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The best 85-inch TVs you can buy: Expert tested
If you're building a home entertainment setup, you're aware that a big TV is the centerpiece. And if you're looking specifically for an 85-inch television, you're in luck, because that's the sweet spot for most manufacturers where sets become truly premium, and an ordinary TV becomes something that grabs your attention. And quite often, you can find fantastic deals on TVs depending on the time of year.
Whether you're cheering on your favorite team, playing video games, or watching movies, shows, or other live sports, brands like Sony, Samsung, and TCL have all made great additions to their 85-inch TV line-ups, and many are more affordable than you think. If you're a gamer, most of these sets have specific modes and options that let you fine-tune your gaming experience more than ever before.
Also: The best TVs of 2024
What is the best 85-inch TV right now?
The ZDNET team has tested and researched dozens of TV models to put together a list of the best 85-inch TVs you can buy right now. Our pick for the best 85-inch TV is the Samsung QN90C. Its high refresh rate, Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ support, and Samsung Gaming Hub make it perfect for gaming and general use, but its mini-LED backlighting technology makes movies truly pop. Keep reading to find out more about the Samsung QN90C as well as my picks for the best budget and best OLED 85-inch TVs.
The best 85-inch TVs of 2024
- Pantone-validated screen
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+
- Samsung Gaming Hub
- More costly
- No composite video input
Samsung is one of the top names in the world of big TVs, and the QN90C shows why. The Neo QLED panel provides both actual and upscaled 4K content as well as a 120Hz refresh rate for better detailing and smoother motion. The screen is also Pantone-validated for exceptional color accuracy and more lifelike images. It works with both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology to provide immersive, virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. ZDNET contributor Artie Beaty wrote up a detailed review of the Samsung QN90C, noting the anti-reflection coating on the screen, which makes this set a top choice for environments with a lot of natural light.
One standout feature is the Samsung Gaming Hub, which is a mode that gives you access to streaming services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Gaming NOW for cloud-based gaming. The dedicated gaming mode also works with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to help reduce annoying screen stutters. Online reviews rave about this set's image quality, with many calling the picture for live sports "stunning" and saying it's the best they've ever seen.
Review: Samsung QN90C
Samsung QN90C tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Samsung Bixby
- Price
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support
- Preloaded streaming apps
- 120Hz refresh
- No dedicated game mode for picture settings
- No composite in/out ports
While many people think larger-screen TVs have to be on the more expensive side, the LG NanoCell 75 Series disproves that and offers an 86-inch panel for $1,500. It uses LG's NanoCell LED panel with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support for enhanced color, contrast, and detailing, while the 120Hz refresh rate gives you ultra smooth motion. The built-in speakers work with Dolby Atmos, providing virtual surround sound that provides an exceptional experience when streaming music, movies, and shows.
The TV also supports Bluetooth connectivity so that you can set up wireless speakers, subwoofers, and sound bars for a custom home audio configuration. With built-in voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, and even Apple HomeKit, you'll get hands-free control over your new TV and connected devices. The NanoCell 75 comes with a suite of preloaded, popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, so you can start streaming right out of the box.
Amazon customers speak highly of this TV's picture, especially the bright, sharp colors of 4K content and the impressive price point.
LG NanoCell 75 Series tech specs: Screen size: 86 inches | Panel type: NanoCell LED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit
- Excellent picture quality
- 11 picture modes
- Acoustic Surface Audio+
- Very expensive
- No VRR support
If you're the type of person that places high importance on pure picture over features, the Sony A80L is going to be tough to beat. The 83-inch panel has 11 different picture modes, including IMAX Enhanced and a dedicated game mode so you can get the best image possible for watching movies and shows or playing video games.
ZDNET contributor Artie Beaty was able to do some hands-on testing with the A80L, calling the XR Clear Image feature, which uses AI to make details more clear, "game-changing." He also praised the technology for showing "subtle textures and details that would be missed without it" in lower-resolution content that has been upscaled to 4K, saying it brought older shows to life in a way that many sets struggle to do properly.
The A80L also works with Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which turns the entire screen into a giant speaker. This means you get near-perfect video and audio syncing, plus sound that follows the on-screen action. For example, if a someone runs from one side of the screen to the other in a movie, you'll actually hear the footsteps move from side to side along with the action.
With Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in, you'll get hands-free voice controls and screen mirroring right out of the box for more ways to control your new TV and entertain family and friends.
Many Best Buy customers say this was their introduction to the world of OLED TVs, and they're more than happy with the set's quality. "This is by far the best TV on the market," one user wrote, saying it's "absolutely stunning in every aspect." The HDR often gets high praise from movie buffs as well.
Review: Sony Brava XR A80L
Sony Bravia XR A80L tech specs: Screen size: 83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
- 2,000 nit peak brightness
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- IMAX-certified
- Great picture quality
- Pricey compared to other options
- No G-Sync support
If you watch TV in a bright room, the TCL QM8 should be one of your first choices, as this set handles that sort of environment better than almost any other. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, you'll be able to make out details and colors both day and night. Of course, it's no slouch in normal environments either. It produces a 120Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution for a clean, smooth picture, and with support for Dolby Vision HDR as well as an IMAX certification, you'll get the best detailing and contrast to make colors pop.
I conducted hands-on testing with the TCL QM8, and I stuck it in my office since that's the brightest room in my house (with all of my lighting for photography and filming videos). Movies, games, and shows all looked amazing, with bold colors and clean, crisp details, even when I had my room as bright as I could get it.
Amazon reviewers note that this is indeed a great TV for bright rooms, with many complimenting the brightness. "The TV has great contrast due to the Mini LED arrayed backlight," wrote one, adding that "this is a fantastic TV that performs like an upper-tier TV."
Review: TCL QM8
TCL QM8 tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite
- Plenty of inputs
- No Dolby Vision support
- No G-Sync support
- No composite video input for retro consoles
Looking for an 85-inch TV to be the center of your gaming setup? Look no further than the Samsung Q80C. Not only does it provide great 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, but it also features the Samsung Gaming Hub, a specially designed menu that connects you to services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce NOW for cloud-based gaming. And if you prefer physical consoles, you can connect multiple devices with the 4 HDMI ports. You can also connect retro consoles via the RF input, but if you have consoles that use a composite output, you'll have to invest in a composite-to-HDMI converter.
The Q80C works with Dolby Atmos as well as Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite technology for virtual surround sound audio that follows the on-screen action to give you a more immersive experience without the need for headphones. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.
Best Buy customers often say they chose this TV specifically for gaming, pointing out the gaming hub as a big selling point, along with the 120hz processor that keeps things running smooth.
Samsung Q80C tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google
Which is the best 85-inch TV?
My pick for the best 85-inch TV is the Samsung QN90C. This is one of Samsung's high-end offerings, and while it has a premium price, it's packed to the gills with premium features. Not only does it support Dolby Atmos, it also uses Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ for audio that follows the on-screen action and a more immersive experience while gaming or watching movies and shows. The screen is also Pantone-validated for color accuracy, ensuring that it will produce bright, vivid colors and more lifelike details no matter the content.
Best 85-inch TV | Price | HDR | Audio |
Samsung QN90C | $2,948 | Neo Quantum HDR+ | Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |
LG NanoCell 75 Series | $1,440 | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Dolby Atmos |
Sony Bravia XR A80L | $4,500 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+ |
TCL QM8 | $2,198 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos |
Samsung Q80C | $2,148 | Quantum HDR+ | Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual price may vary by retailer as well as available promotions and discounts.
Which 85-inch TV is right for you?
Once you've hammered out a budget for your new 85-inch TV, the most important thing to keep in mind is what you'll be using your TV for the most. Have you cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming? You'll want to choose a model with a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, so you can get started right out of the box.
Do you have a network of smart speakers? Pick a TV that has support for your preferred virtual assistant as well as multi-room linking to pump music and dialogue throughout your whole home.
This table quickly breaks down which 85-inch TV best suits your watching preferences.
Buy this 85-inch TV... | If you want... |
Samsung QN90C | A well-rounded 85-inch TV for a variety of uses. The Samsung QN90C offers both Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ for a more immersive viewing experience. |
LG NanoCell 75 Series | A more budget-friendly 85-inch TV. This TV retails just under $1,500 making it more affordable while providing an 86-inch screen. |
Sony Bravia XR A80L | A high-end, large-screen OLED TV. It uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio to turn the whole screen into a speaker for near-perfect video and audio syncing. |
TCL QM8 | An 85-inch TV for brighter home theaters and living rooms. This TV has a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits for better visibility in daylight and under harsh overhead lighting. |
Samsung Q80C | A dedicated gaming TV. It features the Samsung Gaming Hub, which gives you access to streaming services like GeForce NOW and Amazon Luna. |
Factors to consider when choosing an 85-inch TV
Before investing in an 85-inch TV, you should consider the following factors:
- Use cases: Will you be mainly watching movies, playing video games, streaming TV shows, watching live sports, or a mix of all of these things? Some sets have specially designed gaming hubs that let users fine tune settings, some have booming built-in audio that provides a theater-like sound experience, and some simply have the best picture you'll see. Choose your set based on which one performs the best in the area you want.
- TV location: Consider where you'll have your TV set up. Some sets do poorly in brigtly lit rooms, while others have special features for brightly lit rooms.
- Price: Before you choose your set, consider how much money you're willing to spend. There are quality budget-friendly options, but you'll likely have to give up a few features in exchange for a lower price.
- Number of ports: Some TVs have a limited number of input ports. And if you're connecting a couple of video game consoles, a sound bar, and a cable box or DVD player, you might run into a situation where you have to choose which one gets the best input slot. Make sure the TV you're choosing has enough input slots for your needs.
How we test TVs
While many manufacturers have come to somewhat of a consensus when it comes to standardizing screen size classes, there are still a few outliers -- even at big brands like Sony and LG. Some brands choose to produce 83-inch models, and I have considered many and even included one (the Sony A80L), as they are quite similar in viewing area to an 85-inch model.
I've also considered many other factors when testing and reesarching the 85-inch TVs on this list:
- Picture quality: A TV is only as good as the images it can produce. And with 4K resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rates being the norm, it's easier to get your hands on a quality big-screen TV. Sony also produces a large-screen OLED for ultra-detailed images and enhanced contrast.
- Audio quality: Tinny or cheap-sounding TV speakers can ruin an otherwise great viewing experience. I've chosen 85-inch TVs that support HDMI eARC connectivity for setting up sound bars and other audio equipment, as well as support for premium audio drivers like Dolby Atmos.
- Features: While every set on this list is going to have pretty good picture and audio quality, some truly shine when it comes to extra features. Some sets have extra picture settings that let you fine-tune things to your liking, some have special modes for gaming that let you tinker with options and set things up specifically for your style of gameplay.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity have become standard for home TVs as more and more people switch from cable and satellite providers to exclusively streaming content via apps like Netflix and Disney+. But I've also made sure that each TV on this list also has plenty of HDMI and USB inputs as well as a hardwired Ethernet connection so you can easily connect DVD or Blu-Ray players, game consoles, audio equipment, and more reliable internet connections.
Can I wall-mount an 85-inch TV?
You absolutely can! 85-inch TVs are getting lighter, but can stil be quite heavy and have larger VESA mount spacing, so you'll want to spend extra money on a heavy-duty mounting bracket. Mounts like the Echogear wall mount can support up to a 90-inch screen size and up to 125 pounds (about 57kg) of weight. Make sure you consult your TV's operating manual for specific mounting requirements so your shiny new screen doesn't come crashing down in the middle of the night, taking most of the wall with it.
What's the biggest TV you can buy?
If we're talking about conventional televisions, the TCL 98R754 is a staggering 98-inches wide. But if you're willing to consider a laser or short-throw projector TV, Samsung's The Premiere is capable of showing a screen up to 130 inches. But unless you live in a cavernous McMansion with 18-foot cathedral ceilings and a sprawling layout, you won't be able to get them to fit in your living room, let alone be able to take full advantage of their features.
How can I know if an 85-inch TV will fit in my room?
The best way to find out is to measure (in inches) from where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand to where you will be sitting and then divide that measurement by 2. If your couch is anywhere from 150 to 170 inches (12.5 to 14 feet) from the TV, an 85-inch screen will be an almost perfect fit. You can, of course, go a bit bigger (if possible) or smaller depending on what your budget is and what's available from each brand. A screen that is too big can overwhelm your space and even cause motion sickness. While one that is too small will make it feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around in order to see.
Are there alternative 85-inch TVs worth considering?
There are lots of options out there if you're looking to buy a new 85-inch TV. Here's a short list of other models I thought were great picks: