How to choose a TV in 2026

Start with the room and viewing distance

The first question is not which technology you want, but how far you sit from the screen. For a 4K TV, a practical rule is a viewing distance of roughly 1.2 to 1.5 times the diagonal. The picture then fills your field of view without visible pixels.

• Under 2 metres (bedroom, kitchen): 43 to 50 inches.
• 2 to 2.5 metres (small living room): 55 inches.
• 2.5 to 3 metres: 65 inches.
• Over 3 metres: 75 inches or a projector.

Most buyers regret choosing a screen that is too small, not too large. Still, measure the space on the stand or wall, including the width of the TV feet.

Resolution: 4K is standard, 8K rarely pays off

In 2026 almost every TV above 43 inches is 4K (3840 x 2160). Full HD only makes sense for small screens in a kitchen or a child's room. 8K models are expensive and native 8K content is very rare, so for most people the money is better spent on a higher quality 4K panel.

Panel type: LED, QLED, Mini LED or OLED

This is where the biggest difference in picture quality lies.

• LED (classic LCD): the most affordable. Fine for everyday use, but blacks look grey in a dark room.
• QLED: LCD with a quantum dot layer, more saturated colours and higher brightness.
• Mini LED: thousands of small LEDs split into local dimming zones. Much better contrast and very high brightness, ideal for bright rooms.
• OLED: each pixel lights itself, so blacks are perfect and viewing angles excellent. Ideal for films in the evening, slightly less bright than Mini LED.

If your living room has large windows and you watch a lot during the day, prioritise brightness. If you mostly watch in the evening with the lights off, OLED is hard to beat.

HDR: what it really means

HDR (High Dynamic Range) shows bigger differences between bright and dark areas. Common formats are HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG. Be careful: a cheap TV can accept an HDR signal but, without enough brightness and contrast, the effect is weak. Look for peak brightness and the number of local dimming zones in the specs or in reviews, not just the HDR logo on the box.

Refresh rate and gaming features

50 or 60 Hz panels are enough for news and series. For sport and consoles, a native 100 or 120 Hz panel makes motion clearer. If you have a recent console or a PC connected to the TV, check for:

• HDMI 2.1 ports (for 4K at 120 Hz);
• VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (auto low latency mode);
• low input lag in Game mode.

Watch out for values such as "Motion Rate 200": these are processing figures, not the real panel refresh rate.

Smart TV platform and apps

Each manufacturer uses its own platform: Tizen, webOS, Google TV, VIDAA and others. The differences are menu speed, availability of the streaming apps you use and how long the maker provides updates. Before ordering, check that your favourite apps are available on that platform. If the menu becomes slow after a few years, an external streaming player is a cheap fix.

Sound: why a soundbar is worth it

Slim TVs have small speakers with limited bass and dialogue that is sometimes hard to follow. A soundbar is the simplest upgrade: it connects over HDMI eARC, works with the TV remote and clearly improves voices. A model with a separate subwoofer adds bass for films, and virtual surround formats create a sense of space without speakers behind the sofa.

Wall mount or stand

If you want the TV on the wall, check the VESA pattern in the specs (for example 300 x 300) and the weight, then choose a compatible mount. Fixed mounts keep the TV close to the wall, tilting mounts reduce reflections and full motion mounts let you angle the screen towards different parts of the room. For plasterboard walls, use suitable anchors or fix to the metal studs. The centre of the screen should be roughly at eye level when you are seated.

TV or projector?

For sizes above 85 inches, a projector can be more affordable. It does need a room you can darken, a white wall or a projection screen and usually a separate audio system. For everyday daytime viewing, a TV remains more practical. A projector is ideal for film nights or watching matches with friends.

Energy use, warranty and delivery

The energy label shows consumption in standard mode; in HDR it goes up. Check the warranty, the return policy and whether delivery includes inspection on receipt. With large TVs, open the box in front of the courier or as soon as possible and check the screen for cracks or dead pixels. Keep the packaging during the return period.

Picture settings after setup

Out of the box, many TVs start in "Vivid" or "Dynamic" mode, designed for shop displays: exaggerated colours and a strong blue tint. At home, "Movie", "Cinema" or "Filmmaker" modes show a more faithful picture. Turn off motion smoothing for films to avoid the soap opera effect, though you can keep a low level for sport. Switch on Game mode when you play on a console and update the TV software right after setup for fixes and new apps. If you have children, set up parental controls and time limits directly in the menu.

Quick checklist before you order

• I have measured the viewing distance and the available space.
• I know whether I watch mostly during the day (brightness) or in the evening (contrast).
• I have checked the HDMI ports, including HDMI 2.1 for a console.
• The streaming apps I use are available.
• I have checked VESA and weight if I am wall mounting.
• I have budgeted for a soundbar if sound matters.
• I know the shop's warranty and return terms.

Prices and availability can change over time, so check the final details on the shop's page before paying.