Don't Buy A TV Until You See This (2026 Buying Guide)

This video reviews several top TV models for home use, with Rebecca Issacs, consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Betting, sharing insights from extensive in-person testing. The selection process considered factors like back panel technology, software, and AI features to ensure an immersive viewing experience. The **LG OLED Evo C5** is highlighted as the best TV overall, offering a strong balance of price and performance. It features a sleek design with a near-infinity display and utilizes 8.3 million self-lit pixels for a stunning 4K picture. Its OLED technology, combined with LG's brightness booster, ensures vibrant colors that remain clear at any time of day. The 120 Hz refresh rate contributes to exceptionally smooth motion in action sequences. The TV also supports advanced features like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and a dedicated filmmaker mode, all managed through the intuitive LG webOS operating system. For those interested in miniLED technology, the **Hisense U8 series** is presented as a great value option. It combines miniLED backlighting with QLED technology to produce brightness and over a billion shades of color. AI-driven features like "AI Scenario" optimize picture quality scene by scene, and it supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG. The anti-reflection screen is beneficial in bright rooms, and its powerful backlight can reach 5,000 nits, with an AI light sensor adjusting brightness and color temperature. Running on Google TV, it offers personalized profiles, recommendations, and integration with Google Gemini for quick information access. While it doesn't have built-in cloud gaming services, it automatically optimizes for gaming consoles with a 165 Hz refresh rate and Auto Low Latency Mode. The **Samsung S90F** is an OLED model with a very thin panel and near-infinity bezels. It's recommended for spaces without direct sunlight due to the lack of built-in anti-reflection, but it excels in handling ambient light and dark scenes, producing accurate blacks and lifelike colors. While it doesn't support Dolby Vision, Samsung's HDR implementation creates a hyperrealistic picture. It uses Samsung's Tizen OS for easy content access. For bright living rooms, the **Samsung QN90F Neo QLED TV** is a strong contender. It features a glare-free filter, a powerful processor for upscaling content to 4K using "4K AI Upscaling Pro," and QLED technology that makes colors pop. While it lacks Dolby Vision, its Neo Quantum HDR Plus technology delivers a striking picture. It boasts a 165 Hz refresh rate and access to the Samsung Gaming Hub, offering a solid blend of price and performance. Finally, for dedicated gamers, the **LG OLED Evo G5** is singled out as the flagship model. Its super-thin panel can be mounted flush to the wall. The "Brightness Booster" enhances gameplay with vivid, bright, and clear visuals. The "Game Optimizer" mode is highly recommended for calibration. It delivers accurate colors and deep blacks, and the gaming portal provides access to cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now. A notable drawback is its less impressive audio quality, suggesting an investment in a soundbar. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to explore more reviews on Forbes' social media channels and to use the provided links for purchasing.