The best Samsung TVs of 2025: Expert tested for streaming, gaming, and more

July 19, 2025 TH Author

Samsung is one of the biggest names in TVs, and the company rolls out some of the best-rated sets every year. More than a dozen new sets are part of its 2025 lineup, bringing stunning sizes, incredible specs, and some of the best picture quality we’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for the best of the best, a budget model, or something in the middle, Samsung has a TV that will fit your needs.

What is the best Samsung TV right now?

ZDNET staff went hands-on with plenty of Samsung TV models, and our pick for the best Samsung TV overall is the Samsung S90D Its Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ add an incredible level of immersion usually only found on high-end sound bars. Plus, a 144Hz maximum refresh rate keeps everything running smoothly, and the anti-glare coating is the best around. We know everyone has different budgets and needs for their TV, so we built a list that includes a variety of Samsung TVs for any situation.

Also: The best TVs you can buy

The best Samsung TVs of 2025

Why we like it: The Samsung S90D is a fantastic OLED model with support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound as well as Samsung’s object-tracking sound technology for 3D audio that follows the on-screen action. It also features AI-assisted upscaling for better color, contrast, and detailing in non-4K content while the 144Hz max refresh rate is perfect for live sports broadcasts, action movies and shows, and fast-paced video games.

Who it’s for: If you’re looking to invest in a high-end TV that will provide top quality picture, sound, and smart features for years to come, the Samsung S90D is a great option. With a dedicated gaming dashboard you’ll get access to cloud gaming services to play your favorite titles without a dedicated PC or console. The OLED display is Pantone Validated for color accuracy and more true-to-life images.

Who should look elsewhere: Since the S90D is an OLED model, it runs on the pricier side for retail. Even with the smallest 43-inch screen, you’re looking at paying at least $1,000. Which is very cheap for an OLED, but also very expensive for such a small screen.

Samsung S90D tech specs: Screen size: 48-83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR 10+, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: Samsung’s The Frame TV is a gallery-inspired model that looks as good as it performs. With a dedicated art slideshow mode, you can create a personal art gallery to show off your favorite artists and pieces or your own photography and digital art. The display has an anti-glare coating for better visibility in harsh overhead lighting, and the bezel can be switched out with different materials and colors to match your decor.

Who it’s for: If you’re in the market for a TV that doesn’t necessarily look like a TV when it’s not in use, The Frame is a good choice. With interchangeable bezels, a dedicated art mode, and an anti-glare display, you can easily integrate your new TV into your existing decor or use the TV as a centerpiece for a redecoration project.

Who should look elsewhere: The Frame is an expensive TV, but backs up the high retail price with great features like HDR10 support and integrated voice controls. However, if you’re just looking for a decent TV that can handle streaming and occasional gaming, there are more affordable options on this list.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: The Samsung Q90F is available in screen sizes up to 98 inches, making it one of the biggest TVs you can get. And all that screen real estate is backed up by a 165Hz max refresh rate for ultra-smooth action during live sports or fast-paced movies and video games. It also supports both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound for 3D audio that follows the on-screen action while HDR10 support and AI-assisted upscaling give you better contrast and detailing.

Also: Best 98-inch TVs

Who it’s for: If you’ve got the space, and the cash, for a truly cinema-sized screen, the Samsung Q90F is a great choice with a glare-free display for better visibility and viewing angles, integrated voice controls, and a dedicated gaming dashboard with support for cloud gaming services. It also features a Knox security chip for better protection of your browsing history and personal data.

Who should look elsewhere: The 98-inch version of the Q90F is very expensive, retailing close to $15,000 while the 85-inch is closer to $4,000. The Q90F is also available in a 75-inch model which retails for about $2,500, so you have a few options for more affordable big-screens for upgrading your home theater.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: The Samsung Q60C is a great option for anyone looking for a smaller TV for their apartment, college dorm, or as a second screen in their bedroom. With screen sizes as small as 32 inches, it’s perfect for placing on a dresser or shelf if floor and wall space is at a premium.

Who it’s for: With a 60Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution, you’ll get smooth motion for live sports, movies, and shows as well as console gaming. The dual LED panel creates warm and cool colors simultaneously for more vivid images, and with object tracking sound, it’s great for movie buffs looking for a more immersive experience.

Who should look elsewhere: The Samsung Q60C is an older version of their QLED line-up, so it doesn’t have as many smart features as the latest models; like AI-assisted 4K upscaling, VRR support for console gaming, and support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. Being an older model, it’s a great choice for staying under a certain budget, but if you want to stay on the cutting edge of home entertainment, you might want to pick up a newer TV.

Show Expert Take Show less

Why we like it: The Samsung DU6900 is an incredibly budget-friendly TV, with a retail price that tops out at just $600 for the 75-inch model; the 43-inch version is just $230, making it a great option for college students looking to invest in a decent smart TV for catching up on shows and movies between classes.

Who it’s for: Since it’s such a budget-friendly model, the DU6900 is great for anyone who wants to upgrade while staying well under $1,000. And just because the TV is on the cheaper side, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice features like HDR10 support, 4K resolution, integrated voice controls, and a preloaded suite of popular streaming apps.

Who should look elsewhere: The Samsung DU6900 is a sort of bare-bones smart TV with many features we’ve come to expect as standard, but not much else in the way of impressive tech. So if you’re looking for something a bit more robust, you may want to check out one of Samsung’s OLED or mid-range QLED models.

Show Expert Take Show less

What are the tariffs in the U.S.?

The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy

Televisions, many of which are manufactured in these nations, may experience price increases of up to 20%, making them less affordable for consumers. Manufacturers contemplate relocating assembly operations to countries with tariff exemptions, but such moves involve logistical challenges and substantial costs. Companies like Samsung, which produces a significant portion of their TVs in Mexico, anticipate being less affected than competitors relying heavily on Chinese manufacturing.

Overall, consumers should brace for higher prices and potential shifts in product availability within the home entertainment market.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.

Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long

Best Samsung TV	Price	Audio	Panel type
Samsung S90D	$1,400	Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+	OLED
Samsung The Frame	$1,930	Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+	QLED
Samsung QN90F	$1,500	Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite	QLED
Samsung Q60C	$670	Object Tracking Sound Lite	OLED
Samsung DU6900	$200	Dolby Digital Plus	UHD

*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

The biggest reason to choose Samsung over other manufacturers like LG or Sony is simply quality. TVs like the S90C and S90D are at the top of their class. Samsung is a versatile brand, with options that range from high-end to value focused. No matter what type of TV you need, all of Samsung’s options offer quality for the money.

Samsung has been making reliable TVs for decades. In a television landscape that sees flashy new models roll out annually, many customers report being perfectly happy with their Samsung sets for many years.

If you’re a gamer, you’ll appreciate the Samsung Gaming Hub, found on newer sets like the S90C. The Gaming Hub gives you access to cloud-based services like Luna so you can game without a console.

Once you’ve hammered out a budget and made sure the new TV will fit in your space, the most crucial factor to consider is how you will use your set. Have you cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming? Choose a model with a preloaded suite of popular apps and the ability to mirror your mobile device screens.

Are you a console gamer? Samsung offers dedicated gaming modes for reducing input lag and response times and toggling VRR technology like FreeSync and G-Sync on or off.

Buy this best Samsung TV…	If you need…
Samsung S90D	The best overall option. You get signature OLED picture quality and Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+.
Samsung The Frame	A beautiful TV that becomes a centerpiece of your home even when turned off.
Samsung QN90F	A big-screen Samsung TV with QLED panel for better brightness, color, and contrast. table
Samsung Q60C	A small-screen Samsung TV. The Q60C is available in 32-, 43-, and 50-inch screen sizes for bedrooms, dorms, and apartments.
Samsung DU6900	A budget-friendly Samsung TV. The DU6900 retails for much less than other Samsung models and competitors but still offers great features.

While shopping for a Samsung TV, there are a few factors to keep in mind to help you stay on-budget and get the most value for your money:

Price: Samsung has a wide range of televisions available, from basic and budget-friendly to premium-grade OLEDs. We’ve included a variety of Samsung TVs at different price points to fit different budgets.
Picture and audio quality: While Samsung doesn’t include support for Dolby Vision HDR on their televisions, they do offer Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound or Dolby Digital for enhanced audio. Samsung also uses a proprietary HDR codec to enhance detailing, color, and contrast for images. Each TV featured on this list has been ensured to support at least basic HDR10 and Dolby Digital audio.
Connectivity: A new TV, Samsung or not, isn’t worth much if you can’t do anything with it. Each product on this list has been tested and researched to ensure that they offer HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity for setting up game consoles and playback devices as well as for screen sharing from mobile devices and downloading streaming apps.

While researching and testing each Samsung TV featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:

Reasons to upgrade: Each Samsung TV on this list was chosen because it offered enough new and unique features over the previous generation of products to warrant a possible upgrade.
Smart features: People have come to expect smart features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and virtual assistants as-standard in their new TVs. Each Samsung TV that was chosen offers a suite of features from hands-free voice controls to screen calibration and free TV channels.
Screen sizes: It’s important to get the right sized screen for your space to avoid making the room feel like an endless void due to a too-small TV or cramped and uncomfortable from one that’s too large.

The best way to find the ideal TV size for your space is to measure the distance in inches from where your TV will be placed to where you will be sitting. Divide that distance in half. For example, if your couch is 120 inches, or 10 feet, from where your new TV will be, the ideal screen size for your room would be around 60 inches.

You can go a bit bigger or smaller depending on what sizes are available from each brand and what your budget allows. There is such a thing as a TV that is too big or too small. A screen that is too large will overwhelm your space and could even cause motion sickness, while a screen that is entirely too small will make your room feel like a huge cavern and force everyone to crowd around in order to see.

In short, marketing.

Unlike OLED, or organic light emitting diode, the term “QLED” is a marketing gimmick rather than an acronym for a specific piece of technology. The “Q” in QLED stands for “quantum,” which is a marketing term to get you interested in the TV rather than an indication of actual quantum TV tech — whatever that would be.

A QLED television from Samsung or another brand like Hisense really just uses a regular LED panel to create an image while a fancy processing chip uses proprietary software to boost color, brightness, and contrast.

In contrast, an OLED television uses a special LED panel where each individual pixel is represented by a single LED bulb with its own power source. By allowing individual LED lights to be switched off completely, an OLED television is capable of true blacks that make brighter colors pop and enhance contrast. They also use an organic substrate which is activated by an electrical current to produce colors. This substrate is very expensive and difficult to produce, which is why OLED TVs are much more expensive than their LED and QLED counterparts.

If you aren’t running your Samsung TV 24/7, you can reasonably expect it to last at least five years. You can extend the life of your Samsung TV by ensuring that the operating system and firmware are up to date via automatic updates.

Unfortunately, the era of TVs lasting decades, barring any mechanical issues, is long over. Almost all new televisions are internet-enabled, there will eventually come a point where older TVs are no longer able to support new firmware updates or new versions of streaming apps. This means that you’ll almost be forced to buy a new TV every 10 or so years, especially if you’ve cut the cord. The average TV lifespan will give you plenty of time to save up for when the time comes to upgrade.

Yes. Along with a variety of screen sizes available, Samsung TVs like the QN90C and S95C include the Samsung Gaming Hub. The Hub gives you access to cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass, as well as lowered input response times, support for VRR technology like AMD FreeSync, and enhanced contrast. You’ll also get multiple HDMI inputs for connecting more than one console, as well as an RF connection for some retro consoles like the SNES.

Other Samsung TVs we’ve tested

TVs Roundups

TV Models Reviewed and Compared

TVs Explained

What is the best Samsung TV right now?

The best Samsung TVs of 2025

What are the tariffs in the U.S.?

Other Samsung TVs we’ve tested

ZDNET Recommends