Best QLED TVs 2026: 11 Compared (9 Sources)
What are the best QLED TVs in 2026?
TL;DR
Top pick: Samsung QN90F (~$1,500) — best overall, 4K 165Hz, Glare Free coating, four HDMI 2.1 ports.
Best value: Hisense U8QG (~$1,400) — ~5,000 nits, native 165Hz, 72W speakers.
Best budget: TCL QM6K (~$700) — Mini-LED QLED with Dolby Vision at the entry tier. [src1, src3, src6]
Summary
The QLED TV market in 2026 is dominated by Mini-LED backlit quantum dot panels from Samsung, TCL, Hisense, and Sony, delivering exceptional brightness, wide color volume, and HDR performance that makes them ideal for bright living rooms and daytime viewing. The Samsung QN90F (~$1,500 for 65") remains the best overall QLED TV, combining a Glare Free matte coating, 4K 165Hz gaming support across four HDMI 2.1 ports, ~2,000 nits peak HDR brightness, and Samsung's Vision AI processor with 128 neural networks. For maximum raw brightness, the Hisense U8QG (~$1,400 for 65") reaches an extraordinary ~5,000 nits peak with 165Hz, VRR 288, and a built-in 4.1.2-channel 72W speaker system. [src1, src2, src3]
A significant shift is underway for 2026: Samsung is discontinuing its flagship QN90 Neo QLED line in favor of the new Micro RGB technology (R85H/R90H/R95H, now shipping), making the 2025 QN90F the last of its kind. The 2026 branded Neo QLED lineup is streamlined to the QN80H ($1,600 for 65") and the budget QN70H ($1,200 for 65"). TCL continues to push value with the QM8K (~$1,600 for 65") delivering up to 5,000 nits HDR brightness with Bang & Olufsen audio, while the budget-oriented QM6K (~$700 for 65") offers Mini-LED QLED performance at an aggressive price point. The Sony BRAVIA 9 (~$2,000 for 65") stands as the premium choice for movie enthusiasts with ~2,810 nits peak brightness and Dolby Vision support. [src4, src5, src7, src9]
New for April 2026: TCL launched the QM8L Super Quantum Dot Mini-LED (~$2,500 for 65"), succeeding the QM8K. The QM8L uses TCL's new SQD recipe -- reformulated quantum dots, a new color filter, and an Advanced Color Purity Algorithm -- with up to 4,000 local dimming zones, 1,992 nits in Filmmaker Mode, four HDMI 2.1 ports at 4K 144Hz, 9.8ms input lag, Dolby Vision 2 (via summer firmware), and Bang & Olufsen Atmos audio with FlexConnect. [src8]
Top 11 QLED TVs Compared
| Model | Price (65") | Panel Type | Peak Brightness | Refresh Rate | HDR Formats | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN90F | ~$1,500 | Neo QLED Mini-LED | ~2,000 nits | 165Hz | HDR10+ | Best overall | Check price |
| TCL QM8L | ~$2,500 | SQD-Mini LED | ~1,992 nits (3,719 peak) | 144Hz | Dolby Vision 2, HDR10+ | Best 2026 SQD flagship | Check price |
| Sony BRAVIA 9 | ~$2,000 | QLED Mini-LED | ~2,810 nits | 120Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Best for movies | Check price |
| TCL QM8K | ~$1,600 | QD-Mini LED | ~5,000 nits (85") | 144Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Best brightness | Check price |
| Hisense U8QG | ~$1,400 | Mini-LED ULED | ~5,000 nits | 165Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Best value flagship | Check price |
| Samsung QN80H | ~$1,600 | Neo QLED Mini-LED | ~1,500 nits | 144Hz | HDR10+ | Best 2026 Samsung | Check price |
| Hisense U75QG | ~$1,000 | Mini-LED ULED | ~3,000 nits | 165Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Best mid-range | Check price |
| TCL QM7K | ~$1,100 | QD-Mini LED | ~2,500 nits | 144Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Best TCL mid-range | Check price |
| Samsung QN70H | ~$1,200 | Neo QLED Mini-LED | ~1,200 nits | 60Hz | HDR10+ | Best budget Samsung | Check price |
| TCL QM6K | ~$700 | Mini-LED QLED | ~700 nits | 144Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Best budget QLED | Check price |
| Hisense E6 Cinema | ~$350 | QLED (edge-lit) | ~400 nits | 60Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Best entry-level | Check price |
Best for Each Use Case
Best Overall QLED TV: Samsung QN90F (~$1,500) — Check price
The Samsung QN90F earned Tom's Guide a 4/5 rating and is the consensus best QLED TV across multiple review sites. Its Glare Free matte coating eliminates reflections in bright rooms, while 720 local dimming zones deliver excellent contrast for an LCD. Four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 165Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility, making it equally adept at gaming and movie watching. Samsung's Vision AI processor automatically optimizes picture settings using 128 neural networks. The main trade-off: no Dolby Vision (HDR10+ only). [src1, src3, src4]
Best for Movies: Sony BRAVIA 9 (~$2,000) — Check price
Sony's flagship Mini-LED QLED delivers the best picture processing in the category. Peak brightness reaches ~2,810 nits, and Sony's XR processor provides superior motion handling and upscaling that makes standard definition content look remarkably clean. Full Dolby Vision and HDR10 support ensure compatibility with all streaming services. The BRAVIA 9 is the only QLED TV on this list that rivals OLED for dark-scene shadow detail. Limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports and 120Hz refresh rate. [src1, src2, src4]
Best Brightness: TCL QM8K (~$1,600) — Check price
The TCL QM8K reaches up to 5,000 nits peak HDR brightness on the 85" model, with the 65" measuring 2,268 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 3,176 nits in Standard mode. Colors are rich and accurate at 97% UHDA-P3 coverage. The anti-reflective screen and wide viewing angle make it ideal for large family rooms. Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver above-average sound. Two HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 144Hz. [src4, src5]
Best Value Flagship: Hisense U8QG (~$1,400) — Check price
The Hisense U8QG is the brightness champion at ~5,000 nits peak, with a native 165Hz panel, VRR 288 support, and a built-in 4.1.2-channel 72W speaker system that eliminates the need for a soundbar in many setups. It supports both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive -- one of only two TVs on this list supporting both premium HDR formats. DCI-P3 color coverage reaches 95%. Three HDMI 2.1 ports and 9.9ms input lag make it a capable gaming TV. The U8QG routinely drops below $900 during sales. [src1, src6]
Best 2026 Samsung QLED: Samsung QN80H (~$1,600) — Check price
Samsung's highest-end Neo QLED for 2026 features an upgraded NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, more dimming zones than its predecessor, and Motion Xcelerator 144Hz. Four HDMI ports support 4K 144Hz with VRR for gaming. Samsung's Vision AI Companion with Perplexity integration adds smart search functionality. While it does not reach the brightness or gaming specs of the outgoing QN90F, it remains the best current-model Samsung QLED available. [src2, src7]
Best Mid-Range: Hisense U75QG (~$1,000) — Check price
The Hisense U75QG delivers premium gaming features at a mid-range price: native 165Hz, VRR 288, up to 3,000 nits brightness, and both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ support. It is one of the punchiest, most vibrant TVs available around the $1,000 price point. A 2.1.2-channel speaker system with Dolby Atmos provides adequate sound. Three HDMI 2.1 ports cover most setups. [src2, src6]
Best Budget QLED: TCL QM6K (~$700) — Check price
The TCL QM6K delivers Mini-LED QLED performance at a budget price point. RTINGS named it the best budget TV they have tested, with 695 nits peak brightness in SDR and strong UHDA-P3 color coverage for HDR content. 144Hz refresh rate with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, plus Onkyo-tuned audio with Dolby Atmos. A strong choice for shoppers who want quantum dot color quality without paying flagship prices. [src1, src5]
Best 2026 SQD Flagship: TCL QM8L (~$2,500) — Check price
TCL's new Super Quantum Dot Mini-LED supplants the QM8K with a reformulated quantum-dot recipe, a new color filter, and TCL's Advanced Color Purity Algorithm for more saturated, more accurate color across the volume. Up to 4,000 backlight dimming zones drive a 1,992-nit Filmmaker-mode brightness (3,719 nits HDR peak), four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 144Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro and AMD Game Accelerator 288 VRR, 9.8ms Game-mode input lag, and Bang & Olufsen speakers with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect for wireless 4.1.4 setups. Dolby Vision 2 Max ships via a summer 2026 firmware update. Reviewer consensus: a clear step over the QM8K on color and dimming refinement at the same price point. [src8]
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Samsung QN90F vs Hisense U8QG
The two best buys in the $1,400-$1,500 band. The U8QG wins on raw brightness (~5,000 nits vs ~2,000), HDR format coverage (Dolby Vision + HDR10+ vs HDR10+ only), and built-in audio (72W 4.1.2 vs typical TV speakers). The QN90F wins on processing (Samsung's NQ4 vs Hi-View), anti-glare (Glare Free matte coating), gaming polish (four HDMI 2.1 ports, 165Hz, lower input lag), and Tizen smart features with Vision AI. [src1, src3, src4, src6]
Pick QN90F if: gaming, sports, and bright-room anti-glare are priorities and Dolby Vision is not required.
Pick U8QG if: you want peak HDR pop, Dolby Vision, and want to skip a soundbar.
TCL QM8L vs TCL QM8K
The QM8L is the new (April 2026) Super Quantum Dot successor. Both share the same price ($2,499 for 65"), four HDMI 2.1, 144Hz, Dolby Atmos B&O audio. The QM8L adds reformulated quantum dots and the Advanced Color Purity Algorithm for visibly richer color, more dimming zones with reduced blooming, Dolby Vision 2 Max (summer firmware), and improved gaming features (Game Accelerator 288 VRR). The QM8K still posts higher peak brightness on the 85" model. [src5, src8]
Pick QM8L if: you are buying new at retail price and want the 2026 SQD color upgrade and refined dimming.
Pick QM8K if: you can find it discounted ($1,400-$1,600 in clearance) and prefer to save $800+.
TCL QM8L vs Samsung QN90F
A direct flagship matchup. The QM8L brings Dolby Vision 2 Max, B&O audio with FlexConnect surround, and SQD color volume; the QN90F brings Samsung's Glare Free matte coating, 165Hz across four HDMI 2.1 ports, and Tizen with Perplexity-powered Vision AI. The QM8L is $1,000 more at MSRP. [src3, src4, src8]
Pick QM8L if: you watch a lot of Dolby Vision content and want best-in-class color accuracy.
Pick QN90F if: anti-glare, faster gaming refresh, and total value matter more than Dolby Vision.
Sony BRAVIA 9 vs TCL QM8L
The premium pairing for cinephiles. The BRAVIA 9's XR processor still leads on motion handling, upscaling, and dark-scene shadow detail. The QM8L wins on number of HDMI 2.1 ports (4 vs 2), refresh rate (144Hz vs 120Hz), measured HDR peak (3,719 vs 2,810 nits), and 2026 color accuracy from SQD. Both support full Dolby Vision; BRAVIA 9 lacks HDR10+. [src1, src4, src8]
Pick BRAVIA 9 if: processing quality and cinema picture fidelity outrank specs.
Pick QM8L if: you also game on PS5/Xbox/PC and want the most ports, the most brightness, and the newest color stack.
Hisense U8QG vs Hisense U75QG
The U75QG is the value tier of the same family. Both share native 165Hz, VRR 288, Dolby Vision + HDR10+, three HDMI 2.1 ports, and Hi-View processing. The U8QG steps up to ~5,000 nits peak (vs ~3,000), a 4.1.2-channel 72W speaker (vs 2.1.2), and a tighter Mini-LED dimming layout. The U75QG is ~$400 cheaper at ~$1,000. [src1, src2, src6]
Pick U8QG if: budget allows and you watch HDR content in a bright room or skip a soundbar.
Pick U75QG if: budget caps at ~$1,000 and gaming/refresh-rate parity is more important than peak nits.
Decision Logic
If budget < $500
→ Hisense E6 Cinema Series (~$350 for 65") is the only QLED TV at this price, offering Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive, and adequate brightness for casual viewing. For better performance, consider stretching to the TCL QM6K at ~$700. [src1]
If budget is $700-$1,200
→ TCL QM6K (~$700) for maximum value with Mini-LED and 144Hz. Hisense U75QG (~$1,000) for a significant step up in brightness (3,000 nits) and 165Hz gaming. Samsung QN70H (~$1,200) if Samsung ecosystem and AI features matter most. [src2, src5]
If budget is $1,200-$2,000
→ Hisense U8QG (~$1,400) for maximum brightness (5,000 nits) and built-in speaker quality. Samsung QN90F (~$1,500) for best overall balance of picture quality, gaming, and anti-glare. TCL QM8K (~$1,600) for top-tier brightness with Bang & Olufsen audio. Sony BRAVIA 9 (~$2,000) for best movie processing and Dolby Vision. [src1, src3, src6]
If primary use is sports viewing
→ Samsung QN90F for superior motion handling and wide viewing angle with Glare Free coating. TCL QM8K for highest brightness with anti-reflective screen. Both handle fast motion better than OLED alternatives. [src3, src4]
If room is very bright with large windows
→ Prioritize peak brightness above all: Hisense U8QG (5,000 nits) or TCL QM8K (up to 5,000 nits on 85"). Samsung QN90F's Glare Free matte coating is the best at eliminating reflections. All three outperform any OLED in bright ambient light. [src4, src6]
If Dolby Vision support is required
→ Avoid Samsung -- all Samsung QLED TVs support HDR10+ only. Choose Sony BRAVIA 9, TCL QM8K, Hisense U8QG, or Hisense U75QG for Dolby Vision. The Hisense models uniquely support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+. [src1, src2]
Default recommendation
→ Samsung QN90F (~$1,500). Best all-around QLED with excellent picture quality, four HDMI 2.1 ports at 165Hz, industry-best anti-glare coating, and strong gaming features. The Hisense U8QG at ~$1,400 is a close alternative with superior brightness and sound at a slightly lower price. [src1, src3]
Key Market Trends (2026)
- Samsung shifts flagship to Micro RGB: Samsung is discontinuing the QN90 Neo QLED line for 2026, replacing it with the entry-level R85H Micro RGB (full lineup R85H/R90H/R95H, now shipping). This makes the 2025 QN90F the last flagship Neo QLED from Samsung and an excellent buy as prices continue dropping. [src7, src9]
- TCL launches Super Quantum Dot (SQD) Mini-LED: The QM8L (~$2,500 for 65") replaces the QM8K with a reformulated quantum-dot recipe, a new color filter, and an Advanced Color Purity Algorithm. Up to 4,000 dimming zones, 1,992-nit Filmmaker brightness (3,719-nit HDR peak), Dolby Vision 2 Max via summer firmware, and Bang & Olufsen Atmos audio with FlexConnect wireless surround. [src8]
- 5,000-nit brightness is the new benchmark: Both the Hisense U8QG and TCL QM8K (85") achieve 5,000 nits peak HDR brightness, more than double what premium OLEDs deliver. This brightness advantage makes QLED the clear choice for bright-room viewing. [src4, src6]
- Dual HDR format support spreads: Hisense and TCL models now support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, eliminating the format war for buyers. Samsung remains the only major holdout on Dolby Vision. [src1, src5]
- Built-in audio quality improves dramatically: The Hisense U8QG's 72W 4.1.2-channel system and TCL QM8K's Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers represent a step change in built-in TV audio, reducing the need for external soundbars. [src5, src6]
- Budget QLED reaches new lows: The TCL QM6K at ~$700 and Hisense E6 at ~$350 bring quantum dot technology to price points previously reserved for basic LCD TVs, making QLED accessible to nearly every budget tier. [src1, src2]
Important Caveats
- Prices listed are approximate US street prices for 65" models as of May 2026. Prices vary significantly by size, retailer, and region. Sales events (Prime Day, Black Friday) can drop prices 30-50%.
- QLED is a marketing term coined by Samsung for quantum dot-enhanced LCD TVs. TCL, Hisense, and Sony use similar quantum dot technology but may brand it differently (ULED, QD-Mini LED, etc.). The underlying technology is comparable across brands.
- Samsung QLED TVs do not support Dolby Vision. If your streaming library or gaming console relies on Dolby Vision HDR, choose TCL, Hisense, or Sony instead.
- Peak brightness specifications (e.g., "5,000 nits") are measured on small HDR highlight windows (typically 10% of screen). Full-screen sustained brightness is significantly lower on all models.
- The Samsung QN90F (2025) is still widely available and remains the best overall QLED despite being a prior-year model. Its successor has not been announced -- the R85H Micro RGB replaces it at a higher price tier.
- Input lag and refresh rate measurements are from professional testing labs (RTINGS, Tom's Guide) in Game Mode. Real-world results vary by signal path and settings.