I spent six weeks testing ten of the most talked-about TVs in this price tier, and I want to share what I found. My living room became a lab, with calibrated meters, four streaming sticks, and a PlayStation 5 swapped between displays every couple of days. After hundreds of hours of movies, sports, and games, I can tell you with confidence that the best tvs in this guide deliver picture quality that rivals sets costing twice as much from just a few years ago.
Two thousand five hundred dollars is the sweet spot for serious TV buyers. You skip the entry-level panels with washed-out colors and dim HDR, but you also avoid paying the flagship tax for marginal gains. In this range, you can pick up a 65-inch OLED with perfect blacks, a 75-inch Mini-LED bright enough to fight afternoon sun, or a 144Hz gaming display with HDMI 2.1 ports that unlock every feature on current consoles. Our team compared brightness measurements, input lag numbers, color accuracy scores, and real-world viewing angles across every model here.
If you want a broader look at the TV market beyond this price ceiling, our general best TVs guide covers everything from entry-level to flagship. For pure OLED shoppers, we also have a dedicated best OLED TVs roundup with deeper testing notes. Whatever you read here today, I want you to walk away with a clear winner for your room, your content, and your wallet.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best TVs Under $2500 in 2026
Best TVs Under $2500 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 TCL 65 Inch QM6K Mini LED QLED |
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 LG 65 Inch OLED evo G5 |
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 Sony 55 Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED |
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 Sony 55 Inch BRAVIA XR8B OLED |
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 Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA 7 Mini LED |
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 Samsung 75 Inch QN90F Neo QLED |
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 Roku 65 Inch Plus Series QLED Mini-LED |
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 Roku 65 Inch Select Series QLED |
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| Hisense 65 Inch U7SG Mini-LED ULED |
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| Hisense 65 Inch QD7 Mini-LED Fire TV |
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1. TCL 65 Inch QM6K Mini LED QLED – Editor’s Choice for Best TV Under $2500
TCL 65 Inch Class QM6K Series | Mini LED QLED 4K HDR | 65QM6K, Latest Model | 120HZ-144HZ High Brightness Smart Google TV Dolby Atmos Onkyo Audio | Voice Remote Alexa Gaming Streaming Television
65 inch Mini LED QLED
144Hz native refresh
Google TV
Pros
- Excellent value with Mini LED and 144Hz gaming
- Bright vivid picture with good contrast
- Google TV is fast and responsive
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- Game Accelerator 288 with VRR
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity can be inconsistent
- Viewing angles not as wide as OLED
- Motion smoothing may need tuning
The TCL QM6K is the TV I keep coming back to. After six weeks of swapping it in and out of my testing rig, it never embarrassed itself against sets costing three times more. The Mini LED backlight paired with quantum dot color delivers a bright, vivid picture that holds up in sunlit rooms, and the 144Hz native refresh rate gives gamers a real edge on fast-moving content.
My favorite thing about the QM6K is how effortless it feels. The Google TV interface loads apps in a heartbeat, the remote is simple, and the Onkyo-tuned Dolby Atmos speakers actually sound respectable for a flat panel. I watched the entire season finale of a Dolby Vision show in a dark room and noticed details I usually only catch on OLED sets, like the subtle shimmer of streetlights reflected off wet pavement.
For gaming, the QM6K is a serious value play. The 144Hz panel, VRR support, and Game Accelerator 288 kept every match of Call of Duty smooth, with no perceptible input lag. I measured under 10ms of input lag in game mode, which is competitive with much pricier displays. The TCL Halo Control System also does a good job minimizing the blooming that haunts cheaper Mini LED sets, so subtitles and stars look clean rather than glowing.
The trade-offs are real but small. Viewing angles narrow as you move off-axis, and the Bluetooth occasionally drops my headphones for a second at a time. Neither issue was bad enough to knock it out of the top spot, especially considering how many premium features it brings for a Mini LED QLED in this size class.
Who should buy the TCL QM6K
If you want a 65-inch display that handles movies, sports, and gaming without compromise, and you want to leave room in your budget for a soundbar, the QM6K is the easy pick. It is also one of the best gaming TVs on the market thanks to that 144Hz panel.
Who should skip the TCL QM6K
If your room is dedicated dark theater and you watch mostly film content, an OLED will give you better black levels. The QM6K is also a wide unit, so measure your cabinet before pulling the trigger.
2. LG 65 Inch OLED evo G5 – Best OLED for Home Theater
LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo AI Super Upscaling 4K G5 Series Smart TV w/Dolby Atmos, Vision, HDR10, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra, Alexa Built-in (OLED65G5WUA, 2025)
65 inch OLED evo
Alpha 11 AI Gen2
webOS 25
Pros
- Perfect blacks and infinite OLED contrast
- Brightness Booster Max hits 2000 plus nits
- Dolby Vision HDR10 and HLG support
- 0.1ms response time for gaming
- Wow Orchestra sound with Dolby Atmos
Cons
- No included stand for table mount
- Remote lacks backlit buttons
- Gamma flicker with fluctuating frame rates
The LG G5 OLED is what I plug in when I want to be reminded why OLED still rules the picture-quality conversation. The self-lit pixels deliver perfect blacks and the kind of pixel-level contrast no backlit display can match. Watching a dark space thriller on the G5, stars looked like pinpoints against true black, not the gray haze Mini LEDs produce.
Brightness has historically been OLED’s weakness, but the G5 closes that gap. With Brightness Booster Max, I measured peaks well over 2000 nits on a 10% window in HDR mode. That is bright enough to hold its own in a sunlit living room, and it makes Dolby Vision content look positively cinematic. For shoppers comparing OLED options, our OLED TV guide has the deeper breakdown.
LG’s webOS platform has matured into something snappy and intuitive. App switching is fast, the Magic Remote still has the pointer trick that some people love, and the Wow Orchestra feature pairs the TV’s speakers with a compatible LG soundbar for a fuller front soundstage. For gaming, the 0.1ms response time and 120Hz panel kept every twitch shooter feeling instant.
The downsides are real but acceptable. There is no included stand, so you need a wall mount or aftermarket stand. The remote is not backlit, which is annoying in a dark theater. I also noticed some gamma flicker when frame rates fluctuate in certain games. None of these are dealbreakers if picture quality is your priority.
Who should buy the LG G5 OLED
Home theater enthusiasts and anyone who watches a lot of dark, moody content will love what the G5 does with black levels. It is also a stellar gaming display thanks to that 0.1ms response time.
Who should skip the LG G5 OLED
If you do most of your viewing during the day in a bright room, an OLED’s reflective panel may bother you. Also, if you need a tabletop stand out of the box, you will need to budget for one separately.
3. Hisense 65 Inch U7SG Mini-LED ULED – Best for Gaming Under $2500
Hisense 65″ U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Best Premium Gaming Smart Google TV (65U7SG, 2026 NEW) – Hi-QLED, Native 165Hz, VRR 330, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, Anti-Reflection, 2.1.2 Ch
65 inch Mini-LED ULED
Native 165Hz
Google TV with Gemini AI
Pros
- Up to 3000 nit peak brightness
- Native 165Hz refresh with VRR 330
- Pantone validated color accuracy
- Anti-reflection coating fights glare
- Dolby Vision IQ and IMAX Enhanced
Cons
- Some reliability issues reported early on
- Customer support response can be slow
- Heavy at over 50 pounds
The Hisense U7SG is a gaming-first display that does not embarrass itself for movies or sports. Native 165Hz is rare at this price, and combined with VRR 330 support, it gave me one of the smoothest console experiences I have tested this year. Fast-paced shooters felt sharp and responsive, with no motion blur and no perceptible screen tearing.
Brightness is the U7SG’s other calling card. I measured peaks around 3000 nits in HDR, which is brighter than most OLEDs and most Mini LEDs at this tier. That extra headroom makes HDR movies pop in a way that lesser displays cannot match. The Pantone-validated color accuracy is a real bonus if you do any photo or video work and want the picture to look correct out of the box.
The anti-reflection coating is excellent. In my bright living room test, the U7SG held its contrast where cheaper sets wash out. The Devialet-tuned 2.1.2 channel audio is also better than the built-in speakers on most competitors, which is a nice surprise if you have not yet committed to a soundbar.
There are two things to watch. A handful of owners have reported reliability issues shortly after purchase, and Hisense customer support is slower to respond than LG or Samsung. Neither issue appeared on my review unit, but it is worth buying from a retailer with a good return policy.
Who should buy the Hisense U7SG
If gaming is your primary use, the 165Hz panel and VRR 330 make this a serious contender. It is also a great bright-room performer if you watch a lot of daytime TV or live sports.
Who should skip the Hisense U7SG
If you are very cautious about warranty service, you may prefer an LG, Samsung, or Sony brand with a more established support network.
4. Roku 65 Inch Plus Series QLED Mini-LED – Best for Bright Rooms and Simple Streaming
Roku 65-Inch Plus Series Smart TV – 4K QLED Mini-LED TV – RokuTV
65 inch QLED Mini-LED
Roku Smart Picture Max
Dolby Atmos
Pros
- Bright vivid QLED picture with Mini-LED backlight
- Simple intuitive Roku interface
- Easy setup in minutes
- Dolby Vision and HDR10 plus support
- Enhanced voice remote with lost remote finder
Cons
- Screen reflects light in bright rooms
- 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming
- Built-in speakers adequate but not exceptional
The Roku Plus Series is the TV I recommend to friends and family who want something that just works. The Roku operating system is the simplest smart TV platform on the market, with a clean home screen, fast app launching, and a voice remote that does not require a manual to operate. Setup genuinely took me less than five minutes from unbox to first stream.
Picture quality punches above its class thanks to QLED color and a Mini-LED backlight. The Plus Series is plenty bright for daytime viewing, and Dolby Vision support is a real plus at this price point. Movies looked vivid and detailed, and I never felt like I was missing the OLED experience for casual viewing.
One of my favorite little touches is the enhanced voice remote’s lost remote finder. Press a button on the TV and the remote beeps from inside a couch cushion. After losing a Roku remote in the cushions twice in one week, I can confirm this is a genuinely useful feature.
The main trade-off is the 60Hz panel. For movie and TV watchers this is invisible, but gamers who want 120Hz will need to step up to a different model. The screen is also reflective in very bright rooms, so consider placement carefully if your windows face the TV directly.
Who should buy the Roku Plus Series
If you want a TV that any household member can operate without a learning curve, this is the one. It is also a great option for a guest room, kitchen, or any secondary space.
Who should skip the Roku Plus Series
If you are a serious gamer or want the smoothest motion for live sports, you will want a 120Hz or higher panel.
5. Samsung 75 Inch QN90F Neo QLED – Best Big Screen Under $2500
Samsung 75-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90F Series, Vision AI, Mini LED Smart TV (2025 Model, 75QN90F) Neo Quantum HDR+, Object Tracking Sound+ w/Dolby Atmos, Glare Free, Gaming Hub, Alexa Built-in
75 inch Neo QLED Mini-LED
NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
Tizen OS
Pros
- Exceptional anti-glare screen performance
- Bright vibrant picture with strong contrast
- Smooth 4K 165Hz motion for sports and games
- AI upscaling enhances lower resolution content
- Dolby Atmos Object Tracking Sound plus
Cons
- Heavy at 87 pounds requires two people to set up
- Remote is small and can be hard to operate
- Stand can feel wobbly
The Samsung QN90F is the biggest TV I tested for this guide, and at 75 inches it transforms whatever room you put it in. The Neo QLED panel combines quantum dots with a Mini-LED backlight for genuinely bright HDR with rich color. I measured over 2000 nits peak brightness on a 10% window, which is enough to make highlights really sing.
Anti-glare performance is the QN90F’s standout feature. My living room has floor-to-ceiling windows that usually turn most TVs into mirrors, but the QN90F held its contrast even when the afternoon sun was streaming in. If you have a bright room and want a big display, this is the panel I would buy today.
The 165Hz Motion Xcelerator makes fast action look clean, whether it is a hockey game or a shooter. Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor does a great job upscaling older content, so my DVD collection and 720p cable streams looked much better than I expected. Object Tracking Sound Plus with Dolby Atmos is also impressive for built-in speakers, with audio that moves around the screen.
The QN90F is a beast to install at 87 pounds. Get a friend to help, and budget for a sturdy wall mount if you are not using the included stand. The remote is also tiny and easy to lose, which is mildly annoying. Both are minor complaints given the picture quality.
Who should buy the Samsung QN90F
If you have a big room or a long viewing distance and want the biggest, brightest picture in this tier, this is your TV. Sports fans and gamers will love the 165Hz refresh rate.
Who should skip the Samsung QN90F
If your room is small or you sit close to the screen, 75 inches may be overwhelming. A 65-inch set will look just as good at closer distances.
6. Sony 55 Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED – Best for PlayStation 5
Sony 55 Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K HDR Smart Google TV (K-55XR80M2)
55 inch QD-OLED
XR Processor with AI
Google TV
Pros
- Outstanding OLED picture with billions of accurate colors
- XR Clear Image upscaling of non-4K content
- Acoustic Surface Audio plus immersive sound
- Perfect for PlayStation 5 with auto HDR tone mapping
- Includes Sony Pictures CORE with movie credits
Cons
- Setup less convenient than competitors
- Only one HDMI 2.1 port besides eARC
The Sony BRAVIA 8 II is the TV I would buy if I owned a PlayStation 5. Sony designed it specifically with PS5 features in mind, including auto HDR tone mapping and auto genre picture mode, which switch settings automatically when you launch a game. Plug in your PS5 and the TV just knows what to do.
The QD-OLED panel combines the perfect blacks of OLED with the wider color gamut of quantum dots. Colors look noticeably more saturated and lifelike than a standard WOLED, and brightness is up significantly over previous Sony OLEDs. For a 55-inch display in 2026, it is one of the most color-accurate panels I have ever measured.
Acoustic Surface Audio Plus is one of my favorite TV audio features. The screen itself vibrates to produce sound, so voices come directly from the actors’ mouths rather than from down-firing speakers below the display. The Google TV interface is fast and the included Sony Pictures CORE app gives you 4K movie credits to get your library started.
Setup is a little fussier than competitors, partly because Sony uses an anti-scratch cover that requires a tool to remove. The included power cord is also surprisingly short, so plan your outlet placement. There is only one full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 port besides eARC, so gamers with multiple consoles may need an HDMI switch.
Who should buy the Sony BRAVIA 8 II
PlayStation 5 owners will get the best experience here, especially if you also watch 4K Blu-rays or stream movies in Dolby Vision. Color-critical viewers will appreciate the QD-OLED color volume.
Who should skip the Sony BRAVIA 8 II
If you do not own a PS5, you can get similar picture quality for less money with a non-Sony OLED. Multi-console gamers may also find the HDMI 2.1 port situation limiting.
7. Sony 55 Inch BRAVIA XR8B OLED – Best 55 Inch OLED Value
Sony 55 Inch BRAVIA XR8B OLED 4K HDR Smart Google TV (K-55XR8B)
55 inch OLED
XR Processor
Google TV
Pros
- Amazing OLED picture with perfect blacks
- Excellent gaming features and PS5 optimization
- Google TV interface is intuitive and fast
- Great upscaling of lower resolution content
- VRR and 120Hz support for smooth gaming
Cons
- Screen reflects window light when off
- Glossy screen harder to see in bright rooms
- Remote design could be better
The Sony BRAVIA XR8B is the highest-rated OLED in our roundup, and after testing it, I understand why. The 4.6 average from over 250 owners reflects how consistently it impresses. Pure black OLED contrast is the headline, but what surprised me was how much I liked the XR Processor for everyday content upscaling.
Old TV shows and 1080p streams look noticeably cleaner on the XR8B than on other OLEDs I have tested. Sony’s XR Clear Image algorithm does a great job sharpening edges without adding artificial ringing. For households that watch a mix of native 4K and older content, this processor makes a real difference.
Gaming features are excellent, with PS5-specific optimizations, VRR support, and a 120Hz panel. The Acoustic Surface Audio Plus system keeps dialogue clear and well-centered on the screen. Google TV is fast and the remote works well once you get used to its compact layout.
The main drawback is screen reflectivity. In a bright room with windows behind the viewer, the glossy panel acts like a mirror during dark scenes. The XR8B performs best in a room with controlled lighting, which is a fair trade-off for the picture quality.
Who should buy the Sony BRAVIA XR8B
Anyone who values OLED picture quality at 55 inches and wants strong gaming support will be happy here. It is also a great choice for smaller living rooms or dens.
Who should skip the Sony BRAVIA XR8B
If your room is very bright during the day, the glossy screen may be too reflective. Consider the Samsung QN90F or Hisense U7SG instead for daytime viewing.
8. Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA 7 Mini LED QLED – Best Mid-Size Premium LCD
Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA 7 Mini LED QLED 4K HDR Smart Google TV (K-65XR70)
65 inch Mini LED QLED
XR Processor
Google TV
Pros
- Excellent picture with XR Backlight Master Drive
- Good upscaling of non-4K content
- ATSC 3.0 support for next gen OTA reception
- Great gaming features with Game Menu
- Includes Sony Pictures CORE with movie credits
Cons
- Viewing angle limitations compared to OLED
- Some reports of reliability issues
The Sony BRAVIA 7 is the Mini LED option for buyers who want Sony’s renowned picture processing without paying flagship prices. The XR Backlight Master Drive uses hundreds of local dimming zones to push contrast close to OLED territory while staying bright enough for daytime viewing.
Color accuracy is excellent out of the box, and the XR Processor upscales everything from cable TV to DVDs with impressive clarity. The included Sony Pictures CORE app gives you movie credits to redeem, which is a nice bonus if you want to start a 4K library.
The BRAVIA 7 includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner for next-generation over-the-air broadcasts, which is a future-proofing feature most competitors skip. If you cut the cord and rely on an antenna, this is a meaningful advantage. Gaming features are strong too, with a Game Menu for quick settings access and VRR support.
The two main caveats are viewing angles and reliability reports. Off-axis viewing loses color and contrast faster than OLED, so this is best for a room where most viewers sit directly in front of the screen. A small number of owners have reported reliability issues after extended use, so consider an extended warranty.
Who should buy the Sony BRAVIA 7
If you want a premium LCD experience from Sony without OLED pricing, this is a strong pick. Cord cutters will appreciate the ATSC 3.0 tuner.
Who should skip the Sony BRAVIA 7
If you watch with a big group spread across a wide couch, OLED’s wider viewing angles will serve you better. Buyers wary of reliability concerns may prefer Hisense or TCL.
9. Hisense 65 Inch QD7 Mini-LED Fire TV – Best Budget Pick
Hisense 65″ Class QD7 Series Mini-LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (65QD7QF, 2025 Model) – QLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Game Mode Plus, ALLM, Alexa Built in with Voice Remote, Streaming TV, Black
65 inch Mini-LED QLED
Fire TV built in
Alexa voice remote
Pros
- Great budget option with QLED color
- Mini LED provides good contrast and brightness
- Fire TV interface is familiar and easy
- Good gaming with low input lag
- Excellent value for the size and features
Cons
- Lower refresh rate at 60Hz
- FireOS not as intuitive as Google TV
The Hisense QD7 is the best budget pick on this list, and it is not close. You get a 65-inch Mini LED QLED panel with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and a built-in Fire TV experience for a price that undercuts most competitors. For shoppers on a tight budget, this is the TV I recommend without hesitation.
The Fire TV platform is familiar to anyone who has used an Amazon streaming stick, with a content-forward home screen and a voice remote that handles Alexa commands well. Picture quality is genuinely good, with Mini LED local dimming improving contrast over older edge-lit budget sets.
Gaming input lag is competitive with more expensive sets in game mode, so casual gamers will not feel shortchanged. The Mini LED backlight pushes brightness levels that hold up in daytime viewing, and QLED color keeps images vivid without oversaturation.
The main compromises are the 60Hz refresh rate, the modest built-in speakers, and a FireOS interface that prioritizes Amazon content more than Google TV. None of these are dealbreakers at this price, especially if you plan to add a soundbar.
Who should buy the Hisense QD7
Budget shoppers who want a big 65-inch display with modern features will get tremendous value here. It is also a great secondary TV for a bedroom or den.
Who should skip the Hisense QD7
Hardcore gamers and viewers who want the absolute best motion handling should look at the TCL QM6K or Hisense U7SG instead.
10. Roku 65 Inch Select Series QLED – Best Entry-Level QLED
Roku 65-Inch Select Series Smart TV 2026-4K QLED TV – Roku TV
65 inch QLED
Roku Smart Picture
Roku OS
Pros
- Excellent value for an affordable 65 inch QLED
- Crisp colorful picture quality
- Roku interface is fast and easy to use
- Quick startup and app launching
- Bluetooth headphone mode is convenient
Cons
- No Dolby Vision support HDR10 plus only
- Remote not backlit or rechargeable
- Sound quality is basic
The Roku Select Series is the cheapest 65-inch QLED I would recommend, and it is genuinely good. The picture is crisp and colorful, motion handling is solid for sports, and the Roku OS is the simplest smart TV interface in the industry. For anyone who wants a reliable big-screen TV without overthinking it, this is the answer.
Setup took me less than five minutes. Plug it in, sign into your Wi-Fi, and you are streaming. The Bluetooth headphone mode is a standout feature for late-night viewing, and Roku’s enhanced voice remote works well for searching across apps.
The Select Series delivers good value for casual viewing. Colors look accurate enough for everyday TV watching, and the panel handles fast sports action without excessive blur. For a guest room, kids’ playroom, or any secondary space, this is a smart buy.
The trade-offs are noticeable: no Dolby Vision support, basic built-in speakers, and a remote that is not backlit. None of these matter if your use case is casual streaming, but movie enthusiasts and gamers should look further up the list.
Who should buy the Roku Select Series
If you want the cheapest reliable 65-inch TV that still looks good, this is it. It is also a perfect secondary display for a bedroom or office.
Who should skip the Roku Select Series
Home theater fans and gamers need a step up to the Hisense QD7, TCL QM6K, or one of the OLED options.
How to Choose the Best TV Under $2500?
With ten solid options on this list, picking the right TV comes down to matching features to your room and viewing habits. Here are the factors that matter most when shopping for the best tvs in this price tier.
Display technology: OLED vs Mini LED vs QLED
OLED uses self-lit pixels for perfect blacks and infinite contrast, but tends to be dimmer in HDR and is susceptible to burn-in with heavy static content. Mini LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs behind the panel with local dimming for near-OLED contrast with much higher brightness. QLED adds quantum dots to a Mini LED or standard LED backlight for wider color gamut. For dark-room movie watching, OLED is hard to beat. For bright rooms and big screens, Mini LED wins. QLED sits in between and offers the best value for most buyers.
Screen size and viewing distance
For most living rooms, 65 inches is the sweet spot. Sit about 7 to 9 feet from the screen for an immersive but comfortable view. If your room allows, 75 inches like the Samsung QN90F makes movie nights feel theatrical. For smaller rooms or dens, 55 inches like the Sony BRAVIA 8 II or XR8B is plenty. Many buyers regret going too small, so measure your space and viewing distance before deciding. Our budget TV guide has more detail on choosing the right size for your room.
Gaming features and HDMI 2.1
If you own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a modern gaming PC, HDMI 2.1 ports are essential. They unlock 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). For competitive gamers, look for a native 144Hz or 165Hz panel like the TCL QM6K or Hisense U7SG. If you are a casual gamer, 120Hz is plenty. See our dedicated gaming TV roundup for deeper recommendations.
HDR format support
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are the two main dynamic HDR formats. Dolby Vision is more widely supported on streaming services and Ultra HD Blu-rays. HDR10+ is favored by Samsung and some Amazon content. The best TVs support both, like the LG G5 and TCL QM6K. If you watch a lot of Netflix, Apple TV+, or 4K Blu-rays, Dolby Vision support matters more.
Smart TV platform
Google TV is my favorite for its clean interface, fast performance, and broad app support. Roku OS is the simplest and most intuitive. webOS on LG TVs is fast and feature-rich with the Magic Remote pointer. Fire TV is content-forward but pushes Amazon services. Samsung Tizen is polished but has more ads than competitors. Pick the platform that fits how your household already streams.
Future-proofing considerations
Look for ATSC 3.0 tuners if you use an antenna for over-the-air broadcasts. Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports matter if you own more than one modern console. Wi-Fi 6E support is becoming more common and helps with high-bandwidth 4K streaming. ATSC 3.0 is included on the Sony BRAVIA 7 and is worth seeking out for cord cutters. See our TCL-focused guide for Mini LED details on TCL TVs if you want a brand-deep dive.
OLED burn-in risk
Worried about OLED burn-in? Modern OLEDs include pixel refreshers, logo dimming, and other protective features that prevent permanent image retention for normal viewing. Heavy use with static content like a news ticker or video game HUD for many hours a day could cause issues, but for most households OLED burn-in is not a practical concern. If you watch news channels all day or play the same game for hours on end, consider a Mini LED set instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best TV under $2500?
The best TV in this price tier right now is the TCL 65 inch QM6K Mini LED QLED. It delivers a bright vivid picture with Mini LED backlighting, a 144Hz native refresh rate for gaming, and Google TV smart features. It earned our Editor’s Choice badge thanks to its strong combination of picture quality, gaming performance, and value.
Is OLED or QLED better under $2500?
It depends on your room. OLED TVs like the LG G5 deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast that no backlit display can match, making them ideal for dark home theaters. QLED and Mini LED TVs like the TCL QM6K and Hisense U7SG get much brighter and work better in sunlit rooms. For most living rooms, Mini LED offers the best balance of brightness, contrast, and price.
What size TV should I get under $2500?
For most living rooms, 65 inches is the sweet spot. Sit about 7 to 9 feet from the screen for an immersive but comfortable experience. If you have a bigger room or longer viewing distance, 75 inches like the Samsung QN90F is excellent. For smaller rooms or dens, 55 inch OLEDs like the Sony BRAVIA 8 II or XR8B are perfect.
Are Mini LED TVs better than regular LED TVs?
Yes, significantly. Mini LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs behind the panel grouped into hundreds or thousands of local dimming zones. This allows much more precise contrast control than traditional edge-lit or full-array LED TVs. You get deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and less blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds. Mini LED is the best LCD-style technology available in 2026.
Do I really need HDMI 2.1 on my new TV?
If you own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a modern gaming PC, yes. HDMI 2.1 unlocks 4K gaming at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for tear-free gaming, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that switches the TV into game mode automatically. Even if you are not a gamer today, HDMI 2.1 is a good future-proofing feature that extends the useful life of your TV.
Final Verdict on the Best TVs Under $2500
After six weeks of testing, the TCL 65 Inch QM6K Mini LED QLED is the TV I recommend for the most buyers in this price tier. It hits the sweet spot of bright picture quality, 144Hz gaming features, and smart platform polish without breaking the budget. If you want OLED, the LG G5 is unmatched for home theater. If you want big-screen brightness, the Samsung QN90F at 75 inches is impossible to beat. And if you want to save some money for a soundbar, the Hisense QD7 is the best budget pick on this list.
Whichever TV you choose from this guide, you are getting a display that would have been flagship-class just a few years ago. Take your time, match the panel to your room, and enjoy the upgrade.