The best 65-inch TV will have everyone envious of your living room setup, whether you’re watching the latest special on Disney Plus or streaming sports. Here at CNET we recommend getting the biggest model TV you can, and for many people this turns out to be a 65-inch TV. Not too small and not too large that it overwhelms the room, a 65-inch TV finds that sweet spot. What makes them even better is that they offer up a wide viewing experience for a lot less than their 75-inch TV counterparts. The 65-inch screen is honestly the Goldilocks size of TVs — it won’t take up your whole living room wall, but it will still impress.
With that in mind, check out our list of the best 65-inch TVs. In the summer of 2022, our best TV advice is still to buy a 2021 model and some have yet to be replaced. The best of the best right now is the TCL 6-Series. We’ll update this list periodically and if we haven’t reviewed the newest version yet, we’ll include a “2022 Outlook” section to give you a sense of what you’re missing (or not).
Read more: There’s Actually a Better Place to Mount Your TV
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Sizes
55-, 65-, 75-inch
TV Technology
QLED with Mini-LED
Smart TV
Yes (Roku TV)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
4
No TV we’ve ever tested offers this much picture quality for this little cash. The TCL 4K UHD TV has an excellent image, thanks to mini-LED tech, Dolby Vision HDR and well-implemented full-array local dimming that helps it run circles around just about any other TV at this price. It’s also a solid choice for gamers with a THX mode that combines low input lag and high contrast. As if that’s not enough, the Roku TV operating system is our hands-down favorite.
This TV came out in 2020 but it will stay on sale throughout 2021 and 2022 and remains our top choice so far. TCL also sells an 8K version of the 6-Series, but we don’t think it’s worth the extra money, as well as a Google-powered version we have yet to review (although according to TCL, its image quality is the same as this Roku version).
Like:
Excellent overall image quality
Superior brightness for the price
Great game mode performance
Roku smart TV is simple, capable
Don’t like:
Some issues with low-light dimming
Key features:
Display technology: LED LCD (Mini-LED)
LED backlight: Full array with local dimming
Number of zones: 160
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR compatible: HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Smart TV: Roku TV
Remote: Voice
HDMI support: 1440p/120Hz, VRR, eARC, ALLM
2022 outlook: TCL has yet to announce a successor to this TV.
Read our TCL 6-Series (2020 Roku TV) review.
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Sizes
48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, 83-inch
TV Technology
OLED
Smart TV
Yes (webOS)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
4
With picture quality as good as any TV we’ve ever tested and a price that’s not too crazy, the LG C1 OLED TV is still our go-to pick for people who prioritize picture and are willing to pay for it. It beats any non-OLED TV on this list, including the Samsung QN90A below, with its perfect black levels, unbeatable contrast and superb off-angle viewing. It also has the best gaming features, making it the perfect companion to an Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5 or both.
We also reviewed the successor to the C1, the LG C2, and the two have essentially identical picture quality. The newer version brings a couple of minor improvements, including lighter weight and a couple new gaming modes. Since the 2021 C1 currently remains on sale for hundreds less than the 2022 C2, we recommend getting the C1 instead.
Like:
Better picture quality than any non-OLED TV
Superior contrast and off-angle image
Best-in-class gaming features
Sleek styling with ultrathin panel
Don’t like:
Expensive
Key features:
Display technology: OLED
LED backlight: N/A
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR compatibility: HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Smart TV: Web OS
Remote: Motion
HDMI 2.1 support: 4K/120Hz, VRR, eARC, ALLM
Read our LG C1 series OLED TV review.
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Sizes
43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inch
TV Technology
LED
Smart TV
Yes (Roku TV, Android TV, Google TV)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
3
Roku is our favorite platform for live TV streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, and it’s even better baked into the TV. This TCL 4-Series can’t beat any of the models above on image quality — its 4K resolution and HDR performance don’t do much to help the picture — but it’s perfectly fine for most people, especially at this price.
Note that TCL also makes a Google TV and an Android TV version of the 4-Series. We haven’t reviewed them, but we expect similar picture quality to the Roku version.
Like:
Hard to beat the price
Easy-to-use Roku interface
Don’t like:
Cheap-feeling remote
Only average performance
HDR doesn’t look much better than SDR
Key features:
Display technology: LED LCD
LED backlight: Direct
Number of zones: N/A
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 60Hz
HDR compatible: HDR10
Smart TV: Roku TV
Remote: Standard
HDMI support: ARC
2022 outlook: TCL has yet to announce a successor for this TV.
Read our TCL 4-series Roku TV (2021) review.
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Vizio’s V-series is our favorite budget alternative to the TCL 4-Series Roku TV. We liked Roku’s smart TV system better (sound familiar?), but the V-series has some advantages, including a better remote with voice and more advanced picture settings. Picture quality between the two was basically the same, so if you don’t have a preference, it makes sense to get the cheapest one.
Like:
Excellent features for a low price
Voice remote with Bluetooth
Lots of picture adjustments
Don’t like:
Only average performance
HDR doesn’t look much better than SDR
Worse built-in streaming than Roku
Key features:
Display technology: LED LCD
LED backlight: Direct
Number of zones: N/A
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 60Hz
HDR compatible: HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Smart TV: Smartcast
Remote: Voice
HDMI support: eARC
2022 outlook: Vizio has yet to announce a successor for this TV.
Read the Vizio V655-J review.
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The C2 is the first 2022 TV we’ve reviewed and it’s superb, but right now the 2021 model is a better deal. We compared the C2 directly with last year’s C1, side by side. In terms of picture quality, the two were basically identical, despite the fact that LG touts the new “Evo” panel on the C2. Real improvements include carbon-fiber construction for lighter weight — the 65-inch version weighs just 37 pounds with its stand, versus 72 pounds for the 65-inch C1 — as well as some additional tweaks to game mode and a new “always on” feature. Those enhancements aren’t worth the price difference, so our advice is to buy a C1 now or wait until later this year, when the C1 sells out and the C2 gets a price cut.
Like:
Better picture quality than any non-OLED TV
Superior contrast and off-angle image
Best-in-class gaming features
Sleek styling with ultralight, thin panel
Don’t like:
Expensive
No major picture quality improvements over the C1 from 2021
Key features:
Display technology: OLED
LED backlight: N/A
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR compatibility: HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Smart TV: Web OS
Remote: Motion
HDMI 2.1 support: 4K/120Hz, VRR, eARC, ALLM
Read our LG C2 series OLED TV review..
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Sizes
50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inch
TV Technology
QLED with Mini-LED
Smart TV
Yes (Tizen)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
4
Looking for a high-end TV with spectacular image quality, but don’t want an OLED? The Samsung QN90A is your best bet. This TV uses QLED TV tech augmented by mini-LED for a brighter image than any OLED TV. The spectacular contrast of OLED still won out in my side-by-side tests, but the QN90A QLED screen comes closer than ever.
Like:
Best non-OLED picture quality we’ve ever tested
Incredible brightness with minimal blooming
Stylish design, packed with features
Don’t like:
Expensive
Slightly worse contrast, off-angle and uniformity than OLED
Key features:
Display technology: LED LCD (Mini-LED)
LED backlight: Full array with local dimming
Number of zones: Undisclosed
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR compatible: HDR10 and HDR10+
Smart TV: Tizen
Remote: Voice
HDMI 2.1 support: 4K/120Hz, VRR, eARC, ALLM
2022 outlook: The 2022 version of the Samsung QN90A is called the QN90B. We haven’t reviewed it yet, but we expect it to have very similar image quality. Samsung touts improved processing and a few extra features but nothing earth-shattering, and the 2022 QN90B currently costs hundreds of dollars more than the 2021 QN90A.
Read our Samsung QN90A series (2021) review.
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Sizes
50-, 55-, 65-, 75-inch
TV Technology
LED with local dimming
Smart TV
Yes (Google TV)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
4
With excellent picture quality, anchored by full-array local dimming and plenty of brightness to make HDR content shine, the X90J is Sony’s answer to the TCL 6-Series and step-up Vizio models. This LED TV’s sleek looks and the Google TV operating system score additional points, as does its next-gen console support — including variable refresh rate (VRR), enabled by a software update in March 2022 — and built-in NextGen TV tuner. This Sony TV is perfect for PS5 gaming and works with Alexa & Google Assistant. If you want an “S” brand, this is one of the best values we’ve tested.
Like:
Excellent image quality
Capable Google TV smart system
Solid connectivity
Subtle, understated design
Don’t like:
More expensive than competing TVs with similar picture quality
Key features:
Display technology: LED LCD
LED backlight: Full array with local dimming
Number of zones: Undisclosed
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR compatible: HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Smart TV: Google TV
Remote: Voice
HDMI 2.1 support: 4K/120Hz, VRR, eARC, ALLM
2022 outlook: The successor to the X90J is the X90K, currently priced hundreds of dollars more than this TV. We haven’t reviewed the new model yet but its image quality specifications are largely similar to the 2021 version, so we don’t expect many picture quality differences. Unlike the 2021 version, the new model ships with VRR enabled out of the box.
Read our Sony X90J series (2021) review.
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Sizes
43-, 50-, 55-, 60-, 65-, 70-, 75-, 85-inch
TV Technology
QLED
Smart TV
Yes (Tizen)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
3
Samsung is the brand that sells more TVs than anyone, and one of its most popular is the Q60 series. Its sleek QLED screen design stands out compared with the other TVs on this list — even though the ultrathin OLED models are sleeker — and it offers better features, image quality and more sizes than models like the TCL 4-Series and Sony X80K. The TVs listed in this article are all superior values, but if you want a Samsung TV and can’t afford the QN90A, this is a great choice.
Note that the 2021 version, the Q60A, is still on sale and can be cheaper than the Q60B. The newer version measured brighter in our tests, but if you want the best deal, stick with the Q60A if it’s still available.
Read our Samsung Q60B review.
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Sizes
55-, 65-inch
TV Technology
LED with local dimming
Smart TV
Yes (Android TV)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
4
Most of the TVs on this list are bright enough for just about any room, but maybe you want a screen that’s as bright as possible. The U8G outshines others in its price range and was basically as bright as the significantly more expensive Samsung QN90A. Its image quality falls a bit short in other areas but if raw brightness is what you crave, the U8G delivers.
Like:
Brighter than any other TV at this price
Very good contrast and color
Sleek design with unique stand
Don’t like:
Worse than competitors with theatrical HDR content
Android TV smart system not as polished as Google TV
Key features:
Display technology: LED LCD
LED backlight: Full array with local dimming
Number of zones: 55-inch: 132, 65-inch: 360
Resolution: 4K
Refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR compatible: HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Smart TV: Android TV
Remote: Standard
HDMI 2.1 support: 4K/120Hz, VRR, eARC, ALLM
2022 outlook: The successor to the Hisense U8G is the U8H, shipping later this summer. The new version uses a mini-LED backlight and could improve the image quality of the 2021 model, but we haven’t reviewed it yet so we can’t say for sure. Unlike the 2021 U8G, the 2022 U8H includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner.
Read our Hisense U8G series review.
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Other TVs we’ve tested
Sony KD-X80K series: Sony is a prominent brand and its higher-end TVs like the X90J do well in reviews, but the entry-level TV in its 2022 lineup, the X80K, didn’t make the list. It costs around the same as the TCL 6-Series and Samsung Q60 TVs, and had a worse picture than both, with lighter black levels and contrast. It’s definitely not a bad TV, and we liked its Google smart TV system, color accuracy and connectivity, but you can definitely do better for the money. Read our Sony KD-X80K series review.
Toshiba Amazon Fire TV C350 series: One of many Fire TVs available for sale, this one is typical of the breed: so-so image quality and a smart TV system that lags behind Roku and Google TV. If you’re a big fan of Alexa voice or see this TV at a really low price it might be worthwhile, but otherwise go for the TCL 4-Series. Read our Toshiba Amazon Fire TV C350 series review.
LG OLED G1 series: The G1 is an excellent overall TV, but compared to the C1 and C2, we don’t think it’s worth the extra money. Image quality is basically the same as those two models, so you just end up paying extra for its ultrathin, wall-hugging “gallery” design. On the other hand if that price difference is small enough — sometimes a G1 will cost only $100 more than a C1, for example — it might be worthwhile for you. Note that this TV’s successor, the 2022 LG G2, promises a brighter picture, but we haven’t reviewed it yet so we can’t say for sure. Read our LG OLED G1 series review.
How does CNET test TVs?
Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate and calibrate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side-by-side in various lighting conditions with different content, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility and more.
Read more: How We Test TVs
65-inch TV FAQs
Is a 65-inch TV big enough?
It depends on your room size, seating distance and personal taste. For a standard living room or larger bedroom a 65-inch TV is excellent, but for massive rooms we recommend a larger TV, say a 75- or even 85-inch model, if you can afford it. If you sit closer to the screen you don’t need as large a TV for the best experience. For maximum theatrical impact, according to THX and SMPTE, you should be between 6.5 and 9 feet from a 65-inch screen, although many viewers will find it more comfortable to sit a bit further back than that. Nearly every 65-inch TV has 4K resolution, and if you have 20/20 vision you can sit as close as about 4 feet and still not discern individual pixels.
How wide is a 65-inch TV?
Most 65-inch TVs measure between 56 and 58 inches wide. Because the frames around newer TV screens are typically quite narrow, 65-inch TV widths don’t vary much. Models with very slim frames are on the lower end — the 65-inch LG C2 measures 56.7 inches wide for example, while the slightly thicker-framed 65-inch TCL 4-Series is 57.4 inches wide. If you’re not planning to wall-mount the TV, you generally want the piece of furniture supporting the TV to measure at least as wide as the TV itself, and preferably a few inches wider. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for exact dimensions of a particular 65-inch TV.
How much does a 65-inch TV weigh?
A 65-inch TV weighs between 37 and 75 pounds with its stand, but this varies significantly depending on the type of TV. The TCL 4-Series 65-inch TV weighs 38.1 pounds with stand, for example, while the LG C1 weighs nearly twice as much at 72 pounds with stand. Removing the stand — which often consists of a pair of little legs under the panel — allows you to wall-mount the TV and reduces its weight slightly (stands weigh between 1 and 8 pounds). Shipping weight (box, accessories, etc.) of 65-inch TVs ranges from 55 to 91 pounds. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for exact weights of a particular 65-inch TV.
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