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.
That being said, while there are fewer 8K sets to choose from than 4K models, selecting the best 8K TV for your wants and needs is still an important buying decision that we’re eager to lend a hand with. To that end, we’ve put together this roundup of all the best 8K TVs you can purchase today.
Samsung 65-inch QN900C
Best 8K TV overall
- Brilliant backlighting and contrast
- Great contrast levels
- Next-level picture upscaling
- Excellent smart TV features
- Minor light blooming
It’s not often that we’ll put together any type of TV roundup without mentioning a Samsung model or two, and our 8K collection is no exception. And while we're waiting eagerly to get our hands on Samsung's 2024 TVs announced at CES 2024, we’re still giving top honors to the almighty Samsung 65-inch QN900C. This is a premium 8K TV that delivers the type of breathtaking picture that we seldom get to see in the comfort of our living rooms, but we’re here to tell you that we’re not dreaming!
One of the biggest wins for the QN900C is Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Pro. The QN900C is powered by a mini-LED lighting system that the Samsung QMP is responsible for calibrating. Doing so every few milliseconds, we’re left with a bright and powerful picture that seldom presents even the smallest on-screen maladies.
Considering this is an LED model we’re talking about, minor light blooming can show up occasionally, which is something we’ve noticed with most flagship Samsung sets over the last few years. But don’t let this deter you!
On top of the Quantum Matrix Pro, Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 8K is able to execute some of the finest picture upscaling we’ve seen on any TV. With other important checkboxes being filled, including stellar HDR and Dolby Atmos support, as well as Samsung’s wireless Q-Symphony 3.0 integrations for compatible Samsung soundbars, it’s hard to beat the insane level of detail the QN900C brings to the table.
You’ll also be able to enjoy Samsung’s tried and true Tizen OS for all things smart and streaming. As zippy as ever, navigating the Samsung Smart Hub is as easy as can be, and there’s support for just about every major entertainment.
Samsung 65-inch QN800B
The runner-up 8K TV
- Competitively priced
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs (8K/120Hz)
- Top-notch brightness and rich colors
- No Dolby Vision support
- Weaker version of Samsung's HDR Matrix tech
- Slight halo effect
The Samsung QN800B is a couple of years old now, but it’s still an incredible 8K TV that comes in at a lower price than both the QN900B and newer QN800C and QN900C models. But what exactly are you missing out by going with a 2022 model (there’s also a 2021 LG LED set on our list)?
Recent advancements in backlighting, colors, and sound quality are the biggest misses, and if you’re all about the latest and greatest, a newer 8K model may make you happier.
But at the end of the day, the QN800B is still stunning, thanks to the set’s mini-LED lighting and Quantum Matrix Technology Pro for lightning-fast local dimming. The QN800B is also equipped with quantum dots for unparalleled colors, and just wait until you see the kind of 8K upscaling this set is capable of!
We’re also big fans of the TV’s anti-reflection panel, which handles nicely on even the sunniest days of the week. On top of great HDR and Dolby Atmos support, as well as some solid gaming optimizations, the Samsung QN9800B is one of the best 8K TVs you’re going to find for less than $2,000.
Sony 75-inch XR Z9K
Premium 8K performance
- Unbelievable brightness
- Amazing colors and contrast
- Terrific 8K upscaling
- Google TV is smooth and intuitive
- Very expensive
When it comes to flagship performance, Sony TVs tend to make their way to the top of the charts. And when it comes to 8K TVs, we’d be crazy not to draw your attention to the amazing Sony Bravia XR Z9K. Available in 75 and 85-inch sizes, the Z9K carries forth the torch that the Sony Z9J series once proudly carried. What we’re looking at is a phenomenal combination of both 8K resolution and mini-LED lighting that one just has to see to believe.
Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR and XR Triluminos Pro have been picture-processing staples for the company over the last several years, and both under-the-hood enhancements are back and better than ever. In terms of the former, Cognitive Processor XR does an exceptional job at making each and every frame as lifelike as possible, while XR Triluminos Pro layers in some of the richest colors we’ve ever seen on an LED set.
We’re not surprised that Sony decided to endow this elite TV with mini-LED backlighting. Working in unison with the Z9K’s XR Backlight Master Drive, the end result is a vibrant and precise picture from one source to the next, with next to no light blooming to speak of. And don’t get us started on the kind of 8K upscaling this beast of a TV is capable of.
Let’s just say that no matter the signal you’re feeding the Z9K, the TV goes above and beyond to make each movie or show as close to 8K quality as possible.
The XR Z9K is also home to the Google TV OS, which lets you stream hundreds of movies and shows from some of the best entertainment apps in the biz. You’ll also be able to use Google Assistant to search for media and interact with a number of the smart home devices in your household.
LG 65-inch QNED 99 Series
Best 8K TV for the price
- Not as pricey as other 8K models
- Great picture quality
- Solid HDR support
- Awesome upscaling
- A bit outdated
While LG may best be known for its extensive lineup of jaw-dropping OLED TVs, the company is also responsible for a number of impressive LED-driven models. And if you’re looking for a great 8K TV that’s priced lower than many of today’s 4K options, we urge you to take a look at the LG 8K QNED 99 Series.
One of the driving forces behind the bright and detailed picture you’ll get on this set is LG’s 8K Quantum Dot Nanocell Display, a combination of mini-LED lighting that’s wrangled in by LG’s Full Array Dimming Pro. We’re also here to sing the praises of the QNED 99’s gorgeous layer of quantum dots, which makes for some deep and punchy colors.
The QNED 99 is also incredible when it comes to picture upscaling, with even traditional HD content getting a solid boost from all that pixel power. Other important features like next-level HDR support, Dolby Atmos compatibility, built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, along with some top-notch gaming optimizations like HGiG and ALLM are all here too.
Sure, the TV is a few years old now, but when you consider the fact that 8K TVs don’t receive as much limelight and output as today’s best 4K models, the LG 65-inch QNED 99 Series looks and sounds even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're a hardcore TV or movie lover, the impressive resolution, advanced tech, and larger sizes of 8K TVs might make it worth your while, especially if you're considering one with advanced upscaling features that can bump up 4K resolution content to 8K. However, if you're mostly into gaming or broadcast TV, you may not reap all the benefits of an 8K TV and may be better off spending your money elsewhere.
The short answer is not really. The TV and movie industry isn't widely producing content in 8K, so you're still mostly relying on the TV doing all the upscaling heavy lifting for you. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and others, aren't offering 8K content, neither is broadcast media, and it's still rare to see any DVDs or Blu-ray media delivering it.
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