CNET reviews: Best big-screen televisions
The TCL 6 large-screen TV is affordable and has excellent overall image quality. Credit: CBS Interactive
The FIFA World Cup 2018 is in high gear, but only a select few are lucky enough to attend the games in Russia. The vast majority of soccer — er, football — fans will be watching from home on TV. If your TV doesn't quite seem worthy of this massive, once-every-four-years event, maybe you're considering a new one. These four sets are some of CNET's favorites.
The following CNET staff contributed to this story: section editor David Katzmaier and senior editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit cnet.com
TCL 6 series (2018 Roku TV)
CNET rating (out of 5)
4.5 stars (outstanding)
THE GOOD The affordable TCL 6 series has excellent overall image quality, with deep black levels, very good brightness, rich contrast and accurate color. Its Roku smart TV platform is the best available, with a simple interface and extensive streaming app support. The TV handles HDR10 and Dolby Vision high-dynamic-range sources.
THE BAD Brightness and video processing fall short of some more expensive TVs.
THE COST $649.99
BOTTOM LINE This is the best TV value we've ever reviewed.
LG OLEDC8P
CNET rating (out of 5)
4.5 stars (outstanding)
THE GOOD This TV delivers perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture. Uniformity and video-processing options are slightly better than last year. Its striking design features a super-slim panel.
THE BAD The C8 is expensive, and a cheaper LG OLED model is due later this year.
THE COST $2,499.99
BOTTOM LINE LG sets the standard against which all high-end TVs will be judged.
Vizio M-Series (2017)
CNET rating (out of 5)
4.5 stars (outstanding)
THE GOOD The affordable set has better overall picture quality than anything else at its price, and in some ways outperforms more expensive TVs. It can handle both HDR10 and Dolby Vision high-dynamic-range formats. The Chromecast built-in system offers more apps and more frequent updates than many dedicated smart TV systems.
THE BAD It's not as bright as some competitors. There's no built-in tuner, so you can't watch over-the-air antenna broadcasts unless you attach a separate tuner. Mediocre external design and poor smart TV onscreen menus.
THE COST $599.99 to $789.99
BOTTOM LINE The best choice for mainstream budgets that prioritize image quality over everything else.
Sony XBR-X900F series
CNET rating (out of 5)
4 stars (outstanding)
THE GOOD The Sony evinces excellent image quality, with deep black levels, accurate color, solid video processing and very good high-dynamic-range performance. Its modern, minimalist styling is a cut above budget models. The Android TV operating system beats many competitors with more apps and integrated Google Assistant.
THE BAD It's pricey, and smart TV and voice control features can be slow to respond.
THE COST $1,299.99
BOTTOM LINE Its excellent picture, superb style and variety of extras will tempt buyers who don't want a bargain brand.
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