Buying a new TV is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming decision. With so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? The best TV for you depends on your space, budget, and viewing habits. For most households, a 4K OLED or QLED TV offers the best balance of picture quality, smart features, and future-proofing. But with different screen sizes, resolutions, and features to consider, making the right choice requires a little know-how.
At Shop Valet, we make shopping simple. We research the best products, so you don’t have to, helping you find the perfect TV for your space. Whether you want a cinematic experience, a TV for gaming, or just something reliable for everyday viewing, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Quick Answer: What to Look for in a TV
If you’re short on time, here are the key things to consider when buying a TV:
- TV Type: OLED gives the best contrast, QLED is great for brightness, and LED is the most budget-friendly.
- Screen Size: Choose based on your room size and how far you’ll be sitting. Bigger isn’t always better!
- Resolution: 4K is the standard, while 8K offers the highest detail but has limited content.
- Refresh Rate: Higher rates (120Hz or more) provide smoother motion—ideal for gaming and sports.
- HDR Support: Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision for better colour and contrast.
- Smart TV Features: Ensure it has your favourite streaming apps and an easy-to-use interface.
- Connectivity: More HDMI and USB ports mean better device compatibility.
- Audio Quality: Most TVs have average sound—consider a soundbar for a better experience.
Different Types of TVs Explained
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
LCD TVs were once the standard, but they’ve largely been replaced by LED-LCD models. However, you may still find budget-friendly LCD TVs on the market.
✅ Pros:
- Generally more affordable than other TV types.
- Energy-efficient compared to older plasma TVs.
❌ Cons:
- Limited contrast and black levels, leading to less vibrant images.
- Narrower viewing angles—colours may look washed out if you’re not sitting directly in front of the screen.
💡 Who is it for? If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind average picture quality, an LCD TV might work for you. But in most cases, you’ll get better performance from an LED or QLED model.
LED-LCD (Light Emitting Diode – LCD)
Most modern TVs are LED-LCD models. They use LED backlighting to improve brightness and energy efficiency while keeping costs down.
✅ Pros:
- Brighter than traditional LCDs, making them better for well-lit rooms.
- More affordable than OLED and QLED models.
- Available in a wide range of sizes.
❌ Cons:
- Still struggles with deep black levels—darker scenes may appear slightly grey.
- Viewing angles are often limited unless the panel has IPS technology.
💡 Who is it for? If you’re looking for a good all-rounder that balances price and performance, LED TVs are a solid choice.
QLED (Quantum Dot LED)
QLED TVs are a step up from standard LED-LCD models. They use quantum dots to enhance colour brightness and accuracy, making them great for vibrant, punchy images.
✅ Pros:
- Exceptional brightness—ideal for bright rooms or daytime viewing.
- Wide colour range, offering a more vivid picture.
- No risk of screen burn-in, unlike OLED.
❌ Cons:
- Can’t achieve perfect black levels like OLED.
- Picture quality declines at wider viewing angles.
💡 Who is it for? If you love bright, bold colours and watch a lot of TV in well-lit spaces, a QLED TV is a great option.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
OLED is widely regarded as the best TV technology for picture quality. Instead of a backlight, OLED panels use self-lit pixels, allowing for true blacks and stunning contrast.
✅ Pros:
- True black levels—each pixel turns off individually, creating incredible contrast.
- Better viewing angles—colours remain accurate no matter where you sit.
- Ultra-thin design—some OLED TVs are just millimetres thick!
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than LED and QLED TVs.
- Risk of burn-in if static images (like news tickers or game HUDs) are displayed for long periods.
💡 Who is it for? If you want cinema-quality visuals and are willing to invest in premium performance, OLED is the way to go.
Which TV Type Should You Choose?
- Best budget option? LED-LCD
- Best for bright rooms? QLED
- Best for movie lovers? OLED
- Best all-rounder? QLED or OLED
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a TV
Screen Size: Finding the Perfect Fit
Bigger isn’t always better—your TV should be the right size for your space. A massive screen in a small room can feel overwhelming, while a tiny TV in a large space might not provide the immersive experience you want.
Suggested TV sizes based on viewing distance:
| Viewing Distance | Recommended TV Size |
| 1.5 – 2m | 43” – 50” |
| 2 – 2.5m | 50” – 65” |
| 2.5 – 3m | 65” – 75” |
| 3m+ | 75” – 85”+ |
Our Final Buying Advice
Choosing the right TV comes down to understanding your needs and knowing what features matter most. Whether you’re after a high-end OLED for cinematic visuals, a QLED for vibrant colours in bright rooms, or a budget-friendly LED for everyday viewing, the perfect TV is out there.
Your TV Buying Checklist
✅ TV Type – OLED for the best picture, QLED for brightness, LED for affordability.
✅ Screen Size – Match to your room size and seating distance.
✅ Resolution – 4K is the best balance of quality and value, while 8K is for future-proofing.
✅ Refresh Rate – 120Hz+ is best for gaming and sports.
✅ HDR Support – Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision for better contrast and colour.
✅ Smart Features – Ensure your TV has built-in apps and an easy-to-use interface.
✅ Connectivity – More HDMI and USB ports mean more flexibility.
✅ Audio Quality – A soundbar can significantly improve your sound experience.
Ready to Find Your Perfect TV?
At Shop Valet, we take the guesswork out of shopping. We find the best products, so you don’t have to waste time researching specs and comparing models. Whether you want a top-of-the-line OLED, a family-friendly LED, or a budget TV that still delivers great quality, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Need help choosing the right TV? Browse our top recommendations or get in touch for expert advice!
