The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?ExtrasIndyBestTechTelevisionBest TVs to enjoy the World Cup in glorious 4K, reviewed by a tech expertThe latest 4k HDR TVs can do it all - but which is the best for you? I’ve compare the best new TVs for the perfect viewing experience From Mini LED, QLED, HDR and OLED, these are the best ones to buy (Steve May/The Independent)Our Top Picks1Sony Bravia 8 II TVRead review£1,7992Sky Glass Air TVRead review£3093Philips 55OLED760 OLED TVRead review£1,199£8544Samsung QN73F neo QLED mini LED TVRead review£7995LG OLED65C5 OLED TVRead review£1,599£1,4996Samsung the Frame TVRead review£799The World Cup is well underway, and if you're hating having to squint at a tiny, ageing TV while trying to watch Bellingham score goal after spectacular goal, it might be time for an upgrade. Today's TVs are bigger, brighter, sharper and smarter than ever, making this the perfect excuse to finally say goodbye to that grainy old flatscreen.While most modern TVs all look the same, boasting a slim silhouette, the technology behind the screen is very different. LED TVs are the best option if you’re on a budget, but spend a little more and you can get a Mini LED TV, which uses more advanced backlighting to deliver higher brightness and improved contrast. Then there are QLED sets, which boast a Quantum Dot layer for richer, more vibrant colours, making football pitches look lush and blockbuster films lifelike. But if you really care about picture quality, an OLED TV is what you want in your home. Because every pixel is self-lit, OLED panels produce perfect blacks, outstanding contrast and exceptional detail without the need for a backlight. Whether you're following every World Cup match or are looking for the best budget TV, I’ve reviewed the best TVs in 2026. Read more: Best surround sound systems to pair with your TV, reviewed I evaluated every part of the TVs tested here (Steve May/The Independent)The best TVs for 2026 are:Best overall – Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV: £1,799, Sony.co.uk Best budget buy – Sky Glass Air: £309, Sky.com Best lifestyle – Samsung The Frame QLED TV: £799, Amazon.co.ukBest value – Philips 55OLED760 OLED TV OLED TV: £899, Amazon.co.ukRead more: Best VPN services, tested by an expert1Sony Bravia 8 II TVBest TV overallScreen tech QD-OLEDScreen size 55inDimensions 1,224mm x 707mm x 34mmWeight 17.2kgSmart TV platform Google TVWhy we love it Cinematic QD-OLED picturesStrong audio performance, with deep bassSlick, premium designTake note Only two HDMI ports support high-frame-rate gamingNo HDR10+ support, which some streaming services useShow moreNot to be confused with the original Sony Bravia 8, this sequel is an altogether better performing flatscreen. It’s brighter, and more colourful than its predecessor. Contrast is excellent and picture processing sublime. A proprietary XR Cognitive Processor doesn’t just sharpen edges, it uses AI to prioritise elements, such as faces, highlights, key points of action, creating a realistically detailed image. It’s very clever stuff.The screen is bright and sound is good (Steve May/The Independent)Design wise, the K55XR8M2 is quite the looker, too. Following the brand’s Slim One Slate design philosophy, it’s near-borderless, giving the impression of a single seamless sheet of glass. The look is effortlessly high-end.Note that the feet are placed at the edge of the chassis, so you’ll need a broad AV unit if you’re not going to wall mount. Connectivity covers most bases, but only two HDMI ports support 4K 120Hz gameplay, and one of those doubles as eARC for soundbar connection. The set runs the Google TV smart platform, and offers all major apps, plus Sony Pictures Core, where you’ll find IMAX Enhanced movie content (fast broadband speed required - from 25Mbps for basic 4K HDR to 115 Mbps if you want to take advantage of Sony’s highest quality Pure Stream mode). HDR support covers Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10, while Gamers get VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Game mode and a dedicated Game Menu with quick setting access. PlayStation users also have PS Remote Play support, so you can stream from your console while it’s somewhere else in the home. This is easily the brightest Sony OLED I’ve tested. Black levels are rich and stable, with excellent shadow detail. Not only is this a fine screen for movies, motion handling is excellent, making this a solid choice for sports fans.Sound quality is also above average. Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ tech turns the entire panel into a speaker via discreet actuators, anchoring dialogue to the screen and panning stereo with precision. This beautifully built, cinema-grade QD-OLED boasts outstanding colour, and black level brilliance, plus an unexpectedly powerful sound system. Not cheap for a 55in set, and the frugal high-speed HDMI offering is a shame, but an exceptional performer all the same.Back to top2Sky Glass Air TVBest Premium subscription TVScreen tech QLEDScreen size 65inDimensions 1,453mm x 840mm x 77mmWeight 20.1kgSmart TV platform Sky Entertainment OSWhy we love it Built-in Sky TV, no dish requiredBright, colourful picture qualityStylish, slim designTake note 60Hz screen isn’t great for gamingRequires a live Sky subscription for full functionalityPeak HDR isn’t the brightestShow moreThe Sky Glass Air is something of an outlier when it comes to new TV options – but it’s finding plenty of fans. You can either pay for the TV in full for £309, or get the Sky Glass TV on subscription, much like your mobile phone contract – from £6 per month.And while it comes with Sky TV built in, no dish or aerial required, you do need to add on a Sky subscription, meaning you’ll have to pay for the TV, as well as a Sky package. Sky Essential TV starts from £15 per month. This is actually the second Sky Glass TV to launch, and it’s cheaper and lighter than its stablemate, not least because it junks the big Dolby Atmos sound system of its forebear. Design wise, it’s rather smart. There’s a choice of Sea Green, Carbon Grey and Cotton White finishes, with central pedestal stand and remote control both colour matched. Connectivity includes three HDMI ports (one with eARC); the big catch is this is a 60Hz panel, with no support for high-frame-rate gaming. It’s definitely a telly made for TV bingeing, not gameplay.This is an ideal choice for Sky channel streamers (Steve May/The Independent)Key to the Sky Glass Air experience is the Sky OS, a smart platform that unifies live Sky channels, streaming apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, and personal recommendations into one clean, voice-controlled interface. You don’t need an aerial. Everything comes via your wifi network. Cloud recording replaces traditional DVR storage. Set a Series Link and your shows are held in Sky’s cloud, ready for you to catch-up. Picture quality is fine. The Quantum Dot 4K panel offers Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG support, and for the most part looks dynamic and lush. HDR performance isn’t the brightest but Sky’s Auto picture mode makes the most of anything you watch. Contrast is sufficient to enjoy dark dramas and moody movies.Sound quality is more routine - there’s 2 x 15W speakers - so you might want to budget for a soundbar at some point. The real win here is Sky’s content rich ecosystem, which borders on brilliant. Sky Glass Air is a smart, good-looking TV designed for viewers who want Sky channels and on-demand content, for a monthly subscription. It nails everyday performance, looks stylish and is surprisingly affordable – just be sure you’re buying into Sky’s subscription world with full understanding of the add-on costs.Back to top3Philips 55OLED760 OLED TVBest Budget OLED TVScreen tech OLEDScreen size 55inDimensions 1,228mm x 708mm x 58mmWeight 17.2kgSmart TV platform Titan OSWhy we love it Three-sided AmbilightPunchy, dynamic imagesTitan smart TV OS, with Freely TV over Wi-FiTake note Lacks flagship OLED brightnessShow moreThis OLED TV has an obvious edge over rivals, in the form of Ambilight. The built-in three-sided lighting system syncs to the programmes you watch and rows of LED bulbs on the back flood the room with complimentary light. I’m a big fan of the technology. Once you’ve lived with it, other TVs seem rather dull in comparison. Despite its entry-level price, this is actually a well specified screen, and arrives with features you would expect from models far further up the range. There’s 4K 120Hz support on every HDMI port, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, and plenty of streaming apps, courtesy of its Titan OS. You get ALLM, VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium for gaming, alongside Dolby Vision Gaming support. The TV even includes Freely, the aerial-free streaming alternative to Freeview. This is a great OLED TV under £1000 (Steve May/The Independent)It looks nice, too. The wafer-thin OLED panel is framed by a slim black bezel, perched on two minimalist ‘Edge Stand’ supports that sit close to each edge, giving it a wide, cinematic stance. The set is based around an OLED EX panel and uses Philips’ 7th Gen P5 processor. Not the latest silicon, but it delivers everything you might want from an OLED - deep blacks, smooth gradation, and a natural colour palette with just enough vibrancy. HDR performance is good (although it doesn’t match the dynamics of a more expensive OLED screen), but it looks tremendous with movies in low (or no) light rooms.For a 2x10W stereo setup, the OLED760 makes a commendable effort at width and clarity. Dialogue clarity is high, and action sequences have heft. The Philips 55OLED760 feels like a TV built for real-world home cinema living. It’s not the brightest OLED on the market, but all things considered this is one of the most convincing sub-£1,000 TVs you can buy. If you want cinematic picture quality, next-gen connectivity and sophisticated lighting, without spending flagship money, it’s an easy recommendation. Back to top4Samsung QN73F neo QLED mini LED TVBest For bright roomsScreen tech Mini LEDScreen size 65inDimensions 1,452mm x 832mm x 26mmWeight 20.8kgSmart TV platform TizenWhy we love it Slim, stylish designBright, punchy picture qualityStrong gaming credentials, including 4K 120Hz and 144Hz supportTake note Lacks the HDR precision of high-end Neo QLED modelsNo Dolby Vision HDR supportShow moreThis handsome all-rounder sits at the affordable end of Samsung’s Mini LED range, but it doesn’t skimp on niceties.It’s a well specified gateway to the Mini LED experience that looks slick, courtesy of an AirSlim design, and has generous connectivity. All four HDMI ports are capable of 4K at 120Hz playback (ideal for console gaming), with one supporting eARC for soundbar connection. Samsung’s Tizen smart platform is also well stocked with streaming apps, including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and Samsung TV Plus. Picture quality impresses straight out of the box. Adaptive Picture, Adaptive Sound Pro, and Active Voice Amplifier Pro auto modes available to save you the bother of menu diving. This is a slim but powerful TV (Steve May/The Independent)This is a TV that favours high brightness, rich colour and clean motion over cinematic subtlety, but it does so with finesse. HDR support covers HDR10 and HDR10+ (but not Dolby Vision). Images are generally very bright, making this a good choice for bright room/daytime use. Sound often suffers on thin TVs, but here it’s better than I expected. With 20W stereo output coupled to Samsung’s Object Tracking Lite system, I found dialogue remains clear, even in busy movie mixes. Overall, the QN73F is a great option for everyday viewing. It delivers the kind of picture that flatters almost any content, comes with a comprehensive smart platform, and is particularly suitable for those who like to view with the lights on rather than off.Back to top5LG OLED65C5 OLED TVBest For gamingScreen tech OLEDScreen size 65-inchesDimensions 1,441mm x 832mm x 46mmWeight 24kgSmart TV platform webOS 25Why we love it Next-gen gaming support, including 144HzOutstanding picture qualityComprehensive webOS smart platformTake note Average audio performance, so you’ll want a soundbarNo HDR10+ supportShow moreThe LG C-Series has long been the OLED model that most people end up buying, not because it’s the cheapest, or the brightest, but because it strikes a near irresistible balance between performance, design and price. With the new C5 model, that formula remains unchanged.Maintaining LG’s position in this premium sweet spot, the C5 boasts a new Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor, smarter webOS platform with AI personalisation, and gaming credentials strong enough to satisfy even PC players with 144Hz rigs.Design wise, this set is a beauty. Slim to the point of impossibility, the bezel is minimal and the central metal stand reassuringly sturdy.This one is a delight for gamers (Steve May/The Independent)Connectivity is textbook LG: four HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which support 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM. PC users get 144Hz compatibility, provided your GPU is up to it. There’s also VRR, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and ALLM. Acronyms that will gladden the heart of gamers everywhere.Image quality is excellent. Black levels are immaculate, with rich depth and near-black detail able to make the most of shadow-heavy films. Boosting brightness is a suite of new algorithms and associated picture tech. HDR support covers Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG.LG’s webOS smart platform has also been overhauled with AI-powered personal profiles, and voice ID switching. Motion handling remains an LG strong point, which is good news for sports fans. Conversely, audio is fine, but nothing more. The mid-range is detailed, and there’s some width, thanks to LG’s AI Pro mode, but bass is limited and action scenes land without much heft. It’s worth planning to add a compatible LG soundbar.The C5 is a refined, beautifully balanced OLED that delivers superb picture performance and cutting-edge gaming support, just budget for a soundbar to finish the job.Back to top6Samsung the Frame TVBest 4K lifestyle TVScreen tech QLEDScreen size 55inDimensions 1,232mm x 707mm x 25mmWeight 15.4kgSmart TV platform TizenWhy we love it Anti-glare matte finish screenCustomisable picture frame-style bezelsTizen smart TV platform with Art ModeTake note Average audioNo Dolby VisionShow moreThe Frame has been a runaway success for Samsung and it’s easy to see why. Wall-mounted, it can masquerade as an artwork, with the addition of an optional gallery-style picture bezel, you’ll be hard pressed to know it’s a telly when in standby. The matte, canvas-like, screen is perfectly suited to displaying classic art or modern masterpieces. Clip-on gallery bezels come in wood, metal or colour finishes, allowing the TV to blend into a room rather than dominate it.To help installation, the TV is flat-backed, purposely designed for flush wall mounting, and Samsung helpfully includes a Slim Fit Wall Mount in the box. A separate One Connect Box unit is used to handle aerial lead, any connected devices and the power supply. Just a single near-invisible cable links this box to the set itself.You can mount this TV on your wall (Steve May/The Independent)Of course, this is also a fully functional TV, not just an art piece. It runs Samsung’s Tizen OS, which comes with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Samsung TV Plus, amongst others. It also has support 4K 120Hz gameplay.Picture quality is good. Samsung’s familiar Quantum Processor 4K, paired with Quantum Dot (QLED) handles colour, while a Dual LED backlight array improves contrast. Sound is delivered via a 40W 2.0.2 speaker array with Object Tracking Sound Lite. It creates a decent sense of width and elevation, but bass presence is limited. The Frame is a beautifully designed TV able to blend into a room in a way regular TVs just can’t. Picture performance is fine, although this isn’t really a TV for home cinema fans, as it lacks Dolby Vision support. Still, for style-led buyers and those who like their screens to fade into the decor rather than dominate it, The Frame remains a brilliant option.Back to topWhat is the best TV?Whether you’re looking for picture perfection, or design inspiration, our roundup has you covered. All the TVs featured have been rigorously tested and can be considered amongst the very best you can buy right now. For the ultimate TV upgrade, nothing quite matches the Sony Bravia 8 II, which has a beautiful OLED display, and is great for cinematic viewing, as well as sports. If you’d rather your 4K TV do something other than stare blankly at you when in Standby, the Samsung’s Frame model is a must have. Also boasting considerable lifestyle appeal is Philips 55OLED760, with its built-in Ambilight system. Want a premium TV package without the fuss? Sky Glass Air is difficult to resist. Gamers and sports fans are well served by the LG C5. Then again, you just might just want a TV that gets everything just about right for a price that won’t break the bank - which is where the Samsung QN73F Neo QLED Mini LED comes in.How I tested the best TVs in full I auditioned each of the televisions featured in this list through a range of tests intended to reveal their technical abilities and general usability. As well as bench-testing every TV, I lived with each of them in turn to get an idea of how they perform in everyday life, watching streaming popular shows from the likes of Netflix and Prime Video, and using them with Blu-ray players and TV set top boxes. During testing, I looked at everything from picture quality and HDR performance to smart functionality, gaming, sound and build. You can read my full testing methodology at the bottom of the article. Picture quality: All of these TVs offer a variety of picture modes which manage brightness contrast, colour and detail, to better serve different genres of content. These were trialled with appropriate movie, sports and mainstream entertainment programming.Smart functionality: A key aspect of any modern TV is the Smart Operating System it runs on. While all serve largely the same purpose, they differ in operation and navigation. Not only did I consider the service support on offer (Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV etc) but the speed and usability of each platform.HDR performance: To better assess the ability of these screens to display 4K HDR content, I measured peak brightness, using a light sensor and software, in various measurement windows, from 2 per cent through to the industry standard 10 per cent, to judge just how effective the screens are at delivering an HDR experience.Gaming: Modern TV screens are not just used for TV shows, they’re increasingly part of the gaming ecosystem. Consequently, each set was considered as a gaming display, with measurements made of input lag, and High Frame Rate compliance.Build quality and design: I considered each TV’s overall build quality, the finish of the chassis, the quality of the materials used and its overall appearance.Sound: One consequence of thin TV design is invariably comprised audio, I I auditioned each sound system, considering its speaker deployment, the number of channels supported and its overall power output, using a variety of content plus a frequency sweep.Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsSteve May is a technology journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, specialising in home audio, home cinema, TV, soundbars and personal audio. He writes for a variety of popular audio websites and publications. His reviews are based on real-world testing from the best record players to best surround sound systems, and he will only recommend the handful of products he believes are worth your money.For more, we’ve rounded up the best portable projectors