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

Netflix Recommended TVs explained: What to know

Netflix Recommended TVs: What does it mean, and why do you want one?

Simon Cohen
By
Netflix Recommended TV
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You know you love Netflix, and Netflix knows you love Netflix, so it makes sense that the streaming behemoth might have a thing or two to say about the TV you use to watch Netflix. To help new TV buyers identify the TVs that will help them get the very best Netflix experience (according to Netflix, of course), it launched its “Netflix Recommended” program back in 2015. Think of it like the Energy Star sticker on your appliances — it’s used to distinguish the TVs that are optimized for Netflix with “fast” streaming and the ability to play Netflix just as it intends.

It’s a cool idea; after all, everybody wants a better streaming experience. But what does it really mean? According to Netflix, every recommended TV must meet five out of seven criteria:

  • Instant on: The TV starts up and provides access to apps like Netflix immediately, and remembers where you left off.
  • 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.
  • Always ready: The TV keeps the Netflix app open in the background, even while in sleep mode, and periodically refreshes it so that when you next log in to the app, it can show you an up-to-date home screen immediately, regardless of the speed of your internet connection.
  • High-res Netflix interface: The Netflix app must be presented in at least 1080p resolution, making text as legible as possible.
Recommended Videos
Best movies streaming on Netflix right now
Netflix Recommended LG C8 2018
LG Photo Image used with permission by copyright holder

Netflix points out that all recommended TVs have a dedicated Netflix button, and that:

Related

When you see the “Netflix Recommended TV” logo, it means the TV has passed rigorous testing to ensure great performance and easy access to Netflix and other services. This means you can:

  • 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.

This list covers off the first four criteria, so mandatory or not, you’re going to get them. What’s unknown is which of the remaining seven criteria the recommended TVs possess, leaving us to guess if they only have five, six, or all seven.

It’s worth noting that just because a TV doesn’t carry the Netflix Recommended badge doesn’t mean it won’t deliver a solid streaming experience. A public relations representative told Digital Trends that “Netflix Recommended TV is available to any manufacturer that is offering a new TV with a certified Netflix implementation on it,” and that while Netflix tests all of these TVs against its criteria, not every TV awarded a Netflix Recommended badge will necessarily display it on the product packaging.

Check out which 2019 TVs have made the cut so far. As you can see, it’s a pretty exclusive club for now:

Netflix recommended 2019 TVs: 

  • 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

Wondering if you already own a Netflix recommended TV? Here are the models that qualified in 2018:

  • LG 4K UHD TVs w/ webOS 4.0:
    W8, E8, C8, SK9500, SK9000, SK8070, SK8000, UK7700, UK6570, UK6500, UK6300, UK6270, UK6200
  • Sony W800F / WF800 series Android TVs

Netflix’s blog is the place to go for all the details on the TVs that qualified in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Now that you know the deal, you can be on the lookout for the Netflix Recommended badge when shopping for a new TV. For more info, check out the video explaining the specs below.

Netflix Recommended TV

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 spatial…
23 of the best Netflix hacks, tips, and tricks
The Netflix home screen.

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms for all things movies and TV shows. Home to an immense library of titles, the Netflix archive is constantly changing and evolving, and so are the many ways you can use your Netflix account. 

For instance, did you know you can access region-locked Netflix shows and flicks by using a VPN? Or that you can disable that pesky Autoplay feature? There are tons of Netflix hacks, tips, and tricks out there, so we’ve gone ahead and rounded up all of our favorites! 
Expand your streaming with a VPN

Read more
The best 8K TVs for 2024: from Samsung, LG, and Sony
The Samsung QN900C QLED 8K Smart Tizen TV on a stand in a living room.

As it stands, 4K TVs are about as good as it gets these days. That is unless you’re willing to consider doubling that pixel count to indulge in 8K TV tech.

Believe it or not, 8K TVs have been around for some time now, and while there isn’t too much in the way of 8K content to speak of, that doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of a future-proofed screen. In fact, a majority of 8K TVs are lauded for picture upscaling, so even if you’re watching a 4K movie or show on an 8K set, chances are it’s going to look better than it would on a 4K TV.

Read more
The ultimate guide to Dolby Atmos: what it is and how to get the best possible sound
A Marantz AV 10 receiver displaying Dolby Atmos text on front panel.

Dolby Atmos is the most immersive version of surround sound you can get at home. Though it took some time to catch on, the format is now everywhere, from movie theaters to Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, as well as the world's streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Disney+.

But what, exactly, is Dolby Atmos? How is it different from other kinds of surround sound? And perhaps most importantly: If you decide you want to experience Atmos at home, how can you make sure that's exactly what you're getting? Dolby Atmos can be awesome, but getting it is (unfortunately) a bit more complicated than simply buying a TV or a soundbar with the Dolby Atmos logo on the box.

Read more