Choosing a TV

Start with the size. For a 4K TV, sitting about 1 to 1.5 times the screen size away gives the most immersive picture, so most living rooms suit 55 to 65 inches; the tiles at the top of this page sort TVs by size. Then choose the screen type: OLED gives the deepest blacks and wide viewing angles, while LED, QLED and Mini LED TVs go brighter, which helps in sunny rooms.

Look at the smart platform too, as it decides which apps and voice assistants you get. For gaming, check for HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate. Every TV carries an EU energy label rated A to G for standard pictures, with a separate class for HDR. A soundbar is the simplest way to improve the sound of a slim TV.

Guides

Common questions

What size TV should I buy?

For a 4K TV, sitting about 1 to 1.5 times the screen size away works well: roughly 1.7 to 2.5 metres for a 65-inch TV.

OLED or LED?

OLED pixels light themselves, so blacks are truly black and the picture holds up from the side. LED and QLED TVs use a backlight, go brighter and suit sunny rooms.

What are QLED and Mini LED?

Both are LED TVs. QLED adds a layer of quantum dots for richer colour, and Mini LED uses thousands of tiny backlights for brighter highlights and deeper blacks than a standard LED TV.

Is 4K enough, or do I need 8K?

4K is the standard for streaming, broadcast TV and games consoles. 8K programmes are still rare, so 4K suits almost everyone.

What do I need for gaming?

For a PS5 or Xbox Series X, look for HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120Hz, a low-lag game mode and variable refresh rate (VRR).

What does the energy class mean for a TV?

TVs are rated A to G on the EU label for standard pictures, with a separate class for HDR. Larger, brighter screens usually sit lower on the scale.

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