How to choose a TV
Updated November 5, 2026
TV specs can be confusing. For most people, the decisions that matter are screen size for your room, display type and how it handles the content you watch most.
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Screen size
Measure how far you sit from the TV. A common rule of thumb for 4K TVs is to sit about 1 to 1.5 times the screen's diagonal away. From 8 feet (96 inches), that points to roughly a 65-inch screen or larger. Most people are happier going bigger rather than smaller, as long as it fits the room.
Check the stand width or your wall-mount pattern (VESA) before buying.
Display type
LED/LCD TVs get bright and suit sunny rooms. Mini-LED improves contrast.
OLED TVs have deep blacks and wide viewing angles, which suits darker rooms and movies.
Features that matter
For gaming, look for HDMI 2.1 support and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Built-in smart TV software varies. If you dislike it, a separate streaming stick works with any TV.
Quick checklist
- Is the size right for your seating distance?
- Will it fit your stand or wall mount?
- Does it have the ports you need?
- For large TVs, how is it delivered and returned?
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Where to shop
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