The best 65-inch TVs: Expert tested

My choice for the best 65-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D for its use of both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound to create 3D virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. It also features an updated QLED screen for a brighter picture as well as an AI-assisted processor for more efficient upscaling of non-4K content. And with an integrated Knox security chip, you'll get enhanced online privacy while streaming and web browsing.

*Best price at time of writing. Please note that actual prices will vary depending on retailer and available promotions and deals.

If you prioritize picture quality over everything else when shopping for a new TV, you may want to spring for an OLED model like the Samsung S95D. You'll get signature OLED picture quality with bold colors and sharp contrast along with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound for room-filling audio while streaming. 

If you want a reliable TV that isn't going to break the bank, a budget-friendly option like the Hisense U6K is best since it won't force you to compromise between cost and features. And if you're a console gamer, the TCL QM8 is almost perfect with a 120Hz refresh rate and great picture and sound quality.

If you're ready to buy a new 65-inch TV, there are a few factors to consider before you make a decision: 

• Budget: Finalizing and sticking to a budget not only helps keep you from overspending, it also helps narrow your focus so you don't end up buying a TV with features you'll never use. Or conversely, winding up with a TV that doesn't support your favorite apps or is poorly made for the sake of saving money. 
• Supported features: Whether you use hands-free voice controls and screen share content from other devices to your TV, or just want something that supports all your favorite streaming apps, it's important to keep in mind a list of must-have features while shopping for a 65-inch TV. This not only reduces the risk of needing to make a return, but also helps you get the most value out of your shopping budget. 
• Screen size: While a 65-inch TV is a perfectly fine screen size for most spaces, it is very important to make sure that it's not going to be too big or small. To find out, simply measure the distance (in inches) from where the TV will be to where you'll sit, and then divide that number in half. So if your couch is about 11 feet (132 inches) from the TV, a 65-inch screen should be just about the perfect size. 

While testing each 65-inch TV that is featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind: 

• Picture and audio quality: A TV is only as good as the picture and sound it can produce. Each TV was tested by streaming various movies and shows along with console gaming and home audio compatibility to verify manufacturer claims and customer reviews. 
• Connectivity: A TV isn't just for watching shows and movies anymore. Each featured 65-inch TV was tested for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading apps and connecting to mobile devices and sound bars. They were also verified to support multiple HDMI connections for game consoles, cable boxes, speakers, and other home theater equipment. 
• Ease of use: Setting up and using a TV shouldn't be a hassle. Each TV was chosen for its quick setup and easy-to navigate menus for downloading apps and accessing connected devices. 

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.

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.

There are tons of TV brands out there, with just as many price points and wildly varying quality. But a few brands stand out by offering consistent quality and fairly unique sets of features to help you tailor your home theater to your specific needs. 

While Sony and LG are still most well-known for their OLED models, Samsung has also begun to produce their own that are just as good, if not better in some ways like offering up to a 144Hz refresh rate and an integrated security chip for encrypted streaming and web browsing in order to better protect your online privacy. 

TCL and Hisense are best known for their budget-friendly TVs, usually retailing well under $1,000. But just because they're cheaper than the big brands, that doesn't mean they make you compromise on features. You'll still get access to thousands of streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, as well as support for voice controls, screen sharing, and even Bluetooth connectivity for wireless speakers and soundbars.

If you've bought a TV within the last 10 years or so, chances are it's a smart TV. That means it's able to connect to the internet and download apps for streaming without the need for any special equipment. That also means you no longer need that Roku box to stay up to date on your favorite shows.  

But you don't have to throw it out. Very rarely, there may be certain apps that are supported by your Roku device, but not natively by your new TV. This might be due to it needing a firmware update, or support just isn't available yet for whatever reason. So it's a good idea to keep your old Roku device handy in case you run into any issues. It also makes a great backup if your TV decides it no longer wants to connect to the internet, but is otherwise operating normally.