Best Smart TV: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right One for You
Smart TVs have become a staple in many households, providing a convenient way to access streaming services, browse the internet, and even control smart home devices. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a smart TV stand out from the crowd and help you find the best option for your home.
When it comes to purchasing a smart TV, one of the most critical things to consider is the operating system. Different brands use different operating systems, each with its own unique features and app selection. For example, some TVs use Android TV, while others use Roku or Tizen. It’s essential to choose an operating system that is user-friendly and has the apps you want to use.
Another important factor to consider is the display quality. Smart TVs come in a range of resolutions, from 1080p to 4K and even 8K. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the picture will be. However, keep in mind that a higher resolution also means a higher price tag.
When it comes to purchasing a smart TV, it’s crucial to choose one that fits your budget and needs. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end model with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered. In the next section, we’ll dive into our top picks for the best smart TVs on the market.
Best Smart TVs
As technology advances, so do the features and capabilities of our televisions. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best smart TV for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top smart TVs on the market. Our team of experts has researched and tested each product to ensure that you’re getting the best of the best. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end model, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV
If you’re looking for a versatile and high-performing smart TV, the VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV is worth considering.
Pros
- The full array backlight ensures better contrast and uniformity, resulting in a brilliant 1080p Full HD resolution picture.
- The ultra-fast VIZIO IQ processor supports immersive audio pass-through for Dolby Atmos and DTS, providing a high-quality audio experience.
- The V-Gaming Engine enables next-level gaming performance with features like Variable Refresh Rate with AMD FreeSync, auto game mode, low-latency gaming, and a newly added gaming menu.
Cons
- The TV has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother motion.
- The TV’s speakers have a relatively low wattage of 9 watts x 2, which may not be sufficient for those who prefer a louder audio experience.
- The TV’s SmartCast platform may not be as user-friendly as other smart TV platforms.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV, and we were impressed with its versatility and performance. The full array backlight ensured a brilliant 1080p Full HD resolution picture with better contrast and uniformity. We also appreciated the ultra-fast VIZIO IQ processor, which supported immersive audio pass-through for Dolby Atmos and DTS, resulting in a high-quality audio experience.
As gamers, we were particularly impressed with the V-Gaming Engine, which enabled next-level gaming performance with features like Variable Refresh Rate with AMD FreeSync, auto game mode, low-latency gaming, and a newly added gaming menu. The TV’s SmartCast platform also provided access to a wide selection of built-in apps, including WatchFree that lets you enjoy free access to live TV and hundreds of free channels right out of the box.
However, the TV’s refresh rate of 60 Hz may not be suitable for those who prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother motion. Additionally, the TV’s speakers have a relatively low wattage of 9 watts x 2, which may not be sufficient for those who prefer a louder audio experience. Finally, while the SmartCast platform is loaded with a great selection of apps, it may not be as user-friendly as other smart TV platforms.
Overall, we would recommend the VIZIO D-Series FHD Smart TV for those looking for a versatile and high-performing smart TV with a great selection of built-in apps and gaming features.
INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-24F201NA23, 2022 Model) 24 inches
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV, the INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The 720p resolution provides a clear and sharp picture quality.
- The Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to control your entertainment using just your voice.
- With Fire TV experience built-in, you can access over a million streaming movies and TV episodes.
Cons
- The 720p resolution might not be enough for those who prefer a higher resolution.
- The TV has a smaller screen size of 24 inches, which might not be suitable for larger rooms.
- The sound quality is average and might require external speakers for a better audio experience.
We recently purchased the INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote for our guest bedroom, and we were pleasantly surprised by its performance. The TV’s 720p resolution provided a clear and sharp picture quality, and the colors were vibrant. We were able to access all our favorite streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, through the Fire TV experience. The Alexa Voice Remote made it easy to navigate through the TV’s features and control our entertainment using just our voice.
However, we did notice that the 720p resolution might not be enough for those who prefer a higher resolution. Additionally, the TV’s smaller screen size of 24 inches might not be suitable for larger rooms. We also found that the sound quality was average and might require external speakers for a better audio experience.
Overall, we think the INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a smaller smart TV with basic features.
INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote
If you’re looking for a straightforward and reliable smart TV, the INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote is a solid option.
Pros
- The 1080p resolution provides a clear and crisp picture for movies, shows, and games.
- The Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to control your entertainment with just your voice, including searching across apps, switching inputs, and more.
- The Fire TV experience is built-in, providing access to over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes, tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.
Cons
- The 24-inch screen size may be too small for some viewers.
- The TV only supports 1080p resolution, which may not be enough for those who want the highest quality picture.
- The sound quality is average and may require external speakers for a better audio experience.
We recently purchased the INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV for our guest room, and it has been a great addition. The picture quality is clear and vibrant, and the Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to navigate through the various streaming options. We appreciate the built-in Fire TV experience, which provides access to a wide variety of content.
While the 24-inch screen size may be too small for some viewers, it’s perfect for our guest room. The sound quality is average, but we were able to improve it with external speakers. Overall, we would recommend the INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote for those who want a reliable and straightforward smart TV.
Westinghouse Roku TV – 24 Inch Smart TV, 720P LED HD TV with Wi-Fi Connectivity and Mobile App, Flat Screen TV Compatible with Apple Home Kit, Alexa and Google Assistant Standard – 24 Inch HD Roku TV
If you’re looking for a compact smart TV with a clear picture and easy-to-use streaming capabilities, the Westinghouse Roku TV might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The Roku platform is easy to navigate and offers access to a wide variety of streaming apps and channels.
- The 720p resolution provides a clear and detailed picture.
- The TV is compatible with popular smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Cons
- The sound quality is not the best and may require external speakers or a soundbar.
- The TV only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes.
- The TV is only 24 inches, which may be too small for some viewers.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Westinghouse Roku TV and were impressed with its overall performance. The Roku platform made it easy to access all of our favorite streaming apps, and the 720p resolution provided a clear and detailed picture. However, we did notice that the sound quality was not the best and may require external speakers or a soundbar for an optimal viewing experience.
Despite its small size, the TV still offers a full array of inputs, including 3 HDMI ports and 1 composite video input, allowing for maximum flexibility in connecting your cable box, game console, streaming stick, soundbar, DVD/Blu-ray player, or digital antenna for local channels.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use smart TV, the Westinghouse Roku TV is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a larger screen or better sound quality, you may want to consider other options.
LG UR9000 Series Smart TV
If you’re looking for a sleek and modern TV with an excellent picture quality, the LG UR9000 Series Smart TV is a great option.
Pros
- The AI Processor Gen6 enhances the picture detail and sound quality, making for a more immersive viewing experience.
- The webOS 23 and LG Channels make it easy to find and stream your favorite content, with over 300 free channels available.
- The slim and simple-to-mount design of the TV is perfect for those who want a stylish view no matter where they hang it.
Cons
- The TV lacks color and brightness compared to higher-end models, which can be a dealbreaker for some users.
- The wand remote control can be annoying to activate, and the paper manual that comes in the box is not very helpful.
- The remote Bluetooth setup can take some attempts to get right, and there needs to be a video on this remote as it has many features to use.
We were impressed with the LG UR9000 Series Smart TV’s picture quality, especially with the AI Processor Gen6 that upscales content to 4K and detects room lighting to adjust color and picture contrast to optimal settings. The webOS 23 and LG Channels make it easy to find and stream your favorite content, and the Magic Remote is responsive and accurate. The slim and simple-to-mount design of the TV is perfect for those who want a stylish view no matter where they hang it.
However, the TV lacks color and brightness compared to higher-end models, which can be a dealbreaker for some users. The wand remote control can be annoying to activate, and the paper manual that comes in the box is not very helpful. The remote Bluetooth setup can take some attempts to get right, and there needs to be a video on this remote as it has many features to use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a mid-range TV with a sleek design and excellent picture quality, the LG UR9000 Series Smart TV is a great option.
Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly Smart TV, the Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P (UN32N5300AFXZA, 2018 Model) might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The Full HD 1080p resolution provides a clear and vivid viewing experience.
- Smart TV features allow for easy access to streaming services and built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity.
- The Quad-Core Processor provides a fluid browsing experience and faster control switching between apps.
Cons
- The TV only has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which may not be ideal for sports or fast-paced action scenes.
- The sound output is only 10W, which may not be sufficient for larger rooms or for those who prefer a more immersive audio experience.
- The TV is only 32 inches, which may not be large enough for those who prefer a bigger screen.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P, and we were impressed with its performance for the price. The Full HD 1080p resolution provided a clear and vibrant viewing experience, and the Smart TV features made it easy to access our favorite streaming services.
One of the standout features of this TV is the Quad-Core Processor, which provided a fluid browsing experience and allowed us to switch between apps quickly and effortlessly. However, the 60 Hz refresh rate may not be ideal for sports or fast-paced action scenes, as there may be some motion blur.
The sound output of the TV is only 10W, which may not be sufficient for larger rooms or for those who prefer a more immersive audio experience. We found that adding external speakers or a soundbar greatly improved the audio quality.
Overall, we would recommend the Samsung 32-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P for those who are looking for a budget-friendly Smart TV with good picture quality and easy-to-use features. However, if you prefer a larger screen or more immersive audio experience, this TV may not be the best fit for you.