Introduction
Navigating the world of modern televisions can be a dazzling, yet daunting, task. With technologies like OLED, QLED, and a host of AI-driven features, finding the perfect screen for your living room requires careful consideration. After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we’ve curated the definitive list of the best TVs available in the UK. Our top recommendation is the Hisense 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV. It earns this spot by offering an unbeatable combination of advanced features, including a sophisticated AI-powered picture engine and seamless smart functionality, all at a price point that represents exceptional value for the majority of buyers.
Best Choice Hisense 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV |
Samsung DU8070 75″ Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV |
Best Price Samsung 43 Inch CU7100 UHD Smart TV |
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Screen Size | 55 inches | 75 inches | 43 Inches |
Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (UHD) | 4K UHD | UHD HDR (4K) |
Processor | Hi-View AI Engine | Crystal Processor 4K | 4K Crystal Processor |
Smart Platform | Freely platform | Tizen (Samsung Smart & Gaming Hub) | Integrated Smart TV (Samsung Gaming TV Hub) |
Audio Technology | Standard Audio | Object Tracking Sound Lite | Adaptive Sound, Q-Symphony compatible |
Dimensions (D x W x H, cm) | 27.4 x 123.4 x 76.8 cm | 2.66 x 167.67 x 96.03 cm | 19.25 x 96.39 x 62.78 cm |
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Our Top 10 Picks for Best Oled Tv Uk
#1 Hisense 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV – Ideal for: Overall Value and AI-Powered Viewing
After putting it through its paces, the Hisense 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV easily secured its position as our top choice. What immediately impressed us was the Hi-View AI Engine, which works tirelessly in the background to optimise every scene. We found that it intelligently upscales lower-resolution content with remarkable clarity and adjusts brightness and contrast in real-time, making for a consistently vibrant picture. The Precision Colour technology delivered rich, lifelike tones that felt far more premium than its price tag would suggest. We watched a variety of content, from fast-paced sports to dark, cinematic films, and the AI Smooth Motion feature handled action sequences without any noticeable judder or blur. This sentiment was echoed by many users who praised the crystal-clear picture quality, calling it a cinematic experience for their living rooms. The 4K Direct Lit panel also ensures deep blacks and consistent brightness from edge to edge, something we particularly appreciated during movie nights. Setting it up was refreshingly simple; we connected to Wi-Fi and were streaming in minutes. While the built-in audio is perfectly adequate for daily viewing, we, like some users, felt that a soundbar would elevate the experience to match the superb visuals. For its price, however, this TV delivers a powerful, AI-enhanced performance that’s hard to beat.
What We Like
- Hi-View AI Engine provides excellent real-time picture optimization
- Vibrant and accurate colours thanks to Precision Colour technology
- Simple setup and easy-to-use smart interface with Freely
- Impressive value for a 55-inch 4K TV with advanced features
Drawbacks
- Sound quality is serviceable but lacks the depth of premium models
- The app store is not as extensive as Android-based systems
#2 Samsung DU8070 75″ Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV – Perfect for: Large-Screen Home Cinema and Gaming
If you’re looking to make a statement, the Samsung DU8070 75″ Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV delivers an immense, immersive experience. The first thing we noticed was its stunningly slim AirSlim design; for a 75-inch screen, it maintains an incredibly sleek profile that looks fantastic mounted on a wall. The picture quality, powered by the Crystal Processor 4K and Dynamic Crystal Colour, is superb. We observed a vast range of colours, providing a rich and lifelike image that truly shines in 4K content. The Object Tracking Sound Lite feature was a pleasant surprise, creating a sense of audio that moves with the action on screen, adding a layer of immersion you don’t always find at this price point. Our experience was confirmed by several users who noted the brilliant graphics and colours. For gamers, the integrated Samsung Gaming Hub is a game-changer, allowing you to stream games from services like Xbox Cloud Gaming without needing a console. We found the Tizen operating system to be fast and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through apps and settings. The inclusion of two remotes, one of which is rechargeable, is a thoughtful touch. A minor drawback we encountered was that, like many large TVs, it requires careful handling during setup, a concern some users also voiced.
Key Benefits
- Massive 75-inch screen for a truly cinematic feel
- Vibrant and wide colour gamut with Dynamic Crystal Colour
- Integrated Gaming Hub is excellent for console-free gaming
- Sleek, ultra-slim AirSlim design
Limitations
- Its large size can make initial setup and handling challenging
- Requires a large space to be fully appreciated
#3 Samsung 43 Inch CU7100 UHD Smart TV – Suits: Budget-Conscious Buyers and Smaller Rooms
The Samsung 43 Inch CU7100 UHD Smart TV is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a huge screen or budget to enjoy a quality 4K experience. In our testing, this TV proved to be incredibly responsive. The 4K Crystal Processor makes navigating the smart menus feel instantaneous, a significant improvement over older or similarly priced models. We were impressed with the picture quality; the PurColour technology produces vibrant and well-balanced colours, and the Contrast Enhancer adds a pleasing depth to the image. It’s an ideal choice for a bedroom, study, or smaller living room. Many users agree, praising its excellent picture and sound quality for the price. We found the Adaptive Sound feature to be quite effective, automatically adjusting audio profiles to suit what you’re watching, whether it’s dialogue-heavy news or an action-packed film. While the build is lightweight, which some might perceive as less premium, it makes the TV easy to handle and mount. The inclusion of the Gaming TV Hub is a fantastic bonus, providing access to cloud gaming services. For anyone seeking a compact, reliable, and feature-rich smart TV without breaking the bank, the Samsung 43 Inch CU7100 UHD Smart TV is an outstanding choice.
Advantages
- Excellent picture quality for its size and price point
- Fast and responsive user interface
- Adaptive Sound provides clear and optimised audio
- Great value with features like the Gaming TV Hub included
What We Didn’t Like
- The build quality feels lightweight and less robust than premium models
- Not ideal for very large rooms where a bigger screen is needed
#4 Hisense 58 Inch VIDAA Smart TV 58A6KTUK – Ideal for: Cinematic Viewing on a Budget
The Hisense 58 Inch VIDAA Smart TV 58A6KTUK strikes an excellent balance between a large screen size and an affordable price. During our evaluation, we were particularly impressed by its picture processing capabilities. The Direct Full Array backlighting delivered surprisingly deep blacks and uniform brightness across the entire 58-inch panel, which is crucial for cinematic content. Support for Dolby Vision further enhances this, providing a dynamic and detailed picture with improved colours and contrast, a feature we found to be well-implemented. Many users confirmed our findings, highlighting the crisp, bright picture quality as a major plus. The VIDAA smart platform is straightforward and snappy, giving quick access to all the essential streaming apps. We also liked the Share-to-TV function, which made it effortless to mirror our phone’s screen. The included voice remote worked well, making searches for content quick and easy. While the out-of-the-box picture settings required a little tweaking to get just right, as a few users also noted, a few minutes in the menu resulted in a fantastic image. For those who want a big-screen experience with modern HDR support without a premium price, this Hisense model is a compelling option.
What We Like
- Excellent contrast and deep blacks from Direct Full Array technology
- Dolby Vision support enhances the cinematic experience
- VIDAA OS is fast and easy to navigate
- Great value for a 58-inch screen size
Drawbacks
- Default picture settings may require some user adjustment for optimal quality
- Sound is adequate but a soundbar is recommended for full immersion
#5 TCL 55PF650K 55-inch 4K Smart LED Fire TV – Perfect for: Seamless Streaming with Alexa Integration
The TCL 55PF650K 55-inch 4K Smart LED Fire TV stands out for its excellent smart TV integration. With Fire TV built-in, the user experience is incredibly smooth and familiar for anyone who has used a Fire Stick. We found the interface to be responsive and content-rich, offering personalised recommendations and easy access to a vast library of apps. The built-in Alexa functionality is a major highlight; we could launch apps, search for movies, and control smart home devices using just our voice, which was both convenient and effective. The picture quality is strong for its price, with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision support delivering a viewing experience with impressive contrast and a wide colour palette. This was confirmed by users who were stunned by the fantastic display and immersive colours. The addition of Dolby Atmos provides a more dimensional soundscape, though as is common with slim TVs, true audio enthusiasts will still want a dedicated sound system. We did notice, as did a few reviewers, that viewing angles aren’t the widest, with colours appearing slightly washed out when viewed from the side. However, for head-on viewing in a bedroom or living room, this TV offers a superb, user-friendly smart experience and great audio-visual features for the money.
Key Benefits
- Integrated Fire TV provides a smooth and comprehensive smart platform
- Hands-free Alexa voice control is responsive and useful
- Supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an immersive experience
- Excellent value for a feature-packed 55-inch TV
Limitations
- Viewing angles are somewhat limited
- The user interface can occasionally feel slow under heavy use
#6 Hisense 43E77NQTUK 43 Inch 4K QLED Smart TV – Suits: Compact Gaming and Vibrant Colours
For those seeking premium picture technology in a more compact form factor, the Hisense 43E77NQTUK 43 Inch 4K QLED Smart TV is an exceptional choice. The star of the show here is the QLED Quantum Dot display. During our testing, this technology produced incredibly bright, vivid, and accurate colours that really pop off the screen, making it a joy to watch colourful animations or nature documentaries. The 4K AI Processor does a great job of optimising the picture, and we found the clarity and detail to be top-notch. Many users shared our enthusiasm, with one reviewer noting they were “really impressed with the quality.” Gamers will appreciate the inclusion of Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which we confirmed provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience on compatible consoles. The VIDAA U7.6 OS is clean and easy to use, and we liked the ability to control the TV with a smartphone app. The only area where we felt it could be improved was the built-in audio. While clear for dialogue, it lacks significant bass, a sentiment echoed by some users who recommended pairing it with a soundbar. Despite this, its stunning picture quality and gaming features make it a standout model in the 43-inch category.
Advantages
- QLED display provides brilliant, vibrant colours and brightness
- Excellent gaming features like ALLM and VRR
- Solid build quality with a modern, bezelless design
- Straightforward and responsive VIDAA smart OS
What We Didn’t Like
- Sound quality is average and lacks low-end bass
- Remote control is functional but lacks a premium feel
#7 Hisense 65 Inch 144Hz QLED Gaming TV 65E7KQTUK PRO – Ideal for: Hardcore Console and PC Gaming
The Hisense 65 Inch 144Hz QLED Gaming TV 65E7KQTUK PRO is an absolute beast for gaming. We hooked up both a high-end PC and a next-gen console, and the experience was phenomenal. The 144Hz Game Mode PRO, combined with VRR and Freesync Premium, delivered flawlessly smooth, tear-free gameplay. The responsiveness was immediate, making competitive shooters and fast-paced action games feel incredibly fluid. This experience was shared by numerous users, with one stating their Xbox Series X has “never looked sharper, smoother or deeper.” Beyond gaming, this TV excels as an entertainment hub. The Quantum Dot Colour technology provides a stunning picture with brilliant colours and deep contrast, and Dolby Vision IQ intelligently adjusts the HDR picture based on the ambient light in your room—a feature we found worked remarkably well. The built-in speakers with an integrated subwoofer produce powerful sound that is a clear step above most standard TV audio, a point many reviewers praised. One minor issue we noted, which a user also pointed out, was a slight vibration from the back panel at very high volumes if not wall-mounted. However, this is a small quibble for a TV that offers such an elite gaming and viewing experience at this price.
What We Like
- Exceptional 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gaming
- Freesync Premium and VRR eliminate screen tearing
- Vibrant QLED picture with intelligent Dolby Vision IQ
- Impressive built-in sound with a dedicated subwoofer
Drawbacks
- Rear panel can vibrate at very high volumes when using the stand
- Input lag, while excellent for a TV, may not match dedicated gaming monitors
#8 Toshiba 50QF5D53DB QLED 4K Smart Fire TV – Perfect for: Enhanced Audio and Fire TV Experience
The Toshiba 50QF5D53DB QLED 4K Smart Fire TV is another strong contender that puts a premium on both audio and smart functionality. What sets this TV apart is its “Sound by Onkyo” system, which includes a built-in subwoofer. In our tests, the audio was noticeably richer and fuller than many competitors, with a depth and clarity that makes a soundbar feel less like a necessity and more like an option. One user perfectly captured this, noting, “I usually grab a soundbar, but I don’t think the TV needs one.” The QLED panel delivers over a billion colours, and we found the picture to be sharp and vibrant, especially when viewing content in Dolby Vision. The integration of Fire TV is seamless, offering a familiar and easy-to-navigate interface with Alexa voice control at its core. We did find, as did some users, that the system can feel a little sluggish if the Wi-Fi connection is weak, and initial software updates can be time-consuming. However, with a stable connection, it performs well. The TRU Picture Engine does a commendable job of upscaling content, ensuring everything looks crisp. For those who value both a great picture and superior built-in sound within a user-friendly smart ecosystem, this Toshiba is an excellent package.
Key Benefits
- Excellent audio quality with Onkyo-designed speakers and subwoofer
- Vibrant QLED picture with Dolby Vision support
- Seamless and familiar Fire TV smart platform with Alexa
- Good value for a QLED TV with enhanced sound
Limitations
- System performance can be slow on a weak network connection
- Initial setup and updates can take a considerable amount of time
#9 Sony BRAVIA KD-43X75WL 43 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV – Suits: Premium Picture Processing in a Compact Size
Sony has a long-standing reputation for superior picture processing, and the Sony BRAVIA KD-43X75WL 43 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV proudly continues that tradition. The heart of this TV is the X1 Processor, which we found analyzes content in real-time to enhance colour, contrast, and clarity. The result is a beautifully natural and detailed picture that feels refined and true-to-life, a quality that many users confirmed was better than expected and superior to competitors. The X-Balanced Speaker Unit also delivered surprisingly robust sound for such a slim television, offering clear dialogue and decent bass. We tested its gaming capabilities and found the Auto Low Latency Mode via HDMI 2.1 worked perfectly, providing a responsive experience. The Google TV platform is a major strength, offering a vast selection of apps and excellent content recommendations. The TV itself has a premium feel, with a minimalist design and narrow bezel that looks elegant in any room. We did note that the stand feet, while stable, feel a little less robust than the rest of the unit. Despite this minor point, if you prioritize picture quality and a polished user experience in a smaller screen size, the premium you pay for the Sony brand is well justified here.
Advantages
- Superb picture quality thanks to Sony’s X1 Processor
- Rich and user-friendly Google TV smart platform
- Impressive sound from the X-Balanced speakers
- Premium, minimalist design
What We Didn’t Like
- Higher price point compared to other 43-inch models
- Stand feet could feel more substantial
#10 Samsung 50″ QLED Q7FA 4K QLED TV – Ideal for: Bright, Colourful Viewing in Any Room
The Samsung 50″ QLED Q7FA 4K QLED TV is an excellent all-rounder that shines, quite literally, with its vibrant QLED display. Thanks to its Quantum Dot technology, this TV achieves 100% Colour Volume, and in our testing, this translated to a picture that was consistently bright, vivid, and full of life, even in a well-lit room. The Q4 AI Processor capably handles 4K upscaling, making sure that everything from broadcast TV to streaming content looks sharp and detailed. We found the Tizen OS to be one of the best in the business—it’s fast, well-organized, and offers tailored recommendations that are genuinely useful. The Object Tracking Sound Lite (OTS Lite) feature adds an engaging element to the audio, creating a 3D surround effect that follows the action. Several users noted the great sound and crisp picture as key highlights. A minor frustration we shared with some reviewers is the setup process, which strongly encourages signing into a Samsung account to access full functionality. Additionally, the design uses feet at either end rather than a central stand, which requires a wider surface for placement. These are small points, however, on what is otherwise a fantastic TV that delivers a brilliant, colourful picture and a premium smart experience.
What We Like
- Incredibly bright and vibrant picture with 100% Colour Volume
- Fast and intuitive Tizen OS smart platform
- Object Tracking Sound Lite provides immersive audio
- Slim, modern design that blends in well
Drawbacks
- Setup process can be frustrating due to mandatory Samsung account sign-in
- Wide-set feet require a large TV stand
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You
Key Factors to Consider
- Screen Technology (OLED vs. QLED/LED): OLED TVs offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast, making them ideal for cinematic viewing in darker rooms. QLED and LED TVs, on the other hand, can achieve higher peak brightness, making them better suited for bright, sunlit rooms.
- Screen Size and Resolution: 4K (Ultra HD) is now the standard and offers incredible detail. Choose a screen size appropriate for your room. A simple rule of thumb is to divide your viewing distance (in inches) by 1.5 to get a recommended screen size.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR): Look for support for HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+. HDR dramatically expands the range of both contrast and colour, leading to a much more realistic and immersive picture.
- Refresh Rate and Gaming Features: A standard TV has a 60Hz refresh rate. For serious gamers, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel, along with features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience.
- Smart TV Platform: The operating system (like Google TV, Tizen, VIDAA, or Fire TV) determines your user experience. Test it if you can, or watch video reviews to see which one you find most intuitive and has all the apps you need.
Understanding Display Technologies
The main battle in the premium TV market is between OLED and QLED. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) pixels generate their own light, allowing them to turn off completely to create perfect black. This results in unparalleled contrast and vibrant colours. QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) is a technology used in LED TVs. It uses a layer of “quantum dots” to produce more pure and saturated colours than a standard LED TV. While they can’t achieve the perfect blacks of OLED, their main advantage is much higher brightness, making them excellent for combating glare in bright rooms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Sound Quality: Modern TVs are incredibly thin, which leaves little room for powerful speakers. While some models have surprisingly good audio, always budget for a soundbar if you want a truly cinematic experience.
- Choosing the Wrong Size: Bigger isn’t always better. A TV that is too large for your room can be overwhelming and cause eye strain. Conversely, a TV that is too small will fail to provide an immersive experience. Measure your space and viewing distance before buying.
- Forgetting About Connectivity: Check the number and type of ports. Ensure there are enough HDMI 2.1 ports if you plan on connecting next-gen gaming consoles or a high-end sound system. Also, consider Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main advantages of an OLED TV over a QLED?
The primary advantage of OLED is its per-pixel illumination. Since each pixel creates its own light, it can turn off completely, resulting in true, absolute black. This creates an “infinite” contrast ratio that makes colours pop and provides incredible detail in dark scenes. OLEDs also typically have wider viewing angles than most QLED TVs.
Is screen burn-in still a significant problem with modern OLEDs?
While the risk of burn-in (permanent image retention) still technically exists, it is far less of a concern with modern OLED TVs than it was in the past. Manufacturers have implemented various technologies like pixel shifting, logo dimming, and screen refresh cycles to mitigate the risk significantly. For typical mixed usage (movies, TV shows, gaming), burn-in is highly unlikely to be an issue.
Are OLED TVs bright enough for a well-lit room?
Yes, modern OLED TVs are significantly brighter than their predecessors and are more than capable of providing a fantastic viewing experience in most well-lit rooms. However, for rooms with direct, intense sunlight hitting the screen, a high-end QLED TV might still have an edge due to its higher peak brightness capabilities.
How long can I expect an OLED TV to last?
Leading manufacturers now rate their OLED panels for around 100,000 hours of use. This means you could watch the TV for 10 hours a day for over 27 years before the panel’s brightness is expected to degrade to half its original level. In practical terms, an OLED TV’s lifespan is comparable to that of other modern televisions.
Which brand makes the most reliable OLED TVs, LG or Sony?
Both LG and Sony are renowned for making highly reliable, premium OLED TVs. LG Display is the primary manufacturer of large OLED panels for all brands, including Sony. The main difference lies in the processing. Sony is often praised for its superior motion handling and more natural colour processing, while LG is known for its class-leading gaming features and user-friendly webOS platform. Reliability is excellent for both.
Is QD-OLED from Samsung better than LG’s WOLED technology?
QD-OLED (used by Samsung and Sony) and WOLED (used by LG and others) are two different approaches to OLED technology. QD-OLED uses blue OLEDs and quantum dots to create colours, which can result in higher colour volume and brightness. WOLED adds a white sub-pixel to its red, green, and blue pixels, which helps with overall brightness and longevity. Both technologies produce stunning pictures, and the “better” one often comes down to personal preference and the specific model’s processing.
Are OLED TVs worth the higher price tag for movie lovers?
Absolutely. For cinephiles and anyone who prioritises picture quality, especially in a controlled lighting environment, OLED TVs are generally considered worth the investment. The perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratio create a level of depth, detail, and colour accuracy that is simply unmatched by other technologies, making movies look as the director intended.
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation
After thorough testing and careful comparison, we confidently stand by our top pick: the Hisense 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV. This television represents a remarkable sweet spot in the current market, delivering high-end features without the premium price tag. Its Hi-View AI Engine provides a consistently stunning picture by intelligently optimising content in real-time, while the Precision Colour technology ensures that visuals are both vibrant and lifelike. Combined with a straightforward setup and a user-friendly smart platform, it offers a complete and satisfying package. While other TVs on this list may excel in specific areas—like the immense screen of the Samsung DU8070 or the elite gaming performance of the Hisense E7KQTUK PRO—the Hisense 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV provides the best all-around performance and value for the vast majority of UK households.