Introduction
You've finally decided to take the plunge and upgrade your home entertainment setup with an 85-inch TV. That's a bold choice, and it's one that promises to transform movie nights and gaming sessions into immersive, cinematic experiences. But with so many options flooding the market, how do you choose the best 85-inch TV for 2024 that truly fits your needs and budget?
We understand the pressure! We're here to help you navigate the vast landscape of 85-inch TVs, guiding you through the key factors to consider and highlighting some of the top performers in the market. Whether you're a movie buff, an avid gamer, or just looking for the most impressive viewing experience possible, we'll uncover the perfect 85-inch TV for you.
Key Considerations: Choosing the Right 85-inch TV
Before diving into specific models, let's explore the key factors that influence the best 85-inch TV for your situation:
1. Panel Technology:
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): This technology is well-established and offers affordable options. Within LCD, you have two main categories:
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): Known for wide viewing angles and accurate colors.
- VA (Vertical Alignment): Typically offers higher contrast ratios and deeper blacks.
- OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): This technology delivers the ultimate picture quality with perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and fast response times. However, it comes with a higher price tag.
- QLED (Quantum Dot LED): A variation of LCD that leverages quantum dots to achieve wider color gamuts and higher brightness levels. It's a great balance between performance and affordability.
2. Resolution:
- 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels): The standard resolution for modern TVs, offering crisp and detailed images.
- 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels): The future of television, 8K boasts four times the resolution of 4K, delivering stunning clarity and detail. However, 8K content is still limited.
3. Refresh Rate:
- 60Hz: The standard refresh rate, offering smooth motion for most content.
- 120Hz or Higher: Ideal for gamers and viewers of fast-paced action films, as it minimizes motion blur and provides a smoother experience.
4. HDR (High Dynamic Range):
- HDR10: The most common HDR standard, delivering improved contrast and color accuracy.
- Dolby Vision: A premium HDR standard that offers dynamic metadata for scene-by-scene optimization.
5. Sound Quality:
- Built-in Speakers: Most TVs have speakers, but these are typically adequate. For a more immersive experience, consider adding a soundbar or home theater system.
- Soundbar Compatibility: Look for TVs with HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for the best sound quality from a soundbar.
6. Smart TV Features:
- Operating System: Consider the user-friendliness, app selection, and voice control capabilities of the TV's operating system. Popular options include Android TV, Roku TV, webOS, and Tizen.
- Streaming Services: Make sure the TV supports the streaming services you use most often, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
7. Connectivity:
- HDMI Ports: You'll need enough HDMI ports for all your devices, including gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players.
- USB Ports: Useful for connecting external storage devices, such as flash drives and hard drives.
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi: Ensure the TV supports both wired and wireless internet connectivity.
8. Budget:
- Price Range: 85-inch TVs can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand. Determine your budget before starting your search.
Top 85-Inch TVs for 2024
Now, let's delve into specific models that exemplify the best 85-inch TVs for 2024, categorized by their strengths:
1. Best Overall: LG OLED85C3P
- Panel: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
- Smart TV OS: webOS
- Key Features: Exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast, stunning colors, wide viewing angles, excellent gaming performance, built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos support, webOS for easy navigation and a wide app selection.
Why it's the best: The LG OLED85C3P boasts the best picture quality in the market. Its OLED panel delivers breathtaking visuals with unparalleled contrast and stunning color accuracy. The fast refresh rate and low input lag make it a gaming powerhouse. It's a well-rounded 85-inch TV that excels in all areas, but it does come with a hefty price tag.
2. Best Value: TCL 85S555
- Panel: QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
- Smart TV OS: Roku TV
- Key Features: Affordable price point, excellent picture quality with vibrant colors and impressive contrast, 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, Dolby Vision support, Roku TV for a user-friendly interface and extensive streaming options.
Why it's the best value: The TCL 85S555 offers exceptional value for the price. You get a large 85-inch screen with a vibrant, high-quality picture, a fast refresh rate, and a user-friendly smart TV platform. While it may not match the picture quality of the top-tier OLEDs, it's a phenomenal option for budget-conscious buyers.
3. Best for Gaming: Samsung QN85Q70C
- Panel: QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
- Smart TV OS: Tizen
- Key Features: Low input lag, variable refresh rate (VRR), FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, excellent motion handling, Quantum HDR for enhanced contrast, Tizen operating system for a wide range of gaming-focused apps.
Why it's best for gaming: The Samsung QN85Q70C is a gamer's dream. Its low input lag, variable refresh rate, and support for FreeSync and G-Sync make it an ideal choice for competitive and immersive gaming. It also offers a stunning picture with vibrant colors and excellent motion handling.
4. Best for Film Lovers: Sony X85L
- Panel: LCD (VA)
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
- Smart TV OS: Google TV
- Key Features: Powerful picture processing for accurate colors and excellent contrast, HDR support for enhanced details and realism, Motionflow for smooth motion, Google TV for seamless access to streaming services, and a premium design.
Why it's best for film lovers: The Sony X85L delivers a cinematic experience with accurate colors, deep blacks, and excellent motion handling. Its picture processing is designed to reproduce content with stunning detail and realism. The Google TV platform offers a wide selection of streaming services, and the premium design complements any living room.
5. Best for Budget-Minded Buyers: Hisense U8K
- Panel: LCD (VA)
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
- Smart TV OS: Android TV
- Key Features: Affordable price for an 85-inch TV, excellent picture quality with deep blacks and wide viewing angles, 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, Dolby Vision support, Android TV for a user-friendly experience and a wide app selection.
Why it's best for budget-minded buyers: The Hisense U8K offers incredible value for its size and features. It delivers a surprisingly good picture with deep blacks and accurate colors, a fast refresh rate, and a capable smart TV platform. It's an ideal option for those looking to maximize their budget while still enjoying a large-screen experience.
6. Best for Bright Rooms: Samsung QN85Q80C
- Panel: QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
- Smart TV OS: Tizen
- Key Features: High brightness levels for combating glare in bright rooms, Quantum HDR for enhanced contrast and detail, wide color gamut for vibrant colors, 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, Tizen operating system for easy navigation and a wide app selection.
Why it's best for bright rooms: The Samsung QN85Q80C is designed for bright rooms. Its high brightness levels combat glare and reflections, ensuring a clear and enjoyable viewing experience. It also delivers excellent contrast and detail thanks to Quantum HDR.
7. Best for Home Theater Enthusiasts: LG OLED85G3P
- Panel: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
- Smart TV OS: webOS
- Key Features: Exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast, Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio, a dedicated center channel for dialogue clarity, stylish and minimalist design, webOS for user-friendly navigation and a wide app selection.
Why it's best for home theater enthusiasts: The LG OLED85G3P is a masterpiece for movie buffs. Its OLED panel delivers stunning visuals with exceptional detail and contrast. Dolby Atmos support creates an immersive soundscape, and the dedicated center channel ensures clear dialogue. The minimalist design complements any home theater setup.
8. Best for Cutting-Edge Technology: Samsung QN85QN90C
- Panel: QLED
- Resolution: 8K
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Quantum HDR
- Smart TV OS: Tizen
- Key Features: 8K resolution for incredibly detailed images, 144Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth motion, Quantum HDR for enhanced contrast and detail, Neural Quantum Processor 4K for upscaling lower-resolution content, Tizen operating system for a wide range of apps and features.
Why it's best for cutting-edge technology: The Samsung QN85QN90C is a testament to the future of television. Its 8K resolution delivers a level of detail that's simply breathtaking, and the 144Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and immersive viewing experience. While 8K content is still limited, this TV is future-proofed for the next generation of entertainment.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between OLED and QLED?
A: OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) and QLED (Quantum Dot LED) are two advanced display technologies. OLED panels offer perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and fast response times, resulting in the best picture quality overall. QLED panels use quantum dots to deliver vibrant colors and high brightness levels, making them a good option for bright rooms.
Q: What is the best 85-inch TV for a budget of $1000?
A: The TCL 85S555 is an excellent choice for a budget of $1000. It offers a large 85-inch screen, 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and a user-friendly Roku TV platform.
Q: What is the best 85-inch TV for gaming?
A: The Samsung QN85Q70C stands out as a top choice for gaming. Its low input lag, variable refresh rate, and support for FreeSync and G-Sync make it ideal for competitive and immersive gaming. It also boasts a fast refresh rate and excellent motion handling.
Q: What is the best 85-inch TV for movie lovers?
A: For the ultimate cinematic experience, the Sony X85L is a great choice. It delivers accurate colors, deep blacks, and excellent motion handling, designed to reproduce content with stunning detail and realism.
Q: What is the best 85-inch TV for a bright room?
A: The Samsung QN85Q80C is designed for bright rooms with its high brightness levels that combat glare and reflections. It also delivers excellent contrast and detail thanks to Quantum HDR.
Q: What is the best 85-inch TV for home theater enthusiasts?
A: The LG OLED85G3P delivers an exceptional cinematic experience with its OLED panel, Dolby Atmos support, and a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue. Its minimalist design complements any home theater setup.
Conclusion
The quest for the best 85-inch TV for 2024 is a thrilling one, filled with options that promise to elevate your home entertainment experience. We hope this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make the right choice for your specific needs and budget. From OLED marvels to QLED powerhouses, there's an 85-inch TV waiting to transform your living room into a cinematic haven. So, choose wisely, and prepare to be blown away!