The 7 Best 4k HDR TVs - April 2019
Reviews

Almost every new TV launched comes with basic support of HDR. Unfortunately, basic support simply means that the TV can accept HDR metadata and not necessarily that it will display the HDR content as intended. To reproduce HDR content accurately, TVs must be able to get brighter and display more saturated colors than before (check out our HDR vs SDR article to find out more about the differences with HDR). 

Note: Prices and availability fluctuate a lot at the beginning of the year. Most manufacturers have started releasing replacements for their TV lines since the beginning of the year. Usually, these TVs tend to launch at very high prices and it is unlikely that these newer models will become reasonable choices until the latter half of the year, thus keeping the 2018 models in our recommendations for a few more months. 

1. Best 4k HDR TV: LG B8 OLED

   

   LG B8 OLED

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   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   9.0

   HDR Movies

   What it is: HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.

   Score components:

   • 22% Contrast
   • 14% Local Dimming
   • 12% 4k Input
   • 11% Black Uniformity
   • 6% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 6% Color Gamut
   • 6% Color Volume
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 4% Stutter
   • 4% 24p Judder
   • 2% HDR ABL
   • 2% Motion Interpolation
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 2% Gradient
   • 1% Post Calibration
   • <1% HDR10
   • <1% HDR10+
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : OLED
   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : WRGB
   Resolution : 4k
   Sizes : 55" 65"

   The LG B8 is the best 4k HDR TV we've tested so far. It has an excellent picture quality with perfect blacks due to the OLED technology (the LG C8 is just as good, but more expensive). The LG B8 has a wide color gamut, and when it displays HDR content in a cinema-like dark room, the picture is full of rich saturated colors and highlights that pop. It has a remarkably fast response time and the moving image looks crisp with just a minimal blur. If you want to play video games, the LG B8 won't let you down as it has a low input lag and responds quickly to your actions. Finally, the viewing angles, just like on most OLEDs, are good, so you do not have to worry if you do grab the best seat on the couch.

   However, displaying static images for a prolonged period runs the risk of causing temporary image retention or permanent burn-in, although we don't expect most people to experience this issue.

   Overall, the LG B8 is a TV that will make watching HDR movies a memorable experience.

   See our review

2. Larger Alternative: Sony X940E

   

   Sony X940E

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   Amazon.com

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   Sizes : 75"

   If you want a larger TV than the LG B8, get the Sony X940E. It is a large 75" TV that is an excellent choice for watching HDR content in a dark room, and will also perform very well in most other usages. You will not have the perfect blacks of the B8 and the image loses accuracy when you view it from the side. On the upside, the Sony X940E has no burn-in risk, can display deep blacks, can get very bright, and, in HDR, it displays vivid and saturated colors with highlights that pop.

   See our review

3. Cheaper Alternative: Vizio P Series Quantum

   

   Vizio P Series Quantum

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   B&H

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   Sizes : 65"

   If you find the LG B8 expensive and want a cheaper and brighter TV, then get the Vizio P Series Quantum. The PQ65-F1 does not have the excellent picture quality of the LG B8 and the image deteriorates when viewed at an angle. It is also hard to find in stock. On the other hand, the P Series Quantum is among the TVs with the highest levels of brightness we've measured so far, and due to its wide color gamut, great local dimming, and native contrast ratio, it delivers a remarkable performance in HDR.

   See our review

4. Best Mid-Range 4k HDR TV: Sony X900F

   

   Sony X900F

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   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.4

   HDR Movies

   What it is: HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.

   Score components:

   • 22% Contrast
   • 14% Local Dimming
   • 12% 4k Input
   • 11% Black Uniformity
   • 6% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 6% Color Gamut
   • 6% Color Volume
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 4% Stutter
   • 4% 24p Judder
   • 2% HDR ABL
   • 2% Motion Interpolation
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 2% Gradient
   • 1% Post Calibration
   • <1% HDR10
   • <1% HDR10+
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : LED
   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA
   Resolution : 4k
   Sizes : 49" 55" 65" 75" 85"

   If you prefer a TV that is less expensive than the LG B8, the Sony X900F is the best 4k HDR TV we’ve tested in the mid-range category. Unfortunately, you will not be getting the wide viewing angles or the true blacks found on the LG.

   On the upside, the X900F is a great TV that will keep you happy with your choice. It has a very good picture quality with deep blacks and rich colors, thanks to the high native contrast ratio and wide color gamut. It can get very bright, and when you watch HDR content in a dark room you will enjoy a vibrant image with highlights that pop. It has an excellent motion handling that allows it to display a crisp image with very little blur behind fast moving objects, and a low input lag to satisfy those game console owners.

   Overall, the X900F will deliver a great HDR experience that will please most.

   See our review

5. Cheaper Alternative: Vizio P Series 2018

   

   Vizio P Series 2018

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   B&H

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   Sizes : 55" 65" 75"

   If you still find the Sony X900F expensive but do not want to compromise too much in performance, then get the Vizio P series 2018. The Vizio cannot reach the brightness levels of the Sony, nor does it have such good reflection handling. Nonetheless, it is a great TV for watching HDR. It can display deep blacks in a dark room, has a wide color gamut, and good brightness that delivers vibrant HDR content with rich colors and bright highlights.

   See our review

6. Best Budget 4k HDR TV: TCL 6 Series/R617 2018

   

   TCL 6 Series/R617 2018

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   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.1

   HDR Movies

   What it is: HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.

   Score components:

   • 22% Contrast
   • 14% Local Dimming
   • 12% 4k Input
   • 11% Black Uniformity
   • 6% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 6% Color Gamut
   • 6% Color Volume
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 4% Stutter
   • 4% 24p Judder
   • 2% HDR ABL
   • 2% Motion Interpolation
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 2% Gradient
   • 1% Post Calibration
   • <1% HDR10
   • <1% HDR10+
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : LED
   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA
   Resolution : 4k
   Sizes : 55" 65" 75"

   If you find the Sony X900F too expensive, the best budget HDR TV we've tested is the TCL 6 Series 2018 R617. You will not get the perfect blacks or the wide viewing angles of the OLEDs.

   On the other hand, the TCL R617 is a very good TV for almost every usage. It has a good picture quality and an effective local dimming that helps display deep blacks that look great in dark rooms. The TV has a wide color gamut and can get brighter than more expensive models like the LG B7A; this is great for HDR watching, as colors are rich and highlights pop. It also has a low input lag that will please gamers, and very good motion handling to please sports fans.

   Overall, the TCL R617 is a very good TV that will please most of those who wish to use it for watching HDR content.

   See our review

7. Cheaper Alternative: TCL 5 Series/S517 2018

   

   TCL 5 Series/S517 2018

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   Sizes : 43" 49" 55" 65"

   If the TCL R617 is still above your budget and you want a TV that will do well in HDR, then get the TCL 5 Series 2018 S517. You will not have features like local dimming, and motion handling is not as good as the R617. On the upside, the TCL S517 supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It has a high native contrast ratio and a wide color gamut and can produce great vivid colors, but the highlights are not as bright. Finally, it has a very low input lag that will please gamers.

   See our review