Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Audio / Video
  3. Products

Here are Netflix’s picks for the best 2019 TVs for streaming its shows

By

Netflix has released its list of the best 2019 TVs for — you guessed it — streaming Netflix. Known as “Netflix Recommended,” it’s a list that the company has been updating since 2015.  Generally speaking, to be awarded a Netflix Recommended stamp of approval, a TV must let you:

  • Get to Netflix within just a few seconds
  • Move quickly and easily between different apps
  • Get the latest version of Netflix
  • Have access to all the newest features for a better browsing experience

However, there are also specific criteria that a TV must meet in order to be offered a Netflix Recommended rating. Previously, TVs needed to meet at least five of these seven criteria:

  • Instant on (TV starts up and provides access to apps like Netflix immediately)
  • Latest Netflix version (TV must ship with the latest version and support new features like video previews)
  • Fast app launch (The Netflix app must launch “quickly” whether it’s just after the TV starts, or when switching from another app)
  • Netflix button (There needs to be a dedicated Netflix button which, when pressed, can start the TV and take you straight into the Netflix app)
  • Netflix icon (The Netflix app must be easy to find when you access your TV’s apps)
  • TV resume (The TV remembers exactly where you were when you turned it off, e.g. looking at the episode list of Supernatural, and takes you back there when you turn it back on)
  • High-res Netflix interface (The Netflix app must be presented in at least 1080p resolution, making text as legible as possible)
Recommended Videos

For 2019, the company has tweaked this formula slightly. TV Resume has now been incorporated into Instant On, and a new “Always Fresh” criteria now rounds out the seven items. Always Fresh is a requirement that the TV keeps the Netflix app running in the background, even when the TV is in sleep mode. Every so often, the TV triggers the Netflix app to refresh in that background state, which means there will be almost no lag next time you fire up the app and pick your profile icon. Instead of waiting for the spinning red circle to be replaced by the Netflix home screen, it should show up right away.

Related

Curious about which TVs have made the cut for 2019? So far the list is small but includes:

  • Samsung Q60R/Q70R/Q80R/Q90R/Q900R series, RU8000, The Serif and The Frame devices
  • Sony BRAVIA X85G(XG85)/X90G(XG90) series and A9G(AG9) series
  • Panasonic VIERA GX700/GX800/GX900 series

It’s possible that more TVs will be added to the list over the remainder of the year. Not every TV that qualifies for a Netflix Recommended designation will display the mark on the box, as participation in the Recommended program is voluntary, and not every manufacturer participates.

Updated June 20: We previously suggested that manufacturers had to submit their TVs for evaluation by Netflix. Netflix evaluates all TVs with a certified Netflix implementation for its Netflix Recommended program.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Simon Cohen
Simon Cohen
Contributing Editor, A/V
Simon Cohen covers a variety of consumer technologies, but has a special interest in audio and video products, like…
Netflix expands its anti-password sharing scheme
Netflix app icon on Apple TV.

Anyone who's using someone else's Netflix login has been waiting with bated breath for more details about whether they're soon going to have their friends pay more, get their own account, or something more draconian. Today, the streaming service outlined plans for four more countries — but the U.S. is not among them.

In a blog post reminding us all that more than 100 million households share accounts, Netflix said that it's rolling out new rules in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. "Our focus has been on giving members greater control over who can access their account," the company said.

Read more
Netflix expands its spatial audio, number of devices that can download content
Netflix app icon on Apple TV.

Netflix Premium subscribers are getting an enhancement to their service starting today. The streaming company has increased the number of devices that can download content for offline viewing from four to six. It's also expanding the spatial audio feature it launched in 2022, making spatial audio available on its top 700 titles. The new features are included in the current price of a Premium plan.

Spatial audio on Netflix is similar to Dolby Atmos -- it creates a much more immersive, 3D-like audio experience where sounds feel like they're moving independently of the rest of the soundtrack. However, unlike Dolby Atmos, Netflix's spatial audio can be experienced on any device that has stereo speakers whether they are Dolby Atmos-capable or not.

Read more
The best TVs of CES 2023
LG 97-inch Signature OLED M3 4K TV and Zero Connect box.

The last couple of years of CES have been odd, to say the leas. First there was a weird digital-only year, and then last year's kind of cautious toe-dip, neither of which delivered the marquee splendor that we all look to CES for: eye-popping, big, beautiful TVs!

Good news: CES 2023 showed us that the massive technology conference is back in full force, more than making up for it with some stunning new TVs from all the major players and then some. There were some surprises on the show floor, and a lot to talk about, which we will keep doing well into review season, but for now, here's our recap of the best TVs of CES 2023.
Samsung S95C and S90C QD-OLED TVs

Read more