TV buying guide: How to choose the best TV for you

Televisions are commonplace household items. We use TVs to watch scheduled programs, stream on-demand content and view personal media. The latest TVs feature high-quality displays, multiple user functions and can connect wirelessly to our phones and home smart devices. New televisions cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the model and its technological capabilities.

Our guide explains the different types of TVs currently available so that you can purchase the television set that best suits your needs and budget. We’ll explain how different features work, where to buy TVs and what you can expect to pay for a range of different models.

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Name	Product	Average price (AUD)	Screen type	Screen size class (inches)	4K (Ultra-HD)	Resolution (pixels)	Purchase today
Kogan Series 8 JU8000		$429	LED	50	Yes	3840 × 2160	Buy at Kogan	The Kogan Series 8 JU8000 has four HDMI input ports and allows you to record up to one terabyte of free-to-air programming.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Kogan Series 8 MU8010		$599	LED	55	Yes	3840 × 2160	Buy at Kogan	The Kogan Series 8 MU8010 is a smart television that comes with easy access buttons for apps including Netflix.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
TCL 55P6US		$895	LED	55	Yes	3840 x 2160	Buy at The Good Guys	The TCL 55P6US comes with and HDR Premium image quality.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
LG 65UK6540PTD		$1,895	OLED	65	Yes	3840 x 2160	Buy at The Good Guys	LG 65UK6540PTD comes with webOS Smart TV including voice-activated control.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
TCL 65X4US		$2,295	QLED	65	Yes	3840 x 2160	Buy at The Good Guys	The TCL 65X4US comes with AndroidTV Entertainment and HDR Premium 800 image quality.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Sony KD65X9000F		$3,799	LED	65	Yes	3840 x 2160	Buy at Sony	The Sony KD65X9000F has motion enhancement and voice-activated Android TV.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Samsung QA65Q8FNAWXXY		$4,699	QLED	65	Yes	3840 x 2160	Buy at Samsung	The Samsung QA65Q8FNAWXXY has a low glare, Q Colour screen for enhanced vision and an ambient mode to blend in with its environment.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Sony KD65A1		$5,599	OLED	65	Yes	3840 x 2160	Buy at Sony	The Sony XBR-65A1E has strong motion performance and absolute blacks.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Sony KD65A9F		$7,499	OLED	65	Yes	3840 x 2160	Buy at Sony	The Sony XBR-65A9F has high dark-room performance levels and remains accurate on angled viewing.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Cost

A new TV can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the brand, model and its technological capabilities. Knowing what you want is important.

Buying the most expensive TV doesn’t mean you’re going to get the best quality. Some features and functions come standard, while others aren’t yet necessary or applicable. Many new TVs sacrifice sound quality to allow for thinner, lighter displays. Many people who buy a television often purchase a soundbar to solve this issue.

It also pays to understand whether your new TV comprises a complex or easy-to-use interface (menus and options). This is particularly helpful information if you have children, teenagers or older adults who may not understand intricate instructions.

Environmental and energy-related concerns may also factor into your decision-making process, as some TV sets are more easily disposable than others and some include energy-efficient features that can offset your household bills.

What types of TVs are available?

• LED/LCD

  LED stands for “light-emitting diode”. This refers to the way in which your TV’s display is projected. LEDs are the backlights used to illuminate a liquid crystal display (LCD). This can be confusing as previously many TVs were made with LCD displays that used fluorescent backlighting. Now, most new TV sets are LED/LCD (or newer OLED and QLED). LED displays are more energy efficient, run at a cooler temperature and are generally narrower in size, implying flat screen displays.

• OLED

  OLEDs or “organic light-emitting diodes” employ organic compounds that light up when electrified. Their panels are much smaller, thinner and more flexible than most other display technologies. This means that they can be used in the production of curved screens or foldable/roll-up displays. LG Display is the sole manufacturer of OLED panels for televisions. LG OLED panels are used in Sony’s latest televisions and Hisense’s impending OLED offering.

• QLED

  A “quantum dot light emitting diode” or QLED uses quantum dots (micro-sized conducting nanocrystals) in tandem with an LED backlight to display bright, vibrant and varying colours that help to emphasise high-quality content. QLED technology is the latest innovation from TV manufacturer Samsung. It was first introduced at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2017 in Las Vegas. TCL will enter this market in 2018 with its Premium QLED Private Theatre X6.

• ULED

  ULED or “ultra light-emitting diodes” separates backlight LED panels into 240 separate zones. ULED is not the same as OLED technology. It is an LED/LCD TV that also uses quantum dots. The term ULED is exclusive to Chinese manufacturer Hisense and used for its 2018 range.

• QUHD

  QUHD or “quantum ultra high definition” is a marketing catch-phrase for manufacturer TCL's use of quantum dot LED/LCD panels. TCL launched QUHD TVs in Australia in May 2018.

What is a smart TV and what are the different platforms available?

Most new televisions are considered “smart TVs”. These models allow users to connect their device to the Internet in order to stream on-demand content, browse the web, play online games and run different apps or programs. They often feature built-in Wi-Fi but some may require an external ethernet connection. Most new TVs arrive with smart TV interfaces pre-installed. Some companies have developed their own, unique platforms for their TVs.

You can buy set-top boxes to connect to your TV, which enables it to operate as a smart TV.

To avoid streaming hiccups or interruptions, check to see if your router’s wireless signal can reach your television set. If you’re not sure, check out our modem-router guide to determine whether or not a new router can improve your home network’s performance.

To help you take advantage of this technology, we've put together a list of the top 10 smart TV features.

• Android TV

  This interface is designed for content discovery and voice search assistance. Android TV surfaces content from connected apps and allows users to navigate options via their phones.

  Android TV can be a little complicated but the freedom of having an open-source system means users can access all types of content, even if it’s not approved by developer Google. This platform can run game emulators, apps and function as a media player for digital content.

  Google recently added Google Assistant compatibility for Android TV in Australia.

• webOS

  This operating system is utilised by LG smart TVs. It has been designed to work in tandem with the Magic Remote. New LG TVs are integrated with ThinQ AI and Google Assistant.

• My Home Screen

  This minimalistic interface has extensive customisation features and simple functionality. You can create personal folders for individual users, pin apps to the home screen and binge-watch your favourite series using the catch-up support services. It’s a powerful and practical system.

• VIDAA U

  This platform contains horizontal, scrolling icons that display channels, settings and other options. VIDAA U is relatively simple to use and easily customisable. Internationally, Hisense has begun to switch over to Android TV as the primary operating system but not in Australia.

  The system supports most major streaming platforms and apps, such as Netflix and Stan.

• Tizen OS for TV

  Samsung’s operating system is designed for an Internet-connected viewing experience, allowing users to access multiple apps, services and personal media, all while watching TV.

  The Smart Hub interface supports deep-search and screen sharing for compatible devices.

Display resolution options

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that your TV can display. A pixel is a small dot that, when illuminated, produces specific colours. If your TV has the capacity to hold a large number of pixels then images on the screen will generally appear in greater detail.
Although resolution isn't the only attribute that affects picture quality, it does play a key role. Most people will be able to recognise the difference between high and low resolution TVs.

• 4K or UHD

  Most new TVs have 4K resolution, which is sometimes referred to as Ultra High Definition (UHD). 4K or UHD offers 3,840 pixels along the horizontal line of the display and 2,160 pixels vertically. Higher resolution can improve the viewing experience on larger screens and for content that is shot using equivalent 4K equipment.

  4K TVs are usually compatible with high-dynamic range (HDR). This enhances a display’s contrast ratio, making bright colours brighter and dark colours darker and providing greater image detail in the shades between these spectrums. HDR TVs are also likely to feature wide-colour gamut (WCG), which increases the amount of colour that can be produced and displayed on your television.

• 8K

  Refers to a display resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels. 8K isn’t widely available and won’t have any greater impact on viewing experience unless you have a significantly large screen.

• Full HD

  Refers to a display resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. If you want to avoid purchasing a quickly dated TV set it’s best to opt for 4K resolution as this is now the current standard.

Important features to consider

When considering how much to spend on a new television, it’s important to understand your viewing needs. What type of content do you intend to play? What size screen would be sufficient? Which devices are you likely to connect to your TV?

• Screen size

  Standard screen sizes now range from 50-65 inches. The right screen size for you depends on where it will live in your home or office and what it will be used for. Larger screens are ideal for family viewing in a lounge setting, while smaller size screens are better suited to bedrooms. The closer you sit to your TV, the more you’ll notice pixelation. However, high quality 4K displays allow for a much closer viewing experience without compromising quality.

  Samsung suggests that when selecting a screen size, customers should divide the distance at which they will be regularly viewing the TV by three. For example, if you sit three metres (120 inches) from the TV, a 40-inch screen is ideal.

• Sound and speakers

  For many TV buyers, soundbars are an essential accessory. Many manufacturers are opting to meet the demand for thinner, lighter displays, reducing the capacity to improve sound quality.
  For years, people have been purchasing surround sound systems to enhance their audio experience. Soundbars tend to be much smaller, lighter and more inconspicuous. To learn more about soundbars, you can check out finder.com.au’s comprehensive review of the Sonos Beam.

  You can learn more about virtual assistant audio devices using our smart speaker comparison guide.

• Smart home integration and voice control

  Wireless advancements and smaller, cheaper computing components are paving the way for major investment in technologies designed to make our homes “smarter” and more connected. Just as there’s a difference between individual homes, smart home technology can be as varied and customised as the homes it's used in. At its core, the tech uses sensors, Wi-Fi and voice communication technology to make your home safer, more secure and more environmentally friendly, all while making your life more convenient and saving you money.

  Discover how Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant can control your smart home. Unique to Australia, you can opt to connect eligible devices using Telstra Smart Home.

  Panasonic's new TVs feature My Home Screen 3.0 and will be able to access both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for smart home integration and voice-control functionality.

• Streaming devices

  Most new televisions are equipped with smart TV interfaces. For those who don’t purchase a smart TV or buyers that prefer alternative products, the market for external streaming devices differs from country to country. See our latest analysis and reviews for Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick Basic Edition, Fetch, Telstra TV, Vodafone TV, Nvidia Shield TV and Chromecast Ultra.

• Streaming services

  While Netflix garners the lion's share of attention when it comes to streaming video platforms – offering a simple user interface, comprehensive content library and global popularity – there are a number of other streaming services, as well as a wide range of service providers. See our latest analysis and reviews for Amazon Prime, Stan, hayu, iTunes and Foxtel Now. You can also compare streaming content, pricing and packages to find a service that best suits your entertainment needs.

• Wall mounting

  Wall mounting can offer a more optimal and comfortable line of sight for extended viewing and allow for more space, potentially eliminating the need for a TV cabinet. Most modern TVs are designed to be wall-mounted and often come with brackets. However, this is not guaranteed so it’s important to check before you buy.

Refresh rate

This is measured in hertz (Hz) and dictates how many times per second an image is refreshed on the screen. A higher refresh rate can reduce blur in moving objects. 60 Hz was previously the standard but this has now increased to 120 Hz for most 4K TVs. If you’re an avid gamer, look for a TV with a high refresh rate.

Buyer beware, some manufacturers will advertise “effective refresh rates” or “motion rates” that are misleading and not truly representative of the actual refresh rate.

Remote control

All TVs should come with a remote control. Look at all the user controls the remote offers, check if the buttons are big enough, find out if it’s backlit for night-time use and determine if it’s easy to use (particularly for children). If not, consider buying a separate universal remote that better suits your needs.

HDMI ports

These days many people wish to connect their computers and other devices, such as gaming systems and DVD players to their TV. This is usually accomplished using HDMI cables. If you want to be able to connect multiple external devices at a time, check to see how many HDMI ports your TV offers. Don’t forget you’ll need the cables for connection. Also keep in mind that the location of the ports may affect your TV set-up, so check this before you buy.

Curved screens

These types of screens can offer an enhanced sense of depth and improved immersion, given the way they wrap around your line of sight. The aesthetic of a curved TV is pleasing due to its futuristic look. However, curved TVs can amplify reflections, limit viewing angles and be awkward to mount. They also need to be quite large in order to be effective.

3D

The success of the film Avatar, released in 2009, sparked a demand for in-home 3D TV experiences. While most modern TVs are capable of providing 3D viewing, this feature seems to have lost most of its appeal. 3D viewing usually requires the watcher to wear unique (and often uncomfortable) glasses.

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Where to buy TVs in Australia

The most convenient way to buy a TV is to shop online. Regardless of your budget or specific requirements, technology retailers generally offer the same deals and products online as they do in-store. In some cases, they’ll also offer exclusive online-only prices and discounts. To help you discover these discounts you can examine our tech and devices coupon codes.

The disadvantage of shopping online is that you won’t be able to test or experience the true definition, picture quality and visual clarity of the TV you select before you buy. Therefore, it would be resourceful to visit an in-store retailer and sample first-hand the different brands, models and features available in order to narrow down a shortlist of potential options.

Many retailers have reasonable return policies, which allow you to buy, try and return if you’re unsatisfied with the product you’ve selected.

We’ve listed some of the leading online Australian retailers that sell TVs, including The Good Guys and catch.com.au.

If you’re interested in purchasing a new TV, you can browse our featured products above.

Comparing the market

There’s not one TV that suits everyone’s needs and budget. Below, we’ve compared five different televisions that are available in 2018, highlighting a few user review pros and cons.