One of the best Samsung TVs for 2023, as chosen by consultants

Samsung TVs run the gamut from huge status shows to reasonably priced panels constructed to fly off the cabinets on Black Friday. Selecting one could be tough when you don’t know precisely what you need. What’s the distinction between OLED and QLED? Do you really want 8K, or is it only a flex? Are the remotes actually solar-powered? (They’re!) I’ve had an early likelihood to expertise most of the firm’s newest and biggest choices with my very own eyeballs, and I’ve put collectively this listing of the most effective Samsung TVs for nearly any sort of viewer or area. 

How we selected the most effective Samsung TVs

I’ve reviewed house theater gear (and devices of virtually all kinds) for practically twenty years. I used to be the digital editor at Sound & Imaginative and prescient for a number of years and have extensively coated TV and TV tech for PopSci.com and different publications. Most of those picks draw from my very own private expertise watching, testing, and reviewing the most recent 2023 fashions. I sometimes depend on a PlayStation 5 with top-tier titles put in and 4K Blu-ray discs to get a really feel for what these TVs can actually do. To finish the analysis, I surveyed Samsung’s full lineup whereas evaluating specs, studying buyer critiques, and contemplating editorial opinions from colleagues at different publications. 

One of the best Samsung TVs: Opinions & Suggestions

Greatest general: Samsung S95C OLED 4K Good TV

Why it made the reduce: Samsung’s flagship OLED introduces Quantum Dots into the equation so as to add brightness and treatment OLED’s greatest shortcoming.

Specs

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 77”
• Decision: 4K
• Refresh price: 120Hz native (as much as 144Hz in some conditions)
• HDMI ports: 4

Professionals

• Spectacular image
• Very vivid for an OLED
• Ports dwell on a field related by a wire to make set up extra versatile
• Tremendous-thin bezel and panel
• Immaculate shade

Cons

Whereas Samsung has primarily made its mark on the TV market with its QLED TVs, its newest OLED providing is really spectacular. That is Samsung’s new technology of OLED TV, which integrates Quantum Dots to make the show brighter than a typical OLED. That makes it higher for viewing in a room with a number of ambient gentle, a state of affairs through which OLEDs sometimes wrestle. 

The primary time I turned on the S95C, I used to be actually impressed by the sheer quantity of sunshine it emits. I connected a PS5 and fired up a sport of Returnal for the primary take a look at. With the overhead lights turned off, I didn’t want most brightness to make the picture pop. With the overhead lights turned on, I used to be pleasantly stunned that the image nonetheless seemed vibrant and correct with out washing out. 

Some OLEDs aren’t preferrred for gaming as a consequence of enter lag, however that’s not an issue. The suite of 4 HDMI 2.1 ports additionally makes it easy to connect a contemporary gaming console and get probably the most out of it.

This can be a high-end TV, so it presents a high-end suite of options, together with a 120Hz refresh price, which might go as much as 144Hz when utilizing a PC enter. It has 4 current-gen HDMI ports, all of which dwell on a field related through a wire, so it’s versatile by way of set up. 

For the content material a part of the take a look at, I fired up The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on streaming as a result of that’s typical weekend fare for me. The film seemed glorious within the native Netflix app, with wealthy colours and tons of distinction. That is the most effective image I’ve seen on a consumer-grade Samsung TV, whatever the enter. 

Greatest QLED: Samsung QN90C Neo QLED TV

Why it made the reduce: Samsung married Mini-LEDs with Quantum Dots to create a vivid, vibrant image that positively doesn’t skimp on the distinction.

Specs

• Sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, and 85”
• Decision: 4K
• Refresh price: 120Hz
• HDMI ports: 4

Professionals

• Glorious general picture high quality
• Vibrant
• Anti-reflective coating improves efficiency in vivid rooms
• Tons of sizes out there
• AI-powered upscaling works very effectively

Cons

• Inputs dwell on the again of the TV as an alternative of in a related field
• Sound is simply OK

The OLED price ticket shall be understandably prohibitive for many individuals, however Samsung’s Neo QLED choices supply comparable efficiency for much less cash. The Neo QLED shows make use of Mini-LED backlighting. By shrinking the backlights, Samsung could be extra exact about the place the illumination lies beneath the display screen. That permits the darkish areas to remain, effectively, darkish with out trying washed out and grey. 

Samsung has given this TV a full suite of high-end options, together with 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, however they’re oddly positioned on the again of the TV as an alternative of on a related field. This can be a departure from final 12 months’s model of the identical mannequin and would possibly really feel like a slight downgrade when you needed that flexibility throughout set up. 

In terms of efficiency, nevertheless, there’s no downgrade in impact. As you’d count on from a Quantum Dot TV, the Q90C is vivid and intensely vibrant. I sometimes solely use sport mode and Samsung’s Filmmaker Mode, which tones down the colours a bit to extra intently match the supply materials. 

I fired up some scenes from Godzilla Vs. Kong on Blu-ray as a part of my testing. The distinction ratio had no drawback rendering element, even in darkish scenes. The quick motion scenes stayed collectively properly with out ugly artifacts or movement points. 

This can be a high-end TV, and it presents all of the options you’d count on to associate with that. Should you’re prepared to spend greater than what the Crystal-series TVs price however don’t need to go all the best way to the OLED stage, this can be a improbable possibility. 

Greatest 8K: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Good TV

Why it made the reduce: Should you’re going to flex 8K, you would possibly as effectively get numerous different fancy options to go along with it. This can be a very spectacular TV you probably have the money.

Specs

• Sizes: 65”, 75”, and 85”
• Decision: 8K
• Refresh price: 120Hz (as much as 144Hz in some conditions)
• HDMI ports: 4

Professionals

• It has probably the most decision, so it’s as futureproof as TVs get proper now
• Distinctive upscaling
• Glorious image high quality
• Ports dwell on an exterior field
• Very slim
• Anti-reflective coating fights glare

Cons

• You’re paying for 8K when there’s virtually no native 8K content material

Native 8K content material isn’t right here but, however it’s coming down the highway, so if you need a comparatively future-proof TV, that is your choose—the display screen decision checks in at a large 33 megapixels. Since there’s virtually nothing in that decision, you’ll depend on the TV to upscale your content material. Fortunately, Samsung (which has topped the 8K class for us earlier than) put a ton of processing energy into the QN900C for simply that function. 

I connected my PS5 to the assessment unit and performed a Blu-ray of Venom: Let There Be Carnage to see how the panel would maintain as much as numerous quick movement, excessive distinction, and superb element shifting across the display screen. That motion can play havoc on an image in its native decision, however the Samsung dealt with it with aplomb, even whereas upscaling. The colours are vivid, the motion was easy, and I didn’t discover an considerable downgrade within the picture when standing a couple of ft away. 

That is an costly, high-end TV, so it comes with the bells and whistles you’d count on. It presents 4 HDMI 2.1 ports (important for 8K content material) and the Samsung One Join field to deal with all connections. 

I’d sometimes at all times use exterior audio gear with a TV like this (like considered one of our prime soundbars), however I used to be pleasantly stunned by the built-in speaker system. It creates a reasonably highly effective sound stage with noticeable encompass results from the Dolby Atmos tech inside. 

That sound efficiency is very spectacular, contemplating how skinny and modern the panel is. I’m used to skinny TVs by now, however this practically bezel-free design is actually placing while you first see it. 

Do you completely have to step as much as this 8K mannequin but? No, however you probably have the means, it’s going to look nice for years to return.

Greatest outside: Samsung The Terrace Partial Solar Outside QLED 4K Good TV

Why it made the reduce: Any TV can look good in a darkened room, however this one appears glorious outdoors in your patio within the components and sunshine.

Specs

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 75”
• Decision: 4K
• Refresh price: 60Hz
• HDMI ports: 3

Professionals

• It may well stand as much as the weather
• Vibrant sufficient to be seen even with outside gentle
• 4K decision is an improve for outside TVs
• Faucet-to-mirror content material out of your cellphone
• Quantum dots present glorious brightness and shade

Cons

• Costly
• The model meant for full-sun publicity prices $10,000

Most TVs aren’t meant to exist outdoors, even in a coated space. Moisture and dirt can rapidly trigger all types of issues. And even oblique daylight could cause sufficient glare to make the image practically unimaginable to see. The Terrace TV cures these points as a result of it’s constructed for the outside. 

The Terrace boasts an IP55 (Ingress Safety) ranking, which suggests it’s rugged sufficient to outlive moisture, mud, and even a number of the gentle impacts which will include typical outside put on and tear. As a result of it’s arduous to maintain a streaming field or gaming console outdoors, the Terrace permits customers to faucet their telephones on the display screen to begin mirroring the content material they’re watching. That’s along with the good TV tech already constructed into the TV itself. 

Regardless of its ruggedness, the Terrace additionally supplies strong image efficiency. It maxes out at 2,000 nits of brightness. To place that into perspective, the iPhone 14 sometimes runs at 800 nits with a 1,200-nit most. The Terrace isn’t at all times turned as much as max, nevertheless. Samsung’s dynamic brightness routinely adjusts the image to match your environment. Mixed with the impressively efficient anti-reflective coating, this TV appears surprisingly nice for an outside show. 

Be aware, although, that it’s not meant to be absolutely uncovered to the solar all day. Samsung does make a model that may stand as much as full-sun punishment, nevertheless it’ll price you a cool $10,000.

Greatest for inside design: Samsung The Body QLED HDR Good TV

Why it made the reduce: This 32-inch TV presents a really spectacular anti-reflective coating, tons of design choices, and entry to a library of artwork to show while you’re not streaming content material.

Specs

• Sizes: 32”
• Decision: 1080p
• Refresh price: 60Hz
• HDMI ports: 2

Professionals

• Unmatched anti-reflective coating
• Ports dwell on a related field
• Body choices make it really appear to be artwork
• Artwork library enables you to change up the look of your area

Cons

• It’s not meant to be a predominant TV
• Solely two HDMI ports
• 1080p decision is low for content material, however good for artwork

Samsung’s newest Body-series TV appears much more like a bit of artwork than ever earlier than. This 32-inch TV isn’t huge, and it doesn’t supply a cutting-edge 4K or 8K decision. It does, nevertheless, supply a really vibrant image and one of the spectacular anti-glare screens I’ve ever seen. The matte floor refuses to point out glare or let ambient gentle damage its distinction. 

You solely get two HDMI ports and 1080p decision, however at 32 inches, that’s additionally not an enormous deal breaker. This can be a comparatively small TV by fashionable requirements, so the relative lack of pixels shouldn’t be too large a deal. 

If you’re not streaming content material, the TV can show all kinds of artwork out of your assortment or the Samsung on-line retailer. The TV body appears, effectively, like an precise body and grants customers tons of aesthetic choices for mixing it into any decor. 

Greatest price range: Samsung AU8000 Crystal UHD Good TV

Why it made the reduce: Samsung’s consumer-level TV will get you a ton of show for much less cash when you don’t want immaculate high quality. The 85-inch recurrently dips under $1,400 earlier than particular reductions.

Specs

• Sizes: 55”, 65”, and 85”
• Decision: 4K
• Refresh price: 60Hz
• HDMI ports: 3

Professionals

• Reasonably priced
• Stable image for the value
• Maxes out at an enormous 85 inches
• Nonetheless consists of helpful options like Filmmaker Mode for correct shade

Cons

• Image high quality can’t stand as much as upgraded fashions
• Solely three HDMI ports

Should you’ve been to a giant field electronics retailer (or Sam’s Membership) prior to now 12 months or two, you’ve in all probability seen this TV on show already. That is Samsung’s base-level TV providing that doesn’t embrace Quantum Dot tech however fairly depends on a extra typical backlight system. 

There are some benefits to purchasing a TV at this stage. The 85-inch model recurrently goes on sale for round $1,300. As a result of it’s a Samsung good TV, that additionally will get you native streaming capabilities. That’s a ton of TV for a really cheap worth. 

There are some trade-offs, nevertheless. It presents a comparatively low refresh price and solely comes geared up with three HDMI ports. Should you’re simply shopping for this TV to stream motion pictures and TV reveals, that ought to by no means actually even come into play. However, when you’re on the lookout for a killer gaming TV or silky easy sports activities motion, there are higher (however dearer) choices on the market. 

At the same time as a base mannequin, the AU8000 presents strong image efficiency, particularly with a bit tweaking. They have a tendency to return out of the field too vivid and aggressively sharpened. With a bit tweaking, it’s potential to get very strong efficiency.

Issues to think about when looking for the most effective Samsung TVs

You’ll be able to take our phrase for the precise fashions we advocate, or you possibly can exit into the aisles yourselves. Listed here are some issues to search for so that you get the TV that’s best for you.

Backlight sort

That is probably the most sophisticated a part of the Samsung puzzle. The truth is, it’s one of many trickiest elements of choosing a TV basically proper now. Listed here are Samsung’s backlight applied sciences unpacked: 

LED: Mild-emitting diodes are the inventory solution to illuminate a TV, and that is what you’ll discover in Samsung’s most reasonably priced TVs within the Crystal UHD sequence. LEDs behind the show shine by means of an LCD panel with coloured filters to create a picture. It’s a well-known tech that works effectively however can have points of sunshine displaying up the place it shouldn’t and harming distinction ratios. 

QLED: Samsung took typical LED backlighting and added Quantum Dots into the equation. Quantum Dots emit gentle when present is utilized, which makes QLED TVs a number of the brightest and most vibrant round. QLEDs have represented the meatiest a part of Samsung’s lineup for years now.

Neo QLED: Mini LEDs supply these higher-end shows extra management over the elements of the display screen that get illumination. These panels have extra granular management over their backlighting, which ends up in extra distinction and fewer blooming and light-weight leaks. Whereas these are dearer than the everyday QLEDs, they provide a noticeable uptick in general efficiency. 

OLED: This stands for Natural Mild-Emitting Diode, and it means every pixel within the show supplies its personal gentle. This allows unmatched distinction because of the truth that pixels can flip utterly off when not wanted. There’s no likelihood a backlight will leak by means of the panel and trigger blooming or different negative effects. Samsung’s flagship OLED is definitely a QD-OLED, which merges Quantum Dots with OLED to deal with OLED’s typical lack of brightness. Samsung has a conventional OLED with a extra reasonably priced worth coming down the road in 2023, however we haven’t had an opportunity to see it or get official pricing but.

Decision

At present, 8K TVs have virtually no native content material to reap the benefits of all these pixels. That makes 4K the default TV decision at the moment. If you wish to step as much as 8K, you’re going to pay some huge cash, and it’s going to be fairly some time earlier than you will have native content material to observe on it. Even then, the streaming companies possible received’t hit 8K for fairly a while. We advocate going 4K and enjoying it secure until you actually need to exhibit. And even then, it’s going to solely impress nerds like us. We respect the gesture however save your self some money. 

Refresh price

Your TV should refresh its on-screen picture many instances per second to idiot your eyes into considering they see steady movement. The extra instances the display screen refreshes, the smoother the movement appears … to some extent. Most Samsung TVs we advocate max out at 120Hz, which suggests the on-screen picture refreshes as much as 120 instances. That quick refresh price is nice for issues like current-gen console gaming and typically watching sports activities. Some extra fundamental TVs prime out at 60Hz, which is able to really be simply superb when you’re largely planning to observe motion pictures or streaming content material. 

Connectivity

Samsung good TVs run on the corporate’s comparatively strong Tizen good TV platform, so you might not have to plug many gadgets into your TV. However we nonetheless advocate getting as many HDMI ports as you possibly can handle. Most TVs on the listing have 4. That will sound like rather a lot, however you’ll possible hook a soundbar as much as one, a gaming system as much as one other, and maybe a streaming field. They’ll replenish rapidly. 

FAQs

Last ideas on the most effective Samsung TVs

If you would like a TV, there’s one thing within the Samsung lineup that matches your wants. Whether or not you need to ball out on a high-end flagship OLED or simply get one thing huge and low-cost for watching motion pictures, the lineup has all of it. One of the best Samsung TV, nevertheless, is the one that matches your area, price range, and viewing habits.

Why belief us

Common Science began writing about expertise greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” after we revealed our first problem in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we’d have been throughout it. Right here within the current, PopSci is absolutely dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of gadgets available on the market proper now.

Our writers and editors have mixed a long time of expertise protecting and reviewing shopper electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however after we’re reviewing gadgets outdoors of our rapid wheelhouses, we do our greatest to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information individuals to the perfect suggestions. We all know we don’t know every little thing, however we’re excited to dwell by means of the evaluation paralysis that web procuring can spur so readers don’t need to.