Best Sports TVs of 2026

Best Sports TVs of 2026

Top Picks for Motion, Brightness, and Game-Day Clarity

Created December 31, 2025 • Updated January 27, 2026

From anti-glare OLEDs to ultra-bright Mini-LEDs, expert reviews and consumer feedback reveal the displays that handle fast motion, bright rooms, and lower-quality broadcasts with precision.

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#01

Sony BRAVIA 9 (K-65XR90, K-75XR90, K-85XR90)

Sony's flagship Mini-LED TV delivers exceptional brightness, OLED-rivaling contrast, and refined local dimming in a package that redefines what LCD technology can achieve for home cinema enthusiasts.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The Sony BRAVIA 9 represents Sony's most ambitious foray into Mini-LED technology, featuring the company's XR Backlight Master Drive system that controls thousands of individually-addressable LEDs with precision borrowed from professional mastering monitors. This flagship model achieves record-breaking brightness levels while maintaining exceptional black depth and minimal blooming, characteristics typically reserved for OLED displays. With measured peak HDR brightness exceeding 2,200 nits and outstanding color accuracy, the BRAVIA 9 delivers a cinematic experience that satisfies both enthusiast videophiles and everyday viewers. The TV runs Google TV, includes beam tweeters for enhanced audio, and supports gaming features like 4K at 120Hz with VRR on two HDMI 2.1 ports. While it carries inherent LCD limitations like narrower viewing angles and occasional blooming in specific game modes, the BRAVIA 9's combination of Mini-LED brightness with Sony's industry-leading processing makes it one of the most compelling high-end LCD televisions available.

Pros

  • Exceptional brightness with HDR highlights: Measured peak brightness of 2,280 nits in Standard mode and 1,871 nits in Movie mode, making it Sony's brightest TV ever with excellent HDR impact
  • OLED-like black levels with minimal blooming: XR Backlight Master Drive delivers exceptional local dimming control with deep blacks and almost no backlight bloom in cinema modes
  • Outstanding color accuracy and processing: Near-perfect EOTF tracking, excellent color volume in DCI-P3, and industry-leading upscaling capabilities for lower-resolution content
  • Superior motion handling and processing: XR Motion Clarity and Sony's image processing deliver smooth motion with minimal blur, particularly effective in cinema modes
  • Impressive built-in audio system: First TV featuring beam tweeters with excellent vocal clarity, directional sound, and height effects that surpass typical TV speakers

Cons

  • Limited HDMI 2.1 connectivity: Only two of four HDMI ports support 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and full gaming features
  • Narrow viewing angle for LCD: Despite X-Wide Angle technology, significant color washout and contrast degradation occurs at off-axis viewing positions
  • Slower pixel response in gaming: Slower pixel transitions compared to OLED result in motion blur during fast-paced gaming, particularly at 60Hz
  • Reduced local dimming precision in game mode: Local dimming becomes less refined in Game/Graphics mode to maintain lower input lag, resulting in occasional blooming with bright objects on dark backgrounds
  • Higher input lag than competitors: 18ms input lag at 60Hz and 9ms at 120Hz, which is higher than competing gaming-focused displays
#02

LG G5 OLED evo

LG's flagship OLED delivers unprecedented brightness levels and gaming performance, though its premium positioning demands careful consideration of viewing habits and budget constraints.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The LG G5 OLED Evo represents a landmark achievement in television engineering, introducing the industry's first primary RGB tandem OLED panel to consumer displays. This flagship model from LG's 2025 lineup reaches peak brightness levels of 2,268 nits, rivalling premium mini-LED televisions while maintaining the perfect black levels that define OLED technology. Powered by the Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen 2, the G5 supports 4K resolution at 165Hz across all four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a formidable choice for gaming enthusiasts. Professional reviewers consistently praise its exceptional picture quality, improved anti-reflection coating, and sophisticated AI-driven features through webOS 25. However, the television's premium positioning brings compromises, including the removal of DTS audio support and a minimalist remote that frustrates some users. Consumer feedback reveals that while the display technology impresses, Filmmaker Mode can render Dolby Vision content uncomfortably dark, requiring manual adjustment from factory settings. The G5's flush-wall design and striking visual performance make it a centrepiece television, but its substantial investment demands careful alignment with viewing environments and content consumption patterns.

Pros

  • Record-breaking brightness: Peak HDR brightness reaches 2,268 nits on 10% windows, exceeding previous OLED standards by substantial margins and matching premium mini-LED performance
  • Perfect contrast ratio: Self-lit OLED pixels deliver infinite contrast with absolute black levels, creating exceptional depth and dimensionality in dark scenes
  • Superior gaming capabilities: Native 4K at 165Hz with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on all four ports, sub-5ms input lag at 120Hz and 165Hz, plus VRR support across NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and HDMI Forum VRR
  • Enhanced color purity: Primary RGB tandem OLED structure improves color separation and vibrancy compared to previous WOLED panels, delivering more accurate and punchy color reproduction
  • Premium flush-wall design: Gallery-style one-wall mounting system sits completely flat against walls, creating a picture-frame aesthetic without visible gaps

Cons

  • Extreme price premium: Positioned at the top of LG's 2025 lineup with costs substantially exceeding mid-range alternatives like the C5, limiting accessibility
  • DTS audio removal: LG eliminated DTS format support across their entire 2025 OLED range, affecting compatibility with physical media collections
  • Filmmaker Mode darkness: Dolby Vision content appears overly dark in Filmmaker Mode, requiring user intervention and adjustment to achieve comfortable viewing
  • Inferior remote control: The minimalist remote lacks an input select button and receives consistent criticism for reduced functionality compared to previous generations
  • Modest built-in audio: While clear and adequately loud, the integrated speaker system doesn't match the premium quality expected at this price point
#03

Samsung S95F OLED

Samsung's 2025 flagship QD-OLED delivers unprecedented brightness and exceptional glare reduction, making it the most compelling choice for bright room viewing while maintaining the inky blacks OLED technology promises.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The Samsung S95F represents the pinnacle of the brand's OLED evolution, featuring a fourth-generation QD-OLED panel that pushes brightness boundaries while eliminating reflections through an improved matte coating. This 2025 flagship achieves what seemed impossible: an OLED that excels in sunlit rooms without sacrificing the deep contrast and vibrant colors that define premium display technology. Powered by Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor and supporting up to 165Hz refresh rates, the S95F targets discerning viewers who refuse to compromise between daytime usability and cinematic picture quality. While the absence of Dolby Vision and minor shadow detail limitations prevent perfection, this television delivers a viewing experience that competes with any display on the market.

Pros

  • Exceptional peak brightness reaching 2000-2400 nits in HDR, making highlights pop with unusual intensity for OLED technology
  • Industry-leading OLED Glare Free 2.0 coating essentially eliminates reflections from windows and lights, transforming bright room performance
  • Vibrant quantum dot color reproduction maintains saturation even in well-lit environments without appearing overprocessed
  • Outstanding gaming performance with 165Hz refresh rate, near-instantaneous response time, and support for all VRR formats
  • Premium ultra-thin design with versatile One Connect box simplifies installation and cable management

Cons

  • No Dolby Vision HDR support limits compatibility with popular streaming content mastered in that format
  • Noticeable black crush in shadow details, with some dark scene gradation lost to pure black
  • Matte coating raises black levels in bright rooms, creating a slightly grayish appearance compared to glossy OLEDs
  • Forced edge enhancement cannot be disabled in any picture mode, occasionally creating artificial sharpening
  • Built-in speakers distort at higher volumes and lack sufficient bass for cinematic content
#04

LG QNED

LG's QNED series combines Quantum Dot, NanoCell, and Mini-LED backlighting to deliver vibrant colors and gaming features, but blooming and mediocre black levels prevent it from reaching premium picture quality.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

LG's QNED television series represents the company's LCD-based alternative to its acclaimed OLED lineup, combining multiple display technologies into one package. The QNED range uses Quantum Dot and NanoCell color technologies paired with Mini-LED backlighting to deliver bright, colorful images with up to 30,000 Mini LEDs and 2,500 dimming zones. While QNED TVs excel at gaming with full HDMI 2.1 support, 120Hz refresh rates, and AMD FreeSync Premium, they struggle with dark scene performance due to limited local dimming effectiveness. The technology positions itself as a more affordable middle ground between standard LED TVs and premium OLED displays, though critics consistently note that blooming around bright objects and mediocre contrast ratios hold the series back from competing with higher-end models.

Pros

  • Strong gaming feature set with HDMI 2.1, 120Hz support, VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium working seamlessly out of the box
  • Excellent color accuracy with Delta-E scores around 2.7 in HDR content, delivering vibrant and natural color reproduction
  • Superior peak brightness compared to OLED, making it well-suited for bright rooms and daytime viewing
  • Fast webOS smart TV platform with 5-year software upgrade support and comprehensive streaming app selection
  • Wide viewing angles for an LCD television, maintaining better off-axis image quality than standard LED TVs

Cons

  • Poor native contrast and black uniformity with visible blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds
  • Limited local dimming zones create distracting haloing effects, particularly noticeable in letterboxed content and gaming HUDs
  • Dim HDR peak brightness prevents highlights from properly standing out in HDR content
  • Lacks Dolby Vision support on entry-level models, limiting dynamic HDR performance on mastered content
  • Slower pixel response time compared to OLED results in motion blur during fast-paced action scenes and gaming
#05

TCL QM7K QLED

This mid-range mini-LED TV impresses with extraordinary brightness, deep blacks through Halo Control technology, and 144Hz gaming capabilities that punch well above its competitive positioning.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The TCL QM7K QLED represents a compelling mid-range mini-LED television that delivers professional-grade picture quality without premium pricing. Released in 2025, this quantum dot display features up to 2,800 local dimming zones, impressive HDR brightness reaching over 1,700 nits, and native 144Hz refresh rates that cater equally to cinephiles and competitive gamers. The television's standout feature is TCL's proprietary Halo Control technology, which effectively minimizes the blooming artifacts that typically plague mini-LED displays. With Bang \& Olufsen-tuned audio, comprehensive HDR format support including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, and Google TV smart platform integration, the QM7K positions itself as a versatile entertainment hub. Available in six sizes from 55 to 115 inches, this television targets consumers seeking near-flagship performance without the associated cost premium.

Pros

  • Exceptional SDR brightness and impressive HDR peak luminance exceeding 1,700 nits makes it suitable for bright viewing environments
  • Fantastic contrast ratio with extremely deep blacks maintained even during bright highlight scenes
  • Halo Control technology effectively minimizes blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds
  • Native 144Hz refresh rate with up to 288Hz VRR support provides smooth gaming performance
  • Bang & Olufsen-tuned audio system delivers significantly better sound quality than typical built-in TV speakers

Cons

  • Reflective screen struggles with direct light sources despite good ambient glare handling
  • Sub-par HDR color accuracy out of box requires calibration for color-critical viewing
  • Minor vignetting visible in screen corners during darker scenes
  • Some visible blooming and haloing around subtitles compared to higher-end models
  • Limited bass response from built-in speakers despite overall audio improvements
#06

QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV

Samsung's QN90D combines quantum dot color and Mini LED precision to deliver outstanding brightness and contrast, though missing Dolby Vision and aggressive pricing hold it back from perfection.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The Samsung QN90D represents a significant step forward in the Neo QLED lineup, delivering exceptional HDR performance with peak brightness reaching over 2,000 nits and excellent local dimming control. This upper mid-range 4K television excels in bright room viewing while maintaining deep blacks in dark environments, making it versatile for varied lighting conditions. Powered by Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen2 processor and equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting up to 144Hz refresh rates, the QN90D targets enthusiasts who demand high performance for both content consumption and gaming. Despite its impressive technical capabilities, the television faces criticism for omitting Dolby Vision support and an ATSC 3.0 tuner, features increasingly expected at this price point. The TV also exhibits noticeable brightness reduction when switching to Game Mode and suffers from slower pixel response times compared to competing models. Available in seven sizes ranging from 43 to 98 inches, the QN90D offers flexibility for different room configurations, though consumers should weigh its premium positioning against more affordable alternatives that deliver comparable or superior performance in specific areas.

Pros

  • Outstanding HDR brightness reaching 2,024 nits in Filmmaker Mode delivers impactful highlights and exceptional performance in bright rooms
  • Excellent contrast ratio with effective Mini LED local dimming produces deep blacks with minimal blooming in dark scenes
  • Comprehensive gaming features including four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 144Hz, VRR support across AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and HDMI Forum VRR, plus ultra-low input lag of 9.9ms
  • Impressive upscaling capabilities transform lower resolution content into sharp 4K images with well-preserved details
  • Superb SDR brightness makes the television highly effective at overcoming glare from windows and lighting in daytime viewing scenarios

Cons

  • No Dolby Vision support limits HDR format compatibility to HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, a significant omission when competitors offer broader format support
  • Significant brightness loss in Game Mode reduces HDR peak brightness substantially, diminishing visual impact during gaming sessions
  • Slow pixel response time results in noticeable motion blur, particularly at 60Hz and 144Hz refresh rates, falling short of motion clarity expectations
  • Missing ATSC 3.0 tuner eliminates access to over-the-air 4K broadcasts, a step backward from the previous QN90C generation
  • No DTS audio format support through eARC limits compatibility with common Blu-ray audio tracks
#07

LG C5 OLED

LG's latest mid-range OLED combines improved brightness, near-perfect color accuracy, and comprehensive gaming features in a sleek package that challenges more expensive models.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The LG C5 OLED represents a meaningful step forward for LG's most popular OLED series, delivering noticeably improved brightness over its predecessor while maintaining the perfect blacks and vibrant colors that define OLED technology. Powered by the α9 AI Processor 4K Gen8, this television excels in dark room viewing with its infinite contrast ratio and impresses with significantly enhanced SDR and HDR brightness that makes it more viable in well-lit spaces. Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K/144Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM, cementing its position as a top choice for console and PC gamers. While it doesn't match the peak brightness of mini-LED rivals or higher-end QD-OLED panels, the C5 strikes an appealing balance between performance and value for viewers who prioritize cinematic picture quality and gaming versatility.

Pros

  • Significantly improved brightness: The C5 delivers noticeably higher SDR and HDR brightness compared to the C4, with HDR peaks reaching approximately 1,165 nits versus the C4's 1,049 nits, making highlights pop more effectively
  • Near-perfect color accuracy: Out-of-the-box color accuracy measures exceptionally well, with a Delta-E average of 0.32 in SDR and over 99% Rec. 709 coverage, requiring minimal calibration
  • Comprehensive gaming features: Four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and extremely low input lag make it ideal for gaming
  • Excellent image processing: The α9 AI Processor Gen8 delivers superior upscaling of lower-resolution content and effective artifact removal from streaming sources
  • Perfect black levels and infinite contrast: As an OLED panel with 8.3 million self-lit pixels, the C5 delivers absolute blacks with no blooming, creating exceptional depth in dark scenes

Cons

  • Lower full-screen brightness: While improved, the C5 still lags behind mini-LED competitors in full-field brightness, measuring around 300-1000 nits in many HDR scenes versus 3,000+ nits from high-end LCD displays
  • Smaller models less bright: The 42-inch and 48-inch variants feature lower pixel aperture ratios, resulting in noticeably reduced brightness compared to larger screen sizes
  • Visible stutter in 24fps content: The near-instantaneous response time causes noticeable judder during slow camera pans in movies, an inherent OLED characteristic
  • Suboptimal for very bright rooms: Despite brightness improvements, the C5 remains best suited for controlled lighting environments and struggles with direct reflections more than anti-glare mini-LED options
  • Dithering visible at close range: Diagonal lines show visible dithering patterns when used as a PC monitor at typical desk distances, limiting its effectiveness for desktop use
#08

Hisense U8QG

This 2025 Mini-LED TV delivers extraordinary brightness, exceptional contrast, and comprehensive gaming features at a compelling mid-range price point, though viewing angles and motion handling reveal its LED limitations.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The Hisense U8QG represents a significant leap forward in affordable Mini-LED television technology. As the flagship model in Hisense's 2025 ULED lineup, this TV delivers record-breaking brightness levels exceeding 5,700 nits in some measurements, placing it among the brightest consumer televisions ever tested. The display combines quantum dot color technology with up to 5,376 local dimming zones (depending on size) to produce OLED-rivaling black levels alongside eye-searing HDR highlights. Gaming enthusiasts benefit from a native 165Hz refresh rate, three HDMI 2.1 ports, and an innovative USB-C display port input. While the TV excels in bright rooms and mixed-usage scenarios, it struggles with subpar EOTF tracking that over-brightens HDR content, slow pixel response times that blur fast motion, and viewing angles that degrade image quality from off-center positions. The Google TV interface provides smooth operation with comprehensive app support, though the platform includes unavoidable advertisements. For consumers seeking flagship-level picture quality without premium pricing, the U8QG delivers exceptional value despite specific technical compromises.

Pros

  • Exceptional peak brightness: Achieves over 5,700 nits in certain testing conditions, making it one of the brightest consumer TVs available with outstanding performance in bright rooms
  • OLED-rivaling contrast: Superb native contrast with mini-LED local dimming produces very deep blacks with minimal blooming around highlights
  • Comprehensive gaming features: Native 165Hz refresh rate, 1080p @ 288Hz mode, HDMI 2.1 on all three ports, VRR support, and innovative USB-C display port input
  • Wide color gamut coverage: Quantum dot technology delivers approximately 95% DCI-P3 coverage with vibrant, lifelike colors in both SDR and HDR content
  • Strong value proposition: Delivers flagship-level brightness and contrast at a mid-range price point that undercuts similarly performing Samsung and Sony models

Cons

  • Slow pixel response times: Average response time of 20ms creates noticeable motion blur during fast-moving scenes, particularly problematic for competitive gaming
  • Poor EOTF tracking: Significantly over-brightens HDR content beyond creator intent, making most scenes appear much brighter than they should
  • Limited viewing angles: VA panel (on 65" and 85" models) exhibits noticeable color washing, gamma shifting, and brightness loss when viewed from off-center positions
  • USB-C port limitations: Display port input doesn't support VRR or 1080p @ 288Hz refresh rate, significantly reducing its usefulness for PC gamers
  • Disappointing uniformity: Corners appear noticeably dimmer than center, with visible dirty screen effect and slight grid-like patterns during certain content
#09

Samsung S90F OLED

Samsung's mid-range 2025 OLED combines QD-OLED panel technology with gaming-focused features and exceptional color coverage, positioning itself as the value leader in premium television.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The Samsung S90F OLED represents a sweet spot in the 2025 OLED television market, delivering near-flagship picture quality at a mid-range position. This display leverages Quantum Dot OLED technology in select models to achieve exceptional color volume, covering 100% of the UHDA-P3 gamut and an impressive 89% of the Rec2020 color space. With four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K at 144Hz, the S90F caters equally to cinephiles and gamers . The television features Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, which powers upscaling and processing duties while running the mature Tizen operating system. While it lacks Dolby Vision support and anti-glare technology found on the flagship S95F, the S90F compensates with strong HDR brightness reaching 1,162 nits and remarkable contrast. Available in six sizes from 42 to 83 inches, the display uses different panel technologies depending on size and region, with larger models featuring QD-OLED panels and smaller variants using WOLED technology.

Pros

  • Exceptional color coverage achieving 100% UHDA-P3 gamut and 89% Rec2020, outperforming most OLEDs at this level
  • Outstanding gaming specifications with 4K/144Hz support, four HDMI 2.1 inputs, VRR, ALLM, and ultra-low 9.1ms input lag
  • Strong HDR brightness reaching 1,162 nits with impressive peak highlights and deep OLED blacks
  • Excellent upscaling performance for lower-resolution content through NQ4 AI Gen3 processor
  • Superior SDR brightness at 520 nits compared to competing OLEDs, improving daytime viewing

Cons

  • No Dolby Vision support, relying instead on HDR10 and HDR10+
  • Weak built-in audio system requiring external soundbar for proper movie experience
  • Ambient light raises black levels to charcoal gray in very bright rooms, reducing OLED contrast advantage
  • Colors can appear overbaked out of the box, requiring calibration to Filmmaker mode
  • Panel lottery with smaller sizes using WOLED instead of superior QD-OLED technology
#10

TCL QM8K

Mini LED powerhouse combines OLED-like blacks with 5000-nit HDR punch and elite gaming performance at a fraction of flagship pricing.

Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026

The TCL QM8K represents a significant leap forward in mini LED technology, delivering flagship-level performance that challenges both premium OLED and competing mini LED displays. This 2025 model features TCL's new WHVA panel technology with up to 3,800 dimming zones, peak brightness exceeding 3,000 nits in testing, and comprehensive gaming support including 4K at 144Hz and 1080p at 288Hz. The television employs quantum dot enhancement for vibrant color reproduction and supports all major HDR formats including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. While out-of-box color accuracy requires calibration for critical viewing, the combination of deep uniform blacks, exceptional brightness control, and Bang \& Olufsen-tuned audio creates a compelling package that trades blows with displays costing substantially more.

Pros

  • Exceptional brightness performance reaching over 3,000 nits in HDR content with sustained full-screen brightness that makes highlights pop even in bright viewing environments
  • Outstanding contrast and black uniformity delivering deep blacks with minimal haloing around bright objects, approaching OLED-level performance in dark room viewing
  • Elite gaming capabilities with native 144Hz refresh rate, support for up to 288Hz VRR at 1080p/1440p, and extremely low input lag across all modes
  • Improved viewing angles thanks to TCL's WHVA panel technology that maintains color saturation and contrast better than traditional VA panels when viewed off-axis
  • Comprehensive format support including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, DTS audio formats, and effective motion processing with black frame insertion at both 60Hz and 120Hz

Cons

  • Mediocre out-of-box color accuracy in both SDR and HDR modes requiring professional calibration to achieve reference-level performance for critical viewing
  • Some crushed shadow detail in HDR content particularly in near-black scenes where fine details can be lost
  • Inferior image processing compared to Sony and Samsung flagships, with softer upscaling and less refined low-quality content smoothing
  • Glossy screen coating provides limited protection against direct mirror-like reflections with noticeable rainbow artifacts from bright light sources
  • Build quality concerns including reports of buzzing sounds developing after extended use, particularly on larger screen sizes

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