After evaluating numerous value-focused televisions, my top pick for a 65-inch TV for most people in 2025 is the TCL QM8K series. It delivers picture quality that’s rapidly approaching OLED-level performance at a much lower price. The QM8K also includes all the modern features you’d expect — such as 4K/120Hz input and variable refresh rate support for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X — while remaining competitively priced.
If you’re willing to spend more for the absolute best picture quality available, the Samsung S95F is the top-tier option. And for shoppers on a tight budget, the Hisense QD7QF stands out as the best 65-inch TV under $500 that I’ve tested.
Best 65-Inch TV for Most People
TCL QM8K
Pros
- Excellent overall picture quality
- Minimal haloing artifacts
- Improved Filmmaker Mode for greater accuracy
Cons
- Slightly dimmer than its predecessor
- Slower input lag than some gaming-focused TVs
Who it’s best for
The TCL QM8K is ideal for viewers who want near-OLED picture quality without paying OLED prices. It offers outstanding performance per dollar and is a great fit for movies, TV shows and everyday viewing.
Performance
TCL has topped best-TV lists for several years, and the 2025 QM8K continues that trend. In side-by-side testing, it stood out for rich color reproduction, excellent shadow detail and strong contrast — all essential for high-quality 4K viewing. This performance is largely thanks to its advanced mini-LED backlight and effective full-array local dimming.
Overview
The QM8K excels in both performance and value. However, gamers who prioritize ultra-low input lag may prefer alternatives like the Hisense QD7QF, which trades some picture refinement for faster response times.
Price
- $998 at Amazon
- $1,000 at Best Buy
Best 65-Inch TV You Can Buy
Samsung S95F
Pros
- Best overall image quality tested
- Best-in-class glare reduction
- Excellent contrast and off-angle viewing
- Ultra-thin design with external input box
Cons
- Very expensive
- Slight contrast reduction in bright rooms
Who it’s best for
The Samsung S95F is the best choice for buyers who want the highest possible picture quality and don’t mind paying a premium. It’s ideal for home theater enthusiasts and performs exceptionally well in bright living spaces.
Performance
The S95F delivers stunning image quality with richly saturated colors, deep contrast and exceptional detail. Its matte screen finish nearly eliminates reflections, making it one of the few OLED TVs that performs exceptionally well in bright rooms — a major advantage over traditional glossy OLED panels.
Overview
The S95F outperforms every non-OLED TV I’ve tested and remains the gold standard for 4K image quality. The main drawback is its price, but for viewers seeking the best possible picture, it’s worth the investment.
Price
- $2,298 at Amazon
Best 65-Inch TV for Gaming
Samsung S90F OLED
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Very fast motion handling
- Strong gaming feature set
Cons
- Still relatively expensive
- Lacks the glare-reducing coating of the S95F
Who it’s best for
The Samsung S90F is an excellent option for gamers who want top-tier picture quality combined with fast response times — without paying flagship OLED prices.
Performance
With input lag under 10ms and support for up to 144Hz variable refresh rate, the S90F delivers smooth, responsive gameplay with no screen tearing. It also excels for movies, offering deep blacks and finely tuned color reproduction.
Overview
At its current sale price, the S90F faces very little competition. Even the TCL QM8K can’t match its combination of OLED contrast and gaming performance.
Price
- $1,398 at Amazon
Best Budget 65-Inch TV
Hisense QD7QF
Pros
- Best picture quality tested under $500
- Excellent black levels and shadow detail
- Fast response times for gaming
Cons
- Fire TV interface is less intuitive than Roku
Who it’s best for
The Hisense QD7QF is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want strong picture quality. It’s well suited for bedrooms, gaming setups, or secondary living spaces.
Performance
Thanks to its mini-LED backlight, the QD7QF delivers contrast and shadow detail that far exceed other TVs in its price range. It also includes built-in streaming features and respectable sound quality for its class.
Overview
In terms of value, the QD7QF is one of the most impressive TVs I’ve tested. Its picture quality punches well above its price, making it an excellent budget choice.
Price
- $438 at Amazon
- $438 at Best Buy
TVs I Also Tested
- LG G5 OLED — The brightest OLED TV I’ve tested, combining deep blacks with impressive brightness.
- Hisense U8N — A strong alternative if the QM8K is priced too high, with only a small performance gap.
- LG C5 OLED — Very capable, but overshadowed by the cheaper C4 and brighter G5.
- Panasonic Z95A — Excellent picture quality and above-average built-in sound, though Fire TV feels out of place at this price.
- Samsung S90D — Solid overall performance, but slightly weaker contrast than LG’s C4.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 65-Inch TV
Picture Quality
OLED delivers the best image quality thanks to pixel-level control and perfect blacks. Mini-LED and full-array local dimming LCDs come close, especially at lower prices. Look for mini-LED backlighting, 120Hz refresh rates and quantum dot color enhancement.
Price
TV prices range from under $300 to well over $2,000. Spending more generally gets you better brightness, contrast and processing, but excellent value exists in the midrange. Fall sales often offer the best deals.
Screen Size
Bigger is almost always better. A 65-inch TV is ideal for most living rooms, and buyers are far more likely to regret going too small than too big.
Brightness
Brightness matters most in well-lit rooms. LCD and mini-LED TVs can exceed 3,000 nits, while most HDR content tops out around 1,000 nits. Higher-priced TVs usually deliver brighter, more impactful images.
Features
For budget TVs, prioritize a good smart TV platform. In the midrange, look for mini-LED, local dimming and 120Hz refresh rates. At the high end, OLED remains the best option for image quality.
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