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Buying a TV is mostly about matching a handful of choices to your room and your habits: size, panel type, HDR, refresh rate, ports and the smart platform. This guide walks through them in the order they matter, so you can narrow down models without getting lost in marketing terms.

This guide is based on product listings and general TV knowledge rather than our own testing. Specs and features vary by model and year, so confirm the details on the product page.

By the Reviewstook Editorial Team. Last updated: October 31, 2026.

Start With Size and Viewing Distance

Pick the size first, because it limits everything else. A common rule for a 4K TV is to sit about one to one and a half times the screen diagonal away, so a 65-inch TV suits a seat about 5.5 to 8 feet from the screen. Measure your wall or stand space and the distance from your seat before you shop. Our TV size guide has a chart for common sizes.

Resolution: 4K Is the Standard

Most TVs above 40 inches are 4K (3840 x 2160). Full HD (1080p) is still common at 32 and 40 inches, where the extra pixels are hard to see from a normal distance. 8K TVs exist but there is very little 8K content, so for most people it is not worth paying extra.

Panel Type: LED, QLED, Mini LED and OLED

Basic LED (LCD) TVs are the cheapest. QLED and Mini LED sets add quantum dots and a brighter backlight, which helps in lit rooms. OLED sets light each pixel individually, which gives deep blacks and wide viewing angles, usually at a higher price. See OLED vs QLED vs Mini LED for the trade-offs.

HDR: Brightness and Formats

HDR gives brighter highlights and richer color, but the effect depends on how bright the TV can get. Look for support for HDR10, plus Dolby Vision or HDR10+ if you stream a lot. Do not assume that “HDR” on the box means a strong HDR picture on a budget set. Our HDR guide explains the formats.

Refresh Rate and Gaming Features

Most TVs run at 60Hz. Panels rated for 120Hz or 144Hz look smoother in games and with fast motion, and gamers should check HDMI 2.1, VRR and low input lag. Beware that not every HDMI port supports the full features. See the gaming TV guide.

Ports and Connections

Count the HDMI ports for your console, streaming box and soundbar. Look for an HDMI port marked ARC or eARC for sending sound to a soundbar, an optical output as a fallback, USB ports, and Ethernet if Wi-Fi is weak. A TV with too few HDMI ports forces you to buy a switch later.

Smart Platform

The smart system decides how fast the TV feels and which apps you get. Roku, Google TV, Fire TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS and VIDAA all have different strengths. If you do not like the built-in system you can add a streaming stick. See smart TV platforms compared.

Sound

Thin TVs have thin speakers. Plan on a soundbar if you watch a lot of movies or struggle to hear dialogue. Our soundbar buying guide covers connections and channels, and wireless TV headphones help for late-night viewing.

Budget, Model Year and Warranty

TV makers refresh lineups every year, and the previous year model often drops in price once new ones arrive. Check the model year in the listing, the return window and the warranty. Panel quality can vary by unit, so buy from a seller with a clear return policy and test the TV soon after it arrives.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

  • Measured the space and your seating distance.
  • Chose a panel type that suits the room lighting.
  • Checked HDR formats your streaming services use.
  • Counted HDMI ports and found the ARC or eARC port.
  • Looked at the model year, return window and warranty.
  • Read recent owner reviews on picture quality and software.

Common mistakes are buying on size alone, ignoring ports, and trusting marketing numbers such as “motion rate” that do not describe the real panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size TV should I buy?

Match the size to your seating distance, roughly one to one and a half times the diagonal for 4K. For a living room seat about seven feet away, 55 to 65 inches is common.

Is 4K worth it?

Yes for sizes above 40 inches. Most streaming content and new TVs are 4K, and the price gap to 1080p is small.

OLED or QLED?

OLED gives deeper blacks in dim rooms, while QLED and Mini LED are brighter for sunny rooms and often cost less.

Do I need a soundbar?

Often yes. Built-in TV speakers are small, and a soundbar improves dialogue and bass.

Bottom Line

Decide the size from your room, choose a panel type that suits your lighting, then check HDMI ports, HDR formats and the smart platform. Everything else is a refinement.