Choosing the best television in 2026

Buying a new television is a significant investment. With so many brands, technologies and screen sizes, it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. Whether you're looking for a cinematic experience in your living room or a compact TV for the bedroom: this buying guide will help you make the right choice, step by step. Zie ook onze best soundbar 2026.

We cover the most important display technologies, the ideal screen size for your space, smart features that actually matter and our recommendations across different price ranges. Also check out all televisies on Productvraag to compare prices at a glance.

OLED vs QLED vs LED: which display technology should you choose?

Display technology is the most important difference between televisions (zie ook OLED vs QLED: which to choose). It determines how sharp, colourful and contrast-rich the picture looks.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

OLED televisions deliver the best picture quality currently available. Each pixel produces its own light, making perfect black levels possible. The contrast is infinite, the viewing angle excellent and the response time lightning fast. Ideal for film enthusiasts and gamers.

The downside? OLED TVs are more expensive and peak brightness is slightly lower than the best QLED models. In very bright rooms with lots of sunlight, a QLED may therefore perform better.

Recommended OLED television: The LG OLED C4 55 inch offers outstanding picture quality at a relatively sharp price. For those who want bigger, the LG OLED C4 65 inch is a popular choice.

QLED (Quantum Dot LED)

QLED is Samsung's answer to OLED. These televisions use a quantum dot layer on top of an LED backlight for more vibrant colours and higher brightness. QLED TVs are particularly well-suited for bright living rooms and score well with HDR content.

Black levels are less deep than OLED, but the latest Mini LED models are getting increasingly close. Moreover, QLED is generally more affordable.

Recommended QLED television: The Samsung Neo QLED 65 inch combines Mini LED technology with a bright, colourful picture. An excellent all-rounder. Looking for something more affordable? Check out the Samsung QLED Q70 55 inch.

LED (standard)

Standard LED televisions are the most affordable option. They offer a decent picture for everyday use, but can't match the contrast of OLED or the colours of QLED. For a second TV in the bedroom or kitchen, LED is perfectly fine.

Recommended LED television: The Philips LED 50 inch 4K offers Ambilight and a sharp 4K picture at an attractive price.

Which screen size suits your space?

The ideal screen size depends on your viewing distance. A TV that's too small feels like watching a postage stamp, while one that's too large can be uncomfortable.

Viewing distance rule of thumb

Viewing distance	Recommended screen size
1.5 - 2.0 metres	43 - 50 inch
2.0 - 2.5 metres	50 - 55 inch
2.5 - 3.0 metres	55 - 65 inch
3.0 - 3.5 metres	65 - 75 inch
3.5+ metres	75 - 85 inch

The trend is towards ever-larger screens. Many buyers who bring home a 65-inch TV for the first time find in hindsight that they could easily have gone bigger. Our advice: if in doubt, go one size up.

For an average Dutch living room with a viewing distance of around 2.5 to 3 metres, a 55 to 65 inch television is ideal. The Sony Bravia X90L 55 inch is a strong choice in this segment.

Smart TV features: what should you look for?

Virtually every television these days is a smart TV, but the quality of the operating system varies enormously.

The main operating systems

• Google TV (Sony, Philips, TCL): Extensive app selection, good integration with Google services and built-in Chromecast. Sometimes a bit slow on budget models.
• Tizen (Samsung): Fast and clear. Good app support including all major streaming services. Samsung's own interface works well.
• webOS (LG): User-friendly with a handy Magic Remote. All popular apps available. The interface has been further improved in 2026.

Useful features to look for

• HDMI 2.1: Essential for gaming at 4K/120fps. Make sure there are at least two HDMI 2.1 ports if you have a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: For the best film and series experience. More and more content on Netflix and Disney+ supports this.
• AirPlay 2 / Chromecast: Handy for streaming content from your phone to the TV.
• Voice assistant: Built-in Google Assistant or Alexa makes controlling your TV (and other smart home devices) easier.

Our recommendations by budget

Budget (up to 500 euros)

In this segment you get excellent 4K televisions with smart TV features. You'll miss the latest display technologies, but the quality is perfectly fine for everyday use.

Model	Screen	Technology	Guide price
Philips LED 50 inch 4K	50 inch	LED	~399 euros
Samsung Crystal UHD 55 inch	55 inch	LED	~449 euros
TCL C645 55 inch	55 inch	QLED	~479 euros

Mid-range (500 - 1,200 euros)

This is where you'll find the best value for money. QLED televisions with Mini LED, good HDR performance and excellent smart TV features.

Model	Screen	Technology	Guide price
Samsung QLED Q70 55 inch	55 inch	QLED	~699 euros
Sony Bravia X90L 55 inch	55 inch	Full Array LED	~799 euros
Samsung Neo QLED 65 inch	65 inch	Mini LED QLED	~1,099 euros

Premium (from 1,200 euros)

For those who want the very best: OLED screens with unrivalled picture quality, perfect blacks and ultra-fast response times.

Model	Screen	Technology	Guide price
LG OLED C4 55 inch	55 inch	OLED	~1,299 euros
LG OLED C4 65 inch	65 inch	OLED	~1,699 euros
Sony OLED A80L 65 inch	65 inch	OLED	~1,899 euros

Buying a television: what to check before ordering

Before you place your final order, check the following:

• Compare prices: The same television can differ by hundreds of euros between shops. On Productvraag you can see the best deal at a glance.
• Delivery and installation: Some shops offer free delivery and wall mounting. Check this, because you don't just carry a 65-inch TV up the stairs.
• Warranty: The standard warranty is 2 years, but some brands offer extended warranty on OLED panels.
• Trading in your old TV: Many online shops will take your old television for free when delivering the new one.

Frequently asked questions

Is an OLED TV worth the extra cost over QLED? For film enthusiasts and gamers, absolutely. The perfect blacks and unlimited viewing angle of OLED are truly noticeable in practice. If you mainly watch TV during the day in a bright room, QLED offers better value for money thanks to its higher brightness.

How long does a television typically last? Most televisions last 7 to 10 years without problems. OLED panels have a theoretical lifespan of at least 30,000 hours, which works out to more than 10 years of average use. Software updates are typically supported for 4 to 5 years.

Is 8K worth it in 2026? For most consumers, not yet. There is barely any 8K content available and the difference from 4K is hardly noticeable at normal viewing distances. You're better off investing your budget in better display technology (OLED or QLED) rather than extra pixels. This may change in a few years, but right now 4K is the sweet spot.

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Check out all televisies on Productvraag and find the best price for your ideal TV.

Verder lezen: best 4K TV 2026