Smart TV Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best One

Buying a new TV can seem to be very daunting with plenty of options, features and sizes. Some  TVs are great for films and some are great for gaming/sport and general use. You don’t need to know specific terminology to help you choose the right one. Smart TVs allow you to connect to the internet and access all your entertainment apps straight to your TV. This means you can watch videos, movies, listen to music and more. This guide will help you understand which features you should look for when choosing your new TV. GadgetNorth will highlight the main features.

1. Choose the Right Screen Size:

One of the first things you should consider is the size of your TV. A big screen may be great for watching movies and sport but may not be the best option. Try to determine where you’ll be placing your TV. Measure your wall/entertainment unit and consider how far away you’ll be sitting. A smaller TV may be great for your bedroom, office or small apartment. Medium sized TVs may be great for your family room and larger TVs for bigger living rooms. The TV will be measured diagonally so a 55in screen isn’t 55in wide. Don’t just go for the biggest TV! Consider your setup and how far away you’ll be sitting. You want a size that will make you comfortable.

2. Understand Screen Resolution:

Resolution is the amount of pixels (tiny dots) on your TV. The higher the resolution the more detail you’ll see, especially with high quality content. There are a few common resolutions. Full HD (1080p) – This can be great if you’re going for a smaller TV and basic use. This will give you a clear image for general programmes. 4K Ultra HD – This provides a resolution of 3840 x 2160. This means there are 4x more pixels than Full HD. This is a popular choice if you want a higher detail TV. 8K – This provides even more pixels than a 4K TV. However, it can be more expensive. Depending on your TV size and how far away you’ll be sitting it may not be worth it. A 4K TV with a good quality will be a great option for many households. But you should also consider brightness, contrast, colours and image processing.

3. Learn About Different Display Types:

The type of screen you choose will determine how bright, colourful and detailed your image will be. You may come across: LED – LEDs use a backlight to produce your image. These are available in many sizes and price ranges. QLED – QLEDs use a layer of quantum dots to help colours. Some will provide you with a brighter, more colourful image. Great if you have a brightly lit room. Mini-LED – Mini-LEDs use many small backlights to give you more control over bright and dark areas. Depending on the model you may have a great level of brightness and contrast. OLED – OLEDs use their own individual backlight for each pixel. This means each pixel can be switched off to give you very dark blacks. Great for movie lovers especially if you’re watching in a darker room. No screen type will be perfect for everyone. If you’re watching during the day in a bright room then you’ll want something bright. If you love watching films then you’ll want something with good blacks and contrast. Consider the image quality, features and price.

4. Check HDR Support:

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This helps give you a wider range of brightness and colours. This makes bright areas look more natural and dark areas easier to understand. If you’re watching a scene in a film with lots of sunlight, shadows and minimal detail a good HDR performance will help keep more detail. You may come across different types of HDR. For example, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision etc. This will vary between TV brands and streaming services. Just because your TV has an HDR logo on the box doesn’t mean you’ll get a great image. Your TV needs to have a good brightness, contrast and image processing. If you enjoy watching films/series from streaming services regularly then check your favourite services support the correct formats.

5. Look at the Operating System and Apps:

The operating system will help you easily navigate your menus, apps and main features. This will help you easily find programmes. Depending on the brand you may get different operating systems. Some may have Google TV whilst others may have Samsung Tizen or LG WebOS. Check if your favourite apps are supported. You may want to have access to YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video etc. This can vary depending on your country, model and software. Choose a TV with an easy to use menu. Something simple with good search functionality and regular software updates will make your TV more comfortable to use. If you have a streaming stick or other media device you may not need all the features.

6. Consider Refresh Rate for Smooth Motion:

The refresh rate tells you how many times your screen will refresh per second. This will be measured in Hertz (Hz). A 60Hz screen will refresh 60 times per second. A 120Hz screen will refresh 120 times per second. If you have a higher native refresh rate then fast moving images will look smoother. As long as your content and device support it. For general TV programmes and many films a 60Hz screen will be fine. However, if you enjoy watching lots of fast sport or gaming then you may want a TV with a native 120Hz panel. Be cautious of any marketing terms. Some brands may use terms that suggest they have a higher refresh rate but aren’t actually native. If you enjoy gaming then check for features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and the correct HDMI ports.

7. Do Not Ignore Sound Quality:

Whilst many focus on the image quality, the sound can be important. Some TVs will have good built-in speakers for watching the news, general use and general programmes. However, some slim models may not have much space for speakers so may struggle to hear dialogue and enjoy action scenes and music. If you want good sound look for clear dialogue and a sound mode that will work well in your room. If possible try to listen to a demo. You may want to consider adding a soundbar in the future. Check your TV has HDMI ARC or eARC connections to make it easy to connect compatible audio devices. You don’t need to spend extra on extra speakers but consider your usual usage.

8. Check the Ports and Wireless Connections:

You’ll want to connect other devices. This can be a gaming console, streaming device, soundbar, laptop and USB storage. HDMI ports are very useful. They carry digital images and sounds. Determine how many devices you want to plug in and ensure your model has enough ports. Some features may require certain ports. If you want to play high quality games with higher refresh rates you may need HDMI 2.1. USB ports can be useful to connect compatible storage and accessories. Wi-Fi will help you connect to your home network. An Ethernet port will help connect to the internet via cable. Check the connections. This small tip will help ensure you don’t have to purchase any extra adapters.

9. Think About Your Internet Connection:

To stream online you’ll need a good internet connection. If you have poor quality Wi-Fi or an unreliable connection then you may run into trouble with playing videos. Your connection will depend on how high quality you’re streaming, how many people are on the network and other devices. Many services recommend around 25Mbps or more to stream 4K. If your TV is far away from your router check the Wi-Fi signal in that room. You may need to move your router, upgrade your Wi-Fi or use a cable. Some streaming services will require you to pay for a subscription.

10. Set a Budget Before Shopping:

The price can vary greatly depending on the size, screen type, brand and extra features. Having a budget will help you know what to look for. Determine what features are important to you. Perhaps you want a great 4K screen with an easy to use operating system rather than paying extra for advanced gaming features you won’t use. Look at similar models from other brands. Read the product description carefully. Look for warranty, returns and after sale info. Don’t always go for the most expensive model. There may be a cheaper model that will give you everything you need. Look for a good size, image quality, apps and connections. If you’re shopping in Canada please ensure you look at the final price in Canadian currency, tax, delivery costs and warranty.

11. Read Reviews Before Making a Decision:

Reading reviews from customers and professionals can help tell you how your TV will perform outside of the shop. Look for common feedback on image quality, ease of use, sound, reliability and software. Try to look for both positive and negative reviews. Some people may love the screen being bright whilst others may not like the menus. This will help determine what features are important to you. Look for reviews from people who use the TV in the same way. A gamer may care about the response time whereas someone who watches movies may care more about the contrast and how it performs in dark scenes. Ensure you check the model number. Two TVs in the same range can be different in screen size, ports and features. Compare the models carefully to ensure you’re not paying for extra features.

Final Thoughts:

By focusing on what you need you’ll be able to choose the right TV. Consider the size of your room and how far away you’ll be sitting. Compare the resolution, screen type, HDR, operating system, refresh rate, sound and connections. Many people will find a good 4K screen with reliable apps and connections a good starting point. Movie lovers may want a TV with improved contrast whilst gamers should focus on the refresh rate and compatible HDMI features. Take your time and compare a few options. Look at the warranty and returns policy. The best option will be one that fits your home, usage and budget. We aim to help you understand technology better so you can research your options and confidently choose the right one for you. Affiliate Disclaimer – We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via our links. We are an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases.