There are so many wonderful TVs now available, there’s a good chance even those that didn’t make our top picks could be a fantastic option for you. Here are some of our favorites that just missed the cut.
TCL Q6 (2024): This affordable model from TCL has some of the most impressive highlights I’ve seen on a cheap TV without fancy local dimming. I really like how good the colors are, especially when watching modern classics like Dune or Mad Max Fury Road. A built-in Google interface makes streaming and casting a breeze, and TCL has a history of making moderately priced screens that last, so you don’t have to cross your fingers too much about your purchase.
Sony Bravia 7: The Bravia 7 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a gorgeous display, offering brilliant brightness, naturalistic colors, and suave finesse in the subtle details. Its biggest knock is poor off-axis viewing, which could be tough to swallow at its high list price. Otherwise, it’s worth considering for fans of that Sony glow, especially since Sony seems to be discounting its best QLED TVs much more liberally than its OLED models.
TCL QM7: There’s only one thing keeping the beautifully balanced QM7 (6/10, WIRED Reviewed) off our main list: a software glitch. During my review, I experienced an issue where adjusting SDR backlight levels affected HDR, which can lead to severe brightness limitations. While TCL fixed the issue in a firmware update for me, it’s not available broadly. Most folks probably won’t have this issue, so the QM7 is still worth considering, but a broader OTA firmware update has yet to arrive.
Samsung S95C: The S95C (8/10, WIRED Recommends) remains a fantastic choice while available. It may even be the better option for those who don’t want or need the matte screen of the 2024 model. It still stands as one of the very best OLED TVs you can buy—especially given its seriously accessible sale pricing.
Samsung QN90C: Another potential deal while still available, Samsung’s QN90C (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was long one of our favorite bright-room TVs. It’s available in a wide range of sizes and provides a bright and colorful picture and plenty of goodies—especially enticing on a megasale.
