Looking to upgrade your TV but not sure where to start? You’re definitely not alone. With so many choices out there, finding the best LCD/LED TV can feel a bit overwhelming.
Whether you want the best LED TV for movie nights, gaming sessions, or just everyday watching, today’s top models have you covered. Thanks to Mini-LED and Quantum Dot tech, everything looks brighter, sharper, and more colorful than ever.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through four awesome LCD and LED TVs from Hisense, TCL, Sony, and Samsung. We’ll see what each one does best so you can pick the perfect screen for your home.
LCD vs LED TV: Which is Better?
When you compare LCD vs LED TVs, it helps to know that both use liquid crystal displays to create images. The biggest difference is the backlighting technology. Traditional LCD TVs rely on CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlights, which use fluorescent tubes to light the screen evenly. In contrast, LED TVs use light-emitting diodes, which are more modern and efficient.
One major advantage in the LCD vs LED debate is energy efficiency. A 40-inch CCFL LCD TV typically uses around 90–120 watts, while a similar LED TV consumes about 50–60 watts. That means LED models can save up to 50% on power use, which adds up over time and helps reduce electricity costs. They are also slimmer and lighter because LEDs take up less space inside the TV.
Brightness and contrast are other important factors to consider when comparing LCD vs LED. LED TVs often reach 400–600 nits of brightness, while older LCD TVs usually max out around 250–350 nits. The higher brightness makes LED TVs better for bright rooms and daylight viewing. LED TVs also have stronger contrast ratios, around 3000:1 or higher, compared to 1000–1500:1 in CCFL LCDs. This means deeper blacks and richer colors, especially in movies and games.
Another benefit of LED TVs is faster response time, averaging 5–8 milliseconds, compared to 10–15 milliseconds in standard LCD TVs. Faster response helps reduce motion blur during sports and gaming. Overall, if you’re deciding between LCD vs LED, LED TVs deliver better brightness, contrast, efficiency, and a slimmer design, making them the better choice for most people today.
Comparison Table: Best LCD/LED TVs Performance and Features
Below you’ll find a side-by-side look at key specs, ratings, and features of each TV to help you pick the best LCD/LED TV for your needs.
| Feature | TCL 85-Inch QM6K | Sony X90L | Hisense U8 | Samsung U8000F |
| Mixed Usage | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Home Theater | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| Bright Room | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Sports | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| Gaming | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| Brightness | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| Black Level | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.9 |
| Color | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Processing | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Game Mode Responsiveness | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| Motion Handling | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Native Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | 144Hz | 144Hz |
| Screen Finish | Glossy | Glossy | Glossy | Glossy |
| Type | LED | LED | LED/LCD | LED |
| Sub-Type | VA | IPS (75”) | VA | VA |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The 4 Best LCD/LED TVs in 2025 for Entertainment
We carefully researched the newest best LCD/LED TVs of 2025 to find models that deliver the best picture quality. We focused on TVs with advanced features like Mini-LED backlighting and Quantum Dot displays, which help create bright, colorful, and clear images in any lighting. Whether you’re searching for the best LED TV or the best LCD TV, these technologies make a big difference.
Besides picture quality, we looked at how easy the TVs are to use. That means checking the smart TV features, smooth navigation, and compatibility with popular streaming apps. We also made sure the TVs have important gaming features like low input lag and high refresh rates to give you a smooth experience on the best LED TVs available.
Finally, we considered value for money to include options for different budgets. By combining expert reviews, real user feedback, and our own experience, we picked four TVs that offer the best balance of performance, features, and price for anyone looking for the best LCD/LED TV in 2025.
1. Hisense U8 Series – Best 4K LCD TV
The Hisense 65″ Class U8 Mini-LED is one of the best LCD/LED TVs you can buy in 2025. It uses Mini-LED and Quantum Dot technology to deliver bright, clear, and colorful pictures. Whether you want a TV for a bright room, gaming, or a home theater, this model works great. Also, its 165Hz refresh rate and VRR 288 support make gaming smooth and responsive.
First, the picture quality is excellent with brightness up to 5000 nits, which is perfect for bright rooms. The TV shows deep black levels and strong contrast, so dark scenes look clear. In addition, colors are bright and accurate with support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, making movies and shows look very lifelike. The glossy screen helps colors stand out even more on this 4K TV.
Next, the performance is fast and smooth thanks to a powerful processor. The 165Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 ports allow 4K gaming at 120Hz on consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Plus, it has low input lag and supports VRR for better gaming. On top of that, it runs Google Smart TV, giving you easy access to your favorite streaming apps.
This TV suits many users. Sports fans will enjoy clear fast action. Home theater lovers get immersive sound with Dolby Atmos 4.1.2 and IMAX Enhanced support. Gamers benefit from quick response times. Moreover, it works well in bright rooms because of its high brightness and low reflections.
Finally, the Hisense U8 comes in sizes up to 85 inches and has a simple, clean design with a VA panel that balances contrast and viewing angles. It fits well in different rooms and offers great picture quality, gaming features, and smart TV options—all at a good price. Therefore, if you want one of the best LED TVs in 2025, this is a strong choice.
Preferred Settings
For the best picture, set your TV to Filmmaker Mode or Standard during the day and Filmmaker Mode or Theater Night at night. Keep the backlight at 60–80% for normal shows and 100% for HDR content to get bright, clear images. Turn local dimming too High to make blacks deeper and colors pop. Set contrast to about 50–55 and brightness at 50. Keep color and tint at neutral levels, around 50 and 0. Use Warm color temperature for the most natural look.
When watching sports, turn motion smoothing to Low or Standard. For movies and gaming, it’s best to turn motion off to avoid unnatural effects. Always use Game Mode when playing video games to reduce input lag. Also, set your HDMI inputs to Enhanced for smooth 4K gaming at 120Hz. For Dolby Vision, use the Bright mode during the day and Dark mode at night. Turn on Dynamic Tone Mapping for the best HDR highlights. These settings will give you a great balance of sharpness, color, and smooth motion.
2. TCL QM6K Series QD-Mini LED – Best Value
The TCL 85-Inch QM6K Series QD-Mini LED Google Smart TV is another best LCD/LED TV in 2025. With a big 85-inch screen, it works great in bright rooms, for gaming, or as a home theater TV. Its Quantum Dot Mini-LED technology shows bright, colorful, and clear pictures. The built-in Onkyo speakers and Dolby Atmos give you great sound for movies and games.
The picture quality is very good. It is bright enough for sunny rooms. Black areas look deep and the contrast is strong, so dark scenes are clear. The colors are bright and true with Dolby Vision and 4K resolution. The screen also cuts down on reflections while keeping colors sharp.
The TV runs smoothly and quickly. It has a 144Hz refresh rate and a 288Hz gaming rate, so fast scenes look clear. HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K gaming at high speeds, and VRR helps keep games smooth. It has low input lag, which is good for gamers. The Google Smart TV system makes it easy to use streaming apps.
Many people will like this TV. Sports fans get smooth, clear action. Home theater lovers enjoy deep contrast and rich sound. Gamers will like the fast response and gaming features. The bright screen and low reflections make it good for rooms with lots of light.
The TCL QM6K has a simple, clean design and a VA panel that shows dark blacks and bright colors well. It fits well in large rooms and offers great picture, sound, and smart features at a good price. If you want one of the best LED TVs in 2025, this is a great choice.
Preferred Settings
For the best picture, choose Filmmaker Mode or Standard mode for everyday use. If your room is bright, set the backlight to about 70–80%. For HDR content like movies and shows, increase the backlight to 100% to get the brightest colors and highlights. Turn local dimming to High so blacks look deeper and contrast is better. Keep contrast around 50–55 and brightness at 50. Use the Warm color setting for natural, true-to-life colors.
When watching sports, set motion smoothing to Low or Standard to keep fast action clear and smooth. For movies and gaming, turn off motion smoothing to avoid the soap opera effect and keep movement natural. Always turn Game Mode On when gaming to reduce input lag and make gameplay smoother. Set your HDMI inputs to Enhanced to support 4K at 120Hz for better gaming performance on consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X.
For sound, use the TV’s standard audio mode to enjoy clear, immersive sound with Dolby Atmos and Onkyo speakers. These settings will help you get bright, sharp images and great sound, whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or enjoying sports on your TCL QM6K TV.
3. Sony 4K Ultra HD TV – Best Overall
The Sony 75 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X90L Series stands out as one of the best LCD/LED TVs in 2025. With its large 75-inch screen, it’s perfect for bright rooms, gaming, and creating a home theater experience. It’s also designed to work seamlessly with the PlayStation® 5. The full-array LED backlight combined with Dolby Vision HDR delivers sharp and colorful images.
When it comes to picture quality, this TV offers impressive brightness, making it easy to watch even in sunny rooms. The black levels are deep, providing strong contrast that enhances dark scenes. Moreover, the colors look vivid and accurate due to 4K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR. The screen finish helps reduce glare while keeping colors clear and bright.
In terms of performance, the TV supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1, which allows smooth 4K gaming at 120Hz on consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X. Additionally, low input lag and VRR ensure responsive gameplay without delays. Fast-moving scenes, such as sports or action movies, appear smooth and clear thanks to excellent motion handling.
This model suits many types of users. Sports fans will enjoy smooth and clear fast action, home theater lovers benefit from rich colors and contrast, and gamers will appreciate the fast response times. Furthermore, its brightness and wide viewing angles make it suitable for well-lit rooms and group viewing.
To wrap up, the Sony X90L features a sleek design with a VA panel that balances bright colors and deep blacks. It fits well in spacious rooms and offers excellent picture quality and smart features at a reasonable price. Overall, this TV is a top pick for anyone searching for one of the best LED TVs in 2025.
Preferred Settings
For the best picture, set your TV to Cinema Home or Standard mode. If your room is bright, set the backlight to about 70–80%. For HDR movies and shows, increase the backlight to 100% to see bright colors and details. Turn on Local Dimming to make blacks darker and improve contrast. Keep Contrast around 50–55 and Brightness near 50. Choose Warm 2 for natural colors.
For sports, set motion to Standard or Low so fast action looks smooth but natural. For movies and games, turn motion off to keep the picture looking real. Turn on Game Mode when playing video games to reduce lag. Also, set HDMI ports to Enhanced Format for smooth 4K gaming with PS5 or Xbox.
Use Standard or Cinema sound mode to enjoy clear audio. The TV’s Dolby Atmos makes movies and games sound better. These simple settings will give you bright pictures, smooth action, and great sound on your Sony X90L TV.
4. Samsung UHD 4K Smart TV – Best Budget
The Samsung 50-Inch Crystal UHD U8000F 4K Smart TV is a top-rated LCD/LED TV in 2025. Its 50-inch screen fits perfectly in medium-sized rooms, making it ideal for bright rooms, casual gaming, or a home theater setup. The Crystal Processor 4K delivers sharp and clear images, while smart features like Alexa built-in and Knox Security add convenience and safety.
The picture quality is solid and reliable. It offers good brightness for clear viewing even in bright spaces. The black levels are deep, providing clear details in dark scenes. Colors are bright and natural. Although it doesn’t support Dolby Vision, the screen finish reduces reflections and keeps pictures crisp and colorful.
Performance is smooth and responsive. The TV supports HDMI 2.1, making it compatible with the latest gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support and low input lag help keep gameplay smooth and enjoyable. Fast-moving scenes in sports and movies remain clear and sharp thanks to the TV’s processing power.
This TV suits many users. Sports fans enjoy smooth action, gamers benefit from quick response times, and home theater lovers get vibrant colors and sharp details. Its high brightness and reflection handling also make it suitable for rooms with lots of natural light.
The Samsung U8000F features a slim, modern design with a VA panel that balances bright colors and good contrast. It fits well in living rooms or bedrooms and offers excellent picture quality, smart features, and gaming support—all at a competitive price. If you want a top-rated LED TV under 50 inches in 2025, this model is a smart pick.
Preferred Settings
For the best picture, choose the Standard or Movie picture mode. If you watch in a bright room, set the backlight to about 70–80% to keep the screen bright and clear. For HDR content, increase the backlight to 100% to enjoy vivid colors and sharp highlights. Set Contrast around 45–50 and Brightness near 50 for balanced images. Use the Warm color temperature for more natural and comfortable viewing.
When watching fast action like sports, turn motion smoothing to Low or Standard to keep movement smooth without making it look unnatural. For movies and gaming, you may want to turn motion off to avoid the soap opera effect. Turn on Game Mode while playing games to reduce input lag and improve responsiveness. Also, set HDMI inputs to Enhanced for better 4K performance with gaming consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X.
For sound, use the Standard or Movie audio mode to get clear and rich sound. The TV’s built-in speakers work well for everyday use and streaming. These settings will help you enjoy bright, sharp pictures and smooth motion with good sound on your Samsung U8000F TV.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best LCD/LED TV in 2025
When choosing the best LCD/LED TV, start by thinking about screen size and your room size. A 50 to 55-inch TV works well in small or medium rooms. If you have a big living room or home theater, you might prefer a larger 75–85 inch screen. Sitting farther from a big screen makes the picture look even better.
The panel type also matters. Most TVs use either VA or IPS panels. VA panels give you deeper blacks and better contrast, which is great for movie nights. IPS panels offer wider viewing angles, so they’re better if you’re watching with a group or in a bright room.
If your room gets a lot of sunlight, look for a TV with high brightness and good reflection control. This makes it easier to watch during the day. A glossy screen finish helps reduce glare and keeps colors looking strong.
For sharp and colorful pictures, go with a 4K resolution TV. Features like HDR10+ or Dolby Vision make movies and shows look more lifelike, especially in dark scenes or bright highlights.
Gamers should focus on gaming features like HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and low input lag. These help the TV run smoothly with consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. A 120Hz refresh rate also helps reduce blur in fast games or sports.
Smart TV features are also important. Make sure your TV comes with your favorite apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+. Many TVs now include voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can control it with your voice.
Choosing an Energy Star certified TV helps save energy and lower your electricity bills. These TVs meet strict efficiency standards without losing quality.
Sound is another thing to think about. Some TVs come with better built-in speakers like Dolby Atmos or Onkyo audio. These sound systems can make your movies feel more immersive. If you want even better sound, consider getting a soundbar.
Lastly, think about the design. Slim frames and clean looks are great if you care about style. If you plan to mount your TV on the wall, make sure it supports VESA mounts and has easy-to-access ports.
Top Pick
Wrap Up
All four models are top picks if you want the best LCD/LED TV in 2025. The Hisense U8 is bright and powerful for movies and games. The TCL 85″ QM6K is perfect for large spaces. The Sony X90L delivers stunning quality with features for PlayStation gamers. The Samsung U8000F is a great choice for everyday watching and streaming.
Think about what matters most—screen size, brightness, gaming, or smart features. Any of these TVs can be your best LCD/LED TV for any room.
FAQs
What is the difference between LCD and LED TVs?
LCD TVs use a liquid crystal display panel to create images. They rely on backlighting to make the picture visible.
LED TVs are actually LCD TVs that use energy-efficient LED backlights instead of older fluorescent lights. This makes LED TVs brighter, thinner, and better for contrast. When you see “LED TV,” it usually means an LCD screen with LED lighting behind it.
Which brand makes the best LCD/LED TV in 2025?
In 2025, Sony, Samsung, TCL, and Hisense all make excellent LCD/LED TVs. Each brand has strengths that fit different needs.
Sony is known for accurate colors and smooth processing. Samsung TVs are great for bright rooms and have strong smart features. TCL and Hisense offer bright screens, advanced gaming performance, and affordable prices. The best brand depends on your budget and how you use your TV.
Are LCD/LED TVs good for gaming?
Yes, many LCD/LED TVs are excellent for gaming because they include HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and fast response times. These features keep gameplay smooth and clear.
Models with a native refresh rate of 120Hz or 144Hz help reduce motion blur and lag. This is great for playing on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Gamers will notice the difference right away.
What size LCD/LED TV should I buy for my room?
Choosing the right size depends on your space and how far you sit from the screen. A 50–55 inch TV works well in bedrooms and smaller living rooms.
For bigger spaces, 65–75 inches gives you an immersive view. An 85-inch screen is ideal for home theaters or open spaces. Always measure your room and viewing distance to get the best experience.
Do LCD/LED TVs support Dolby Vision and HDR?
Most modern LCD/LED TVs include Dolby Vision, HDR10, or HDR10+. These formats improve contrast, brightness, and color, making movies and shows look more realistic.
When shopping, check if the TV lists HDR support in the specs. Also look for high brightness and good black levels. Together, these features bring out the full detail and quality in 4K content.
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