The 7 Best 4k HDR TVs - Summer 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).

We've tested 94 TVs that can display HDR content, and below are our recommendations for the best HDR TVs you can buy in 2019.

Note: Since new TVs tend to launch at very high prices, it's unlikely that these newer models will become reasonable choices until the latter half of the year. Because of this, some of the 2018 models remain as picks in our recommendations.

1. Best 4k HDR TV: LG B8 OLED

   

   LG B8 OLED

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   B&H
   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 slightly more expensive). This TV 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, this TV 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 LED 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 and are too concerned about the burn-in of the OLED, then get the Sony X940E. It is a great 75" LED TV which is remarkable at displaying HDR content in a dark room and will also perform well in most other uses. Unfortunately, this TV lacks the perfect blacks of the OLEDs and does not have the same accurate picture when you watch from the side. Nonetheless, it can display deep blacks thanks to the high native contrast ratio and great local dimming support, can get very bright, and has a wide color gamut. When 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. This TV does not have the excellent picture quality of the LG, and the image deteriorates when viewed at an angle. It's also hard to find in stock. On the other hand, it's 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 find the LG B8 expensive, then get the Sony X900F, which is the best 4k HDR TV we’ve tested in the mid-range category. It doesn't have the perfect blacks or the wide viewing angles found on the LG. However, it's a great TV with great HDR performance. It has a high native contrast ratio and can also deliver very deep blacks in a dark room thanks to the local dimming support.

   This TV has a wide color gamut and can display rich colors in HDR. The HDR peak brightness is also excellent and allows it to display very bright HDR highlights. Fast-moving content looks crisp thanks to the very fast response time and the TV has a motion interpolation feature to please the soap opera effect fans. The input lag is low and will satisfy most casual gamers.

   Overall, this is a very good TV that delivers a great HDR performance.

   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 don't want to compromise much in performance, then get the Vizio P Series 2018. It can't reach the brightness levels of the Sony, nor does it have as good reflection handling. Nonetheless, it's a great TV for watching HDR. It can display deep blacks in a dark room, has a wide color gamut, and has 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 you get on the OLEDs.

   On the other hand, this is a very good TV for almost every usage. It has a good picture quality and 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, this is a very good TV that will please most 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 won't have features like local dimming, and motion handling is not as good as the R617. On the upside, this TV 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