The 7 Best HDR TVs
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in October of 2017. In TV terms, HDR — or High Dynamic Range — is a set's ability to render more detail in both the brightest and darkest portions of an image while preserving deep blacks and realistic contrast levels. The pictures on these models are often more immersive and cinematic, taking you deeper into your favorite films and television shows, and bringing you closer to the action of live sports. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. LG CX
2. Vizio P-Series Quantum X
3. Sony X950H
Editor's Notes
January 14, 2021:
For starters, it's important to recognize that just because a TV is labeled "HDR" doesn't mean it will actually do HDR content justice. Local dimming and a high native contrast ratio are two important features, although peak brightness and black levels also play a part. You may notice that the only OLED model on our list is the LG CX, which is because it's actually better than Sony's options in many ways, and also costs less (although it's still expensive).
If you're going for something big, the Vizio P-Series Quantum X is hard to beat, if you like to watch movies with just one or two other people, the Sony X950H is the way to go, and if you plan on playing a lot of games, the Sony X900H is probably your best bet. If you want to keep the costs low while still taking advantage of HDR content, the TCL R635 and TCL S535 are both reasonably priced and do a good job of bringing out highlights.
March 14, 2019:
This is one of those electronics categories with a pretty reliable annual turnover, so the options on our previous list all had to be swapped out for their newer models, each of which proved to be at least a slight improvement over last year's offerings. Currently, OLED is still the best tech on the market for picture quality, and the models offered by Sony and LG are outstanding. Samsung is a bit of a holdout in the field, focusing much of their R&D into their QLED system, which is fine, but which can't quite meet the high contrast and deep blacks of individually controlled pixels. In some cases, if the specs aren't up to snuff, it might even be smarter to grab a standard UHD Samsung like the Series 8 we have at number six, than to downgrade in size in pursuit of their Quantum Dot technology. Lower on our list you'll find a pair of simpler options by TCL and Toshiba for people on tight budgets that both have good streaming platforms built in.
4. TCL R635
5. Sony X900H
6. Hisense H9G
7. TCL S535
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.