With streaming’s popularity at an all-time high, selecting the ideal TV has become crucial. The perfect TV transforms your living room into a private cinema, where each show and movie becomes a special event. However, with so many options available, how do you choose the one that truly enhances your binge-watching experience? This guide will cover the best TVs for streaming, ensuring that your next TV purchase is an investment in unparalleled entertainment.
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TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV
Best Overall TV for Streaming
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Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K TV
Best 4K TV for Streaming
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VIZIO 50-inch MQX Series Premium 4K TV
Best Smart TV for Streaming
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Sony 4K Ultra 50-inch LED Smart TV
Best Mid-Range TV for Streaming
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LG C3 Series Class OLED Evo Smart TV
Best High-End TV for Streaming
Finding Your Ideal Streaming Companion
When choosing a TV for streaming, consider these essentials:
- Connectivity and Smart Platform: Smooth integration with streaming services is a must.
- Picture Quality: For that immersive viewing experience, don’t compromise on resolution and HDR support.
- User Experience: A smooth interface and easy navigation improve your streaming sessions.
Once you’ve picked the perfect TV for your streaming adventures, consider upgrading your gaming setup as well. Explore the latest titles with the best gaming consoles, designed to deliver breathtaking visuals on your streaming-ready display.
Game Rant’s Best TVs for Streaming
TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV
Best Overall TV for Streaming
Budget TVs have to balance affordability with functionality, and the TCL Q7 excels in this aspect. Featuring a 4K resolution, buyers get to watch their favorite movies or play games with stunning picture quality. For those used to a 1080p display, this is an excellent upgrade. The TV is also bright, making it a great choice to tackle issues like glare without sacrificing picture clarity. Gaming on this TV should be a worthwhile experience thanks to 240Hz VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and an auto game mode.
- Dimensions
- 2.8″D x 48.2″W x 28″H
- Display Technology
- QLED
- What’s Included
- Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Stand, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
- Brand
- TCL
- Refresh Rate
- 120 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Stunning 4K QLED display for vibrant visuals
- Google TV integration for a wide range of streaming options
- 120 Hz refresh rate provides smooth motion
- Mixed reviews on performance
- Some users find responsiveness could be improved
The TCL 55-Inch Q7 stands out as the best overall TV for streaming, thanks to its impressive 4K QLED display technology that brings the cinema right into your living room. The integration with Google TV makes sure you’re never more than a few clicks away from your favorite streaming services. Additionally, its high refresh rate keeps the action smooth, making it an excellent choice for everything from sports to the latest blockbuster hits.
This TV impresses with its bright and vibrant colors, perfect for high-quality content. However, it’s worth noting that there have been some concerns expressed about its overall performance and responsiveness. Even with these concerns, the TCL 55-Inch Q7’s superior viewing experience and feature set establish it as the best overall TV for streaming, offering remarkable value and quality.
Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K TV
Best 4K TV for Streaming
This 50-inch 4-Series Fire TV from Amazon features a high-resolution display that supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus. Thanks to the Fire TV platform, it has access to all the popular apps and streaming services with a catalog of over a million movies and TV show episodes from the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
- Brand
- Amazon Fire TV
- Display Size
- 50”
- Operating System
- Fire TV OS
- Display Type
- VA
- Display Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, 3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI eARC 2.1
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Weight
- 20.6 lb
- Exceptional 4K HDR display
- Integrated Fire TV OS for easy streaming
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- Varying opinions on performance and speed
- Some users find sound quality could be improved
The Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K TV is the best 4K TV for streaming, offering a vibrant 3840 x 2160 resolution display with HDR 10 and Dolby Digital Plus. Its integration with Fire TV OS opens up a universe of streaming services at your fingertips, making it a central hub for entertainment. This TV is smartly designed to improve user experience with its easy installation and compatibility with smart home devices like Ring cameras.
This TV is great in many areas. However, it’s important to note that there are mixed reviews about its performance, speed, and sound quality. Nevertheless, considering its value for money and the smooth streaming experience it provides, the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K TV secures its place as the best 4K TV for streaming, especially for those invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
VIZIO 50-inch MQX Series Premium 4K TV
Best Smart TV for Streaming
This Vizio MQX Series 4K television comes with a 50-inch display panel with QLED technology. The Quantum Color technology allows increased color performance in a 4K resolution with the use of Active Full Array Backlight technology and local dimming. The TV supports Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ for vibrant high dynamic range content.
Vizio’s smart TV platform allows easy access to millions of titles from popular streaming channels and other apps. With Vizio WatchFree+, there are also over 250 live-streaming channels for free.
- Brand
- Vizio
- Display Size
- 50″
- Dimensions
- 10″D x 43.8″W x 25.5″H
- Display Type
- QLED
- Display Resolution
- 4K
- Refresh rate
- 120Hz
- Quantum Color technology for vibrant visuals
- Supports Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+
- Integrated smart platform with extensive streaming options
- Some users may find the interface complex
- Remote control could be more intuitive
The VIZIO 50-inch MQX Series tops our list as the best smart TV for streaming, thanks to its Quantum Color technology and Active Full Array Backlight. These features enhance the most vivid and realistic colors, bringing your favorite shows and movies to life. With a 120Hz refresh rate, action-packed scenes become smoother and more immersive, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the drama.
While the VIZIO MQX Series excels in many areas, it’s important to note that its smart platform may require some time to become familiar with. However, once mastered, it provides a wealth of streaming options, establishing it as the premier choice for streaming enthusiasts. Most reviews have specifically praised its vibrant and superior picture quality, making it the best smart TV for streaming for anyone looking to improve their viewing experience.
Sony 4K Ultra 50-inch LED Smart TV
Best Mid-Range TV for Streaming
$450 $480 Save $30
The Sony 4K Ultra 50-inch LED Smart TV is one of the best TVs under $1000, thanks to its 4K resolution feature that guarantees high-grade visuals, plus an impressive refresh rate of 120 Hz to boot for life-like motions. Its intelligent TV processing provides vibrant pictures that are full of color.
- Dimensions
- 11.26″D x 44.06″W x 28.15″H
- Display Technology
- 4K HDR LED
- Connectivity Technology
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
- What’s Included
- Power Cable, Remote Control, Stand
- Brand
- Sony
- Refresh Rate
- 120 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- HDR?
- 4K HDR Processor X1
- Ports
- Number of USB 2 Ports 1, Number of USB 3 Ports 1
- Weight
- 29.3 Pounds
- Vibrant 4K HDR display
- Smooth 120 Hz refresh rate
- Multiple connectivity options
- Mixed opinions on color accuracy
- Some users want higher refresh rates
The Sony 4K Ultra 50-inch LED Smart TV delivers vibrant, lifelike visuals, securing its position as our top pick for the best mid-range TV for streaming. Its stunning 4K HDR display, powered by Sony’s 4K HDR Processor X1, ensures viewers enjoy exceptional resolution and color in every scene. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster hit or your favorite series, the smooth 120 Hz refresh rate ensures that even the most fast-paced moments are captured with flawless clarity.
This TV stands out with its sleek design and comprehensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and HDMI. However, there has been feedback that the color quality could be more consistent, and it has been suggested that a higher refresh rate might further enhance the viewing experience. Even with these minor drawbacks, the TV’s overall performance and value remain compelling, making it clear why this Sony TV is considered the best mid-range TV for streaming.
LG C3 Series Class OLED Evo Smart TV
Best High-End TV for Streaming
$1297 $1497 Save $200
The LG C3 Series 55-inch Class OLED Evo Smart TV is one of our contenders for the best gaming TV in 2023. With a complete assortment of gaming-related advances such as VRR support, ALLM, a high refresh rate, and an excellent response time coupled with four HDMI 2.1 ports, it’s hard to find a viable alternative to the C3 within its price range when considering gaming performance.
- Dimensions
- 9.1″D x 48.1″W x 29.8″H
- Brand
- LG
- Refresh Rate
- 120
- Resolution
- 4K
- HDR?
- Yes
- Ports
- 4 HDMI/3 USB
- Weight
- 35.3 lbs
- Exceptional 4K resolution with HDR capability
- 120Hz refresh rate and superb response time for smooth gameplay
- Includes 4 HDMI 2.1 ports for extensive connectivity
- Some users report concerns about brightness levels
- Sound quality, while good, may not match the best external sound systems
The LG C3 Series OLED Evo Smart TV ranks as the best high-end TV for streaming. This TV has a crystal-clear 4K resolution and HDR capability that brings your favorite shows to life with vibrant colors and deep blacks. It’s 120Hz refresh rate and quick response time provide smooth action scenes, making it a top choice for the best streaming experience.
This TV stands out for its superior picture quality. However, it’s brightness might not meet everyone’s expectations, especially in brightly lit environments. Nevertheless, its wide range of connectivity options and the addition of VRR support and ALLM easily compensate for this. With it’s premium looks and features, making it the best high-end TV for streaming, offering an immersive viewing experience that’s hard to beat.
INSIGNIA 43-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD TV
Best Budget TV for Streaming
$181 $190 Save $9
The INSIGNIA 43-inch 4K Fire TV is an excellent option for buyers not eager to splurge on a new TV. Users get 4K picture quality which is great for this price point. The TV comes with Fire OS built-in along with Alexa support, allowing buyers to search for apps, set reminders, and do lots more with the voice remote. The F30 also comes with DTS Studio Sound which makes the TV sound way better than one would have expected from a budget TV.
- Dimensions
- 10″D x 37.7″W x 23.8″H
- Display Technology
- LED
- What’s Included
- Stand Included
- Brand
- Insignia
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K (2160p)
- Excellent value for the price
- Easy to use interface
- Outstanding picture quality
- Some reports of durability issues
- Mixed reviews on sound quality
The INSIGNIA 43-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD TV is considered the best budget TV for streaming. With a crisp 2160p resolution and LED display technology, this TV has exceptional picture quality, providing an amazing streaming experience. Whether you are watching the latest 4K blockbusters or catching up on your favorite shows, the INSIGNIA F30 Series delivers a viewing experience that defies its budget-friendly tag.
Despite this model’s well-known ease of use and impressive visual performance, some users have experienced durability and mixed feelings about the sound quality. However, these drawbacks barely affect the exceptional value this offers for those who love streaming. This is why the INSIGNIA 43-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD TV is the Best Budget TV for Streaming, offering a rich and immersive viewing experience that goes beyond expectations for its price.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Streaming TV
Picking the perfect TV for streaming goes beyond screen size and resolution. It’s about creating the ultimate viewing experience for your favorite shows and movies. Consider these key aspects to make an informed decision that improves your home entertainment setup.
Connectivity and Smart Platform
Nowadays, TV’s smart capabilities are essential. Make sure that your chosen model offers robust connectivity and supports a wide range of streaming platforms, providing you with endless entertainment at your fingertips.
Picture Quality
The importance of a great streaming experience lies in crystal-clear picture quality. Choose TVs with high resolution, vibrant colors, and HDR support to bring every scene to life, making each viewing experience more immersive than the last.
User Experience
Don’t overlook the importance of a smooth user interface. A TV with an easy navigation system and responsive controls can significantly improve your streaming sessions, making it easier to discover new content and enjoy your free time.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a 4K TV for streaming?
Yes, a 4K TV significantly improves your streaming experience with superior picture quality, making it a worthwhile investment for avid streamers.
Q: Can smart TVs stream all popular platforms without additional devices?
Most smart TVs today come equipped to stream popular platforms like Netflix and Hulu directly but check for specific app availability to be sure.
Q: Are all streaming TVs compatible with voice assistants?
Many newer models support voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Still, it’s best to confirm this feature if it’s important to you.