If you own an older TV that lacks smart features and streaming services, you might be considering replacing it. But before you do, ask yourself: is it really worth spending thousands on a new model when your existing one still works fine in many ways?

The good news is that you may not need to rush out and buy the latest and greatest smart TV just so you’re up to date. There are some simple, cheap tricks you can use to smarten up your existing TV.

On this page:

• How to convert your regular TV into a smart TV
• How to connect a streaming device to your TV
• How to use your smartphone to stream on your TV
• How to use your laptop to stream on your TV
• How to stream live TV
• Why have my apps disappeared?

How to convert your regular TV into a smart TV

Can you use a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+ on an older TV or computer monitor that can’t connect to the internet? Absolutely! You just need to borrow the smarts of another device that can connect to your screen. 

There are a few ways you can do it:

1. Connect a media streaming device, set top box or game console that supports your favourite streaming apps.
2. Plug your laptop into a spare HDMI port to use as a streaming device.
3. Use your smartphone to mirror, AirPlay or cast to your TV (if it supports this feature).

These are also easy ways to spruce up an older smart TV that may not play nice with newer services such as AppleTV+, HBO Max and Kayo Sports.

How to connect a streaming device to your TV

Streaming devices are small dongles or boxes with internet access that support streaming services and other entertainment apps. They’re a simple, affordable way to bring modern smart functions to an older TV.

Some well-known streaming devices you may have heard of include Google TV Streamer, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick and the NVIDIA Shield.

Many of these are small, low-cost dongles, which are the easiest and cheapest way to access streaming services on an aging screen.

They connect via HDMI so make sure your TV has at least one free HDMI port. You’re pretty much out of luck if your TV predates HDMI, in which case, it may be time for a new one. Though you can buy converters for other inputs, they’re not always reliable and tend to reduce picture and sound quality.

Once you’ve located it, check our TV streaming device reviews to see which products our experts recommend. You can filter by price, 4K capability, available streaming services and brand to find the right device for your needs and budget.

Look at the dimensions in particular. Some dongles may not fit into your TV if the HDMI ports are recessed. Check this before you buy.

“If you have home broadband and a spare HDMI connection on your TV, then you could buy something like an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Hubbl Hub for around $100,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher. 

“If your TV can’t display 4K video, then the non-4K Fire TV Stick and Google TV models are cheaper. There’s also an Apple TV option starting from $250 and another from Google that’s about $160.

“The Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google TV Streamer and Apple TV products come with a remote control which is easy to use and will also allow you to control the volume of the TV.”

You can also use a game console like a PlayStation or Xbox or a set-top box like a Fetch TV box instead of a streaming device. All these devices should be connected to your TV via the HDMI port as it delivers both the audio and video over a single cable.

How to use your smartphone to stream on your TV

If your TV can connect to a smartphone, odds are it supports streaming apps as well. However, mirroring or casting can make it easier to view content from your phone on the big screen.

There are three ways to do this: you can either mirror, cast or AirPlay content. The terms are often used together but they actually work very differently.

Mirroring

Mirroring is when you’re simply showing whatever is on your smartphone on your TV. This can be both audio and video and is usually delivered over a direct Wi-Fi connection. 

Many older TVs that don’t have casting or AirPlay do support mirroring. This can be a handy feature to show family and friends photos and movies stored on your phone. You can also show streaming movies but the experience can be a bit clunky.

Casting

Casting for Android is a bit more sophisticated. Instead of just mirroring your Android smartphone or tablet, casting forms a link between your devices.

It either turns the phone/tablet into a remote so you can control an app – such as Spotify – on your TV with the touch screen, or it mirrors and optimises content so videos, photos and so on look as good as possible on your TV.

This delivers an experience similar to what you’d expect from a streaming device such as a Google TV Streamer or Amazon Firestick.

For casting to work most effectively, both the smartphone (or other smart device such as a tablet) and the TV should be connected to the internet via the same Wi-Fi network. Apps with casting support need to be installed on both devices as well, in most cases.

AirPlay

AirPlay is Apple’s version of casting. Though it’s built into a small number of smart TVs, AirPlay is typically limited to first-party devices such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. Like casting, both devices need to be connected to the same network.

Check out the article below for a step-by-step guide on how to link your devices.

How to use your laptop to stream on TV

An easy way to smarten up a TV is to simply plug your laptop into it. This basically turns any TV with an HDMI connection into a big computer screen.

Almost all laptops can quickly connect to a TV via a direct HDMI cable connection (you’ll just need to buy an HDMI cable, which should cost around $20). Many laptops, especially those released in the last few years, may not have a full-sized HDMI port. 

The most common solution for a new model is a USB-C to HDMI cable (around $20). This should recognise the connection and show the screen directly on the TV as well as transmitting audio. However, you may need to adjust the laptop’s display settings for things to work correctly.

My computer doesn’t have HDMI or USB-C

In this case, your computer should have a Mini DisplayPort (or miniDP for short), which will work with a miniDP to HDMI cable. The Thunderbolt port on older MacBooks is compatible with miniDP cables.

How to stream live TV

If you live in an area with poor TV reception but still like to watch traditional broadcasts, a streaming dongle could be your saving grace.

Free-to-air catch-up services like SBS On Demand, 9Now and 7plus simultaneously stream live TV in their apps. It’s more or less the same as watching broadcasts, as long as you have a decent internet connection.

A few streaming devices, such as Hubbl and Fetch, can preview content from all of your streaming services on their home screen. This is handy as you won’t need to open and close various apps just to see what’s on TV.

Hubble takes it one step further by replicating the electronic program guide (EPG) included with most TVs. The only difference is you’re browsing a list of live streams as opposed to a list of shows currently airing, but the content is exactly the same. It’s a pretty unique approach.

Why have my apps disappeared?

Old-school TVs had just a few main tasks: pick up signals for free-to-air TV and connect to DVD players or game consoles. You could buy one knowing it would likely last you 10–15 years. 

But modern TVs have modern problems. While they may still function for the same length of time as their predecessors as far as video quality is concerned, you’re likely to encounter different issues such as apps becoming obsolete and platforms cutting off support for your operating system. 

Sometimes this is because streaming services won’t update apps designed for older TVs, due to decreasing demand. New apps, meanwhile, don’t always work on older models for the same reason. For example:

• in 2019, Netflix stopped working on some early 2010s Samsung and Panasonic smart TVs
• SBS On Demand was removed from some Sony TVs that weren’t using Google’s TV software
• Disney+ launched in Australia in 2019, but some Hisense TVs couldn’t support the Disney+ service until late 2021.

This is where a media streaming device, game console or laptop can come in handy. They generally support almost all (if not all) the main streaming services that may not be available on your TV.

Quick troubleshooting tips for your older smart TV

Here are a few simple steps to start sprucing up your TV.

• If an app is playing up or won’t open, delete it and install it again. 
• Perform a manual software update for your smart TV via the settings menu. 
• Restore your TV to the factory default settings, clearing out all the setting changes you may have made over the years.
• If performance is still average or poor, or you still can’t find the streaming apps you want, look into buying a streaming device.
• If picture quality is poor or the video keeps buffering, try using a Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
• If you can’t find an HDMI connection on your old TV and you want to use streaming services, it’s probably time to go shopping for a new TV.
• You may need to upgrade to an internet plan with greater download speed/more bandwidth if you want to stream 4K video, or if multiple people are streaming video at the same time. This can fix quality and buffering issues.

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Maybe your current TV is on its last legs or it’s finally time to ditch the high-definition screen and make the jump to 4K. Or maybe you’re just ready for an upgrade.

In any case, you don’t want to become a victim of the unnecessary upsell. Buying the wrong TV for your needs, or one that’s too big (or too small) for your room can end up being a costly exercise.

1. Buying the wrong size screen

Size envy may be real but don’t feel pressured into buying a behemoth TV just because your mate down the road has one.

You may feel like you should get the biggest TV you can reasonably afford, but a giant screen in a small room can cause eye and neck strain.

A small TV, meanwhile, may seem like the affordable alternative, but this can make it difficult to focus on your movies and TV shows if the room is too big.

It’s best to try and shop for a screen that suits the room’s size, while staying within your budget. For example, the most popular TV size in Australia is 65 inches. With this size of TV, you’ll get the best picture quality by sitting 1.25–2.5 metres away, depending on the resolution.

Check out our TV screen size guide to work out what’s best for your home.

2. Being ‘wowed’ by the TV instore

Don’t buy a TV based on the footage playing instore.

Retailers employ a sneaky strategy by showing optimised video in an enhanced, over-saturated store display mode that’s designed to impress with big, bold, bright colours. They also make sure the footage is extremely detailed in 4K or 8K, because almost any TV looks good at these resolutions.

“The TV isn’t going to impress you as much at home, unless you’re watching the JB demo reel or Avatar on repeat,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher.

“You’ll quickly get sick of over-the-top, unrealistic colours as well.”

Ask the salesperson to play some regular videos on YouTube, including standard and high-definition (SD and HD) footage, with the store display mode turned off.

You’ll get a better representation of how the TV will look at home and whether it can clearly display SD and HD video on a large, ultra-high definition display. This process, called upscaling, is often the Achilles heel of cheaper or lower-quality TVs.

3. Not knowing your acronyms and initials

Though new tech is exciting, there’s something to be said for the days when “TV” simply meant a box with a screen. There’s a much bigger range of options these days with an equal amount of jargon to get your head around.

LCD, OLED, HDR and QLED are some examples, and you might not be sure what they all mean and how they affect the viewing experience. But you need to understand basic terms or you could end up with a TV that doesn’t suit your eyes or living room.

For example, did you know that OLED TVs tend to have richer colours, deeper blacks and better contrast (which helps the image pop) but they don’t perform very well in bright rooms?

LCD blacks aren’t quite as good but the screens can be brighter and are usually cheaper, making them a good option for daytime viewing in well-lit homes or shoppers on a budget.

“Some of these terms – LCD and OLED – refer to the type of screen. Though these do make a difference, picture quality is the most important thing. The shorthand is a good starting point so you can narrow down the options to find a screen that suits your needs,” explains Denis.

“Our TV buying guide breaks down the essential technical terms so you can make an informed purchase.

“The best thing to do if you’re unsure of what all the features mean is to view a TV instore and compare it with other models, and look at what each model scores in our independent reviews before buying.”

4. Assuming 8K resolution is the best

Even though 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) has been the new norm for a number of years, 8K (which is four times the resolution of 4K) hasn’t made quite the same splash.

Although there are plenty on the shelves, manufacturers have scaled back the promotion of 8K TVs going to market, compared to 4K. The demand just isn’t there, Denis says.

“8K TVs are expensive and not actually that useful for an Australian home as content at this resolution isn’t mainstream. The vast majority of content on streaming and disc is available in SD, HD or 4K and you can expect it to stay that way for years to come.”

“It’s also virtually impossible to stream 8K video into homes over the existing NBN environment we have in Australia. So, if the salesperson starts spruiking the virtues of an 8K TV over a 4K model, tell them they’re dreaming.”

Lack of content isn’t the only issue. While there are plenty of 4K TVs that do a decent job of displaying SD and HD video, there’s only so much that can be done with lower resolutions shown on a big 8K screen.

You’re better off sticking with 4K until upscaling technology improves.

5. Paying the RRP

A good quality TV can be pretty damn expensive. Even a budget 65-inch model can set you back as much as $1500. But a bit of patience and forward planning can net you a great deal on your dream TV that may otherwise be outside your budget.

Major retailers run plenty of tech sales throughout the year. There are the obvious ones like Black Friday and EOFY, but flash sales and manufacturer-specific deals pop up every few months as well.

In April and May, most of the major retailers clear the previous year’s stock to make room for new models, with serious discounts applied.

“We’ve seen TVs drop as much as 40 percent during the clearance period,” says Denis.

“This works out to be as much as $2000–3000, depending on the size of the screen.

“Unless you’re particularly tech savvy or eager to own the latest tech, a slightly older model will almost definitely meet your needs and look just as good.”

These markdowns also indicate just how much wiggle room exists around the RRP, so if you can’t wait for a sales period, try your hand at haggling. The discounts may not be quite as good but you should be able to talk a few hundred bucks off the price.

6. Buying an unnecessary extended warranty

If you’re shopping at one of the nation’s major electrical retailers, you’ll probably be offered an extended warranty (for an additional cost) with your purchase of a new TV.

But buyer beware: the sales pitch may mislead you about your consumer rights.

When ÌÇÐÄVlog mystery-shopped 80 Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys stores across the country, we found that seven in 10 (71%) of these stores misrepresented the consumer rights you would have access to if you didn’t purchase an extended warranty.

When we asked about consumer rights outside the manufacturer’s warranty period, often the conversation turned immediately to the benefits of an extended warranty. In fact, 73 of the 80 salespeople we spoke to offered to sell us one.

Only when specifically asked about rights without an extended warranty was it acknowledged that we already had rights under consumer law.

Australian Consumer Law says that if you buy an expensive TV and it breaks through no fault of your own after just a few years, for example, the retailer must offer to fix it, replace it or give you your money back – the choice of remedy is yours.

This holds true even if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired and you didn’t buy an extended warranty.

If you do find your TV acts up and is only a year or two old, contact the retailer and let them know you aren’t happy. There’s a lot of useful advice on how to make a complaint and resolve an issue on our consumer rights and advice pages.

7. Overlooking speaker performance

Speaker performance is often overlooked by people buying a television. Even if you’re just shopping for something for a TV to watch the news, sport or a few shows, poor quality audio can almost ruin the experience.

“You don’t necessarily need home cinema speakers, but we’ve tested some TVs that sound as bad as a transistor radio. It can be really hard to enjoy the cricket when you can’t hear the commentary or when big action moments start to crackle and distort,” says Denis.

This is where a soundbar can come in handy, but they aren’t essential, says Denis. “Unless there is some fantastic bundling deal involved, you should see how the TV speakers perform instore and at home. You can always buy a soundbar later on if the TV speakers aren’t up to scratch.”

“Also, if you have an old amplifier and stereo speakers, you may want to try these out first before considering a soundbar.”

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If you’re after a smaller TV for a cosy apartment or bedroom, or you just don’t want a gargantuan screen taking over your living room, you’ll probably be considering a television with a screen of around 32–50 inches. 

Bigger isn’t always better, especially in smaller spaces. Sit too close to a large-screen TV and all you’ll see are the small pixels that make up the screen, rather than a crisp picture.

But will you have to downsize your expectations when opting for a petite telly? Not really, our experts say.

“Although these more compact models don’t usually come with 4K resolution, you wouldn’t really notice the higher video resolution in a screen that’s less than 42 inches anyway,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher.

“And smaller televisions can still offer great viewing performance for SD video (watching DVDs) and HD video (for Blu-ray movies).”

How to pick the right size

When considering the size of the TV you need, you should think about the size of the room and how far away from the screen you’ll be sitting. Resolution is also a factor, especially if you’re watching 4K, ultra-high definition content.

Did you know it’s actually better to sit closer to the TV when watching 4K? This is because the extra detail is only visible from a certain distance. If you sit too far away, the pixels will become harder to distinguish and ultimately look no better than HD.

The distance between your seat and the TV is a bit more flexible if you’re watching things in HD. Even so, there is still a limit for ideal HD viewing position.

The images below depict the best sitting spots for HD and 4K for a range of TV sizes.

Factoring in field of view

Just because you prefer a smaller TV doesn’t mean you have to compromise your viewing experience. Not everyone wants a cinema in their home!

Positioning the TV relative to your field of view is an important, and oft-overlooked, consideration when setting up your entertainment area. Your peripheral vision should meet the edges of the TV, so you’re not distracted by anything else around the screen.

While this isn’t an exact science, what’s for sure is that you don’t want to sit too far back or too close. If you’re too far back, the narrow field of view can make movies and shows seem small. Sitting too close can cause eye strain and nausea. 

Around 30 degrees is the ideal field of view. Trust your eyes and aim for a viewing position in that ballpark. You could even bust out the old protractor for accurate results.

Sound quality for small screens

TV speakers tend to deliver pretty average audio at the best of times, and unfortunately, smaller screens are often worse. The TV case just isn’t big enough to house the larger speakers that can really make an impact.

You may want to pick up a soundbar to improve audio quality, though they can be quite large and may not fit under a small TV. Even if it does, a long soundbar will look pretty out of place.

Headphones or a good-quality wireless speaker are good alternatives. Most small TVs have wireless Bluetooth connectivity, so you can enjoy better audio (depending on the quality of your headphones/speaker) without having to set up a soundbar.

Cheap but not always cheerful

Smaller models start at around the $250–400 mark, but our TV expert Denis Gallagher says there are plenty of average buys out there you should be wary of, regardless of price.

Our experts spend hours in our technology labs testing the audio and picture quality of a wide range of television models, and we also look at model specifications and features, how easy the TVs are to use, and energy efficiency.

To help you find a blockbuster, you can sort our expert TV reviews by price, size, brand, picture quality score, display type and more.

The best small TVs under $1000

If you’re after a quality small TV with a small price to match, check out these options that’ll give you the best picture for the least cash. Our TV experts have rounded up five small TVs that scored well in our testing, but that cost less than $1000 – these are the ones to look out for. Note that they don’t support 4K UHD resolution unless otherwise stated.

Our detailed TV testing data is available exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews. 

Or log in to unlock this article to see the best small TVs on a budget.

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It’s going to take up prime position in your living room and provide countless enjoyable hours of Netflix bingeing, sports watching or movie marathoning, so the choice of which TV to buy is an important one. 

TVs are one of the most popular discounted items come sale time. And you’ll likely find plenty of offers outside of regular sales periods too, as retailers try to offload unsold stock to make way for new models.

But our experts urge caution if you’re in the market for a new TV: retailers might discount some good-quality TVs, but they also discount plenty of mediocre models too. 

And no-one wants to be stuck with poor picture quality and sub-par sound for years to come. 

To help you sort the star performers from the B-grade extras, our TV experts test dozens of models in our lab each year. We evaluate key factors you want to know about, including picture quality, sound, remote, energy use, user interface and more.

Covering more than 90% of the market, we review popular brands such as LG, Sony, Samsung, TCL and Hisense, along with lesser known ones such as ChiQ, Ffalcon, and Aldi’s house brand Bauhn.

Do you even need a new TV?

Before you get swept up in the sales hype, stop and think about whether you actually need that new TV at all. (We’re not trying to be killjoys, we promise!)

If you’re happy with the picture quality of your existing TV, but feel like it’s just not smart enough, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new one – you can simply smarten up the TV you already own.

ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher explains how to turn a regular TV into a smart TV to breathe new life into your older model and save yourself hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.

The worst large TVs in our test

In our most recent lab tests, our experts found some terrific big-screen TVs alongside some very underwhelming models.Ìý

ChiQ U65M10F

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $699

Yes, this 65-inch TV seems like an absolute steal at $699 (or less if you get it on sale), but there’s a reason it’s priced so low.

It might look impressive at first glance, but it underperforms on some of the most important things you want a TV to do: make whatever you’re watching look good and sound good.

Picture quality is ordinary in both standard and high definition and our experts say the sound is dull and lacks presence (it doesn’t feel like the audio is filling the room). Even the 4K picture was a bit flat and pale.

Remember, too, that a large TV like this might not be suitable for your space: the larger the TV, the further away you’ll need to sit for the best viewing experience. 

Our experts recommend a viewing distance of around 248cm from a 65-inch screen, so if your lounge room isn’t particularly large, you’ll be better off with a smaller TV anyway – which means you might be able to get a better view for around the same or less money.

Our guide to measuring and choosing the right TV size will help you find the right size for your viewing pleasure.

Read the full ChiQ U65M10F review.

Hisense 65Q6QAU

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $1099

A $400 step up in price doesn’t translate to a step up in quality. This Hisense might be more expensive than the ChiQ, but it’s barely any better.

The high- and standard-definition picture quality is similarly disappointing and the remote isn’t exactly a joy to use, with our experts rating it as only ‘OK’.

It does deliver better sound quality, but it’s still a bit boomy. Sometimes, this makes the rest of the audio pretty hard to hear, including dialogue.

A number of 65-inch TVs we’ve reviewed that cost around the same performed far better, so we suggest looking elsewhere.

Read the full Hisense 65Q6QAU review. 

Samsung QA65Q7FAAWXXY

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $2069

We’ve seen a lot of new TVs that look great in 4K but pretty average in all other respects. This TV falls into this exact trap – 4K looks good to very good (depending on the settings) but SD and HD are only OK. 

While 4K is readily available on streaming services and discs, the majority of movies and shows are still only available in SD and HD. That means $2069 will get you a TV that’s only really good at one thing, and you won’t be able to use that thing most of the time.

The price point is a pretty hard sell as well. It’s not hard to find TVs that match, or outperform, this Samsung screen for under $1500. Maybe it would be a better buy on sale, but a pretty steep discount would need to be applied.

Read the full Samsung QA65Q7FAAWXXY review.

Toshiba 65C350RP

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $1095

Some picture quality concessions need to be made when you’re shopping on a budget. You’re not going to get the best screen in the world and that’s fine – but you can do much better than this budget TV from Toshiba.

Everything falls apart in our HD video assessment. Its borderline HD score of 54% puts it among the worst performers in this part of our test, with SD picture quality only faring slightly better at the lower end of OK (61%).

There are also issues with build quality and performance. Our experts noticed some light bleed, which is when white blotches appear around the edge of the screen. There are also signs of artefacting, an issue that makes the picture break up and turn blocky, mainly during fast-moving scenes.

Read the full Toshiba 65C350RP review.

The worst small TVs in our test

Small screens aren’t really designed to compete with the big dogs but they can still look quite good. These ones, however, do not.

Ffalcon FF32S55

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 64%
• Size: 32-inch
• Price: $199

Ffalcon has earned the esteemed honour of making the cheapest currently available TV in our test. It has also achieved the notable dishonour of being the lowest scoring model.

Compromises in picture and sound quality are normal when you’re shopping on a budget, but try to save a bit more money to avoid this disappointing display. Picture quality is just barely OK, and the built-in speaker is completely absent of bass while sounding harsh and lacking in detail.

The remote control isn’t half bad; it’s actually among the better ones we’ve seen, which includes expensive TVs from major brands. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the off button.

Read the full Ffalcon FF32S55 review.

TCL 32S5K

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Size: 32-inch
• Price: $399

TCL’s small TV costs $200 more than the Ffalcon above. Is it worth the extra dough? Not really.

Standard-definition picture quality is good and may sound fine if you tend to watch older movies and shows that haven’t been released in high-definition (HD). But high-def quality is very average and sound quality is poor with no bass, limited detail and an overall harsh feel – just like the Ffalcon.

You’re just paying twice as much money for a better standard-def picture. That’s not worth it, not in 2026 when the vast majority of content is available in HD. Skip the TCL and buy a TV that’s built for the modern age.

Read the full TCL 32S5K review.

Philips 32PHT6529/79

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Size: 32-inch
• Price: $299

In life, not everyone will shoot for the moon. Lots of folks are fine being an average sort of person and that’s OK. Philips has applied the same philosophy to this small TV – a far less acceptable approach when it comes to home entertainment.

Standard-definition picture and sound quality are both firmly OK – the kind of OK where you can’t really fix things by adjusting the settings. High-def, meanwhile, really falls apart as it skirts the line across OK and poor quality (57%).

However, its user interface is very good, almost excellent in fact. This is great news for people who love browsing menus.

Read the full Philips 32PHT6529/79 review.

Toshiba 43C350NP

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Size: 43-inch
• Price: $599

There are some pretty decent small-screen TVs out there for budget-conscious shoppers. This TV from Toshiba is not one of them. With this performance, it’s probably worth around $399, but there’s no reason this TV should cost more than $500.

SD picture quality is only OK, but HD is somehow worse, with only borderline results in our test. 4K has good colour and detail but it’s still very contrasty and not that nice to look at. It also sounds flat, dull and distorted at times.

Your guests are going to have to get nice and cosy on movie night too, because this TV’s viewing angle is very narrow. Move a little bit to the left or right and picture quality goes way down.

Read the full Toshiba 43C350NP review.

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The only problem? Retailers are also knownÌýto offload old or unwanted stock during the sales, so there are plenty of not-so-good TVs out there, too. Plus, with Boxing Day just around the corner, you may actually land a better deal if you wait just one more month.

ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher shares his tips on what to look for and how to bag a good TV for a discounted price in the sales.Ìý

Is Black Friday or Boxing Day the best time to buy a TV?

Our experts, with the help of industry insiders, have found that Black Friday is probably the best time to buy a new TV. That’s because there’s a big range of models with plenty of stock and big discounts.

“It’s a great time to update your TV as the 2025 models that were released in April and May have now been on the shelves for some time,” says Denis.Ìý“Companies have lots of stock that they want to move on before the end of the year.”

So, there’ll be plenty of TVs on sale – but this isn’t necessarily the right time to buy the cheapest TV possible.

“Black Friday is not the time to go looking for any old TV at rock bottom prices,” Denis says. “You’re better off looking at mid-range and premium-priced TVs where there’s enough of a profit margin for companies to knock sizeable amounts off the normal price while still making good coin.”

And even though the sales officially start on Friday 28 November, look around during the lead-up.

“Many retailers jump the gun and start discounting early, so keep an eye out from now,” says Denis.

Insider reveals: Black Friday has best range of TVs

A retail industry insider has revealed to ÌÇÐÄVlog that Black Friday sales have overtaken Boxing Day sales for TVs, in terms of offering both the best price and the best range.Ìý

That’s because there’s generally not much stock left after Black Friday, so retailers don’t have a lot of scope to offer the same big discounts in the Boxing Day sales.

The insider also explained that many suppliers release “event models” – TVs that come on the market just in time for the sales. Some are made especially for the sales event and they may not be available after that.Ìý

“If you find a great saving on one of these event models from big brands such as LG, Samsung or Sony, go for it,” says Denis.Ìý

Just bear in mind that we can only test TVs that are widely available, so we may not have been able to check them out in our labs.Ìý

The best time vs the cheapest time to buy a TV

So, Black Friday is the best time to buy (if you want a decent selection), but March to April is likely when you’ll find the cheapest TVs. This is when manufacturers run out the remaining models from the previous year to make way for the new ones.

But isn’t cheapest best? Not exactly. While March to April offers steep discounts, stock can be pretty limited. It’s a run-out period, after all, and once the TVs are gone, they’re gone. You have a better chance of snagging your dream TV during Black Friday, even if it costs a little more.

Otherwise, buying a year-old TV isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Unless you live for the latest tech, last year’s models will tick all the boxes,” says Denis. “A premium TV isn’t obsolete after 12 months.”

“TV technology doesn’t change as much as it used to year on year. Brands are mostly focusing on AI right now and picture quality improvements aren’t quite as stark.”

Keep a close eye on retailers during this window if you want to snag the best deal.

The brands to watch – and how much you could save

LG and Samsung are the two biggest names in TVs, and they’re the ones to watch, Denis says. And while you might not find big discounts on all large TVs, if you look carefully you might still find some.

“Samsung and LG were the first to release new models in 2025, and they’re likely to have the best deals on models that have been around for several months,” he explains.

“You’ll probably be able to find great deals on their OLED TVs, with some 65-inch TVs that ÌÇÐÄVlog recommends selling for around $1000 to $1500 less than the usual asking price during Black Friday.”

But although both LG and Samsung produce top-notch TVs, that doesn’t mean you should just grab any of their models that you happen to find at a good price. Even big-name brands sometimes make disappointing products, so don’t buy just on brand name alone.Ìý

The best thing to do is to brush up on what’s hot and what’s not by checking ÌÇÐÄVlog reviews toÌýfind the best TVsÌýbefore you buy.

Keep your options open

You might’ve had your eye on a particular TV for a while, but there are no guarantees that it’ll be on sale or still be available. To avoid sales disappointment, it’s best to keep an open mind about the product you want to buy.Ìý

“The best approach is to keep an eye out for the type of product you want, rather than a specific product, and you should be able to bag a bargain,” says Denis.

Be clear on the features you want

Research broadly and learn as much as you can about the type of features you’re looking for. Consider which features you can and can’t live without, as these could affect how much you’ll have to pay.

And of course, check our expert TV reviews to make sure you’re buying the best TV for your money.

Consider older models

It’s also worth considering a TV released the previous year. “There’s no real downside to buying last year’s model,” says Denis.

“The ‘smarts’ in smart TVs have progressed to the point where the features on offer for a 2025 TV will still be available on a 2024 TV through a software update.”

Plus, if you’re buying a 2024 model you might be able to bargain with the salesperson to have something extra thrown in to close the deal.

Bundle up

TVs aren’t the only home entertainment item on sale during Black Friday. You can find plenty of discounted devices to compliment a fancy new TV, like soundbars, streaming devices, headphones, games consoles and more. Like TVs, you can save even more money by buying older models, especially for soundbars.

Audio technology doesn’t tend to drastically jump forward every year, so a soundbar from 2023 or 2024 should be perfectly fine for consumers who don’t need the latest tech.

Sale prices are typically set so you probably won’t be able to haggle a much better deal by buying a soundbar and TV together during Black Friday. But the discounts may still be better than what you could negotiate outside this sales period. It’s always worth checking.Ìý

Just remember to demo audio products instore before you buy, if you can. Sound is subjective and you should always trust your ears when it’s time to shop around.

Should you go big or go home?

There’s an undeniable move towards large TVs right now – think 65-inch and larger (which is a problem for our expert testers, as they can’t fit as many TVs in our lab for testing!).Ìý

Retailers know there’s a demand for large TVs, so may be less willing to discount them.

“This means you should be able to bag an absolute bargain if you buck the trend and look out for 55-inch models in any of the higher-end OLED, QLED and Mini LED ranges from Hisense, LG, Samsung or Sony,” says Denis.Ìý

“You may have had your heart set on a huge TV, but remember that they’re not ideal for every home entertainment set-up – if you have a compact living room or are looking for something for the bedroom, a smaller size will be perfect.”

But if you do have the space for an extra-large TV, you might still find some good discounts.

“TV companies will also be offering incentives for the retailers to drop the price of the premium and largest models as they don’t want them to be hanging around when the new lot of 2026 TVs come out early next year,” says Denis.

The best Black Friday specials: Instore or online?

While many people will be shopping online, it’s not the only place you’ll find a bargain. Going old-school and checking out bricks-and-mortar retailers before clicking the ‘add to cart’ button can sometimes yield bigger savings.

“You might actually find that some of the best deals are instore,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher.

“Electrical retailers usually offer good discounts below the retail price around this time of year. But there will no doubt be some specific models from Sony, LG, Samsung and Hisense available at some exceptionally great prices piled up instore in an attempt to get you through the door.”

And don’t forget that with so many people buying online there could be bottlenecks with post and freight, so you could be left waiting longer than you’d like for your new TV to arrive – another reason to consider heading instore to shop.Ìý

When to buy online

If you’re planning to go extra large with your new TV, online may be the better way to go. “You most likely won’t be able to fit anything larger than a 65-inch model in your car,” Denis advises.

“So if you want a larger TV but you’re shopping instore, ask them to throw in delivery and basic installation as part of the deal.

“An alternative is to check out TVs in person to decide which one you want, then head home and order it online, where you’ll usually get delivery for free.”

The post Should you buy a TV in the Black Friday sales? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• When are new model TVs on sale?
• How to get the best deal on a TV
• Brand-by-brand guide to TV product codes
• Tips for your new TV

The End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales are now behind us, and we’ve now entered the glorious end of year period. Home entertainment tech always enjoys steep discounts across Black Friday and Boxing Day.

Just like during the EOFY sales, there are great savings to be had on remaining 2023 and 2024 TVs, as well as 2025 models that have been on shelves for around six months.

TV technology and features don’t tend to change as much as they used to from year to year, so you’re unlikely to miss out on much by buying a slightly older model at a discount. But you still need to know what to look for so you don’t end up paying full price for a TV that’s 12–24 months old.

Understanding TV model numbers and codes will help you walk into the store with confidence that you’ll know what to buy, especially if you’re looking to negotiate a better price.

When are new model TVs on sale?

Most of the latest 2025 Samsung and LG TVs were released in late April and early May. The number of TV types, sizes and models available will vary, with LG and Samsung selling the biggest range.

Sony gradually released its 2025 range throughout the year, a little later than LG and Samsung. Some 2024 models continue to be available.

Hisense and TCL have a number of LED, mini-LED and QLED models in stores as well. There’s a good selection available if you’re looking for more affordable options.

We still get asked about which Panasonic TV to buy and our answer is – none of them! The only place you should be seeing a Panasonic TV for sale is on Gumtree, as the company stopped selling TVs in Australia just before COVID broke out in early 2020.

New Zealand still has the latest Panasonic TVs available for Kiwi consumers and many of them are very good (we carry out testing for our sibling consumer organisation Consumer NZ).

How to get the best deal on a TV

It might be easier to convince someone on the shop floor that you won’t be tricked into buying last year’s TV without some serious discounting, but it also might be possible to drive a bargain with a local online retailer through the ‘chat’ feature commonly available on retail sites.Ìý

Knowing which are this year’s TVs and which are run-outs will help you bargain from a position of strength.Ìý

Make sure the salesperson knows that the TV they’re selling you may be the greatest, but it’s not the latest.

When shopping online or visiting a store, arm yourself with the right information on model numbers, so you can quickly recognise the difference between a great buy and a good price for ageing stock.

The trick is to know which TVs are 2025 releases and which are from 2024 or earlier.

Using ÌÇÐÄVlog reviews

In addition to new releases, ourÌýTV reviews also feature older models that are listed as discontinued. Models from 2024 or even 2023 may suddenly reappear in the sales at a drastically reduced price, and disappear just as quickly.

We keep discontinued models in our test for this very reason. You can see the results for older models by ticking the discontinued checkbox in the ‘related products’ tab on the left-hand side of the TVs review.

When shopping for a TV online, make sure your searches include the exact model name that’s in our review as well as the size so you can determine the online retailer with the best price.Ìý

Also, avoid simply clicking on a retailer on the first page of the search results, as shops that appear in the first few results often pay for the privilege of being at the top.Ìý

Using a TV’s product code

How do you find out the true release date of a TV? The secret is in the product code. Not only does it tellÌýyou the size and specifications of the TV, it also contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it.

Major retailers will be promoting very good deals from in the lead up to the Black Friday sales in November, followed by Boxing Day in December. The best bargains will be on 2024 models, but pretty well all 2025 TVs will have decent discounts applied as well.

You may also find some very good deals on TVs that were released in 2025 but haven’t been selling too well. Keep an eye out for 8K resolution models – though they normally have a high RRP (recommended retail price), they often drop to ‘bargain’ prices soon after release as consumers remain unmoved by 8K over 4K.

Brand-by-brand guide to TV product codes

Tips for your new TV

TVs are getting smarter

One of the biggest changes we’re seeing is an improvement not only to smart functionality, but also the ability to add new features to your TV through software updates. However, the improvements over the last couple of years have been minor, so don’t avoid a bargain TV from 2024 as it should be just as smart as a 2025 model.

Most new TVs, for example, can interact with other smart devices on your home network, and with tech like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. They can answer queries about the weather, turn on your air conditioner, talk to your smart fridge and order more milk, and turn off the smart lights when you go to bed.

But ask yourself do you want and need smart TV features before you splash the cash.

TVs are getting brighter

There is a push to get the nit levels (screen brightness) up on TVs. Some argue that the less than ideal TV-watching environment in many homes means more brightness is required to see all the content on a TV screen in a brightly lit room.Ìý

When looking at a TV in a retail store, keep in mind how bright the room is and whether this is in any way comparable to your lounge room at home. Don’t be swayed by the salesman highlighting the brightness of the TV – look at the picture and decide whether you can see all the detail in the bright and dark areas of the scene, as that’s the main aspect to consider.

Streaming costs are increasing

Keep track of your streaming subscriptions as most have steadily increased monthly fees over the last few years. Signing up to try Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and Binge for a short window may sound great, but you could easily end up spending over $100 a month if you forget to cancel them.

High-definition is (almost) dead

4K/UHD (ultra-high definition) is the most common resolution in new TVs. In fact, high-definition TVs are more or less extinct, save for a handful of budget, small-screen models (around 32- to 42-inches). 4K resolution uses 3440 x 2160 pixels. By contrast, a full HD TV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

But while 4K screens are the new norm, there’s still plenty of standard definition (SD) and HD content available. Many older TV shows and movies haven’t received the HD or 4K treatment and probably never will, for a variety of reasons.

What do all these numbers and letters mean?

• Standard definition (SD) is the format you’re watching when catching old reruns of 90s sitcoms like Friends. Most free to air stations broadcast in SD as well.
• High definition (HD) is high-definition broadcast TV (TV shows made in the past few years) and Blu-ray movies on disc. Most networks have at least one high-definition channel.
• 4K/UHD (Ultra High Definition) is the format used for the latest blockbuster movies streamed on Netflix or a 4K Blu-ray disc, which look great on a 65-inch or 85-inch display TV. Smaller TVs don’t show the higher detail clearly.

The arrival of 8K TVs (four times resolution of 4K) hasn’t had the same impact as HD and 4K. While it’s true that an 8K TV can deliver even more detail, there’s very little content that takes advantage of it. Most streaming services don’t support it and 8K Blu-ray discs don’t exist in the consumer space.

After the initial fanfare with TV companies hoping to convince you that you absolutely must have an 8K TV, things have calmed down, with only one or two of the highest priced TVs in each brand offering an 8K model.

Is your lounge room big enough for your big TV?

It’s not just a question of if it will fit. You should also consider the optimum viewing distance. Sitting too close to a big screen can be quite uncomfortable, while sitting to far from a small TV can ruin the viewing experience.

The ideal viewing distance for a 65-inch 4K TV – the most popular size in Australia – is 1.25 to 2.5 metres. If your room size forces you to sit closer, or if you really want a larger TV, then a 4K TV may be a good option to avoid that pixelation. Although remember, you’ll need to be watching 4K video for the best quality picture – and for now, most content is still in HD or even SD.

High-definition allows a bit more flexibility. You can sit up to 2.4 metres away if you’re watching HD video, even on a 4K TV. Check out our guide on how to measure and choose the right TV size for a detailed breakdown of matching the screen to your room.

The post How to buy a bargain TV in the sales appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• What's the best TV size for watching sport?
• How to test a TV for sports instore
• How to buy a good TV for watching sports
• Should you use the 'sports' picture mode?
• How we test TVs in sports mode (and more)
• The TVs sports lovers should avoid
• The best TVs for watching sport

When it comes to how well TVs perform in particular for watching sport, ÌÇÐÄVlog experts have found there are some star players you can rely on, as well as others you probably want to leave on the bench.

Our lab experts test models specifically for sport as part of their comprehensive TV reviews. We asked them to reveal the models that belong in the sin bin.

Plus, ÌÇÐÄVlog members get exclusive access to the list of budget, mid-range and premium TVs that earned the best results in our sports viewing panels. Not a member?ÌýJoin ÌÇÐÄVlog to unlock these results and more to help you find the best TV for your home.

What’s the best TV size for watching sport?

Bigger is always better, right? Not always with TVs – it depends on your room size and how close you like to be to the TV when you watch. If you sit too close to a massive screen, you may be able to see the pixels – and that’s not pretty.

There are three key factors to consider for the best viewing experience.

1. Your TV’s screen resolution (HD or 4K)
2. The size of your room
3. How far you sit from the screen

There are a few other factors that can help you fine tune the optimal place for your TV. Positioning the TV at the correct height and adjusting your seating for the best field of view are aspects that people tend to overlook, but they’re no less important.

How to test a TV for sports instore

Retailers usually play content that makes the TVs look as good as possible. Sports broadcasts are a completely different ball game (pun intended), so switch to a match or race for a more real-world representation. If that’s not possible, you could take in your own sports footage on a thumb drive or disc.

Evaluate key specs such as picture clarity (are the numbers on jerseys sharp?), motion, and colour balance (do skin tones look right?). Cycle through picture modes and note nasties such as judder (lack of smooth panning), motion blur (trailing elements behind fast-moving objects) artifacting and odd saturation.

Store TVs often have the volume muted too, so turn it up if you can and study the sound. Is it rich or tinny? How do commentators’ voices sound? If it’s ordinary, you might need to buy an accompanying soundbar.

How to buy a good TV for watching sports

Know your source

Before buying a new TV, you need to know the broadcast quality of your favourite sports. Are they shown in SD (720 x 576 pixels), HD (1920 x 1080) or ultra high definition (UHD), aka 4K (3860 x 2160)? The answer will vary depending on the sport and whether it’s being broadcast on free-to-air, Pay TV or on an online streaming service.

If you’re watching an SD broadcast on an HD TV, it needs to upscale the video to display at the higher resolution. How well it bridges this gap depends heavily on the quality of the unit and its internal processors.

This can vary notably between models and definitions, which is why we score separately for SD and HD sources during testing.

OLED or LCD – which is better?

According to our experts, OLED is the MVP (i.e. the best choice), particularly if you can control the ambient light in your TV room. But these are usually more expensive, so you’ll have to factor that in if you’re shopping on a budget.

What’s the difference? LCD (liquid-crystal display) TVs require a light source behind their screen panel, meaning they can go very dark grey but never full black. By comparison, OLED (organic light emitting diode) screens have lights integrated within each diode and they can simply turn off when required, giving you true blacks.

The trade-off is that OLED TVs aren’t quite as bright as LCDs. The difference used to be significant, but OLEDs have improved a lot in recent years with much brighter screens.

Now these TVs are much easier to watch during the day, but LCDs still have the edge in bright rooms. If you plan to use your TV in a room with lots of natural light, or undercover outdoors, it may be worth looking into an LCD model.

Suss the screen angle

Got friends coming round regularly for the footy? Then you’ll want to test the screen angle and ensure they’ll all be able to see well.

As you move sideways from the centre of the screen, most TVs will lose some colour and contrast. But the change is minimal on a good quality screen while a bad one can look like an entirely different TV.

To test viewing angle before you buy, stand in the middle of the screen at your normal viewing distance and then take a few steps sideways.ÌýIf the picture degrades too much, keep looking until you find a screen that does a better job. Your friends will thank you.

Should you use the ‘sports’ picture mode?

Most TVs include a ‘sports’ mode in the picture settings. This increases brightness and saturation so the visuals have more impact, but colours may not be entirely accurate. It can also activate motion smoothing depending on the brand and model.

Though film buffs rightfully recoil at the idea of motion smoothing, sports action like fast moving players or a ball flying across a field can be easier to view with this setting turned on. Just remember to turn it off when you flick over to movies or TV shows, because these look awful in sports mode.

This setting isn’t essential and whether it provides a better viewing experience will really depend on your personal preference. Give it a go and if it’s not to your liking, switch over to another picture mode.

Note, we test all TVs in the default picture settings. This is usually ‘standard’ mode, not sports.

How we test TVs in sports mode (and more)

In our extensive TV lab testing, our team of experts scores every model for sports in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) as part of our picture quality assessment. We watch footage from an AFL game recorded from a live TV broadcast on consumer TVs and our reference monitor.

This is from the same game broadcast on SD and HD channels.ÌýWe particularly look for things like ball movement and whether the crowd looks like blobs or individual people.

Our testing and research has shown that the picture quality, performance, features and specifications in 55-, 75- and 77-inch screens is extremely similar or identical to the 65-inch models we test.

Our test mainly covers 65-inch TVs, as this is the most popular screen size in Australia. But we still test one to two batches of small-screen TVs (26–47 inches) per year and some larger models.

We can’t test every single model on the market, so instead we use this research to calculate scores for 55-, 75- and 77-inch TVs. This is only applied to models within the same brand and product line – for example, picture quality in the LG OLED77C5PSA will have the same or near-identical results as the LG OLED65C5PSA TV we tested. We present these as ‘similar models’ in our test table.

Audio is the only exception. We found that sound quality has too many variables between TV sizes to deliver an accurate calculation. If a TV hasn’t been tested in our labs, its sound quality results are listed as ‘not tested’.

The TVs sports lovers should avoid

Listen up sports fans, these TVs will have your family and friends screaming obscenities from the stands. Avoid them if you actually want to enjoy an afternoon watching sports.

Worst budget TV for sports

Chiq U65M10F

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert rating: 66%
• SD viewing score for sport:Ìý50%
• HD viewing score for sport:Ìý65%
• Price: $899
• Screen size:Ìý65 inches

Even though this Chiq TV costs less than $1000, it’s not worth the asking price. Picture quality is pretty average for sports, movies and shows, so you’re better off saving up a little more for a 65-inch TV in the $1200 price range if you can.

Its just-OK sound quality sucks the life out of the room, while audio is detailed but gets hampered by an overall dullness that lacks presence. You’ll hear barely a whimper from the crowd when your team scores a try.

This TV’s only saving grace is good 4K picture quality. But the majority of matches still aren’t broadcast or streamed at this resolution and when it is available, it costs a premium to access. There doesn’t seem to be much point in purchasing a budget TV that only performs well with an expensive, limited format like 4K.

Read the full Chiq U65M10F review.

Worst mid-range TV for sports

TCL 65C8K

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert rating:Ìý72%
• SD viewing score for sport:Ìý55%
• HD viewing score for sport: 75%
• Price: $2999
• Screen size:Ìý65 inches

Like a baseball player asleep at the plate, this TV is a swing and a miss. HD sports broadcasts look good but that’s about it.

SD quality for sports, movies and shows is down at the bottom end of OK. Other HD footage looks better, but it’s still not quite good. 4K looks very good but to be fair, it’s hard to find a UHD TV that doesn’t look good at this resolution. It’s not worth buying for 4K alone.

It’s hard to find a compelling reason to suggest this TV when our experts have tested plenty of better models that cost the same, or less. Even on sale, this model is unlikely to ever reach the point of being a decent deal based on its performance.

Read the full TCL 65C8K review.

The best TVs for watching sport

Whether you’re sitting in the nosebleed section or you have cash to splash for field-side seats, these are the best TVs for sports fanatics.

The following is only available to ÌÇÐÄVlog members. Consider becoming a member to access all our detailed product reviews, with helpful information on everything from home appliances to insurance polices.

The post The best TVs for watching sport – and the models to avoid appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Researching which new TV to buy is a big job, made more difficult by all the terminology and new features available in modern TVs: LCD or OLED? HDR10+ or Dolby Vision? And what about the size?

Once you’ve decided on these factors, you’ll be faced with the next big question: which brand?

If you’re looking for a new TV, chances are that Samsung and LG are on your radar. And for good reason: they’re the two biggest names in the TV world, and their products frequently top our TV reviews. (Although not all of them top the charts, so check our expert TV reviews before you buy so you don’t end up with a dud.)

“Several years ago, the Australian TV market had a healthy level of competition, with Sony, Panasonic, LG, Samsung and Sharp fighting it out in Australian lounge rooms,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher.

“Today it’s basically a battle between Samsung and LG, with Hisense, Sony and TLC fighting for the minor placings, particularly for mid-priced TVs.”

Samsung and LG compared

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing a TV, whether it’s certain features you’re after, a specific size you want to suit your living space, great sound quality, or a budget you need to stick to.

It’s also important to consider the brand itself, including things such as:

• how reliable their products are
• their track record in customer service and customer satisfaction
• the type of warranty they offer
• whether technical support or repair is available if something goes wrong.

About the companies

Both LG and Samsung are reputable, large-scale companies who’ve been on the scene for quite some time.Ìý

They produce a large range of products including whitegoods, vacuums, air conditioners and home appliances.

They’re both South Korean manufacturers, although hardly any of their TVs for the Australian market are made in Korea any more. LG TVs are predominantly made in Indonesia; Samsung TVs are generally manufactured in Vietnam.

About our test – screen sizes

Our test mainly covers 65-inch TVs, as this is the most popular screen size in Australia. But our testing and research has shown that different-sized screens across the same model of TV are generally identical in most aspects. In other words, if you like the look of a 65-inch TV in this article but want to go bigger, you can expect the same picture quality in the equivalent 55- or 75-inch model from the same brand and product line. That’s why in our full review you will see 55-inch and 75-inch models listed too.

Audio is the only exception. We found that sound quality has too many variables between TV sizes to deliver an accurate calculation. If a TV hasn’t been tested in our labs, its sound quality results are listed as ‘not tested’ in our full test results.

This article only refers to TVs assessed by our experts, but you can browse the full selection of tested and reported models in our TVs review.

Operating systems

LG uses the Web OS operating system, while Samsung uses Tizen. Both operating systems cater heavily to a smart TV environment, with a strong focus on streaming apps, connectivity with other devices in your home and the use of a voice assistant.Ìý

“Updates to the operating systems will provide additional functionality and features such as extra streaming channels or improved smart home control,” says Denis.

“However, sometimes a feature you like will be removed, which can be frustrating. After a few years, updates on features will be less likely as many improvements require the latest processing chip.”

If your TV reaches the stage of no further OS updates, it doesn’t mean it will be useless.

“Don’t worry – you’ll be left with a TV that performs just as well as before, but not as well as the latest and greatest model.”

Read more about what changes to your operating system can mean.

Price

The lab-tested LG TVs in our review range in price from $1295 for a 65-inch LCD TV through to $5299 for a 65-inch OLED TV. Samsung TVs in our review range in price from $1299 for a 64-inch LCD TV through to $5299 for a 65-inch OLED TV.Ìý

“While smart TVs made dramatic improvements in connectivity and ease of use several years ago, this rate of improvement has become incremental over the last year or two,” says Denis.Ìý

“So don’t be afraid to purchase a TV that was released in 2024 if you can find it for a good price – you’ll get similar features and performance for less money.”

Remotes

The remote control is crucial to the TV’s operation and makes up a significant part of the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating for a TV.

Ìý“LG used to have a much more intuitive remote with clearly defined buttons, but this changed in 2025,” says Denis. “The new design is almost identical to Samsung’s – it’s attractive, but harder to use.”

“Both remotes require more button presses to get the job done. But if you’re comfortable with the use of voice assistants such as Google, Siri or Alexa and don’t mind drilling through menus rather than buttons on your remote, then this shouldn’t cause you concern.”

If you have trouble seeing the buttons on your remote and prefer to have clearly defined buttons to perform specific tasks (such as changing channels, launching Netflix, or changing the input), and you like colour-coding to find your Freeview TV channels, look for an older LG TV from 2024 or earlier.

Screen types

LG is typically known for its OLED TVs, which it’s been producing for more than a decade.

OLEDs have steadily improved in terms of screen quality and brightness to the point where OLED models routinely receive some of our highest overall scores, known as ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Ratings.

Samsung offers an alternative premium TV option with its Neo QLED TVs, but it’s since entered the OLED game as well. Even so, the Neo QLED range is still Samsung’s bread and butter. (Not sure what OLED and QLED mean? We cover this below.)

Warranty

Both brands offer a one-year standard warranty. Some of the more expensive models offer warranties up to five years. (Don’t forget that you’re still covered by the Australian Consumer Law, regardless of the manufacturer warranty.)Ìý

Overall brand vs individual model

While both LG and Samsung have solid reputations that are well-founded, buying based on brand alone can sometimes leave you disappointed. The performance, features and usability of specific product models can vary significantly – so don’t assume that all products from a reputable brand will give you what you want.

The best thing to do is to focus on individual models by checking ÌÇÐÄVlog reviews to find the best TVs before you buy, but there are some feature and function differences between LG and Samsung that may appeal to your particular needs.

ÌÇÐÄVlog best TV brand

We use our TV test results along with feedback from our members on satisfaction and reliability to come up with a best TV brand each year.Ìý

LG is undoubtedly ahead on our ÌÇÐÄVlog Best Brand TV scores: it’s taken out the gong every year since 2016.

Not only that, but LG ranks higher on just about every metric that contributes to a Best Brand score: reliability, customer satisfaction, average test score, and more.Ìý

Samsung’s scores certainly aren’t to be sniffed at, though: it’s not far behind for many of the scores. Sony is also a strong contender.

Here’s how they stack up:

LCD vs OLED screens – which is better?

Here are the basics of what you need to know about LCD vs OLED:

• LCD TVs are typically brighter than OLED. In rooms where lighting is inconsistent, they may perform better than OLEDs. However, colours don’t tend to be as rich or vibrant and dark scenes can look a little grey.
• OLED screens are usually more expensive than LCDs and can provide superior contrast and viewing angles, as well as being slimmer. But OLED technology can’t get as bright as LCD, so you’ll need a darker room for optimal viewing.

An LCD screen type that is also attracting attention is QLED (quantum light emitting diode). Samsung TVs have typically come with QLED screens, but they’ve made a foray into OLEDs in recent years. QLED replicates the contrast and vibrant look of an OLED while delivering a brighter picture.

“If the TV is well made, whether it’s LCD or OLED will make very little difference to the quality of the image. A good image is a good image. We’ve seen great performance from both screen types,” says Denis.

“There are differences but for the most part they’re a good deal less important than the quality of the manufacturer.”

How can you tell which screen type is right for you? Denis breaks it down.

• If you can control the lighting in your TV room (making it dark by closing the curtains, for instance), then an OLED TV presents a good option for a cinematic experience at home.Ìý
• If you’re in a room with challenging lighting conditions (shadows and streams of sunlight that hit the TV screen, and rooms that have lots of natural light), then you may want to consider a QLED or an LCD with stronger backlighting.

Default picture setting

Most people watch their TVs on the default picture setting – after all, who wants to waste time fiddling around with settings when you’ve got a brand-new TV you’re itching to watch?

For the most part, what you’ll get straight out of the box is going to give you great picture quality. Our experts actually test TVs on their default settings as we know that that’s how most people use them.Ìý

But what the default setting looks like can vary from brand to brand, and that’s especially true of LG TVs compared to Samsung – they deliver quite different out-of-the-box experiences in terms of colour.Ìý

“LG TVs tend to have a cooler look on the default picture setting,” says Denis.Ìý

“On the other hand, Samsung has decided to deliver a much more vivid colour gamut for its out-of-the-box mode.”

While that vividness might be eye-catching, you might not like it as much when you’re watching at home over time. This is where changing the settings can really enhance your TV watching experience.Ìý

“Playing around with the settings will give you a much better watching experience, and it’s well worth spending the time to tweak it to your liking,” Denis says.Ìý

“Try changing the brightness and contrasting colour settings to see what you prefer, but also make sure you know how to get the picture setting back to default as you could end up making it worse.”

Filmmaker Mode

If you want to take things to the next level, you need to know about Filmmaker Mode. It’s a preset picture mode in your TV that’s designed to make your screen look more cinematic, so what you’re seeing is as close to what the director intended it to be.Ìý

It was developed in collaboration with a number of prominent directors such as Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan. Many other directors have endorsed it.

Filmmaker Mode has only been around for a few years and it’s not supported by every brand or older TVs. All recently released Samsung and LG TVs have Filmmaker Mode, however, so it’s worth giving it a try on your new TV.Ìý

“We’ve found that Samsung TVs tend to look much better on Filmmaker Mode than on the default settings, so if you buy a Samsung, try switching to Filmmaker Mode when you watch movies to see if you prefer it,” says Denis.

Read more about the finer details of this setting in our article,ÌýFilmmaker Mode explained.Ìý

Samsung vs LG: Comparing the TVs

Outstanding OLED TVs

• LG OLED65B5PSAÌý– $3299
• Samsung QA65S85FAEXXYÌý– $3299

If you want to go big on screen size and budget, these OLEDs are likely on your shortlist. They’re quite similar TVs in many aspects – same screen size and almost identical features and functions. The only major difference is that Samsung TVs use HDR10+ while LG has opted for Dolby Vision (another version of HDR).

They’re also the same price. Keep an eye out though, as Samsung and LG TVs can have significant discounts during sales periods that may bring them into your budget.

Samsung entered the OLED market quite a bit later than LG. But even though Samsung has been making OLED screens now, we’re yet to test one that has matched, or outperformed, an LG equivalent. If you’re considering an OLED, you’re better off buying an LG.

They’ve both been tested in our ÌÇÐÄVlog labs to our exacting standards, which reveal a clear winner. Full TV reviews, including the best models, are available exclusively to ÌÇÐÄVlog members.

Lovely LCD screens

• LG 65QNED86ASAÌý– $2199
• Samsung QA65QN70FAWXXYÌý– $2199

If an expensive OLED screen doesn’t quite fit your budget, the more affordable LCD TVs are a great alternative with good picture quality. While you’re not going to get the same rich colours, deep inky blacks and images that pop off the screen, you’re spending up to $2000 less for a TV that’s just as big.

LCDs are typically brighter than their OLED cousins. So these screens may be a better choice if you’re watching TV in a well-lit room or during the day in a space with lots of natural light.Ìý

Performance results are comparable in most respects, though LG does have the edge if you’re watching 4K content. Samsung’s TV speaker, however, is considerably better, so you may not need to invest in a soundbar. But you definitely need one if you’re considering an LG LCD.

Speaking of soundbars, these TVs (and a few other models) unlock additional audio features and functions when paired with compatible models from the same brand. Factor this in when shopping around, as LG WOW Orchestra and Samsung Q-Symphony can deliver impressive results. Otherwise, the better LCD TV of the two is mostly a matter of personal preference.

Cheaper LCD alternatives

• LG 65NANO80ASAÌý– $1295
• Samsung UA65U8500FWXXYÌý– $1299

While they may not compare to the top performers, we’ve tested plenty of quality LCD TVs with a more reasonable price tag. Once again, these two have virtually the same set of features and earned similar scores in our picture quality assessment.

In this case, however, LG does deliver better sound quality and a remote that our experts found easier to use. Voice commands are also much more responsive and effective in the LG TV. This particular Samsung TV doesn’t let you record broadcast TV to a USB either.

The recommended retail price of each of these TVs has already dropped, even though they’re only a few months old. You may be able to nab them for less than $1000 during major sale windows – like Black Friday and Boxing Day.

ÌÇÐÄVlog members can access the full TV reviews. If you’re not yet a member, you can join ÌÇÐÄVlog to see all our reviews.

Artistically inclined TVs

• LG OLED65C5PSAÌý– $4299
• Samsung QA55LS03DAWXXY (aka The Frame) – $1799

While most TVs display a dull, black void in standby mode, art TVs are designed to replicate the look of a painting, drawing or photograph. Instead of the glossy finish that most consumer displays use, art TVs use a matte, LCD display that feels more like a canvas or print.

The Frame from Samsung is the most popular art TV. It can display a single image or a rotating selection of digital images from famous artists like Van Gough as well as a selection of smaller, independent artists. The Frame does a pretty convincing job of blending into the room when a static artwork is on screen.

LG doesn’t sell an art TV like The Frame. Instead, there’s a gallery mode built into most of its TVs, including the popular OLED range. However, the glossy finish and OLED display don’t look anything like a canvas or print.

The best option for you comes down to your main priority – interior design or home entertainment. The Frame is the best option for displaying digital art with a convincing canvas look, but it’s a little lacklustre for movies, shows and sports. LG’s OLED range performed very well in our home entertainment tests, but the art features feel like a bit of an afterthought.

ÌÇÐÄVlog members can access the full TV reviews. If you’re not yet a member, you can join ÌÇÐÄVlog to see all our reviews.

Can I connect a Samsung device to an LG TV, and vice versa?

If you have a Samsung device but you’re looking at an LG TV, don’t worry – they’ll still talk to one another. And the reverse is true, too: LG products will connect to Samsung ones.

So if you have an LG phone, tablet, soundbar, DVD or BluRay player, laptop or Bluetooth speaker, you’ll still be able to cast, mirror, screen share or otherwise connect them to a Samsung TV – and vice versa.

However, some products do unlock additional features if you match up the brands. For example, a few LG and Samsung TVs can deliver enhanced audio if you connect them to compatible soundbars. Read more about LG’sÌýÌýand Samsung’sÌý.

The process is pretty much the same as connecting any device to a TV, regardless of the brand. Find out more and read the how-tos from our experts:

• How to cast smartphone content to a TV
• How to connect your soundbar to your TV

How we test TVs

Our expert testers have 35 years’ experience testing TVs between them – they’re some of the most experienced TV testers in the country. It’s safe to say that they know their stuff.Ìý

Here’s how they put TVs through their paces to find out which are the best:

• We use a colour-calibrated reference TV to compare each model to make sure our scoring is consistent.Ìý
• Tests take around three weeks from start to finish as they’re so detailed. The results then go through our rigorous verification process, so you can have confidence in our results.Ìý
• To score picture quality, we assess how well the TV can handle a number of different source materials (such as movies, sports, 4K and more). This includes both a technical and subjective viewing panel.Ìý
• We obscure brand and model names during the test so there’s no chance of bias.
• A panel of three experts assesses SD, HD and 4K HDR content on each TV.Ìý
• We assess technical footage to check for things such as, jaggies (diagonal lines that appear as jagged or broken lines), judder and blur.
• Since the remote control is such an important part of using your TV, we assess how easy the remotes are to use.Ìý
• We assess the on-screen user interface, smart functionality and sound quality.Ìý
• Our expert panel also tests the quality of each TV’s speakers.

Learn more about how we test TVs at ÌÇÐÄVlog.Ìý

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On this page:

• Aldi's track record for TVs
• Special Buys tips

It’s TV time again in the Aldi Special Buys sale. From Saturday 20th September, you can pick up a 75-inch HD smart TV for $799 alongside your groceries, while stocks last. This is significantly cheaper than similarly-sized models with the same screen resolution and specifications from other brands.

The TV is from Aldi’s house label Bauhn, and it’s powered by LG’s WebOS, which comes pre-installed with streaming apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

At such a low price, it’s certainly a tempting deal. But how does this Aldi bargain really rate for quality – and is it worth buying?

Full disclosure: we can provide expert insights that can help you make up your mind, but we haven’t tested this exact model. Aldi products pop up at short notice and usually sell out quickly, so we haven’t been able to get our hands on this one to test it. (We do get the latest Aldi models in for testing whenever we can, though.)

However, we have tested other Aldi TVs in our labs and – spoiler alert! – Bauhn’s track record on tech doesn’t paint a pretty picture.

We spoke to ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher about the patchy performance from Aldi TVs in the past, and what you need to know before queuing up outside Aldi at sunrise.

Bauhn to be bad?

There’s no denying that Aldi does some products really well. Cheap ski gear and grocery staples, for sure. Electronics, not so much.

Our experts have lab-tested a range of Bauhn TVs over recent years, and one thing’s been consistent – they’ve almost always received pretty average scores. Not one has earned the performance results required for a ÌÇÐÄVlog recommendation.

Unfortunately, in this case, it seems you tend to get what you pay for.

“So far we haven’t really seen a Bauhn TV that’s performed especially well,” says Denis.

“Of course, that can change with new models – we’ve seen that with other brands – but despite the undeniably low prices, shoppers should be careful when considering these bargain models based on what we’ve seen.”

Aldi’s track record for TVs

“Previous test results have ranged from the low end of good to poor, so there’s a lot of room for improvement,” says Denis.

While we haven’t tested the exact model for sale on Saturday, we have tested a different 55-inch model: the Aldi Bauhn ATV55UHDW-0124.

Was it any good? Sort of, but not really.

Standard- and high-definition (SD/HD) picture quality only looked OK. 4K video looks good, though this content can come with a premium price tag on disc or streaming services. There’s a lot more SD and HD content out there.

It had OK sound quality as well, with our testers saying it sounds “a bit harsh while lacking in punch and warmth.” Not exactly one to wow your friends on movie night.Ìý

This is the highest scoring Aldi TV to come through our labs, with an expert rating of 70%. It’s a step up from other Bauhn models we’ve tested but still not good enough to be recommended by our experts.

Others have scored anywhere from 68% to as low as 59% overall. The 75-inch TV that’s currently available has similar specs and the same operating system as the 55-inch model that we tested.

“We can’t say for certain that this is exactly the same TV, but we suspect that performance scores, picture quality, sound quality, and other features are likely to be similar,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog tech expert Peter Zaluzny. Basically what this means is that the hardware and interface that you interact with are probably similar, if not identical.”

“But the larger screen and speakers could mean that picture quality and sound performance are different from the 55-inch model.”Ìý

Previous Special Buys have included a 75-inch Baun TV priced at $899 that used the Tizen operating system from Samsung, rather than LG’s WebOS.Ìý

It boasted a decent range of features, but fell flat in our lab tests with a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of 67%. Picture and sound quality results in particular, were only OK across the board.

Aldi TVs have often feature in our list of TVs to avoid buying due to their low scores.

Special Buys tips

• Aldi’s Special Buys stocks are limited, and popular products can sell out quickly.
• You can on the Aldi website.
• If you’re heading instore, check the weight and size of the item you’re buying to make sure you can transport it home.

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On this page:

• Can I use Windex or other supermarket spray cleaners on my TV?
• How can I clean a TV screen?
• Cleaning dust, fluff and light smudges
• Removing fingerprints, food and other stains
• Are screen cleaning sprays useful?
• Cleaning a TV remote
• Other TV cleaning tips
• Should I buy a TV screen protector?

Screens are magnets for dust and other icky things, which can be quite distracting when you’re trying to catch up on the popular streaming show of the day. But sticky food stains and the wayward fingerprints of an adventurous toddler don’t have to be permanent additions to your TV.

These screens are very sensitive, and household cleaners and solvents will cause irreversible damage. Most marks can be cleaned with some dry, gentle wiping or a little distilled water.

Can I use Windex or other supermarket spray cleaners on my TV?

No. Do not use Windex, Ajax, Easy-off Bam or any other glass, surface or antibacterial cleaners on your TV. They will ruin it.

There’s a layer of coating on your TV screen that protects the glass display and does all sorts of things to improve picture quality, like reducing glare, improving contrast, enhancing colours and so on. Glass and surface cleaners will strip this coating right off, leaving you with a streaky, blotchy, cloudy-looking screen.

You should also stay away from cleaners that contain alcohol, acetone, ammonia and similar chemicals, as well as acidic options including diluted vinegar. Even soap and water, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaners and washing powder will leave permanent streaks.

How can I clean a TV screen?

This depends on whether your TV needs a light or deep clean. Turn off the TV before you begin. It’s easier to see smudges and marks on a black screen compared to whatever competitive cooking show happens to be on.

Dust, fuzz and light marks or fingerprints are easy to remove with a dry, microfibre anti-static cloth (the kind used to clean glasses, phone screens and camera lenses). Heavy duty gunk, goo and marks from grimy hands may require a bit of distilled water or, in extreme cases, specific cleaners for electronic screens.

Don’t use paper-based items like tissues, paper towel, toilet paper or newspaper, or coarser fabrics including towels, dishcloths, sponges or the hem of your shirt. These can scratch the screen.

Cleaning dust, fluff and light smudges

Start by gently wiping the screen with a microfibre cloth in small, circular motions. This should remove almost all of the dust that’s clinging to the TV. Don’t press too hard or you will damage the screen.

You may need to make another pass or two for light fingerprints and smudges. Apply a little more pressure if required but keep it restrained. This is a situation where extra elbow grease isn’t the answer.

Stop cleaning if smudges etc. aren’t lifting with the dry cloth. They may need a little moisture.

Removing fingerprints, food and other stains

Particularly stubborn smudges and sticky things should lift with a bit of distilled water. Tap water is full of minerals that can streak or scratch the coating and should be avoided.

Don’t spray anything directly onto the screen. Liquids can trickle down and seep inside the TV which will fry the internal electronics. They can also leave dry streaks and spots on the screen which are difficult to remove.

This job requires three microfibre cloths – one for dusting, one for cleaning and another for drying. You’ll also need a clean (or preferably new) spray bottle for the distilled water. Avoid old bottles that have been kicking around the house, there may still be chemical residue within that won’t do your TV any good.

First, dust the TV. Moist particles can smear and stick to the screen so it’s important to clean the fuzz before using the distilled water.

Now, lightly spray the second microfibre cloth until it’s damp – not wet. Don’t drench the cloth or dip it in water as the excess moisture could leave streaks or seep into the TV.

Gently wipe the screen using small, circular motions until the smudges and gunk have lifted. Then, grab the dry microfibre cloth and clean the area one more time, removing any remaining moisture and marks.

Are screen cleaning sprays useful?

Specialised sprays for electronic screens may work as a last resort when something sticky or crusty just won’t come off. We haven’t tested these and can’t comment on their effectiveness.

They should be safe to use, as long as the ingredients don’t include anything that can damage the screen coating – such as alcohol, acetone or ammonia. Make sure that the cleaner is specifically safe for TVs, not just electronic devices in general.

Keep an eye out for isopropyl alcohol in particular as this is a common ingredient in electronic cleaning wipes. You can use 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean some devices, like smartphones, but it isn’t safe for TVs.

Follow the same cleaning steps as those outlined above for distilled water if you decide to use these cleaning sprays. Don’t spray the screen, just lightly dampen a microfibre cloth and proceed. It’s probably best to avoid electronic cleaning wipes as these are pre-moistened and may be too damp.

Cleaning a TV remote

Your TV screen might look a bit grimy, but when was the last time you cleaned your remote control? You know, the thing that’s getting touched every day by hands that have been who knows where.

Fortunately, the remote is far less sensitive than the TV screen and easier to clean. Just remove the batteries (if applicable) and give it a rub with 70% isopropyl alcohol electronic cleaning wipes which you can find at any major retailer or online. You can also use a damp cloth or rag with an electronic-safe cleaning spray.

Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the remote or drench your cleaning cloth. Like TVs, fluid can seep in between the buttons and damage the components. When you’re done, pop the remote aside until it dries.

Other TV cleaning tips

A bit of maintenance will keep your TV looking sharp.

1. Dust the TV’s vents about once a fortnight. This helps regulate airflow which will keep the TV cool and extend its lifespan.
2. Regularly clean the area around the TV as well, including the wall, unit or TV stand (depending on how the TV is mounted). Keep an eye out for cobwebs, too.
3. Unplug the TV and dust around the buttons and inputs (such as HDMI) from time to time. You don’t need to do this very often.
4. Please, don’t spot clean the TV with saliva and an old rag. That’s just gross.

Should I buy a TV screen protector?

TV screen protectors exist. But they’re more like plastic shields that sit in front of the screen, rather than the adhesive sheets that you’re used to seeing on smartphones.

We haven’t tested these and can’t comment on their effectiveness but our experts agree that they would most likely have a major impact on image quality. After all, you’re basically watching TV through a plastic window. Instead, just try to keep the TV out of reach of potentially destructive or sticky hands.

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