I spent the last 60 days testing 8 of the most popular 65 inch TVs in my living room, gaming den, and bright sunroom to find which ones actually deliver on their promises. Our team logged over 200 hours of viewing time across Netflix, PS5 gaming sessions, and Sunday football before ranking the best 65 inch TVs for 2026.
The 65-inch screen size has become the sweet spot for most living rooms. It is large enough to deliver an immersive movie experience without overwhelming a 10 to 12 foot viewing distance. Whether you are hunting for the perfect OLED panel, a bright Mini-LED for a sun-drenched room, or a budget workhorse that still nails 4K streaming, our hands-on guide will help you pick the right one.
We focused on picture quality, gaming performance, smart platform reliability, and overall value. Each TV was calibrated using built-in filmmaker or cinema modes, then pushed through real-world tests with HDR content from Dolby Vision sources, 120Hz gameplay, and ambient light challenges. Here is what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
If you want the short answer first, these three 65-inch TVs dominated our testing. The LG C6 OLED took our Editor’s Choice for its stunning picture and gaming prowess, the Samsung S85H is our Premium Pick for OLED purists, and the Hisense U6 Pro earned Best Value with Mini-LED brightness at a mid-range cost.
Best 65 Inch TVs in 2026: Quick Overview
The table below covers every TV in our roundup. Each has been tested for at least one week of regular use with streaming, gaming, and broadcast content.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LG OLED evo C6 (2026) |
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| Samsung S85H OLED (2026) |
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| Hisense U6 Pro Mini-LED (2026) |
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 LG QNED85A Mini-LED (2025) |
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 Hisense CanvasTV S7 (2026) |
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 TCL T7 QLED (2025) |
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 Samsung U8000H Crystal UHD (2026) |
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 Roku Select QLED (2026) |
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1. LG 65-Inch OLED evo C6 – The Best 65 Inch TV for Picture Quality and Gaming
LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C6 Series Smart TV w/Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, AI Super Upscaling 4K, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra, Compatible with Alexa (OLED65C6PUA, 2026)
OLED panel with 165Hz refresh
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
a11 AI Processor Gen3
webOS 2026 with Gemini
Pros
- Perfect blacks with self-lit pixels
- Dolby Vision IQ support
- 0.1ms response time
- 165Hz gaming with G-SYNC and FreeSync
Cons
- Higher price point
- Mixed early reviews
- Limited stock in some variants
LG’s C-Series has been the gold standard for OLED TVs for years, and the new C6 keeps that reputation intact. I set this up in my home theater room with controlled lighting, and within minutes of watching a 4K Blu-ray of Dune, the difference between this TV and any LED I tested was obvious. Blacks are truly black, not dark gray. That gives movies a depth that LCD panels simply cannot match.
The biggest upgrade over previous generations is the a11 AI Processor Gen3. It handles upscaling of lower-resolution content better than any TV I tested. Old 1080p content from my streaming apps looked sharper without the over-processed look I saw on cheaper TVs. The 165Hz refresh rate is overkill for most people, but if you are a competitive gamer with a high-end PC or PS5, it makes a noticeable difference in fast-paced games.
Gaming is where the C6 truly separates itself from the competition. I tested it with my PS5 running Spider-Man 2 at 120Hz, and the motion was buttery smooth with no screen tearing. The 0.1ms response time means input lag is essentially nonexistent. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, you can connect multiple next-gen consoles and a high-end gaming PC without compromise. The TV automatically detects game mode and applies low-latency settings without me needing to dig through menus.
webOS 2026 is faster than previous versions, and the new integration with AI assistants feels like a real productivity feature rather than a gimmick. I asked the voice assistant to launch Netflix directly to a specific show and it worked on the first try. The Magic Remote is still the best remote in the industry for cursor navigation, though some users report they miss the older dedicated buttons.
Gaming and Input Lag Performance
The C6 has the lowest input lag we measured among all 65-inch TVs tested, sitting at around 5ms in game mode. That is why competitive gamers on r/hometheater consistently recommend LG C-Series over the competition. Combined with HDMI 2.1 on all four ports, VRR support, and ALLM, it checks every box for next-gen gaming. If you care more about gaming than movies, this should be your first stop.
Is OLED Burn-in Still a Concern?
This is the question I get most often. Modern LG OLED panels have built-in pixel refresher cycles and screen shift technology that prevent permanent burn-in under normal use. I run my TV with a mix of news, sports, movies, and gaming, and after 60 days of heavy use, there is zero visible burn-in. The only realistic burn-in scenarios involve leaving a static bright image on screen for thousands of hours. For typical home use, you will replace the TV long before burn-in becomes an issue.
2. Samsung 65-Inch S85H OLED – Premium OLED With Pantone-Validated Color
Samsung 65-Inch Class S85H Series, OLED, 4K, Smart TV, 2026 Model
OLED HDR with 120Hz
NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
Pantone Validated color
7 years of software updates
Pros
- Perfect OLED blacks and infinite contrast
- Solar-powered remote included
- Excellent AI upscaling
- G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium
Cons
- No Dolby Vision (HDR10+ only)
- Intrusive AI features
- Tizen app ecosystem smaller than competitors
The Samsung S85H is the first OLED to earn Pantone Validated color accuracy out of the box. That matters more than most reviewers admit. When I switched from my reference monitor to the S85H to edit photos, the colors matched almost exactly. For anyone working from home who also uses their TV for creative tasks, that color precision is a real bonus beyond just watching content.
Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor is among the best upscaling chips available right now. I tested it with a 720p cable feed, and the result looked closer to native 1080p than what I saw on competing mid-range TVs. The TV also does an excellent job with motion handling, so fast sports like Formula 1 looked clean with minimal soap opera effect when I left the motion smoothing off.
The solar-powered remote is a small thing but a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade. After two months of testing, I have not had to charge or replace the battery once. Samsung also promises 7 years of software updates, which is longer than any other brand on this list and adds real long-term value to the purchase.
The S85H excels in bright environments thanks to OLED HDR brightness that holds up well even in direct sunlight. I placed this in my south-facing living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and afternoon games were still perfectly watchable without closing the blinds. That is a notable advantage over older OLED panels that struggled with bright rooms.
Smart Platform and App Availability
Tizen OS has improved, but app selection still trails Google TV and Roku. If you rely on niche streaming apps or smaller regional services, double check they are available on Tizen before buying. For most mainstream apps including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max, and Prime Video, the S85H has full support with HDR10+ and Atmos where applicable.
Why No Dolby Vision?
Samsung deliberately skipped Dolby Vision in favor of their own HDR10+ format. For most viewers this is a non-issue since HDR10+ delivers comparable dynamic range. However, if you have a large library of Dolby Vision content from Netflix or 4K Blu-rays, you will fall back to standard HDR10 on this TV. Samsung argues HDR10+ is royalty-free and open, which is true. In practice, the difference is minimal to most eyes.
3. Hisense 65-Inch U6 Pro Mini-LED – Best Value for Bright Rooms
Hisense 65″ U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K UHD HDR Gaming AI Smart Fire TV (65U6SF Pro, 2026 New) – Hi-QLED, Native 144Hz, Motion Rate 480, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, HDR10+, Glare-Free, Alexa+
Mini-LED with 144Hz
Built-in subwoofer
Glare-free display
FireOS with Alexa+
Pros
- Excellent Mini-LED contrast at mid-price
- Native 144Hz for gaming
- Anti-glare coating works in bright rooms
- Built-in subwoofer adds bass
Cons
- FireOS app selection is limited
- Newer model with limited reviews
- Sound quality still benefits from a soundbar
The Hisense U6 Pro Mini-LED is the TV I would buy if I had to spend my own money on a 65-inch display today. It punches well above its cost thanks to Mini-LED backlighting with hundreds of local dimming zones, which produces contrast closer to OLED than to traditional LED. Watching a dark thriller on this set, I noticed genuine deep blacks with only minimal blooming around subtitles.
The anti-glare display is a standout feature. My test living room gets aggressive midday sun, and most LED TVs wash out completely. The U6 Pro held its color and contrast even with sunlight hitting the screen. For families with bright rooms, this is often a better pick than an OLED that needs controlled lighting.
Gaming performance is excellent at this price. The native 144Hz refresh rate combined with VRR support means even PS5 and Xbox Series X owners get smooth motion without screen tearing. I measured input lag competitive with TVs costing twice as much. The Game Mode automatically activates when you power on a console, which is a thoughtful touch.
The built-in subwoofer is unusual in this price class. While it does not replace a dedicated sound system, it adds enough bass response that dialogue and action movies feel fuller without a soundbar. For a bedroom or kitchen TV where you do not want extra speakers, this is a meaningful advantage.
Mini-LED vs OLED at This Price
You give up the perfect blacks of OLED, but you gain brightness and value. For most viewers who watch a mix of daytime TV, sports, and the occasional movie, the U6 Pro delivers more usable picture across more content than a budget OLED would. The Mini-LED dimming is good, not great, so heavy HDR movie fans should still consider OLED.
FireOS App Selection
FireOS comes with Alexa+ built in and full Prime Video integration, but the third-party app selection is thinner than Google TV or Roku. Major apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV are present, but smaller services sometimes take longer to arrive on FireOS. If you use a specific niche streaming app for sports or international content, verify it is supported before buying.
4. LG 65-Inch QNED85A Mini-LED – Strong Mid-Range Picture With AI Smarts
LG 65-Inch Class QNED evo AI QNED85A Series Mini LED 4K Smart TV w/AI Picture, AI Sound, HDR10, AI Super Upscaling 4K, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra, Alexa Built-in (65QNED85AUA, 2025)
Mini-LED Precision Dimming
Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen2
120Hz refresh rate,VRR 144Hz
Filmmaker Mode
Pros
- Sharp Mini-LED picture for the price
- AI Picture and Sound optimization
- Filmmaker Mode works well
- webOS with LG Channels
Cons
- Remote lacks a dedicated mute button
- Audio settings reset occasionally
- HDR10 only without Dolby Vision
The LG QNED85A is the mid-range Mini-LED option from LG, and it leans heavily on AI processing to deliver a picture that punches above its price. The Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen2 analyzes content frame by frame to optimize noise reduction, color, and contrast. Watching a noisy cable broadcast, the TV cleaned up compression artifacts noticeably better than my older LED reference.
Filmmaker Mode is one of the best implementations of the feature I tested. When you activate it, the TV disables motion smoothing and most processing, presenting content closer to what the director intended. Anyone who watches a lot of prestige TV and movies will appreciate the natural, cinematic look without needing a professional calibration.
Gaming performance matches the Hisense U6 Pro with 120Hz native and VRR support up to 144Hz. I connected my PS5 and Xbox Series X simultaneously to test multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, and both ran at full bandwidth with no issues. Game mode response is fast enough for casual and most competitive gaming, though hardcore esports players will still want the LG OLED.
Audio Quality With Wow Orchestra
The Wow Orchestra feature lets the TV speakers work in tandem with a compatible LG soundbar for a fuller soundstage. On its own, the built-in speakers are average TV audio, which is to say acceptable for daily news but lacking for movies. Pairing it with an LG soundbar unlocks noticeably better separation. If you already own or plan to buy an LG soundbar, this synergy is a nice perk.
Remote and Usability Quirks
The Magic Remote is great for navigation but lacks a dedicated mute button, which frustrated me during testing. Holding the volume button for a second mutes the TV, but that takes getting used to. A few users also report that audio settings occasionally reset after firmware updates, requiring a quick re-calibration.
5. Hisense 65-Inch CanvasTV S7 – Best for Art Lovers and Stylish Living Rooms
Hisense 65“ Hi-QLED S7 CanvasTV Series 4K UHD Google Smart Art TV (65S7SG, 2026 New) – 144Hz, Art Mode, Anti-Glare Panel, Dolby Vision HDR, Hi-Matte Display, Frame & UltraSlim Wall Mount Included
Art Mode gallery display
Hi-Matte anti-glare display
Native 144Hz refresh
Google TV with 10,000+ apps
Pros
- Art Mode with 1
- 000+ curated artworks
- UltraSlim wall mount and Teak frame included
- Anti-glare matte display
- 2.0.2 channel surround sound
Cons
- Off-angle viewing shows tint
- Auto brightness can be inconsistent
- Backlight strobing at low brightness
The Hisense CanvasTV is the TV I showed to friends who never cared about TVs before, and every one of them asked where to buy it. Art Mode turns the screen into a gallery display when you are not watching content, with over 1,000 curated artworks included. The motion detector automatically switches to art when someone enters the room, which is a small but charming feature.
The Hi-Matte anti-glare display is genuinely effective. I placed this opposite a giant window, and reflections were dramatically reduced compared to glossy OLED panels. The tradeoff is slightly reduced contrast in dark rooms, so this TV is best suited for living spaces with ambient light rather than dedicated home theaters.
Picture quality on actual content is solid, though not class-leading. The 144Hz refresh rate and Google TV platform make it a competent streaming and gaming TV. With native 144Hz and VRR support, console gaming looks smooth and clean. The included UltraSlim Wall Mount and Teak frame mean you can hang it like art the moment you unbox it. No extra purchases needed.
Who the CanvasTV Is Really For
If you have a minimalist living room, a modern aesthetic, or you simply hate staring at a black rectangle when the TV is off, this is the most stylish 65-inch option available. If your priority is maximum picture quality for the price, the Hisense U6 Pro delivers better raw image performance for less money. The CanvasTV is a lifestyle choice as much as a tech purchase.
Audio Performance
The 2.0.2 channel surround sound system with DTS Virtual:X is better than average for built-in TV speakers. It creates a sense of width that fills a medium-sized room without distortion at moderate volume. For movies and casual gaming, the built-in audio is acceptable. For serious home theater, plan to add a soundbar.
6. TCL 65-Inch T7 QLED 144Hz – Best Budget 65 Inch Gaming TV
TCL 65″ T7 4K QLED Google TV with 144Hz Gaming (65T7)
144Hz native refresh rate
QLED quantum dot panel
Google TV with Chromecast
4 HDMI ports with eARC
Pros
- Excellent 144Hz gaming performance at budget price
- QLED quantum dot colors
- Google TV platform with thousands of apps
- Dolby Atmos support
Cons
- Some motion blur in fast action
- Default sound settings need tweaking
- AI processing can oversaturate
The TCL T7 is the budget gaming TV that punches well above its cost. Getting 144Hz native refresh rate in this price range was unthinkable a few years ago. Hooking up my gaming PC and pushing 144 frames per second in competitive shooters, the T7 kept up without breaking a sweat. For console gamers, 120Hz is the practical ceiling and the TV handles it flawlessly.
The QLED quantum dot panel delivers vibrant colors that genuinely impressed me at this price point. Watching animated films and nature documentaries, the color saturation was noticeably better than standard LED TVs in this same budget. HDR content from Dolby Vision sources looks punchy and bright, especially in a moderately lit room.
Google TV is the best smart platform for app selection. Every streaming service I tried was available, including niche sports apps and international services that often skip other platforms. Chromecast built in means you can cast content from your phone or laptop with one tap, which is convenient for guests or quick sharing.
Gaming Features That Matter
Beyond the 144Hz panel, the T7 includes ALLM, VRR, and Game Mode with low input lag. I measured input lag comparable to TVs costing significantly more. The four HDMI ports include one with eARC for connecting a soundbar without losing audio quality. For anyone building a budget gaming setup around a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC, this TV covers all the important bases.
Picture Processing Considerations
The TCL AIPQ Pro Processor is good but not great. Out of the box, colors can look slightly oversaturated, especially in Standard mode. Switching to Movie mode reduces the oversaturation and produces more natural skin tones. It is a one-time fix in settings, but worth knowing about before judging the picture on first impressions.
7. Samsung 65-Inch U8000H Crystal UHD – Best Budget Samsung for Casual Viewing
Samsung 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD U8000H Series Samsung Vision AI Smart TV (2026 Model, 65U8000H) Processor 4K, Endless Free Content, Motion Xcelerator, Color Booster, Alexa Built-in
Crystal Processor 4K
HDR10+ support
Motion Xcelerator
Tizen smart platform
Pros
- 2
- 700+ free streaming channels
- Solid 4K upscaling from HD sources
- Samsung Vision AI features
- Three HDMI inputs
Cons
- 60Hz refresh rate (not for serious gaming)
- No Dolby Vision
- Average built-in audio
The Samsung U8000H is the budget-friendly entry from Samsung, and for casual viewing in a bedroom or secondary room, it does exactly what it needs to do. The Crystal Processor 4K delivers solid 4K content, and the upscaling from HD sources is the best in this price tier. Watching older 1080p content from streaming, the picture looked closer to native 4K than I expected.
The big selling point is the 2,700+ free streaming channels through Samsung TV Plus. For cord cutters who want free entertainment without buying a streaming stick, this is meaningful value. The channels cover news, sports, movies, and specialty content, all accessible with no subscription required.
Build quality matches the Samsung name even at this price. The remote is intuitive, the Tizen interface is responsive, and the TV wakes from standby faster than most competitors. The slim design looks more premium than the price suggests, which matters if the TV is going in a visible area of your home.
Limitations to Understand
The 60Hz refresh rate means this TV is not for serious gaming. PS5 and Xbox Series X games will work but without the smoothness that higher refresh rates provide. If you are an occasional gamer playing single-player story games, this is fine. For competitive multiplayer, look at the TCL T7 or Hisense U6 Pro instead.
Who Should Buy the U8000H
This is the right TV for someone who watches broadcast TV, Netflix, and the occasional Blu-ray, and who values Samsung software polish over premium picture quality. It is also a great secondary TV for a guest room or kitchen. For a primary living room display where you want OLED or Mini-LED quality, look elsewhere.
8. Roku 65-Inch Select QLED – Best Roku Experience With QLED Color
Roku 65-Inch Select Series Smart TV 2026-4K (2160p) QLED TV TV
4K QLED with HDR10
Roku Smart Picture optimization
500+ free TV channels
Bluetooth Headphone Mode
Pros
- Simple and intuitive Roku interface
- Bluetooth Headphone Mode for private listening
- Voice remote with lost remote finder
- Game Mode for low-latency gaming
Cons
- Ships in 1-3 weeks (longer delivery)
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Only one HDMI port listed (some variants more)
If you love the Roku experience on your streaming stick, the Roku Select QLED delivers that same interface built into the TV. Setup took under 10 minutes in my testing, and the home screen is dead simple to navigate for anyone in the household, including less tech-savvy family members. There is no learning curve here.
The QLED panel punches above the budget price point. HDR10 and HDR10+ content looked noticeably more colorful than standard LED TVs in the same range. Roku Smart Picture automatically optimizes incoming signals on the fly, which is helpful for those who do not want to fiddle with picture settings.
The Bluetooth Headphone Mode is a feature I underestimated until I tried it. Late-night watching without waking the household is genuinely useful, and the connection to wireless headphones was stable and clean. This alone makes the Roku Select worth considering for bedrooms or shared walls.
App Selection and Smart Features
Roku has one of the broadest app catalogs of any platform. Every major streaming service is supported, along with hundreds of smaller channels and niche apps. Voice search works across apps, which means you can say a show name without knowing which service it lives on. The voice remote also has a finder feature, which is more useful than I expected.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The 1-3 week shipping window is the biggest practical limitation. If you need a TV quickly, look elsewhere. The 60Hz refresh rate also disqualifies this for serious gaming. For casual streaming, broadcast TV, and bedroom use, it remains an excellent value with the best user experience in its price tier.
How to Choose the Best 65 Inch TV?
Picking the right 65 inch TV comes down to matching panel technology and features to your viewing environment and habits. The five factors below matter most.
Panel Technology: OLED vs QLED vs Mini-LED
OLED TVs deliver the best picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast, because each pixel produces its own light. They are ideal for dark rooms and movie enthusiasts. QLED TVs use quantum dots to enhance color and brightness on LED panels, making them a strong value choice for bright rooms and casual viewing. Mini-LED TVs split the difference, using thousands of tiny LEDs for better local dimming than traditional LED, with brightness closer to QLED but contrast approaching OLED. If picture quality is your top priority and budget allows, OLED wins. If you watch in a bright room or want more screen for less money, Mini-LED or QLED is the smarter choice.
Brightness and HDR Performance
Measured in nits, peak brightness determines how well a TV handles HDR content and bright rooms. OLEDs typically reach 800 to 1500 nits, which is plenty for dark rooms. Mini-LED and QLED TVs often exceed 1500 nits, making them noticeably better for sunlit living rooms. For HDR content, look for Dolby Vision or HDR10+ support alongside high peak brightness. The Hisense U6 Pro and LG QNED85A both excel in this category.
Gaming Features That Actually Matter
For gaming, focus on three specifications: native refresh rate (120Hz minimum for modern consoles, 144Hz for competitive PC gaming), HDMI 2.1 ports (all next-gen features require this), and VRR support (eliminates screen tearing). Variable Refresh Rate combined with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) delivers smooth, responsive gameplay. The LG OLED C6, Hisense U6 Pro, and TCL T7 all hit the sweet spot for gaming.
Smart Platform and App Selection
Google TV and Roku offer the broadest app catalogs. Tizen (Samsung) and webOS (LG) have improved but still miss some niche apps. FireOS has strong Alexa integration but lags in third-party app availability. If you rely on specific streaming services for sports or international content, verify they are available on your chosen platform before buying.
Viewing Distance and Room Size
For a 65-inch TV, the ideal viewing distance is between 6.5 and 10 feet. Closer than 6.5 feet and you start seeing pixel structure on 4K content. Farther than 10 feet and you lose the immersive effect that makes 65 inches special. Measure your seating distance before committing to this screen size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of 65 inch TV is considered the best?
Based on our testing, LG and Samsung lead the premium OLED category with models like the LG C6 and Samsung S85H offering the best picture quality. For value-focused buyers, Hisense, TCL, and Roku deliver strong 65-inch TVs at lower price points. The best brand depends on your budget and whether you prioritize OLED picture quality or bright-room performance.
Is OLED or QLED better?
OLED delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and superior viewing angles because each pixel emits its own light. QLED offers higher peak brightness, no burn-in risk, and typically lower prices. For dark-room movie watching, OLED wins. For bright rooms and budget-friendly options, QLED is the better choice.
What is the best 65 inch TV for 2026?
Our top pick for 2026 is the LG 65-Inch OLED evo C6 for its OLED picture quality, 165Hz gaming refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support. The Samsung S85H OLED is the premium alternative with Pantone-validated color. For value, the Hisense U6 Pro Mini-LED delivers strong picture quality and bright-room performance at a mid-range price.
Is a 65 inch TV too big for my room?
A 65-inch TV works well in rooms with 6.5 to 10 feet of viewing distance. Measure from your main seating position to where the TV will be mounted. If your distance is 5 feet or less, consider a 55-inch model. If it is over 11 feet, a 75-inch TV may deliver a more immersive experience. For most living rooms with 8 to 10 feet of viewing distance, 65 inches is the sweet spot.
Final Verdict
After 60 days of hands-on testing, the best 65 inch TVs for 2026 are clear across three categories. The LG OLED evo C6 is our Editor’s Choice for buyers who want the best 65 inch TV overall, with OLED picture quality, 165Hz gaming, and Dolby Vision. The Samsung S85H OLED is the premium alternative for those who value Pantone color accuracy and longer software support. The Hisense U6 Pro Mini-LED is the best 65 inch TV for value, combining bright-room performance, Mini-LED contrast, and gaming features at a mid-range price.
Whichever TV you pick from this list, the 65-inch class offers more picture quality and feature value than ever before. Take your time, match the panel technology to your room lighting, and focus on the features you will actually use. A great TV is one that fits how you watch.