The Best 4K HDR Smart TVs
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Whether it’s your living room, basement, or even your bedroom, a top-quality TV creates a powerful focal point — especially when it’s in ultra high definition. If you’re looking to bring something vibrant and breath-taking to your home, look no further than one of these 4K HDR Smart TVs. With four times as many pixels as other HD TVs, with screens ranging from a casual 43” to a truly immersive 85”, and with Smart technology that allows you to easily watch any of your favourite streaming services without any additional gadgets and cords, these aren’t your parents’ TV sets. But they don’t stop there: some of our selections also allow you to cast directly from your phone, or have a virtual assistant like Alexa help you easily navigate to the next season of that show you love.
Are you hoping to have a bark as big as the bite? With our choice of Sony TVs, you can easily add on soundbars that will amplify and accentuate even the subtlest sounds for a truly cinematic experience. No matter your budget, you can soon be seeing the world in 4K clarity.
When compiling a list of the best 4K HDR Smart TVs , it’s rare that the category will be dominated by just two brands, but that is the case this time around. It’ll be no surprise to any TV buff that Sony appears three times on this list with TCL taking the final two spots. While Sony has been a household name for years, TCL has only been in the North American market since 2013 but has grown so popular since 2016 that it has surpassed giants like Samsung and Panasonic and is now giving Sony a run for its money as well. Sony still has impeccable products in the higher price ranges, but TCL offers less expensive but still impressive models. Check them out below:
1. Editor’s Pick: Sony Z8H 75 inch 8K HDR Full Array LED Smart Android TV with Dolby Vision
- Easy set up
- Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple Airplay and HomeKit
- Acoustic multi-audio
- Does not have HDMI 2.1 inputs; not optimal for Xbox Series X or Playstation 5 systems
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 49” / 55” / 65” / 75” / 85” |
Refresh Rate: | 120Hz |
Connections: | Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Supported Devices: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV |
Sony is usually synonymous with “quality” and the X950H is just that: a quality investment. While it does come out as the second highest price on this list, it’s for good a reason: Using their Picture Processor X1 Ultimate in tandem with TRILUMINOS Display and Full Array LEDs, the sheer scope of light this TV has at its disposal sculpts contrast so nuanced that with the astounding colour capabilities to match you’ll be convinced you’ve entered the TV itself.
What really sets this model apart from the competition is its X-Wide Angle technology. No matter where in the room you’re watching from, the colour maintains true-to-life vividness.
2. Runner Up: TCL 50" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV
- Roku App allows you to navigate your TV from your Smartphone
- Compatible with your Google Assistant, Siri, and/or Alexa
- Ability to personalize home screen
- Potential backlight bleed around perimeters of screen
- Does not have HDMI 2.1 ports for optimal Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X experience
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 43” / 50” / 55” / 65” / 75” |
Refresh Rate: | 60 Hz |
Connections: | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Resolution: | 4K |
If you’re looking for a TV that won’t break the bank but still delivers a great picture and sound, the TCL 50S435 is the answer to your prayers. Coming in well under $500, there’s no questioning the value of this model.
TCL’s partnership with Roku TV means an interface that is easy to use; add all your favourite streaming channels to one convenient home screen, as well as hundreds of free channels only available with Roku. Once you turn it on, you’ll be wondering how on Earth they can charge so little for such a great product.
3. Best for Streaming: Sony X800H 4K HDR LED Android Smart TV
- Compatible with your Google Assistant, Siri, and/or Alexa
- Wirelessly cast from your Apple devices
- Does not have HDMI 2.1 ports for optimal Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X experience
- Bluetooth capabilities are limited to wireless keyboards and remotes, not audio equipment
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 43” / 49” / 55” / 65” / 75” / 85” |
Refresh Rate: | 60Hz |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Connections: | Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0 |
Supported Services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Spotify, YouTube |
The younger sibling of the Sony X950H, the X800H costs $1000 less (comparing models at 65” screen sizes) and is powered by the 4K HDR Processor X1, TRILUMINOS Display, and Dolby Vision. This superb mid-range model also features Dolby Atmos on models 55” or larger. What does this mean? Sound comes from above and either side of the TV, allowing sound to move seamlessly around you, heightening the immersive viewing experience.
4. Best QLED: TCL 5-Series 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR QLED Roku Smart TV
- Roku App allows you to navigate your TV from your Smartphone
- ‘Game Mode’ automatically detects when video games are being played and optimizes the display for the best gaming experience
- Cast from your Android or Windows devices
- Not Bluetooth compatible
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 50” / 55” / 65” / 75” |
Refresh Rate: | 60Hz |
Resolution: | 4K |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Connections: | Wireless, Ethernet, HDMI |
This TCL model is the only TV on our list that does something different: it uses QLEDs instead of traditional LEDs. What does that ‘Q’ mean and what is the difference? The Q stands for Quantum Dots, which is a relatively new and efficient way of producing stunning colour. While normal LEDs are all white (able to produce an array of colour using a lot of light), QLEDs rely on dots of individual colours that blend to build deeply saturated colour with impeccable contrast even at dim light levels. Not only is this model cool new tech, it’s also more energy efficient and has a shockingly low price tag.
5. Sleeper Pick: Sony Z8H 8K HDR Full Array LED Smart Android TV with Dolby Vision
- Compatible with your Google Assistant, Siri, and/or Alexa
- Wirelessly cast from your Apple devices
- Perfect for the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X
- No modest sizing options
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 75” / 85” |
Refresh Rate: | 120Hz |
Resolution: | 8K - 7 680 x 4 320 Pixels |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Connections: | Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
The Sony Z8H has been saved for last, so let’s take a deep breath before we dive in. Ready? The starting price is $6,999.99 for a 75” screen, with the 85” coming in at $10,999.99. Has your heart rate returned to normal? Great, let’s continue: the clarity is four times sharper than on the best 4K model, making this an incredibly stunning TV.
It uses the Picture Processor X1 Ultimate (which is the best of the best) and, like other Sony models, utilizes TRILUMINOS, Full Array LED, and Dolby Visions. If money isn’t an issue, why not put the whole world in your living room?
6. Best Budget Pick: Insignia 50" 4K U HD HDR LCD Smart TV
- HDR compatible
- Fire TV built in
- Fast processor
- Requires calibration on initial set up to adjust to lighting
- When used for gaming content may lag
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 49.5” |
Refresh Rate: | 60 Hz |
Connectors: | USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Resolution: | 4K UHD |
Supported Devices: | Netflix, Amazon Instant Video |
You don’t always have to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars to enjoy a quality TV with Smart features — the Insignia 50" 4K U HD HDR LCD Smart TV is a perfect example of that. This smart TV includes a remote with Alexa built right in so with a simple voice command, you can change the channel, adjust the volume and more. It also features dedicated Netflix, Crave and Prime Video buttons so you can easily access all of your favourite streaming services.
And with a quad-core CPU paired with its eight million pixel display, you can sit back and take in vivid colours, deep contrasts and super clear images.
7. Best Smart: Hisense 43A68G - 43" Smart TV Ultra HD 4K Dolby Vision HDR10 Android Television
- DTS Virtual:X; advanced post-processing package creates immersive audio experience
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- Game Mode’ automatically detects when video games are being played and optimizes the display for the best gaming experience
- Narrow viewing angle
- Bluetooth cannot be turned off
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 43” / 50” / 55” / 65” / 75” / 85” |
Refresh Rate: | 60 Hz |
Connectors: | Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Supported Devices: | Netflix, Twitch, Disney+, YouTube |
Not only does this Hisense 43A68G Smart TV deliver both Dolby Vision and HDR10 (High Dynamic Range, version 10) in its picture settings, but its defined colour and deep and nuanced contrast makes watching sports, playing video games, or doing fitness video games one heck of an experience. Its Auto Low Latency Mode allows your TV to automatically adjust the latency mode to provide smooth, uninterrupted interaction with your TV.
For those times when you have a video or photo to share with your friends and family, with Chromecast built-in to the TV, you can seamlessly cast all of your photos, videos and music to your TV from your mobile device.
8. Best Picture: Samsung 43" Q60A QLED 4K Ultra HD HDR Smart TV
- Very slim design; blends into surroundings
- Motion Xcelerator works to produce clear and smooth pictures
- Object Tracking Sound (OTS) delivers 3D surround sound audio
- Multi-view setting allows you to watch what's on your phone and TV simultaneously
- Expensive
- Low refresh rate
Key Specs
Screen Size: | 43” / 50” / 55” / 60” / 65” / 75” / 82” |
Refresh Rate: | 60 Hz |
Connectors: | USB, RF, Ethernet, WiFi, HDMI, Bluetooth, Digital Audio Out |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Supported Devices: | Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, Browser |
If you want a high-quality TV that displays stunning colours and accurate contrast, the Samsung Q60A QLED 4K Ultra HD HDR Smart TV is a great option. Similar to the TLC Series-5 model, this TV also features Quantum Dot technology to provide you with bright colours that won’t fade against varying levels of brightness.
With innovative backlight technology, no matter what you’re watching, this smart TV will automatically adjust its settings to deliver top notch contrast 24/7.
Before Buying, Think About What Kind of TV User You Are
It’s important to keep in mind that while the only TVs really on the market anymore have a resolution of 4K or higher, you should consider what content you use your TV for most. If you’re rewatching your favourite sitcom for the umpteenth time, remember that that TV show was probably not shot in 4K. If that’s the case, you may go with a wallet-friendly option then when the occasion arises that you watch something in 4K it will be a nice treat. If this sounds like you, TCL is probably a great fit. Do you live for nature documentaries or the newest video games? Then odds are you’ll put lots of weight into contrast, depth of colour, and things like refresh rate. For you, a higher-end Sony makes much more sense.
Let’s say you live in a household with an assortment of viewing habits; focus on what your budget allows for. Any mid-range product — TCL or Sony — will surely make everyone happy. Features like casting from devices, using virtual assistants, or connecting Bluetooth gadgets aren’t uniform across all makes and models. Nothing is more satisfying than easily throwing up some vacation pictures from your phone to the TV to show family and friends, or being able to ask Alexa to pause the movie while you run for more popcorn (butter and remotes don’t mix), so make sure your TV has the abilities to allow you to be entertained as efficiently as possible.
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