Computer

The best processors in 2024 AMD and Intel CPUs

By admin March 13, 2024

The best processors in 2024 AMD and Intel CPUs, AMD and Intel have fought for supremacy for decades, duking it out in a bid to make the best processors you can buy. The competition is fierce, and that’s a great thing for PC enthusiasts. In 2024, the list of the best CPUs is larger than ever and packed with options from Team Red and Team Blue.

Intel’s bang-for-the-buck king of this generation is the 14600K, but its last-gen flagship the 13900K is still well worth considering. If you’re a gamer though, the 7800X3D should be the top of your list. Here’s a rundown of those chips and a whole lot more.

Intel Core i5-14600K

The best value processor

It’s tough beating the Core i5-14600K on pure value. This slot was previously held by Intel’s Core i5-13600K, and if you already have that processor, it’s best to stick with it. If you’re upgrading from anything older, though, the Core i5-14600K is the CPU to buy.

It comes with the same core count as its last-gen counterpart, though with additional optimizations and a slight bump to clock speed. The result is slightly better productivity performance and much better gaming performance. On top of that, Intel didn’t raise the price of its Core i5 chip, so you’re getting better performance for around the same price. It’s fairly overclockable, so if you don’t mind pushing the power draw and temperatures even higher, you can close that gap with the higher-end CPUs a little more.

At the time of publication, the Core i5-14600K is only around $30 more expensive than the Core i5-13600K. We recommend checking the prices of the last-gen chip, however, because it still offers most of the performance and could be a better value.

The best processors in 2024 AMD and Intel CPUs

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The best gaming processor

With the launch of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the 5800X3D finally has a worthy successor. This CPU is the fastest gaming CPU out there, beating Intel’s Core i9-13900K by miles and even eclipsing the 14900K in most games. In pure gaming scenarios, it also keeps up with the pricier Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D benefits from AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, and once again, it shows off the power of adding copious amounts of L3 cache on top of the chip. It sports a total of 104MB cache, which marks a drastic upgrade from the Ryzen 7 7700X, which only comes with 40MB.

In terms of core counts, AMD seems to have stuck with what worked well for it before. The processor has eight cores and 16 threads. The boost clock speed is considerably lower than in the Ryzen 7 7700X — the 7800X3D maxes out at 5GHz. However, it still remains far superior in gaming tasks.

This chip is insane for gaming, but it drops off a cliff in productivity tasks when you compare it to the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. However, for pure gamers, this should not be a problem. In our internal testing, the CPU hit almost the same frames per second (fps) as the more expensive part — 239.3 versus 239.5. If you just want a solid processor for gaming, save your money and go with this one.

Intel Core i9-13900K

The best Intel processor

Intel’s 13900K might not be the flagship it once was, but it’s basically the same as the 14900K, it’s cheaper, and it uses less power. What’s not to love?

Similar to the previous-generation’s Core i9-12900K, the Core i9-13900K combines performance (P) cores and efficient (E) cores. Core counts are up this time around, though. You’re getting eight P-cores designed on the new Raptor Cove microarchitecture, as well as 16 E-cores using the Gracemont architecture from the previous generation.

Those extra cores help accelerate demanding multithreaded tasks, which is why the Core i9-13900K managed an 8% lead over the Ryzen 9 7950X in Cinebench R23. The redesigned P-cores also help the Core i9-13900K outpace AMD’s best by 12% in Cinebench’s single-core test.

Across nearly all benchmarks, the Core i9-13900K tops the charts, aided in no small part by additional L2 cache and boosted clock speeds. It’s the fastest processor you can buy, but more importantly, it comes in cheaper than AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X.

However, it can’t catch up with the X3D CPUs in gaming, so you will be falling behind a little there if you opt for this powerful Intel alternative, so bear that in mind. The upgrade path is a little limited, too, as you only really have the 14th gen to move to and nothing there beyond the very top chips can compete with the 13900K.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

The best AMD processor

While it’s not quite as fast as the 13900K or 14900K in gaming or productivity, there’s no denying the raw power of the Ryzen 9 7950X, which nearly matches the Core i9-13900K in most tests.

The processor delivers on its promises, offering a 31% jump in single-core performance and a 36% improvement in multi-core performance compared to the previous generation. It takes a slight back seat in some tasks compared to the Core i9-13900K, but only by razor-thin margins. And in some games, like Far Cry 6, the Ryzen 9 7950X is actually a bit faster.

Beyond the processor itself, the Ryzen 9 7950X introduces AMD’s new AM5 platform. It used to be much more expensive, but thankfully, new motherboards and falling DDR5 prices make the upgrade a little more affordable. In addition, AMD says it will support AM5 until at least 2025 (and maybe beyond). That means it should be easy to upgrade to future Ryzen generations without buying a new motherboard.

Although the Ryzen 9 7950X isn’t at the peak of performance, it’s just a step behind. And with features like Smart Access Memory and distant platform support on offer, it’s still a very attractive flagship CPU.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

The best last-gen processor for gaming

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the fastest AM4 processor for gaming ever made, and it will hold that title for the rest of time, because there are no new AM4 chips coming down the pipe which can compete. It blows everything else from the same generation out of the water and remains competitive in gaming with much newer processors. Why? A curious technology called 3D V-Cache.

For specs, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is slightly worse than the base Ryzen 7 5800X. It comes with the same eight Zen 3 cores, but the clock speed is 200MHz slower, and you can’t overclock the 3D-stacked part. The difference is that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes with an additional 64MB of L3 cache stacked on top of the processor.

It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but extra L3 cache makes a big difference in games. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D beats everything while gaming, including the Core i9-12900KS that costs twice as much. It’s also still competitive against newer CPUs from both Intel and AMD.

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is one of the best gaming CPUs, and it only really takes a backseat to AMD’s 3D V-Cache newcomers, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Keep in mind that this is a pure gaming CPU. If you plan on doing intense video encoding or other productivity tasks, it’s better to go with an AMD or Intel chip with a higher core count.

Intel Core i3-12100

The best processor under $100

It’s tough finding CPUs under $100 in 2024, but the Core i3-12100F is a standout. It’s part of the Alder Lake family, and though it does have newer-generation counterparts in the 13100 and 14100, they are more expensive and don’t perform much better, making the 12100F an absolute steal for a budget gaming PC.

The Core i3-12100F is a quad-core CPU that ranks among the best Intel processors you can buy. It doesn’t come with a hybrid architecture, instead opting for four performance cores, but that doesn’t hurt performance too much. It lacks onboard graphics, too, so you will need a dedicated graphics card with it.

Gaming is certainly possible, even if it’s a bit behind the six-core Ryzen 5 5600X, and day-to-day use is excellent. This is an entry-level processor, no doubt, but the Core i3-12100F still punches above what its price would suggest.

AMD Ryzen 5 8500G

The best processor with integrated graphics

Gaming without a GPU is possible, but it’s not an ideal experience. The AMD Ryzen 5 8500G is an exception, because its onboard RDNA 3 GPU is more than capable of playing most games at 1080p medium settings at 30 frames per second (fps) in AAA games, and a far higher rate in more casual titles. It’s not going to replace a dedicated graphics chip, and the CPU isn’t as fast as its non-APU counterparts, but it’s a great choice for GPU-free gaming.

It has six Zen4+ cores, giving it solid CPU performance, with support for 12 threads. It is limited to a 5GHz boost clock, though, which is lower than its Ryzen 7000 counterparts. Still, it has a low TDP, and if you’re building a budget gaming machine, want to save money to buy a bigger graphics card later, or are putting together a compact machine that will only do light gaming, the 8500G is a great pick.

If you want more power, the 8700G is available, but it’s around twice the price and its performance isn’t that much better.

AMD Ryzen 5 7600

The best value AMD processor

AMD made sure that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with the Ryzen 5 7600. It’s close to its predecessor in some ways, sporting the exact same core count, but it does offer a number of generational upgrades that make it a good way to future-proof your PC.

The Ryzen 5 7600 comes with six cores and 12 threads. It has a maximum clock speed of 5.2GHz. It’s a pretty well-rounded processor, with solid gaming performance, but also plenty of room for productivity. It’s not going to beat some of this generation’s heavyweights, but it’s more than sufficient even for AAA gaming purposes.

The downside of it lies in the extra expense compared to the last-gen chip, and it’s all due to AMD’s new AM5 platform. This means a new motherboard if you’re upgrading, and unfortunately, you have to stick with DDR5 memory due to a lack of DDR4 support.

This is why the previous-gen chip is still a very attractive choice — overall, you’re looking at quite big savings if you stick to the previous generation. On the other hand, switching to AM5 now means plenty of room for upgrades going forward.

Intel Core i5-13400F

Best value Intel CPU

The Intel Core i5-13400F might be a last-generation chip, and it might be a little slower than the new-gen 14400, but there’s a sizeable discount to be had for opting for this slightly older model. It works on the same motherboards, supports the same DDR4 or DDR5 memory, and it has the same (albeit limited) upgrade potential.

It’s the cheapest Intel 13th- or 14th-generation CPU with efficiency cores, so its productivity performance is seriously impressive, rivaling much more high-end CPUs from older generations and offering credible competition for higher-end AMD CPUs. Pair it with a midrange graphics card, and this is a seriously capable chip for gaming.

As for upgrades, you’ll only be able to switch it out for higher-end 13th and 14th gen chips, which does give you an upgrade path, but that’s the end of it. After this generation, you’ll need to switch out the motherboard for something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which processor is the fastest?

The fastest processor you can buy right now is the Intel Core i9-14900K. It comes with 24 cores and high clock speeds, allowing it to rip through games and intense productivity applications. However, it has serious competition in gaming from the AMD 7800X3D and 7950X3D, both of which are far more efficient and draw far less power than the 14900K. They can’t compete on productivity, but the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, isn’t far behind and is no slouch in gaming either.

Is i7 better than i5?

Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors are both excellent options. As the names suggest, i7 processors are faster and more powerful than i5 processors, and they’re more expensive. They may not be the best choice for everyone, though.

For several generations, Intel has segmented six cores to its Core i5 processors and eight cores to its Core i7 processors. The two extra cores provide a performance boost, but they’re not as important if you’re gaming or running basic applications on your PC.

Which type of processor is the best?

AMD and Intel are the main CPU manufacturers, and they tend to leapfrog each other every couple of years. Currently, Intel processors are the best option for raw performance all round, but that comes at a high power draw. For absolute gaming performance, though, AMD’s X3D CPUs, like the 7800X3D and 7950X3D as the fastest out there.

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The 8 best QLED TVs for 2024

By admin March 7, 2024

When it comes to ultra-powerful brightness, next-level local dimming, and rich colors, a solid QLED TV delivers all of the above, and more! Available from some of the best TV brands of 2024, including Samsung, Sony, TCL, and Hisense, QLED TVs are exceptionally great for those of us watching movies and shows in brightly lit rooms.

The best QLED TVs are also optimized for next-gen gaming, thanks to HDMI 2.1 support and frame-rate features like Variable Refresh Rate, Nvidia G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync.

Audio quality is just as important, and the best QLED TVs support many leading surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Still, it doesn’t hurt to think about investing in a soundbar or dedicated speaker system, especially if you’re really into cinema and gaming.

With new models right around the corner, our favorite QLEDs are still 2023 highlights, but many sets are priced lower than ever before! So nab these models while you still can!

Samsung QN90C Neo QLED

The best overall QLED TV

It’s hard not to love a Samsung TV. Over the last decade or so, the manufacturer has consistently delivered one amazing set after another, and has been producing some top-notch QLEDS for several years now. We were huge fans of the 2022 Samsung QN90B, and now we’re more than glad to sing the praises of our favorite 2023 QLED, the incredible Samsung QN90C. Available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches, the QN90C is going to be the best QLED for most folks; although some may be interested in taking things a step further with the flagship performance of the Samsung S95C QD-OLED.

As for those of us who choose to remain with a more traditional QLED, the QN90C has it all. We’re talking near-impeccable HDR performance, chart-topping peak brightness levels, terrific reflection handling, and some of the best gaming features you’ll find in 2023. Many of these features are further enriched by Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 4K, which optimizes each and every source to give you as much picture detail as possible, whether you’re watching brand-new Netflix 4K HDR releases or your vintage DVD collection.

When it comes to contrast, QLED TVs are also getting better at acting more like OLEDs, which bodes well for those of us who want our movies and TV shows to be packed with rich colors and amazing black levels. The QN90C is an LED-powered TV, and we did notice a bit of light blooming during darker scenes, but that’s a small grievance about an otherwise remarkable picture.

The 8 best QLED TVs for 2024

Also Read : Best Free Productivity Apps to Be Efficient in 2024

Sony Bravia X93L mini-LED

The best not-quite QLED alternative

While Sony doesn’t claim to use quantum dots (it call its tech Triluminos Pro) and doesn’t market its TVs as QLEDs, they compete right alongside the TVs on this list that are marketed as QLED. So, if you’re considering a “QLED” TV based on the idea that they are top-tier LED/LCD TV performers, then you should also be considering this Sony option, never mind that it doesn’t have QLED printed on the box.

With that out of the way, we give you the Sony Bravia X93L mini-LED, a 2023 TV that picks up where last year’s excellent flagship Sony X95K mini-LED TV left off, but for a much better price. In fact, the X93L is identical to the X95K but with a handful of software improvements, including better eco settings management, new black level adjustments for better fine-tuning of darker scenes (if you’re a Game of Thrones fan), and a new gaming dashboard

that lets you switch between 60Hx and 120Hz VRR. It’s bright (at 1,800 peak nits), has beautiful color reproduction, supports all the HDR contrasty things you need (HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision), and is excellent for gamers, too, with VRR, auto low latency mode, and HDMI 2.1 support.

If you’re a fan of Sony soundbars, too, you can take advantage of the X93L’s ability to sync the TV’s speakers with select soundbars to help with clearer dialog and immersion. It’s also Dolby Atmos capable. The X93L is a new spin on one of Sony’s best TVs for 2023, but without the premium “Sony tax.“

TCL QM8 QLED 4K mini-LED

One of the brightest TVs we’ve ever seen

New for 2023, TCL is at it again with its lineup of mini-LED QLED TVs that continue to prove that you can have high-end features and quality at prices that are way more reasonable than the marquee TV brands. And the TCL QM8 is literally the brand’s shining example … blindingly shiny with peak brightness levels of 2,500 nits in our tests, making it one of the brightest TVs we’ve ever seen. Our reviewer was so impressed with the QM8, in fact, that he praised it as his “go-to TV recommendation for probably 90% of people this year.”

In-line with QLED’s ability to deliver bright images that are great for those setting up their TV in a light-drenched room, the MQ8 also has it where it counts in the contrast area, too, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HRD10+, and HLG, and excellent local dimming that also make it a good performer in darker rooms with decent black levels. Are they as inky as OLED? No, but not much is, and with OLED still costing a premium, it’s getting harder and harder to make a viable case for spending the extra cash. The QM8’s mini-LED technology delivers excellent color accuracy, too, with 97% coverage of DCI-P3 and about 76% of BT.2020 color gamuts.

The TCL QM8 is a Google TV-based TV, which makes for easy setup and use as well as access to all the streaming services and apps you could ever want via the Google Play Store, plus it’s got Chromecast built-in for easy mirroring and casting from your devices.

With a 120Hz refresh rate, fast-action movies are smooth, and gamers will appreciate the TV’s support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and Game Accelerator that boosts things up to 240Hz and AMD FreeSync Pro for even smoother gameplay.

The TCL QM8 also features a built-in subwoofer for bigger bass sound, but you’re still probably going to want an external soundbar. Available in 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes, the TCL QM8 ranges in price from $1,200 to $10,000.

Hisense U8K ULED TV

Unbeatable brightness for an unbeatable price

We can’t stop talking about Hisense TVs. When Hisense models first started hitting U.S. shelves, they were decent TVs, but they were certainly aimed at a more price-conscious shopper, with cost valued more than performance. Fast-forward to today, and Hisense has carved out quite the name for itself — and not just because of how much you won’t spend on a model like the U8K.

This is one mean QLED, folks. In our own testing of the TV, the Hisense U8K rocked the house when it came to peak brightness levels, delivering readings around 2,000 nits when viewing HDR content. Tech talk aside, this means that the U8K can get insanely bright, and without colors becoming oversaturated. That’s the biggest feat, really. Yes, most QLEDs can get very bright, but this tends to interfere with overall color accuracy and contrast. That’s just not the case with the U8K.

Available in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, the Hisense U8K tops out at 4K/120Hz on its two full-bandwidth HDMI inputs, and also includes Hisense’s Game Mode Pro for those of us hooking up a next-gen console or PC to the TV. And as a little bonus, those two HDMI 2.1 ports will actually push 4K at 144Hz when compatible PC gear is wired up.

The Hisense U8K’s price is a massive calling card, no doubt, but if you’re looking for a hard-hitting QLED that goes above and beyond the “cost-friendly” slabel, do allow Hisense’s flagship model to blow your mind.

TCL Q7 QLED

Great for gaming

We’ve been very impressed by TCL’s Mini LED models over the last few years, so it’s no surprise that the brand gets more than one mention in our roundup. Sitting one rung below the QM8, the TCL Q7 is another awesome QLED that competes with models like the Hisense U7K and the Sony X90L. We tested the 65-inch version ourselves (it’s also available in 55-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes), and were taken aback by the Q7’s high brightness output and vivid colors.

Now as far as nit metrics go, the TCL Q7 is a bit on the lackluster side Not only did it score some so-so peak brightness readings (around 1,100 nits) with HDR playback, but the meh results found their way into SDR content too (about 700 nits for peak brightness). Compared to TVs like the Hisense U8K, the Q7 just doesn’t touch the kind of QLED brightness of some of its competitors, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to love about it.

Two of the Q7’s four HDMI inputs are full-bandwidth 2.1 ports that support 4K at up to 120Hz. It also runs the latest version of Google TV for all your Netflix and Prime Video streaming needs. Plus, you’ll be able to use Google Assistant to search for media and control your smart home devices, and there’s also AirPlay and HomeKit support.

In a way, we love the TCL Q7 because it’s not a perfect QLED. But what it does well, it tends to do very well, and the price just can’t be beat.

Samsung QN900C Neo QLED TV

The best 8K QLED

Many consumer tech companies put the cart before the horse, and the world of TVs may be one of the biggest offenders when it comes to horse-less transportation. In the case of a TV like the Samsung QN900C, our equestrian analogy is best represented by a hardware versus software comparison. Quite simply, the QN900C is an amazing 8K TV, but we’re still living in a world that is primarily dominated by 4K and 1080p content.

Fortunately, Samsung’s next-gen QLED has some fantastic picture processing tech under its hood. The QN900C is outfitted with Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Pro, which itself is powered by mini-LED lighting. Translation, please? You got it! Matrix Pro is Samsung’s fancy-pants terminology for local dimming zones (a small block of LED lights), and because the QN900C uses mini LEDs, the QLED has a lot of control zones. At the end of the day, this means you can expect the QN900C to deliver excellent peak brightness and color brightness to the parts of the panel that require said brightness, while the rest of the screen is enshrouded in darkness (that’s a good thing).

And because this is an 8K TV, the QN900C will upscale whatever 4K or regular high-def HDR and SDR sources you feed it. Of course, you won’t be looking at a true 8K image, but it’ll be dang close! This is also an Infinity One Samsung QLED, which means the chassis is extremely thin and there’s essentially no physical frame to speak of. So, when it comes time to plug in your components, you’ll be doing so with the TV’s external One Connect box (because there’s no HDMI ports on the TV itself).

If you’re into future-proofing your consumer tech, the Samsung QN900C is an 8K TV that will rule your home theater setup for years to come.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

The best budget QLED TV

Amazon has been making its own TVs for a few years now, and while these models definitely err toward the more “budget-friendly” side of the price and quality spectrums, we’ll admit that we were pretty impressed by the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series. Available in 43-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, the Omni QLED delivers a pretty great picture. Now, it’s not the touting the most amazing specs and features in town, and the fact that the Omni QLED only tops out at 60Hz is a bit disappointing, but where the Omni QLED truly shines is in its Fire TV smart UI.

From the ground up, this is a TV built around Amazon’s larger smart home ecosystem, to the point where the Omni QLED has Alexa built right into it. This means you can fire off voice commands right from your living room couch, as well as control everything from smart lights and locks to web-connected security systems. You’ll even be able to see a live view from any compatible smart cameras right on your TV screen. And when the Omni QLED is powered down, you’ll be able to use the Fire TV Ambient Experience to display artwork and photos.

Other add-ons like Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive support bring a few more picture perks to sweeten the deal. Again, the Fire TV Omni QLED may not be the best QLED ever made, but it’s definitely worth adding to our list.

TCL 6-Series (R646)

Another great QLED

In 2021, TCL introduced mini-LED backlighting on the 6-Series, proving that the miniaturized light sources can make a big difference in contrast, black levels, and detail. And based on our hands-on experience with the R646, we love the end result.

Brightness soars with this TV, especially when it comes to peak nit output. The vivid visuals are present when it comes to color brightness too, making for a budget QLED that is packed with lots of punch and kick in the picture department, and for a relatively low price.

The 6-Series is also optimized for gaming, with its four HDMI inputs supporting 4K/120Hz, making this a blistering-fast choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X enthusiasts. In terms of overall picture upscaling, the 6-Series doesn’t touch the kind of cleanup powers you’ll find on higher-priced sets from Samsung and Sony, but for those of us that plan to do most of our TV-watching with Netflix and other mainline streaming apps, the TCL 6-Series (R646) is an excellent budget option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QLED TV?

The “Q” in QLED stands for quantum dot, a nanoparticle that emits light when energized. Quantum dots can be tuned to emit specific wavelengths of light, so TV makers add green and red quantum dots in a layer over their blue LED backlights, which creates a much purer white light than a single LED backlight can create on its own. With a pure white backlight, the TV’s color filters can produce much more accurate colors, leading to significantly better picture quality than regular LED TVs.

UHD vs. QLED: What’s the difference?

UHD stands for ultra-high definition, also known as 4K. It’s a description of resolution, or the number of pixels that make up an on-screen image. It can refer to the resolution of a specific piece of content (many streaming services offer movies in UHD) as well as the native resolution of a TV. QLED refers to the kind of display technology a TV uses (see above). QLED TVs come in various native resolutions, from HD to 8K, including UHD.

Is QLED better than OLED?

It depends. Right now, QLED TVs are capable of getting brighter than OLED TVs, which deliver better black levels and contrast. We feel that OLED TVs still produce a better overall picture quality, but if your viewing area is especially bright, or if you want a really big screen, QLED models might be a better choice for you.

Is QLED the best TV technology?

Once again, it depends on your particular situation. For instance, if you want a TV for your patio, where it will experience partial or full sun, an OLED TV simply won’t get bright enough to compete with all that daylight, and a QLED TV is definitely superior. On the other hand, if you can darken your media room whenever you want, an OLED TV will still deliver the deepest blacks and highest contrast.

What should I look for in a QLED TV?

Finding the right QLED TV for you is all about balancing size, picture quality, features, and price. First, figure out your budget, then prioritize the rest of your list. If getting the biggest TV for your money is the top priority, you’ll be able to find 75-inch and larger models from brands like TCL, Vizio, Hisense, and LG that are still quite affordable. If picture quality matters more – especially when viewing HDR material – you should choose a model with a very high peak brightness. If gaming is a top consideration, make sure you find a model that’s equipped with VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz for the best possible experience.

Which is the best Samsung QLED TV?

Samsung has two flagship QLED models depending on whether you want 8K resolution. The QN900C is the company’s top 8K model, and the QN90C is its top 4K model.

Are QLED TVs good for gaming?

Yes, but picking the right model is key. You’ll want to look for a TV that has the latest HDMI 2.1 features, like VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz. Another feature that gamers will appreciate is support for AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync, which are two proprietary VRR technologies used by game consoles like the Xbox Series X and many gaming PCs.

Do QLED TVs have problems with burn-in?

No. Burn-in is a permanent form of image retention caused by leaving the same image on a TV for many hours at a time. In OLED TVs, this can cause individual pixels to age prematurely, leaving the “shadow” of some parts of the image on screen even after the image has changed. Because QLED TVs use a backlight for their brightness, their pixels aren’t susceptible to this kind of uneven aging.

How long do QLED TVs last?

Theoretically, a QLED TV will outlast an OLED TV, at least in terms of maximum brightness, because OLED pixels lose their ability to produce brightness at a faster rate than a QLED TV’s backlight. But you would likely have to keep your TV on for eight hours a day, seven days a week, for many, many years before this difference became noticeable. That said, a QLED TV should last a decade or more as long as none of its individual components fail — something that can be hard to predict even for the best TVs.

When will QLED prices drop?

QLED prices, much like OLED prices, are dropping all the time. A few years ago, you’d need to spend well over $2,000 for a 65-inch QLED TV. Today, you can find them for less than half that price.

Is a QLED worth it?

Definitely. If you have a choice between a standard LED TV and a QLED TV, the QLED model will deliver brighter, more accurate colors, which should yield a better image overall. And as QLED TVs become the norm for non-OLED models, you won’t have to pay much of a price premium to get one.

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The best TVs of 2023

By admin December 14, 2023

The best TVs of 2023, from Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, and more 2023 has been an excellent year for TVs, and we’ve had the great privilege of testing several top-notch QLEDs, OLEDs, and QD-OLEDs ourselves. That being said, if you’re thinking about upgrading your living room set, plan on purchasing one as a gift, or simply want to add multiple screens to your home, we’ve put together this list of all the best TVs you can buy right now.

These are available in stores and online from popular retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. And considering the time of year, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to score an awesome deal or two on some of our favorite 2023 sets as we eagerly await CES 2024 to see what the TV world will have in store for us next year.

OK, so what’s the best TV you can buy? Well according to our own editor-at-large Caleb Denison, the flagship king of 2023 has got to be the Sony A95L. This QD-OLED has got it all, folks; from amazing brightness levels and ultra-rich colors, to pulse-pounding sound and terrific 4K upscaling. By and large, Sony TVs are usually pretty amazing, but the A95L truly changes the game. Let’s just say it’s going to be tough to beat this model come 2024.

We’re also big fans of all things LG and Samsung, which is why we’ve also featured the LG G3 OLED and Samsung S95C QD-OLED as top picks, too. Do keep in mind that our roundup considers the best TVs for all types of viewers and budgets, but the vast majority of our selections are going to cost upwards of $1,000. After all, these are the very best TVs you’ll be able to find.

Sony A95L QD-OLED

The best TV you can buy right now

For those of you familiar with our video content, you’ll know that our own Caleb Denison is quite the discerning TV expert. So when Mr. Denison says that the Sony A95L QD-OLED is the best TV he’s ever reviewed, you know you’re in for some seriously good picture, sound, and other features. And yeah, Sony’s 2023 flagship is a totally killer TV, that just so happens to be equipped with cutting-edge QD-OLED display tech.

For those unaware, “QD-OLED” stands for Quantum Dot-Organic Light Emitting Diode. What we’ve got here is an OLED backbone, complete with a screen that contains self-emissive pixels. But on top of that, there’s also a layer of quantum dots built into the A95L, which does wonders for overall color and peak brightness levels; not to mention the supremely wide color gamut you’ll get to experience. Those are just the fundamentals though, with Sony giving us plenty more to love about this phenomenal TV.

It’s not too often we get to rave about a TV’s audio system, but we couldn’t believe the type of sound quality the A95L is capable of. With powerful representation in the treble, midrange, and bass sectors, you’d think you were using a great soundbar or surround sound-lite, but nope: it’s all in the TV speakers, friends.

Picture-wise, the list of terrific things to say is nearly endless, but highlights include some of the best color purity and saturation levels we’ve ever seen on a TV, or at least one with these max nit figures. The A95L also delivers some tremendous 4K upscaling, which not only brings lower-res content closer to Ultra HD quality, but also reduces picture noise and other onscreen artifacts to give you final frames that look clean and sharp. The A95L is also a fantastic TV for modern gaming, especially for those of us who own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S.

Price-wise, this is going to be one of the most expensive picks on our list, but we really can’t praise the Sony A95L enough. And if you’re on the lookout for a super-great deal on one of last year’s flagship sets, now is the time to track down a Sony A95K.

The best TVs of 2023

LG G3 OLED Evo

Almost the best

With Samsung and Sony’s QD-OLED TVs from last year stealing some of OLED’s thunder for their ability to hit on both the perfect blacks that OLED is known for and the high brightness and pure colors of QLED, it left many TV aficionados wondering how OLED would respond. The 2023 LG G3 OLED is that response, and as Denison says in his review: “Wow. Just … wow.” Denison was also thoroughly blown away by the equally impressive Samsung S95C QD-OLED that we’ll get into more below, but here we’ll also point out some of the differences between our two top picks.

The first of LG’s TVs in the U.S. to brandish LG’s new micro-lens display (MLA) and “Brightness Booster Max” technology, LGs new OLED panels deliver better brightness, better viewing angles, and better energy efficiency than their previous TVs, with the LG G3 pumping out between 1,450 and 1,520 peak nits in our testing. In short: you no longer need to look to QLED or QD-OLED (like the Samsung S95C) if maximum brightness is a key buying point for a new TV.

That, and you also get those perfect, deep black levels that LG’s OLED panels are famous for — now it doesn’t matter whether you put this TV in a dark basement living room or a sun-soaked main floor family room.

Like its predecessor, the LG G3 comes in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 83-inch models and, as part of LGs Gallery Series, is meant to be wall mounted — it even comes with a no-gap wall mount, something the Samsung S95C does not. Connection options include four HDMI 2.1 ports, an eARC port, Wi-Fi 6E, an Ethernet connection, and Bluetooth 5, and the LG G3 has support for HDR10, HLG, Dolby Atmos sound, and, most importantly, Dolby Vision, which I’ve left to the end to point out that it could be the one sticking point over the S95C as Samsung still does not support Dolby Vision.

Denison’s review also predicts that gamers in particular are going to be into the LG G3’s extra brightness, but also its 120Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR specs, which will translate into some super-smooth gaming experiences.

We’ll leave off with Denison’s final thoughts on the G3: “Top to bottom, the LG G3 is an absolute star of a TV. It’s a delight. It’s exciting. It’s luxurious. It is everything a super-premium TV should be.”

Samsung S95C OLED

Ties with the LG G3

For 2023, Samsung has pushed forward with its stellar flagship quantum dot OLED TV, moving the S95B up the alphabet to its next-generation, the off-the-charts S95C. As we mentioned in our intro, after reviews of the LG G3 and Samsung S95C, both TVs are so good that flipping a coin would be the best way to choose. But let’s get into the Samsung S95C.

First off, the S95C is every bit as good as the S95B (which is still on our list below), but improves on it with better brightness, sleeker design, and better features. In fact, Denison calls the S95C “the best TV Samsung has ever made.” Although it doesn’t come with a wall mount like the LG G3, the all-metal stand mount is sturdy, stable, and leaves enough space for a soundbar underneath, but more importantly, it cradles the S95C’s

One Connect box that was once only found with Samsung’s 8K QLED TVs. One of the main differentiators from the LG G3, the One Connect box is a rather ingenious solution for messy and awkward cables at the back of your TV as it puts all those connections in a separate sleek box that connects to the TV with one cable.

As you might expect, picture quality is off the charts. Starting with brightness, the S95C is 60% brighter than its predecessor, peaking at 1,600 nits in our own tests. And that’s bananas. True to QLED and QD-OLED panels, this TV will be more than fine in any bright room you want to put it in. Color brightness is also very good and accurate on this TV, with 100% of P3 color space, and 75% of BT.2020, and Denison praised it for having a “super vivid vibe that, when combined with OLED’s perfect blacks,

is simply unmatched by any other TV technology.” However, there is that matter of Samsung still not supporting Dolby Vision, the dynamic HDR format that’s supported by several streaming services. If that’s a deal breaker for you, and it shouldn’t be, then scroll back up to the LG G3.

Gamers will be delighted by the S95s Game Mode that supports fast gaming at up to 120Hz, and because it’s a Samsung, gamers can also tap into Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud gaming without the console.

One of the other differentiators between the S95C and the LG G3 is the Samsung’s array of eight bass transducers on the back of the TV, which, Denison reports, don’t really add much to the native sound of the set and you’d still be better off getting a soundbar. Speaking of sound, the S95C does support Dolby Atmos sound, as well as pass through via eARC, but not DTS passthrough, sadly.

Available in 55, 65, and 75-inch models ranging from $2,500 to $4,500, this TV and the LG G3, are going to be hard TVs to beat.

LG 77-inch M3 Wireless OLED

Premium picture meets cutting-edge tech

The LG M3 Wireless OLED has arrived to solve a problem that a lot of home theaters struggle with: having too many wires to run. When it comes to power cables, we’ll always be reliant on a lead and power brick (at least for the foreseeable future), but as far as AV connections go (HDMI and digital optical), this is where TVs like the LG M3 are starting to change the game. In terms of picture quality, the M3 is pretty much toe-to-toe with the amazing LG G3, our favorite OLED this year. But the true calling card feature is the M3’s ability to wirelessly receive picture and sound from a broadcasting unit called the Zero Connect Box.

The Zero Connect includes three HDMI ports that can push 4K at up to 120Hz (and the second port is eARC/ARC compatible), digital optical, ethernet, two USB-A, and an output for an IR blaster. And as long as the transmitting device is in range of the M3 TV’s receiver, you’ll be able to enjoy wireless audio and video. Do keep in mind that if you’re planning on using a soundbar, you’ll want to have the Zero Connect located fairly close to the TV, otherwise, you probably won’t have enough cord length to place the soundbar under the M3.

As mentioned, the picture quality on this model is right on par with the LG G3, and when we tested the M3 ourselves, we experienced zero troubles with latency or any kind of compression or pixelation. This is definitely the kind of next-gen TV that leans on one awesome feature more than any other, and at $5,000 we do wish the Zero Connect box was a little smaller and completely reliable in the signal-range department.

But if you told us a year ago that we’d have the ability to go wireless with our HDMI gear, and the picture and sound would be just as good as running physical cables, we’d scoff and laugh. But the LG M3 Wireless OLED has proved us wrong.

TCL QM8 mini-LED

The TV most people should buy

Sure, the LG G2 and Samsung S95C are the cream of the crop this year so far, but around $3,000 for either of those 65-inch panels can be a jagged pill to swallow. And even if you consider that the latest step-down 65-inch LG C3 OLED is still north of $2,000, may we present to you a TCL TV that has closed the performance-versus-price gap so thoroughly, that it surprised us: the 2023 TCL QM8.

With appeal to an extremely broad audience, the TCL QM8 sits at the top of TCL’s new Q class flagship lineup with this 4K mini-LED QLED TV that runs Google TV. As we mentioned in the intro, 2023 has so far been all about brightness, something that TCL promises with the QM8 with its “High Brightness ULTRA LED Backlight” technology. So … it’s bright then?

You betcha. In fact, in our review of the QM8, Caleb Denison’s calibration tool is only rated to accurately read up to 2,000 nits of brightness, which is already insanely powerful. The QM8 blew past that, giving readings of up to 3,500 nits in HDR mode before some tweaking settled things to a more consistent 2,500 (TCL’s website lists the peak nits at 2,000 though). The TL;DR here is: schnikies, it’s bright.

But how about the black levels? While deep inky blacks is the calling card of OLED technology, this mini-LED gets really close, with excellent contrast and support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. Denison was impressed, stating: “The contrast on this TV is just out-of-this-world impressive, partially because it can get so bright, yes, but also because its blacks are remarkably good.” The brightness and black level capabilities make this a great choice for both dark home theater dens and bright rooms.

Color-wise, the TCL QM8 is great, too, covering 97% of DCI-P3 and about 76% of BT.2020 color gamuts, and the TV looks excellent out of the box even without calibration. And while Denison did see some motion judder when viewing some higher-quality shows, there’s a de-judder option in the settings that can nip that in the bud. But gamers will be pleased with the QM8’s support for VRR, and there’s an auto game mode with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

The TCL QM8 is available in 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch variants ranging in price from $1,200 to $10,000.

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Best robot mops of 2023

By admin December 5, 2023

Best robot mops of 2023, Smart robot mops aren’t quite as flashy as other smart home gadgets, but they can certainly help save you time. The goal of smart devices is to handle day-to-day activities for you without you having to think or worry about them. Robot mops, as well as their vacuum brethren, perform that task well.

There are plenty of great robot mops to choose from today, many of which also double as vacuums. Whether you want a frugal option or something with heaps of premium features, there’s bound to be a robot mop that fits your needs.

Here’s a look at the best robot mops of 2023, including products from iRobot, Roborock, and Ecovacs.

iRobot Braava Jet m6

Best overall

First on the list is our best overall smart mop, the iRobot Braava Jet m6. This appliance is our top-of-the-line option for all of its features, especially working in tandem with some of iRobot’s robot vacuums. Unfortunately, it’s also the most expensive.

The Braava Jet m6 will map out your kitchen or home after a few runs to make sure it’s cleaning in the most efficient way possible. You can also use the app to restrict areas the mop can enter, although it will avoid carpet by default. It also has an easy-to-remove and refill water tank.

The Braava Jet m6 will mop as much as it can before going back to the dock. If the battery dies before it finishes cleaning, it will return and recharge before going back out to finish the job. This mop is one of the only options that serves both smaller and larger areas.

Best robot mops of 2023

iLife V5s Pro

Best for small apartments

Next up is the iLife V5s Pro, which is actually a combo vacuum and mop. It takes the spot on our list as best for a small apartment, thanks to it being the quietest robot cleaner. It’s also a little smaller for its size, but not as small as the Braava Jet 240.

The V5s Pro doesn’t have a terribly huge number of features, but it does come with a simple remote if the app or your phone is out of reach. It will also run for about two hours before going back to the dock to charge.

To convert the V5s Pro from vacuum to mop, or vice versa, you’ll have to take the dustbin off the bottom and change it to a water tank.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni

Best self-cleaning mop

If you’re looking for a robot mop that doubles as a robot vacuum, the X2 Omni should be near the top of your list. Along with two rotating mopping pads, the X2 Omni packs in a staggering 8,000 Pa of suction – allowing it to easily suck up dirt and debris as it cleans your floors. Its mops will also retract when traveling on carpet to prevent it from getting wet.

Once it’s done cleaning, the X2 Omni will return to its dock to empty its dustbin, wash its mops, and then running a drying cycle. That means you won’t have to get your hands dirty to keep your floors clean. These drying cycles take a bit of time to perform, but it’s better than having to deal with them on your own.

Toss in great navigation skills, a simple-to-use smartphone app, and a sleek design, and it’s easy to see why the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is so popular. Many homeowners also love its square footprint, as it gives the robot better access to corners and crevices than the typical circular design. All these features come with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth adding to your home if you want a fully automated cleaning experience.

Roborock

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Best for carpet and hard floors

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra offers many of the same features as the Deebot X2 Omni. This includes a self-washing and -drying mopping system, along with a self-emptying dustbin. However, it uses a single vibrating mopping pad to clean floors instead of two rotating mopping pads. Along with vibrations, the robot applies constant pressure while mopping to help clear up tough stains.

If you’re looking to keep your floors as clean as possible, you can mix in Roborock’s Floor Cleaning Solution. The S8 Pro Ultra also benefits from 6,000 Pa of suction for impressive vacuuming performance, though it’s the Duo Roller brushing system that really allows it to provide a superior clean.

Using your smartphone, you can program in different mopping schedules, set restricted zones, or enable Off-Peak Charging to help save on your energy bills. This makes it a great all-around robot that’s perfect for homes with both carpet and hard floors.

Best robot vacuum deals: save on Roomba, Shark, and others

It can be quite daunting to finish a full day of work and then have to face cleaning up a whole house. Luckily, robot vacuums can help quite a lot, and while they won’t be able to organize your closets and cupboards or put things away, they can help keep the floors clean. There are many types of robot vacuums you can pick, from budget-oriented ones that do the basics to fancier double units that can both vacuum and mop. There are a lot of great deals on them, so you can find something solid without breaking the bank.

Best Shark Robot Vacuum Deals

Shark

While a lot of folks may think of the Roomba when they think about robot vacuums, Shark is just as good a brand, and it actually makes some relatively well-priced products. That means you can get a bit better at the same price if you go with a Shark robot vacuum instead of a Roomba one. That said, the higher in price you go, the less difference you’ll see in terms of bang for your buck,

Best Roomba Robot Vacuum Deals

iRobot

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to go with the brand you’re more familiar with, then there are a lot of great deals for Roomba robot vacuums, too. There’s also a wider selection of robot vacuums, so you can really pick the features you want for the budget you have, rather than feeling like you’re missing out or have to add extra money to get what you really want.

More Robot Vacuum Deals We Like

Roborock

If you didn’t find anything you like in either the Roomba or Shark lineup, then there are a few other brands that you can take a look at that have some interesting options. All the picks below are from reputable brands, even if they aren’t as widely marketed, and there are often some great deals you can take advantage of.

How to Choose the Right Robot Vacuum

Probably one of the most important things to consider when it comes to Robot Vacuums is what sort of floor you will be using them on. While most modern robot vacuums are generally okay to be used on many different surfaces, it’s always good to check, especially if you have a lot of carpets or hardwood floors; you wouldn’t want to damage either of them. Similarly, if you have pets or long hair that sheds a lot, then you need to go for a vacuum that can handle hair because those that don’t could easily get tangled, and then you have to deal with that mess.

Another thing worth considering is whether you want it to be a self-emptying type or not. While it is much more convenient and will let you go 30-90 days, depending on capacity, without emptying it, self-emptying robot vacuums are considerably more expensive. Speaking of cost, you should also consider whether you want a vacuum that can both mop and dust, or maybe even going with a bundled set that includes a robot vacuum and a robot mop, which will make life a lot easier but will cost much, much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Roombas work in small spaces?

Yes, Roombas work in small spaces just as well as in larger spaces. However, if your flooring is covered in items and furniture, spending the extra money on an intelligent mop may not make sense.

How much space do robot cleaners need?

There’s no minimum space that a smart cleaner needs to work in general. Some will require a few feet from the base to any walls, but as far as areas to clean, there’s no bottom limit. All cleaners have a specific battery life, so not all will be as effective in the most extensive areas.

From this list, the iRobot Braava Jet m6 would be our choice for first-time buyers in a small space. There are other options if you have more room to clean, a higher budget, or want more features.

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Best QLED TVs for 2023

By admin December 5, 2023

Best QLED TVs for 2023, What do you get when you combine some of the best full-array backlighting of modern TVs with a solid blast of quantum dot-enriched colors? You would get a QLED TV, and based on the kinds of fanfare these models generate, we’re betting you’ll be just as pleased with the picture quality as we are. Many of the biggest TV companies are standing behind QLED tech, and while QD-OLED displays may be the next big thing, traditional QLEDs are still thriving.

Made by companies like Samsung, Sony, TCL, and Hisense, the best QLED TVs should do more than get super-bright (which they do). You should also expect excellent 4K and 8K upscaling, terrific motion capabilities, next-gen gaming optimizations, and a solid smart TV interface. And you can bet that we’ve got plenty of recommendations based on our firsthand experience with several of these sets.

Samsung QN90C Neo QLED

The best overall QLED TV

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It’s hard not to love a Samsung TV. Over the last decade or so, the manufacturer has consistently delivered one amazing set after another, and has been producing some top-notch QLEDS for several years now. We were huge fans of the 2022 Samsung QN90B, and now we’re more than glad to sing the praises of our favorite 2023 QLED, the incredible Samsung QN90C. Available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches, the QN90C is going to be the best QLED for most folks; although some may be interested in taking things a step further with the flagship performance of the Samsung S95C QD-OLED.

As for those of us who choose to remain with a more traditional QLED, the QN90C has it all. We’re talking near-impeccable HDR performance, chart-topping peak brightness levels, terrific reflection handling, and some of the best gaming features you’ll find in 2023. Many of these features are further enriched by Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 4K, which optimizes each and every source to give you as much picture detail as possible, whether you’re watching brand-new Netflix 4K HDR releases or your vintage DVD collection.

When it comes to contrast, QLED TVs are also getting better at acting more like OLEDs, which bodes well for those of us who want our movies and TV shows to be packed with rich colors and amazing black levels. The QN90C is an LED-powered TV, and we did notice a bit of light blooming during darker scenes, but that’s a small grievance about an otherwise remarkable picture.

Best QLED TVs for 2023

Sony Bravia X93L mini-LED

The best not-quite QLED alternative

While Sony doesn’t claim to use quantum dots (it call its tech Triluminos Pro) and doesn’t market its TVs as QLEDs, they compete right alongside the TVs on this list that are marketed as QLED. So, if you’re considering a “QLED” TV based on the idea that they are top-tier LED/LCD TV performers, then you should also be considering this Sony option, never mind that it doesn’t have QLED printed on the box.

With that out of the way, we give you the Sony Bravia X93L mini-LED, a 2023 TV that picks up where last year’s excellent flagship Sony X95K mini-LED TV left off, but for a much better price. In fact, the X93L is identical to the X95K but with a handful of software improvements, including better eco settings management, new black level adjustments for better fine-tuning of darker scenes (if you’re a Game of Thrones fan), and a new gaming dashboard that lets you switch between 60Hx and 120Hz VRR.

It’s bright (at 1,800 peak nits), has beautiful color reproduction, supports all the HDR contrasty things you need (HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision), and is excellent for gamers, too, with VRR, auto low latency mode, and HDMI 2.1 support.

If you’re a fan of Sony soundbars, too, you can take advantage of the X93L’s ability to sync the TV’s speakers with select soundbars to help with clearer dialog and immersion. It’s also Dolby Atmos capable. The X93L is a new spin on one of Sony’s best TVs for 2023, but without the premium “Sony tax.“

TCL QM8 QLED 4K mini-LED

One of the brightest TVs we’ve ever seen

New for 2023, TCL is at it again with its lineup of mini-LED QLED TVs that continue to prove that you can have high-end features and quality at prices that are way more reasonable than the marquee TV brands. And the TCL QM8 is literally the brand’s shining example … blindingly shiny with peak brightness levels of 2,500 nits in our tests, making it one of the brightest TVs we’ve ever seen. Our reviewer was so impressed with the QM8, in fact, that he praised it as his “go-to TV recommendation for probably 90% of people this year.”

In-line with QLED’s ability to deliver bright images that are great for those setting up their TV in a light-drenched room, the MQ8 also has it where it counts in the contrast area, too, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HRD10+, and HLG, and excellent local dimming that also make it a good performer in darker rooms with decent black levels. Are they as inky as OLED? No, but not much is, and with OLED still costing a premium, it’s getting harder and harder to make a viable case for spending the extra cash. The QM8’s mini-LED technology delivers excellent color accuracy, too, with 97% coverage of DCI-P3 and about 76% of BT.2020 color gamuts.

The TCL QM8 is a Google TV-based TV, which makes for easy setup and use as well as access to all the streaming services and apps you could ever want via the Google Play Store, plus it’s got Chromecast built-in for easy mirroring and casting from your devices.

With a 120Hz refresh rate, fast-action movies are smooth, and gamers will appreciate the TV’s support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and Game Accelerator that boosts things up to 240Hz and AMD FreeSync Pro for even smoother gameplay.

The TCL QM8 also features a built-in subwoofer for bigger bass sound, but you’re still probably going to want an external soundbar. Available in 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes, the TCL QM8 ranges in price from $1,200 to $10,000.

Hisense U8K ULED TV

Unbeatable brightness for an unbeatable price

We can’t stop talking about Hisense TVs. When Hisense models first started hitting U.S. shelves, they were decent TVs, but they were certainly aimed at a more price-conscious shopper, with cost valued more than performance. Fast-forward to today, and Hisense has carved out quite the name for itself — and not just because of how much you won’t spend on a model like the U8K.

This is one mean QLED, folks. In our own testing of the TV, the Hisense U8K rocked the house when it came to peak brightness levels, delivering readings around 2,000 nits when viewing HDR content. Tech talk aside, this means that the U8K can get insanely bright, and without colors becoming oversaturated. That’s the biggest feat, really. Yes, most QLEDs can get very bright, but this tends to interfere with overall color accuracy and contrast. That’s just not the case with the U8K.

Available in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, the Hisense U8K tops out at 4K/120Hz on its two full-bandwidth HDMI inputs, and also includes Hisense’s Game Mode Pro for those of us hooking up a next-gen console or PC to the TV. And as a little bonus, those two HDMI 2.1 ports will actually push 4K at 144Hz when compatible PC gear is wired up.

The Hisense U8K’s price is a massive calling card, no doubt, but if you’re looking for a hard-hitting QLED that goes above and beyond the “cost-friendly” slabel, do allow Hisense’s flagship model to blow your mind.

TCL Q7 QLED

Great for gaming

We’ve been very impressed by TCL’s Mini LED models over the last few years, so it’s no surprise that the brand gets more than one mention in our roundup. Sitting one rung below the QM8, the TCL Q7 is another awesome QLED that competes with models like the Hisense U7K and the Sony X90L. We tested the 65-inch version ourselves (it’s also available in 55-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes), and were taken aback by the Q7’s high brightness output and vivid colors.

Now as far as nit metrics go, the TCL Q7 is a bit on the lackluster side Not only did it score some so-so peak brightness readings (around 1,100 nits) with HDR playback, but the meh results found their way into SDR content too (about 700 nits for peak brightness). Compared to TVs like the Hisense U8K, the Q7 just doesn’t touch the kind of QLED brightness of some of its competitors, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to love about it.

Two of the Q7’s four HDMI inputs are full-bandwidth 2.1 ports that support 4K at up to 120Hz. It also runs the latest version of Google TV for all your Netflix and Prime Video streaming needs. Plus, you’ll be able to use Google Assistant to search for media and control your smart home devices, and there’s also AirPlay and HomeKit support.

In a way, we love the TCL Q7 because it’s not a perfect QLED. But what it does well, it tends to do very well, and the price just can’t be beat.

Samsung QN900C Neo QLED TV

The best 8K QLED

Many consumer tech companies put the cart before the horse, and the world of TVs may be one of the biggest offenders when it comes to horse-less transportation. In the case of a TV like the Samsung QN900C, our equestrian analogy is best represented by a hardware versus software comparison. Quite simply, the QN900C is an amazing 8K TV, but we’re still living in a world that is primarily dominated by 4K and 1080p content.

Fortunately, Samsung’s next-gen QLED has some fantastic picture processing tech under its hood. The QN900C is outfitted with Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Pro, which itself is powered by mini-LED lighting. Translation, please? You got it! Matrix Pro is Samsung’s fancy-pants terminology for local dimming zones (a small block of LED lights), and because the QN900C uses mini LEDs, the QLED has a lot of control zones. At the end of the day, this means you can expect the QN900C to deliver excellent peak brightness and color brightness to the parts of the panel that require said brightness, while the rest of the screen is enshrouded in darkness (that’s a good thing).

And because this is an 8K TV, the QN900C will upscale whatever 4K or regular high-def HDR and SDR sources you feed it. Of course, you won’t be looking at a true 8K image, but it’ll be dang close! This is also an Infinity One Samsung QLED, which means the chassis is extremely thin and there’s essentially no physical frame to speak of. So, when it comes time to plug in your components, you’ll be doing so with the TV’s external One Connect box (because there’s no HDMI ports on the TV itself).

If you’re into future-proofing your consumer tech, the Samsung QN900C is an 8K TV that will rule your home theater setup for years to come.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

The best budget QLED TV

Amazon has been making its own TVs for a few years now, and while these models definitely err toward the more “budget-friendly” side of the price and quality spectrums, we’ll admit that we were pretty impressed by the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series. Available in 43-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, the Omni QLED delivers a pretty great picture. Now, it’s not the touting the most amazing specs and features in town, and the fact that the Omni QLED only tops out at 60Hz is a bit disappointing, but where the Omni QLED truly shines is in its Fire TV smart UI.

From the ground up, this is a TV built around Amazon’s larger smart home ecosystem, to the point where the Omni QLED has Alexa built right into it. This means you can fire off voice commands right from your living room couch, as well as control everything from smart lights and locks to web-connected security systems. You’ll even be able to see a live view from any compatible smart cameras right on your TV screen. And when the Omni QLED is powered down, you’ll be able to use the Fire TV Ambient Experience to display artwork and photos.

Other add-ons like Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive support bring a few more picture perks to sweeten the deal. Again, the Fire TV Omni QLED may not be the best QLED ever made, but it’s definitely worth adding to our list.

TCL 6-Series (R646)

Another great QLED

In 2021, TCL introduced mini-LED backlighting on the 6-Series, proving that the miniaturized light sources can make a big difference in contrast, black levels, and detail. And based on our hands-on experience with the R646, we love the end result.

Brightness soars with this TV, especially when it comes to peak nit output. The vivid visuals are present when it comes to color brightness too, making for a budget QLED that is packed with lots of punch and kick in the picture department, and for a relatively low price.

The 6-Series is also optimized for gaming, with its four HDMI inputs supporting 4K/120Hz, making this a blistering-fast choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X enthusiasts. In terms of overall picture upscaling, the 6-Series doesn’t touch the kind of cleanup powers you’ll find on higher-priced sets from Samsung and Sony, but for those of us that plan to do most of our TV-watching with Netflix and other mainline streaming apps, the TCL 6-Series (R646) is an excellent budget option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QLED TV?

The “Q” in QLED stands for quantum dot, a nanoparticle that emits light when energized. Quantum dots can be tuned to emit specific wavelengths of light, so TV makers add green and red quantum dots in a layer over their blue LED backlights, which creates a much purer white light than a single LED backlight can create on its own. With a pure white backlight, the TV’s color filters can produce much more accurate colors, leading to significantly better picture quality than regular LED TVs.

UHD vs. QLED: What’s the difference?

UHD stands for ultra-high definition, also known as 4K. It’s a description of resolution, or the number of pixels that make up an on-screen image. It can refer to the resolution of a specific piece of content (many streaming services offer movies in UHD) as well as the native resolution of a TV. QLED refers to the kind of display technology a TV uses (see above). QLED TVs come in various native resolutions, from HD to 8K, including UHD.

Is QLED better than OLED?

It depends. Right now, QLED TVs are capable of getting brighter than OLED TVs, which deliver better black levels and contrast. We feel that OLED TVs still produce a better overall picture quality, but if your viewing area is especially bright, or if you want a really big screen, QLED models might be a better choice for you.

Is QLED the best TV technology?

Once again, it depends on your particular situation. For instance, if you want a TV for your patio, where it will experience partial or full sun, an OLED TV simply won’t get bright enough to compete with all that daylight, and a QLED TV is definitely superior. On the other hand, if you can darken your media room whenever you want, an OLED TV will still deliver the deepest blacks and highest contrast.

What should I look for in a QLED TV?

Finding the right QLED TV for you is all about balancing size, picture quality, features, and price. First, figure out your budget, then prioritize the rest of your list. If getting the biggest TV for your money is the top priority, you’ll be able to find 75-inch and larger models from brands like TCL, Vizio, Hisense, and LG that are still quite affordable. If picture quality matters more – especially when viewing HDR material – you should choose a model with a very high peak brightness. If gaming is a top consideration, make sure you find a model that’s equipped with VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz for the best possible experience.

Which is the best Samsung QLED TV?

Samsung has two flagship QLED models depending on whether you want 8K resolution. The QN900B is the company’s top 8K model, and the QN90B is its top 4K model.

Are QLED TVs good for gaming?

Yes, but picking the right model is key. You’ll want to look for a TV that has the latest HDMI 2.1 features, like VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz. Another feature that gamers will appreciate is support for AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync, which are two proprietary VRR technologies used by game consoles like the Xbox Series X and many gaming PCs.

Do QLED TVs have problems with burn-in?

No. Burn-in is a permanent form of image retention caused by leaving the same image on a TV for many hours at a time. In OLED TVs, this can cause individual pixels to age prematurely, leaving the “shadow” of some parts of the image on screen even after the image has changed. Because QLED TVs use a backlight for their brightness, their pixels aren’t susceptible to this kind of uneven aging.

How long do QLED TVs last?

Theoretically, a QLED TV will outlast an OLED TV, at least in terms of maximum brightness, because OLED pixels lose their ability to produce brightness at a faster rate than a QLED TV’s backlight. But you would likely have to keep your TV on for eight hours a day, seven days a week, for many, many years before this difference became noticeable. That said, a QLED TV should last a decade or more as long as none of its individual components fail — something that can be hard to predict even for the best TVs.

When will QLED prices drop?

QLED prices, much like OLED prices, are dropping all the time. A few years ago, you’d need to spend well over $2,000 for a 65-inch QLED TV. Today, you can find them for less than half that price.

Is a QLED worth it?

Definitely. If you have a choice between a standard LED TV and a QLED TV, the QLED model will deliver brighter, more accurate colors, which should yield a better image overall. And as QLED TVs become the norm for non-OLED models, you won’t have to pay much of a price premium to get one.

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