I have been watching TVs since the days of rear projection en plasma, and I try to keep it simple by focusing on one crucial concept: image quality for the money.
As they become more frequent, 65-inch TVs are more affordable than ever. IN solid budget model for under $ 500 is not a high order, and if you can spend a few hundred more, you can get sets with really excellent image quality. I prefer to use 65-inch screens when I do side-by-side comparisons of TVs here at CNET, because almost every mainstream TV maker offers this size. 65-inch TVs are large enough to be viewed HDRquality video and 4K but are not too large to line up next to each other. Here are some of the best 65-inch TV screens I have found.
The list below represents the best TVs I’ve seen in CNET’s test lab, where I compare smart LED TVs, QLED TVs, Ultra HD TVs, 4K HDR TVs, and other 65-inch TV options and compare them side-by-side. page list to see which are most worth buying. Here are my latest recommendations, periodically updated, with the following notes to keep in mind.
Sarah Tew / CNET
OLED TVs are kings for picture quality, but they are not cheap. The TVs’ OLED displays use organic light emitting diode technology to provide the contrast and viewing angle that no LCD TV (or QLED TV) can match. As the least expensive OLED TV, the B9 is our favorite overall for high-end shoppers. It fell just short of the C9 in image quality in our tests, but the differences are poor – and because it’s less expensive than the C9, it’s a better value. Read our review of LG OLEDB9PUA series.
Sarah Tew / CNET
No TV I have ever tested offers this much picture quality at this screen size for this small cash. The latest version of the TCL 6 series has even better picture quality than its predecessor, thanks to improved color, and the well-implemented local array of full arrays helps it to run round every other TV at this price. As if that’s not enough, the Roku TV operating system is our hand-down favorite. Read our review of TCL 6-Series (Roku TV) of 2019.
Sarah Tew / CNET
Can’t pay for OLED TV? Still willing to pay extra – but not dat much extra – for exceptional image quality and accurate color? The Vizio P-Series Quantum X is our choice for you, with superb light output that no OLED can match, top-notch local dimming and all the high-contrast HDR fun that comes with it. Read our review of Vizio P-Series Quantum X.
Sarah Tew / CNET
Roku is our favorite platform for streaming apps like Netflix, and it’s even better baked into this 4K TV. Picture quality on this TCL 65-inch TV set can not beat any of the above models – its 4K resolution and HDR compatibility do nothing to help the picture – but it’s perfectly fine for most people, especially at this price.
Note that the TCL 65S425 and 65S421 (the Walmart version) are very similar and we expect them to perform the same in principle. Read our review of TCL S425 series (Roku TV).
Sarah Tew / CNET
Speaking of top-of-the-line, this TCL has Mini-LED, a technology that is currently not available on any other TV. The result is superb contrast and brightness that the Vizio PX transmits through a nose, although it does not quite hit OLED levels. We consider the PX an even better OLED alternative, because the image quality is almost as good and it costs a lot less, especially the 75-inch model. Read our review of TCL 8-Series (Roku TV of 2019).
Sarah Tew / CNET
Besides the TCL 65R625 above, no 65-inch TV offers this much picture for this little cash. In my comparison, the TCL won a few key areas, in particular HDR brightness and black level. I would also recommend the TCL to streaming central viewers because of its superior Roku smart TV system. That said, the Vizio is still an excellent choice and sometimes available for less than the TCL – just make sure you get the M8, not the M7. Read our review of Vizio M-Series Quantum M8 (2019).
Sarah Tew / CNET
Samsung’s QLED TVs are basically fancy LCDs – do not confuse them with OLEDs. The Q70R has an excellent image and many Samsung design and features for a price that is relatively affordable, though not exactly budget. If you are not interested in a TCL or Vizio screen and do not want to spit for an OLED, this Samsung TV is an excellent choice. Read our review of Samsung Q70 Series (2019).
Other things to know about buying a new TV
I’m pretty sure you’d be happy with one of the TV screens above, but a new set might be a big investment, so maybe you should seek a little more information. Here is a quick and dirty list.
- Prices for TV sets in 2019 began to reach their lowest points around late November (before Black Friday) and discounts on some models will continue now that the Super Bowl is over. The 2019 TVs will go on sale in the coming months.
- Beginning in 2020, new TV models will arrive, but since TVs are generally a moderate technology, they will not be worth the wait if you want a TV right now.
- In my opinion, bigger is better. Large TVs are cheaper than ever, and your money is best spent on larger screen sizes instead of a slight upgrade in picture quality.
- If you do not like the built-in smart TV system with poor functionality, you can always add a media streamer. They are cheap and easy to use, and receive updates more often than most smart TVs. See the best media streamers here.
- Most TVs sound awful, so it’s worth the effort to pair your new set with a soundbar or other speaker system. Good starts at around $ 100. See the best sound bars here.
Are you looking for more info? Here is everything to know (and more) about buy a new TV in 2020.
