recommend 2024 TVs for as long as they remain in stock and provide the best value.
Throughout the year, our reviewers will evaluate new 2025 model TVs as part of this guide’s selection process. For insights into forthcoming smart televisions, check out our detailed analyses. new TVs unveiled at CES 2025 and 2025 TV trends .
Is there such a thing as a smart TV that uses Apple's tvOS operating system?
Apple doesn’t allow third-party television makers to use its tvOS interface. Consequently, you won't find any smart TVs featuring an integrated Apple interface. To experience the tvOS interface on your screen, you must buy a standalone Apple TV streaming device.
Are all smart TV operating systems equipped with the same streaming applications?
A few years back, the choice of applications for smart TVs differed significantly across various platforms. Services such as HBO, Peacock, and Apple TV Plus could be accessed through specific smart TV operating systems at first. But nowadays, most smart TV systems provide similar basic sets of streaming apps.
For example, each of our selections for the best streaming services These apps can be found on major television operating systems like Roku OS and Samsung Tizen. However, some minor platforms and specialized services may not have universal availability. Specifically, LG’s webOS does not include the Criterion Channel app, whereas both Amazon Fire TV and Google TV do not offer compatibility with the Spectrum app for streaming live TV through your cable subscription.
When purchasing a new smart TV, particularly if you often use certain streaming applications, verify their availability by checking the respective service’s supported devices list before making your selection. However, should you find yourself with a smart TV lacking some of your preferred apps, don’t worry. It’s likely that these services can be accessed through standalone streaming gadgets, which you can buy individually.
What distinguishes smart TVs from standalone streaming devices?
Top-tier smart TVs offer robust streaming capabilities, and many consumers find they're pleased with the pre-installed user interfaces, application selections, and functionalities. Nonetheless, you might experience smoother browsing and more stable apps when employing an external streaming gadget. Additionally, certain individuals could have a preference for alternate operating systems or voice assistants rather than those integrated directly into their television sets.
If you're dissatisfied with your smart TV's interface responsiveness, available services, or aesthetic appearance, consider consulting our guide to alternative options. best streaming devices Selections consist of set-top boxes and streaming devices from Amazon, Google, Roku, and Apple. Affordable basic choices often go on sale for around $20, whereas top-tier versions usually range from $70 to $150.
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