Best TVs for watching TV

It may sound a bit old-fashioned today, but people still watch… television on their televisions. 😉 If you belong to the group of people who aren't too concerned about gimmicks like Smart TVs, hundreds of apps, or integration with smartphones, and just want to watch the news, YouTube (often in lower quality), or older films and series – this ranking is just for you. What matters here is primarily how the television performs as a classic TV receiver.

How do we assess televisions for TV and YouTube?

The most important factor is of course image quality. Even if regular television does not offer material in the highest quality, the difference between a poorer and a better television can be colossal.

Therefore, in our methodology, we take into account:

Contrast and colour reproduction after calibration – the foundation of good image quality
Viewing angles – so that every household member sees everything as it should be
Upscaling – that is, how the television handles upscaling lower quality (e.g., regular TV) to higher resolution
Colour gradation – the smoothness of tonal transitions, crucial especially in older productions
HDR – has less significance here, but occasionally even in regular television, there will be material in HLG.

Example of television assessment (TV/YouTube)

Criterion	Rating (1–10)	Weight (%)	Weighted value (%)
Contrast	8.5	35.7	30.4
Colours after calibration	9.0	21.4	19.3
Viewing angles	6.5	14.3	9.3
Upscaling (decontour)	7.5	14.3	10.7
Gradation	7.0	10.7	7.5
HDR	5.5	3.6	2.0
Total	–	100	79.2

Final score: 79.2% (7.9/10)

Differences in Remotes – What to Pay Attention To?

The remote is often an underrated element of the television, and in everyday use, it can make a huge difference. Each manufacturer approaches it differently – some prioritise simplicity and minimalism, while others pack it with a multitude of features. It is worth noting whether the remote connects to the television wirelessly (RF/Bluetooth) – in which case you don't have to aim at the screen. For some, backlit buttons or the presence of a numeric keypad will also be important, especially if you frequently use traditional television. In addition, there are extras such as voice control, AI assistants, app shortcuts, a solar panel, or even USB-C charging. The differences between manufacturers are significant – which is why we have prepared a comparison of the most popular brands.

Comparison of Remotes for Televisions of Different Brands

Brand	Non-targeting remote control (RF/Bluetooth)	Button backlighting	Numeric keypad	Extras
Samsung	Yes	No	No	Voice control, app shortcuts, ability to control other devices (large database), solar panel, USB-C charging
LG	Yes	No	No (yes in older remotes)	Magic remote – cursor control on screen, app shortcuts, voice search, ability to control other devices
Sony	Yes	Yes/No (only highest models)	Yes/No (usually two remotes)	Often two remotes included: classic with numeric keypad + smart with Google assistant
Philips	No	Yes	Yes	Voice control (English), app shortcuts
Hisense	Yes	Yes/No (only highest models)	Yes	App shortcuts, solar panel, USB-C charging, voice control
TCL	Yes	Yes/No (only highest models)	Yes/No (depending on model)	Google voice assistant, app shortcuts

What is the purpose of the electronic programme guide (EPG)?

The EPG, or electronic programme guide, is now standard in most televisions. In practice, it functions like a modern schedule. On one screen, you can see what is currently on, as well as what programmes are scheduled for the coming hours or even days. Instead of anxiously flicking through channels, a quick glance at the list is enough to choose something for yourself. The convenience is enhanced by additional features: reminders for your favourite programme, and in many models, the ability to schedule recordings to a USB drive.

Can inferior materials look good on a large screen?

When choosing a television for watching traditional television or YouTube, the upscaling and digital image processing capabilities are particularly important. Most channels and online content are still broadcast in HD quality or even lower, and on a large 4K screen, any lack of detail is immediately noticeable. A good television can intelligently "upscale" the resolution of the material, smooth out tonal transitions, and reduce noise, resulting in a sharp and clear image. These technologies determine whether a news programme, an old series, or a simple video from the internet will look good on 55 or 65 inches. If the upscaling performance is poor, a larger television will quickly reveal all the imperfections – thus, choosing a model with refined algorithms allows us to enjoy a bigger screen without compromises.

What TV for seniors – what to pay attention to?

Although we do not rate this in our ranking, we always pay attention to improvements that can make it easier for older people to use the television. Above all, simplicity of operation is key. It is worth checking if the font and icons can be enlarged in the menu – larger letters are much more comfortable for those with poor eyesight. It is also beneficial if the television supports audio description, a function that verbally describes what is happening on screen. Most older individuals also appreciate classic remote controls with a full numerical keypad. The problem is that these are becoming less frequently included in the set. Fortunately, such remotes (both original and universal infrared ones) can be easily purchased separately and may be easier to use. It is also worth remembering that if the television is used together with a decoder from a provider such as Canal+, Orange, Inea, etc., then in practice the layout of buttons on the TV remote becomes less significant. Many people then use the decoder remote almost exclusively, using the television remote only to turn it on and off. Therefore, it is not worth automatically ruling out most televisions based on the remote control.