BEST PERFORMING TVs
BEST PERFORMING TVs
All professionally tested and ranked by Mike Osadciw.
No paid promotions or affiliate marketing links.
Last Update: January 30th, 2022
Still Valid for: February, 8th, 2025
“I’ve decided to rank TVs based on their after-calibration performance and placed them into meaningful High Dynamic Range and Contrast Capability categories. While overall image quality is considered, I’ve prioritized 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) because there’s a significant difference in the marketing vs. real measured performance of these TVs. Whether you’re in sales recommending the best TV for your client or a consumer looking for unbiased information before your TV purchase, I hope this regularly updated list is the best tool for your choice.“
– Mike Osadciw
“I’ve decided to rank TVs based on their after-calibration performance and placed them into meaningful High Dynamic Range and Contrast Capability categories. While overall image quality is considered, I’ve prioritized 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) because there’s a significant difference in the marketing vs. real measured performance of these TVs. Whether you’re in sales recommending the best TV for your client or a consumer looking for unbiased information before your TV purchase, I hope this regularly updated list is the best tool for your choice.“
– Mike Osadciw
RANKING SYSTEM CATEGORIES
Extreme-Output HDR = capable of light output greater than 2000nits.
(plays all and cutting-edge HDR video accurately).
High-Output HDR = capable of light output between 1000-2000 nits (plays most HDR video accurately)
Moderate-Output HDR = capable of light between 500-999 nits (plays some HDR video accurately)
Low-Output HDR = capable of light between 100-499 nits (doesn’t play HDR video accurately)
High Contrast HDR = deep black level & white above 500 nits
Low Contrast HDR = light gray black & white above 500 nits
“Ranked by the best light output, colour detail, contrast, and pleasing viewing experience.”
HIGH CONTRAST TVs
EXTREME OUTPUT HDR
(1) Sony XR-xxZ9J (2021, LCD, local dimming, 4000nits)
(2) Sony XBR-xxZ8H (2020, LCD, local dimming, 2200nits)
HIGH OUTPUT HDR
(1) Sony XR-xxX95J (LCD, local dimming, 1200nits)
(2) Sony XBR-xxX950H (LCD, local dimming, 1200nits)
(3) Samsung QNxxQ900A (LCD, local dimming, 1500nits)
(4) Samsung QNxxQ90A (LCD, local dimming, 1400nits)
(5) Samsung QNxxQN800A (LCD, local dimming, 1400nits)
(6) TCL 6-series (LCD, local dimming, 1100nits)
MODERATE OUTPUT HDR
(1) Sony XR-xxA90J (OLED, 820nits)
(2) LG xxG1 (OLED, 820nits)
(3) LG xxC1 (OLED, 760nits) – best value
(4) Sony XR-xxA80J (OLED, 720nits)
(5) LG xxCX (OLED, 760nits)
(6) Sony XR-xxX90J (LCD, local dimming, 700nits)
(7) Sony XBR-xxX900H (LCD, local dimming, 750nits)
(8) Samsung QNxxQ80T (LCD, local dimming, 950nits)
(9) Samsung QNxxQ80A (LCD, local dimming, 800nits)
(10) Sony A9G (OLED, 680nits)
(11) Sony A8H (OLED, 550nits)
(12) Samsung QNxxQN85 (LCD, local dimming, ~550nits)
*measured on the 85″
LOW CONTRAST TVs
MODERATE OUTPUT HDR
(1) Sony XR-xxX85J (LCD, no local dimming, ~550nits)
(2) Sony XBR-X800H (LCD, no local dimming, ~550 nits)
(3) Samsung QNxxQ70T (LCD, no local dimming, ~550nits)
LOW OUTPUT HDR*
(1) Sony XR-xxX80J (LCD, no local dimming, <400nits)
(2) All Samsung AU, NU, RU, TU (LCD, no local dimming, <350nits)
(3) TCL 4-Series (LED, 299nits)
*These are “HDR-Compatible” displays that will accept an HDR signal. They aren’t designed with high brightness capability.
Notes:
(1) Nits is another term for cd/m2, a measurement of brightness. The higher the number, the brighter the momentary peak white.
(2) Actual nit measurement may change slightly with different screen sizes denoted by “xx”
(3) If a model isn’t listed here (e.g. Vizio, Hisense, or LG LCD TVs), I haven’t evaluated/calibrated it.
(4) This list includes 2021 models (current) and some of the best remaining 2020 models still in stock at some retailers.
(5) No consumer TV is “perfect”. Each have positive attributes and some room for improvement.