The Complete TV Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before buying a new TV — from screen size and 4K resolution to OLED, QLED, Mini-LED, HDR, refresh rate, gaming, sound and smart features.
```What kind of TV are you looking for?
Start with your room, viewing distance and how you actually plan to use the TV.
Choose the right TV size
Screen size should match your viewing distance, room layout and available wall space.
Suitable for bedrooms, kitchens and smaller rooms where a compact screen makes more sense.
Shop 32" TVs →A practical option when you want a larger screen without taking up too much wall space.
Shop 43" TVs →A versatile size for movies, sports, streaming and everyday family viewing.
Shop 55" TVs →A larger cinematic experience for rooms with enough viewing distance and wall space.
Shop 65" TVs →💡 Shopping Lite tip
Measure the wall, TV cabinet and viewing distance before ordering. Also check the TV's actual width and stand dimensions rather than looking only at the diagonal screen size.
📐 TV viewing distance guide
These distances are useful starting points. Your preferred viewing experience, room layout and content can change what feels comfortable.
LED vs QLED vs Mini-LED vs OLED
Display technology affects contrast, brightness, black levels, colour and price.
LED / LCD
The mainstream TV technology with a wide range of sizes and prices. A common choice for everyday viewing.
QLED
Uses quantum-dot technology with an LED/LCD backlight and is often designed to deliver strong brightness and colour.
Mini-LED
Uses many smaller backlight LEDs. Local dimming can provide stronger contrast than conventional LED designs.
OLED
Individual pixels can control their own light, allowing very deep blacks and excellent contrast.
| Technology | Black Levels | Brightness | Good For | Typical Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | Good | Good | Everyday viewing | Budget / Mid-range |
| QLED | Good | Very good | Bright rooms, colour | Mid-range / Premium |
| Mini-LED | Very good | Very high | HDR, movies, bright rooms | Premium |
| OLED | Excellent | Very good | Movies, contrast | Premium |
How much resolution do you need?
Resolution describes the number of pixels used to create the picture.
📺 Full HD
1920 × 1080 pixels
Lower-cost option that is more common on smaller screens.
Suitable for basic TV viewing where 4K is not a priority.
✨ 4K UHD
3840 × 2160 pixels
Four times the pixel count of Full HD.
A common choice for modern larger TVs and compatible 4K content.
What about 8K?
8K has substantially more pixels than 4K, but consider the availability of native 8K content, TV price, screen size and your viewing distance before paying extra for it.
Don't buy based on resolution alone
A 4K label doesn't tell you everything about picture quality.
Check which HDR formats the TV supports.
Important for HDR highlights and bright rooms.
Important for dark scenes and movie viewing.
Consider colour volume, processing and calibration.
Useful when watching HD or lower-resolution content.
Useful for sports and fast-moving scenes.
60Hz, 120Hz or higher?
Refresh rate describes how frequently the display can update the image.
| Refresh Rate | Good For | What To Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | TV shows, movies and casual streaming | Suitable for general everyday viewing |
| 100/120Hz | Sports, movies and gaming | Smoother motion for fast-moving content |
| 144Hz+ | Gaming-focused setups | Useful when the source and game can take advantage of it |
⚠️ Watch out for marketing numbers
TV manufacturers may use different names for motion technologies and processing rates. Check the panel's actual refresh rate and input specifications rather than relying only on a "motion rate" number.
🎮 Buying a TV for gaming?
Gaming changes what you should look for. Along with picture quality, check the TV's input features and compatibility with your console or PC.
Smart TV features that matter
Check the apps, software, connectivity and responsiveness of the TV.
📱 Smart Features
Netflix and major streaming apps
YouTube support
App store availability
Voice assistant support
Screen casting
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Software update policy
🔌 Connectivity
Multiple HDMI inputs
ARC / eARC
USB ports
Optical audio where required
Ethernet
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Don't forget the sound
A great display doesn't automatically mean great built-in audio.
| Audio Setup | Good For | What To Check |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in speakers | Everyday TV | Speaker power and dialogue clarity |
| 2.1 Soundbar | Movies and stronger bass | Subwoofer and HDMI ARC/eARC |
| Dolby Atmos soundbar | Immersive movie audio | eARC and supported audio formats |
| Home theatre | Dedicated cinema room | Receiver, speakers and room layout |
How to compare TVs within your budget
Compare the complete package instead of looking only at the price.
| Budget Level | Look For | Main Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Good panel, smart apps and suitable resolution | Price + basic features |
| Mid Range | Better processing, HDR and stronger sound | Balance |
| Upper Mid Range | QLED / Mini-LED and higher refresh rates | Picture + gaming |
| Premium | OLED / advanced Mini-LED and high-end processing | Picture + features |
10 things to check before buying
Measure your room
Measure viewing distance, wall space and TV cabinet width.
Choose your screen size
Select a size that fits the room and your preferred viewing experience.
Choose the display technology
Compare LED, QLED, Mini-LED and OLED based on your needs and budget.
Check resolution
For most modern large-screen purchases, compare 4K models first.
Check HDR
Look at HDR formats, brightness and picture processing.
Check refresh rate
Pay particular attention if you watch sports or play games.
Check HDMI ports
Make sure there are enough ports for consoles, soundbars and other devices.
Check the operating system
Make sure the apps and services you use are supported.
Check sound
Decide whether built-in speakers are enough or you need a soundbar.
Compare the final price
Check discounts, offers, warranty, installation, delivery and return terms.
TV buying questions, answered
No. Screen size should match your room, viewing distance and personal preference.
Is 4K worth buying?4K is a common resolution across modern TVs and is particularly useful on larger screens and with compatible 4K content.
Is OLED better than QLED?They use different display technologies and have different strengths. OLED can produce extremely deep blacks, while QLED designs can offer strong brightness and colour.
Do I need a 120Hz TV?Not necessarily. 60Hz can be sufficient for general TV and streaming. Higher refresh rates become more relevant for sports, fast motion and gaming.
How many HDMI ports should my TV have?Count your consoles, soundbar, set-top box, streaming devices and other equipment, then leave some room for future devices if possible.
Should I buy a soundbar with my TV?A soundbar can be useful if you want stronger bass, clearer dialogue or a more cinematic audio experience. Check HDMI ARC/eARC compatibility.
What should I check before placing the order?Check the exact model number, screen size, dimensions, stand width, ports, refresh rate, smart-TV platform, warranty, installation, delivery and return policy.
Ready to find your TV?
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