I’ve been reviewing TVs since the days of plasma and rear projection, and I try to keep it simple by focusing on a key concept: image quality for the money.
As 65-inch TVs become more and more common, they are more affordable than ever. AN solid budget model for less than $ 500 is not a difficult task, and during end-of-year sales, as Black Friday or President’s Day they are even cheaper. When making side-by-side comparisons of TVs here at CNET, I prefer to use 65-inch screens, since almost all conventional TV manufacturers offer this size. It’s big enough to show HDR– quality video and 4K but not too big that dominates most living rooms. Here are some of the best 65 inch TV screens I have found.
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The list below represents the best TVs I reviewed in the CNET test lab (for 2021, this is my basement), where I compare smart LED TV, QLED TV, Ultra HD TV, 4K HDR TV and other 65 inch TV options and side-by-side list to see which ones are most worth buying. Here are my most recent recommendations, updated periodically, with the following notes to keep in mind.
- Looking for another size? Check out: 32 inch TVs, 43 inch TVs, 55 inch TVs and 75 inch TVs.
- The pandemic has affected shipping times and many TVs are behind schedule.
- Most TVs on this list are 2019 and 2020 models, but I hope to review more TVs coming soon.
- On the other hand, since TVs are often a mature technology, newer models may not include important updates from previous versions. Most buyers will be perfectly satisfied with a slightly older TV, especially since it is usually cheaper.
- Can’t find what you’re looking for below? Here are all the TVs I reviewed, and more coming soon.
Read More: What size TV do I need?
Sarah Tew / CNET
No TV I’ve ever tested offers so much picture quality for that money. The 2020 TCL 6 Series has even better image quality than its predecessor, thanks to well-implemented mini-LED technology and full-array local dimming that helps it circulate on almost any other TV at this price. It is also a solid choice for players with a new THX mode that combines low input delay and high contrast. As if that were not enough, the Roku TV operating system is our absolute favorite. Read our review of the TCL 6 series (2020 Roku TV).
David Katzmaier / CNET
What did you say? You just want the best TV, money is no problem? Here it is. In my side-by-side tests, the LG CX smart OLED TV is the best TV I have ever reviewed, with worldwide contrast, perfect wide viewing angle and excellent uniformity. If you can afford it, this is the right TV. Read our review of the LG OLEDCX series.
Sarah Tew / CNET
TCL’s Series 8 also features mini LEDs and the result is excellent contrast, brightness and high dynamic range that outperforms the less expensive Series 6 in my side-by-side comparison. The overall image quality does not reach OLED levels, but it comes close and costs much less. Read our review of the TCL 8 series (2019 Roku TV).
Sarah Tew / CNET
If you value the Sony brand, the X900H is an excellent choice, with image quality on the same level as the TCL 6-Series and a price that does not This one Much more expensive. And its connection pool is actually better than TCL. In the winter of 2020, it will have 4K / 120Hz HDMI input capability to maximize the potential of the new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and is now the cheapest TV that works with ATSC 3.0 antenna broadcasts. Read our review of the Sony XBR-X900H.
In addition to the TCL 6 series above, this is the best TV for the money. TCL has a better picture and a better smart HDTV system, so it’s a superior TV in general, but it’s also a few hundred dollars more expensive. If you can’t afford Series 6, this Vizio is a good runner-up. Read our review of the Vizio M7-Series Quantum (2020).
Sarah Tew / CNET
Roku is our favorite platform for streaming apps like Netflix, and it’s even better built into this 4K TV. The image quality on this 65-inch TCL television set cannot beat any of the above models – its 4K resolution and HDR compatibility do nothing to help the image – but it is perfectly suited 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 have basically the same performance.
Other things you should know about buying a new TV
I’m sure you would be happy with any of the TV screens above, but a new set can be a big investment, so maybe you’re looking for more information. Here is a quick and dirty list.
- In my opinion, the bigger the better. Big TVs are cheaper than ever, and your money is better spent on bigger screens than a small upgrade in picture quality.
- If you don’t like the integrated smart TV system with smart features, you can 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 have terrible sound, so it’s worth pairing your new device with a soundbar or other speaker system. The good ones start at around $ 100. See the best soundbars here.
Looking for even more information? Here’s everything you need to know (and more) about buying a new TV and get the best viewing experience.