The world of home entertainment has never been more exciting, with 2024 bringing a fresh lineup of smart TVs that cater to every need and budget. These televisions are more than just screens; they are integrated entertainment hubs that offer everything from streaming services and voice control to smart home integration and advanced display technologies. Whether you’re looking for a compact TV for a cozy bedroom, a versatile mid-sized screen for your living room, or a massive display for a home theater experience, this year’s top smart TVs have something for everyone. In this guide, we will explore the best smart TVs of 2024, diving deep into their features, performance, and what makes each one stand out.
The Best Smart TVs of 2024
1. VIZIO 32 Inch D-Series HD 720p Smart TV
(Image Credit: VIZIO)
The VIZIO 32 Inch D-Series HD Smart TV is another excellent option for those seeking an affordable yet capable smart TV. This 2022 model comes with Apple AirPlay and Chromecast built-in, allowing seamless streaming from your iOS or Android devices. Its HD resolution provides clear and crisp images, making it perfect for casual viewing in smaller rooms.
One of the standout features of the VIZIO D-Series is its support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, providing hands-free control over your TV and other smart home devices. The SmartCast platform offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, giving you access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Additionally, the TV’s full-array backlighting ensures even lighting across the screen, enhancing the overall picture quality.
Key Features:
- 720p HD resolution with full-array backlighting
- Apple AirPlay and Chromecast built-in
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
- SmartCast platform with access to major streaming services
- Budget-friendly with solid performance
2. TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV
(Image Credit: TCL)
TCL’s 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV brings a full HD experience to your home, paired with the widely popular Roku TV platform. The 1080p resolution offers detailed and sharp visuals, making it a great choice for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite series. Its slim design fits well in any room, delivering a modern aesthetic.
The Roku TV interface is one of the best in the market, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience with access to thousands of streaming channels, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. This model is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control your TV with your voice or integrate it into your smart home setup. The built-in dual-band Wi-Fi ensures smooth and fast streaming, reducing buffering and lag during playback.
Key Features:
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- Roku TV platform with access to thousands of channels
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Slim, modern design with dual-band Wi-Fi
- Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms
3. Roku Smart TV – 55-Inch Select Series 4K HDR RokuTV
(Image Credit: Roku)
The Roku Smart TV 55-Inch Select Series brings the brilliance of 4K HDR to your home, providing stunning picture quality with rich colors and sharp detail. The larger 55-inch screen is perfect for living rooms or home theaters, offering an immersive viewing experience. The automatic brightness adjustment feature optimizes the picture based on the lighting conditions in your room, ensuring optimal viewing at all times.
Roku’s platform offers unparalleled ease of use, with a vast selection of streaming services and channels. The enhanced voice remote lets you search, control, and manage your TV with simple voice commands. In addition to entertainment, the Roku Smart TV includes live local news, sports, and family entertainment options, making it a versatile choice for all types of viewers.
Key Features:
- 4K UHD resolution with HDR for stunning visuals
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Enhanced voice remote with voice commands
- Access to a wide range of streaming services and live TV
- Large 55-inch screen ideal for living rooms
4. Samsung 32-Inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P
(Image Credit: SAMSUNG)
Samsung’s 32-Inch Class LED Smart FHD TV is a solid choice for those who prioritize picture quality and brand reliability. This model offers full HD resolution with Samsung’s PurColor technology, ensuring vibrant and lifelike colors. The 2018 model remains a popular option, thanks to its sleek design and robust performance in both video and audio quality.
The Smart TV capabilities of this Samsung model include easy access to streaming services, a customizable home screen, and compatibility with the SmartThings app, allowing you to control your smart home devices directly from your TV. The TV also features a high refresh rate, making it suitable for fast-moving action scenes or gaming. Its compact 32-inch size makes it versatile for any room in your home.
Key Features:
- 1080p Full HD resolution with PurColor technology
- SmartThings app integration for smart home control
- High refresh rate for smooth motion
- Compact and sleek design
- Trusted brand with a focus on quality
5. Hisense 75-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
(Image Credit: Hisence)
For those looking for a cinematic experience at home, the Hisense 75-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is a top-tier choice. This massive 75-inch screen brings the magic of 4K UHD with advanced features like QLED technology, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. The 600-nit brightness and 240 motion rate ensure that you get crystal-clear images with minimal motion blur, even in fast-paced scenes.
The Hisense U6HF comes equipped with Fire TV, giving you access to a vast library of streaming content, apps, and Alexa integration for voice control. The Game Mode Plus VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is a boon for gamers, offering a smooth and responsive gaming experience. With its high-end features and large screen, this TV is ideal for those who want the ultimate home entertainment setup.
Key Features:
- 4K UHD resolution with QLED and HDR10+ technology
- Massive 75-inch screen with 600-nit brightness
- Fire TV built-in with Alexa voice control
- Game Mode Plus with VRR for gaming
- Cinematic viewing experience with Dolby Vision
6. INSIGNIA 42-Inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV
(Image Credit: INSIGNIA)
The INSIGNIA 42-Inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD TV is a value-packed option for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank. It features 1080p Full HD resolution, delivering crisp and clear visuals that are perfect for everyday viewing. The built-in Fire TV provides access to all major streaming services, and the included Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to control your TV and smart home devices.
This TV is well-suited for medium-sized rooms, offering a good balance between size and performance. The simple yet functional design ensures that it fits seamlessly into any space. With multiple input options and easy setup, the INSIGNIA F20 Series is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want smart features and decent picture quality.
Key Features:
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote
- Easy setup and multiple input options
- Affordable with solid performance
- Ideal for medium-sized rooms
7. TOSHIBA 50-Inch Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
(Image Credit: THOSHIBA)
The TOSHIBA 50-Inch Class C350 Series is a feature-rich 4K UHD Smart TV that combines Toshiba’s reliable quality with Fire TV’s smart capabilities. The 4K resolution with HDR support ensures that you get sharp, detailed images with enhanced contrast and colors. The 50-inch screen size is perfect for larger living rooms or home entertainment setups.
With Fire TV built-in, you can easily access your favorite streaming services, apps, and Alexa voice controls. The TV also supports Dolby Vision, providing a cinematic experience right in your home. Whether you’re watching movies, sports, or gaming, the TOSHIBA C350 Series delivers exceptional performance and value.
Key Features:
- 4K UHD resolution with HDR support
- 50-inch screen ideal for large rooms
- Fire TV built-in with Alexa voice control
- Dolby Vision for enhanced viewing
- Reliable brand with a focus on quality
8. Amazon Fire TV 40″ 2-Series HD Smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote
(Image Credit: Amazon fire)
The Amazon Fire TV 40″ 2-Series is a versatile smart TV that offers a step up in size from its 32-inch sibling. This model provides 1080p Full HD resolution, making it a great option for those who want clearer and more detailed visuals. The Fire TV platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, providing access to a wide range of streaming apps and live TV options.
The included Alexa Voice Remote allows you to search for content, control playback, and manage smart home devices with simple voice commands. This TV is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or any space where you want to enjoy streaming services without needing additional devices.
Key Features:
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- Fire TV platform with Alexa Voice Remote
- Stream live TV without cable
- Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms
- Easy-to-use and versatile
9. Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
(Image Credit: Hisense)
Rounding out the list is the Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series, another top performer in the ULED 4K UHD category. This TV offers premium features like QLED technology, Dolby Vision, and a 240 motion rate at a competitive price. The 50-inch screen size is perfect for medium to large rooms, delivering stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
The Fire TV integration brings all your favorite content to your fingertips, while the Alexa Voice Remote adds convenience and control. This model also supports HDR10+, ensuring that you get the best possible picture quality whether you’re watching movies, sports, or playing games.
Key Features:
- 4K UHD resolution with QLED and HDR10+ technology
- 50-inch screen size ideal for medium to large rooms
- Fire TV built-in with Alexa voice control
- Dolby Vision for cinematic quality
- Great value with premium features
These smart TVs represent the best in 2024, offering a range of sizes, resolutions, and smart features to suit any home. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end model with all the bells and whistles, there’s a perfect TV for you in this list.
Smart TV Buying Guide 2024: How to Choose the Right Smart TV
Selecting the right smart TV can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate through the choices and find the perfect TV for your needs.
1. Determine the Right Screen Size
- Room Size: The size of your TV should be proportional to the size of the room. For a small bedroom or kitchen, a 32 to 42-inch TV might be ideal. In contrast, larger living rooms or home theaters can accommodate 55-inch screens or larger.
- Viewing Distance: As a general rule, the optimal viewing distance is about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size. For example, if you’re buying a 55-inch TV, you should sit approximately 6.5 to 11 feet away from the screen.
2. Resolution: 4K vs. 1080p vs. 720p
- 4K Ultra HD: Offers four times the resolution of 1080p and is ideal for larger screens (50 inches and above). It provides exceptional clarity and detail, especially with content that supports 4K and HDR.
- 1080p Full HD: Still a great option for mid-sized TVs and delivers sharp, clear images. It’s a suitable choice if you’re upgrading from an older 720p set or don’t have access to 4K content.
- 720p HD: Found mostly in smaller, budget-friendly models. While less detailed than 1080p and 4K, it’s still sufficient for smaller screens where the difference in resolution is less noticeable.
3. Display Technology: LED, OLED, QLED, and ULED
- LED: The most common and affordable display type. It offers good brightness and energy efficiency but may lack the deep blacks and contrast found in OLED models.
- OLED: Known for its superior picture quality, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. OLED screens are often more expensive but deliver a premium viewing experience.
- QLED/ULED: QLED (Quantum Dot LED) and ULED (Ultra LED) technologies enhance brightness and color accuracy, making them excellent for bright rooms. They offer a middle ground between LED and OLED in terms of price and performance.
4. Smart TV Platform: Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Proprietary Systems
- Roku TV: Known for its user-friendly interface and vast app selection. It’s a great choice for those who want simplicity and a wide range of streaming options.
- Fire TV: Integrated with Alexa, Fire TV is ideal for Amazon Prime users and those who want robust voice control features.
- Android TV: Offers extensive customization options and access to Google Play Store apps. Ideal for tech-savvy users who want more control over their TV’s interface.
- Proprietary Systems: Brands like Samsung (Tizen), LG (webOS), and Vizio (SmartCast) offer their own platforms with unique features and interfaces. These are often well-integrated with other devices from the same brand.
5. Connectivity and Ports
- HDMI Ports: Ensure your TV has enough HDMI ports to connect all your devices (e.g., game consoles, soundbars, Blu-ray players). A minimum of three HDMI ports is recommended.
- USB Ports: Useful for connecting external drives, streaming sticks, or other peripherals.
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet: Built-in Wi-Fi is standard in smart TVs, but having an Ethernet port can provide a more stable connection for streaming, especially in larger homes or areas with spotty Wi-Fi.
6. Audio Quality
While most smart TVs have built-in speakers, they often lack the depth and quality of a dedicated sound system. Consider investing in a soundbar or home theater system if audio quality is a priority.
- Dolby Atmos: If you’re looking for immersive sound, TVs with Dolby Atmos support can provide a more cinematic audio experience.
- External Speakers: Check if the TV has Bluetooth or optical audio outputs to easily connect external speakers or sound systems.
7. Smart Home Integration
If you have a smart home ecosystem (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit), ensure your TV is compatible with your setup. Many modern smart TVs allow you to control smart devices, view security camera feeds, or use voice commands to manage your home environment.
8. Price and Brand Considerations
- Budget: Set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Remember that while more expensive models offer better features, many mid-range TVs still provide excellent value.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands that have a track record of quality and reliability. Brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL consistently receive high ratings and offer good customer support.
9. Future-Proofing
Consider how your needs might change in the future. If you plan to keep your TV for several years, investing in a model with advanced features like 4K, HDR, and ample connectivity options can ensure it remains relevant as technology evolves.
10. Warranty and Support
Check the warranty and support options offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period and robust customer service can provide peace of mind, especially for more expensive purchases.
Choosing the right smart TV in 2024 means finding the perfect balance between size, features, and budget. This year’s lineup offers something for every type of viewer, from compact models ideal for small spaces to large, cinematic screens that bring the theater experience home. With advancements in display technology, seamless streaming integration, and smart home compatibility, these TVs are designed to elevate your viewing experience to new heights. Whether you prioritize picture quality, ease of use, or cutting-edge smart features, the smart TVs featured in this guide represent the best choices for your home entertainment setup this year.
