The 6 Best 4k HDR TVs
Reviews

Best HDR TV: LG B7A

LG B7A

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Amazon.com

Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

✕

Test Benches: test

• 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

8.6

Mixed Usage

✕

What it is General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.

Score components:

• 22% TV Shows
• 22% Sports
• 16% Movies
• 16% Video Games
• 10% HDR Gaming
• 9% HDR Movies
• 6% PC Monitor

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

9.3

Movies

✕

What it is Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.

Score components:

• 20% Contrast
• 17% Local Dimming
• 12% 1080p Input
• 10% Black Uniformity
• 8% Gray Uniformity
• 8% 4k Input
• 6% 24p Judder
• 5% Motion Interpolation
• 5% Stutter
• 3% SDR ABL
• 3% Pre Calibration
• 2% Post Calibration
• 2% 480p Input

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.4

TV Shows

✕

What it is TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.

Score components:

• 29% Reflections
• 16% SDR Peak Brightness
• 11% Viewing Angle
• 9% 1080p Input
• 7% 720p Input
• 5% Gray Uniformity
• 5% 4k Input
• 5% Sound Quality
• 5% Smart Features
• 3% Motion Interpolation
• 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 2% Pre Calibration
• 2% Temporary Image Retention
• 1% Post Calibration

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.3

Sports

✕

What it is Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.

Score components:

• 25% Reflections
• 20% Response Time
• 14% SDR Peak Brightness
• 11% Viewing Angle
• 10% Gray Uniformity
• 8% 720p Input
• 5% Sound Quality
• 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Temporary Image Retention

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.6

Video Games

✕

What it is Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.

Score components:

• 33% Input Lag
• 22% Response Time
• 6% 1080p Input
• 6% 4k Input
• 4% Contrast
• 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 3% Reflections
• 3% Gray Uniformity
• 3% Sound Quality
• 3% Local Dimming
• 2% Black Uniformity
• 2% SDR Peak Brightness
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 1% Pre Calibration
• 1% Stutter
• 1% Variable Refresh Rate
• 1% 4k @ 60Hz
• 1% Temporary Image Retention
• 1% Post Calibration
• 1% 1440p @ 60Hz

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

9.1

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
• 3% HDR ABL
• 2% Motion Interpolation
• 2% Pre Calibration
• 2% Gradient
• 1% Post Calibration
• 1% HDR10
• 1% Dolby Vision

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.6

HDR Gaming

✕

What it is HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.

Score components:

• 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
• 15% Response Time
• 8% Contrast
• 7% Color Gamut
• 7% Color Volume
• 5% Local Dimming
• 4% 1080p Input
• 4% 4k Input
• 4% Black Uniformity
• 3% HDR ABL
• 3% HDR Peak Brightness
• 3% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 2% Gray Uniformity
• 2% Gradient
• 2% Reflections
• 1% Variable Refresh Rate
• 1% HDR10
• 1% Dolby Vision
• 1% Sound Quality
• 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Pre Calibration
• 1% Temporary Image Retention
• 1% Post Calibration

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.0

PC Monitor

✕

What it is PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.

Score components:

• 28% Inputs
• 14% Viewing Angle
• 13% Response Time
• 8% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 6% Reflections
• 5% Temporary Image Retention
• 4% 4k Input
• 3% SDR Peak Brightness
• 3% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
• 3% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
• 2% Contrast
• 2% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 2% Curved
• 2% Gray Uniformity
• 2% 1080p Input
• 1% Local Dimming
• 1% Black Uniformity
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Pre Calibration
• 0% Post Calibration

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

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

The best TV for HDR viewing currently on the market is the LG B7A. It can display true blacks as well as a wide color gamut, helping it to produce an exceptional picture quality.

HDR is typically dimmer than SDR content, so it is even more important for the TV to be bright in order to display details properly. The B7A, while not the brightest TV we have tested, is bright enough to fully enjoy HDR content. While LCD TVs like the Samsung Q9FN display colors with a higher level of saturation, LCD TVs still can't compete with the infinite blacks and perfect local dimming of an OLED TV.

While any of the OLED TVs would be great for HDR movies or gaming, the LG B7A currently offers the best value on the market. Depending on availability and local deals, the C7 might be cheaper, in which case it is a better buy.

See our review

Larger Alternative: Sony X940E

Sony X940E

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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 : 75"

If you're looking for something available in sizes not typically available with OLEDs, the Sony X940E is an excellent larger alternative. It is one of the brightest TVs we have ever reviewed, and has excellent dark room performance, although it does have a limited viewing angle. While there are OLED TVs available in large sizes like the Sony A1E or the LG C8, they are prohibitively expensive.

See our review

Best Mid-Range HDR TV: Sony X900E

Sony X900E

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Amazon.com

Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

✕

Test Benches: test

• 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

8.2

Mixed Usage

✕

What it is General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.

Score components:

• 22% TV Shows
• 22% Sports
• 16% Movies
• 16% Video Games
• 10% HDR Gaming
• 9% HDR Movies
• 6% PC Monitor

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.3

Movies

✕

What it is Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.

Score components:

• 20% Contrast
• 17% Local Dimming
• 12% 1080p Input
• 10% Black Uniformity
• 8% Gray Uniformity
• 8% 4k Input
• 6% 24p Judder
• 5% Motion Interpolation
• 5% Stutter
• 3% SDR ABL
• 3% Pre Calibration
• 2% Post Calibration
• 2% 480p Input

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.2

TV Shows

✕

What it is TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.

Score components:

• 29% Reflections
• 16% SDR Peak Brightness
• 11% Viewing Angle
• 9% 1080p Input
• 7% 720p Input
• 5% Gray Uniformity
• 5% 4k Input
• 5% Sound Quality
• 5% Smart Features
• 3% Motion Interpolation
• 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 2% Pre Calibration
• 2% Temporary Image Retention
• 1% Post Calibration

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.0

Sports

✕

What it is Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.

Score components:

• 25% Reflections
• 20% Response Time
• 14% SDR Peak Brightness
• 11% Viewing Angle
• 10% Gray Uniformity
• 8% 720p Input
• 5% Sound Quality
• 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Temporary Image Retention

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.3

Video Games

✕

What it is Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.

Score components:

• 33% Input Lag
• 22% Response Time
• 6% 1080p Input
• 6% 4k Input
• 4% Contrast
• 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 3% Reflections
• 3% Gray Uniformity
• 3% Sound Quality
• 3% Local Dimming
• 2% Black Uniformity
• 2% SDR Peak Brightness
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 1% Pre Calibration
• 1% Stutter
• 1% Variable Refresh Rate
• 1% 4k @ 60Hz
• 1% Temporary Image Retention
• 1% Post Calibration
• 1% 1440p @ 60Hz

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.2

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
• 3% HDR ABL
• 2% Motion Interpolation
• 2% Pre Calibration
• 2% Gradient
• 1% Post Calibration
• 1% HDR10
• 1% Dolby Vision

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.1

HDR Gaming

✕

What it is HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.

Score components:

• 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
• 15% Response Time
• 8% Contrast
• 7% Color Gamut
• 7% Color Volume
• 5% Local Dimming
• 4% 1080p Input
• 4% 4k Input
• 4% Black Uniformity
• 3% HDR ABL
• 3% HDR Peak Brightness
• 3% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 2% Gray Uniformity
• 2% Gradient
• 2% Reflections
• 1% Variable Refresh Rate
• 1% HDR10
• 1% Dolby Vision
• 1% Sound Quality
• 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Pre Calibration
• 1% Temporary Image Retention
• 1% Post Calibration

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

8.2

PC Monitor

✕

What it is PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.

Score components:

• 28% Inputs
• 14% Viewing Angle
• 13% Response Time
• 8% Permanent Burn-In Risk
• 6% Reflections
• 5% Temporary Image Retention
• 4% 4k Input
• 3% SDR Peak Brightness
• 3% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
• 3% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
• 2% Contrast
• 2% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
• 2% Curved
• 2% Gray Uniformity
• 2% 1080p Input
• 1% Local Dimming
• 1% Black Uniformity
• 1% Flicker-Free
• 1% Pre Calibration
• 0% Post Calibration

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

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

The best mid-range HDR TV is the Sony X900E 4k Android TV. It is a versatile 4k TV with great HDR capabilities, unmatched by more expensive models like the Samsung MU9000 or the NU8000.

It doesn't have the infinite contrast of the OLED panels or the excellent viewing angles, but for most rooms, the X900E offers great picture quality at an affordable price. Local dimming is essential for good HDR viewing, and while not as advanced as some other LED TVs, the X900E is able to effectively dim areas to help small bright highlights stand out. The X900E is available in a variety of sizes, and the 75" is a great alternative to the X940E.

See our review

Dark Room Alternative: Vizio P Series 2017

Vizio P Series 2017

SEE PRICE

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 (except 55")

Resolution : 4k

Sizes : 55" 65" 75"

For viewing in a very dark room, the Vizio P Series 2017 is a better choice than the Sony X900E. The Vizio has better black uniformity and more advanced local dimming, great for watching in a pitch-black room. They are also similarly priced, although the Vizio can be found even cheaper on sale. 

See our review

Best Budget HDR TV: Vizio M Series 2017

Vizio M Series 2017

SEE PRICE

B&H

Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

✕

Test Benches: test

• 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

7.7

Movies

✕

What it is Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.

Score components:

• 20% Contrast
• 17% Local Dimming
• 12% 1080p Input
• 10% Black Uniformity
• 8% Gray Uniformity
• 8% 4k Input
• 6% 24p Judder
• 5% Motion Interpolation
• 5% Stutter
• 3% SDR ABL
• 3% Pre Calibration
• 2% Post Calibration
• 2% 480p Input

Score distribution:

See our best recommendations

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

The best budget HDR TV is the Vizio M Series 2017 4k SmartCast TV. It has similar picture quality to the 2017 Vizio P-Series but lacks some of the more advanced options.

It is nearly as bright as the P-Series and has a similar contrast ratio, but dark scene performance isn't as good as the local dimming feature is not as efficient. It is able to effectively dim zones, but it darkens moving highlights too much, so it is not as good for fast-paced movies with HDR. It does not have any motion interpolation options.

See our review

Alternative for Gaming: TCL R617

TCL R617

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 : 55" 65"

If you are looking for a budget HDR-capable TV for gaming, get the TCL R617. The 2018 model has been upgraded from the P607 with better motion handling and much better brightness, especially in HDR. The color gamut isn't as wide as more expensive models, but it should still please most people. The excellent low input lag and great motion handling make it a great choice for gamers, but there are some issues with gray uniformity depending on your specific panel.

See our review