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The best 65-inch TVs you can buy
A 65-inch TV is a great choice for most living rooms and home theaters, especially if you're thinking of upgrading your setup. They hit that sweet spot between size classes, so you can get a bigger screen without making your room feel overwhelmed.
ZDNET Recommends
Brands like Sony and LG have plenty of top-tier OLED TV models if picture quality is your biggest priority. Samsung, TCL, and Hisense offer more mid-range and budget-friendly TV options -- if you're willing to forego some fancy features like Dolby Atmos and variable refresh rate support.
I've rounded up the best 65-inch TVs available to help you find the perfect fit for your budget and entertainment needs. I analyzed panel type, refresh rate, HDR, and resolution to find the best models. Plus, I explain the difference between OLED and QLED sets.
Also:
- The best 55-inch TVs
- The best 75-inch TVs
- The best 85-inch TVs
- What is a smart TV, and which are the best?
- Excellent picture and sound
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support
- Object-tracking sound
- Google Duo video calling
- Pricey
- No Dolby Vision
Samsung Q80B specs: Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR: Quantum HDR 12x | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Resolution: 4K
The Samsung Q80B is an almost perfect 65-inch TV. It uses a QLED panel as well as Samsung's Quantum HDR 12x technology to produce color, contrast, and detailing that rivals what you'd get from a high-end OLED model.
It also works with Dolby Atmos for rich, room-filling virtual surround sound and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound technology for audio that follows the on-screen action for a more immersive experience. The 120Hz refresh rate all but eliminates motion blur, so you never miss a second of the action during your favorite films, shows, and sports broadcasts.
Also: The best Samsung TVs
The updated processor uses a depth enhancer to give every scene a sense of dimension for more realistic images. It also has a dedicated game mode that supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to reduce screen tearing and stuttering for smoother playback.
You can even make video calls with Google Duo if you connect a compatible webcam so you can join virtual meetings and classes or make video calls from the comfort of your couch.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Acoustic Surface Audio+
- Excellent picture quality
- Very expensive
- No G-Sync or FreeSync support
Sony A95K specs: Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Resolution: 4K
The Sony A95K nabbed the top spot in our list of the best OLED TVs, and the 65-inch version is no exception. Along with the updated OLED panel, which creates a larger color range and better color saturation than previous models, it uses a whole host of Sony's proprietary technology as well as industry standards to give you the best entertainment experience.
It uses Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound, while Acoustic Surface Audio+ turns the entire screen into a speaker for near-perfect video and audio syncing. It also works with Dolby Vision and HDR10 technology for better contrast and detailing for excellent picture quality.
Also: The best Sony TVs
Movie buffs can take advantage of the IMAX Enhanced and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated modes to make everything from old Hollywood films and classic TV shows to the latest blockbusters and binge-watch obsessions look exactly as their creators intended.
- Affordable
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support
- Updated processor
- Voice controls require external speaker or companion app
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
TCL 65S555 specs: Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Resolution: 4K
TCL has asserted itself as the almost undisputed king of Roku-based, affordable TVs, and the 65S555 continues that legacy. This TV sells for under $600, making it one of the most affordable 65-inch TVs on the market. It uses a QLED panel to create millions of colors and works with Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced contrast and detailing. It even uses Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound.
The updated processor uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze movies and shows scene-by-scene for more efficient upscaling of non-4K content -- so even old Hollywood movies and classic TV shows look their best.
The Roku platform gives you access to a preloaded suite of popular apps like Disney+, YouTube, and Hulu as well as thousands more to make your TV the ultimate entertainment hub. The simplified home menu puts all your favorite apps and most-used playback devices in one place for fast, easy access, which means no more navigating confusing menus or memorizing HDMI input locations just to play a game or watch re-runs of Flea Market Flip.
- OLED TV
- AI-assisted audio
- Dedicated gaming mode
- Cloud gaming support
- On the expensive side
- No VRR support
LG A2 specs: Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Resolution: 4K
Console gamers no longer have to invest in expensive, high-end gaming monitors to get the most out of their Switch, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S. The LG A2 OLED TV has a dedicated game mode that automatically lowers input lag and enables HDR for smoother playback and enhanced detailing.
Also: The best LG TVs
The OLED panel also produces an incredible color range for more lifelike images while the AI-assisted sound drivers create virtual 5.1CH surround sound for more immersive gaming.
It even supports cloud gaming via Nvidia GeForce Now, which allows you to play your favorite PC games from the comfort of your couch. The LG A2 works with Alexa, Hey Google, and even Siri for hands-free, voice controls over your TV and connected devices, so you can power on your favorite console without having to hunt for a remote or controller.
Also: The best gaming TVs
And with 3 HDMI inputs, you can connect multiple consoles simultaneously to create the ultimate gaming space.
- Under $500
- Dolby Vision
- Voice controls
- Chromecast support
- No Dolby Atmos support
- No AirPlay 2 support
Hisense A6 specs: Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: DTS Virtual X | Resolution: 4K
If you're working with a smaller budget when shopping for a new 65-inch TV, the Hisense A6 is an excellent choice. It retails under $500 but still offers almost all of the features you've come to expect for home entertainment.
You'll get great 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR support for enhanced color, contrast, and detailing. It also uses DTS Virtual X sound technology to create more immersive, room-filling audio for streaming movies, shows, and music.
Also: The best budget TVs
It uses the Google TV platform to give you a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu as well as access to thousands more. With Hey Google built in, you'll get hands-free voice controls over your new TV and connected devices.
Chromecast connectivity lets you share photos, videos, and music from your mobile devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.
What is the best 65-inch TV
My pick for the best 65-inch TV is the Samsung Q890B. Along with Dolby Atmos, it uses Object Tracking Sound to create audio that follows the on-screen action for a more immersive experience.
It also has a dedicated gaming mode that uses AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR tech to prevent annoying screen tearing and stuttering. And if you connect a compatible webcam, you can make video calls and join virtual classes and meetings with Google Duo.
65-inch TV | Price | Refresh rate | HDR |
Samsung Q80B | $998 | 120Hz | Quantum HDR 12x |
Sony A95K | $3198 | 120Hz | Dolby Vision |
TCL 65S555 | $600 | 60Hz | Dolby Vision |
LG A2 | $1197 | 60Hz | Dolby Vision IQ |
Hisense A6 | $380 | 60Hz | Dolby Vision |
Which 65-inch TV is right for you?
Along with your budget, it's important to make a list of features that are "must haves" and "nice to haves" when shopping for a new 65-inch TV. If you've cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider, you'll want a TV that has a preloaded suite of popular apps as well as the ability to download other streaming services to turn your living room into the ultimate entertainment hub.
If you still watch broadcast media, choose a TV that has a hookup for cable and satellite boxes as well as the ability to upscale non-4K content so even classic shows and movies look their best.
Choose this 65-inch TV... | If you want... |
Samsung Q80B | A well-rounded 65-inch TV for your living room or home theater. It also supports Google Duo for video calls. |
Sony A95K | A 65-inch OLED TV. It supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. |
TCL 65T555 | A Roku-based 65-inch TV. The simplified home menu puts all of your apps and devices in one place for easy browsing. |
LG A2 | A 65-inch TV geared towards console gamers. It has an OLED for excellent picture quality as well as support for Nvidia GeForce Now cloud gaming. |
Hisense A6 | A budget-friendly 65-inch TV. With its lower price point, you'll still get features like Dolby Vision support and voice controls. |
How did we choose these 65-inch TVs?
Aside from price, we chose 65-inch TVs that are best suited for different purposes. Factors like panel types, resolution, refresh rate, and smart features are considered to fit a variety of entertainment needs.
How do you know if 65-inches is the right size TV for your space?
A good rule of thumb for TV sizing is to measure, in inches, the distance between where you will be sitting and where the TV will be. Then, divide that distance in half. So if your couch is about 11 feet (132 inches) from where your TV will be wall mounted or on a dedicated stand, a 65-inch TV will be just about perfect for your space.
You can always go a bit bigger or smaller depending on what's available and what fits your budget, but you don't want a screen that's too big or too small for your room.
Where is the best place to buy a TV?
Any good TV retailer, either online or in a traditional store, will have a variety of models at competitive prices. You'll also want to check return and exchange policies in case your new TV is a dud or is damaged in transit. A good retailer will also have knowledgeable staff who can explain a TV's major features as well as what makes it different from other models available.
What's the difference between OLED and QLED?
Televisions that use OLED or QLED panels are using very different technologies to produce a picture. The OLED acronym stands for "organic light emitting diode," and these panels use individually lit pixels along with organic substrates to create a wider array of colors and deeper blacks than other models on the market. The downside is that this technology is expensive to produce, so these models are much pricier than others you may find.
Also: OLED vs. QLED: Which is better for you?
A QLED TV (quantum-dot light emitting diode) is more of a marketing gimmick than anything, since quantum-anything isn't actually available for consumers. But QLED panels are also capable of incredible picture quality, though not as good as what you see on an OLED model. They are also more affordable, so if you want to get a good TV for less, they're a good choice.
Are there alternative 65-inch TVs worth considering?
There are a ton of options out there if you're in the market for a 65-inch TV. Here's a short list of other models that are also great choices: