Buying a new TV can be overwhelming — there are so many brands, screen types, features, and sizes to choose from. But don’t worry. In this simple TV shopping guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know before choosing a TV in 2025.
Whether you’re upgrading your living room setup, building a home theater, or just want to buy smart TV for streaming — this guide will help you make the right choice. We’ll also explore what makes the best TV to buy in 2025, including insights on 4K TVs, 50, 55 , 65 inch TVs, and where to find the best value — whether you’re browsing Best Buy TV deals or other major retailers. After reading this guide, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision when choosing a TV that fits your needs and budget.
1. Choose the Right Screen Size
Both OLED and QLED TVs support the latest smart platforms:
LG OLED TVs: Run on webOS with excellent app support and AI features.
Samsung QLED TVs: Use Tizen OS, known for smooth navigation and Smart Hub.
Voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby are integrated in most models, making it easy to control your TV and smart home devices.
Choosing the right TV screen size depends on two key factors:
The distance between your seating area and the screen
The resolution — especially if you’re looking at 4K TVs
Here’s a quick TV screen size guide to help:
Sitting 6–8 feet away? A 55 to 65 inch TV is usually the best choice — it’s a popular range among flat screen TV sizes
Sitting 8–10 feet away? Consider a 65 to 75 inch large screen for a more immersive experience
Smaller rooms like a bedroom or kitchen? A 32 to 43 inch Smart TV fits perfectly — one of the most common Smart TV sizes for compact spaces
Looking for more precision? Use this handy TV screen size vs viewing distance calculator to find your ideal screen size.
Popular choice:
Check best-selling 55″ TVs on Amazon
2. Understand Display Types: OLED vs QLED vs LED
When comparing screen technologies, it’s important to understand the difference between OLED and QLED — especially if you’re investing in a high-quality home setup.
OLED (Organic LED): Delivers the best picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Ideal for movies and gaming. Some users worry about OLED burn-in, but for most, it’s not a major issue. Overall, OLED is better than QLED in dark-room performance and cinematic viewing.
QLED (Quantum Dot LED): Brighter than OLED and offers excellent color accuracy. It’s usually more affordable and is considered the best TV for bright room. Wondering what is a QLED TV? It’s a type of LED TV enhanced with quantum dots for better brightness and color.
LED / LCD: Budget-friendly option with decent image quality, though it lacks the deep blacks and contrast of OLED and QLED panels.
Summary:
Best quality? → OLED
Bright rooms or light-filled spaces? → QLED (best TV for light rooms)
Tight budget? → LED
Want a full OLED QLED comparison? We’ve covered that in OLED QLED Comparison post:
See top OLED TVs on Amazon
See top QLED TVs on Amazon
3. Resolution: 4K is the Sweet Spot
4K UHD is now the standard in 2025 — sharp, detailed, and perfect for streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
8K sounds impressive, but there’s very little content yet. Also expensive.
1080p (Full HD) is okay for smaller screens, but outdated for larger ones.
Tip: If you’re buying 50” or bigger, stick to 4K resolution.
Explore top-rated 4K TVs here
4. Smart Features and OS
Most modern televisions are now Smart TVs, meaning they connect to the internet and let you stream content directly from platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video — a must-have feature when choosing the best smart TV for you.
Here are the most popular Smart TV platforms in 2025:
Tizen OS (Samsung) – Smooth, fast, lots of apps
webOS (LG) – Clean and easy to use
Android TV / Google TV (Sony, TCL) – Great app selection and voice control
Roku TV – Super user-friendly and reliable
If you already use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, make sure the TV supports it.
Smart TVs compatible with Alexa
5. Gaming Features (If You’re a Gamer)
If you’re a gamer and looking for the best TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X, look for these features:
HDMI 2.1 – for 120Hz gaming at 4K
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
Low Input Lag – under 15ms is best
4K Resolution
Best gaming TVs on Amazon
6. Sound Quality: Built-in vs Soundbars
Most modern TVs are super slim — which means sound quality isn’t always great. For a better experience:
Look for Dolby Atmos support
Consider getting a soundbar (even a basic one makes a big difference)
Best gaming TVs on Amazon
7. Connectivity and Ports
Make sure your TV has:
At least 3 HDMI ports
eARC support (for sound systems)
USB port for media
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
If you plan to connect many devices (console, soundbar, streaming box), you’ll need the ports.
8. Budget Breakdown: What You Can Expect
Under $300 – 32″ to 43″ LED TVs, good for small rooms
$300–700 – Mid-size 4K TVs, Smart features, great value
$800–1500 – Larger screens, QLED/OLED, gaming-ready
$1500+ – Premium OLED, 8K, top-tier features
Explore TVs by price range
Final Thoughts: Key Takeaways
No matter your budget, there’s a TV that fits your needs. Use this guide to shop smart — and if you’re ready to explore options:
Shop best-selling TVs on Amazon now
