How to Buy the Best LED TV for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best LED TVs

Overview

LED TVs offer a wide range of features and benefits, making them a popular choice for home entertainment. This comprehensive LED TV buying guide will help you to find the right television for your needs. We will discuss the different types available, key features to look out for, different sizes and resolutions, and other considerations such as budget and installation. With this guide, you'll be able to find the best LED TV that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Key features

  1. Display Resolution - Resolution is the amount of detail a TV's display can show. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the picture will be in most cases.
  2. Port Selection - Make sure the TV you purchase has enough ports for all the components you plan to use with it.
  3. Refresh Rate - Refresh rate is how often the image on the screen refreshes to produce a better image. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the image will be.
  4. Smart Capability - If you want access to streaming services, you'll want to make sure that the TV has smart capabilities.
  5. HDR Compatibility - HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and it increases the range of colors on your TV. If you want more vivid colors, look for a TV that is compatible with HDR.
  6. Contrast Ratio - A contrast ratio is the difference between the darkest and lightest parts of an image. The higher the contrast ratio, the better your image will look.
  7. Screen Size - Consider how far away you plan to sit from the TV when you're selecting your screen size.
  8. Viewing Angle - Make sure to check the viewing angle of the TV you're considering. The wider the viewing angle, the better the image will look.
  9. Audio Quality - If you want to get the most out of your TV's sound, check the audio quality.
  10. Price - Last but not least, you'll need to consider your budget.

See the most popular LED TVs on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Brighter Picture Quality: LED TVs have greater luminance, higher brightness, and greater contrast than other types of TVs, resulting in a much brighter and more vibrant picture quality.
  • More Energy Efficient: LED TVs are more energy efficient than traditional TVs, resulting in lower electricity bills.
  • Slimmer Design: LED TVs are slimmer in design than other types of TVs, making them easier to mount and fit into tighter spaces.
  • Longer Lifespan: LED TVs tend to have a longer lifespan than other types of TVs, lasting up to 100,000 hours or more.
  • High Dynamic Range: LED TVs support High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, resulting in brighter colors, deeper blacks, and superior contrast.

Cons

  • Price: LED TVs are generally more expensive than other types of TVs, such as LCD or plasma.
  • Size: Although LED TVs are generally thin and light, they are limited in size. The largest LED TV available is often around 70 inches, while LCD and plasma TVs can go up to 100 inches or more.
  • Picture Quality: LED TVs do not always offer the best picture quality compared to other types of TVs, such as OLED or QLED.
  • Viewing Angle: LED TVs have limited viewing angles, so they may not be the best choice for a large room with multiple viewers.
  • Response Time: LED TVs have a slower response time than other types of TVs, which can lead to lag and blur when viewing action scenes or playing video games.

Best alternatives

  1. LCD TVs - Thin flat-screen TVs that are typically more affordable than LED TVs, but also not quite as bright.
  2. Plasma TVs - Thick flat-screen TVs that are brighter than LCD, but not as energy-efficient.
  3. OLED TVs - Thin flat-screen TVs that are extremely bright and energy-efficient, but tend to be more expensive than LED TVs.
  4. QLED TVs - Thin flat-screen TVs that are brighter and more energy-efficient than LED TVs, but tend to be more expensive.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Wall Mount Brackets - Special brackets used to mount an LED TV onto a wall.
  • HDMI Cable - Cable used to connect the TV to other audio and video sources.
  • Surge Protector - Device used to protect the TV from power surges.
  • Remote Control - Device used to control the TV from a distance.
  • Cleaning Kit - A kit with products used for cleaning and maintaining the TV.
  • Soundbar - An external speaker system for TVs used to improve sound quality.

Common questions

  1. What are the key features to look for in an LED TV?
    Key features to look for in an LED TV include resolution (1080p, 4K Ultra HD, and 8K Ultra HD), refresh rate (60Hz, 120Hz, and higher), HDR (High Dynamic Range) compatibility, Smart TV capabilities, and contrast ratio.
  2. Do LED TVs have better picture quality than other types of TVs?
    Generally, yes. LED TVs have better picture quality than other types of TVs due to their improved backlight technology, which makes images appear brighter and more vivid.
  3. Should I consider the TV size before buying an LED TV?
    Absolutely! The size of the TV should be considered before making a purchase. The size of the room you plan to put the TV in should also be taken into account when making a decision.
  4. Do LED TVs have better energy efficiency than other types of TVs?
    Yes. LED TVs are more energy efficient than other types of TVs, which makes them more cost-effective in the long run.
  5. Are LED TVs more expensive than other types of TVs?
    LED TVs are generally more expensive than other types of TVs, but they offer superior picture quality and energy efficiency.
  6. Do LED TVs come with built-in Wi-Fi?
    Some LED TVs come with built-in Wi-Fi, but not all. If you need Wi-Fi connectivity, make sure to check the specifications before purchasing.

Trivia

A recent study by the University of California found that LED TVs are actually much more efficient than initially thought. Not only do they use about 50 percent less energy than plasma TVs, they also have a much longer life span. This means that LED TVs are both economical as well as environmentally friendly. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.