The Tremendous Bowl is lower than two weeks away, and you could have your sights set on a brand new TV, particularly in the event you contemplated shopping for one throughout October or Black Friday gross sales. However how a lot are you prepared to pay for the TV you actually need?
CNET’s TechPulse findings present that US adults plan to spend a mean of $1,177 on a brand new TV. Actually, that is how a lot CNET’s TV editor, Ty Pendlebury, stated he would spend.
But 42% anticipate to make some sacrifices on their TV want record, together with a much bigger display screen (11%) and high-quality photos (6%). Fortunately, for the reason that 2026 fashions will come out this spring, now’s time to attain a deal on a 2025 mannequin.
For instance, the Samsung S90F OLED TV is our Editor’s Alternative for the most effective all-around TV. Final yr, it value $2,500 at retail value. Now, you’ll find the identical TV for $500 to $1,000 much less, relying on the scale and retailer. It has top-notch OLED image high quality and quick movement.
This is a deep dive into what else CNET’s findings present and knowledgeable recommendation on the right way to get the most effective TV to your cash.
- US adults anticipate to spend a mean of $1,177 on a brand new TV, and CNET’s TV knowledgeable is not shocked.
- The highest purpose for purchasing a brand new TV is a much bigger display screen (37%). Half of US adults are purchasing for a TV that is 65-inch or larger (50%).
- Crucial options Individuals are contemplating are a high-quality image (72%) and a big display screen (60%). 42% need sensible options, however even fewer need AI integrations (12%).
- Over 4 in 10 (42%) of TV buyers anticipate they’re going to must make some sacrifices to remain inside price range, however CNET specialists say you may nonetheless get TV regardless of trade-offs.
CNET’s high TV picks
US adults need a new TV for a much bigger display screen
Practically 4 in 10 (37%) of US adults need to improve their TV for a much bigger display screen. Half of these surveyed need a TV display screen that is 65 inches or larger.
A noticeably larger display screen was my high motivator for a brand new TV, too. After shopping for a home with a much bigger main bedroom, I discovered myself squinting to see on my smaller TV. Most TVs have Extremely HD 4K decision, and you may want to take a seat shut or get a much bigger display screen to see all the small print. And even in the event you’re sitting the really useful distance for best TV viewing, you should still want a much bigger display screen to get the total 4K impact.
Pendlebury says that in the event you’re upgrading, think about a much bigger dimension than what you initially need. For instance, in the event you’re upgrading from a 50-inch to a 65-inch, think about a 75-inch TV if it is not too huge to your room. Your improve might really feel small in a number of years, so getting a bigger dimension now might maintain you from shopping for a brand new TV sooner.
As a lot as a much bigger display screen could make a distinction in watching reveals, it is best to measure before you purchase.
Most US adults need a high-quality image on their TVs
Practically three-quarters of US adults (72%) say crucial characteristic in a brand new TV is a high-quality image, whereas 60% cite a much bigger display screen. This is a more in-depth have a look at the must-haves:
It is vital to know which specs actually present high-quality reveals, films and video games. Pendlebury says all of it boils right down to distinction.
“The very first thing folks discover is distinction. You will see brightness, which is what you see everytime you stroll right into a TV retailer — they have TVs jacked as much as the brightest factor,” Pendlebury stated. “However when you may have a TV in your home, what you may discover essentially the most is distinction.”
For instance, the large distinction you may discover with good distinction is how effectively the TV shows shadows and brightness. Brightness can also be value contemplating for high-definition decision films or gaming. Nevertheless, shade is not as vital as brightness and distinction.
“Whenever you stroll right into a TV retailer, they usually’re actually brilliant and colourful, you are not going to observe content material that appears like that except you are watching a online game. That is why colours usually are not as vital,” Pendlebury stated.
The massive differentiator for an entry-level TV and a high-end choose is the power to indicate quick motion, excessive brightness and shadow element collectively, Pendlebury stated.
There are completely different value ranges. Should you’re trying to spend below $500, you may doubtless get an LCD TV with a backlight and some zones. In the meantime, for $1,000, you may get an LCD TV with a mini-LED backlight. Ideally, search for an LCD with a backlight and plenty of zones that mimic the look of an OLED or plasma TV, with good distinction. It reveals very brilliant and darkish components of the image, Pendlebury stated. OLEDs normally value extra, and could also be value contemplating in the event you’re planning to spend over $1,000, he provides.
“Should you can afford a TV that has OLED in it, or is an OLED, that is what I would suggest as a result of they nonetheless have the most effective image high quality for the cash,” he stated.
Pendlebury recommends the Samsung S95F for the most effective picture high quality. It has good distinction, off-angle viewing and glare discount, which may be useful in brilliant rooms. The Samsung S95F prices near $2,300.
Practically half of US adults need sensible options
Amongst high options, 42% of US adults need sensible options for his or her TVs, like voice management and smartphone connectivity, and 31% say sensible residence compatibility is a should. CNET specialists say the greatest sensible TV picks can vary from $100 to $2,000 — relying on the retailer, dimension and different options. And introductory TVs normally have extra worthwhile sensible TV methods in contrast with pricier choices with higher image high quality.
Nevertheless, if sensible residence connectivity and sensible options are excessive in your TV characteristic record, CNET recommends the TCL QM8K collection. It has nice image high quality, Google TV and connectivity for well-liked gaming consoles. The LG OLED C4 is a high-end sensible TV possibility that prices $1,300.
Surprisingly, AI integrations aren’t on the high of the record for TV buyers
Google built-in its Gemini AI assistant into some TVs final fall, so you may ask Gemini to provide TV present suggestions, modify TV settings, create synthetic intelligence photographs and even give upcoming sport occasions. It is a handy characteristic I exploit often from my distant. Actually, it wasn’t a make-or-break on my record of high options.
AI is not essential for many US adults. Solely 12% of these purchasing for a brand new TV say that synthetic intelligence integration is crucial characteristic. CNET discovered that different options are extra vital — together with entry to a wide array of apps, reminiscent of YouTube and Netflix (47%), guarantee and technical assist (45%) and the power to hook up with wired units (45%).
Some US adults nonetheless discover different aesthetic options vital, reminiscent of a skinny, light-weight design (37%), a lovely and classy design (25%), and the power to show artwork and images when not watching TV (15%).
Learn extra: These Are the Most Head-Turning TVs of CES 2026
3 TV purchasing tricks to know before you purchase
Planning to purchase a brand new TV within the coming weeks for the large sport? Pendlebury affords knowledgeable recommendation on selecting the best TV to your residence.
1. Know your price range
The perfect TV is the one you could comfortably afford.
“There are some nice TVs you will get at an entry stage, between $200 and $300, that appear to be TVs which might be way more costly,” Pendlebury says. Certainly one of his suggestions is CNET’s greatest price range TV — the Hisense QD7QF. It has good distinction, absolutely saturated photographs and prices round $350.
Staying inside your price range might imply sacrificing a few of your favourite options, reminiscent of a much bigger display screen or higher image high quality. If you must select, go along with the most effective image high quality first, then select your dimension, Pendlebury says.
2. Know the scale you need (and want)
Before you purchase, be sure to’ve measured the area and used the Society of Movement Image and Tv Engineers’ equation to get the fitting dimension. Generally larger screens aren’t all the time the most effective.
CNET specialists had hassle becoming a 115-inch TCL TV right into a freight elevator, and whereas that is not the priority for many, you may need to make certain it will possibly match up any stairs and doorways. And most significantly, make certain the TV may be safely put in in a room earlier than shopping for. Think about getting a giant TV that takes up half of your room and makes it uncomfortable to observe.
3. Know what TV options you intend to make use of essentially the most
Some options sound nice, however might not be best relying on what you intend to make use of the TV for. That is why Pendlebury recommends realizing what options you want and plan to make use of essentially the most. For instance, avid gamers and avid film watchers might have excessive decision and gaming connectivity. Whereas I solely want TV apps and a display screen that does not damage my eyes. Realizing what you want now and sooner or later can prevent cash and stress when narrowing down your choices.
Methodology
A quantitative survey was performed on-line between October twenty seventh – Nov ninth, 2025, with US adults aged 18 to 70. Over 3,700 folks participated throughout two segments: N=2,665 CNET Media Group shoppers and a Nationally Consultant pattern of N=1,050 adults reflecting the US Census distribution on Age, Gender and Area. Knowledge is quantitative in nature, and comparisons between the CNMG Complete and Nationwide Pattern are statistically important on the 95% confidence stage.
