The latest 8K TVs are stunning, but not cheap. We’re reviewing them as they launch and making note of the very best performers at every size and price.
When it comes to resolution, 8K picture technology is (slowly, but surely) what’s coming next, with brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, TCL, and a host of others all offering 8K TV models that are engineered to take your breath away.
Delivering double the pixel count of 4K/UHD TVs, the best 8K TVs are also optimized to dish out incredible picture upscaling, as well as vibrant and colorful imagery, regardless of the source, and plenty of smart TV capabilities, too. And while TVs with 8K resolution collect a little less attention than today’s leading 4K TV models, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. After all, hardware tends to drop before software, so we’re hoping there’ll be plenty of 8K content to enjoy over the next few years. Fingers crossed.
But if you’re interested in buying an 8K TV today, and you’re OK with paying a premium for it, what model should you go for? Right now, our best pick is the stunning Samsung QN900B, with its gorgeous QLED picture and upscaling capabilities. But as experts on all things AV, we’ve done the digging for more of the best 8K TVs on the market to help you decide.
Why you should buy it: You want more than just 8K resolution in your next big TV purchase. In fact, you’re looking for as many cutting-edge picture features as you can get.
Who it’s for: Dedicated TV watchers that care as much about future-proofing as they do an amazing picture.
Why we chose the Samsung QN900B:
Samsung has been a leader in QLED technology for many years now, with the company’s impressive Neo QLED displays taking home laurels for everything from brightness, colors, and contrast to picture upscaling. And while we think the Samsung QN90B is one of the best 4K QLEDs you can buy, we think the same when it comes to Samsung’s QN900B, an 8K TV that utilizes all the same core picture tech, with a few extra tweaks to accommodate the higher pixel count.
Behind the scenes, Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology Pro works in unison with the QN900B’s mini-LED lighting to create one of the fastest and most accurate local dimming systems we’ve seen on a TV to date. In execution, this means intense contrast and lifelike colors with minimal light blooming. That’s on top of Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 8K which does a fantastic job at upscaling 4K sources to near-8K standards, and a pretty decent job at polishing up 1080p sources, too.
HDR compatibility is another area where the QN900B gets to shine. If you think that amazing colors and contrast is a big win for regular SDR sources, just wait until you watch something in HDR10 or HDR10+. And with the QN900B’s four HDMI 2.1 inputs, all of which output 8K/120Hz, you can rest assured that whatever AV components you purchase over the next several years will all perform at their best.
Yes, the QN900B is one of the more expensive 8K TVs on the market, but if you’re looking for a premium picture matched by premium features, Samsung’s 8K champ is hard to pass up.
Why you should buy it: You’re a fan of Samsung’s QLED technology and want to spend a little less than one would on the flagship QN900B.
Who it’s for: Samsung devotees that are looking for an excellent 8K TV for a slightly more affordable price.
Why we chose the Samsung QN800B:
It can be a little frustrating when a TV brand releases two different models that are nearly identical when it comes to picture features and overall performance, and in the case of Samsung’s QN800B and QN900B, the similarities tend to outnumber the differences, but not entirely.
