These days you can get a darn good picture for less money than a few years ago, or you can get an insanely great one for a whole lot. Here are four models that rate tops in CNET’s testing.
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Vizio M-Series (2017)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/vizio-m65-e0/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The affordable Vizio M-Series has better overall picture quality than anything else at its price and in some ways outperforms even 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, and can even be controlled by a Google Home speaker.
The bad: Not as bright as some competitors. 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. Only one HDMI input is compatible with every 4K HDR source.
The cost: $1,040.95 to $1,099.99
The bottom line: The Vizio M-Series remains the best choice for mainstream budgets that prioritize image quality over everything else.
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LG OLEDC7P
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/tcl-55p605/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The LG C7 is tied with other 2017 OLEDs as the best performing TV we’ve tested to date. It delivers perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture. It’s compatible with both major HDR formats, and HDR image quality is better than last year. Its striking design features a super-slim panel.
The bad: The less-expensive LG OLEDB7A has the same image quality.
The cost: $2,697.36 to $2,999.99
The bottom line: The LG C7 is the best overall TV we’ve ever tested, but the nearly identical B7A is a superior value.
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TCL P series Roku TV (2017)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/tcl-55p605/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The affordable TCL P series has excellent overall image quality, with deep black levels, 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 both HDR10 and Dolby Vision high dynamic range sources.
The bad: It’s only available in the 55-inch size.
The cost: $599.99
The bottom line: With excellent picture quality and all the latest features for a rock-bottom price, the TCL P series is the TV to get at 55 inches.
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Sony XBR-X900E
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/sony-xbr65x900e/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Sony XBR-X900E displays excellent image quality, with deep black levels, accurate color, solid video processing and best-in-class 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: Costs more than Vizio and TCL TVs with similar image quality. Smart TV and voice control features can occasionally be slow to respond.
The cost: $1,698.00 to $1,699.99
The bottom line: The Sony XBR-X900E has the sweet style and superb picture quality to tempt midrange TV shoppers away from Vizio or TCL.
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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, please visit www.cnet.com.
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