Monthly Archives: April 2023

How to Choose a Router (2023): Tips, Technical Terms, and Advice

Everyone wants reliable and fast internet, and a good router can help. The trick is to work out how the complicated mess of standards, confusing acronyms, and sci-fi-sounding features translate to better Wi-Fi in your home. Join us as we tear back the curtain to reveal the pertinent facts about Wi-Fi, routers, mesh systems, and other jargon. Hopefully, you’ll be better equipped to buy a router by the end.

Updated April 2023: We added information on Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7, updated the latest broadband speeds, upgraded our minimum recommendations, and added an explanation of SSID.

Table of Contents

• Who Is Your Internet Service Provider?
• What Kind of Router Do You Need?
• Alternatives to a New Router
• What Speed Do You Need?
• Wi-Fi Standards Explained
• Wi-Fi Bands and Channels
• Check for Ports
• Consider Security Standards
• Check Out the App
• QoS and Device Prioritization
• Common Terms Explained
• Final Takeaways

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Who Is Your Internet Service Provider?

Internet service providers (ISPs) connect your home to the internet, and they usually send you a modem and router (sometimes in a single device). The modem connects your home to the broader internet, the router hooks up to the modem, and you connect all your gadgets—with wires or wirelessly—to the router to access that connectivity. ISPs often charge you a rental fee for this equipment, and their routers are usually basic in terms of performance and features. The good news is that ISPs are by law no longer allowed to force you to use their equipment or charge you to use your own hardware, though you may still have to return their stuff to avoid charges.

We’re largely looking at using your own router in this guide and using your ISP’s modem. By using your own, you can potentially save money in the long term, but you can also enjoy faster Wi-Fi, better coverage, easier configuration, and extra features like parental controls and guest Wi-Fi networks. We will run through your router options, but whatever system you decide to go with, check compatibility with your ISP before buying. You can also search your ISP’s forums to find posts where people discuss using different routers and modems. A little research before you shop can save you a big headache down the line.

What Kind of Router Do You Need?

Photograph: Netgear

There are various ways to make your Wi-Fi faster, and buying a new router is one of the most obvious. To help you decide on the type of router to go for, calculate the rough square footage of your home before you begin.

Single Router

The simplest solution for most people is to choose a single router or a router and modem combo. Bear in mind that this device will have to plug into your existing socket or modem via Ethernet cable, which restricts where you can place it. The Wi-Fi signal will be strongest near the router and will gradually drop off and slow down the further away you get. If you’re able to, place your router centrally in your home and leave it out in the open.

Routers should always state square footage for coverage, but certain types of construction—thick walls, insulation, and other devices—can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, so don’t expect to enjoy full-speed Wi-Fi at longer distances. Powerful routers with wide coverage are often large devices with multiple external antennas, but they’re usually very expensive.

Mesh Systems

If you have a large home and want solid coverage in your garden, or you have thick walls and specific dead spots with your current setup, then mesh Wi-Fi could be the answer. Mesh systems consist of a central hub, which connects just like a single router, as well as additional satellites or nodes you can place around the home.

Devices connect to the internet through the nearest node, so you can achieve wider Wi-Fi coverage and a more reliable connection in different areas by adding a node. Just bear in mind that each node will need a power outlet. Mesh systems are typically more expensive than single-router setups (though not always), but they enhance coverage and reliability, and they often boast additional features and control options. They also tend to be smaller than regular routers and are typically designed to blend in with your decor.

Most mesh systems are expandable, and some manufacturers allow you to link individual routers to create a mesh, so you can start with a single router and add more as required. Just make sure you understand which devices are compatible. For example, any Asus router that supports AiMesh can work as part of a mesh system, but TP-Link’s OneMesh technology only allows you to add compatible Wi-Fi extenders—you can’t link routers together.

Alternatives to a New Router

Photograph: Eskay Lim/Getty Images

If your issue is more about coverage and you have a single problem room where you want to improve Wi-Fi, or a particular device that needs a faster connection, you might not need to buy a new router. Try one of these alternatives. They each have their own technical challenges and potential issues. Even when successfully deployed, they won’t come close to matching the convenience of a good mesh system, but they are all much cheaper.

Ethernet Cables

Before Wi-Fi was ubiquitous, we relied on Ethernet cables to connect computers and other devices to routers. Ethernet connections are much faster, more stable, and more secure than Wi-Fi (or any other option we suggest here). The drawback is that the device you want to connect needs to have an Ethernet port, and you have to run cable from your router to the device. If you need to run Ethernet cables to multiple spots, use an Ethernet switch. With a switch you can plug one cable in from your router and run several cables out to various devices. Anyone looking to get the best performance from a mesh system should also consider running Ethernet cables between the main router and nodes to create a wired backhaul that leaves the Wi-Fi bands free for your devices to connect to.  

Power Line Adapters

Sold in pairs, power line adapters pass an internet signal through your electrical wiring. You plug one into a power outlet near your router and connect it with an Ethernet cable, while the other power line adapter plugs into a power outlet in the room where you want faster internet. They can be a good solution if you have a console or smart TV in your living room at the back of the house, but your router is in the front hall, for example. Unfortunately, effectiveness depends heavily on your electrical wiring.

MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance)

If your home already has coaxial cables installed (perhaps for cable TV), you can use them to create a reliable wired network that offers high speeds and low latency compared to Wi-Fi. You can buy routers, network adapters, or Wi-Fi extenders that support the MoCA standard. Much like power line adapters, this can be a great way to pass an internet signal to a smart TV, game console, or desktop that doesn’t get a strong Wi-Fi signal.

Wi-Fi Repeaters

You can use Wi-Fi repeaters to spread the Wi-Fi from a single router a bit further and potentially boost the signal in a dead spot. These devices are a good solution for some people, but they can be inefficient, prone to interference, and often create a secondary network with a different name from your regular Wi-Fi.

Access Points

If you don’t mind a challenge and have a spare old router lying around, you can look into configuring it as an access point or using it as a Wi-Fi extender. This can be particularly effective if you’re able to connect it to your main router via cabling, but configuration can prove tricky.

What Speed Do You Need?

Photograph: Getty Images

There’s plenty to consider when you’re trying to decide how fast your router should be. The maximum speed of your internet is determined by your ISP. Internet speeds are stated in Mbps (megabits per second). The median global fixed broadband speed is 79 Mbps for downloads and 34 Mbps for uploads, according to Ookla’s Speedtest. Most ISPs will state up to a certain speed or give you a range—like 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload—but what you actually get is often lower than the maximum (especially upload speeds), and it must be shared between all of your connected devices. 

11 Ways to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi and Make Your Internet Faster (2023)

It works like this: You connect a powerline plug to your router, then put the plug into a wall socket. Add another powerline plug in any other room in your house, and it can provide a wired or wireless connection to that room. There will be some drop in speed, but it’s a simple and effective option. Unless your home is particularly old, it should have electrical wiring that supports this, but it’s best to buy your kit from a retailer with a robust return policy just in case.

7. Add a Password to Your Wi-Fi

We probably don’t have to tell you this, but you need a password on your Wi-Fi network. It’s good for keeping hackers away and keeping neighbors from Netflixing off of your bandwidth, which will definitely slow you down. Make sure you use AES encryption, which is both the most secure and most speed-friendly security option.

8. Cut Off Unused Devices

Having dozens of things tapping into the Wi-Fi at once can be problematic. Plug anything you can into Ethernet, and unplug anything you have connected but don’t need (like that “smart” tea kettle you never once got to work). Make sure only the things that need internet get internet.

Good routers (all of the routers listed above, for example) offer controls to prioritize a particular device or service. It’s a handy way to make sure your games never get interrupted by someone else streaming videos on Facebook.

9. Check Your PC

This tip is specific to computers: If the internet on your PC or laptop is perpetually slow but other devices seem fine, open your Task Manager or Activity Monitor and see which programs are running in the background. Certain programs could be set to auto-update that don’t need to be. If they’re always updating in the background, that could be the cause of your slow internet. Check it out and adjust the settings.

10. Restart Your Router?

We’ve read this tip many times on the web, but we were skeptical. Restarting your router on a regular basis sounds like an extension of the age-old pseudo solution to everything digital: Reboot it. Yes, we know restarting your router can sometimes fix dead internet, but we asked router maker Netgear: Does regularly rebooting your router help speed things up? The short answer is, probably not.

Sandeep Harpalani, vice president of product management at Netgear, says the company does not recommend rebooting its routers “unless you actually encounter issues with connectivity or slowdowns due to radio frequency interference.” He adds that if you’re still using 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi and you’re having speed troubles, rebooting might help, since it will force the router to choose the best channel with the least interference during boot-up. If you’ve made the jump to 5 GHz, it will automatically switch to the channel with the least amount of interference.

Either way, there’s no reason to reboot regularly. If you are having persistent problems, then it may be worth restarting your router, but for the most part stick with our other tips.

11. Call Your ISP

If you’ve tried it all and still have problems, you can always contact your internet provider. They may want to send a service technician out. They might be able to pinpoint an overlooked issue that is getting in the way of you and fast Wi-Fi. With the ongoing pandemic, you may not want strangers in your house, and your ISP may not have technicians available to send. Still, if none of the rest of these tips solve your problem, it’s time to reach out to your provider to ask some questions.

What is Mesh WiFi? | Home Mesh Wi-Fi

Learn everything you need to know about Mesh Wi-Fi networks

For many years, Mesh Wi-Fi has been used primarily in businesses where network security is critical. Mesh Wi-Fi has recently been made available to general users, giving them access to secure, high-speed Wi-Fi with wide range.

In this article, we will explain what Mesh Wi-Fi is, what it is for, and share some useful tips to get you started.

• What is Mesh Wi-Fi?
• Who needs Mesh Wi-Fi?
• What are the benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi?
• How does Mesh Wi-Fi work?
• What is the difference between Mesh Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Extenders?
• Features Mesh Wi-Fi
• Conclusion
• Frequently asked questions about Mesh Wi-Fi
• Deco Mesh Wi-Fi vs. Google WiFi
• Home network security with Deco Mesh Wi-Fi

What is Mesh Wi-Fi?

Mesh Wi-Fi is a home Wi-Fi system designed to eliminate weak signal areas and provide uninterrupted Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home.
Mesh systems provide faster speeds, wider coverage, and more reliable connectivity for devices connected to the network. While ordinary routers distribute Wi-Fi from one point, Mesh Wi-Fi systems have several.

The device connected to the modem is the primary device (master router or gateway). The remaining devices (called “nodes”) receive and relay the signal from the main device. The result is an efficient Wi-Fi network with a strong signal, which consists of several modules.

Who needs Mesh Wi-Fi?

Mesh Wi-Fi is designed for those who have weak or incomplete Wi-Fi coverage at home, as well as for those who need an uncomplicated Wi-Fi system that is easy to set up.

Since conventional routers have a limited broadcast area, they often cannot fully cover large houses or houses with several floors. If the area of ​​the house is 280 sq. m, it has two or more floors, has internal brick walls or has an unusual layout, then a router with Mesh Wi-Fi will not be superfluous.

The

Mesh Wi-Fi is also great for those who are interested in a powerful Wi-Fi system but don’t want to mess around with the complex setup and configuration required for most conventional routers.

What are the benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi?

Traditional routers have limited coverage area. Adding a Wi-Fi signal booster can help with this, but Wi-Fi signal boosters sacrifice speed in exchange for connectivity, while Mesh Wi-Fi combines all the best – high speed and wide coverage area.

• One network for the whole house

  Mesh Wi-Fi router allows you to forget about entering a new network every time you go to the floor above, and not lose connection to a single reliable network, wherever you are. Smart Mesh technology allows you to stay online even when one of the Mesh nodes (modules) fails.

• Long Distance Stable Connection

  Mesh Router provides powerful and stable connectivity throughout your home. Each Mesh module uses the signal of other nodes, so the Wi-Fi connection will be equally good both in the attic and in the basement.

• Easy Setup and Management

  Most mesh routers on the market today support easy network setup and management, allowing you to switch network settings, check speed, and enable parental controls.

• Smart Home Control

  Some mesh routers, such as the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus, are so advanced that they act as a Wi-Fi router and smart home control center, connecting devices via Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and allowing you to control all smart devices from the Deco app.

How does Mesh Wi-Fi work?

Two or more Mesh Wi-Fi modules are used to create a Mesh Wi-Fi network. One module connects to the Internet, while the rest are placed throughout the house to create a powerful Wi-Fi network. Unlike standard routers, these modules are part of a single network with one SSID and password. Therefore, to configure and expand the Mesh network, it is enough to simply add new modules.

Mesh modules are essential for efficient Wi-Fi operation because they form a daisy chain with other modules on the network. The signal will be good even for the modules most distant from the router. The modules communicate with each other to determine the best range for your devices, as well as to reroute traffic if one of the modules fails.

What is the difference between Mesh Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Extenders?

While Mesh Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Range Extenders may seem similar in function, there are some key differences.

Mesh Wi-Fi devices have roaming protocols (to keep you on the same network when switching between modules) and mesh technologies such as Self-Healing and adaptive routing to keep the network stable.

When using Wi-Fi signal boosters to maintain a good connection at a significant distance from the router, it connects to a new network.

Most Wi-Fi boosters broadcast separate Wi-Fi networks – with Mesh devices you don’t have to worry about this. Each Mesh module is, in fact, a router, while Wi-Fi signal amplifiers simply duplicate the signal of the main router.

Wi-Fi Mesh Wi-Fi signal is faster and more efficient than Wi-Fi amplifier signal.

Note: Although our Deco M3 (3-pack) uses mesh modules similar to Wi-Fi signal boosters, they are not interchangeable. These Mesh modules use similar technology and logic to create a powerful Mesh Wi-Fi network that Wi-Fi signal boosters cannot.

Features Mesh Wi-Fi

• One name. One password

  Mesh Wi-Fi allows you to connect to a network using one network name and one password to enjoy seamless Wi-Fi throughout your home.

• Seamless roaming

  Seamless roaming allows you to stay online no matter where you are in the house. Switching from one Mesh node to another is so smooth that it will not be noticeable even while watching a streaming or video call.

• Adaptive Routing

  Mesh Wi-Fi routers use adaptive routing to automatically select the best route and frequency band when transmitting data to keep the highest speed possible.

• Self-Healing

  If one of the Mesh Wi-Fi nodes fails, the Mesh Wi-Fi network will automatically reroute data to keep you online.

Conclusion

Since its inception, Mesh Wi-Fi has come a long way and has been enthusiastically received by consumers for its convenience and ease of use and installation. Go to the TP-Link Mesh Devices page to see all Deco Mesh Routers.

Mesh Wi-Fi FAQ

Do I need to buy a new router to use Mesh Wi-Fi?

No, you don’t! To use Mesh Wi-Fi, you can upgrade your existing compatible TP-Link router to OneMesh for free and pair with your compatible Mesh Amplifier or Powerline Adapters.
Go to the TP-Link compatible routers section to see all eligible models.

Will Mesh Wi-Fi work if the house has brick, concrete, or plastered walls?

Yes! Mesh Wi-Fi systems will work in homes with such walls. However, due to environmental factors, the connection quality of most routers (including Mesh Wi-Fi routers) may drop.
If the walls in the house are too thick, it may be better to use Powerline adapters.

Does Mesh Wi-Fi work with older devices?

Yes, it works!

Where can I find Mesh Wi-Fi devices?

Mesh devices are sold in electronics stores: Citylink, Regard, DNS, Eldorado, M.Video, etc.

Does TP-Link Mesh Wi-Fi devices sell?

Yes, we sell! Go to the TP-Link Mesh Devices section to see all of our mesh routers.

Our most popular Mesh Wi-Fi devices belong to the Deco line of devices. With our Deco routers, you can set up your network in minutes, easily manage your network settings through the app, get seamless coverage throughout your home, and enjoy all of the above benefits.

Deco Mesh Wi-Fi vs. Google Wifi

With over two decades of experience in the global networking industry, we know the recipe for great Wi-Fi. So it’s no surprise that Deco outperforms Google Wifi in both coverage and Wi-Fi speed***.

• Deco
• Google WiFi

• First floor
• Second floor

• Coated
• No coverage

Compare statistics

m. Individual indicators may vary depending on the building materials used in the house, layout, network conditions, customer restrictions and interference.

Home network security with Deco Mesh Wi-Fi

• 
  

  Device security

  Automatic firmware updates keep Deco better and safer, and the built-in firewall only allows verified data to be sent to devices.

• 
  

  Advanced Encryption

  Deco automatically encrypts every Wi-Fi connection using WPA2-PSK, both between Deco devices and between your Wi-Fi devices and Deco devices.

• 
  

  Real-time antivirus

  Deco automatically protects every device from viruses, malware and ransomware. It also includes devices that don’t normally have security, such as Wi-Fi cameras and smart locks.

• 
  

  Content Filtering

  Create profiles and filter content using predefined or custom lists, and Deco will automatically block malicious sites using a constantly updated database.

What is a mesh system and why is it needed

Now, when buying a router, sellers for setting up a WiFi network are increasingly offering to consider purchasing mesh devices.

Let’s find out when this novelty can come in handy. What is a mesh system and when is it needed.

Possible problems when installing a conventional WiFi router

Even in a small apartment, WiFi is distributed unevenly. Internet speed, signal strength depend on the number and quality of obstacles in the path of the wave between the source and the receiving device. In different materials, the transmitted power drops in different ways.

When the signal drops by 25 decibels, the range of the network decreases by 10-15%. When there are many rooms in the house or there is a load-bearing wall in the WiFi path, there may be no signal at some points.

To ensure the availability of the network in multi-room, multi-storey apartments, country houses, a WiFi mesh system or mesh topology of a computer network is installed.

Why Not a Standard Amplifier or Linked Router System

Typically, repeaters or repeaters are installed to extend network coverage. The principle of operation of which is based on the fact that the device intercepts the signal from the router and distributes it further.

But this solution has a number of serious drawbacks:

• The repeater operates on the same channel as the main router, which reduces the network speed. The accessory cuts the speed by about half. But sometimes you need 2 or more amplifiers. The picture shows data transmission in the mesh system (1) and with the help of amplifiers (2).

• The repeater is creating an additional network. When you move into its coverage area, the Internet connection is disconnected, as a result of which the video call or online game is interrupted.
• Any newly installed signal amplifier must be tuned. And it’s not always easy.

Another way to create a WiFi network is to install several routers and link them together, designating one as the master and the others as slaves.

However, each device will have its own network cable. Often this is not very convenient, or difficult, for example, outside the city, when you need to run a net into a gazebo or a bathhouse.

There are no such problems when using a mesh system.

What is a WiFi mesh system

By definition, this is a network topology of a computer network, in which all workstations (cells) are interconnected, and each can take on the role of a switch for the rest.

In simple terms, a mesh system is a single structure built on the principle of cells under a common unique name of the access point (Service Set Identifier or SSID), deployed using several peer nodes – devices.

The connection between the nodes is made both through wires and over the air. In this case, one of the devices will still have to be connected to an Internet cable from the provider.

The main difference between the mesh system and the previously discussed methods of creating a network using repeaters or several routers is that the mesh structure is decentralized. And this means that at any point in the action of the mesh system, it is possible to connect to the nearest node of the system and surf the Internet at maximum speed.

But, like any structure, the mesh has not only advantages, but also disadvantages.

Pros and cons of the mesh system

The positive features of the mesh system include:

• Increased range of the WiFi network. This is achieved through a modular structure. If you need to expand the Wi-Fi coverage area, it is enough to buy an additional module (or several) and install it. They will automatically join the network.
• The access point in the mesh is single. All nodes have the same username and password. When moving from zone to zone, no time is lost for authorization.
• Mesh provides a stable connection and equally high network speed throughout the coverage area. The network is distributed at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz. It is important to install the nodes so that they are all in places of reliable reception among themselves.
• The system provides seamless roaming. When moving from zone to zone, the process of transmitting data packets does not stop and does not slow down, since mesh devices communicate with each other using built-in Backhaul modules and do not occupy the main channels. This allows you to maintain the maximum data transfer rate on any part of the coverage.
• Decentralization of nodes also ensures uninterrupted Internet, because if one node fails, its functions are instantly taken over by another.
• The mesh has adaptive routing. Each router itself chooses supported devices. For example, if a set-top box, TV work through the router closest to them, then a tablet or laptop can remain on a neighboring node.
• Mesh routers do not require configuration. To install a WiFi mesh system, you need to connect a network cable from the provider to one device. Others will set up automatically after a signal from the home network appears. For the convenience of managing the structure, you need to download a proprietary application.
  

LG C2 OLED TV Review: Best High-End TV for the Money

$1,697 at Crutchfield

$1,700 at Best Buy

$1,700 at Target

Don’t like

• Expensive
• No major picture quality improvements over the C1 from 2021

In the last few years LG’s “C” series OLED models have risen to the top of my list as the best high-end TV for the money and C2 is the latest example. The C2 offers image quality that’s a clear step above any non-OLED TV I’ve seen, a bigger range of sizes than ever — including a new 42-inch option — and a price that’s not too steep.

This year, however, the OLED TV competition is tougher than ever. LG’s archrival Samsung has an OLED TV too, promising better color with an all-new QD-OLED panel. Sony offers two different kinds of OLED, including a QD-OLED of its own that looks pretty sweet in person. And in 2022 more TV-makers sell mini-LED models, which promise excellent image quality for much less money than OLED.

And while it’s excellent, the C2 isn’t a huge leap compared to previous models. In my side-by-side comparisons, the C2 and last year’s LG C1 OLED TV looked very similar despite the C2’s new “Evo” panel, one of the 2022 upgrades LG touts.

I haven’t reviewed other 2022 OLED TVs yet but from what I’ve seen so far I’d be surprised if they were significantly better than the C2. The C2 is also cheaper and available in more sizes than models like the LG G2 and those QD-OLED TVs. It also outperforms QLED TVs like the Samsung QN90B and TCL 6-Series. That’s why I consider the LG C2 the best high-end TV for the money of 2022.

LG C2 sizes, series comparison

I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 65-inch OLED C2, but this review also applies to the other screen sizes in the series. All sizes have identical specs and, according to the manufacturer, should provide very similar picture quality. The exceptions are the 42- and 48-inch sizes, which lack the “Evo” panel and might be slightly dimmer than the others as a result (although the difference is minimal, if my comparisons to the non-Evo C1 are any indication).  

• LG OLED42C2PUA, 42-inch
• LG OLED48C2PUA, 48-inch
• LG OLED55C2PUA, 55-inch
• LG OLED65C2PUA, 65-inch
• LG OLED77C2PUA, 77-inch
• LG OLED83C2PUA, 83-inch

The C2 series sits in the middle of LG’s 2022 OLED TV lineup, with the widest range of screen sizes and all the features I expect from a high-end TV. Spending more for the G2 gets you a slightly brighter panel according to LG, as well as the wall-friendly “gallery” design. The less-expensive A2 lacks the HDMI 2.1 gaming features, 120Hz refresh rate and fancier processing found on the other 2022 LG OLEDs. 

David Katzmaier/CNET

Lighter weight, nearly all picture

The C2 is a very nice-looking TV, with a minimalist appearance similar to past LG OLEDs, but the company made some changes for 2022. When a colleague and I set it up, we actually felt the first such change: it’s lighter than the C1 by a noticeable amount, up to 47 percent lighter depending on size. The 65-inch version I reviewed weighs just 37 pounds with its stand, compared to 72 pounds for the 65-inch C1.  

New carbon-fiber materials are responsible for the reduced weight, according to LG, and I noticed it on the TV’s backside. The edges of the panel are slightly more squared-off as well. I also appreciated the narrower bezel, 6mm slimmer than the C1, leading to even more of an all-picture look, although if I didn’t have the two TVs side-by-side I probably wouldn’t have noticed. The stand has a much smaller footprint than last year and raises the panel a bit more over the table, both improvements in my book.

David Katzmaier/CNET

LG kept the same remote, unfortunately. In my old age I’ve grown easily annoyed by too many buttons, and I much prefer the streamlined, simple layout of Samsung and Roku/TCL remotes, for example. As always, you can wave LG’s remote around to move the cursor, or scroll quickly through menus with the built-in wheel.

Smart TV, crowded menu

LG’s WebOS menu system is not my favorite, in part because of the clutter. You’ll see notes and notifications along the top, a box that displays the weather, a prompt to sign in to LG’s system, a seemingly random collection of stuff labeled “Trending Now,” then (finally) the list of apps below. Signing in unlocks a new 2022 feature, customized recommendations and additional user accounts. LG touts the fact that you can set up favorite sports teams, for example, but most people will just go straight to the app and skip the clutter. As usual, I prefer a simpler interface like Roku, and if you like customizations and options Google TV

is a better bet. On a TV this expensive you should just attach a good streaming device instead. 

David Katzmaier/CNET

Also new for 2022 is something LG calls “always ready.” Instead of turning the screen off when you press power, the TV displays your choice of art wallpapers, a clock, “sound palette” art or your own custom photos. Designed for people who would rather have something on their big screens rather than a big black rectangle, it’s similar to the ambient mode Samsung TVs have offered for the last few years. Personally I’d rather save the power, so I’d leave this feature (and my TV) turned off.

The elements of the always-ready feature and LG’s screensaver move around so as not to risk burn-in. Here’s where I remind you that, like all OLED TVs, the C2 is more subject to both temporary and permanent image retention, aka burn-in, than LCD TVs. The risk is small, which is why I don’t consider burn-in a reason for most people to avoid buying an OLED TV. Check out our guide to OLED burn-in for more.

The new “always ready” feature puts something on the screen even after you turn it “off.”

David Katzmaier/CNET

LG also added a new multiview feature that puts two sources side by side or picture-in-picture, but unfortunately it’s quite limited. You can’t show two HDMI inputs on-screen and the main thing you can do — share a screen from your phone side-by-side with an input — didn’t work with Apple AirPlay. LIke most TVs, the C2 does support Apple’s phone-mirroring feature, and it also lets you issue Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice commands by speaking into the remote or, new for 2022, hands-free when you say the wake word like “Alexa.”

Well-connected, especially for gamers

LG continues to excel at connection options. All of LG’s 2022 OLED models (aside from the A2) include the latest version of the HDMI standard: 2.1. That means their HDMI ports can handle 4K at 120 frames per second and variable refresh rate (including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync), as well as enhanced audio return channel and automatic low latency mode (auto game mode). In other words, they can take advantage of the latest graphics features available from PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles as well as high-end graphics cards. The C2 is rare among high-end TVs in that all four of its HDMI ports support 4K/120 — great for hard-core gamers with multiple next-gen devices. 

• Four HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.2
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• Optical digital audio output
• RF (antenna) input
• RS-232 port (minijack, for service only)
• Ethernet (LAN) port

All four of the C2’s HDMI inputs support HDMI 2.1 features.

David Katzmaier/CNET

LG OLED C2 picture quality comparisons

My side-by-side comparisons involved the best TVs I had on-hand, but the only other OLED was the LG C1 from last year. Since it’s early in 2022, the C2 was the only current model-year television in the group – I’ll compare it to other 2022 TVs as soon as I get the chance. Here’s the lineup:

• LG OLED65C1
• TCL 65R648
• TCL 65R646

TV and movies: The LG C2 has a spectacular picture but watching it next to the C1 from 2021, any improvements were really tough to see. And measurements backed up my initial impressions: Both TVs delivered essentially equal numbers, and both were extremely accurate in their best modes. Both outperformed the TCL TVs in my comparison overall, as expected.

The comparison lineup with the LG C2, center, on the gray TV stand and the C1 to its right.

David Katzmaier/CNET

I started my comparison with familiar (to me) high dynamic range material, namely the demo montage from the excellent Spears & Munsil HDR benchmark 4K Blu-ray. Both OLEDs showed equally pleasing images. The perfect black levels and lack of blooming (stray illumination) in areas like the honey dripper and cityscapes created superior punch to the LCD-based TCLs. And while the snowscapes, deserts and other full-screen bright scenes from the TCL TVs outshined the OLEDs, smaller highlights in areas like the ferris wheel at night were actually brighter on the LGs. Spot measurements using a light meter revealed the C2 as being slightly brighter than the C1 on the ferris wheel, but with the naked eye I couldn’t really see the difference. I also saw more saturated, natural color on the LGs, in particular reds like the strawberries and flowers.

Switching to TV content, I put Severance from Apple TV Plus on all four sets and the results were similar. During Helly’s brain surgery in Episode 2 the dark areas looked more true and realistic on the OLEDs, without the blooming — in the letterbox bars near the operating lights, for example — I saw on the TCLs. The brightness advantage of the LCDs in the office training scene later was obvious, but the faces of Mark and Helly looked flatter and less defined. Again, however, the C1 and C2 were very difficult to tell apart.

The new overlay for Game Optimizer shows vitals like frames per second and variable refresh rate, at a glance.

David Katzmaier/CNET

Gaming: As with nongaming content, the OLEDs looked better than the LCDs in my side-by-side comparisons, although the two LGs again looked very similar. The C1 was my favorite gaming TV last year, and the C2 improves it just a bit. 

LG’s Game Optimizer mode offers myriad adjustments and the updated overlay menu surfaces them in a more logical way, putting VRR next to FPS and offering a few more shortcuts on the bottom, including to the new Dark Room mode. That mode dims the image and is designed to reduce eyestrain, but even though I game in the dark a lot, I don’t have much use for it. Playing Horizon Forbidden West in HDR on PS5, for example, Dark Mode made the moonlit forest less dazzling and the mountain snowscape duller, but if you’re someone who’s bothered by bright sequences in games it might be useful.

A new Sports mode joins the litany of picture modes, but as I found last year, I liked Standard best for most games with its balance of shadow detail and contrast. FPS is best if you want more visibility into shadows, or you can just crank the Black Stabilizer control up (at the expense of a washed-out image). I appreciate the separate adjustments just for gaming, which most other TV makers don’t have.

The full Game Optimizer menu shows even more options.

David Katzmaier/CNET

Buried within Game Optimizer is another setting labeled “Reduce input delay (input lag)” with two options, Standard and Boost. The former, which is the default for any game, serves up an excellent input lag result similar to past LG OLED models: just 13.5ms for both 1080p and 4K HDR sources. Engaging Boost cuts lag even further, to just under 10ms for both. The catch is that Boost is only available for 60Hz sources, so you can’t use it with 120Hz games or VRR. And no, I don’t think many humans would notice the extra 3ms of lag.

Bright lighting: Although LG touts the C2 as 20% brighter than non-Evo OLED TVs like the C1, my measurements didn’t back that claim up. Yes the C2 was a bit brighter, about seven percent on average, but the difference wasn’t visible in just about anything I watched. In my experience those differences are slight enough to vary from sample to sample.

Below are my measurements in nits for select comparison TVs in their brightest and most accurate picture modes, using both standard dynamic range (SDR) and high dynamic range (HDR) test patterns.

Light output in nits

The C2 is plenty bright enough for just about any viewing environment, but as usual it’s not nearly as bright as competing LCD-based models. As with most TVs, the brightest mode for HDR and SDR (Vivid on the C2) is horribly inaccurate. For the accurate results listed above on the C2, I used ISF Expert Bright picture mode (Peak Brightness: High) for SDR and Filmmaker mode for HDR. I recommend C2 owners do the same to get good color in bright rooms. Note that with SDR, you’ll need to disable the Auto Energy Saving setting (Support > Energy Saving > Energy Saving Step > Off) to get full brightness.

The screen of the C2 was excellent from off-angle but didn’t seem to reduce reflections quite as well as the C1.

David Katzmaier/CNET

Like all OLED TVs, the C2 gets quite a bit dimmer than LCDs when showing full-screen white — a snow field, for example — but even in those situations it’s hardly dim. The C2’s screen finish was excellent at preserving black levels, better than the TCLs’ more matte finishes, which beat both LG’s at rejecting reflections. The screen of the C1 seemed slightly more reflective than the C2, but the difference was minimal.

Uniformity and viewing angle: Like all OLEDs I’ve tested the C2 was exemplary in this area compared to LCD-based TVs, with no significant brightness or color variations across the screen and nearly perfect image quality from off-angle. Comparing the C2 and C1 I saw a very slight color shift toward blue and magenta on the C2 that wasn’t visible on the C1, something that could be caused by the new Evo panel structure. It was only visible from very extreme angles, however, and has no real impact.

The C2 has myriad picture settings, but if you just want to set it and forget it, use Filmmaker Mode.

David Katzmaier/CNET

Picture setting notes

The most accurate settings were Cinema and Filmmaker mode for both HDR and SDR, as well as the two ISF modes available in SDR. For SDR viewing I went with Cinema for dark rooms (because it was closer to my 2.2 gamma target) and ISF Bright for brighter environments, and for HDR I used Filmmaker (which was very slightly brighter than Cinema HDR). Game Optimizer is best for gaming, thanks to its processing, but quite blue; for the best color accuracy for gaming you should adjust the color temperature control all the way toward red (Picture > Advanced Settings > Color > White Balance > Color temperature > Warm50).

Like most TVs the C2 offers settings that engage smoothing, aka the soap opera effect, as I prefer to turn it off for TV shows and movies (and it’s off in Game Optimizer mode because it increases input lag). You can experiment with the settings (Picture > Advanced Settings > Clarity > TruMotion) and it’s off by default in the Cinema and Filmmaker modes.

Geek box

SDR	Result	Score
Black luminance (0%)	0.000	Good
Peak white luminance (10% win)	389	Average
Avg. gamma (10-100%)	2.16	Good
Avg. grayscale error (10-100%)	1. 34	Good
Dark gray error (30%)	0.67	Good
Bright gray error (80%)	1.66	Good
Avg. color checker error	0.95	Good
Avg. saturation sweeps error	1.00	Good
Avg. color error	0.81	Good
Input lag (Game mode)	13.47	Good
HDR10
Black luminance (0%)	0.000	Good
Peak white luminance (10% win)	759	Average
Gamut % UHDA/P3 (CIE 1976)	99.62	Good
ColorMatch HDR error	5.93	Poor
Avg. color checker error	2.94	Good
Input lag (Game mode, 4K HDR)	13.47	Good

See How We Test TVs for more details.

Portrait Displays Calman calibration software was used in this review. 

The 7 Best TVs – Spring 2023: Reviews

1. Table of Contents
2. Intro
3. Best TV
   1. Best Home Theater
      1. Best Upper Mid-Range
         1. Best Mid-Range
            1. Best Lower Mid-Range
               1. Best Budget
                  1. Best Cheap
                     1. Notable Mentions
                     2. Recent Updates
                     3. All Reviews
                     4. Discussions

                     Updated Apr 05, 2023 at 03:21 pm

                     By Adam Babcock

                     While finding the best television on the market is difficult because everyone has different needs, you can easily narrow your search by looking for the best option based on your price range. High-end TVs deliver the best picture quality, but they’re also expensive, so if you want something cheaper, you’ll have to sacrifice some features, but most 4k TVs are good enough for most content. Choosing the best TV on the market also depends on the content you watch and where you’re going to place it; if you watch a lot of 4k HDR content, you might want a top-quality TV, but if you’re just watching the news on a cable box in a dim room, you can go for something cheaper.

                     We’ve bought and tested more than 380 TVs, and below are our picks for the best TVs on the market. Also, make sure to check out our picks for the best smart TVs, the best gaming TVs, and the best budget TVs. Most brands have started releasing their 2023 lineups, so make sure to vote on which ones you want us to buy and test first. If you want to find out more about the 2023 models, check out our 2023 TV lineup page.

                     1. Best TV

                        Samsung S95B OLED

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                        Mixed Usage

                        9. 1

                        Movies

                        9.4

                        TV Shows

                        8.8

                        Sports

                        9.0

                        Video Games

                        9.3

                        HDR Movies

                        9.0

                        HDR Gaming

                        9.3

                        PC Monitor

                        9.7

                        Type

                        OLED

                        Sub-Type

                        QD-OLED

                        Resolution

                        4k

                        Sizes
                        55″ 65″

                        See all our test results

                        The best TV we’ve tested is the Samsung S95B OLED. It’s a fantastic TV with a great selection of extra features and incredible picture quality. It looks fantastic in a dark room thanks to its nearly infinite contrast ratio and perfect black uniformity, with no distracting blooming around bright areas of the screen. HDR content looks fantastic thanks to its high peak brightness and wide color gamut, and colors are incredibly vibrant and realistic.

                        The built-in Tizen OS interface is easy to use and has a great selection of streaming apps and games. It’s a fantastic TV for console gamers looking to get the most out of their new Xbox Series X or PS5, as it supports 4k @ 120Hz gaming on all four HDMI ports and variable refresh rate technology to reduce screen tearing. It even supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, so you can play the latest Xbox games without investing in expensive additional hardware. It’s been replaced in 2023 by the Samsung S95C OLED. The new model delivers similar picture quality, but it’s significantly more expensive and not worth buying at this point.

                        See our review

                     2. Best Home Theater TV

                        Sony A95K OLED

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                        Mixed Usage

                        9. 0

                        TV Shows

                        8.8

                        Sports

                        8.9

                        Video Games

                        9.2

                        HDR Movies

                        9.1

                        HDR Gaming

                        9.0

                        PC Monitor

                        9.2

                        Type

                        OLED

                        Sub-Type

                        QD-OLED

                        Resolution

                        4k

                        Sizes
                        55″ 65″

                        See all our test results

                        If you’re looking for the absolute best TV for a home theater setup and don’t care as much about the price, check out the Sony A95K OLED. Although it’s a nearly identical TV to the Samsung S95B OLED (it even shares the same panel), it’s better for home theaters thanks to its advanced format support. It supports Dolby Vision HDR, which is more widely supported than Samsung’s competing HDR10+ format, so you’ll enjoy the most advanced HDR experience possible from almost any source. Sony’s processing also does a better job following the content creator’s intent, so the brightness and colors of HDR content look the way they were supposed to.

                        It offers better audio format support, including DTS:X passthrough over eARC, so you can simplify your connection to your audio-video receiver by running everything through your TV without sacrificing audio quality. Like the S95B, it looks stunning in a dark room thanks to its nearly infinite contrast ratio, delivering perfect blacks with no distracting blooming around bright areas of the screen.

                        See our review

                     3. Best Upper Mid-Range TV

                        Samsung QN90B QLED

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                        8. 7

                        Movies

                        8.7

                        TV Shows

                        8.6

                        Sports

                        8.6

                        Video Games

                        8.7

                        HDR Movies

                        8.7

                        HDR Gaming

                        8.7

                        PC Monitor

                        8.9

                        Type

                        LED

                        Sub-Type

                        VA

                        Resolution

                        4k

                        Sizes
                        43″ 50″ 55″ 65″ 75″ 85″

                        See all our test results

                        If you mainly watch TV in a bright room, a TV with an LED backlight and higher peak brightness, like the Samsung QN90B QLED, is a better choice than the top two picks on this list. It’s an excellent TV with impressive picture quality, with incredible peak brightness that helps it overcome more glare in a bright room. It still looks good in a dark room thanks to its high contrast ratio and Mini LED local dimming feature, but there’s more distracting blooming around bright highlights and subtitles in darker scenes.

                        It has nearly identical features to the S95B, with the same great selection of gaming features, including HDMI 2.1 bandwidth for 4k @ 120Hz gaming from the new-gen consoles or from recent PC graphics cards. It’s available in a very wide range of sizes, from a 43-inch size that’s great for a bedroom or office up to a massive 85-inch model for the ultimate home theater experience. All sizes deliver the same incredible picture quality, with a wide viewing angle, deep blacks, and a wide color gamut for HDR content. It runs Samsung’s Tizen OS smart interface, which has a great selection of streaming apps and is very easy to use.

                        See our review

                     4. Best Mid-Range TV

                        LG C2 OLED

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                        8. 8

                        TV Shows

                        8.4

                        Sports

                        8.6

                        Video Games

                        9.3

                        HDR Movies

                        8.8

                        HDR Gaming

                        9.0

                        PC Monitor

                        9.3

                        Type

                        OLED

                        Sub-Type

                        WOLED

                        Resolution

                        4k

                        Sizes
                        42″ 48″ 55″ 65″ 77″ 83″

                        See all our test results

                        The best mid-range TV we’ve tested is the LG C2 OLED. It’s a premium TV that delivers stunning picture quality, especially in dark rooms; thanks to its near-infinite contrast ratio, there’s no blooming around bright objects. It looks fantastic in dark rooms, whether you’re watching movies or gaming. It gets bright enough to fight glare even in moderately-lit rooms, and the reflection handling is incredible, but it doesn’t use quantum dot technology, so colors aren’t as bright as the Samsung S95B OLED or the Samsung QN90B QLED.

                        It’s an excellent TV for watching various content because it doesn’t have issues upscaling lower-resolution content, from DVDs to native 4k content. Its built-in webOS system is also easy to use if you stream your favorite shows and movies. It’s best suited for a dim or dark room, so if you’re looking for a mid-range TV with better brightness to overcome glare, the QN90B is a great alternative.

                        See our review

                     5. Best Lower Mid-Range TV

                        Hisense U8H

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                        Mixed Usage

                        8. 7

                        Movies

                        9.0

                        TV Shows

                        8.3

                        Sports

                        8.3

                        Video Games

                        9.0

                        HDR Movies

                        8.9

                        HDR Gaming

                        9.0

                        PC Monitor

                        8.3

                        Type

                        LED

                        Sub-Type

                        VA

                        Resolution

                        4k

                        Sizes
                        55″ 65″ 75″

                        See all our test results

                        If you’re looking for something cheaper and still want high-end features, the Hisense U8H is the best lower mid-range TV we’ve tested. It’s an impressive TV with excellent reflection handling and fantastic peak brightness, so it easily overcomes glare in a bright room. It’s also excellent for watching movies in a dark room. Its fantastic contrast ratio and great Mini LED local dimming feature deliver deep, uniform blacks in a dark room, with very little blooming around bright objects.

                        It displays a wide range of colors and has fantastic out-of-the-box accuracy, so colors are accurate and lifelike no matter the content you’re watching. The built-in Google TV interface has a huge selection of apps, and the interface is easy-to-use, so you won’t have to buy an external streaming box. Blacks aren’t as deep as they are on the LG C2 OLED and the Samsung S95B OLED, so it’s not quite as good if dark room performance is important to you.

                        See our review

                     6. Best Budget TV

                        TCL 5 Series/S555 2022 QLED

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                        7. 6

                        TV Shows

                        6.9

                        Sports

                        7.1

                        Video Games

                        8.1

                        HDR Movies

                        7.8

                        HDR Gaming

                        8.2

                        PC Monitor

                        8.1

                        Type

                        LED

                        Sub-Type

                        VA

                        Resolution

                        4k

                        Sizes
                        50″ 55″ 65″ 75″

                        See all our test results

                        If you’re looking to spend less, the best budget TV we’ve tested is the TCL 5 Series/S555 2022 QLED. It delivers surprisingly great performance for the price, with superb contrast and a decent full array local dimming feature, so dark scenes look amazing in a dark room, with very little blooming around bright areas of the screen. It also has great peak brightness in SDR and decent reflection handling, so glare isn’t an issue in a brighter room.

                        It runs the Roku OS interface, which has a great selection of streaming channels, including many free streaming services. It’s a great TV for gaming, as it has superb low input lag and variable refresh rate support for a responsive, nearly tear-free gaming experience. Unlike the Hisense U8H, it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is disappointing for new-gen gamers, but it’s still great for visually-intensive games that target 4k @ 60Hz in their ‘Graphics’ mode.

                        See our review

                     7. Best Cheap TV

                        Hisense A6H

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                        Mixed Usage

                        6.9

                        Movies

                        6. 8

                        TV Shows

                        7.3

                        Sports

                        6.9

                        Video Games

                        7.0

                        HDR Movies

                        6.3

                        HDR Gaming

                        7.2

                        PC Monitor

                        8.0

                        Type

                        LED

                        Sub-Type

                        IPS

                        Resolution

                        4k

                        Sizes
                        43″ 50″ 55″ 65″ 70″ 75″

                        See all our test results

                        If you want something cheap that gets the job done, the Hisense A6H is the best cheap TV we’ve tested. It’s an okay entry-level TV, and as expected for a cheap TV, it delivers just basic picture quality. Unfortunately, unlike the other TVs on this list, it’s not a good choice for a dark room. It has a low contrast ratio, and by going with a cheap TV, you’re losing out on advanced features like local dimming to improve the appearance of dark scenes. It also can’t display a wide color gamut, so although it supports Dolby Vision HDR, this adds very little overall.

                        Like the Hisense U6H, it runs the Google TV interface, which has a huge selection of streaming apps available. It makes it a great choice for an office or guest bedroom, as your guests can watch their favorite shows without you having to worry about buying an extra streaming stick. It has a wide viewing angle, which is great if you watch TV while walking around, as the image remains consistent when viewed from the sides.

                        See our review

                     Notable Mentions

                     • LG G2 OLED:
                       The LG G2 OLED is an impressive TV with a unique design. It looks amazing wall-mounted thanks to its uniform profile and the included slim wall mount. However, it has worse color volume than the Samsung S95B OLED, and it’s more expensive, so the Samsung is a better choice overall.
                       See our review
                     • TCL 6 Series/R655 2022 QLED:
                       The TCL 6 Series/R655 2022 QLED is an impressive TV overall, but it’s not as good as the Hisense U8H for most users. If you can stretch your budget a bit, the Hisense is a better choice overall.
                       See our review
                     • Insignia F50 QLED:
                       The Insignia F50 QLED is a better cheap TV than the Hisense A6H, but it’s been discontinued and is very difficult to find. If you find one, you can get it on sale for a better price than the A6H, so go with that instead.
                       See our review

                     Recent Updates

                     1. Apr 05, 2023:
                        Verified our picks for consistency and availability. Added a mention of the Samsung S95C OLED to the Samsung S95B OLED and added the LG G2 OLED as a Notable Mention. Refreshed the text throughout.

                     2. Mar 08, 2023:
                        Verified our picks for accuracy and refreshed the text.

                     3. Feb 06, 2023:
                        Replaced the Hisense U6H with the TCL 5 Series/S555 2022 QLED, as it’s slightly better overall for about the same price.

                     4. Jan 13, 2023:
                        Replaced the Insignia F50 QLED with the Hisense A6H, as the Insignia is discontinued and hard to find. Verified our picks for accuracy and refreshed the text.

                     5. Dec 15, 2022:
                        Added the Sony A95K OLED as the ‘Best Home Theater TV’. Verified our other picks for accuracy and consistency, and refreshed the text.

                     All Reviews

                     Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best televisions for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (a cheaper TV wins over a pricier one if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no TVs that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

                     If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our reviews of TVs. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no TV is perfect, most TVs are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.

                     The best 55-inch TVs in 2023: top 5 models

                     Daniil Venediktov

                     loves “five” since school

                     Author’s profile

                     55″ is one of the most popular diagonals for modern TVs 900 03

                     The reason is a good balance size, diagonal and average footage of the room.

                     Russians began to buy large TVs more often. Analysts of Aliexpress reported that for the living room, users of the online store choose models with diagonals of 55 and 50 inches, although previously they were 43 and 40 inches, respectively.

                     Tinkoff Magazine has already published a detailed guide on how to choose a TV, and in this article I will help you sort out the variety of 55-inch models. All presented devices come with 4K resolution, or Ultra HD. Lower quality in TVs of this size is now almost never found, so we will omit models with Full HD.

                     Our recommendations

                     Best of the best without limits	Almost flagship	Best Choice
                     LG OLED55C2RLA	Hisense 55A85H	Hisense 55U8HQ
                     High brightness OLED, great sound and multiple voice assistants to choose from	Top features at a nice price, but not the best operating system – specific VIDAA U6. 0	QLED 120Hz Direct LED Uniform Backlight
                     In DNS — from 187,999 R; in “M-video” – from 187 999 R on “Yandex-Market” – from 111 000 R	In “M-video” – from 139 999 R; in Technopark — from 139,990 R	On Yandex Market — from 83,415 R; in “M-video” – from 79 999 R

                     Intermediate	Budget
                     Xiaomi Mi TV Q1E 55	TCL P725 4K
                     Gets the most out of the budget category: QLED screen, supports HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision	Affordable 4K TV with High-End Attributes – Direct LED and HDMI 2.1
                     In DNS – from 59 999 R; in “Svyaznoy” – from 59 990 R	In “Eldorado” – from 34 999 R; in DNS – from 29 999 Р

                     Best of the best without limits

                     LG OLED55C2RLA

                     OLED matrix with pumped brightness, excellent sound and several voice assistants to choose from

                     In DNS — from 187,999 Р;
                     in “M-video” – from 187 999 R
                     on Yandex-Market – from 111,000 R

                     Almost the flagship

                     Hisense 55A85H

                     Top features for a nice price, but not the best operating system – specific VIDAA U6. 0

                     V “M-video” – from 139 999 R;
                     in Technopark — from 139,990 R

                     Optimal choice

                     Hisense 55U8HQ

                     QLED matrix with uniform Direct LED backlighting and 120 Hz screen refresh rate — in the middle price segment

                     90 002 On Yandex Market – from 83 415 R;
                     in “M-video” – from 79 999 R

                     Mid-level

                     Xiaomi Mi TV Q1E 55

                     Squeezes the most out of the budget category: QLED screen, support for extended color range HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision

                     V DNS – from 59 999 R;
                     in Svyaznoy — from 59,990 R

                     Budget

                     TCL P725 4K

                     Affordable TV for viewing 4K content with attributes of expensive models — Direct LED and HDMI 2.1 backlight

                     In “Eldorado” – from 34 999 R;
                     in DNS – from 29 999 R

                     But we do not distort or embellish the reviews. The choice of specific things does not depend on whether we receive a commission.

                     Product reviews in Tinkoff Magazine are independent. We make a verdict based on reviews of things and devices that we carefully studied, or how these things performed during editorial tests.

                     For reviews, we either request goods from the manufacturer for a test, or we buy them ourselves, or we study reviews in other publications and user opinions. Our reviews are subjective, but honest and expert: opinions are written by authors who have more than one review behind them. The editorial team of Tinkoff Magazine double-checks the texts, proofreads them and conducts fact-checking.

                     All prices are at the time of publication of the material, but we update them periodically to keep the reviews up to date.

                     From 111 000 R

                     The best of the best without limits — LG OLED55C2RLA

                     The main advantage lies in the name of the model — an OLED matrix is ​​installed here, which will show all the colors of modern films and TV shows without distortion and glare. There is support for 4K content and an extended color range HDR10.

                     This TV supports Dolby Vision, the most advanced HDR standard found in some major online movie theaters like Netflix and Apple TV+. “Regular” HDR available on Kinopoisk, Evie and YouTube also looks great here.

                     Compared to the previous model of the line – 55C1RLA – the screen brightness has been increased from 690 to 810 nits. This improves the quality of HDR: movie scenes become more contrasty, and the panel can physically display more shades. Previously, LG OLED TVs were not as bright due to the risk of overheating, but in the new generation, the panels are both brighter and more durable.

                     /list/faq-tv/

                     How to choose a TV and not overpay

                     The screen refresh rate here is 120 Hz, which is twice as much as in mid-budget models. You can connect modern consoles that support this frequency to the TV and enjoy a smooth picture in some games. Additionally, smoothness in games is added by VRR technology according to all major standards: the screen frequency adjusts to the frame rate in the game, so even if the connected set-top box or computer “does not pull” a high frequency, the viewer does not notice jerks or freezes.

                     A nice addition is the sound system with rich bass. Most TVs have to buy a soundbar to make action movies sound right, but here you can save money: two 10W speakers, a 20W subwoofer, plus support for Dolby Atmos technology for surround sound. Although a full-fledged home theater with surround sound cannot replace a TV.

                     LG OLED C2 runs on a closed, but very fast and convenient webOS operating system. There is a voice assistant, depending on the region, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Russian Alice are available. TVs of various origins are now being sold in Russia, so pay attention to the last three letters in the model name: the CIS version is called C2RLA and only Alice is available in it. The American PUA, for example, will only have English-speaking assistants and useless Netflix and Disney Plus buttons on the remote control in Russia.

                     Alice is available for all 2022 LG TVs for our region – they even made a special button with a corporate icon on the remote control. Through the assistant, you can control your smart home, find out the weather or traffic jams, or get movie recommendations for different moods.

                     For top models, it is important to have a large number of HDMI connectors to connect a soundbar, set-top box, laptop or other gadgets. There are four of them, each of a new type 2.1.

                     How much:

                     • in DNS – from 187 999 R;
                     • in M-video — from 187,999 R
                     • on Yandex Market — from 111,000 R.

                     Alternative. Samsung QE55S95B is the first TV with a new type of QD-OLED screen. This is not the usual Samsung QLED, but a full-fledged OLED, but with an additional layer of quantum dots. It’s the brightest OLED screen on the market, with the most accurate color reproduction and the most impressive extended HDR color gamut. In terms of image quality, it is better than the LG OLED C2 in every way.

                     The main drawback: it is imported into Russia by dubious shops in a roundabout way, and it is incredibly expensive. And it also runs on a closed and not very fast Tizen system, so not all popular applications can be installed on it.

                     How much it costs:

                     • on Yandex Market – from 190,000 rubles.

                     Sony XR55A90J – 2021 model. It looks like LG’s flagships, but there are a few nice additions. Firstly, the brightness is more, it exceeds 800 nits. Secondly, Android TV is used as an operating system. You can install even more applications – for example, a familiar browser for surfing the net directly through the TV. Thirdly, in addition to the two virtual assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, a third one was added – Apple Siri, however, their availability may differ depending on the region of the TV.

                     Otherwise, the model has performance parity with the newer LG OLED C2, even the sound is exactly the same – a built-in 20 W subwoofer and 10 W speakers. The only drawback is that not all four HDMI connectors are 2.1 format, two of them are still 2. 0.

                     How much:

                     • on Yandex Market – from 189,400 R;
                     • in Eldorado – from 176,000 R.

                     From 139,990 R

                     Almost a flagship – Hisense 55A85H

                     Good model from a decent brand, in which almost All features are top notch.

                     The OLED matrix installed here does not distort images at an angle and produces high-quality blacks. Users will be able to appreciate this in films with an abundance of dark scenes: in this case, the detail will not be lost, the interior and furnishings in the frame will not merge into a dark spot. The picture is very contrasty – thanks to the large peak brightness of 800 nits and the advanced HDR mode – HDR10 +.

                     The TV can be used to connect modern game consoles. The 120Hz screen refresh rate ensures smooth frame transitions in high frame rate shooters. And 4K resolution brings out the beauty of cinematic gaming without losing quality.

                     A good speaker system is responsible for the sound – six speakers with a power of 10 W each with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology.

                     There are two things that keep this TV from climbing to the very top of the top. First, the specific operating system VIDAA U6.0, made on the basis of Linux. The opinions of users on the forums and in the comments under the video reviews are divided: some see no problems in it, others consider it to be very slow and primitive. Secondly, the claimed brightness of 800 nits only applies to short bright flashes in small areas of the screen, and the entire panel cannot consistently output more than 200 nits – therefore, Hisense OLED needs a dark room more than top models.

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                     Hisense 55U8HQ squeezes the maximum out of its value. Here, the QLED matrix is ​​combined with the Direct LED backlight type and the small size of the Mini LED diodes. All this brings the transmission quality closer to OLED: the diodes are placed evenly over the entire area of ​​the screen, the light does not “leak” at the edges of the TV.

                     Adds support for HDR10, HDR10+ wide color gamuts and a 120Hz refresh rate with adaptive VRR to ensure smoother gaming on the latest generation of consoles.

                     When viewed in normal mode, the brightness fluctuates around 700 nits, and when viewed in HDR, the peak value can reach 1200 nits – decent for a mid-range model. Due to the high brightness, high contrast of the picture is achieved.

                     Another argument in favor of the Hisense 55U8HQ is its excellent sound. Six speakers with a total power of 45 watts are responsible for musical accompaniment and correct playback of dialogues. There is also a built-in 20W subwoofer.

                     There are also four HDMI ports – two of them 2.1 and one USB 3.0. You can connect a set-top box and a laptop at the same time.

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                  2. in “M-video” – from 79 999 R.

                  From 59 990 R

                  Mid-level – Xiaomi Mi TV Q1E 55

                  This TV costs two to three times cheaper than the top ones, but for this money is all you can still get a decent QLED screen with rich backlighting, as well as support for HDR 10+ extended color gamut and Dolby Vision.

                  The Chinese brand has reduced the cost of the QLED segment well. The screen is good for its category, peaking at 1,000 nits of brightness, and dimming zones control color and contrast. Thanks to this, the picture in dark scenes looks authentic.

                  The TV supports the widest color gamut of the most advanced HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision standards. However, the screen itself is of average quality, its color gamut is only 8 bits + FRC, so it is able to display much fewer colors than the top OLED and QLED models. However, the picture still looks juicy.

                  Mi TV Q1E will not be able to unleash the full potential of the new generation of game consoles. The screen refresh rate is 60 Hz, the type of HDMI connectors is 2. 0, there is no support for variable image rate VRR. But this is still enough to watch movies and TV shows and play most new games with beautiful graphics like God of War or the re-release of The Witcher 3.

                  The sound is made at an average level: 30 watts of power distributed to two tweeters and four woofers. With such indicators, you do not need to immediately run after the soundbar – you can test the sound quality on different types of video content.

                  The operating system is called Patchwall, but it’s a good clone of Android TV 10 – you can switch to the familiar interface with the click of a button.

                  How much:

                  • in DNS – from 59 999 R;
                  • in Svyaznoy – from 59 990 R.

                  Alternative. Realme Smart TV SLED 4K is the first TV from the Chinese brand to reach Russian stores. It has a “regular” screen without quantum dots, so the brightness is lower than that of Xiaomi. But on the other hand, an unusual SLED backlight is used here, thanks to which the TV accurately displays white. Skin tones, greens and skies look rich but natural enough.

                  The TV runs on pure Android TV, menu items scroll without delay, applications launch quickly. You can install any Android application from a flash drive or from the network: a convenient browser, officially unavailable online movie theaters and music services.

                  The refresh rate is standard, 60 Hz, but the screen is very responsive, in games there is no input lag. True, there is no adaptive refresh rate VRR here – with it, games on modern consoles look smoother even at frame rates below 60.

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                  3. on Yandex Market – from 49 999 R.

                  From 29 999 R

                  Budget – TCL P725 4K

                  A good choice in the budget category – you can watch 4K content on the LCD screen with VA matrix and type Direct LED screen backlighting, which provides uniform illumination of the entire panel.

                  In VA-matrices, the crystals are arranged vertically and more tightly to each other – they let in less light, which means they produce the best black color in their category. To the detriment of contrast, such a TV will have small viewing angles – you should not hang it in front of a wide sofa.

                  Screen frequency – 60 Hz, Dolby Vision nominally supported at 270-300 nits peak brightness. This TV is well suited for classic TV viewing in the bedroom: when the ambient light is off, the black light with this type of screen will become even more saturated. But HDR content on it can be perceived as insufficiently saturated: peak brightness is not enough to maintain high contrast.

                  The operating system is Android 11, Belarusian-made models are compatible with Google Assistant. You can connect external devices using an HDMI 2.1 port and two HDMI 2.0 ports. Sound power – budget 19 watts. It is better to buy a soundbar for such a TV.

                  How much:

                  • in Eldorado – from 34 999 R;
                  • in DNS – from 29 999 R.

                  Alternative. The Grundig 55 GFU 7800B with LCD screen and Direct LED uniform backlight is very similar to the TCL P725 4K. All the difference is in the location of the crystals: the IPS technology that is used here provides large viewing angles, but less contrast. In terms of brightness, we still have the same 270 nits – in a bright room, the image will look good, but the bright sun from the window can interfere.

                  The screen refresh rate is worse – only 50 Hz. In games on consoles, the smoothness of the picture may suffer. The sound is also very simple – 16 watts. Also, manufacturers rightly considered that HDMI 2.1 is not needed here – they added three pieces of version 2.0.

                  How much:

                  • in M-video – from 42,999 R;
                  • on Yandex Market – from 42 999 R.

                  How to choose a TV

                  Here are important parameters that will help you decide.

                  Screen distance. In order to comfortably watch movies and series on TV, it is important to choose the right distance from the screen. If it is too large, the muscles of the eyes will constantly strain in order not to miss small details. If the TV is too close, the eyes will have to constantly move around the screen to capture the entire picture. This leads to dryness and irritation of the mucosa.

                  Optimal distance for 55″ TV is 2.1-2.35m by different standards. Suitable to be installed in a medium-sized living room with a width of about three meters, including the back of the sofa. Or hang a screen in the bedroom opposite the head of the bed – the standard length of a double model is just 2.1 m.

                  Screen matrix type. You will have to choose between the following technologies:

                  1. LED is the oldest technology. The liquid crystal matrix is ​​illuminated by diodes located on the sides. Such screens are designated by marketers without any special frills – just LED.
                  2. LED with zone illumination. The next step in the development of the previous technology – the number of LEDs was increased and began to be placed not only on the side, but also on top and bottom, “frame” – Edge LED. There is also an option with a location over the entire screen area – this way uniform illumination of the entire panel is achieved. Referred to as Direct LED.
                  3. Matrix with quantum layer. A layer with quantum dots was added between the liquid crystals and the LED backlight. They absorb the radiation of LEDs and re-emit it with improved colors, making them more saturated. Different brands have different names for this technology. Samsung has QLED, LG has Nano Cell, Sony has Triluminos.
                  4. OLED, or organic light-emitting diode backlight. Such screens do not need LED backlighting, since the pixels light up themselves under the influence of an electric current and produce the desired color. If left unlit, it will remain perfectly black, which is how the saturation and contrast of the image is achieved.

                  You can also see the terms Neo-QLED, Crystal LED or Mini-LED. This is the development of quantum layer matrix technology: manufacturers have made smaller LEDs. Because of this, it turned out to put a larger number of elements per square centimeter of the screen – not tens, but hundreds of thousands. In this way, you can more precisely control the color, and simply turn off some areas, achieving contrast and “perfect black”.

                  Screen refresh rate. This is the number of frames that the TV screen can display in one second:

                  1. 50 Hz – an indicator that is found in budget models. Suitable for classic movies, series or watching TV shows.
                  2. 60-100 Hz is an indicator for mid-range screens. Good for movies, sports and legacy consoles like PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X.
                  3. 120Hz and above. Found in expensive models – ideal for gamers who connect the latest generation of consoles such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X to the TV. You will be able to enjoy increased responsiveness and smoothness in games that support high frame rates.

                  Acoustic power. Even a TV with a cool screen can have mediocre sound. Here are the main options:

                  1. 8, 10 or 20 W – standard speakers that will not give high-quality bass, make you constantly take the remote control in scenes with dialogue and spoil the viewing of blockbusters. At the first opportunity, you should buy a soundbar.
                  2. 30-50 W – the manufacturer puts more than two speakers in the TV cabinet and can even add a built-in subwoofer. Will suit most buyers.
                  3. More than 50 watts – the choice of audiophiles. Such sound power is found in top models. As a rule, there is always a subwoofer – a speaker that is designed for good bass. You can not spend money on buying a soundbar or additional speakers.

                  HDR support. This is a technology that will show more details in light and dark content scenes. There are three types: HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The last two have an important feature – dynamic metadata.

                  Unlike static metadata in HDR10, a movie with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision will change the backlight depending on each frame, not the settings on the TV. This option is very important for cinephiles who want to see the colors in the frame as they were shot by the director of photography.

                  Operating system. Will have to choose between three systems of foreign brands. Samsung installs Tizen, and LG installs WebOS. Other manufacturers have Android TV.

                  There are also own developments of individual brands, such as VIDAA, and domestic operating systems – Yandex-TV and Salyut-TV. The last two are based on Android TV.

                  Number of sockets. The main thing to pay attention to is the number of HDMI and USB. The first type of connector will be needed to connect various gadgets if you need an alternative to wireless communication. For example, you can connect a laptop, soundbar, set-top box.

                  Ideally, if HDMI is of a new type – 2.1. It will provide viewing of 4K content at a refresh rate of 120 frames per second with additional options such as HDR and VRR. HDMI 2.0 also supports 4K at 120 frames, but without the bells and whistles.

                  The main purpose of the USB connector is to connect a removable hard drive. You can record late-night shows or your favorite football team that you can’t see because of work. If write speed is important, you should look for newer versions of connectors, such as USB 3.1 Gen 1, which will provide a maximum data transfer rate of up to 5 GB per second.

                  We post circles, beautiful cards and news about technology and pop culture in our telegram channel. Subscribe, it’s great there: @t_technocult.

                  Best Sound TVs of 2023

                  Consumer Electronics TVs

                  February 11, 2023

                  257 6 min read

                  Looking for the Best TVs with Good Sound 2023 ? The best TVs with good sound 2023 deliver great picture quality and dynamic, room-filling sound. While it may seem that as TV picture quality improves, sound tends to suffer, there are some great TVs with a built-in sound system on the market that will blow your mind.

                  As TVs have gotten thinner over the years, there is less room in the display’s physical frame to add speakers. The end result – in some cases – is sound as subtle as the TV itself. This makes the voices particularly difficult to listen to, especially when mixed with musical soundtracks and movie sound effects.

                  So, even with many of the best TVs you can buy today, we highly recommend that you invest in one of the best soundbars or best surround sound systems. Of course, we also understand that going down this path will require more research – making sure you have enough space and the right connections – and additional budget.

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                  However, if you want to hit two targets with one arrow, know that there are options for you too. There are several TVs on the market that come with excellent sound systems as standard, allowing you to get good sound quality without additional hardware or work.

                  #1 Panasonic JZ2000 4K OLED

                  TV with good acoustics 2023

                  SPECIFICATIONS

                  • Screen sizes: 55.65 inches
                  • Resolution: 4K
                  • Panel technology: OLED
                  • Dolby Atmos: Yes
                  • eARC: Yes
                  • Audio output: 125W

                  Pros:

                  + Versatile HDR with Dolby Vision IQ
                  + Dolby Atmos sound system
                  + Sensational OLED imaging

                  Cons: 9 0033

                  – Expensive

                  Panasonic owns the Technics audio brand, and this is how is used well in this set. The built-in 360 Soundscape Pro sound system, customized by Technics, delivers Hi-Fi sound quality for all your movies, games, TV shows and music content. Also on board are upward-firing and side-firing speakers that direct sound more towards the viewer for rich Dolby Atmos results.

                  The picture quality is just as breathtaking, and Hollywood’s fine-tuning helps make the picture as accurate and cinematic as any TV. A brighter-than-average OLED panel with full HDR support (both Dolby Vision and HDR10+) helps here.

                  And it’s good for gamers with HDMI 2.1 support including 4K 120Hz and VRR. It’s a shame for the high price – as always, you get what you pay for. Audiophiles, take note! At this price, it might not be the best option for everyone, but it’s one of the best sound TVs you can buy.

                  #2 Sony X90J

                  Best Sound TVs of 2023

                  SPECIFICATIONS

                  • Screen Sizes: 50, 55, 65.75 inches
                  • Resolution: 4K
                  • Panel technology:

                  LED

                  • Dolby Atmos: Yes
                  • eARC: Yes
                  • Audio output: 20W

                  Pros:

                  + Smart positional audio
                  + Best-in-class picture quality
                  + Excellent upscaling

                  Cons:

                  – Slight screen glare
                  – Mediocre off-axis viewing

                  The Sony X90J is pretty much everything we want from a mid-range 4K LED-LCD TV. For the money, there are few TVs that can match it in terms of picture quality and feature set, making it best-in-class for mid-range models.

                  For a mid-range TV without a soundbar connected, the Sony X90J is surprisingly powerful in the audio category. Using only two 10W full range speakers and two side tweeters, the X90J delivers a convincing and clear sound that sounds very good overall. This is one of the most powerful TV speakers we’ve heard on a mid-range 4K TV.

                  Like other Sony TVs, the X90J uses Sony’s new X-Balanced Speaker for cleaner sound with less distortion at high volumes, and the tweeters help widen the TV’s soundstage, though with some compromises on bass.

                  The shows, movies and games we played on the TV sounded crisp and clear, with clear dialogue and solid simulated 3D sound. While 3D sound simulation is never as good as a full Dolby Atmos setup – it’s not even close in fact – it’s a nice feature to use while you’re waiting for a more fully featured AV solution to be installed.

                  If you’re looking for an exceptional 4K HDR TV with Dolby Vision and impressive built-in audio, the Sony X90J is attractive because it provides everything you need for phenomenal 4K HDR performance at a reasonable price. That’s why it’s our top choice for most people because you don’t have to pay a fortune for good sound.

                  #3 Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K

                  Best 8K TV in Sound 7 Screen sizes: 65, 75, 85 inches

                  4. Resolution: 8K
                  5. Panel technology: Neo QLED / Mini LED
                  6. Dolby Atmos: Yes
                  7. eARC: Yes
                  8. Audio output: 90W

                  Pros:

                  + Improved backlight accuracy
                  + Built-in DolbyAtmos.

                  Cons:

                  – No support for Dolby Vision.
                  – New Smart Hub UI – Step Back

                  Once again, the Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K TV set the benchmark for Mini LED TV technology, improving on its predecessor in a number of important ways, such as a noticeable reduction in light brightness as well as improved image processing , brightness and even design. . While we have some reservations about Samsung’s new (but not necessarily improved) user interface, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better LCD TV this year.

                  The Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K TV boasts many audio improvements over its predecessor, the QN900A, most notably the inclusion of upward facing speakers that (technically) achieve Dolby Atmos sound. In addition, Samsung’s latest Neo QLED flagship now boasts a pretty impressive ability to stream Dolby Atmos audio to compatible Samsung soundbars over Wi-Fi.

                  Of course, if you want the most immersive cinematic experience, you need a soundbar. But if you are looking for an all-in-one solution with a fantastic 8K image, this is the best choice for you.

                  #4 Philips OLED+936 TV

                  Best Sound TV 2023

                  SPECIFICATIONS

                  • Screen Dimensions: 48, 55, 65 inches
                  • Resolution: 4K
                  • Panel technology: OLED
                  • Dolby Atmos: Yes
                  • eARC: Yes
                  • Audio output: 70W

                  Pros:

                  + Stellar sound quality
                  + Quadruple lighting

                  Cons:

                  – Android TV may not be for everyone

                  Part of the Philips OLED+ range, which means it has a speaker cabinet made by legendary British hi-fi firm Bowers & Wilkins and has been redesigned for even better sound quality.

                  The top-mounted tweeter design used in B&W’s high-end speakers means the tweeter is separated from the speaker cabinet, eliminating interference from other parts of the speaker. Add four 50mm midrange drivers, a racetrack-style subwoofer, and dual upward-firing Dolby Atmos “Elevation” speakers mounted on top of the cabinet, and you’ve got a complete audio package.

                  It is compatible with Dolby Atmos encoded audio and even mixes non-Atmos multi-channel content for 3D immersive legacy content.

                  You can also select different audio modes depending on how you place the TV. So whether it’s mounted on a TV stand or wall-mounted, you can be sure you’re getting the best sound quality possible.

                  Philips OLED+936 certainly looks the part. The speaker cabinet design is based on the critically acclaimed B&W speaker line, with tweeter grilles reminiscent of those designed for the B&W 800 Diamond line, and the bass cabinet is set back and uses Flowport technology developed by Bowers & Wilkins for their speaker system. main speakers. In fact, this is a Hi-Fi system to which a TV is connected, and a TV with Ambilight backlight.

                  #5 Sony A95K

                  Best all-rounder for stunning picture and great sound

                  SPECIFICATIONS

                  • Screen sizes: 55, 65 inches
                  • Resolution: 4K
                  • Panel technology: OLED (QD-OLED)
                  • Dolby Atmos: Yes
                  • eARC: Yes
                  • Audio output: 60W

                  Pros:

                  + Amazing picture quality
                  + Exceptional build quality and design
                  + Good sound quality out of the box

                  Cons:

                  – Some disappointments and connectivity issues
                  – No HDR10+ support

                  Sony’s latest flagship TV, the A95K, is really impressive. Sony’s award-winning Cognitive XR processor has joined forces with new OLED Quantum Dot screen technology to deliver what is arguably the flattest beautiful picture we’ve seen on a consumer TV.