Best TV To Buy In 2022: Top Picks Reviewed

Hey everyone, and welcome back to the channel! Today, we're diving deep into the world of televisions to help you figure out the best TV to buy in 2022. With so many options out there, it can get pretty overwhelming, right? From OLED to QLED, 4K to 8K, and all those fancy acronyms, choosing a new TV can feel like a mission. But don't sweat it, guys, because we're here to break it all down for you. We'll be looking at picture quality, sound, smart features, gaming capabilities, and, of course, value for money. So, whether you're a movie buff, a hardcore gamer, or just looking for a solid upgrade for your living room, stick around because we've got some awesome recommendations lined up. We're aiming to give you the lowdown on what's really worth your hard-earned cash in 2022. Let's get started!

Understanding TV Technology: OLED vs. QLED

Alright, let's kick things off by demystifying some of the core technologies you'll encounter when shopping for the best TV to buy in 2022: OLED and QLED. These two are often pitted against each other, and for good reason – they represent the pinnacle of current display tech, but they achieve it in different ways. First up, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). The magic here is that each pixel in an OLED panel is its own light source. This means when a pixel needs to be black, it literally turns off, resulting in perfect blacks and an infinite contrast ratio. This translates to incredible detail in dark scenes and vibrant, punchy colors that pop. OLEDs also offer super-wide viewing angles, so no matter where you sit in the room, the picture looks fantastic. They're generally thinner too, which is a nice aesthetic bonus. However, OLEDs can sometimes be a bit dimmer than their QLED counterparts, and there's a very small, almost negligible risk of burn-in if you leave static images on screen for extended periods (though modern OLEDs have excellent mitigation features). Now, let's talk QLED (Quantum-dot Light Emitting Diode). QLEDs are a type of LED TV that uses a layer of quantum dots – tiny semiconductor crystals – to enhance the color and brightness. They use a backlight, typically full-array local dimming (FALD), to control brightness and contrast. This backlight technology allows QLEDs to get exceptionally bright, making them fantastic for well-lit rooms and for displaying HDR content with dazzling highlights. They also boast a wider color gamut than traditional LEDs, offering vibrant and accurate colors. Plus, QLEDs don't have the same burn-in concerns as OLEDs. The main trade-off is that while FALD improves contrast, it can still result in some blooming (light halos around bright objects on dark backgrounds) and blacks aren't quite as deep as true OLED blacks. So, when choosing the best TV to buy in 2022, consider your viewing environment and priorities. If you crave the absolute best contrast and cinematic viewing experience, especially in darker rooms, OLED is likely your winner. If you need a TV that can handle bright rooms and deliver stunning HDR brightness, QLED is a powerhouse. Both are fantastic, but they cater to slightly different needs.

Top Picks for 2022: Our Selections

Okay, guys, we've talked tech, now let's get to the good stuff: our top picks for the best TV to buy in 2022. We've scoured the market, read countless reviews, and tested a bunch of these beauties ourselves to bring you a curated list. First up, for the ultimate premium experience, especially if you're a cinephile, we've got to mention the LG G2 OLED. This TV is simply stunning. Its evo panel offers even greater brightness than previous LG OLEDs, delivering absolutely breathtaking contrast and color. The blacks are, as expected with OLED, perfect. It's also packed with LG's latest ThinQ AI and a fantastic webOS smart platform, making it super intuitive to use. For gamers, it's a dream with 4K@120Hz support on all four HDMI ports, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Seriously, if budget isn't a primary concern and you want the absolute best picture quality, the G2 is a strong contender for the best TV to buy in 2022. Now, moving into the QLED realm, the Samsung QN90B Neo QLED is a serious contender. This TV uses Mini-LED backlighting, which allows for incredibly precise local dimming, resulting in deep blacks and minimal blooming, even for a QLED. Its brightness is phenomenal, making HDR content really sing, and it's also a superb option for bright rooms. Samsung's Tizen smart platform is robust and user-friendly, and like the LG, it offers excellent gaming features including 4K@120Hz and VRR. It offers a brilliant balance of brightness, color, and smart features. Another fantastic option, especially if you're looking for a great all-rounder that offers superb value, is the Sony A95K QD-OLED. Yes, it's another OLED, but it's Sony's take on QD-OLED, combining the perfect blacks of OLED with the enhanced color volume and brightness of quantum dots. The picture processing on Sony TVs is legendary, and the A95K is no exception, delivering incredibly natural and lifelike images. It also features Google TV, which is a great smart platform for many, and its Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology turns the screen itself into a speaker – pretty cool! If you're seeking a slightly more budget-friendly, yet still excellent, 4K option, the TCL 6-Series (R655) is consistently a winner. It offers Mini-LED technology, Mini-LED backlight, good brightness, and impressive contrast for its price point. While it might not match the absolute peak performance of the LG or Samsung flagships, it punches well above its weight, making it a fantastic choice for the best TV to buy in 2022 if you're budget-conscious but still want a high-quality viewing experience. These are just a few highlights, guys, and we'll delve into specific use cases next!

Gaming Nirvana: TVs for the Win

Alright gamers, gather 'round! If you're looking for the best TV to buy in 2022 for your gaming setup, you're in for a treat. Modern TVs have become absolute powerhouses for console and PC gaming, and the features to look out for are pretty specific. First and foremost, you need low input lag. This is crucial because it measures the delay between you pressing a button on your controller and the action appearing on screen. The lower the input lag, the more responsive your game will feel. Most good gaming TVs will have a dedicated 'Game Mode' that significantly reduces input lag, but we're talking about TVs that excel even outside of that mode. Next up is refresh rate, specifically 120Hz. This means the screen can update its image up to 120 times per second, resulting in much smoother motion, especially in fast-paced games. This is a must-have for next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which can output games at 120 frames per second (fps). Tied to the refresh rate is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). VRR technology, including FreeSync and HDMI 2.1's VRR standard, synchronizes the TV's refresh rate with the game's frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, providing a fluid and uninterrupted gaming experience. It's a game-changer, literally! Lastly, HDMI 2.1 ports are essential. These ports support higher bandwidth, allowing for 4K resolution at 120Hz, as well as VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically switches the TV to its low-latency game mode when a console is detected. So, which TVs are nailing these features? The LG C2 OLED is an absolute beast for gamers. It boasts a 120Hz OLED panel, incredibly low input lag, VRR support (including G-Sync compatibility for PC gamers), and ALLM. All four HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1, making it super flexible. The G2 mentioned earlier also shares these incredible gaming specs. The Samsung S95B QD-OLED is another top-tier gaming TV. It combines the stunning picture quality of QD-OLED with excellent gaming features: 120Hz panel, low input lag, VRR, and HDMI 2.1. Its bright, vibrant picture makes games look absolutely phenomenal. The Sony X90K (or X95K for a step up) is a great option if you're looking for an LED TV that still delivers fantastic gaming performance. It offers 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR and ALLM, and Sony's excellent image processing. While it might not have the perfect blacks of OLED, its brightness and overall responsiveness make it a superb choice for gamers who prefer LED. For those on a tighter budget, the Hisense U7H or U8H models offer impressive gaming specs for the money, including 120Hz panels and HDMI 2.1 features, making them some of the best TV to buy in 2022 if you want next-gen gaming without breaking the bank. Remember, guys, for the ultimate gaming TV, look for low input lag, 120Hz, VRR, and HDMI 2.1. Happy gaming!

Smart Features & User Experience

Beyond the stunning visuals and gaming prowess, the best TV to buy in 2022 also needs to be smart and easy to use. The user interface and available apps can make or break your daily experience with the television. We're talking about smart platforms here, and different brands offer their own ecosystems, each with its pros and cons. LG's webOS is consistently praised for its intuitive design and ease of use. It features a clean, bar-style interface that's simple to navigate, and it comes pre-loaded with all the major streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+. LG also has its own Magic Remote, which often includes a pointer function, making selection a breeze. It's a really slick and responsive platform. Samsung's Tizen OS is another popular choice. It's also quite user-friendly, with a colorful and customizable home screen. Tizen offers a vast selection of apps and services, and Samsung has been pushing its own content platform as well. Some users find the ad integration a bit much, but overall, it's a solid and feature-rich smart TV experience. Google TV (which powers Sony and Hisense TVs, among others) is rapidly becoming a favorite for many. It offers a more content-centric approach, with personalized recommendations from across your various streaming services. It consolidates everything into one place, making it easy to discover what to watch. Google Assistant integration is seamless, allowing for voice control of the TV and smart home devices. The app store is also extensive, leveraging the Google Play Store. Roku TV is known for its simplicity and sheer number of supported channels. If you want an overwhelming amount of content options and a no-fuss interface, Roku TV is a great bet. It's often found on budget-friendly TVs from brands like TCL and Hisense, offering a fantastic smart experience without the premium price tag. Finally, Amazon's Fire TV offers a similar experience to Google TV and Roku, with a strong emphasis on Amazon's own services like Prime Video and Alexa. It provides a good selection of apps and easy voice control. When deciding on the best TV to buy in 2022, consider which smart platform you're most comfortable with or which best suits your streaming habits. Do you want personalized recommendations? Google TV. Do you prefer a simple, channel-focused interface? Roku TV. Do you love LG's pointer remote and clean design? webOS. Most of these platforms are quite capable, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and the ecosystem you're already invested in. Don't underestimate how important a good smart TV experience is, guys – you'll be interacting with it every single day!

Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice

So, there you have it, guys! We've covered the main technologies like OLED and QLED, highlighted some of the absolute best TVs on the market for 2022 across different categories – from premium flagships to gaming champions and budget-friendly heroes. When you're trying to pick the best TV to buy in 2022, remember to consider your primary use case. Are you a movie lover who watches in a dark room? An OLED like the LG C2 or G2 might be your perfect match. Need a TV that can handle a bright living room and still deliver stunning HDR? A QLED like the Samsung QN90B could be the way to go. Are you a serious gamer? Prioritize low input lag, 120Hz refresh rates, and VRR, with options like the LG C2 or Sony X90K leading the pack. Budget-conscious? Look at the TCL 6-Series or Hisense U7H/U8H for incredible value. Don't forget the smart platform – pick one that feels intuitive and gives you access to all the streaming services you use. Ultimately, the best TV to buy in 2022 is the one that best fits your specific needs, budget, and viewing environment. Do your research, check out reviews for the models you're interested in, and if possible, try to see them in person. Happy TV hunting, and let us know in the comments which TV you ended up choosing or if you have any other questions! Catch you in the next one!