Michał Stekla
Samsung is one of those brands that literally floods the market with new models every year. And there's no exaggeration in that — it's probably one of the few manufacturers that offers practically every available type of display. Here we find both QD-OLED, WOLED, classic VA and IPS panels, and even 8K, Mini-LED, QLED televisions. It sounds impressive, but... it can also be a bit overwhelming. Because if it's hard to keep track of all the televisions from one brand, what about the entire market? That's why we prepared this ranking – a specific guide to the most interesting Samsung models that will help you choose something perfect for your needs. Without overpaying and without wandering among abbreviations and the rest of the alphabetical chaos.
The Best Samsung TV
In this category, we indicate the model that we believe best represents what Samsung currently does best in its offering. We searched for a TV that offers top-notch picture quality, all the features, and versatility – but without unnecessary overspending on gadgets that few of us actually use. This is a choice for those who want high-end equipment, but still feel that they are paying for quality, not just the brand. In short: if you want to buy a solid Samsung TV for years to come, you will find it right here.
🏆 Best Samsung TV
🏆 Best Value Samsung TV
🏆 Best 65-inch Samsung TV
Instead of immediately jumping to the flagship models, we decided to approach the topic reasonably. The Samsung S90D, also known as the S94D in the 65" size, is a model that, in our opinion, best combines top image quality with a reasonable price – and that's why it receives our title for the best TV from this brand. The S90D uses the same QD-OLED technology as the more expensive S95D. It offers everything that matters most: perfect blacks, brilliant colors, very good HDR brightness, and flawless motion smoothness. Additionally, it features 144 Hz, low input lag, HDMI 2.1, VRR, and full support for film content – including Filmmaker Mode. Yes, the S95D is even better – it has higher brightness and an external One Connect module, for example. However, it often costs almost twice as much, and the difference in everyday use is not that spectacular. Therefore, in our opinion, the S90D is the best choice in Samsung's entire lineup for 2024. It is worth mentioning, though, that not all sizes of the S90D are equipped with QD-OLED panels. Only the 65" variant uses this technology, while the 48", 55", 77", and 83" models already have WOLED panels from LG Display. Although they still offer very good parameters, they fall short compared to QD-OLED – especially in terms of color gamut coverage, viewing angles, and maximum brightness. That’s why we recommend purchasing the 65" version.
The Best High-End Samsung TV
This is a proposition for those who don't want to make compromises. In this category, we highlight a model from the absolute top – one that utilizes the full potential of Samsung's technology and performs well even in demanding conditions. If you care about a cinematic effect in the comfort of your home, the highest HDR brightness, stunning black levels, and premium solutions, then here is the television that will meet those expectations.
🏆 Best of the Best Samsung TV
🏆 Best Samsung Home Theater TV
The Samsung S95D is a model we wouldn't recommend to everyone – but if you care about absolutely top-notch picture quality and have a bigger budget, this will be a choice without compromises. It's a television that will perform well in practically any application – from home theater to gaming on a console. It uses the new generation of QD-OLED panel, which offers even higher brightness than the S90D model, while maintaining excellent black levels, outstanding colors, and full support for gamers – 144 Hz, low input lag, VRR, and HDMI 2.1 are a given here.
It stands out from the competition with its matte screen coating – in our opinion, this is currently the best solution for combating reflections in bright rooms. However, it should be noted that in full daylight, colors may seem a bit muted – that's just the charm of this technology. Additionally, it features a truly impressive design – from the side, this television looks as thin as a pen, and that's no exaggeration. The panel thickness is about 1 cm, and thanks to the One Connect module, all cables can be conveniently connected outside the screen, which makes a huge impression in a minimalist interior.
It's one of those televisions that gains recognition not only in lab tests but also in blind live tests – and it's no surprise that the S95D won the title of the best home theater television in the HDTV Shootout 2024 test. We also have no doubts – if you're looking for the best of the best, the S95D is a choice that will not disappoint anyone.
Best Samsung Mini-LED / NeoQLED TV
Samsung's MiniLED TVs are a must-have for those who want very good picture quality, high brightness, and decent contrast, but don't necessarily want to opt for OLED. In this category, we choose a model that offers the best balance between performance and price – meaning one that shows the most for every dollar spent.
🏆 Best Samsung MiniLED / NeoQLED TV
🏆 Best Samsung TV for Mixed Use - Best Universal Samsung TV
In this category, we searched for a TV with MiniLED backlighting that offers the best performance in everyday use but also won’t disappoint with more demanding content. Our choice was the Samsung QN90D – a model that combines very high brightness, good local dimming algorithms, and a full package of features for gamers. It’s fair to note that the QN90D does not offer the perfect black levels found in OLED TVs, and in this regard, it performs worse than the S90D or S95D. However, it makes up for this in other ways: HDR effects are incredible, especially due to the very high peak brightness. Importantly, this brightness translates not only into impressive HDR but also into better image visibility in challenging lighting conditions – for example, in a sunny living room. The QN90D is also an excellent choice if you are simply looking for a TV for everyday viewing – not only because there is no risk of burn-in, which occurs in OLEDs, but also thanks to the panel with wide viewing angles. It’s one of the few Samsung models that offers such an addition – and with larger screen sizes, it really makes a difference. It’s also worth mentioning why we didn’t choose the more expensive QN95D in this category. It’s a very similar model that offers a few more dimming zones and an additional camera in the package, but in our opinion, the differences in picture quality are not significant enough to justify paying several thousand more. We also passed on the QN900D, which is an 8K TV that, although it looks impressive on paper, does not offer significantly better quality than the cheaper MiniLED models in practice. Especially considering its price is simply astronomical.
The best mid-range Samsung TV
This is a television for those who aren’t looking for a flagship, but also don’t want to take the "first decent one" from the store. In this category, balance matters – good picture quality and a very good price. We looked for a model that would perform well in everyday use, handle movies, and not disappoint when gaming on a console. If you want to buy a solid Samsung but don’t plan to spend a fortune, this is exactly where you should look.
🏆 Best Mid-Range Samsung TV – Best Samsung TV from the Mid-Range
In this category, we recommend a model that perfectly fits the so-called mid-premium range. Samsung Neo QLED QN85D (or QNX1D) is a television that, depending on the store or market, appears under two names. The only difference is the type of stand. The panel itself and its capabilities are exactly the same. This is one of those models that we know very well from tests, and we can confidently say that the QN85D is one of our favorite Samsung televisions in 2024. Why? Because it offers a lot without costing as much as flagship models. We find here MiniLED backlighting, a 120 Hz panel, a complete set of features for gamers (HDMI 2.1, VRR, low input lag), and also quite decent HDR brightness.
Of course, it is not the top model like the previously discussed QN90D – it does not achieve such spectacular brightness, has fewer local dimming zones, and slightly weaker contrast. But despite this, the QN85D is a model that we can recommend with a clear conscience to almost everyone. It works great as a television for everyday watching, gaming, and movies and series. Especially if you are looking for something modern that looks good, operates quickly, and supports all applications. It’s a device from the category: “buy, set up, enjoy, and don't fiddle with it.” And that's why it has made this selection.
The best Samsung TV from the low / mid range
If you are not looking for a flagship, but care about something better than a basic model from the market, then this is the place to look. In this category, we focus on a TV that offers more than a typical cheap television.
🏆 Best Value Mid-Range Samsung TV – Best Affordable Mid-Range Samsung TV
Samsung Q80D is a TV that officially does not belong to the Neo QLED line, but in practice, it is closer to the higher end than to traditional QLEDs like the Q70D. What sets it apart? First and foremost, it is the only one in this range that offers local dimming – something that is hard to find in lower series. This enhances the contrast, and the blacks look much better than in typical cheap TVs with edge lighting or full DirectLED. It is a TV that has everything needed for gaming and watching dynamic content: a 120 Hz panel, HDMI 2.1, low input lag, and full support for VRR. It may not be on the level of the highest series, but for everyday use – including watching sports, series, or gaming on a console – the Q80D performs excellently. It is particularly worth noting this model in larger sizes, as the 75-inch version is often very well priced. And for this ratio of price to performance, we believe that the Q80D is the best "cheaper mid-range" option in Samsung's offering – one that looks premium but costs significantly less.
Best Budget Samsung TV
This category is for those who are looking for the cheapest possible Samsung that still offers more than a basic model.
🏆 Best Budget Samsung TV – Best affordable Samsung television
🏆 Best Samsung QLED under 500
Samsung Q60D is the cheapest QLED model in the manufacturer's lineup, but it still offers more than just a typical budget model from a store. There are no miracles here, no local dimming, only 60 Hz, average contrast, but still, at this price, the Q60D performs quite well. In everyday use, such as Netflix, YouTube, or regular TV, it handles without major issues. The Tizen system is fast, access to apps is convenient, and the colors—thanks to the quantum dot layer—look better than in cheaper models from the Crystal UHD series. It must also be acknowledged that the design is surprisingly modern, so the TV doesn’t look “cheap,” even if it actually is. What primarily distinguishes the Q60D from other QLED models is the very wide availability of sizes. This TV is available in both a 43-inch version and a huge 85-inch variant. And although honestly—we do not recommend going for the largest sizes since the bigger the screen, the more the technological limitations become apparent (brightness, contrast, lack of dimming zones)—up to 55 inches, it is really a good option. Especially if you care about the brand, sensible design, and easy access to applications. The Q60D is that typical “living room TV” that doesn’t pretend to be anything more, but it also doesn’t disappoint if we don’t expect miracles. And this reasonable balance at a low price is why we recommend it.
