If you’ve been shopping around for a new TV, your brain is likely chock-full of acronyms and tech terms. We’re willing to bet that you’ve seen one group of letters again and again while researching the best TVs of 2024: QLED. An acronym for “Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode,” a QLED TV combines traditional LED backlighting with a layer of quantum dots. (We have a full explainer that answers the "what is QLED" question, too.) When charged, these dots enhance the brightness, colors, and contrast levels of a QLED, making for some of the most vibrant colors you’ll ever see on a modern set. And because they can get so bright, QLED TVs are some of the best sets for brightly lit rooms.
Made by just about all of the best TV brands in the game right now, QLED TVs are great gaming TVs, too, especially when running HDR titles on a modern console. As you can guess, there’s no shortage of QLED sets to choose from, which is why we’ve put together this roundup of all our favorites for 2024. Here are the best QLED TVs you can run out and buy today.
The best overall QLED you can buy
Sony Bravia 9
- Super-clean picture
- Deep blacks, minimal blooming
- Excellent contrast
- Searing HDR highlights
- Excellent motion handling
- Backlight fluctuations visible in dark rooms
- Very expensive
Every once in a while, a TV comes along that just blows us away, and that is precisely what happened in August when we reviewed Sony's much-hyped Bravia 9 mini-LED TV.
The Sony Bravia 9 is a simply gorgeous TV that excels in bright rooms thanks to Sony's new IC processing chip that Digital Trends' editor-at-large (and TV reviewer supreme) also praised as being responsible for some of the most accurate colors, contrast, and brightness levels he's ever seen on a mini-LED, so you can rest assured that this set will be excellent for all your movie and TV viewing. Additionally, the Bravia 9 also supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR formats, ensuring excellent contrast.
With two of its four HDMI ports being HDMI 2.1 that support 4K/120Hz and VRR (variable refresh rate), the Bravia 9 is not only excellent for fast-moving action movies but gamers will be smiling ear-to-ear, too. The other two HDMI ports aren't slacking either, with support for 4K/60Hz — all four ports support ALLM (auto low latency mode) that automatically adjusts the picture quality modes depending on the source input.
As Denison points out in his review, the Bravia 9 could do better at off-angle viewing, but it's not likely to be a deterrent unless that's a specific concern to you. The Bravia 9 also features a big and bold sounding 70-watt, 2.2.2 audio system built-in, which means you might not need to add a soundbar or an AV receiver and additional speakers.
Hisense's beautiful and bright QLED for 2024
Hisense U8N ULED TV
- Intense brightness
- Deep blacks/contrast
- Vibrant, accurate color
- Great sound
- Overly bright HDR
- Poor off-angle viewing
Hisense's U8 QLED TV for 2024 is the U8N, and it's a diamond in the rough just like its predecessor, the U8K (also on this list). Impossibly bright, sharp, and colorful for the price has been Hisense's (and TCL's for that matter) calling card for years now, making them attractive QLEDs for the value-conscious. They range in size from 55 to 100 inches and in price from around $1,000 to $5,000.
Like its predecessor, the Hisense U8N's picture is crazily close to that of an OLED. It's technically considered a mini-LED backlit, quantum-dot-infused LCD TV that Hisense calls ULED, but it competes directly with QLED, which is why it's on this list. Thousands of local dimming zones make for some excellent peak brightness levels as well as some deep, inky blacks. Plus, the quantum dots make for some vivid and accurate colors.
All the best picture support features are here too, including HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision, and for gamers it's also got a refresh rate of 144Hz and features variable refresh rate (VRR) and is FreeSync Pro certified. Our reviewer Caleb Denison loved the picture quality on the TV, praising its brightness and backlight control as being close to the LG G4 OLED, which is high praise.
The U8N runs on the Google TV operating system, so you have access to all your streaming services and other apps form the Play Store. Google Assistant, YouTube, and YouTube TV are pretty well weaved into the TV, for those who like those sorts of things.
Denison's final word on the Hisense U8N: "It’s freaking awesome to behold. It’s easily one of the best buys of 2024. Maybe even the best buy of the year."
Our favorite TCL QLED
TCL QM8 Series (2024)
- Astonishing peak brightness levels
- Rich colors and inky blacks
- Plenty of gaming optimizations
- Competitively priced
- Not the best off-angle viewing
- Minimal light bloom during darker scenes
We were up in arms over the first-gen version of the TCL QM8 Series, and the second version of this long-awaited flagship has finally arrived. Rocking TCL’s latest AIPQ Engine Gen 3 processor, this advanced CPU is capable of delivering twice the brightness of the original QM8. The new QM8 also supports up to 5,000 local dimming zones, allowing for optimal illumination levels regardless of the source. And while there’s still a little trouble with haloing during dark scenes (it’s an LED, after all), these instances are few and far between.
The latest QM8 Series delivers exceptional HDR performance. Supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, the QM8’s quantum dots provide astonishing highlights when watching HDR content. Each of the four HDMI ports are also 2.1 certified, ensuring you’ll get the best response time and lag reduction. This is particularly great for gaming, and the QM8 even has a built-in Game Mode with VRR support. The TV also supports 4K/144Hz and 1080p/240Hz.
When it comes to smart TV content, the QM8 uses Google TV OS for apps, games, screen mirroring, and smart controls. While we do wish we could say more about the QM8’s viewing angle (this is a TV you’ll want to sit as centered with as possible), some sizes actually cost less than $1,000.
Great for gaming
TCL Q7 QLED
- High brightness
- Great contrast
- Vivid color
- Great for gaming
- White balance is just bad
- Color is technically inaccurate
- Inconsistent picture quality from streaming apps
We’ve been very impressed by TCL’s Mini LED models over the last few years, so it’s no surprise that the brand gets more than one mention in our roundup. Sitting one rung below the QM8, the TCL Q7 is another awesome QLED that competes with models like the Hisense U7K and the Sony X90L. We tested the 65-inch version ourselves (it’s also available in 55-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes), and were taken aback by the Q7’s high brightness output and vivid colors.
Now as far as nit metrics go, the TCL Q7 is a bit on the lackluster side Not only did it score some so-so peak brightness readings (around 1,100 nits) with HDR playback, but the meh results found their way into SDR content too (about 700 nits for peak brightness). Compared to TVs like the Hisense U8K, the Q7 just doesn’t touch the kind of QLED brightness of some of its competitors, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to love about it.
Two of the Q7’s four HDMI inputs are full-bandwidth 2.1 ports that support 4K at up to 120Hz. It also runs the latest version of Google TV for all your Netflix and Prime Video streaming needs. Plus, you’ll be able to use Google Assistant to search for media and control your smart home devices, and there’s also AirPlay and HomeKit support.
In a way, we love the TCL Q7 because it’s not a perfect QLED. But what it does well, it tends to do very well, and the price just can’t be beat.
The best runner-up QLED TV
Samsung QN90C Neo QLED
- Class-leading HDR performance
- Excellent black levels, backlight control
- Outstanding color performance
- Powerful processing
- Premium design and build
- Frustrating Smart TV OS
- Lofty price
It’s hard not to love a Samsung TV. Over the last decade or so, the manufacturer has consistently delivered one amazing set after another, and has been producing some top-notch QLEDS for several years now, and this year's crop should prove to be no different.
Until we get our hands on the 2024s for ourselves, we'll still sing the praises of the 2023 Samsung QN90C. Available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches, the QN90C is going to be the best QLED for most folks; although some may be interested in taking things a step further with the flagship performance of the Samsung S95C QD-OLED.
As for those of us who choose to remain with a more traditional QLED, the QN90C has it all. We’re talking near-impeccable HDR performance, chart-topping peak brightness levels, terrific reflection handling, and some of the best gaming features you’ll find. Many of these features are further enriched by Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 4K, which optimizes each and every source to give you as much picture detail as possible, whether you’re watching brand-new Netflix 4K HDR releases or your vintage DVD collection.
When it comes to contrast, QLED TVs are also getting better at acting more like OLEDs, which bodes well for those of us who want our movies and TV shows to be packed with rich colors and amazing black levels. The QN90C is an LED-powered TV, and we did notice a bit of light blooming during darker scenes, but that’s a small grievance about an otherwise remarkable picture.
The 65-inch model of the Samsung QN90C currently has a major discount on Samsung's website. You can grab it for $1,700, which is a massive $1,100 discount from its regular price of $2,800.
The best 8K QLED
Samsung QN900C Neo QLED TV
- Delivers up to 8K resolution
- Excellent local dimming capabilities
- Intuitive smart TV platform
- Expensive
- Not a lot of 8K content out there
Many consumer tech companies put the cart before the horse, and the world of TVs may be one of the biggest offenders when it comes to horse-less transportation. In the case of a TV like the Samsung QN900C, our equestrian analogy is best represented by a hardware versus software comparison. Quite simply, the QN900C is an amazing 8K TV, but we’re still living in a world that is primarily dominated by 4K and 1080p content.
Fortunately, Samsung’s next-gen QLED has some fantastic picture processing tech under its hood. The QN900C is outfitted with Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Pro, which itself is powered by mini-LED lighting. Translation, please? You got it! Matrix Pro is Samsung’s fancy-pants terminology for local dimming zones (a small block of LED lights), and because the QN900C uses mini LEDs, the QLED has a lot of control zones. At the end of the day, this means you can expect the QN900C to deliver excellent peak brightness and color brightness to the parts of the panel that require said brightness, while the rest of the screen is enshrouded in darkness (that’s a good thing).
And because this is an 8K TV, the QN900C will upscale whatever 4K or regular high-def HDR and SDR sources you feed it. Of course, you won’t be looking at a true 8K image, but it’ll be dang close! This is also an Infinity One Samsung QLED, which means the chassis is extremely thin and there’s essentially no physical frame to speak of. So, when it comes time to plug in your components, you’ll be doing so with the TV’s external One Connect box (because there’s no HDMI ports on the TV itself).
If you’re into future-proofing your consumer tech, the Samsung QN900C is an 8K TV that will rule your home theater setup for years to come.
The best budget QLED TV
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED
- Excellent Fire TV experience
- Great smart home hub
- Adequate picture performance
- Fun features
- Lacks HDR punch
- Price-to-picture performance ratio is off
Amazon has been making its own TVs for a few years now, and while these models definitely err toward the more “budget-friendly” side of the price and quality spectrums, we’ll admit that we were pretty impressed by the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series. Available in 43-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, the Omni QLED delivers a pretty great picture. Now, it’s not the touting the most amazing specs and features in town, and the fact that the Omni QLED only tops out at 60Hz is a bit disappointing, but where the Omni QLED truly shines is in its Fire TV smart UI.
From the ground up, this is a TV built around Amazon’s larger smart home ecosystem, to the point where the Omni QLED has Alexa built right into it. This means you can fire off voice commands right from your living room couch, as well as control everything from smart lights and locks to web-connected security systems. You’ll even be able to see a live view from any compatible smart cameras right on your TV screen. And when the Omni QLED is powered down, you’ll be able to use the Fire TV Ambient Experience to display artwork and photos.
Other add-ons like Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive support bring a few more picture perks to sweeten the deal. Again, the Fire TV Omni QLED may not be the best QLED ever made, but it’s definitely worth adding to our list.
Also consider
Hisense U7N
- High brightness
- Great contrast
- Vivid color
- Surprising accuracy
- Great for gaming
- Poor off-angle viewing
- Risk of dirty screen effect
The Hisense U7N doesn’t bring as much brightness and picture processing to the table as the U8N Series (another pick on this list), but it’s still a phenomenal QLED TV. Rocking Hisense’s Hi-View Engine PRO CPU, the U7N carefully optimizes whatever content you’re watching. This CPU enhances the picture quality by reducing artifacts and enhancing sharpness, providing a result that’s as sharp-looking and artifact-free as possible. And thanks to those lovely quantum dots, the U7N is able to kick things into high gear when it comes time to watch HDR movies and shows.
Available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, the Hisense U7N supports 4K/144Hz and VRR. This is great news for gamers who plan on connecting PlayStation and Xbox consoles to the TV. Expect next to no input lag and fast response times, along with an automatic Game/PC Mode that calibrates picture settings to suit best the hardware you’re plugging in. We’re particularly impressed by how well the U7N performs in a brightly lit room, a testament to its adaptability to different lighting conditions. It even holds its own in a darker setting.
Off-angle viewing is one of the only troubles with the U7N so that the TV may work best in smaller to medium-sized viewing spaces. While it doesn’t get quite as bright or colorful as the U8N, the Hisense U7N is still quite the QLED to be reckoned with. At times, this TV even manages to deliver the kind of picture reserved for the best OLED TVs of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
The "Q" in QLED stands for quantum dot, a nanoparticle that emits light when energized. Quantum dots can be tuned to emit specific wavelengths of light, so TV makers add green and red quantum dots in a layer over their blue LED backlights, which creates a much purer white light than a single LED backlight can create on its own. With a pure white backlight, the TV's color filters can produce much more accurate colors, leading to significantly better picture quality than regular LED TVs.
UHD stands for ultra-high definition, also known as 4K. It's a description of resolution, or the number of pixels that make up an on-screen image. It can refer to the resolution of a specific piece of content (many streaming services offer movies in UHD) as well as the native resolution of a TV. QLED refers to the kind of display technology a TV uses (see above). QLED TVs come in various native resolutions, from HD to 8K, including UHD.
It depends. Right now, QLED TVs are capable of getting brighter than OLED TVs, which deliver better black levels and contrast. We feel that OLED TVs still produce a better overall picture quality, but if your viewing area is especially bright, or if you want a really big screen, QLED models might be a better choice for you.
Once again, it depends on your particular situation. For instance, if you want a TV for your patio, where it will experience partial or full sun, an OLED TV simply won't get bright enough to compete with all that daylight, and a QLED TV is definitely superior. On the other hand, if you can darken your media room whenever you want, an OLED TV will still deliver the deepest blacks and highest contrast.
Finding the right QLED TV for you is all about balancing size, picture quality, features, and price. First, figure out your budget, then prioritize the rest of your list. If getting the biggest TV for your money is the top priority, you'll be able to find 75-inch and larger models from brands like TCL, Vizio, Hisense, and LG that are still quite affordable. If picture quality matters more – especially when viewing HDR material – you should choose a model with a very high peak brightness. If gaming is a top consideration, make sure you find a model that's equipped with VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz for the best possible experience.
Samsung has two flagship QLED models depending on whether you want 8K resolution. The QN900C is the company's top 8K model, and the QN90C is its top 4K model.
Yes, but picking the right model is key. You'll want to look for a TV that has the latest HDMI 2.1 features, like VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz. Another feature that gamers will appreciate is support for AMD's FreeSync or Nvidia's G-Sync, which are two proprietary VRR technologies used by game consoles like the Xbox Series X and many gaming PCs.
No. Burn-in is a permanent form of image retention caused by leaving the same image on a TV for many hours at a time. In OLED TVs, this can cause individual pixels to age prematurely, leaving the "shadow" of some parts of the image on screen even after the image has changed. Because QLED TVs use a backlight for their brightness, their pixels aren't susceptible to this kind of uneven aging.
Theoretically, a QLED TV will outlast an OLED TV, at least in terms of maximum brightness, because OLED pixels lose their ability to produce brightness at a faster rate than a QLED TV's backlight. But you would likely have to keep your TV on for eight hours a day, seven days a week, for many, many years before this difference became noticeable. That said, a QLED TV should last a decade or more as long as none of its individual components fail -- something that can be hard to predict even for the best TVs.
QLED prices, much like OLED prices, are dropping all the time. A few years ago, you'd need to spend well over $2,000 for a 65-inch QLED TV. Today, you can find them for less than half that price.
Definitely. If you have a choice between a standard LED TV and a QLED TV, the QLED model will deliver brighter, more accurate colors, which should yield a better image overall. And as QLED TVs become the norm for non-OLED models, you won't have to pay much of a price premium to get one.
