### The Definitive Guide to Purchasing a New TV in 2025
Acquiring a new TV can be far more intricate than obtaining other home appliances. Unlike uncomplicated items such as a robot vacuum or a refrigerator that solely requires keeping food cool, TVs are packed with various advanced technologies that may be difficult to understand. While going to a store to personally assess brightness and color fidelity might appear sensible, the experience of viewing several TVs displaying identical content can frequently lead to more confusion than clarity.
So, what’s the best approach to selecting the perfect TV? You could dedicate hours to engaging in online discussions regarding **QLED vs. OLED**, or you could depend on expert insights.
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### How to Select the Ideal TV
Television specifications can be perplexing for the average consumer. Luckily, we have advice from **Ty Pendlebury**, a veteran tech journalist who has been assessing TVs for almost twenty years at **CNET**. With access to a **dedicated TV testing facility**, Pendlebury has analyzed numerous models to pinpoint the best choices available.
Drawing from his expertise, we’ve assembled a **handpicked selection of the finest QLED and OLED TVs** available as of **February 2025**. Rather than overwhelming you with an endless array of choices, we’ve concentrated on the top recommendations that provide the greatest value. We’ve emphasized **65-inch models**, which we deem the ideal choice for most consumers, although many of these TVs are also offered in **larger sizes**—some even surpassing **100 inches**.
If you’re apprehensive about making a significant purchase, take comfort in knowing that **all of our top recommendations are currently discounted**, thanks to reductions following the football season. Retailers like **Best Buy** are featuring lucrative deals on premium brands such as **LG, Samsung, Hisense, and TCL**.
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## **Best QLED TV for Most Consumers**
### **Our Choice: TCL 65-inch QM8 Mini LED 4K TV**
💰 **Price:** $899.99 (Save $600) at Best Buy
#### **Reasons for Our Recommendation**
The QLED sector is incredibly competitive, but the **TCL QM8** emerges as the top value for many shoppers. Renowned for its **exceptional brightness**, this TV provides **breathtaking contrast and vivid colors** at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Pendlebury remarks:
*”In my comparative evaluations, it remains ahead with unparalleled brightness and impact while retaining impressive contrast—a combination that no other TV could replicate at this price.”*
This television is an outstanding choice for **both bright and dimly lit spaces**, owing to its **accurate backlighting**. Gamers will also value its **VRR support** and **144Hz refresh rate**, making it an excellent selection for high-speed gaming.
#### **Sizes Available**
– 65, 75, 85, 98, and 115 inches
#### **Alternative Choice: Hisense U6N**
💰 **Price:** $549.99 at Best Buy
For those in search of a **cost-effective QLED TV**, the **Hisense U6N** is a superb choice. Although it might lack the same fluidity in motion or gaming functionalities as the QM8, it delivers **remarkable color and contrast** for casual viewers.
**Available Sizes:** 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches
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## **Best OLED TV for Most Consumers**
### **Our Choice: LG 65-inch C4 OLED 4K TV**
💰 **Price:** $1,499.99 (Save $300) at Best Buy
#### **Reasons for Our Recommendation**
LG’s **C-Series OLEDs** have consistently been popular among fans, and the **2024 C4 model** enhances this legacy with **enhanced brightness** and a **144Hz refresh rate** (up from 120Hz on the C3).
Pendlebury commends the C4 for its:
*”Flawless black levels, unmatched contrast, and excellent off-angle viewing, keeping it superior to mini-LED models in my comparative assessments.”*
The **Filmmaker Mode** guarantees that films and shows are portrayed as envisioned by the director, while its **high refresh rate** makes it a superb option for gamers.
#### **Sizes Available**
– 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches
#### **Alternative Choice: Samsung S95D**
💰 **Price:** $2,299.99 (Save $800) at Best Buy
The **Samsung S95D** is a high-end OLED TV with a **matte finish**, effectively reducing glare better than nearly any other model. While it provides **exquisite picture quality**, it comes at a **higher price than the LG C4**.
**Available Sizes:**